New-look Pirates prepping for strong 2025-26 season

COSTA MESA -- Another start to the season brings joy and optimism for any team, but for this year's Orange Coast College men's basketball team, the future is looking bright with a strong group of freshmen joining a pair of talented returners.

"You're always excited about what's to come," OCC associate head coach Jamaal Lee said. "When you're 0-0, you always have a chance. We're going to show up every night and compete and give everything we have. I'm really excited about our returning sophomores. They've been through a lot and I'm excited to see what they can do. We've had a great off-season and I've seen a lot of growth and leadership, which has been great to see. Our young freshman we really like what we have and we have something we can build on.

The veteran leadership and experience factor lays on the shoulders of OCC's two returning players, Chris Obiajulu and Jay Fromm. Obiajulu, a 6'3 guard from Kimball HS, averaged 9.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game in 26 games (20 starts), while Fromm was a part-time starter (25 games, 10 starts) and averaged 6.9 points per game for the Pirates as a freshman.

"For Jay and Chris, their willingness to change their habits, take coaching better, improve on communication and leadership ... those are things we've really been challenging them and they have responded well to that challenge." Lee said. "They're trying to find out what exactly that type of leadership feels like and they've taken big steps, both on and off the court, to be our leaders."

Among the top three newcomers for the Pirates, include 6'3 guard Jayden Baude, 5'10 guard Logan Barbee and 6'7 forward Aaron Heller. 

"Jayden is a guard/wing combo for us and he's got a very high ceiling for what he can do," Lee said. "I'm excited to see what he can develop into. He does a lot of things well and if we can find that next level for all of those things, he can be a very special player for us. Logan is a point guard and scorer, but he can also facilitate and if he continues to improve, he could really be a surprise player for us this year. "Aaron is a transfer from Santa Ana College, who got hurt last year and understood where his heart wanted him to play, which was with us. We are super excited to get him back on the court. He's a post guy who, can not only post up, but can shoot the jumper. Down low, he's going to be our heavy lifter."

Adding to that group includes depth players like 6'4 guard Prince Odimegwu, 5'7 guard King Peterson, 6'1 guard Collins Udengwu, 6'0 guard Zach Moloian and 5'10 guard Adrian Gonzalez.

"Prince has good size and length at the point guard spot and he's got a really strong upside to his game," Lee said. "King is a smart, crafty kid with a lot of talent and someone I really am excited to see play. Collins is one of our hardest workers and a fringe starter for us. He's hardest on-ball defender we have and he brings energy and will be flying all over the court for us. Zach is like Collins, high energy, fun to watch, but also a bit unorthodox with some different rhythms and timings. We got Adrian from Godinez HS where he set his school's 3-point shooting record, so I'm excited to see him do that for us as well."

With the season kicking off on Friday, there are still plenty of unknowns for the Pirates, but according to Lee, it's a group that has unlimited potential.

"It's a young group, but a great group that has taken their process really seriously," Lee said. "It's going to be a fun ride. They're great young men and I'm looking forward to a fun season."