Q&A with Bears Head Coach Byron Starks
Wednesday October 29, 2025: Men's Basketball
This week we sat down with Bears Basketball Head Coach Byron Starks to discuss the upcoming 2025-26 season. Coach Starks enters his third season at the helm of the Bears program. He is working off of back to back LCCAC championship and hopes to secure his third in the spring along with a Region 23 title. Let's see what he had to say about his team and the upcoming season.
General Thoughts About This Year's Team
As always with my teams, the philosophy is to learn early and win late. Our mission is to improve as the season progresses, and we have recruited with that philosophy in mind. This year's team is constructed with a focus on experience, youthfulness, and athleticism. We have players with Division I experience, Division II experience, and Division I junior college experience, along with some prep school and high school players.
Freshman Impact Players
Ayden Warren is an impactful freshman due to his shooting ability, strength, and experience as a redshirt freshman from Northwestern State University. His maturity gives him a significant advantage as a freshman.
Transfers and Their Impact
Bryce Coleman, a sophomore transfer from Sauk Valley Junior College, averaged 10 points per game and five rebounds while shooting 48% from the field and 35% from three-point range. I believe his impact will be felt immediately. During a showcase in Fort Worth, his first game demonstrated his abilities, and I expect him to be influential as the season progresses.
Jok Job will also make an impact due to his athleticism, length, and experience. His background in European basketball will benefit him, as it has instilled a strong understanding of the game, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to team play.
Noah Toussaint has had a solid preseason and has emerged as one of our leaders both on and off the court. His ability to execute our offense will be crucial as we enter the season. His speed and ability to stretch the floor will enhance the performance of his teammates.
Kentrell Freeman will help stabilize our front court with his "junkyard dog" mentality; he is a willing rebounder and defender.
Key Returners
I'm looking to rely on returners Dylan Dominique, Chad Jones, and Cardez Norman, all of whom have experience in our program from last season. Additionally, we have brought back Tyrael- Cage Heke, who was with us during our first season at BRCC. These four experienced players will help guide us through the highs and lows of the season.
Role of Sophomore Players
The role of our sophomores is to lead by example and leverage their experience. Their understanding of our expectations should be evident on the court.
Keys to Success and Returning to BRCC's Winning Culture
Our keys to success will stem from our ability to excel in our roles, starting with the coaches and extending to the players. Success is impossible without good coaching and strong team chemistry, both of which significantly impact our performance.
Team Strengths
Our strength lies in our ability to adhere to our principles and have each individual fulfill their role for the team's success. We will rely on statistical data to assist us in developing the roles and consistency of our team members.
Areas for Improvement
We have recruited players with exceptional shooting ability, and we expect improvement in this area as the season progresses. Our preseason has shown that our players can shoot well, and we plan to continue developing this as the season unfolds.
Game Style
We play an up-tempo style with a "94-40 mentality." We aim to play hard for 94 feet for 40 minutes, night in and night out.
Addition of Assistant Coaches
The addition of Jamar McKnight, an experienced veteran coach with previous head coaching roles in high school and junior college, will enhance our program. His recruiting prowess will assist us in further developing the culture and community at BRCC.
Overall Goal of the Season
Our overall goal is to compete at the highest level, to win in Louisiana, claim our region, and ultimately compete for the NJCAA national championship.