David Robbins
Men's Head Basketball Coach
Head Coach David Robbins returns for his fourth season as commander in chief for the Northeast Tigers’ men’s basketball program. The 2008-09 Tigers return four sophomores from last year’s team that went 15-10 over all with seven MACJC North Division wins. Rictavian Knight, Doc Johnson, William Burdett, and McCay Willbanks will be leading the team as this years experienced players. In addition, Robbins has added four college transfers to his roster, all whom will play as sophomores this season except for one. Forward Chris Gamble will come on board as a freshmen transfer from Mississippi Valley State who set out last season. Coach Robbins said, “I feel good about several of our sophomore’s chances at moving on and having an opportunity to play and also to further their education.”
Northeast will take eight frosh to the floor this season for the 2008-09 campaign. Grant Goolsby, Adrian Caldwell, Terance Allen, Bruce Jacobs, Chris Gamble, Kody Jackson, Spence Wicks, and Dominique Hunt all are fresh to the junior college court, and will look to gain some experience for the Tigers this year. “We have some good players returning but we feel real good about some of our new guys coming on board. We are going to be able to play several of these young men this year and not loose out from that very much when we do have these guys on the floor”, said Coach Robbins.
This years schedule looks to be just as tough as last years. The North Division looks to be very competitive once again but the Tigers are up for the challenge. “We are very excited about the up coming season. I feel like our talent level is getting closer to what we need it to be, in order for us to compete at the level NE has been accustomed to over years past”, said Coach Robbins. The Tigers came in second in the division and reached the post season for the first time since 2000.
Coach Robbins quest to add to the foundation block of trying to build and maintain a winning program is well under way. After last year’s performance on the court by the Tigers, Coach Robbins goal of having a winning team with a consistent program is being established. In order for the program to be competitive in recruiting the tigers must continue to produce winning seasons and student-athletes that are academically sound. “We have a real good group of young men that are doing a great job in the classroom” said Robbins. This is an important goal that Coach Robbins and his coaching staff will continue to strive to meet.
In order to win in this league your game requires discipline. “If we can be disciplined on the both ends of the floor, and play with the effort that it takes, we should be in the mix at the end of the season. We are going to push our team this year as hard as we can. We need our guys to compete at another level in order to be as successful during the season. Our schedule will put us to the test night in and night out. I hope everyone will get several opportunities to watch our team play this year. We have a great group of young men that will represent the Tiger Program in a way you will be proud to be called a Tiger.”.