SMC Corsair’s Basketball kicks off season with a home game on Nov. 4.

SMC Men’s Basketball Head Coach Joshua Thomas discusses a call with a referee in the final regular-season home game on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Corsair Pavilion Gymnasium. The Corsairs won the game against West Los Angeles College 91-81 in front of a crowd of 255 people from both schools. (Glenn Zucman | The Corsair)

Joshua Thomas, Head Coach of Men's Basketball gave the Corsair insight into the team's 2021-2022 season. Students are able to sit court-side this season.With in-person classes and activities slowly becoming available to students, Santa Monica College’s (SMC) basketball team, the Corsairs, returns to the court. Coach Thomas has led the team for the past 5 seasons. 

Under Thomas’s lead, the Corsairs advanced to the 2018-2019 CCCAA State Tournament. This was the first time since 1988 that the Corsairs qualified. Thomas received the CCCMBCA State Championships Coaches Award for his efforts in the 2019 season.

Thomas took it upon himself to keep the team united through numerous phone and zoom calls to his players. He attempted hosting practices online due to the pandemic’s in-person restrictions on practice. 

When asked about how this year's upcoming season differs from previous ones, Coach Thomas said “there are protocols in place that we are required to follow.” These protocols are put in place in order to protect our players and the community at large. Coach Thomas said that the biggest change for the team is “being more aware of Covid.”

 The Santa Monica College Athletics Director Reggie Ellis clarified the requirements for students wanting to attend upcoming basketball games, saying “Students will be able to attend the games with proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.” According to SMC's athletic page, “Fans must wear face coverings, social distance from those not in their immediate family group, and refrain from going on the playing surfaces before or after contests.” when in attendance.

Looking forward to this season, Thomas said “our biggest rival is West LA college, our neighbor school only about five miles away.” The Corsairs will face off against West LA College twice this season. Their first matchup will be at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26,  in the Corsair gym.

The men’s basketball team will kick off their season against Cypress College at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, in the Corsair gym.