The early success of the Sinclair Community College men’s basketball team can be attributed to many things.
But according to coach Jeff Price, nothing has helped more than the leadership and experience of his starting center, sophomore Colton Everett.
During the early practices leading into the season, Everett served as a third assistant coach, alongside Marcus Stewart and Jason Williams. Price called the contributions to the team huge”.
Everett said during practices he’ll take players aside and discuss the current play with them. He said that Price understands why Colton has pulled a player aside and allows it.
“Colton stepped up and did it for us,” Price said. “We wouldn’t be as far ahead in the system without him.”
Colton, who played shooting guard and small forward during his freshman year, is now an undersized center, according to Price.
“He knows how to play down there,” Price said. “He sacrifices his stats for the team. He can score but doesn’t look to. He does the work that allows Darrien [Wilkins, the team’s leading scorer] and the other guys to score.”
Everett said he understands his role as captain and the specific ways he can help the team.
“As a captain, I’ve earned it,” Everett said. “I feel like I help in a lot of ways. I just do whatever it takes to win. If we’re struggling, they look to me.”
During the heat of games, if the team is struggling, Price said he knows putting Everett in can get the team back on track.
“He’s a glue guy for us,” Price said. “During the game it gets chaotic and he calms [the team] down.”
Despite his enjoyment of playing, Everett said he’d be interested in coaching.
“I’d love to coach some day,” Everett said. “I want to be an NBA assistant.”
His current coach thinks he’d be good at it.
“He’s going to be a great coach,” Price said. “Hopefully for me.”