OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – The Johnson County Community College men's basketball program will enter the 2025-26 season ranked in the NJCAA Division II Top 10, coming in at No. 9.
This is the 15th time in program history that the Cavaliers are among the top-rated teams to open the season in 27 preseason NJCAA D-II polls, and sixth straight year under head coach Rand Chappell. Their No. 9 ranking the highest since Chappell's first season in 2020-21 and sixth highest ever.
Last week, JCCC was picked as the preseason favorite to win the Kansas Jayhawk Conference Division II title for a third straight year.
Defending national champion Kirkwood Community College earned the top spot followed by national runner-up Parkland College, Pima Community College, Macomb Community College and Davidson-Davie Community College. Cross-town rival and defending Region 6 champion Kansas City Kansas Community College cracked the Top-25 coming in at No. 22. In addition to facing the Blue Devils twice during the conference slate, JCCC also has a home-and-home against No. 8 North Central Missouri College. The Cavaliers also have home games against Iowa Lakes Community College (No. 19) and Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Received Votes) and a road match up at Iowa Central Community College (No. 13).
Under the direction of Chapell the Cavaliers have been ranked national in 63-of-75 polls (84%), including a span of 32 straight form Jan. 19, 2021 to Nov. 28, 2022. His program is currently on a streak of 30 straight poll appearances. His teams have also been ranked in the Top-10 in 38-of-75 polls (51%).
Johnson County enters the new season with momentum and high expectations. After tying a program record with 31 wins a year ago, head coach Rand Chappell brings back a core of proven talent, key transfers, and a promising freshman class as the Cavaliers aim for another deep postseason run.
Last season, JCCC was dominant in the Kansas Jayhawk Conference Division II, rolling to a perfect 14-0 conference record to secure the title outright, their eighth KJCCC title overall, ninth overall conference title, and second unbeaten record in record in conference play. The Cavaliers appeared primed for a Region 6 championship but fell 74-73 in a heartbreaker to rival Kansas City Kansas. Despite the setback, their resume earned them an at-large berth to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. After a tough first-round loss to Macomb, the Cavaliers bounced back with two wins — including a 90-63 rout over Kansas City Kansas, avenging their regional defeat. JCCC ultimately finished eighth nationally, closing with a 31-6 record, matching the most wins in program history.
Chappell's squad will be anchored by three returning starters who combined for 41 percent of the team's offense in 2024-25.
Tavian Cruse (6-5, F) was a force in the paint, averaging 11.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. He posted 15 double-doubles and ranked first in both the conference and NJCAA in total rebounds (366), while his 9.9 per-game average placed him 15th nationally.
Gavin Harvey (5-11, G) made an immediate impact, earning KJCCC D-II Freshman of the Year honors. He averaged 11.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 rebounds, and on February 1 recorded just the fourth triple-double in program history (10 points, 10 rebounds, 13 assists). His 171 total assists led the league by 34.
Joey Robinson (6-4, G) contributed across the board with 9.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while knocking down 52 three-pointers. He raised his game in the postseason, averaging 15.7 points in the Region 6 Tournament to secure All-Tournament Team recognition.
The Cavaliers also welcome two familiar faces back to Johnson County through the transfer portal. Aziz Jagne (6-7, F), a former Shawnee Mission North standout, arrives from Labette where he led the Cardinals in scoring (9.3) and rebounding (4.5). Aiden Wing (6-5, G), an All-State performer at Bishop Miege, began his career at Butler and later transferred to Hutchinson, where he redshirted last season. Both transfers bring size, versatility, and local pride to the roster.
Chappell has also infused his team with nine newcomers, creating balance across positions. The freshman class features: Jalen Antonio (6-2, G, Gibsonton, Fla.), Joshua Brantley (6-8, F, Belton, Mo.), Trey Fulcher (G, Mansfield, Texas), Max Johnson (G, Shawnee, Kan.), Abdoulaye Kante (G, Bamako, Mali), Jordan Mason (G, Olathe, Kan.), River Peters (G, Emporia, Kan.), Bryce Walker (F, Springfield, Mo.), and Avian Webb (G, Atchison, Kan.).
With a foundation of proven leaders, experienced transfers, and hungry freshmen, the Cavaliers appear well-positioned to make noise once again in the KJCCC and on the national stage.
"Last season was a special run, and we learned a lot from the ups and downs," Chappell said. "This group has the talent, depth, and work ethic to compete at a high level. We're excited to see how far they can go."
The journey begins October 31, when JCCC hosts Kansas Christian College JV to open the new campaign. The Cavaliers will play eight of their first nine contests at home, giving Chappell's squad the chance to build momentum early in front of the home crowd at the JCCC Gymnasium.