Eric Newman Sunsports Editor
After another successful year, the Coconino Panthers men’s basketball team has created an all-new look this summer.
The Panthers kicked off their June offseason campaign last week, playing several games over the weekend in an exhibition tournament at Northern Arizona University’s men’s basketball team camp.
Coconino’s Mike Chukwujiga takes a shot near the rim during an exhibition basketball game against Tuba City at Northern Arizona University on June 3.
Eric Newman, Daily Sun, Arizona
Cooper Elliott is in his second year as Panthers head coach, and Coconino is in the midst of a major roster transformation. The Panthers went 12-8 (Grand Canyon 8-4), graduating seven of the top eight scorers, defeated Arizona College Prep 69-51 in the play-in round, and qualified for the 4A Conference State Tournament. Advanced to the first round. .
As the summer continues, Coconino seeks to form a new identity.
“It’s something different. We’re still trying to find our chemistry. If we can figure it out, I think we’ll be in good shape,” said senior JT Begay.
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Beghey is one of the few returning players to have played significant time for the national team last year. He will be joined by senior Mike Chukwujiga, who began playing for the Panthers mid-last year after missing a few games while waiting to finalize adoption papers with new guardians in Flagstaff.
Coconino basketball coach Cooper Elliott, center, speaks to the Panthers during a timeout during an exhibition game against Tuba City on June 3 at Northern Arizona University.
Eric Newman, Daily Sun, Arizona
Chukjiga averaged 8.2 points and a team-high 9.7 rebounds per game in 2022-23.
“It’s a big thing for our team. But I want him to be there for himself as well. It’s hard for him to be out when he’s doing everything right.” But now it will be important to get him and a few more players,” Elliott said.
But perhaps Chukujiga’s most important attribute is his defense in the paint. By the end of the season, Chukwujiga was one of the top painted defenders in the 4A conference.
In last Saturday’s 92-21 exhibition win over Tuba City at the Lumberjacks camp, Chukjiga had four blocks and competed for more shots to control the Panthers’ paint. This defensive performance came despite the fact that the starting line-up dominated the majority of the second half with a big win.
Coconino wins Tuba City 92-21 pic.twitter.com/tB0bjz4kgh
— Eric Newman (@enewmanwrites) June 3, 2023
His presence will give the Panthers a boost, even if they don’t score as much as they’d like on the night.
“We’re trying to be very competitive, but the only thing on the back of my mind is that if he comes back he’ll still need help,” Beguei said.
Elliott’s focus in the new group is on defense. Over time, players will find their role in the half-court game as the relatively inexperienced members begin to mesh on the offensive side.
Steals and stops provide scoring opportunities at the break. And since the entire team has some physique and athleticism, defense can be a strength once the team realizes that.
“The biggest thing is buy-in, and we’re getting that,” Elliott said. “I have a lot of great kids who still have a lot of room for improvement. I think there is a lot of potential for growth.”
He added, “In just a few games, we’ve won by a big margin and lost by a big margin. They say their identities will be revealed.”
The Panthers will continue practice and exhibition games throughout June. This includes Monday night leagues with local teams at gyms in both Flagstaff and Coconino.
They’ll be on vacation at the end of the month before eventually returning to the gym to prepare for the season opener on Nov. 27 at Phoenix’s Greenway.
