Hutchinson CC Sports Information

When Tommy DeSalme was named head coach of the Hutchinson Community College men's basketball team before the 2021-22 season, he promised a fast-paced style of play.

DeSalme delivered on that promise and Blue Dragon fans noticed.

So what does the second-year head coach of the Blue Dragons have in mind for 2022-23?

"I'm really excited about our 2022-23 Blue Dragons," said DeSalme, whose team opens the season at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday against Fort Scott at the Sports Arena. "We hope to be the fastest-playing team in the country."

DeSalme returns four players from a 26-9 team that was a Jayhawk Conference and Region VI runner-up and made it to the second round of the NJCAA Tournament. That said, the experience level of the Blue Dragons will be less than last season after the loss of several key sophomores and super-sophomores from last season.

Guard Jayden Garrison saw the most action last season for the Dragons last season.

Garrison averaged 3.9 points and shot 34.4 percent from 3-point range last season. He will be joined by guard Aaron Franklin, who played only five games before being lost for the season with an injury. Franklin averaged 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Also back are guards Trey McClure and Ra'Sean Frederick, who was lost to a season-ending injury during the preseason last year. McClure played in nine games and 31 minutes last season.

"I have been so impressed with our returners' leadership this preseason," DeSalme said. "I believe Aaron Franklin, Jayden Garrison, Ra'Sean Frederick and Trey McClure will all have a huge impact on our team."

DeSalme adds 11 new faces to the group this season. The group of eight out-of-state and three in-state players have shown the ability to thrive in the Dragons up-tempo attack, but DeSalme said the 2022-23 Blue Dragons are "a work in progress."

"I feel like we have added a great recruiting class," DeSalme said. We are excited to get the season going with three great games this week at the Arena. I believe the Blue Dragon Fans will have a great time watching and getting to know our newcomers."

Last season, the Blue Dragons led the Jayhawk Conference in scoring 94.2 points per game. The Dragons shot 41.5 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from 3-point range with a team single-season record 321 3-pointers.

The Blue Dragons opened last season with Fort Scott and the Blue Dragons won 122-95.

The Dragons are the preseason pick to win the Jayhawk Conference this this season, according to the KJCCC preseason coaches' poll. The Blue Dragons also open the season at No. 13 in the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball national preseason rankings.

Hutchinson has several strong tests on opening week. After Fort Scott on Tuesday, the Blue Dragons play host to No. 7 Triton and NEO on Friday and Saturday for the BSN Tipoff Classic at the Sports Arena. Game times each night are 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Dragons open Jayhawk Conference play on November 16 against Independence at the Sports Arena.