MAYS LANDING – A sense of renewed excitement is in the air as the Atlantic Cape Community College Buccaneers men's basketball team prepares for the 2026–27 season. Head Coach Allen Ragland is welcoming a talented mix of returning student-athletes, healthy newcomers and promising transfers as the Bucs look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.
A rash of injuries plagued the Buccaneers last season, decimating the roster, thus falling well short of expectations. Ragland believes this year’s team has the talent, depth and determination to make a serious run at the NJCAA Region 19 championship.
"Last season, injuries hurt us before we even got started, but at the end of the day, it starts and ends with the coaching. We didn't have the season we expected, and nobody takes that harder than I do,” said Ragland.
Now, with several key players returning and an incoming class featuring promising Division I prospects, the Buccaneers are preparing to return to the aggressive, up-tempo style that Ragland has built his coaching philosophy around.
"We're definitely back. We're longer, more athletic and more versatile, but talent doesn't win championships by itself. We have to defend, rebound, play unselfish basketball and understand what it takes to win,” said Ragland.
Returning Veterans Ready to Lead
Amin Hines (6'4", sophomore, Willingboro, NJ) returns in better physical condition with improved quickness, ball-handling and confidence. Ragland plans to use Hines (right) as a combo guard and believes he has the potential to play Division I basketball.
"Amin has worked extremely hard. He's faster, his handle is better, and I'm seeing a different level of focus. I need him to lead on and off the court."
Carlos Rodriguez (6'3", sophomore, Scarsdale, NY) is expected to be one of the Buccaneers’ primary offensive weapons. Limited to 13 games last season because of injuries, Rodriguez (below left) returns healthy and in outstanding condition.
"Carlos is as tough as they come. He's a competitor who doesn't back down from anybody. His scoring, defense and leadership will be huge for us this season."
Jaleel Clark (6'0", sophomore, Atlantic City, NJ) could emerge as one of Region 19's most exciting guards. A standout at the summer JUCO All-American Showcase, Clark brings relentless defensive pressure and the ability to disrupt opposing backcourts.
"Jaleel has a chance to be special. He's a lockdown defender, and I believe he can be a major factor in bringing a Region 19 championship to Atlantic Cape."
Quinn Baumann (6'4", sophomore, Australia) returns after spending his freshman season adjusting to American basketball. His rebounding, defensive versatility and willingness to embrace his role should provide valuable depth.
"Quinn understands the game better now. He gives us someone who will compete, rebound and defend multiple positions."
Two Healthy Freshmen Could Change Everything
Two players who missed the entire 2025–26 season could become major difference-makers.
Xavier Lewis (6'2", freshman, Atlanta, GA) returns following extensive rehabilitation from a serious knee injury. Lewis possesses explosive athleticism, defensive instincts and the ability to make plays above the rim.
"Xavier is a program changer. His athleticism is at another level. He can defend, attack the basket and make plays that most players at this level cannot make. Division I coaches are waiting to see him play. Remember his name."
Faik "Efe" Ozdemir (6'7", freshman, Istanbul, Turkey) adds size, perimeter shooting and versatility. Ozdemir can stretch the floor, handle the basketball, pass and score in the post.
"Efe is sneaky good. People see his size and think he's just an inside player, but he can shoot the three, pass and put the ball on the floor. He's another Division I prospect."
Incoming Class Adds Size, Toughness and Athleticism
Cameron Brown (6'6", freshman, Riverside, NJ) is a versatile wing capable of initiating the break, shooting from the perimeter and creating opportunities for teammates.
"Cam is a sleeper. I still can't believe he wasn't considered one of New Jersey's top players. He has a complete game and tremendous upside."
Kayembe "Mitch" Tshibangu (6'7", freshman, Dallas, TX) arrives with an impressive combination of length, athleticism and offensive potential.
"I tell people I stole Mitch from the Texas and Oklahoma junior colleges. He's 6-foot-7, can handle the ball, shoot and dunk on you. His upside is unbelievable."
Kameron Jackson (6'4", freshman, Detroit, MI) transfers from Mott Community College and brings physical toughness, perimeter shooting and defensive intensity.
"Kam brings that Detroit toughness. He can defend, knock down shots and get to the free-throw line. As his ball-handling develops, he has Division I potential."
Giancarlo Canayunan (5'8", freshman, Atlantic City, NJ) will provide speed, shooting and defensive energy off the bench.
"Giancarlo is our spark plug. He's quick, fearless and gets after you on both ends of the floor."
Jahiere Walker (6'0", sophomore, Pleasantville, NJ) transferred into the program last season but did not compete. Walker has the ability to score in bunches and could become an important contributor.
"Jahiere has all the tools. Once he locks in and understands his potential, he can be a major factor for us."
Tyler Holmes (6'8", freshman, Winslow Township, NJ) brings much-needed size and rebounding potential to the frontcourt.
"Tyler is getting better every day. By midseason, I believe he can become very difficult to keep off the floor."
Yasir Fowler (6'4", sophomore, Willingboro, NJ) will become eligible in January after transferring from Camden County College. His Region 19 experience, shooting and maturity should provide a valuable midseason boost.
"Yasir knows how to move without the basketball, he can shoot it and he understands this region. He brings maturity to our young team."
A Return to Atlantic Cape's Defensive Identity
Although the Buccaneers will miss the interior presence of graduates Olyn Knox and Logan Sparks, Ragland believes this season's roster is better equipped to play the aggressive brand of basketball he prefers.
With multiple ball handlers, athletic wings and versatile frontcourt players, Atlantic Cape expects to increase its defensive pressure, attack in transition and create scoring opportunities through its defense.
"We have more scoring options, but everybody has to understand that winning comes first," said Ragland. "We have to share the basketball, defend for 40 minutes and control the glass. We want opponents to feel our pressure every possession."
For Ragland (left), whose coaching career has focused on player development and helping student-athletes advance to four-year institutions, the season also presents another opportunity to prepare young men for the next level.
"Having Division I talent and being a Division I player are two different things. You have to be coachable, be able to defend, handle adversity, take care of your academics and understand how to win. That's what we're teaching here."
Unfinished Business
The Buccaneers enter the season with renewed expectations, but Ragland understands that talent alone will not determine their success. Health, leadership, discipline and unselfish basketball will be the deciding factors.
"I've been coaching a long time, and this game will always teach you humility," said Ragland. "Last year humbled me, but it didn't take away my love for coaching or my belief in these young men. I'm excited about what we have, and I want to see just how good this team can become."
And when asked about his expectations for 2026–27, Ragland leaves little doubt about the program's ambitions.
"We're not interested in talking about how talented we are. I want us to show it every time we step on the floor. We have unfinished business. Our goal is to bring that Region 19 championship home to Atlantic Cape."
The Buccaneers open its 2026-27 season November 3, 7 p.m. at Brookdale Community College. The squad’s home opener will be held November 10, 7 p.m. vs. Camden County College. Visit atlanticcape.edu/mensbasketball for schedule, results, coaches and roster information.
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About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States-accredited, Hispanic-serving institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City, and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and to its highly acclaimed Nursing program for more than 60 years. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
