QCC’s Basketball Coach Brings a Full Court Press to Basketball Awareness

Giving back to the community is something that is second nature to QCC’s Men’s Basketball Coach Tishaun Jenkins. For the last five years Mr. Jenkins has devoted many hours to building awareness of the college’s basketball program. A former point guard for Salem State University, he was named to the all-tournament team at the 2000 NCAA Division III Final Four and was named the NCAA Northeast player of the year that same season. He has earned numerous accolades in basketball, from being named MASCAC Player of the Year in 1999 and 2000, to earning the Bob Cousy award as the best player under six feet in New England.

Yet what stands out more than all his basketball accomplishments is his dedication to the Worcester community that he calls home. He was the head coach for one season at Worcester Technical High School before taking the head coaching job at QCC. He said he waited until the QCC coaching position became available and immediately applied, feeling he could make the most difference.

“QCC gives me the easiest access to kids in my community who need me,” he said.

He has already seen some amazing results in his time as the college’s head coach, with players going on to earn their bachelor’s degree (and play ball) at state universities and local colleges.

“QCC is such a great choice. They can go here and then transfer all of their credits,” he added.

Mr. Jenkins keeps in touch with all his players, both current and former and takes pride in their accomplishments.

“It may be basketball but it’s more like a family,” he said, adding that a recent first-time alumni basketball game drew 22 former players.

During the Commonwealth’s K-12 April vacation week, Mr. Jenkins, along with QCC’s Men's basketball Assistant Coach Kevin Pettway, and Mr. Jenkins' brother (former Kansas Jayhawk point guard Naadir Tharpe), along with several of his QCC basketball players held a basketball clinic for youths. The week-long clinic was divided into morning and afternoon sessions. The two sessions were broken out into age groups (6 – 12 and 13 and up) and abilities. The sessions involve basic basketball skills and practice scrimmages. According Mr. Jenkins, money raised from the clinic goes towards the QCC Men’s Basketball team.

“This is our first April vacation week that we’ve done at the school,” he said, adding clinics have been held in the past at the school on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Mr. Jenkins said that part of what makes this clinic so special is the help that he receives from his players: Victor Floriento, Josh Falero, Steven Chivallatti, Jordan Carter and upcoming graduate Dana Mordi, a point guard for QCC who videotaped the sessions. All the other players will be returning in the fall.

“This will be our best year ever with returning players,” he said.

Mr. Jenkins has spent the better part of 10 years helping to train children in the art of basketball and each summer holds a summer basketball academy summer camp at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick. Many of his QCC basketball players also help him out at the camp. He is also planning to hold a summer clinic from Monday – Thursday (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) at the college.

While basketball season is a few months away, already Mr. Jenkins is actively recruiting QCC students to play. Those interested in playing for the 2019/2020 season can contact Director of Athletics & Fitness Center Lisa Gurnick at 508.854-4582 or email lgurnick [at] qcc.mass.edu, or Assistant Manager of Athletics and Fitness Center Josh Cole at 508.854. 4317 or email jcole [at] qcc.mass.edu. For additional information, visit QCC Student Athletics.