2025-26 SWC Men’s Basketball Season Preview
The official start of college basketball season is one day away and Southwestern will begin the non-conference campaign on Thursday, October 30 with a home contest against Irvine Valley. Tip off is set for 5:00 PM.
Southwestern has put together a solid non-conference schedule, both home and on the road, to prepare for league play and post conference opportunities in 2026. The Jaguars will square off against seven teams (Irvine Valley, Cypress, Cerro Coso, Moorpark, Santiago Canyon, Mt. San Antonio, and Compton) that made the 2025 California Community College Athletic Association Southern California Regionals. Seven of the Jags' first eight games take place in the South Bay and the friendly confines of The Den on the campus of Southwestern.
The 2025-26 season marks the fourth year under head coach Tyrone Shelley. The program is on an upward trend and aims to secure its first Pacific Coast Athletic Conference title under Coach Shelley.
The Jaguars are coming off a solid 20-10 season, with a 12-4 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference (PCAC) finish, and a postseason bid to the 3C2A Southern California Regionals.
2024-25 Record: 20-10, 12-4 Pacific Coast Athletic Conference
2024-25 PCAC Finish: Third
2025 3C2A Southern California Regionals:
• Round 1 | No. 17 Southwestern at No. 16 Santa Monica (90-70)
• Round 2 | No. 17 Southwestern at No. 1 Fullerton (67-70)
KEY RETURNERS
Small forward, Derek Edmond possesses high-level athletic ability, a versatile skill set coupled with a downhill attacking game and can slash his way to the basket. Played in 29 of 30 games, averaged 8.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 39.6 on threes and 80.7 from the free throw line. Derek is a competitor who brings leadership and could emerge as Southwesterns' top scorer.
Shooting guard, Manny Barnett chipped in 4.5 points per game with a 40.8 three-point shooting rate that made him a guy that opponents had to keep track of when he was on and off the court. Manny gives the Jags a consistent permiter threat and a zone buster. He has the experience to handle pressure and be a crunch-time performer.
Fredo De La Mora is a returner who will come off the bench in a reserve role to provide energy, hustle, and make plays at both ends.
KEY ADDITIONS
Freshman Tres Luzey is strong quick athletic shooting guard from South Kent School in Houston, TX. He possesses ball handling and passing skills and can move effectively on or off the ball by cutting and relocating to create scoring opportunities and put points on the board.
Aaron Owens is an impact small forward from Bonita Vista High School with a work ethic and maturity that translates directly to his consistent, productive style of play. He is a well-rounded, three-level scorer, a good rebounder, an efficient defender, and was named Metro-South Bay League Player of the Year. Aaron has the size and ability to stretch opposing defenses and will have a significant role for Tyrone Shelley's Jaguars.