Pratt Cannoneers Basketball Tickets

Pratt Cannoneers Basketball: The Importance of Community College Basketball

When it comes to college basketball, many people may immediately think of the Division I powerhouses like Duke, Kentucky, or North Carolina. However, there is a whole world of college basketball outside of the NCAA’s top tier, and that includes community college programs like the Pratt Cannoneers.

The Pratt Institute is a private art and design college in Brooklyn, New York, and their athletics program includes several sports teams, including men’s and women’s basketball. The Cannoneers compete in Region XV of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), which comprises schools from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

While community college basketball may not have the same level of media coverage or fanfare as Division I programs, it serves an important function in both the larger college sports landscape and in the lives of the student-athletes who participate in it.

For one thing, community college basketball offers a more accessible pathway to higher education and athletic achievement for students who may not have had the opportunity to attend four-year universities right out of high school. Community colleges tend to have lower tuition costs, smaller class sizes, and more flexible schedules, making them a good fit for students who need to balance work, family obligations, or other commitments.

In addition, community college basketball can provide a vital sense of community and belonging for students who are navigating new academic and social environments. As Pratt men’s basketball coach Bill Dubois told Pratt Athletics, “Pratt Institute is a unique place, and our Cannoneer basketball program reflects its individuality, unconventionality, and creativity.”

Moreover, community college basketball can be a stepping stone to bigger things for players who aspire to continue their athletic careers at higher levels. Many Division I programs recruit junior college players, and some former community college athletes have gone on to play professionally or even become head coaches themselves.

For example, Dunkirk Fredonia Observer reported that former Cannoneer Treyonte' Parkhill transferred to NCAA Division II Lake Superior State University after playing two seasons at Pratt, where he was named an NJCAA All-Region XV Second Team selection in 2020. Similarly, Pratt women’s basketball player Shukurah Washington was selected as a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Junior/Community College All-American Honorable Mention in 2017 before transferring to Division I New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Overall, the Pratt Cannoneers and other community college basketball programs represent an important part of the college sports landscape – one that provides valuable opportunities, experiences, and camaraderie for student-athletes who might otherwise be overlooked or left behind by larger, more exclusive institutions. So if you’re looking to support up-and-coming young athletes with big dreams and even bigger hearts, consider showing some love to your local community college team – they might just surprise you with what they can do.