Oct. 30, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team is ready to hit the court this weekend as it opens the 2025-26 season at the BC Pizza Petoskey Timberwolves Tip-Off Tournament, marking the beginning of what head coach Joe Fox hopes will be another strong campaign for the Raiders.

Now entering his fifth season at the helm, Fox leads a deep and talented roster that blends six returning players with ten newcomers and one transfer. The Raiders are coming off an 18-12 season that saw them compete among the MCCAA's best and aim to take another step forward this year with improved balance, shooting, and defensive versatility.

"We're really excited about the group we have," said Fox. "Our returners bring great experience and leadership, and our newcomers have already shown they can make an impact. We've had a competitive preseason, and the guys are ready to test themselves right away."

Key Returners

Leading the way for GRCC is sophomore guard Tyran Thomas (Northview High School), who earned Second Team All-Conference and All-Freshman Team honors last season after averaging 14.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field. Thomas was also one of the team's top defenders, collecting 38 steals and 22 blocks.

Also back is Zeekeal Jackson (Wellspring Prep), another key contributor who started all 30 games last year, averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and earning All-Conference Honorable Mention.

Sharp-shooting Gaden Muxlow (Brown City High School) returns after ranking among the top 50 nationally in 3-point percentage (42.7%), providing a major threat from deep. Matthew Richards (Byron Center High School) rejoins the lineup after missing the past three seasons; in his 2021-22 campaign, the 6-6 forward averaged nearly a double-double (10.2 points, 9.8 rebounds) with a team-high 26 blocks.

Rounding out the returning core are Brady Tebo (Hamilton High School) and Zachary Carlson (Westwood High School), both of whom add depth and backcourt experience.

New Faces

The Raiders welcome a strong group of ten newcomers, featuring a mix of size and athleticism. The incoming class includes 6-foot-8 forward Jake Chapman (Unity Christian), 6-7 wings Lucas Pitsch (Rockford) and Jared Demoff (Hartland), and 6-7 forward Darcy Imanzi (North Central Texas Academy), giving GRCC one of its tallest and most versatile rosters in recent years.

The backcourt will see added depth from EJ Bowman (Waterford Mott), Landen Reister (Sparta), Lincoln Joerin (Whiteford), Charlie Commeret (Comstock Park), and Jeremiah Jones (West Catholic). McRecco McFadden (Burton Bentley) brings length and athleticism to the wing.

In addition, transfer guard/wing Nate Keil joins the team from Glen Oaks Community College, where he averaged 5.4 points per game while shooting an efficient 45.5% from the field and 89% from the free-throw line.

Season Outlook

GRCC's 28-game schedule features three tournaments — beginning with this weekend's BC Pizza Petoskey Tip-Off Tournament, followed by the Montcalm County Shoot Out (Nov. 29–30) and the David Selmon Classic, hosted by GRCC on Dec. 12–13.

The conference season begins Jan. 10 at Kellogg Community College, kicking off a 14-game MCCAA-West slate that will test the Raiders against some of the region's toughest programs.

With a strong mix of experience, size, and energy, Coach Fox believes this year's group has the potential to compete at a high level.

"This team has great chemistry already," Fox said. "We've got returners who know what it takes and newcomers who are hungry to prove themselves. If we continue to grow together, it's going to be a fun season."

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.