Stockton University’s 2021 basketball season is in full swing–with some pandemic-friendly changes. Both the men’s and women’s teams have kicked off the season with a score of 0-2 after dropping two games to The College of New Jersey in a home-and-home series. Sophomore DJ Campbell leads the men’s team with an average of 21 points per game. As for the women’s team, freshman Adriyana Jennings has been making her mark leading the team with 23 points per game, followed by returning start point guard Emily Donzanti averaging 20 points.

The Argo reached out to Head Coach Scott Bittner of the men’s basketball team to gain better insight into how the season is progressing. When questioned about the safety of the coaches and players amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Bittner replied that all parties involved are “very safe,” and that “[they] are with 15-20 other people that are getting tested 2 or 3 times a week.” Bittner also claims that the precautionary measures that Stockton’s basketball program has taken make the sport “a heck of a lot safer than going to the supermarket or convenience store.”

While acknowledging that this basketball season will be far from normal, Bittner says that he is “most excited about just spending some time with [the] players and coaches.” He remains optimistic despite the loss of several of his top players due to Covid-19 precautions, stating, “in my mind, it is not about wins and losses as much as it is about developing young guys for the future and spending quality time with each other.”

Upcoming games for both teams include a home-and-home series against New Jersey City University, followed by Rutgers Camden.

For a game recap of the Men’s Basketball February 13th game, click here.

For a game recap of the Women’s Basketball February 13th game, click here.