De Anza Men’s Basketball Gearing Up For 2025-26 Season
De Anza College head coach Joe Berticevich believes his 2025-26 De Anza College basketball team has the pieces to build on last year's success – with a blend of returning leadership and a talented group of freshmen.
The Mountain Lions open the new season at home on Saturday, Nov. 1 (2pm) against Solano College. All home games this season will be streamed live on NorCal Sports TV/YouTube Channel.
In his preseason comments (below), Berticevich emphasized that this year's squad will rely on position versatility, an aggressive style of defense and an up-tempo offense.
Guards
"We're going big this year. We've got 6-4 Mehki Thomas (Chabot College transfer) as our starting point guard. He's very dynamic, still learning the position, but he's turning heads. He did a nice job at our non-traditional games down south."
"Our wings include returning All-Conference player Theo McDowell and freshman Caden Thacker – who actually played point guard at Douglas High School in Nevada. Caden has a very high IQ and can shoot it. Theo obviously has great experience; surprised a lot of opponents last season with a double-double every night. He is expanding his game, facing the basket more, so we're really excited for him."
"Sophomore Cayden Tanger, one of our captains, is coming off an injury – so he's been out for about a month, but working his way back to form. Also, in the mix is Gio Brovelli (San Rafael High School) a lefty-shooter, who is an ultra-competitor."
Post Players
"We're probably lacking some size in the post, but, I think we get by with toughness and athletic, ability. I think we're more athletic this year. We have all-around basketball players like Dasan Poston (Branham High School) who is super athletic and going to be exciting for our fans to watch.
"Isaac Sisay (Milpitas High School) from one of the better public school teams last year will help hold down the fort. Moses Kim, who's 6-7,definitely a stretch five, can really light it up from distance. Dominic Diaz, a key returning player at 6-6, faces the basket really well and can shoot it."
"Brian Chou from Homestead High School, was the MVP of the league, rounds out our post players who again can play position-less basketball. They will all be asked to guard multiple positions and attack the glass."
"All 13 guys have big parts of the team. Their roles will continue to round out. Josh Villanueva (freshman guard from Independence) works hard and can shoot it also. Kenny Vo (from Oak Grove) is like our coach on the court; great IQ. Nohea Apalla (Silver Creek, redshirt freshman) all do great things, and I have confidence in all of them."
Pre-Conference Outlook
The Lions open the season with a challenging early slate that includes the Monterey Peninsula Classic, the San Jose City College (single game) crossover, and a trip to the San Diego area (Grossmont Tournament) – giving the young roster immediate tests against state playoff contenders.
"We want to compete right away, learn who we are, and be ready for conference play. The guys are hungry and proud to represent De Anza College basketball."