Kevin D. Lane
In Motion Staff Writer
Basketball Coach Ryan Ridder is looking for continued success in his second season at Daytona State College. With new assistant coach Ian Gibson and many new players, he’s ready to face the challenges.
Basketball Head Coach
Basketball is in Ryan Ridder’s blood. His father, Steve Ridder, is the 25-year plus veteran head coach at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. From 2006 to 2008, the younger Ridder was team captain and starting point guard at ERAU; later returning as a volunteer assistant coach under his father. Before coming to Daytona State he was assistant coach at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. In his three years there he was instrumental in the Fighting Camels many successes.
Last year was successful for the Falcons, with a 26-6 record and ending the season by winning the Mid-Florida Conference at home, topping Central Florida 69-65. The Falcons are now ranked 16th nationally, in the NJCAA men’s basketball poll. This is a big turnaround from the 6-25 losing record prior to Ridder’s first season.
The Falcons face tough competition this year. Teams like the College of Central Florida, which won the national championship in 2013, and Northwest Florida may prove to test the skills of this young team, with only four returners on the 15-member squad.
Ridder is confident in his team’s ability and is optimistic about the upcoming season.
“We hope to play our best basketball in March, win our region and play in the national tournament.” Ridder said.
Coach Ridder believes that a strong defensive strategy for his team will be important for the coming season. With young players whose general experience is scoring baskets, strong defensive skills will make them better all-around players, according to Ridder.
“I love defense and rebounding; those two things win championships. If we teach them how to play defense and rebound together they’ll figure out how to score as well,” Ridder said.
With a lot of big physical players on the team, rebounding is a strong suit for the Falcons team.
“We are really long and athletic and that’s going to be a focal point of ours,” Ridder said.
Returning Forward Christian Kennedy feels the same way.
“I got a great feeling about the upcoming season. Defense is our main point this year. We’ve got a lot of young talented guys that work hard; offense will come into its own too.” Kennedy said.
DSC has also developed a Chicago connection. Rashaun Stimage who made the prestigious Mid-Florida First Team last year, has signed with DePaul University. Other Windy City contributors on the Falcons team this year are forward Tyquone Greer and returning point guard Markee Williams. Coach Ridder had positive things to say about his Chicago players and their contributions.
“They bring a physical toughness to the game, at the college level toughness is important. We’ll take their background and experience
and help mold them into building a championship program for us.” Ridder said.
The team has been training and working hard to prepare for the season ahead. The Falcons’ schedule can be found on the athletics page at daytonastate.edu.