Virgen: Time to take notice of Chapman men’s basketball

There’s a buzz about the college mostly known for its annual Undie Run.

But this has little to do with provocative underwear. It has more to do with college basketball.

It’s time for you to become aware of the Chapman University men’s basketball team, which is turning heads amid a special season.

The Panthers are 16-0, ranked No. 15 in NCAA Division III.

What’s more, the team features two key people from the Newport-Mesa Unified School District in senior John Joyce (Corona del Mar High) and assistant coach Dan Krikorian (Costa Mesa).

They have helped the Panthers set school records for their best start to the season. They also have a school-record 21 straight regular-season victories.

I had the pleasure of watching them play Saturday when they beat Redlands, 83-63, behind senior Colin Zavrsnick’s 29 points. The Panthers (7-0 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) are fun to watch. Zavrsnick’s game is smooth.

Yet, the Panthers are much more than Zavrsnick, Joyce or Krikorian.

Much of their success comes from the experience of their starting lineup made up of all seniors.

“We have so many seniors that have been with each other for a while,” Krikorian said. “It’s just a fun group to be around right now. A lot of things are playing into [the win streak]. We do have an all-senior starting lineup. They have been with us and they have been through a lot. The ups and downs of the season don’t faze them like it can for others. They are all great players. We have a lot of talent. Those guys can really play. On any given night someone can go for 20 or more. Also Coach Mike Bokosky is a great coach and he’s been around for a while and knows a lot. Also, we have had some luck. It takes a little luck too, to be 16-0.

Chapman, which next plays at Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks on Thursday, appeared mostly skilled against Redlands on Saturday. Cal Lutheran, 5-2 in the SCIAC, will most likely give the Panthers a tougher game.

But the Panthers know they will get competition from all teams. Pomona-Pitzer, 2-5 in the SCIAC, nearly pulled off an upset, before losing at Chapman, 58-56, Jan. 13.

The Panthers will need consistency from their big man, Joyce, the 6-foot-8 center who is averaging 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He went for eight points and five rebounds against Redlands.

“John is having a really solid year,” Krikorian said. “He’s our big, tough guy in the middle. We can count on him. He’s been a big factor for us. We’re really excited about how he’s played this season. John has also really taken on a leadership role. We have some freshmen that John has taken under his wing. It’s been good to see John do that.”

Krikorian says it’s a pleasure for him to be around such a special group. He also enjoys the support he’s received from those who attend the game. That group included the Costa Mesa High boys’ basketball coaching staff, as well as former Mustangs Coach Bryan Rice.

Costa Mesa Coach Mike Molina somewhat joked that he saw some plays that he wanted to use for his Mustangs.

Krikorian said he’ll be happy to give Molina some pointers.

“It’s fun to see them at the game,” Krikorian said. “We share stuff all the time.”

Krikorian, who is also a musician, maintains work in his music career. The Panthers won on Saturday, and he was playing with his band on Sunday at the NAAM Show (National Assn. of Music Merchants) in Anaheim. He said it was fun to go from basketball one day and then music the next.

However, it’s difficult to surpass the excitement coming from such a great season with the Panthers.

“It’s an amazing experience,” Krikorian said. “I’m trying to enjoy the journey. I’m really lucky to be around great players and great coaches and a great university. It’s been a great experience. I’m just trying to pull my weight with my duties. It’s been a fun year. It feels like I’m always knocking on wood.”