Focus on 2009: Odessa College

The Odessa College Wranglers finished last season at 27-5. Head coach Dennis Helms begins his 28th year in coaching and currently has a 632-247 record. Helms has gone 334-92 in 13 years of running the show at Odessa College during two different stints. JucoJunction takes a look at the Wranglers sophomores class today in this story.

Tommie Sykes, (SO) 6-foot-4 (205) from Drexel Hill, PA, averaged 13.4 ppg and 7 rebounds last season. Sykes played this summer at Jerry Mullens Top 120 JUCO Camp in Tulsa, OK. Tommie was a first team all WJCAC Conference player last season.

"Tommie is extremely athletic and explosive and he really carries a competitive nature to the game," said Odessa College assistant coach Mike Scutero.

Devon McLendon, (SO) 6-foot-4 (195) from Sharon Hill, PA, played his high school ball at Chester High School--the same school as NBA guard Jameer Nelson (Orlando Magic). McLendon averaged 11.2 ppg, 3.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season for the Wranglers. McLendon played this summer also at Jerry Mullens Top 120 JUCO Camp in Tulsa, OK.

"Devon is a very athletic versatile playmaker that has great ability to create his own shot," said Scutero.

Marcus Wright, (SO) 6-foot-2 from Midland, TX, played his freshman season at Grayson County Community College. Wright averaged 6.7 ppg and was named Defensive Player of Year.

"Marcus is a very good shooter," said Scutero.

Brian DeLeon, (SO) 6-foot-9 (220), is from Puerto Rico. DeLeon saw limited time as a freshman last season for the Wranglers. DeLeon averaged 1.8 ppg and 2.8 rebounds.

"Brian was a member of the Puerto Rico Junior National Volleyball Team while also playing basketball in his native land," said Scutero.

The Wranglers have added a host of freshmen to this year's squad. JucoJunction will have a chance to see the Wranglers in October at the Mullens/Mitchell Jamboree in Dallas, TX.