The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
Everyone knows how coach Chris Francis’ Jordan boys’ basketball team plays, but few understand what his program has experienced this year.
With continued on-campus construction these Panthers have been forced to practice at multiple locations including Compton College, Lindbergh Middle School and a local park. They will play their home games at Compton College this season.
“We have no athletic facilities on campus, but we’re not feeling sorry for ourselves,” Francis said. “We’re not going to make any excuses or allow that to be a reason that this or that happened. At the end of the day we’re going to show up and give it all we got.”
During his 24-year coaching career, Francis has stuck to a high-pressure style of playing and coaching. It has served him well at multiple schools and he led Jordan to a CIF championship two years ago.
“A zebra doesn’t change his stripes,” Francis said. “We’re just going to be who we are. I believe in game adjustments, but we want to maintain our identity and be who we are.”
Jordan doesn’t have a ton of experience on its roster, but it has the potential to execute Francis’ full-court scheme that needs versatile players.
The most experienced returning Panthers are also the team captains. Seniors Kris Floyd and Noel Alvarez have both been All-Moore League awardees, but now they’re learning to be leaders.
“Each teammate and I have a different connection because they all have different personalities,” said Floyd. “I try to vibe with them in a way so they respect me more as a leader.”
Floyd (left) added that a lot of his leadership comes after the coaching. Francis will not shy away from getting on his players and demanding the best from them.
“Coach Chris will tell them if they did something wrong and then I’ll give them (that same advice) in a more polite way so they won’t do it again,” said Floyd. “I’m not going to lie, (the hard coaching) is kind of irritating sometimes, but (Coach Francis) just wants you to get better and play hard because that’s what J-Town is about. We play hard, compete and play really good defense.”
Floyd has been working hard this offseason to improve his ball-handling skills and already reliable mid-range jump shot. The 6’3”, 180-pound forward relies on his size and elevation to stay deadly just outside the key.
For Jordan to compete in the Moore League it will need big contributions from sophomores Samajay Jackson, Malachi Berdette and Aaron Chiles.
Jackson is a 6’3” 215-pound power forward who worked his way into 15 starts last season and had big moments in a playoff victory. Francis called him, “Our backbone to hold down the middle.”
Berdette will play in the backcourt alongside Alvarez where they will use their athleticism to create and find space.
Chiles is a 6’4” 170-pound point guard who can shoot and create off the dribble thanks to his high basketball IQ. He is also the younger brother of Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles.
Returning senior guard Josh Gibson (pictured above) is also a talented scorer who has experience in the tough Moore League, where Francis thinks Long Beach Poly and Cabrillo are the front runners. He added that a top-four finish and playoff spot is the top goal this season.
Floyd said that he and his teammates talk about Jordan’s 2023 championship a lot, and he played in that game.
“We’re trying to get back on the championship road again,” Floyd said. “We need to come together as a unit and not be scared to make mistakes. It’s just basketball.”
