First Year Jets Basketball Coach Ready To Open

In his first season as head coach for Cumberland County boys’ basketball, Christian Goodwin said it was clear from the start that this was the spot for him.

The Alabama native and self proclaimed “basketball junkie” was hired in April after the Jets went 5-22 last season. He said after just three practices he knew that this years’ Jets roster will fit his style of play, but he noted for any team to be successful, they must first learn to love the game.

“I’m helping these kids understand that this is meant to be joyful,” Goodwin said. “You’re 15, 16, 17-year-olds, this is not your job and this is the most pure level there is. And in a way we rep that. We kind of rep joy, smiling, there is a ton of structure in what we do.”

Goodwin has coached both at the high school level but also at Union University and also had a role at the University of Alabama. He said no matter where he has gone, his basketball philosophy has not changed but evolved. He likes to play free and unscripted and said his players fit that scheme.

“When I say these kids fit it, I mean, perfect, it’s awesome,” Goodwin said. “Our guard play is excellent. We legitimately have a few of the best shooters I’ve ever been around at the high school level and they’re really young. It was just a natural fit and obviously I’m excited to see what it looks like.”

Goodwin said although the program is going through a transformation, he noted that the previous regime left him a great groundwork for which he can build upon.

The Jets open their season on the Tuesday at home against Grace Christian Academy.