About

For the first time in school history, the 2021-22 Men’s Basketball team finished a perfect 33-0 season by winning the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Coach John Pigatti and the Bulldogs entered the NJCAA National Championship Tournament as the the top men’s junior college basketball team in the nation, earning them the #1 seed. Both honors were also a first.

The Bulldogs have amassed a 463-85 record during Coach Pigatti’s sixteen seasons at South Suburban College. They have a home record of 263-15 . They won the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Region IV Championships. They placed 10 times at the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. The 2020 National Tournament did not take place due to the Covid-19 crisis.

The 2021 Men’s Basketball team finished the COVID shortened season 20-6. They won the Midwest District Championship, and placed 8th at the NJCAA Division II National Championship Tournament. Freshman Deshawndre Washington was named NJCAA Division II National Player-of-the Year. It was back-to-back National Players-of-the-Year for Coach Pigatti. He was also named to the National Tournament All-Tournament Team. He was named Region IV Player-of-the-Year as well as MVP of the District Tournament. Sophomore Chance Love was also named to the All-Tournament and All Region Team.

The 2019-20 Men’s Basketball Team finished the season 29-4. The Bulldogs defeated Carl Sandburg College 74-63 to win the Region IV Midwest District B Championship. Coach Pigatti was named District B Coach-of-the-Year. Courtney Carter, sophomore guard, was named Spalding® NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year after having established himself as one of the country’s most all-around players. He averaged 15.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 5.5 steals. He is the 3rd Bulldog in the last seven seasons to be named NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year.

Head Men’s Basketball Coach John Pigatti was named the recipient of the 2017 Jack Bennett Man of the Year Award, named in honor of former head coach at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, for winning with integrity. Pigatti also has been named Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Junior College Division II and Region IV Coach of the Year 10 times during his 14 seasons at the helm.

The 2015-16 team finished the season with the best record in the nation and school history (34-3).

Sophomore guard Jovan Mooring was recognized as the 2015-16 Spalding® NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Player of the Year after having established himself as one of the country’s most prolific scorers. Mooring averaged 26.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assist, and 3 steals per game during the 2015-16 season. He also played in the NJCAA National All-Star Game. He attended UNLV and was named to the 3rd team All Mountain West Conference. He was also a first-round draft pick for the Grand rapids Drive in the 2018 NDBL draft.

On October 1st, the team opens its practice sessions. If you interested in the participating in the Men’s Basketball program please contact Coach Pigatti at (708) 596-2000 x 2524.