Coach Paul Brogan's 2015-16 Modesto Junior College Pirates

When heading a basketball program, at any level, becomes more diaper changer and truant officer than actual coach and teacher, the enjoyment for all dissipates.

That's why Modesto Junior College Coach Paul Brogan made a change a year ago, altering his program's culture and recruiting .

"I want high character kids who care about academics," he explained. "It was my fault that I let the culture crumble so I fixed it. It doesn't take more than one guy [to disrupt a team]. Some coaches can do it, they are great with troubled kids but not me anymore."

While the Pirates finished with a 6-20 overall record in 2014-15, there were plenty of plusses. "Last year was one of the easiest years because the players did what was asked of them and played to the best of their ability. It was a positive atmosphere and the type of team I used to have. We continued to improve the whole season and beat DVC to end the year." That was a 70-67 victory in front of the Modesto fans.

"It's a lot more fun when I only have to worry about scoring points and stopping teams."

This season's version of the Pirates contains multiple strong additions.

"We have three very good guards in Zack Gonzales, Mason Washington and Brennan Pope." Gonzales redshirted last season after scoring 13.9 points per game two years ago for Brogan while Washington was a baseball redshirt at San Joaquin Delta last season. The former weighs 210 pounds, the latter 200. Pope is a transfer from Cal State Stanislaus and scales up at 195.

According to Brogan, "you have to have 'man guards' to be successful, guys who are strong and athletic and can compete physically. Zack had a great freshman year -- the way he shoots is his strength and Mason is a good athlete who is also going to play baseball here."

Joe Hamilton and Mike Hatfield will round out the starting five with freshmen Kevin Howland-Wolaridge and Brandon Moss in the rotation.

The 2015-16 MJC roster:

* Ravon Alexander G 5-11 180 Frosh Lincoln High/Stockton

* Kevin Howland-Wolaridge G 6-4 175 Frosh Bullard High/Fresno

* Zack Gonzales G 6-2 210 Soph Riverbank High/Riverbank

* Donovan Galloway G 5-11 160 Frosh Beyer High/Modesto

* Mason Washington G 6-0 200 Frosh Modesto Christian High/Modesto

* Chris Salazar F 6-2 190 Soph Johansen High/Modesto

* Elijah Tuando G 6-1 155 Frosh West High/Tracy

* Joe Hamilton F 6-6 215 Soph Central Catholic High/Modesto

* Blake Houser F 6-4 205 Soph Downey High/Modesto

* Brennan Pope G 6-2 195 Soph Davis High/Modesto

* Brandon Moss F 6-5 205 Frosh  Bear Creek High/Stockton

* Mike Hatfield F 6-7 225 Frosh Manteca High/Manteca