SMC Coach Optimistic About New Players:

On the day Santa Monica College basketball coach Jesse Teplitzky said goodbye to eight key players he expressed optimism about the prospects for next season.“We’re very pleased with the incoming talent,” he said on June 6, when the destinations of six sophomores and two freshmen were revealed.The 2007-’08 team had a 17-14 record in Teplitzky’s first season after the last four Corsair teams had losing records.Although it would be premature to announce names of the newcomers until they officially enroll, Teplitzky said he has several firm commitments. Some of the youngsters attended the press conference for players transferring to four-year schools.The lone returning player from the 2007-’08 team will guard Ryan Alvirez. The 29-year-old Teplitzky hopes to establish long-term success at SMC following a several year transition period that followed John McMullen’s career. McMullen was inducted into the community college Hall Of Fame after winning more than 500 games while guiding SMC teams through more than 20 years.Teplitzky said the Corsair coaching staff will return intact. The staff consists of himself and assistants Aaron Landon and Joe Cascio.