The Talladega College JV Men's Basketball team is back in action and ready to begin the 2025-2026 season under the leadership of Head Coach TeeJay Wilson, assisted by Coach Darren Blakely. The Tornadoes will open their season tonight, October 16, at 6:00 p.m. against Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, Alabama.
After a year away from competition, Coach Wilson and his players are eager to make their return. We sat down with him to talk about his expectations, the team's identity, and what fans can look forward to this season.
Q: What are your expectations for this season?
Coach Wilson: My goal is to transform and mentor these young men to be the best scholar-athletes they can possibly be.
Q: How would you describe your team's identity heading into the season?
Coach Wilson: They have heart and put forth a lot of effort. They show up every day ready to work and improve.
Q: What are some of the biggest goals you've set for this group?
Coach Wilson: To show up and play like they belong. I want them to compete with confidence and understand that they deserve to be on the court.
Q: What are some strengths you've seen from this team so far?
Coach Wilson: They communicate really well. They talk to each other on both ends of the floor—offensively and defensively—which makes a big difference in how we play.
Q: Which players have stepped up as vocal leaders?
Coach Wilson: Trenton Smith, a 5'11 guard from Los Angeles, California, has really stepped into a leadership role. Malachi Williams, a 6'4 sophomore forward from McDonough, Georgia, and Jeremiah Turner, a 5'10 junior point guard from Jonesboro, Arkansas, have also emerged as vocal leaders for us.
Q: How would you describe the team's chemistry?
Coach Wilson: They work well together and communicate with each other. That connection on and off the court is one of our biggest assets.
Q: What are you most proud of about this group's preparation?
Coach Wilson: They're coachable and willing to work hard. That's something I value. When players are open to learning, it creates the foundation for success.
Q: If you could describe this team in one word, what would it be?
Coach Wilson: Anxious. Several of these guys came to Talladega last year when the JV program was discontinued. They came here expecting to play but didn't get that chance. I told them to hold on and trust that something would work out—and it did. Now, they finally have the opportunity to showcase their talent.
As the Tornadoes take the floor tonight, Coach Wilson's focus is clear: build character, create unity, and compete with purpose. The return of the JV program represents more than just basketball—it's a second chance for dedicated young men to prove themselves and represent Talladega College with pride.
