The Grinnell College men’s basketball team is setting itself up for a strong second half of the season after a successful trip to California.
After opening the season with a 2-2 record in mid-November, the Pioneers have gained momentum, with a 13-3 overall record. The team remains undefeated at home and has suffered just one conference loss thus far.
Forward Tyler Copes `29 credited the team’s success largely to senior leadership, particularly as the program navigated through significant roster changes this season.
“I think our record is good, and the main reason is that we have seniors who are leaders,” Copes said. “We also have a lot of freshmen who came in, and we’re playing a new style of basketball.”
This season, the team welcomed eight new freshmen, a shift that initially brought some uncertainty. Guard Zach Rosen `26 acknowledged that the transition was initially a challenge.
“From the beginning of the year, I think a lot of the seniors were a little worried,” Rosen said.
Despite the early adjustment period, the team has been able to transition into a strong and committed group.
“The seniors are leading, and we’re learning,” Copes said. “I feel like it’s really starting to come together.”
Head Coach David Arseneault Jr. `09 echoed that sentiment, noting that uncertainty is a natural part of college sports.
“There’s always a level of concern, and I think that’s normal,” Arseneault said. “It’s a huge adjustment going to a new school and facing a different set of academic challenges. Our older guys have done a great job mentoring the younger players.”
That leadership was tested earlier this month following the team’s first conference loss to Monmouth College, which remains undefeated in conference play.
“There was no negativity at all,” Copes said. “Our coach and the seniors did a great job keeping our heads up and moving forward to the next game. We changed our mindset very quickly.”
Rosen described the loss as a necessary learning moment.
“I think it was good for us,” Rosen said. “We were on a nine-game win streak, and it was good to be humbled. The next day, we watched film, and the coaches pointed out our lack of effort. We play them again at home next week, and I’m really excited for that.”
Both players emphasized the importance of the team’s California trip in strengthening chemistry and cohesion. From Dec. 31 to Jan. 6, the Pioneers traveled to Los Angeles, where they played two exhibition games. Many players are from California, which allowed huge gatherings of friends, family and alumni. Arseneault noted that it was the program’s most extensive trip in over a decade.
“Everything worked together perfectly,” Arseneault said. “We had a lot of parents, alumni, and supporters come out to the games. It was fun to play teams we hadn’t faced before, and it was a great bonding experience for our guys.”
Rosen highlighted the off-court experiences as equally meaningful. “We went to the beach, a Clippers game, and even the small things like meals and van rides were special.”
Copes said that exhibition games also helped prepare the team for conference play. “The wins boosted our confidence going into the rest of conference.”
As the season continues, Copes stressed the importance of having a home game advantage.
“Bringing the energy, packing the gym, and being loud makes all the difference,” Copes said.
Arseneault agreed, citing the home-court advantage created by strong attendance and support from the Grinnell community.
“We’re really fortunate to have such incredible student and community support,” Arseneault said. “It gives us a huge advantage when we’re playing at home.”
Both players also highlighted the significance of the opportunity to host the conference tournament at Grinnell, which goes to the team with the best record.
“I think hosting the conference tournament in Grinnell would really be amazing. It hasn’t been done for a long time. And then winning the tournament would be, I can’t even imagine how amazing that would feel,” Rosen said.
“Our team goal is to host the conference championship and then go on and win it,” Copes added.
With six regular-season conference games remaining, three of which will be played at home, the Pioneers will next take on Monmouth College at Darby Gymnasium on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
