South Suburban College Men’s Basketball Ranked #6 in the Nation in Preseason Poll
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The South Suburban College (SSC) Men’s Basketball Team has been ranked #6 in the nation in the NJCAA Division II Preseason Poll. The Bulldogs’ 2025–2026 schedule is packed with competition, featuring 10 opponents ranked in the national top 25.
The Bulldogs tip off their season with an exhibition game at home on Monday, November 3rd, against Calumet College of St. Joseph’s Development Team at 7:00 p.m. The regular season opener follows on Saturday, November 8th, when SSC hosts nationally ranked Danville Area Community College at 3:00 p.m.
Now entering his 20th season, Head Coach John Pigatti continues to lead one of the most successful programs in junior college basketball. Under Pigatti’s leadership, the Bulldogs have earned 13 Region IV titles and made history in 2022 as the only undefeated team ever to win a National Championship. The 2024 Bulldogs followed up with a remarkable run as national runners-up.
The 2025–2026 roster is led by returning standouts AJ Abrams (Eisenhower High School), an Honorable Mention All-American, and Samar Bures (Rich Township High School), a First Team All-Region guard. This year’s team also features eight players hailing from Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago, continuing SSC’s strong local recruiting tradition.
With national recognition and veteran leadership, the Bulldogs are set to make another exciting run at a championship season.
For additional information, please contact Coach Pigatti via email at jpigatti@ssc.edu.
PHOTO: South Suburban College Logo.
About South Suburban College
Founded in 1927, South Suburban College is a comprehensive public community college located in South Holland, Illinois. SSC is committed to lifelong learning and community development through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education. With a diverse student body and a wide range of academic and career programs, the College continues to foster innovation, equity, and excellence in higher education.