South Suburban's John Pigatti tabbed DII Coach of the Year
Charlotte, NC -South Suburban (IL) head men's basketball coach John Pigatti has been named the 2021-22 NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball Coach of the Year.
In his 16th season at the helm of the Bulldogs, Pigatti earned his first national championship victory; the first in program history and the first championship for South Suburban in any sport. He led the team to the first undefeated season in NJCAA Division II men's basketball history, going a perfect 33-0.
"Coach Pigatti's hard work and dedication to South Suburban College Basketball has made our program one of the best in the country" said South Suburban's Athletics Director Steve Ruzich. "What a great honor for Coach Pigatti to be named Coach of the year and well deserved. This marks the first National Title in South Suburban College history and a perfect 33-0.season. We are proud of what John has done for our program".
Coach Pigatti coached three all-tournament team selections in Nmesomachi Nnebedum, Camron Donatlan, and Damontae Taylor, as well as the 2021-22 NJCAA DIII Men's Basketball Championship Most Valuable Player, Damarco Minor. In addition, he coached two NJCAA All-Americans; Damarco Minor (First-team), and Camron Donatlan (Third-team).
The Bulldogs were a matchup nightmare for every team they faced. They averaged 90.0 points per game on the offensive side while giving up the least points per game on defense in the nation with 59.6. They complimented that with the nation's most steals per game (15.2), and the nation's most blocks per game (7.4).
In his 16 seasons leading the Bulldogs' squad, John Pigatti has compiled a 496-85 (.854) record.
2021-22 Accomplishments
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2021-22 NJCAA DII Men's Basketball Championship Title
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2021-22 NJCAA DII Men's Basketball Coach of the Year
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2021-22 NJCAA DII Men's Basketball Championship Coach of the Tournament
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Coached NJCAA DII Men's Basketball Championship Tournament MVP – Damarco Minor
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Coached South Suburban to an undefeated 33-0 record in 2021-22
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Two NJCAA DII Men's Basketball All-America Selections
