The 2025-26 season for Tompkins Cortland Community College men’s basketball ushered in a new era. Following Tom Wilk’s departure to Keuka College after a prosperous four seasons leading the Panthers, his assistant coach (and 2009 graduate) Tariq Macklin took the reins this year and has helped maintain their standard of excellence.
The Panthers wrapped up the campaign with a 13-10 record and a fifth consecutive appearance in the NJCAA Region 3 tournament. Things got off to a slow start at 3-6, though two of those defeats were in overtime and one came against the top team in the nation. But as the season progressed, the Panthers found their stride by winning 10 of their final 15 games.
“In the first half, we had about 17 guys, so we were really trying to figure out the lineup, who can play with who,” Macklin said. “And then in the second half of this season, we ended up with only 11. And then that’s when the team really came together and built and built. I’m very proud of the guys that finished the season off because we had a great run.”
That run came to a close in the quarterfinals to the eventual Region 3 champions Genesee Community College, the same team that the Panthers fell to in triple overtime to begin the season. Despite their campaign being bookended by losses to the Cougars, Macklin was proud of the fight his team showed in those games and all season long.
“They never give up,” Macklin said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re down by 20, they’ll stay in the game, and if you allow us to get back in it, we’ll steal one from you.”
Macklin had big shoes to fill with Wilk, who posted the highest winning percentage in program history and led the Panthers to two Mid-State Athletic Conference (MSAC) titles and two Region 3 Final Four appearances. While he only spent one season as Wilk’s assistant coach, it’s easy to see how much information Macklin soaked up to help produce a solid first season at the helm.
“I learned a lot from Tom, and that helped me going into this season, as far as getting prepared with practices and just knowing what a championship program and team looks like,” Macklin said.
Incidentally, Wilk had a phenomenal first year at Keuka. The Wolves won their first-ever Empire 8 title and made their maiden voyage to the NCAA Tournament.
Not only did TC3 keep up its postseason streak, it also continued its run of winning major conference awards. Jah-Mel Bruce was named the MSAC Player of the Year, making it three straight years that a Panther has earned such a high honor. As only a freshman, Bruce led the conference in scoring with 20.6 points per game. He also paced the MSAC in steals (78) and free throws (138).
“The first time I met him, he was ready to go,” Macklin said. “After a month into the spring season, I knew his game was on a different level. With him being a freshman taking on the role with 19 guys and not knowing them and just being a leader, it was amazing. But his work ethic alone, I see it in practice, and it just translated to the games.”
Malachi Brown also earned all-conference honors, being named to the MSAC All-Conference Team. Brown was the Panthers’ second-top scorer at 14.1 points per game and was their three-point specialist. He was also the only returning sophomore from last season, and Macklin lauded Brown for taking the mantle as a leader.
“I think he had the biggest shoes to fill,” Macklins said. “He’s a quiet guy, so for him to get vocal took a lot. He’s a great shooter. He’s a great kid on and off the court. In the first half of the season it was a struggle because we had 19 guys, so we were trying to figure out rotations, and once we got to the second half, he really stepped it up. Now he has a few offers going his way, so I’m really proud of him.”
Rounding out the trio of TC3 all-conference honors is Kashif Summers, Jr. The most local player on the team, the Binghamton native was the Panthers’ top rebounder at 8.5 boards per game and their third-best scorer at 13.8 points per contest.
“I’ve been around KJ and high school, and I’m just proud of how his game progressed,” Macklin said. “Without him, it would have been very hard this season to do what we got to do.”
With this season in the rearview mirror, Macklin is hard at work trying to build on a successful first year leading his alma mater. In fact, he’s already identified one key area as he hits the recruiting trail.
“We definitely need size, so I’m definitely locked in on getting some size for next season,” Macklin said.
