Building from the Ground Up: Mt. Hood Men Open Season Under Coach Hany Daoud

Mt. Hood Community College men's basketball opens the season under the leadership of Head Coach Hany Daoud, who brings close to two decades of experience. He spent years running a Portland-area youth organization that served kindergarten through high school, and he coached overseas in Cairo with one of Egypt's premier clubs. After three seasons as Mt. Hood's associate head coach, he stepped into the lead role this year with a steady vision and a clear plan for growth.

This year’s roster reflects that direction. With only four returning players, the team had to build a strong connection in a short period of time. They spend time together on and off the court to form bonds and carry that closeness into their play. The result is a defensive-minded group that takes pride in stops, communication, and collective effort. Their chemistry continues to grow, and it shows in the way they move, support one another, and stay poised in tight moments.

The current focus is to sharpen roles and strengthen the offense. The defensive foundation is in place, but Coach Daoud wants to keep building a smoother flow, better reads, and confidence from every player. He stresses the basics: handle schoolwork, stay disciplined off the court, and take care of their physical well-being, because eligibility and health carry them through the long conference season. The program’s guiding principle is “discipline equals freedom,” and that anchors everything they do. 

The NWAC remains competitive, but Daoud likes his team’s chances. The roster stands out for its depth rather than relying on one or two scorers. On any night, several players can carry the offense, and the mix of talent has come from Sweden and Uganda to Alaska, Florida, Nevada and California. That blend of backgrounds brings energy and variety to the court while strengthening the team culture.

Leadership continues to grow from within. Captains and returning players help new teammates adjust to the pace and expectations of college basketball. Accountability is encouraged from the players themselves, as they build a group that runs on shared standards rather than top-down expectations.

In mid-January, Mt. Hood will play in a memorial event honoring longtime NWAC coach Clif Wegner. Daoud hopes his group reflects Wegner’s competitive spirit and respect for the game through effort, focus, and togetherness. The team also plans small tributes, including warm-up shirts, to honor his legacy.

The first home league game is set for January 7 against Clackamas. Full schedules are available at mhcc.edu/athletics/mens-basketball, and the team would love for the community to come cheer them on.