New Orange basketball coach Jordan Castaneda looking to ‘change the culture’

Members of the Orange varsity and lower level programs are being led by new coach Jordan Castaneda. (Photo courtesy Orange athletics)

Orange High’s new boys basketball coach Jordan Castaneda is bringing in a new attitude and game plan which he hopes will help the Panthers put together a winning season.

“I want to change the culture and carve out the identity with these guys of being tough and being aggressive and playing the right way,” he said. “It’s really just changing the identity of the program, that’s the big thing for me.”

Castaneda replaces Tim Williams, who resigned after four seasons to spend more time with his family. Orange was 8-20 overall last season.

It’s the first head coaching job for the 26-year-old Castaneda, who has been assistant coach at Long Beach Wilson the past two years. He also had stints as a JV coach and varsity assistant at Fountain Valley for three years and for one year at Huntington Beach.

Castaneda played basketball at Cypress his freshman before transferring to Huntington Beach. He later played at Montana State before a spinal cord injury he suffered in his senior year playing ended his career.

Castaneda knows what he wants his Panther teams to do.

“We’re going to press the whole game,” he said. “All three levels are going to press all game. Right now, it’s kind of an adjustment. I’ve only had about a month with these guys. Our goal as a staff is that in January is where we want to be definitely playing the way we want them to be playing.

“They’re not really in shape yet so these games are really important to get in that shape so these guys know what it’s like to get up and down for four quarters. It’s just playing fast, playing aggressive and the main thing is keeping these guys in shape so they can get up and down.”

Castaneda is looking for a big season from junior point guard Johnathan Tapia, who is the only returner and is expected to be the Panthers’ leader.

“He kind of does it all for us,” Castaneda said. “Last night (in the opener) he had seven steals, three blocks and he’s our do everything guy.”

Sophomore guard Marco Silva is another player to watch. “That guy just plays with a lot of heart,” Castaneda said. “He’s all over the place.”

Sophomore forward Edward Martinez is another player that Castaneda expects will contribute.

“He’s going to be really important for us, he’s really the only size (6-1) we got,” Castaneda said.

Junior Tyler Duverglas is also expected to help the team.

“We only have two seniors on the roster so a lot of the young guys are going to be asked to play big roles,” Castaneda said. “I think we will get better. We’re starting to see some guys turn that corner and once we get the whole team on the right path, I think it will be a big step for us.”

Orange, 1-1, so far, hosts El Modena (3-1) Tuesday night at 7.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com