Men's Basketball Preview: Newcomers, health key for turnaround
Amruth Jonnalagadda
Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Sports
The men's basketball team is trying to put last year's disappointing season behind them, which included an overall record of 8-17 and losses in 13 of its 14 games against conferences opponents. Coach Sean McDonnell said, "Our record last year is in the past. Looking forward we have high expectations for our team."
Some of those expectations are a result of the team's experience. The Spartans return three starters: seniors Rob Skuski and Steve Young, and sophomore Kevin Herring. Both Skuski and Young have been named co-captains. "Rob and Steve are both hard-working, team-first guys. They have made an honorable commitment to the basketball program during their careers. They don't let personal agendas cloud their judgment when thinking about what's best for the team," said McDonnell.
Although the team has three returning starters, the University Athletic Association in its preseason poll picked the Spartans to finish last in the conference. McDonnell said that these pre-season rankings will have no effect on the team's performance during the season.
The Spartans have a few strengths they can build upon for the 2008-2009 season. "We have a number of players that can score," said McDonnell. Young, who garnered second-team All-UAA honors last year, led the team in scoring, averaging 13.1 points per game (ppg), which placed him 10th in the UAA.
Despite an injury-plagued season, Skuski played well at the center position when he was on the court, averaging 7.6 ppg and 7.4 rebounds per game. Sophomore Eric Duerr, who received more playing time after season-ending injuries to Skuski, took advantage of the opportunity and should have an impact on the team. Other big men on the team include senior Rick Ditto, and sophomores Alex Hildebrandt and Kurt Kramer.
Newcomers have bolstered up the Spartans' backcourt. Sophomore Reid Anderson, who played Div. I basketball at the University of Albany, has already shown his scoring prowess by recording a game-high 22 points off 8-14 shooting in the Spartans' loss in the season opener against Baldwin-Wallace. In addition to Anderson, the Spartans attracted junior guard Bryan Erce, who spent the last two years playing for Div. II Queens University. In Friday night's game, Erce scored 10 points off 4-7 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Coach McDonnell said that newcomers, including the freshmen, bring good size, athleticism, and experience.
Returning sophomore guard Colin Mulholland will look to continue his fervid three-point shooting. Mulholland was second in the UAA in three-point shooting, knocking down three-pointers at a .449 clip. Junior Antwain Coward and sophomores Ryan Bokan, Alford Preston, Jr., and Tom Krakowiak will all add depth to the backcourt.
Although the Spartans should have no major problems with scoring, defense remains a liability. McDonnell said, "Our biggest challenge will clearly be perimeter defense." Also, injuries have taken huge tolls on the Spartans' last two seasons, and McDonnell hopes the team can stay healthy.
Player to watch
Kevin Herring
One of last year's bright spots is sophomore guard Kevin Herring. He was named 2008 UAA Rookie of the Year and averaged 12.2 ppg while leading the UAA in free-throw percentage (.905). Herring is especially dangerous due to his one-on-one skills and has very good instincts.
Some of those expectations are a result of the team's experience. The Spartans return three starters: seniors Rob Skuski and Steve Young, and sophomore Kevin Herring. Both Skuski and Young have been named co-captains. "Rob and Steve are both hard-working, team-first guys. They have made an honorable commitment to the basketball program during their careers. They don't let personal agendas cloud their judgment when thinking about what's best for the team," said McDonnell.
Although the team has three returning starters, the University Athletic Association in its preseason poll picked the Spartans to finish last in the conference. McDonnell said that these pre-season rankings will have no effect on the team's performance during the season.
The Spartans have a few strengths they can build upon for the 2008-2009 season. "We have a number of players that can score," said McDonnell. Young, who garnered second-team All-UAA honors last year, led the team in scoring, averaging 13.1 points per game (ppg), which placed him 10th in the UAA.
Despite an injury-plagued season, Skuski played well at the center position when he was on the court, averaging 7.6 ppg and 7.4 rebounds per game. Sophomore Eric Duerr, who received more playing time after season-ending injuries to Skuski, took advantage of the opportunity and should have an impact on the team. Other big men on the team include senior Rick Ditto, and sophomores Alex Hildebrandt and Kurt Kramer.
Newcomers have bolstered up the Spartans' backcourt. Sophomore Reid Anderson, who played Div. I basketball at the University of Albany, has already shown his scoring prowess by recording a game-high 22 points off 8-14 shooting in the Spartans' loss in the season opener against Baldwin-Wallace. In addition to Anderson, the Spartans attracted junior guard Bryan Erce, who spent the last two years playing for Div. II Queens University. In Friday night's game, Erce scored 10 points off 4-7 shooting and grabbed six rebounds. Coach McDonnell said that newcomers, including the freshmen, bring good size, athleticism, and experience.
Returning sophomore guard Colin Mulholland will look to continue his fervid three-point shooting. Mulholland was second in the UAA in three-point shooting, knocking down three-pointers at a .449 clip. Junior Antwain Coward and sophomores Ryan Bokan, Alford Preston, Jr., and Tom Krakowiak will all add depth to the backcourt.
Although the Spartans should have no major problems with scoring, defense remains a liability. McDonnell said, "Our biggest challenge will clearly be perimeter defense." Also, injuries have taken huge tolls on the Spartans' last two seasons, and McDonnell hopes the team can stay healthy.
Player to watch
Kevin Herring
One of last year's bright spots is sophomore guard Kevin Herring. He was named 2008 UAA Rookie of the Year and averaged 12.2 ppg while leading the UAA in free-throw percentage (.905). Herring is especially dangerous due to his one-on-one skills and has very good instincts.
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