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A look at the upcoming season
2001-02 season
Clarkson
Decimated by injuries throughout the year, Clarkson struggled to a 7-18
overall mark and 3-11 record in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association
in 2000-01 and the preseason projected starting lineup played together
just once during the entire campaign. However, the Golden Knights, guided
by third-year head coach Tobin Anderson and assistant Jason Leone certainly
appear to be laying the groundwork for a quick rise to the top of the
UCAA.
Depth was a problem last season, but that should not be the case for Clarkson in 2001-02. Although the Knights graduated two solid player in Eric Saucier and Mark Ruddy, the Green and Gold return eight lettermen and bring in an outstanding group of eight incoming players.
"We are looking forward to this coming season," states Anderson. "We have a good nucleus returning led by Nick Redhead and Lee Roes and an excellent group of incoming players, including two veteran players who can help us right away. We also have two big freshmen coming in, 6-6 and above. Those guys can all play for us. So we will have a good combination of very good guards and good big guys. We will be deeper than we have been in the past several years, which will allow us to play a more up-tempo style. I think saying that we have a chance to win the conference and go to the NCAA Tournament is within the realm of possibility. I think we have the chance to be as good as anybody."
Redhead finished the season with the third-highest scoring average in the UCAA at 18.1 points per game. A UCAA First-Team All-Star, he was approaching the Clarkson record for most points by a junior before missing two games at the end of the regular season with an ankle injury. Roes, who also missed the final two games of the regular season with an ankle injury, finished sixth in the UCAA in scoring at 16.0 points per game. He was named UCAA Honorable Mention as a sophomore.
Also returning in the backcourt are senior Lenny Williams and sophomores Josh Harner, Kevin Williams and Dan Broderick. Harner was the third-leading scorer for the Knights through the first 17 games of the season, averaging 8.8 points per game off the bench. Kevin Williams, Broderick and Lenny Williams each made solid contributions off the bench for the Knights.
Forward Steve Godlewski also emerged as a solid player down the stretch in his sophomore campaign, scoring in double-digits five times while grabbing 10 or more rebounds twice in the last four games.
Ashton Fritz, one of the top all-time leading scorers and rebounders in Clarkson's history returns to the Knights for his final year of eligibility after spending last season in the work force. A two-time Academic All-America and a UCAA First-Team selection in 2000 as a forward, Fritz ranks 12th all-time on the Knights' scoring list with 1,066 career points and eighth on the Clarkson rebounding chart with 528 boards through 75 games.
A three-year regular at LeMoyne College, senior point-guard Steve Vega will provide an immediate boost to the Clarkson frontcourt. Playing in all 26 games for the Division II Dolphins last season, Vega averaged seven points per game and led LeMoyne in three-point baskets made with 43.
Clarkson's freshman class also projects to make a big impact this season. Center Kamal Crues and forward John Adamchick have the size and talent to contribute immediately. Guards Matt Decker, Levon Kololyan and P.J. Susice will also compete for playing time.
St.
John Fisher
St. John Fisher’s Rob Kornaker knows exactly what he’s getting
into.
The first-year head coach is taking over a men’s basketball program that hasn’t suffered a losing season in 14 years and has averaged 20 wins in the last 10 seasons.
Last year, the Cardinals earned an automatic berth into the illustrious NCAA Division III Tournament by winning the Empire 8 Conference, but graduated five seniors.
This year’s
squad returns just one senior, three juniors and two sophomores.
While one might think Kornaker would be hanging his head over the upcoming
season, that’s the farthest thing from the truth.
"I’m very excited about this for the reason it’s an unknown," says Kornaker, who served as Fisher’s full-time assistant coach last year. "How our young players are going to develop, how I’m going to be as a head coach and how well we’re going to play is all up in the air right now. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of such a winning tradition."
Kornaker clearly has big shoes to fill.
Kornaker has become just the third coach in Fisher’s 39-year history, joining NBA Hall-of-Famer Bobby Wanzer, who coached Fisher from 1963 to 1986 and Bob Ward, Fisher’s current athletic director.
During Ward’s tenure, Fisher emerged as a national contender, compiling a 201-62 mark in the last 10 years and advanced to NCAA Tournament in eight of the 10 seasons.
"I know it’s not going to be easy to live up to the standard that has been set before," Kornaker says. "But it’s something to work at and aim for. I’ll be very happy if we can keep the winning tradition that’s been established."
With the departure of five seniors, including R.J. Fiorelli and Mark Niggli, who combined to average over 30 points per game, the 2001-2002 Cardinals will have a vastly different look.
Fisher does return six players, including junior captain Aaron Berwanger, who averaged 10.1 points and 4.9 rebounds last year, but several new players are going to have to come ready to play.
"I guess you have to be a little apprehensive with a team like this," Kornaker says. "When you only have six returners, you’re going to be counting on freshmen to come through and that’s not an ideal situation to have."
Joining Berwanger will be fellow returning-starter Alpha White. White has started in 41 games in his two-year career and has done a good job of shutting down the opposition’s top player in the low post.
"With Alpha and Aaron we have two multi-faceted players that have a lot of experience," Kornaker says. "Both players can score from inside and out, can rebound and can play defense. They are going to have to play well if we’re going to be successful."
Lone senior Kris
Hall also returns and will have to step up for his final season, while
junior Matt St. Criox is back and should battle for playing time at the
point.
Sophomores Matt Morley and Nick Ripple are also back after solid freshman
seasons. Morley emerged as a lethal scoring threat and averaged 4.2 points
and scored a career-high 18 points in one of the two games he started
in.
Ripple finished the season averaging 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds and provided Fisher with dependable play in the low post.
Joining Fisher’s six returners will be a fresh crop of talented freshmen that Kornaker recruited.
Two-time All-State selection Jeff Sidney of Herkimer figures to come right in and play. Scrappy point guards Tom Lippai and Pat McGee could also see time right away. Lippai played three seasons at Bridgewater-Raritan in New Jersey and paced his team to back-to-back sectional titles, while McGee led Batavia Notre Dame to a New York State title, while earning Class D MVP honors in his senior year.
Binghamton’s Nick Bennett played in just six games his senior season but has the talent and drive to press for time right away, as does 6-7 forward Steve Kieper of Oswego and Jamestown’s Chad Wiedenhofer, who has a 32-inch vertical jump.
Six-foot-one guards Tyler Roberts of Adirondack and Genesee Valley’s Raymie Auman, who collected 1,049 points and 602 assists during his career, may also work their way into the lineup, as could Victor’s Jake Scott and Brandon Holleran of Algonquin, Ill.
"It will be interesting to see how we develop the chemistry, the scoring, the defense – all of it," Kornaker says. "It’s a brand-new team. We have 16 players on the team and even some players on the junior varsity squad that I could see getting significant playing time. We’re a very young team and we’re going to find out early on who’s ready to step up and grab the reins."
New
York U.
For 13 years, Joe Nesci has patrolled the sidelines as New York University's
head men's basketball coach. And, ever since he took over the program
in the middle of the 1988-89 season, his teams have done nothing but win.
After guiding the Violets to a 6-5 mark in his abbreviated '88-89 stint, Nesci's teams have gone on to post an overall 234-99 record and have produced winning seasons in each of his campaigns. Last year, the squad went 18-10 and advanced to the finals of the ECAC Metro Championships. The 2001-02 team seems to have all the components to keep the winning streak alive.
"We have a lot of returning players with experience. That will be a big plus," Nesci said. "Coupled with a deep freshman class, we have a lot of talent in this group. It's up to the coaching staff to find out how to get the most out of everyone."
Nesci and his assistants (Dagan Nelson, Tom Satran, Cal Ramsey) will begin to utilize their resources when the 2001-02 season opens with the annual NYU Tip-Off Tournament. They will have a deep and talented group of players to choose from, a squad that returns all five of its 2000-01 starters.
Five players, including four of last year's starters, return for their final collegiate seasons. Last year's top four rebounders, top three scorers, top two shot blockers and its steals leader are among this group, as is 62% of the team's scoring and 56% of its rebounding. Without having lost anyone to graduation, these players should be ready to carry the team.
"I expect our seniors to be the key contributors," explained Nesci, who has chosen Justin Hoffman, Brian Beggans and James Coe to be the Violets' captains this season. "They're a strong group that possesses both the ability and leadership to help ease the freshmen into our program."
Hoffman (6'7", F) started all 28 games last year, led the Violets in scoring (15.9 ppg) and rebounding (7.1 rpg), and finished second in blocked shots (29) and field goal percentage (.519). He earned First Team All-UAA, Second Team ECAC and Third Team All-Metropolitan honors, and was selected as the team's MVP. Hoffman scored a career-high 29 points (on 13-17 shooting) and collected 11 rebounds in the ECAC Metro Championship Final.
"Justin's offensive ability around the basket and on the perimeter make him extremely valuable in our offense," Nesci explained. "He is also an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor."
Beggans (6'4", F) was the only other Violet to start all 28 games last season. Over his first three seasons, NYU's all-time three-point record holder (199 made, 539 attempted) has started 76 of the 77 games in which he's played. Last season, Beggans led the team in free throw percentage (.841), finished second in scoring (13.8 ppg) and assists (59), and was fourth in rebounding (3.7 rpg). He earned Second Team All-UAA honors.
"Brian's ability to hit the open shot is a key to our offense," Nesci revealed. "And his great feel for the game will be very valuable in helping our younger players develop."
Coe (6'7", C) started 25 games last season and led the team in field goal pct. (.547) and blocks (33). A versatile performer, Coe also finished second in rebounding (4.4 rpg), and third in scoring (8.7 ppg) and steals (22). Selected UAA Honorable Mention, Coe posted individual-game career highs of 22 points and 16 rebounds last season.
"Jim always plays hard and leads by his actions," Nesci stated. "He's a tough rebounder and a physical presence around the basket."
Rex Hodgson (6'4", F) started 27 games last season and has played in 70 during his first three seasons at NYU. He was the team's co-leader with 23 steals and finished third in rebounding (4.0 rpg) last season. He posted career highs in every statistical category.
"Rex's aggressiveness and intensity make him a very important part of our defensive plan," Nesci said.
Sean Grant (6'4", F) played in a career-high 11 games last season, his second as a member of the varsity squad. Despite limited minutes, Grant still registered a .556 field goal pct. (5-9) and a .500 (3-6) three-point pct.
"Sean is a real student of the game. He plays hard and always sets a good example for his teammates," Nesci explained.
In addition to the seniors, another group of important contributors return to provide quality and depth. This trio includes a returning sophomore starter, the team's lone junior, and another player who earned significant playing time as a freshman.
Michael Irwin (5'3", G) will be the team's only junior in '01-02. Despite missing six games last year and starting only one, Irwin still finished as the team's co-leader in steals (23). He was also third in assists (54), shot .538 (14-26) from three-point range, and was named to the NYU Tip-Off All-Tournament Team.
"What Mike lacks
in height he makes up for in heart," Nesci commented. "He's
an excellent floor leader who makes great decisions and finds the open
man."
Sophomore Drew Wallace (5'10", G) played in 27 games as a freshman,
25 as a starter. Taking control at the point guard position, he led the
team with 72 assists. He also averaged 7.3 ppg on .481 (63-13) shooting
from the field and .463 (25-54) shooting from three-point range.
"Drew's a good distributor who can finish around the basket and hit the open jumper," Nesci stated. "He's strong defensively and can pressure the ball in full-court or half-court situations."
Sophomore James Hauser (6'4", G) played in 19 games during his rookie campaign and started one. Despite coming off the bench, he led the team in scoring four times and in rebounding three times. His averages of 7.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg are tops among all returning sophomores.
"James is an excellent shooter who has very good court sense," Nesci revealed. "He should be a very productive player for us this year."
As many as 11 freshmen may be called upon by Nesci during the season. While several of them may obtain most of their experience with the junior varsity squad, others may find themselves playing more important roles.
"Unlike last
year where some freshmen were needed to contribute right away, this year
we shouldn't need as much from them early on," Nesci predicted.
In the backcourt, Nesci expects to receive contributions from Jason Bayuk
(6'1") and Steve Brodzinski (6'1"). Bayuk, who averaged 12 points
and seven assists per game as a senior at White Plains High School, earned
First Team All-League and All-County honors. Brodzinski, who averaged
eight points, four assists and two steals per game as a senior at Roman
Catholic H.S., helped lead his squad to a 23-7 season.
"Jason is a real good defender and floor leader," Nesci stated. "Steve is a good ball distributor. Both should contend for minutes."
At center, Nesci will look toward a pair of Pennsylvanians, Brendan Connor (6'7") and Jeff Gilkerson (6'8"). Connor, who averaged 14 points and nine rebounds per game as a senior at Pocono Mountain H.S., earned First Team All-Pocono Region and Second Team All-Mountain Valley Conference honors. Gilkerson, who averaged 22 points and 13 rebounds per game as a senior at Abington Heights H.S., compiled 1,050 career points and earned First Team All-Lackawanna honors.
"Brendan is tough and aggressive around the basket," Nesci said. "Jeff is a skilled big man who can also shoot from the perimeter."
At the forward positions, Nesci is hoping for contributions from a pair of newcomers. Nathan Hopkins (6' 6") and Bobby Serafin (6'4"), should both receive the opportunity to show their wares.
"Nathan is an 'inside-outside' forward, someone who can function on the perimeter and outside," Nesci commented. "Bobby is a physical player with good ball skills."
Also looking for a spot on the varsity roster are Ibrahim Erkan (6'4"), Peter Federowicz (6'7"), Lance Gaines (6'6"), Dave Johnson (5'9"), and Scott Nelson (6'5").
There's no reason to believe that Nesci's string of winning will end. For every new face, there will be a veteran for balance. For every untested newcomer, there's an experienced player to provide stability. All of the ingredients for another successful season seem to be in place.
"My feeling is that every team is very different and presents a new challenge," Nesci suggested. "You have to help the inexperienced players grow into leaders, and utilize your veterans to help strengthen a new core. We have talent in both areas, creating more depth than we've had in a while. We'll just have to find the right combinations and let them go."
Hilbert
Hilbert is coming off a 16-9 season in which they captured their third
consecutive conference championship. Three-time conference Coach-of-the-Year
Richard Walsh returns for his fifth season in charge of the squad and
brings with him a very experienced troop. Five seniors return for their
attempt complete a "perfect" career - four conference titles
in four years. "We look forward to another exciting season and will
do our best to bring home a fourth straight championship," explained
Walsh.
The frontcourt will be anchored by last season's league MVP Mike Tyszka. The 6'7'' senior captain led the team in scoring (18.5 ppg) and rebounding (5.8 rpg). He also broke the 1,000 point barrier last season. Tyszka needs only 187 points to become Hilbert's all-time leading scorer, breaking the mark of 1,370 set last season by Ed Hill.
Mike Sims, a three-year starter, will also be counted on for offense. Sims has 837 career points entering the season. The 6'3'' forward has the size to score from the inside and the touch to score from the outside, as witnessed by his 79 three-pointers over the past three seasons. He will be flanked by the scrappy duo of Don Piccolo and Mike Glow, who provide the size, strength, and experience to get the job done. Both saw action in every game last season and will be key to this year's success.
Sophomore Melvin Ward worked his way into 23 games as a freshman and will compete for quality time again this season. Adding to the team's experience is senior Mike Hall who has seen action off the bench over the past three years.
The play of the veterans, especially the seniors, will be the key to the Hawks' success this year. "The seniors have been a great group that have represented the school well on and off the court," remarked Walsh. "They know what it takes to be a champion and I'm confident they will provide the necessary internal leadership this year."
The biggest question mark heading into the season for the veteran team will be an unproven backcourt. Gone are last season's starting guards Hill, Dathan Madding, and their combined 25 points per game. Senior Mike Hall has three years experience, but has seen limited playing time. He will compete with a number of newcomers in the frontcourt. Though this year's guards lack game experience, Walsh feels confident that the mix of new players will produce positive results. "We had a solid recruiting year and we are anxious to see who will step up and fill the void left by Ed and Dathan."
The entire team is looking forward to the season and defending the conference title, although they know that won't be easy. "This season will be a great challenge. We are playing one of the toughest Division III schedules in the country," said Walsh, "but if we play up to our capabilities, and improve throughout the season, I will be pleased."
The season's first game will be against, Hampden-Sydney, a team that made the NCAA Tournament last season. The Hawks will then defend their 16-game home win streak versus Alfred on Nov. 20 in their first home game of the season.
More Previews
2001-02
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