Despite key losses, the men's basketball team is confident that it will fill the holes left by graduation and transfer. With question marks arising due to the losses of 2003-04 co-captains Deyvehn East and Eric Mack, along with juniors Blaine Lay, who transferred to James Madison, and Scott Armstrong, who is not playing this season, the remaining players claim to have the answers.
There will be plenty of opportunity for members of this year's team to fill the void, as East, Mack, Lay, and Armstrong logged the most time on the court last winter. Sophomore Dave Shepherd, who averaged 6.3 points and 2.5 assists per game last season as the primary backup to Mack at the point, concedes that while much of last year's team is gone, they are not forgotten.
"Like any team that loses two senior captains that played the majority of the minutes at their respective positions, it is going to be hard to adjust in the early going," Shepherd said.
"However, the buzz around the locker room is very positive," the sophomore point guard continued. "The guys have worked very hard in the offseason and the attitude is significantly different."
Along with the uncertainty of many players stepping into new roles is the opportunity for the team to shed the identity of last season's 8-17 (2-7 NESCAC) record. Shepherd and his teammates are embracing the opportunity to begin anew.
"In contrast to last year, there is a dedication to running the ball and playing a conservative non-gambling defense," Shepherd said. "We plan to make these styles of play the staples of our program."
Also figuring to make an impact this season is Dan Martin, who put up 8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last winter filling in at the power positions. Martin, who started in 12 of the team's 25 games last year, and senior Reggie Stovell, an integral member of the 2003-04 squad, will need to establish themselves as inside presences for the team to succeed this fall.
Forwards Brian Kumf, a sophomore, and junior Brian Fitzgerald will also see increased opportunity on the court due to the vacancies. As a freshman, Kumf averaged 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in only 13.5 minutes per game.
At the guard position, senior co-captains Andrew Kaklamanos and Jesse Belodoff will be joining Shepherd. Kaklamanos regularly came off the bench as a junior to fill in for East at shooting guard. Sophomore guard Roff Trethewey will be redshirting this season.
While the men's basketball team had many vacancies entering training camp, the players all came in ready to make an impact as individuals and as a group. With plenty of returning and incoming talent, the 2004-05 installment of Jumbo hoops is ready to establish its own identity.
"Last year is still fresh in our memories," Shepherd said. "But we feel like a new team with a lot to prove, and a lot of potential."<$>
