Friday, October 27, 2006

Ten Days of A-Sun Basketball wraps up with a look at the Stetson Hatters. With Midnight Madness now in the books, the Stetson University campus is firmly in anticipation mode for the 2006-07 basketball season. Last year's remarkable finish coupled with a talented group of newcomers gives the Hatters good reason for optimism. Not only will this team be looking for a return trip to the Atlantic Sun Tournament but also building the foundation for success over the next several years.

Coach Derek Waugh on the Hatters

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SEASON PREVIEW - (Courtesy Stetson Media Relations)

The 2005-2006 Stetson Basketball season was truly a tale of two halves. In the first half of the season, the Hatters struggled due to a difficult schedule, most of which came on the road, and an inability to finish off games. The second half of the season marked the greatest turnaround in Atlantic Sun history and one of the most amazing turnarounds in the history of NCAA Division I basketball. After a heart pounding overtime win at East Tennessee State, the Hatters proceeded to win twelve of their next thirteen games. Included in that stretch were a nine game winning streak which was good for the fifth longest in the country and a six game road winning streak which was the longest in Stetson’s Division I history. Stetson’s 9-1 record in the month of February also marked the winningest month in Stetson Basketball history.

“Last year’s finish was something unexpected and truly special” says head coach Derek Waugh. “Although we lost quite a few games early, our team never hung their heads and their ability to rebound and finish the way that they did is a testimony to leadership, hard work and most importantly perseverance.”

Seniors E.J. Gordon and Anthony Register finished their brilliant careers in outstanding fashion in leading the Hatters charge down the stretch. Gordon finished his career as Stetson’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,691 pts. He also finished his career as Stetson’s all-time leader in steals (235). Register finished his career as the ninth leading scorer in school history with 1,414 pts. A three time Atlantic Sun all-academic honoree, Register also finished in the top ten in seven other statisitcal categories.

“Anthony and E.J. played the best basketball of their career last spring and they were an integral part of our success. At the same time, our younger players and their improvement was a major part of the reason we were able to finish so strong. Hopefully, their experience and taste of big time success will carry over to this season,” said Waugh. “I think with all of our new players, it may take a while to completely gel, but hopefully by the end of the season our defense will be outstanding and we will have found a way to get the ball in the basket.”

The Hatters only return five players from last year’s record setting squad, but all five made key contributions. Leading the way should be senior Gabe McMillen who finished last year averaging 10.3 ppg in his final 15 games. McMillen, a former prep standout from Largo, still ranks as the third leading scorer in the history of Florida high school basketball trailing only Teddy Dupay and Chris Corchiani. Ironically, McMillen was known more for his defense for the first two and one half of his years playing for the Hatters. “Part of that is my fault” says Waugh, “Gabe has always been a rock solid defender and leader for us, but I had never turned him loose or really given him the playing time that he deserved. “When we did expand his role and let him really play, he was awesome.” Not only was McMillen impressive statistically but he was also clutch. He took and made six shots last year that either sealed games or gave the Hatters a lead late in contests.

Read the full season preview

10 Days of A-Sun Basketball Schedule
Oct. 16 - Belmont
Oct. 17 - Campbell
Oct. 18 - ETSU
Oct. 19 - Gardner-Webb
Oct. 20 - Jacksonville
Oct. 23 - Kennesaw State
Oct. 24 - Lipscomb
Oct. 25 - Mercer
Oct. 26 - UNF
Oct. 27 - Stetson