Thursday, November 05, 2009

SEASON PREVIEW - (Courtesy Belmont Media Relations)

Legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said, “You never stay the same. You’re either getter better or you’re getting worse.” If Hogan applied that logic to Belmont Basketball, the Bruins would pass with high marks.

By any measure - NCAA Tournaments, postseason play, conference championships, 20-win seasons, road conquests, coaching continuity, academic honors - Belmont Basketball is an overwhelmingly successful program that reaches new heights with each passing year.

In 2008-09, an experience-laden Belmont squad carried weighty preseason expectations and overcame countless adversity to further cement its place among the mid-major elite.

The Bruins came tantalizingly close to an historic fourth consecutive automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament, but nevertheless notched the program’s fifth 20+ win season in six years and won a postseason road game in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. Not to mention, point guard Alex Renfroe turned in arguably the finest individual statistical season in program history en route to AP All-America, All-District, Mid-Major All-America and Atlantic Sun Player of the Year honors.

“It is always exciting to ‘turn the page’ so to speak, and I know that our staff is looking forward to coaching a young, talented group of basketball players,” Belmont head coach Rick Byrd said. “I am sure we will make plenty of mistakes like a young team can, but hopefully we will play with great enthusiasm and effort as well.”

But with Renfroe and likewise venerable mainstays Shane Dansby, Matthew Dotson, Henry Harris and Andy Wicke lost to graduation, a talented - albeit new-look - Bruin squad readies to carry on the winning tradition.

Backcourt

Jordan Campbell (6-5, 205, rJr.)
Jonny Rice (6-0, 165, rSo.)
Drew Hanlen (5-11, 185, So.)
Adam Barnes (6-2, 175, rFr.)
Ian Clark (6-3, 175, Fr.)
Kerron Johnson (6-1, 170, Fr.)

Year after year, college basketball experts exclaim the same thing come March Madness when asked about a central key to success, “Give me experienced guard play.” Well, the past four seasons, Belmont Basketball has been blessed with some of the most productive guards in program history. From Brian Collins, Josh Goodwin, Justin Hare, Andy Wicke, Shane Dansby and Alex Renfroe, the Bruins have had five 1,000 point scorers and, the latter, an NAIA and NCAA All-American. For perspective, Renfroe, Wicke, Dansby and defensive stopper Henry Harris accounted for over 85 percent of Belmont’s total guard minutes and 52 percent of Belmont’s total offensive output last season. Moreover, the quartet accounted for 67 percent of the team’s total steals and 62 percent of the team’s total assists. With that monumental amount of production walking out of the Curb Event Center doors with diplomas, you wouldn’t blame Rick Byrd if he felt mild trepidation heading into 2009-10. But for every Jason Kidd that moves on, a Devin Harris must emerge. And the Bruins boast several capable candidates eager to take the next step.

Expect Jordan Campbell to assume a greater role in 2009-10. The silky smooth swingman from Indianapolis was poised for a breakthrough sophomore campaign a year ago. After leading Belmont in steals, blocked shots and ranking second in rebounding on the team in 2008 en route to Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team honors, Campbell suffered a season- ending injury Dec. 6 at North Florida. The void left in Campbell’s absence was enormous; forcing the Bruins to tighten their rotation and get creative on offense and defense. Simply put, Campbell may be Belmont’s most complete player, able to score and defend with no discernable dropoff. As he rediscovers his scoring touch and game shape and assumes a greater willingness to demand the basketball in crunch time, Campbell has all the attributes to be an All-Conference player.

With Andy Wicke’s graduation, a heaping helping of shooting guard minutes has come available. Wicke and his 1,236 points, 303 three-point field goals, 170 steals and nearly 3,500 career minutes will be difficult to replace. Yet if the end of 2008-09 is any indication, Jonny Rice is ready for his opportunity. Redshirted in 2007-08, Rice was relegated to a limited role last season due to Belmont’s bevy of experienced guards. But with Wicke in foul trouble and Henry Harris unavailable due to injury in the Bruins’ CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament opener at Evansville, a gutsy Rice stole the show. The sharpshooter from Illinois scored a career-high 15 points and played hounding defense in 27 minutes off the bench in leading Belmont to victory. Possessing one of the purest shooting strokes ever to enter the Curb Event Center, Rice has expanded his game in the off-season; ready for greater responsibility as a scorer and playmaker.

Speaking of playmaking, Alex Renfroe took the phrase to another level. The self-described “scrawny” guard that nobody wanted evolved into one of the nation’s premier point guards. Renfroe did everything but sell popcorn and keep stats for the Bruins last season. Believed to be the first college basketball player since Tim Duncan in 1997 to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, field goal percentage and blocked shots, Renfroe’s import cannot be understated.

Few got a better vantage point of Renfroe’s brilliance than Drew Hanlen. The sophomore point guard gained invaluable knowledge and seasoning from Renfroe daily in practice and games. A steady handle and defender off the bench last season, Hanlen will be asked to shoulder increased duties in running the Bruin offense. A renowned workout warrior, physically and mentally strong, and an unquestioned gym rat, Hanlen has already shined in off-season workouts. Look for greater output across the board in 2009-10 from Hanlen.

Joining the backcourt mix are a pair of highly touted freshmen. Kerron Johnson boasts one of the most eye-popping prep resumes in Belmont history: leader of three-time Alabama State Champion Madison Academy, 2009 Alabama Mr. Basketball and two-time ASWA Alabama 3-A Player of the Year for starters. Johnson is an explosive, dynamic point guard capable of setting up teammates and finishing at the rim. Belmont’s up-tempo attack is perfectly suited for Johnson’s skill set. He should vie for playing time right away.

Likewise, Ian Clark will be another welcomed infusion of talent and youthful exuberance. Clark, a prep standout at Germantown High School near Memphis, emerged as one of the top players in the state of Tennessee this past season. Long, athletic and equally adept off the bounce and from behind the arc, Clark has a polished all-around game and a scorer’s mentality. His impact will surely be felt.

Non-scholarship player, Adam Barnes returns for his second season with the program. Barnes, a mainstay performer at nearby Clarksville High School, redshirted as a freshman. He provides great energy and enthusiasm.

Frontcourt

Keaton Belcher (6-9, 215, rSr.)
Mike Dejworek (6-11, 235, Sr.)
Jon House (6-6, 210, Jr.)
Scott Saunders (6-10, 250, rSo.)
Mick Hedgepeth (6-9, 230, So.)
Brandon Baker (6-6, 205, rFr.)
Blake Jenkins (6-7, 195, Fr.)
Trevor Noack (6-7, 215, Fr.)

After losing its version of the twin towers - Boomer Herndon and Andrew Preston - after the 2007 season, Belmont has not graduated much size since. Four of the Bruins’ five 2009 graduates were perimeter players, the lone exception being Matthew Dotson. The mild-mannered preacher battled valiantly through planter fasciitis last year, finishing his career with 1,165 points and several game-winning shots. Though Dotson’s leadership and shooting touch will be sorely missed, the Bruins sport arguably their deepest frontcourt in program history.

Fifth-year senior Keaton Belcher is well-positioned to claim Dotson’s role as the Bruins’ primary shooting option from the power forward spot. Having played in 100 consecutive games since his debut in 2006, Belcher will embrace a larger leadership role this year. Four years of experience in the Belmont offense and discipline in the strength and conditioning program should reap dividends for Belcher this season. The Kentucky native has delivered several moments of greatness in his first three years, but the coaching staff will demand greater consistency in increased minutes as a senior. If Belcher’s elevated scoring output in the 2009 Atlantic Sun Tournament was any indication, he’s ready for the challenge.

Mike Dejworek stands as the elderstatesman down low now and will again provide depth as a trusted contributor. The 6-11 German product has taken enormous strides in his three years on campus and under the tutelage of post coach Brian Ayers. Dejworek’s halfcourt game has improved greatly on both ends of the floor. His rare speed, agility, and length for a big man were never in question. However, Coach Byrd may have to do a double take when he calls Dejworek’s number: No. 12 will be his third jersey number in four years.

Versatile Jon House returns for his third season at forward. A starter in all but five games a year ago, House was one of the top field goal percentage shooters in the Atlantic Sun last year. The phrase “glue guy” - a valuable team player who may not be a frontline scorer - has become all the rage in college basketball and House certainly fits the bill. The Maple Leaf does whatever it takes for Belmont to win - score, rebound, pass, defend multiple positions. With that hockey mentality, expect House to continue to stick in nose in the action.

A great deal of anticipation and excitement surrounds the debut of Scott Saunders. A promising big man armed with solid footwork and faceup ability, Saunders comes to the Bruins after playing his freshman year of 2007-08 for Rice University. Highly coveted by the Bruin coaches out of high school at nearby Battle Ground Academy, the 6-10 Saunders sat out 2008-09 in accordance with NCAA transfer rules. However, Saunders used that time wisely; acclimating himself with the Bruin system, improving his post game with Coach Ayers and bolstering his strength and fitness. Saunders’ diligence, work ethic and coachability should translate into great things for the Bruins.

Another big man poised to take his game to the next level is Mick Hedgepeth. Outside of All-American Renfroe, a strong case could be made that Hedgepeth was the Belmont team MVP in the second half of 2008-09. Self-assured after getting adjusted to the college game, the 6-9 post player, Hedgepeth became a huge factor on both ends of the floor. Clutch plays in the final seconds against East Tennessee State and Mercer in the season’s stretch run also boosted the Alabama native’s confidence. With another off-season in the weight room and the gym, look for Hedgepeth to open more eyes this season.

Like Saunders, Brandon Baker is eager to exchange the practice jersey for a game uniform. The Cincinnati native elected to redshirt as a true freshman last year, giving himself the chance to learn Belmont’s offense from a number of positions. A high-energy, high-effort player, Baker can bang in the paint and bang down three-point shots. With Coach Byrd now boasting a deeper bench and able to return to his desired extended rotation of 2007-08, expect the easy-going Baker to compete for minutes at both forward positions right away.

As with its backcourt, Belmont stakes claim to two lauded freshmen forwards. Blake Jenkins completed the Bruin incoming class, and was certainly well worth the wait. A long, athletic swingman from perennial power Bearden HS of Knoxville, Jenkins will not be fazed by high-level competition. A force on the glass and in transition, Jenkins can make the Bruins better right away. Moreover, with his pedigree of father Fred and cousin Bernard Childress having starred at Tennessee and Belmont respectively, Jenkins is excited to add to the hoops family tree.

Trevor Noack rounds out the Bruin frontcourt. A highly-touted forward from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the 6-7 Noack was a recruiting gem. As a senior, Noack blossomed into one of the top all-around big men in the Lone Star State. With the rebounding effort of Tyler Hansbrough and the scoring touch of Goran Suton, there’s no reason Noack won’t work his way into the Belmont lineup.

Non-scholarship player and local product Travis Williams adds frontcourt depth.

11 Days of A-Sun Basketball Schedule
Oct. 28 - Kennesaw State
Oct. 39 - USC Upstate
Oct. 30 - UNF
Nov.  2 - FGCU
Nov.  3 - Stetson
Nov.  4 - Campbell
Nov.  5 - Belmont
Nov.  6 - ETSU
Nov.  9 - Mercer
Nov. 10 - Lipscomb
Nov. 11 - Jacksonville