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10/22/2007 - MEN'S BASKETBALL
12 Days of A-Sun Basketball: Belmont
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Courtesy ASunPhotos.com
12 Days of A-Sun Basketball tips off with a closer look at the Belmont Bruins. The two-time defending tournament champions are led by preseason All-Atlantic Sun team member Justin Hare. Hare is the active leading scorer in the conference at over 1200 career points. The Bruins enter the season as the second choice of the coaches and the media.
Belmont is one of a select list of teams that have won its league's conference tournament in each of the last two seasons. Also on that list, two-time defending national champion, Florida (SEC), Kansas (Big 12), Memphis (C-USA), Gonzaga (West Coast), Winthrop (Big South), Oral Roberts (Mid-Continent), Davidson (Southern) and Albany (America East).
Head coach Rick Byrd is one of 11 active Division I men's basketball coaches to have spent at least 20 seasons with his current program. Among this list are Syracuse's Jim Boeheim (31 seasons), Duke's Mike Krzyzewski (27), Arizona's Lute Olsen (24) and Connecticut's Jim Calhoun (21).
2007-08 Belmont Bruins |
SEASON PREVIEW - (Courtesy Belmont Media Relations)
Once merely associated as the third leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, slowly but surely the name ‘Belmont’ is registering as a thoroughbred on the hardwood. With three 20+ win seasons and three postseason appearances - including two consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament - over the last four years, Belmont Basketball has emerged as a one of the most successful programs in the country. Noted for strong outside shooting, productive post play, and disciplined, united team defense, the Bruins have made a name for themselves in college basketball. But with the pride of back-to-back Atlantic Sun Championships comes the weight of expectations and pressure. “Every year is a new year and it is best to focus on simply doing the best you can do, practicing well every day and competing hard when you play,” head coach Rick Byrd said recently. “You always hope that the confidence of knowing you can do it is worth something but the motivation of others trying to prove they can may balance that out.” And a balanced, deep Atlantic Sun Conference stands before the Bruins. Nevertheless, one of the quickest and most physically gifted teams in recent memory will be ready to answer the challenge and build on the Bruin tradition.
Backcourt
Despite the departure of captain and 1,000 point scorer Josh Goodwin, Belmont’s backcourt shapes up to be an area of strength. Senior Justin Hare, one of the program’s most identifiable players, returns after three highly productive seasons. Already third on the Bruin NCAA scoring list with 1,275 points, Hare has delivered in many pressure situations over his career, most notably his conventional three-point play late in the 2006 Atlantic Sun Championship game victory over Lipscomb. The two-time Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP and First Team All-Atlantic Sun selection has expanded his game each season and will once again be counted on to create scoring opportunities for the Bruin offense. His scoring, playmaking ability and unselfishness will be keys for Belmont in 2007-08. “Justin has been a premier player in the Atlantic Sun for three seasons now,” Byrd said. “We are looking forward to his final year as a Bruin with high expectations.”
Junior Andy Wicke has also demonstrated a penchant for performing in the clutch and will also big counted on for significant production this season. The Hendersonville, Tenn. native led the Atlantic Sun Conference in three-point shooting percentage (.440) a year ago and his record-breaking 10 three-pointer performance in a home win over Gardner-Webb last February will long be remembered. Wicke has also established himself as a standout defender, often drawing the assignment of hawking the opposition’s top outside scorer. Tough, versatile, and unafraid, Wicke will be a major component in the Bruin effort this year.
Fellow redshirt junior and local product Henry Harris provides even more experience and tenacity. One of just two Bruins to start every game in 2006-07, Harris spearheaded Belmont’s defensive resurgence a year ago. His steady, relentless ball pressure hindered opposing offenses and was a major reason why teams shot just .285 from three-point range against the Bruins a year ago - second best in the NCAA. One of the most disciplined and self-motivated players in recent memory, the former Stratford HS star embodies the Bruin spirit. Harris is known for his quickness and acceleration, but he also possesses a solid outside shot.
Alex Renfroe at long last gets to shed the Bruin warmup jersey and step onto the gameday court. The junior transfer from Trevecca Nazarene sat out 2006-07 in accordance with NCAA rules. A former NAIA All-American while at Trevecca and standout at nearby Hume Fogg HS, Renfroe is a natural point guard with exceptional quickness and ball handling ability. His energy on both ends should translate into minutes - and success for the Bruins.
Andrew House is also back for his fourth season with the program. Following three diligent seasons as a walk-on, House’s efforts were rewarded with a scholarship for the 2007-08 season. The CPA product has provided several memorable moments, including his career-high nine point effort against North Florida last November and high basket against Georgetown in the NCAA Tournament. House’s good nature and professionalism are infectious and welcome commodities on the team. Belmont welcomes three newcomers this season, each of whom should contribute to the backcourt mix. Stefan Baskin joins the program after one year as a student at the University of Tennessee. Baskin, a former standout at Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, will be a non-scholarship player in 2007-08.
The Bruins went north of the border to secure a player in their incoming class. Canadian Jon House arrives in Nashville with an impressive resume of international experience, including this summer’s FIBA U-19 World Championships in Serbia. House, an athletic big guard at 6-6, will give the coaching staff numerous lineup options.
Jon Rice is another heralded incoming freshman. A native of Illinois, Rice possesses a sweet three-point stroke and was a team leader in high school and for the AAU Illinois Wolves. Coincidentally assuming the #4 from the aforementioned Goodwin, Rice will likely frequent the arc of the Curb Event Center much like the gritty lefthander.
Frontcourt
Much will be made of the Bruins’ loss of productive centers Andrew Preston and Boomer Herndon to graduation. With each having delivered solid post play and moved on the professional careers, a void has been left on the block. With that said, Belmont returns a bevy of talented, and offensive-minded players ready to prove that the Bruin frontcourt production will remain plentiful. It simply may come from a variety of angles.
At small forward, Belmont has never been longer or more athletic. Period. Junior Shane Dansby acquitted himself nicely in 2006-07, his first season after transferring in from Murray State. The Pegram, Tenn. native defended positions one through four and became one of the team’s most reliable rebounders. Sure to see his number called more regularly this season as he becomes even more familiar with the Rick Byrd offensive philosophy, Dansby’s above-the-rim play will get the attention of Bruin fans in the halfcourt and transition alike.
Another wing player blessed with tremendous gifts is Jordan Campbell. The native of Indianapolis elected to redshirt last season despite having the opportunity to vie for minutes right away. However, destined for great things, Campbell enters this his freshman season with a year of practice and understanding under his belt. An honorable mention All-American by Street & Smith at North Central HS, Campbell may be Belmont’s most complete player, able to score and defend with no dropoff. He will be an enormous part of the Belmont program this year and beyond.
So much of the Bruin offense is built around skilled, interchangeable parts. Players who can fill a variety of roles on either end at a moment’s notice. Keaton Belcher certainly fits that bill. The sophomore from Butler, Ky. came into his own towards the end of last season, providing key lifts at key junctures. From emergency post duty against Fordham in his first extended work to big three-pointers against Campbell in the Atlantic Sun Tournament, Belcher showed a number of skills. His ability to score well from the post and the perimeter coupled with a stronger body will make Belcher an instrumental figure for the Bruins in 2007-08.
Like Belcher, Matthew Dotson boasts a blend of size and shooting touch. A major contributor in each of his first two seasons, the junior from Centerville, Tenn. has been tabbed by many for a breakthrough campaign. His 19-point second half explosion against UNC-Wilmington in last year’s opener gave Belmont fans a taste of Dotson’s offensive capabilities. And now entrusted with greater responsibility as a post producer and rebounder, Dotson could vie for all-conference honors.
Will Peeples will continue to provide toughness and physical presence in the interior. At 6-5, the Little Rock native is one of the team’s best returning rebounders, especially keeping possessions alive on offense. Moreover, Peeples has the instincts and ball handling ability of a guard, much like a point forward in the Anthony Mason mold. An enforcer who can break the press, look for Peeples to lead the Bruins in rebounds, assists, and free throws in a game this season. Already having earned an accounting degree, Peeples is also one of the Bruins’ best team defenders.
Belmont may have only one true center this season. Mike Dejworek is back and eager to assume an increased role. As a freshman, Dejworek’s playing time was limited behind centers Preston and Herndon. However, with their departure, and Belmont’s deep, quick roster, look for the imposing German to make a strong impact. Possessing rare speed, agility, and length for a big man, Dejworek is expected to aid the Bruin points in the paint. Furthermore, under the tutelage of post instructor Brian Ayers, the 6-11 center has expanded his offensive game.
Schedule
As has been the case since its arrival in the Division-I ranks, Belmont faces a rigorous examination. It opens right away on November 9 at Big East stalwart Cincinnati as part of the Peggy Cronin Classic. Bowling Green and Western Carolina are also schedule to participate in the three day event.
From there, three more games away from home - Samford, the first of two games with 2007 NIT participant Austin Peay, and SEC power Alabama. The Bruins’ first home game comes on November 26 in the first of a home and home series with MTSU.
December opens with a return to Cincinnati, this time for a date with Xavier. The Musketeers return a solid nucleus from a 25 win team that came within an eyelash of defeating National Runnerup Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament.
Belmont welcomes Nashville rival Tennessee State to the Curb Event Center on December 17 before ending the non-conference season in a holiday tournament hosted by Chattanooga.
New teams to the Atlantic Sun means a new regular season format - divisional play for 2007-08. The slate will have 16 games rather the 18 played a year ago. Furthermore, while the Bruins will play Lipscomb, ETSU, Gardner-Webb, Campbell, and newcomer USC Upstate twice, there will only be lone meetings with Kennesaw State, Mercer, Stetson, Jacksonville, North Florida, and newcomer Florida Gulf Coast. However, league standings will not be divisional.
“The Atlantic Sun has long been a league that gives opportunities for new schools to develop into Division I programs,” Byrd said. “Now most of the universities in our conference entered the Atlantic Sun from either the NAIA or Division II in the last seven years.”
12 Days of A-Sun Basketball Schedule
Oct. 22 - Belmont
Oct. 23 - Campbell
Oct. 24 - ETSU
Oct. 25 - Florida Gulf Coast
Oct. 26 - Gardner-Webb
Oct. 29 - Jacksonville
Oct. 30 - Kennesaw State
Oct. 31 - Lipscomb
Nov. 1 - Mercer
Nov. 2 - UNF
Nov. 5 - USC Upstate
Nov. 6 - Stetson
