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10/29/2008 - MEN'S BASKETBALL
11 Days of A-Sun Men's Basketball: Belmont
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Courtesy ASunPhotos.com
11 Days of A-Sun Basketball tips off with a closer look at the Belmont Bruins. The three-time defending tournament champions are led by preseason All-Atlantic Sun team member Shane Dansby.
The senior stepped up his production from 5.0 ppg and 23.7 3-pt FG Pct in 2006-07 to 13.4 ppg and 37.6 3-pt FG pct last year. He captured the 2008 General Shale Brick Atlantic Sun Championship MVP honors after averaging 14.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and a scorching 58.3 percent from beyond the 3-point arc
Belmont enters 2008-09 as one of a select list of teams that have won its league's conference tournament in each of the last three seasons. Also on that list, last year's finalists: Kansas (Big 12), Memphis (C-USA), as well as perennial mid-major powers Winthrop (Big South), Oral Roberts (Mid-Continent) and Davidson (Southern).
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2008-09 Belmont Bruins
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SEASON PREVIEW - (Courtesy Belmont Media Relations)
College basketball fans have come to expect certain things come Selection Sunday. Jim Nantz and Billy Packer breaking down the NCAA Tournament bracket from site of the Big Ten Tournament. Digger Phelps claiming the selection committee unjustly burst the bubble of every program up for debate, such that the NCAA Tournament would need a field double in size. And Greg Gumbel mentioning ‘Belmont’ in the field of 65.
By any measure - NCAA Tournaments, conference championships, 20-win seasons, road conquests, academic honors - Belmont Basketball is an overwhelmingly successful program. In 2007-08, the Bruins expanded their offensive repertoire from primarily trademark three-point marksmanship to a diverse, uptempo attack.
“Last year, we took another significant step forward as a program,” Belmont head coach Rick Byrd said. “We hope to build on those things, and continue to get better.”
Though arguably the deepest and most physically gifted team in Belmont history is poised for an encore, the Atlantic Sun Conference shapes up to be as competitive as ever.
BACKCOURT
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Bruins this season will be how the team replaces ultra-clutch performer Justin Hare. From his game-saving conventional three-point play in the 2006 Atlantic Sun Championship or the gutsy pullup jumper in the waning moments at Alabama, Hare delivered time after time under pressure. The Cleveland, Tenn. tallied a remarkable 14 game-winning or game-tying shots over his career, one that included 1,761 points, second-most in the Bruins’ NCAA-era. Aside from Hare’s all-conference level of play and unassuming swagger, the 6-2 guard became Belmont’s equivalent to New York Yankee closer Mariano Rivera - a bonafide sure thing at the end of games. Hare’s remarkable 92 percent free throw shooting percentage ranked among the nation’s best in 2007-08, and helped the Bruins close out several opponents. In short, Hare was the embodiment of the Belmont student-athlete, highly successful on the court and in the classroom. With Hare on to medical school, the ‘Face of the Program’ tag must be passed on.
Enter Andy Wicke. Hare’s roommate and close friend, Wicke possesses similar leadership qualities, not to mention respect among his teammates. The Hendersonville, Tenn. native had 14 double figure scoring games a year ago, and like Hare, does not shy away from the spotlight in end-game situations. Wicke provided winning late-game plays against Lipscomb, Gardner-Webb and Campbell last year. Moreover, the 6-2 senior made four three-pointers despite nagging foul trouble against Duke in the NCAA Tournament. Wicke has established himself as a standout defender, often drawing the assignment of hawking the opposition’s top outside scorer. Tough, versatile, and unafraid, Wicke will again be a major component in the Bruin effort this year.
Fellow senior and local product Henry Harris provides even more experience and tenacity. One of three Bruins to be part of three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, Harris spearheaded Belmont’s dramatic come-from-behind victory over ETSU in the 2008 Atlantic Sun Semifinals. His steady, relentless ball pressure hindered opposing offenses and was a major reason why Duke guards Greg Paulus and Jon Scheyer were a combined 6-for-19 from the floor with four turnovers in the NCAA Tournament. Good luck finding a quicker, tougher on-ball defender.
Alex Renfroe sprung onto the national scene in the Duke game, as his cat-quick drives and electrifying finishes at the rim made him a household name. But aside from the lefthander’s team-high 15 points under the brightest lights of the ‘Big Dance’, the sleek 6-2 senior saved his best for major conference competition last year. After scoring 13 points in just 12 minutes in his collegiate debut at Cincinnati, Renfroe poured in 15 points in the Bruins’ big win at Alabama. Alex brings unrivaled court awareness and passing ability to the team; as a dynamic force, the sky truly is the limit for Renfroe in his senior campaign. Not to be outdone, sophomore Jon House looks to build on his enormously productive freshman year. The versatile 6-6 swingman provided heaping helpings of toughness and rebounding for the Bruins, both off the bench and in three starts. The image of House’s determined drive past Duke center Brian Zoubek remains etched in the memory of most Belmont fans. Already a trusted cog, as his understanding of the offense and skill set broadens, expect even more offensive explosions from the North Country product.
After redshirting in 2007-08, Jonny Rice will join the guard rotation this season. A native of Illinois, Rice was arguably the team’s best three-point shooter last year, albeit in practice. The silky smooth 6-0 guard possesses a sweet long range stroke and was a team leader in high school and for the AAU Illinois Wolves. Heralded by numerous recruiting websites as a player to watch, Rice assumes the No. 4 worn by former Bruin standout Josh Goodwin. Look for Jonny to frequent the arc of the Curb Event Center much like the gritty lefthander.
Aside from Harris and Renfroe, Drew Hanlen will compete for minutes at point guard. A proven commodity at Webster Groves High School near St. Louis, Hanlen is a renowned workout warrior. Physically and mentally strong upon arrival and emboldened with a true passion for the game, don’t be surprised if the heady 5-11 freshman is paired with Renfroe or Harris at times.
Two non-scholarship players, Adam Barnes and David Stanley, will be welcomed additions this season. Barnes, a mainstay performer at nearby Clarksville High School, and Stanley, a seasoned winner from Louisville, enhance a deep, well-rounded backcourt.
FRONTCOURT
While the Bruins will never be mistaken for towering frontlines of UCLA, Georgetown, or UConn, Belmont sports more quality frontcourt size and talent than ever before.
Though Coach Byrd’s offense is built for interchangeable positions, at small forward, Belmont has some enticing, proven options. Senior Shane Dansby returns after a praiseworthy junior season. Without question Belmont’s most consistent performer, Dansby earned Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP and Second Team All-Atlantic Sun honors. Providing double figure scoring, sound rebounding, and defense on four positions, the 6-4 wingman showcased the ability that first opened eyes at Pegram High School. With a penchant to score inside, outside and in transition, Dansby will again shoulder a significant portion of the scoring load.
A wing player also looking to springboard off of a stellar 2008 season is Jordan Campbell. With apologies to Clark Kellogg, Campbell became a ‘Stat Sheet Stuffer Supreme’ - filling up box scores in virtually every category. A team leader in steals, blocked shots and second in rebounding, the Indianapolis native was a worthy Atlantic Sun All-Freshman Team honoree. Just a sophomore, Campbell may be Belmont’s most complete player, able to score and defend with no discernable dropoff. As he assumes a greater willingness to demand the basketball in crunch time, Campbell has all the attributes to be a star.
Matthew Dotson is yet another gifted inside-outside threat for the Bruins. A major contributor in each of his first two seasons, the Centerville, Tenn. enjoyed a breakthrough junior year, assuming his rightful place as a Bruin frontline force. Dotson scored in double figures 23 times a year ago, finishing second in the Atlantic Sun Conference in three-point field goal percentage. Dotson earned Atlantic Sun All-Tournament Team honors as well. Emblematic of his entire year, the 6-8 senior demonstrated courage and confidence when called upon in the NCAA Tournament against Duke, scoring 14 points with an array of jumpshots and jumphooks.
Coach Byrd demands players who can fill a variety of roles on either end at a moment’s notice. Keaton Belcher certainly fits that description. The junior from Butler, Ky. fell into his comfort zone last season, rising in several key moments. Belcher put on astounding shooting displays off the bench against MTSU, Lipscomb and ETSU among others, but it was the 6-9 forward’s elevated grit and defense that served notice and yielded more playing time. Never one to shy away from a shot, Belcher ranked among the nation’s leaders in three-point field goals made per minute played in 2007-08; a statistic he is likely to be a factor in once again this year.
Brandon Baker rounds out Belmont’s forward rotation. The tough and athletic freshman from Cincinnati brings a skill set in keeping with Coach Byrd’s “4” men. Bruin fans will be reminded of former BU standout Adam Mark when watching Baker play - both in his appearance and fundamentally sound game. Versatile, intense, and strong-willed are apt descriptions of Baker, and the 6-6 newcomer is expected to compete for minutes right away.
Unlike last year, when the Bruins adjusted their offensive tact in a post Herndon-Preston world, this season Belmont boasts solid interior depth. Mike Dejworek stands as the elderstatesman down low now and looks poised to become a trusted contributor. The 6-11 junior has taken enormous strides in his two 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. And with that ability to run the floor, Dejworek seems a perfect fit for Belmont’s uptempo attack .
Joining Dejworek will be Mick Hedgepeth. A heralded all-state performer from Alabama, Hedgepeth’s leadership and winning mentality mirror the Bruin way. The 6-9 post impressed the coaching staff with his offseason training regimen, which should aid a seamless transition into college basketball.
Belmont is also excited to bring Scott Saunders into the fold. A promising big man armed with solid footwork and faceup ability, Saunders comes to the Bruins after playing his freshman year for Rice University. Highly coveted by the Bruin coaches out of high school at nearby Battle Ground Academy, the 6-10 Saunders should be a major cog in the coming years. He will be a redshirt in 2008-09 in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.
“It is not productive to dwell on preseason polls or the expectations of others when preparing for a season,” Belmont head coach Rick Byrd said recently. “Every team in the country is different than they were this year and our 2008-09 team has not accomplished anything to this point so we better just focus on being the best team we can be.”
11 Days of A-Sun Basketball Schedule
Oct. 29 - Belmont
Oct. 30 - Campbell
Oct. 31 - ETSU
Nov. 3 - FGCU
Nov. 4 - Jacksonville
Nov. 5 - Kennesaw State
Nov. 6 - Lipscomb
Nov. 7 - Mercer
Nov. 10 - UNF
Nov. 11 - USC Upstate
Nov. 12 - Stetson
