2008 Woodie Awards
Leadership plus young talent provides unity for Men's hoops
By: Nate Wilson-Traisman
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Sports
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"We've tried to instill this year as being more of a new beginning," forward Tom Conboy '08 said.
Having lost three of last year's starters to graduation, the Scots will rely heavily on new leadership and new talent. The Scots started the same five players in every game last season, so a lack of depth and experience is a noticeable concern. The production they received from Brad Liddell (school record-holder in three pointers made) and Jesse Hollander, who last season was fourth in the MIAC in rebounds, will surely be missed.
With the addition of four freshmen to the 15-man roster, the younger players will undoubtedly be counted on to fill that void.
"The freshmen as a group will play a large and important role, as they represent essentially all of our depth beyond the starting five," Head Coach Curt Kietzer said. "How far and how fast they progress against a higher level of competition than they have faced previously will have a significant impact on our success this season."
A key part of the "new beginning" has been the development of a team unity which coaches and players alike feel is as strong as it's ever been. Kietzer believes that the blend of veterans with the influx of freshman has created an atmosphere conducive to success.
"I feel great about the team's chemistry at this point, and am hopeful that this will help to offset our lack of experience," Kietzer said. "I think the younger guys are responding well to direction and correction from our seniors."
Despite losing four seniors from last year's squad, the Scots return key playmakers in Conboy and Abe Woldeslassie '08. Conboy, an all MIAC selection the past two years, led the Scots in scoring last season (17.4 points per game) and rebounds (8.0 per game). With 1,369 career points, Conboy is in reach of the school record of 1,707 held by Ben Van Thorre.
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