Men's Basketball 11/6/2012 3:39:00 PM

2012 Men's Basketball Season Preview

The TAMIU men’s basketball team returns to the court for the 2012-13 season with a vastly new landscape and a unique set of challenges to overcome.

In their 2011-12 campaign the Dustdevils’ captured their second consecutive Heartland Conference title, finishing with an overall record of 21-8 and an 11-3 mark in league play. It was a bittersweet success however, as the Dustdevils fell in the opening round of the conference tournament to Arkansas Fort Smith, in TAMIU’s first opportunity to host a conference tournament.

Defensively TAMIU was tops allowing only 62.9 points per game, while holding teams to only 40.8 percent shooting from the field and 31.8 percent from three-point range. Offensively they were ranked first in field goal percentage (49.9), three-point field goal percentage (38.2), and assists (16.1/game). They were also first in scoring margin (+10.9) and first in assist/turnover ratio (1.2).

Bryan Weakley steps in as the Dustdevils’ new Head Coach replacing Shane Rinner, who departed for Fresno State University where he now serves as the director of operations for the women’s basketball team. Coach Weakley brought in nine new players for the 2012-13 campaign, who he hopes can fill the void of the eight departing seniors, which accounted for the majority of the team’s output last season.

“Our group of seniors from last year made history,” said Coach Weakley, “They achieved things that most people in our region never thought possible. Our biggest challenge is going to be getting the new guys to buy into the philosophy, although it’s not an unfamiliar process. Two years ago we brought in 12 new guys and we didn’t start to click until about seven games in. Once they start to understand why we do the things we do, we have a chance to be very competitive.”

Five players return from last year’s squad, none of which logged significant minutes. According to Coach Weakley however, what they lack in game time experience, they make up in understanding of the system.

“We rely heavily on our returners to preach our message to the new players. They know how competitive this conference is and how hard you have to work to be successful. They have really helped the new guys see what our program is about – in practice, in the weight room, and in the classroom.

POINT GUARD:

Gone are All-Conference players Ryan McLucas and Scotty Payne, who shared time at the point last season. Payne led the team with 106 assists last season and McLucas was ranked second on the team averaging 12.3 points per game. Matthew Culliver Jr., Derico Dandridge, Marc Price Jr., and Danny Rosas are all viable options to step in.

“I really like our point guard play,” said Coach Weakley. “Matthew is a 25 year old player, who has been out of the game for a bit, but he was an All-American in junior college and he is a terrific leader.”

“Derico won a lot of games in high school and had a great career at McLennan Community College. He has a high basketball IQ and he is learning our systems as fast as we could’ve hoped.”

“Danny has been with us for two years and he’s gotten visibly better and stronger each – we are hoping he can have a breakout year. Marc is a hard worker and a good leader who will look to compete for minutes.”

SHOOTING GUARD/SMALL FORWARD:

Guard play should be one of the Dustdevils’ biggest assets. Coach Weakley has added a group of incredibly versatile players who can shoot the ball efficiently and are great perimeter defenders. While the team relied heavily on entry passes into the post last season, this year’s group will look to penetrate more and draw the defense to create open looks.

“We feel like we are going to have a great year shooting the ball with this group,” said Coach Weakley. “Johnel Gray, Felipe Vezaro, and Kevin Jefferson can all knock down shots for us. Jordan Clark and Randell Jones are two guys who are extremely athletic and can play both small and power forward. Jordan won 55 games in two years at McLennan Community College and Randell went to the National Tournament at Cape Fear Community College.”

POWER FORWARD:

The team will rely heavily on their lone senior, Jayvin Reynolds, at the power forward position. Reynolds played in 24 games for the Dustdevils last season and averaged 2.3 points per game to go along with 2.0 rebounds per game.
“Jayvin has a lot of pressure on him because he has to carry the guys through his effort in practice and he has to make plays - that’s what seniors are supposed to do out there,” said Coach Weakley. “They have to make plays on the court and they have to be the model for everyone to follow.”

Redshirt Juniors Louis Ilton and Cornelio Alvarez should also see increased minutes this year, bringing a much needed level of intensity to the court.

“Louis is a utility player who will be our junkyard dog,” said Coach Weakley. “He’s a good defender and understands what it takes to win. He’s very competitive and does all the little things that make a team successful. Cornelio should be a guy who bangs down low, but can also step out and hit an outside jumper.”

CENTER:

This will undoubtedly be where the Dustdevils’ have the most ground to cover. Replacing Conference Player of the Year Evan Matteson will be no easy task. Matteson was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder, and recently signed a professional contract with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBA-D League. A lack of height and a season ending injury in the preseason to 6-8, 266 lb center Curtis Trotter, will place the pressure squarely on the team’s only true big man Damal Donaldson.

“Because of our injury situation, Damal’s role has increased,” said Coach Weakley. “He can finish inside and knock down 15-footers. He’s one of the most physical players we’ve had here, but he needs to get into better shape. Once he’s able to maintain a high level of play for extended periods of time, he’s going to be a major factor.

SCHEDULE:

The Dustdevils will play 14 home games starting with Lone Star Conference foe Eastern New Mexico University on November 10. The team will then hit the road for two of their next three games to take on Texas A&M Kingsville, Incarnate Word, and a rematch with Eastern New Mexico. Coach Weakley says it’s one of the most difficult schedules the men’s basketball team has ever faced.

“With the expansion of the league this year, we have an almost complete Division II schedule. Teams in the Heartland and Lone Star Conferences are very talented, so we are going to be tested right out of the gates.”
The Dustdevils’ continue their road trip on December 1, opening up conference play against last season’s Heartland Conference Tournament champion St. Mary’s University.

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