A new season awaits the University of La Verne men's basketball team as the squad blends optimism with a renewed focus heading into the 2010-11 campaign.
Fourth-year head coach Rich Reed believes this year's squad can break through as a contender in the formidable SCIAC this season after coming off a 9-16 campaign a year ago. A mix of experienced veterans and capable newcomers could provide the key to success.
I feel this team has the components to be very competitive this season," said Reed. "First is our overall size and athleticism. There will be times this season when everyone on the floor will be at least 6’5”. We haven’t had this kind of height in the past, and we’ve had to play players out of position to compensate. This season we will have players playing their natural positions, which should help us at both ends of the floor."
Among the returnees, Reed will look for the trio of wing Trevor Woodland, point guard John Leggett and forward Austin Napolitano to provide solid production for the Leopards. The three juniors should also help bring experience and leadership to their respective positions.
Woodland averaged 10.7 points per game a year ago and was one of the conference's top outside shooters, connecting on 65 three-point baskets in 2009-10. Napolitano was the Leopards' primary inside presence, averaging 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest. Leggett paced the team in both assists and steals while averaging 8.7 points a game.
Additionally, the Leopards should be enhanced by the return of wing Mychal Thomas and forward Alex Wolpe, both of whom are expected to make an impact in their second year in the program.
"It’s no secret that you win in college basketball with juniors and seniors," said Reed. "I don’t care what level you are at, all teams benefit from more experienced players who have been through the rigors of SCIAC Conference play. Our returners have displayed solid leadership thus far."
Adding to the mix is junior forward Tyler Hoyt and junior wing Jonathan Bastos along with backcourt returnees Sam Adams and Jake Veith make La Verne a more experienced squad. The Leos are also bolstered by the return of junior forward Vince Bauer, who earned significant playing time as a freshman in 2008-09.
Among newcomers who are poised to make an impact include forward Jack Mayer, shooting guards Brent Stephen and Mark Claar, and center Brandon Baker.
La Verne will receive plenty of early season tests leading up to conference play. The Leopards will twice face Chapman, an NCAA Tournament participant last season along with Northwest Conference member George Fox for three West Region contests. In addition, the Leos take on the likes of fellow Division III foes Oglethorpe, Marietta, and Concordia-Wisconsin.
"Our goal is simply to get ready for the rigors of SCIAC Conference play," said Reed. "We play a tough schedule every year to help us learn how to win and prepare us to get into the top four in the conference. We will be tested early and often with this schedule, and by the time conference play starts we will have a great idea who we are and what we need to work on."
As always, the SCIAC provides a strong challenge with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps reigning as defending champion. Pomona-Pitzer, Cal Lutheran, Occidental, Redlands and Whittier - along with La Verne - will look to ascend to the upper echelon of the conference standings.
Reed said despite the overall strength of the conference, the Leopards should feel as if they can compete with any team in the league. "I do not look at things as hurdles, but rather as challenges," he said. "This team has the talent to win games—talent is not the issue. The challenge will be whether or not we have the mental toughness to go through the grind of the season. In the past we have played to the level of our competition. If we are going to be an above .500 team and get in the top four in the SCIAC, then we need to be consistent every night we play."
