HUNTINGDON, Pa.- While last season may not have went the way that they had hoped, the Juniata men's basketball team has plenty of experience returning to the court this season. A total of 10 players return from last year's team that will look to compete for a Landmark Conference playoff spot.
The Eagles' mantra is that they are "The Hardest Working Team in Basketball." This season has been a prime example as Juniata began their first practice on October 3. JC had the opportunity to play North of the Border with two exhibition games against teams from Canada.
On the experience in Canada, head coach Greg Curley said that it allowed his team to go at a different pace. "It adds to a level of focus and understanding of why we do what we do," noted Curley. "It put us in a spot ahead in terms of knowing who we are and where guys are going to fit."
Returners
Seven players from a year ago that played in all 25 games return for 2015-2016. That includes this season's seniors: Justin Fleming (Richmond, Va./Benedictine College Prep), Kyle Koehler (Chester Springs, Pa./Devon Prep), and Nate Ogle (Falls Church, Va./George Mason).
"They have had a really good preseason and think the time we had in Canada and the overall experience was best probably for them because it allowed some time to work through some things," noted Curley. " I think they are comfortable and confident in their role and who they are and what they can do to help us win. That in the end is the essence of leadership."
Among the juniors coming back are Trevor Clune (Meadville, Pa./Meadville Area), Dennis Fisher (Bellefonte, Pa./Bald Eagle Area), and Braden Becker (Littlestown, Pa./Littlestown). Clune saw an uptick in playing time as he started 16 out of 25 contests. He was second on the Eagles in three-point percentage, attempts, and in field goals made.
"I expect really big things out of them," stated Curley. We found roles that are really suited to their strengths and who they are and I think that it's going to allow them to take some steps this year. We are excited to see what kind of year they can have."
The sophomore class led by Marcus Lee (Carrolltown, Pa./Bishop Carroll), Seth Brewer (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township), Damon Rickens (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) and Will Peralta (Hagerstown, Md./North Hagerstown) all saw big minutes last year and hope to continue that trend. Lee was the Eagles' leading scorer with an average of nearly 13 points per game and scored in double figures 18 times with four instances putting up 20 points or more. Brewer led in assists while Rickens saw plenty of time off the bench.
"We think Marcus has a chance to be a special player," stated Curley. "I think the guys know that. In many ways, he is more of our on court leader. He is such a great team guy and great teammate and wants to win."
"Damon worked his way into a role last year. Coming into this year, he has established himself as a key guy in the rotation and he knows that and is comfortable with that. He is a guy that is going to have to stretch defenses and make shots."
"Seth is our floor leader and is going to have to grow and continue to learn his role. If everyone else is going to have a great year, most of it comes down to Seth's ability to manage and lead the team. If we look about establishing an identity, that's Seth's job to maintain that we are pointed where we need to be."
Newcomers
Six players join the team this season and will be asked upon to contribute. "I think our young guys have come in and done a really good job of trying to find a role that is going to help the overall team," said Curley. "Their work ethic as a group is very high which allows then to be successful here and allows them to maintain some of our standards. Certain guys are going to have to play some minutes of us. I think they are ready for it."
Schedule
Juniata tips off its 2015-16 season on Tuesday night at Allegheny College. The Eagles host their first games of the year this weekend with the Coaches vs. Cancer Tournament starting with Cazenovia on Friday. All five games in December are at the friendly confines of Memorial Gymnasium with a total of seven straight stretching over a month's time.
"The test early for us is important to have a real true idea where we stand right away and what this group needs. Cazenovia is going to be a challenging game. We are their opener so we are not going to have a lot of information on them. We don't know what we will see so we could get into that game and see something that we are not prepared for."
Landmark play begins on December 2 against Elizabethtown. Following that is a big matchup with defending Landmark Conference champion Scranton on December 5th. The annual Doc Greene Tournament follows on the 11th and 12th with a date against Pitt-Bradford on the 19th wrapping up the 2015 portion of the season. Among the highlights on the schedule in the latter half is a January 20th home date with current #6 preseason ranked and Landmark Conference runner-up Catholic.
Overall, Curley says he is looking forward to seeing this group coming into its own. "There is a core to what we believe in and how we need to do it," he noted. "We can be much better than last's years group. I think we can believe that we are going to be in a lot of big games and they are going to matter. More importantly for us is to be the best team we can be this year and get the most out of what we have."
