Men's basketball makes changes in off-season
Sarah Zientarski
Issue date: 7/12/05 Section: Sports
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"I expect to have a better record this year," Coach Charles Turner said. "I think at least .500 or better."
The team's record last season was 11-22.
To achieve their goal, the Wolves added height by acquiring two transfers of size from Macomb Community College: 6'9" junior center Jerold Hawkins and 6'7" junior forward Andrew Kwietniewski.
"He should contribute a lot inside on boards and blocking shots," Turner said of Hawkins, who recorded 51 blocks with MCC in 2004-2005.
Kwietniewski is expected to also boost the defense as well as put points on the board. He averaged 5.2 rebounds and 11.7 points per game last season at MCC.
"Andrew is athletic and can shoot," said senior guard L.T. Willis before a summer league scrimmage recently.
But Kwietniewski won't have to worry about being the only guy contributing offensively.
When asked who will be his star player, Turner simply said, "I would like to have five," implying the team will play with the mindset of total team involvement.
The players agree with the coach and feel his belief could happen.
"This team can have a different leading scorer every game," senior forward/center John Travis said.
Willis added, "We would much rather have six guys in double figures than have one or two players scoring over 20."
Turner said minutes will be shared equally among the team but has his starting lineup set as of now. It includes Willis and senior Juan Rickman at guard and junior Chris Shepard with seniors Syneca Puryear and Justin Miller filling the forward positions.
Stronger defensive play and an aggressive attitude makes the team believe there will be exciting basketball for students to watch this coming season.
"I see athleticism during the (summer league) games and I think the games will be entertaining for fans come regular season," Kwietniewski said.
"Getting crowd participation will make the game more exciting and will provide motivation for the team," Willis said urging students to come out and support the Wolves.
In his last year, Willis tries to give fans hope saying he will do anything in his power to make the team better than the seasons past.
In the last two seasons' the team's record has been almost identical.
The first opportunity for fans to come watch the team is Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m. against St. Clair College.