Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Basketball Team Opens 2005-06 Season Friday at Rider
11/17/2005 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 17, 2005
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Armed with five returning starters and 12 returning lettermen from last year's Patriot League championship squad, Bucknell opens its 111th season of basketball on Friday night at Rider. Head coach Pat Flannery, in his 12th season at Bucknell, is the Patriot League's longest-tenured coach. He brings in a team that is hoping for some carryover following a thrilling postseason that was highlighted by a 64-63 victory over Kansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The Bison are led by Patriot League Preseason Player of the Year Chris McNaughton, senior co-captains Kevin Bettencourt and Charles Lee, and point guard Abe Badmus, the reigning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. The Bison have one official preseason game under their belts, a 91-53 victory over Lock Haven on Nov. 5. Rider, meanwhile, is also coming off an outstanding season. The Broncs finished 19-11 a year ago, won the MAAC regular-season title and advanced to the MAAC championship game, where they fell to Niagara. Coach Don Harnum has stepped aside for a year to assume the AD duties at Rider, while Tommy Dempsey fills in as interim head coach this season. Rider, which defeated Albright 96-72 in an exhibition game this past Saturday, is led by Preseason All-MAAC selections Edwin Muniz and Jason Thompson. The Broncs will have to replace three-time conference player of the year Jerry Johnson, who made 102 3-pointers and averaged 18.4 ppg last season.
A preview of the 2005-06 Bucknell Bison:
All around the college basketball land, everybody has just one question for the Bucknell Bison: What can you do for an encore?
The success of the 2004-05 team -- mostly unparalleled in Bucknell history -- is well-documented. The 11-game winning streak that included back-to-back road wins over St. Joseph's and Pittsburgh. The first-ever Patriot League title that included three tournament victories while allowing a paltry 34, 35 and 57 points. The first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1989, one that included a monumental upset of Kansas and a close loss to Wisconsin.
The season that produced so many wonderful, tear-rendering moments will forever be etched in the memories of fans and players alike. The only difference is that those inside the Bison locker room must somehow put last season in the proverbial vault, and there lies an enormous internal challenge.
"The word I have used a lot with them since the end of last year is `entitlement,'" says head coach Pat Flannery. "Nobody has given us anything, and we recognize that we have to go out and earn everything that comes our way. We are not entitled to anything."
One thing Bucknell fans will not notice in 2005-06 is many new faces. Two seasons ago the team had one of the youngest starting lineups in the nation with three freshmen and two sophomores. Last year it was primarily two juniors, two sophomores and a freshman. So this winter the rotation will look pretty much the same.
In fact, the only loss from a year ago was senior Chris Niesz, a valuable reserve forward who played perhaps the best basketball of his career down the stretch. Three promising new scholarship recruits join the program in 6'1" guards Justin Castleberry and Jason Vegotsky and 6'11" center Josh Linthicum, but for the Bison coaching staff, much of the preseason will be spent working on improving very specific areas of weakness from a year ago.
Flannery would like to see his team cut down on turnovers, which was a key to success at the NCAA Tournament (the Bison had 30 assists to only 19 turnovers against Kansas and Wisconsin). Some players would like to shoot the ball at a higher percentage, and others need to improve at the free-throw line.
And while the Bison last season sported the nation's 10th-ranked defense, allowing only 59.0 points per game, Flannery adds that there is even room for improvement in that area, particularly converting defensive stops into transition opportunities at the other end of the floor.
"We are certainly very proud of what we have done," adds Flannery, "but from the time we got back from [our spring trip to] Ireland and England, I think we all recognized that we can get better in every way, shape and form, both individually and as a team. There are very concrete areas that need to be addressed to get to where we need to be on November 18th when we open the season."
One of the team's strengths last year was its depth. Co-captains Kevin Bettencourt and Charles Lee, center Chris McNaughton and point guard Abe Badmus were starters from day one. John Clark saw the bulk of the action at the power forward spot until a foot injury slowed him late in the year, but then-freshman Darren Mastropaolo seamlessly moved into the starting lineup, while the veteran Niesz and athletic Donald Brown and Tarik Viaer-McClymont filled in with quality minutes off the bench. In the backcourt, rookie John Griffin proved to be an excellent find, spelling both Badmus at the point and Bettencourt at the "2" spot.
Add into the mix the three newcomers in 2005-06, and it should make for some intense practices with those precious minutes up for grabs. That passion has made for some outstanding team chemistry, making this one of the tightest-knit groups with which Flannery has had the chance to work.
"The three kids we brought in have been included in everything that we have done very quickly," says Flannery. "With Kevin and Charles leading the way in their second year as captains, the young guys have fit in very well. We are all a year older now and have been through a lot of wars together. We have to recognize what it took to get there, and where we want to go from here."
A major roadblock on the way to a possible championship repeat is yet another brutally difficult non-conference schedule. Last season's early slate was considered one of the toughest in school history, with the likes of Pitt, St. Joseph's, Iowa State, Villanova, Penn and Princeton. This year's docket might just surpass it.
The Bison face Villanova and St. Joseph's at home, and Syracuse, Duke, DePaul, Niagara, Boston University and possibly Santa Clara on the road. In addition, Bucknell has been selected to participate in the ESPN Bracket Buster event in February, which will add another "mid-major" road challenge to the schedule.
All of that is followed by what should be a difficult, grinding Patriot League itinerary. While the Bison have been picked by the league's head coaches and nearly all of the major preseason magazines to repeat as champions, many forget that it was actually Holy Cross that captured the PL regular-season title a year ago with a 13-1 record. The Crusaders, who defeated Notre Dame in the first round of the NIT last season, return a pair of First Team All-Patriot League players in 2005-06 and will be looking to avenge their loss to Bucknell in the conference title game.
Lehigh won the Patriot League crown two seasons ago and features one of the loop's best backcourts. Many around the league feel that Colgate could be the league's most improved team this winter, while American has been a title contender every year since joining the league in 2001-02.
Navy was vastly improved by season's end last season, and while Lafayette and Army are listed at the bottom of the preseason poll, both teams bring back many key parts from last year's young squads.
While the Bison will be wearing a giant bulls-eye everywhere they travel this season, Flannery is quick to point out that Bucknell was also the preseason favorite going into last season as well, and they proved the pundits correct.
"I really think that we will be focused enough on what we have to do as a team that those external things won't be a distraction," Flannery offers. "If there were ever a time when we could have gotten overconfident and started believing our own press clippings was in January when we had a run of very good wins. We are proud of the attention, but the guys all seem to take notice and then quickly move on."
THE BACKCOURT
Pat Flannery has everything a coach could want in his backcourt. He has a true point guard with blazing speed who can handle the ball, direct the offense, knock down the occasional open jumper and hawk his counterpart defensively. He has a deadly shooter at the "2" spot who has scored as many as 42 points in a game at Bucknell. He has an athletic, multi-talented swingman who scores, defends and rebounds as well as anyone in the league. And he has talent coming off the bench that is capable of filling in at either guard spot.
Junior Abe Badmus returns for his third season as Bucknell's starting point guard, and he just might be the best player in the country who averaged five points per game or less last season. He is not known for his scoring, although he did have 15 points in one game and hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds against Lehigh. Instead, Badmus is the prototypical floor general, making him arguably the team's most important cog.
"Abe started slow last season due to an injury, but he finished like a man," Flannery lauds. "He played with so much confidence and just took over the team. He controlled the pace of the game both offensively and defensively, and by the end of the season his assists-to-turnovers was excellent. Abe is fun to coach and have as our quarterback."
On top of his offensive improvement, Badmus earned the first-ever Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2005. He finished with 58 steals, third-most in the Patriot League, and turned in the team's defensive play of the year with his astounding block of Carl Krauser's breakaway layup in the final minute of Bucknell's upset at seventh-ranked Pittsburgh.
One of Badmus' "primary receivers" is senior co-captain Kevin Bettencourt, who has led the team in scoring in each of the last two seasons. Already a 1,000-point scorer and the program's all-time leading 3-point shooter, Bettencourt is a two-time Second Team All-Patriot League honoree.
Bettencourt can be a devastating long-range shooter. He hit a school and league-record 11 3-pointers in a 42-point game at Saint Francis (Pa.) in 2003-04, connected on eight straight treys during one two-game stint last season and hit five huge trifectas in the NCAA win over Kansas. He was also an 88.8% free-throw shooter last season.
He is more than just a gunner, however. Bettencourt has worked hard to become an excellent defensive player, and he is strong enough with the ball to fill in at the point when needed.
"Kevin plays with so much desire," says Flannery. "Sometimes he can be too hard on himself, but he is everything a captain should be. He won't let anybody take shortcuts, whether it's in the weight room or in practice or in a game."
Co-captain Charles Lee is one of the Patriot League's most dynamic performers. A First Team All-Patriot League selection last season after earning second-team accolades as a sophomore, Lee ranked fourth in the league in rebounding at 6.4 rpg, despite standing only 6'3", and he was also in the top 10 in scoring at 12.5 ppg.
Lee, who was voted MVP of the Patriot League Tournament, was a remarkably improved 3-point shooter last year, upping his percentage from .259 in 2003-04 to .422 last year. He was also a clutch performer, hitting numerous pressure shots late in games throughout the season.
"It's neat for fans of the game to see players' physical maturation through the years," Flannery says. "Charles has gotten so strong. He made a real commitment in the weight room, and it has added to his quickness as well. He has great instincts on the glass, and he can simply make plays that others can't.
"Charles has a desire and passion to play basketball beyond this year," Flannery adds. "He has come so far academically, socially and on the court. He is just a pleasure to be around."
"When your two best players show the kind of passion that Charles and Kevin do, it's a real comfort as a coach," says Flannery of his captains. "They both lead by desire, and I'm really looking forward to both of them having great senior years."
It is also comforting to the coaching staff knowing that a quartet of younger players are ready to step in if needed. Hard-nosed sophomore John Griffin was effective at both guard spots last season. He even started the season opener at the point with Badmus injured and scored 18 points against Princeton in his collegiate debut. Griffin, the son of former St. Joseph's player and head coach John Griffin, hit 47 3-pointers, shot 42.1% from the field and had a positive assist-turnover ratio en route to Patriot League All-Rookie honors.
"The way John came on to the scene last year, I don't know if I've ever had to throw a freshman into the fire that way on opening night," recalls Flannery. "He is working hard at getting stronger and in the preseason workouts has been putting the ball on the floor with authority. John understands our defensive scheme and is learning how to be a defensive force. He wants to do whatever he can to be on the floor."
Unlike Griffin, sophomore Rob Thomas did not get to play much during his rookie year. Offense has never been the question with Thomas. He has a fine shooting touch and is not afraid to let it fire when he comes on the floor. Thomas hit 3-pointers against Villanova and Wisconsin last season, and he was a very steady scorer on the four-game tour of Ireland and England last spring.
"Rob had an outstanding trip overseas," says Flannery. "He can definitely score. Rob will play as much as his defense allows. To his credit, he has really worked hard."
Freshmen guards Justin Castleberry and Jason Vegotsky will both challenge for playing time this preseason. Castleberry hails from a Division I basketball player factory at Archbishop Spalding High in southern Maryland. He has been very impressive in preseason individual workouts, even surprising the coaching staff a bit with a better-than-expected outside shooting touch.
Vegotsky is the all-time leading scorer at Pennsbury High near Philadelphia. He must learn Bucknell's offensive and defensive schemes, but as a pure scorer who can fill it up in a number of different ways, Vegostky might be difficult to keep off the floor.
"The first semester is very difficult for freshmen to get acclimated," notes Flannery, "both from a basketball standpoint and in terms of adjusting to college life. We really try not to put too much pressure on them too soon, and with the depth we have this year I think we will be able to do that."
THE FRONTCOURT
While the Bison are stocked deep in the backcourt, the story is very similar up front. Led by Preseason Patriot League Player of the Year Chris McNaughton, Bucknell has plenty of size and skill in the post.
McNaughton's postseason performance last year solidified his status as one of the top big men in the East. His go-ahead jump-hook with 10.5 seconds remaining in the 64-63 win over Kansas was arguably the most important shot in team history, and it highlighted an amazing five-game postseason run that saw him make 30 of 42 shots from the field (.714), including 16 of 21 against Kansas and Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. McNaughton scored a career-high 23 points against the Badgers, and earlier in the season he posted 17 in the upset win at Pitt, 17 against Villanova and 17 more in the Patriot League Championship game victory at Holy Cross.
A First Team All-Patriot League selection last season, McNaughton has traditionally had his best games against the best competition. He earned significant playing time for the German team at the World University Games this summer. He scored 18 points in a start against Ukraine and helped lead his native country to a fifth-place finish.
"Coming off last season and his international experience, Chris is extremely confident in what he can do and where he wants to go in the future," says Flannery. "As coaches, we have to be smart in how we use him. He has played a lot of basketball and we need him fresh late in the season. And he has to be smart in how he adjusts to the double and triple teams. He gets attention nobody else in the league gets, but he has to play through that. Chris has worked very hard on his range and his stamina, now we need to get him enough shots to keep him involved."
Sophomore Darren Mastropaolo is the projected starter at the power forward spot. Mastropaolo improved tremendously over the course of his freshman year and moved into the starting lineup in January. He averaged only 3.0 ppg, but was outstanding defensively and made numerous "hustle" plays, such as drawing charges or tracking down loose balls. If he can increase his offensive production, it should draw some attention away from McNaughton.
"Darren was thrown into it last year, and he really responded well," Flannery praises. "It was a tribute to the upperclassmen that they made the freshmen a big part of the program. Darren did everything we asked of him. He screened and rebounded and got black and blue from diving on the floor. We are certainly looking for him to score more, enough to keep the defense honest. Darren adjusted well to the pace of the college game, and we also like the way he meshes well with any combination of post players we put out there."
Mastropaolo's path to the starting lineup last season unfortunately came at the expense of John Clark, whose painful foot injury severely limited his effectiveness late in the season. Clark underwent offseason surgery and will likely miss the start of the season, although Flannery hopes to have him back near 100 percent for the stretch drive.
When healthy, Clark provides a little bit of everything. He is an excellent passer, has shooting range that extends beyond the 3-point line, and is a solid fundamental player. The Bison are 21-9 with him in the starting lineup, including 11-2 last season.
"John is working very hard on his rehab and is really looking to Patriot League play to make his return," says Flannery. "He is a very skilled player, and we need to have him available."
Senior Tarik Viaer-McClymont is a load up front at 6'7", 264 pounds. Built like a defensive tackle, Viaer-McClymont is surprisingly nimble for a big man and has developed into an outstanding defensive player. He shot 57.1% from the floor in a reserve role last season and was one of the team's best players on the offseason tour of England and Ireland.
"A lot of people forget about Tarik, but I guarantee our staff and his teammates don't," Flannery offers. "He has had a lot of big games for us, and he can play a number of different roles. He can play with or without Chris McNaughton and with or without Darren Mastropaolo. More importantly, Tarik realizes that this is his senior year, and he wants to achieve every goal."
With excellent long-range shooter Chris Niesz lost to graduation and Clark out for awhile with the injury, Flannery would like to find a shooter up front who can help stretch defenses.
Junior Donald Brown can be one of those players. Brown shot 52.5% from the field last season and is one of the team's most athletic performers. He only attempted six 3-pointers all of last season but worked hard on his jump shot in the offseason. Brown was an unsung hero last postseason, particularly on the glass and at the defensive end of the floor. He has both started and come off the bench in his career, and he should be ticketed for around 20-25 minutes per game in 2005-06.
"Donald can defend with anyone," commends Flannery. "He can start or come off the bench, and he provides the energy you need sometimes to change the complexion of the game."
A relative newcomer who could be ticketed for increased playing time is sophomore Andrew Morrison, who appeared in 16 games off the bench last year.
"Andrew will have the opportunity to play because he has good range and is a tough defender," says Flannery. "It is important for him to make shots and extend defenses."
Senior Holland Mack has been a career reserve, but he is also one of the most popular players in the locker room, a player whose importance goes well beyond game nights.
"Every team needs a guy like Holland Mack," says Flannery. "He comes every day with a unique energy. He is very popular and outgoing, and he does absolutely anything that we ask of him. He's part scout and part comedian, but he is a big part of this team's heart."
Also looking to make an impact in 2005-06 is freshman center Josh Linthicum, who brings an additional size element at 6'11". Linthicum is a skilled post player who will benefit from going head-to-head with McNaughton every day in practice. With the depth up front, Flannery has the luxury of easing Linthicum into the lineup, but the former Virginia Episcopal School star shouldn't need long to get acclimated.
"We are very pleased to have Josh," says Flannery. "He is big and strong and is used to playing on the block. He also has good touch on the perimeter."
