Davidson Men's Basketball is Stronger, More Athletic and Versatile
11/2/2011 11:48:00 AM | Men's Basketball
2011-12 Season Outlook
This is Bob McKillop's 23rd season serving as Davidson's head coach. His outlook is almost always optimistic but maybe more so than usual this year. He has a veteran team, one with exceptional depth as well as the versatility to put all kinds of different combinations on the court.
Scouting the Wildcats could be a daunting task for opponents.
“We quite possibly could play a big lineup, a four-guard lineup, or even a lineup featuring three point guards,” McKillop said. “Playing time will be up for grabs as there are as many as 10 players who could earn double-digit minutes.”
Davidson lost two players to graduation following last season's 18-15 team that split two games in the postseason College Basketball Invitational. Guard Brendan McKillop and forward Ben Allison, both four-year mainstays, have graduated. But there is imposing talent, athleticism and size returning.
“Our roster has become stronger and more athletic from top to bottom,” McKillop said. “It's what we need because we intend to once again play an aggressive and fast-paced style of basketball. Having several point guards who are experienced in our system helps set the tone for this plan of attack. We will implement an inside-outside attack believing that we have a number of excellent 3-point shooters as well as several frontcourt players who can score with their backs to the basket. Some of our guards can also post up.”
It's necessary for Davidson to be well stocked with talent this season as it faces a difficult non-conference schedule before jumping feet first into an ever-improving Southern Conference. Davidson plays at Duke, UNC Wilmington, Charlotte and UMass, visits Kansas City to play Kansas and welcomes Vanderbilt, Penn and Richmond among others to Belk Arena.
That would be a handful for just about any basketball program. To succeed against it, the Wildcats must improve defensively over last season.
“We must do a better job of limiting transition points than we did a year ago,” McKillop said. “We must contest every shot and eliminate excessive fouling.”
Davidson's staple defense under McKillop's coaching is man-to-man, which won't change this season. But the 'Cats might throw in a little more pressure as well as some zone defense in an effort to keep opponents out of rhythm.
McKillop drills his players to approach defense as a team of defenders, not as five individuals. “We know the techniques but there must be a consistent focus to play as a team of defenders with no missing links,” he said.
One of Davidson's strengths last season was rebounding. The Wildcats had four rebounds a game more than opponents on average and 419 offensive rebounds to 324 for the opposition. That led Davidson to attempt 147 more field goals than opponents even though it had 37 more turnovers on the season.
“Rebounding was a strength last year and needs to become even more pronounced this season,” McKillop said. “With the size of our guards, we might be able to increase our rebounding advantage on both the offensive and defensive glass. We have always sought to emphasize the importance of guard rebounding. Our rebounding should also be enhanced due to the improvement in the strength and athleticism of our frontcourt players.”
Each returning player on Davidson's team spoke in the preseason about the ups and downs of last season and lessons learned from it. Davidson got out of the gate against a tough schedule in fine fashion going 7-5 in its first 12 games. But then a prolonged slump hit the 'Cats and when College of Charleston visited Belk Arena on Jan. 29, Davidson's record stood at 8-12. It appeared it would be 8-13 when the Cougars left town because they led by 13 points early in the second half. But Davidson completely changed the game's complexion and rallied to win by 11 behind Nik Cochran's 21 points. That set up a torrid finish for the Wildcats as they won nine of 10 games going into the SoCon tournament where they experienced a frosty shooting night and lost in the first round to UNC Greensboro.
Why the sudden turnaround last year? A consensus of veteran players is that the team decided to play basketball without worrying so much about the consequences of winning and losing.
“We freed ourselves up to just play,” junior Jake Cohen said, “and it was an awful lot of fun.”
“Our roster is now depleted of players who were part of our Elite Eight year,” Coach McKillop said. “Our current group faces the challenge of putting their own stamp on the rich basketball tradition of Davidson College. Learning to win has been a challenge; learning to win consistently has been an even greater one. Our late season run last year gave us a glimpse of the potential of this team. Now our goals are to turn that potential into production and do it consistently.”
The Frontcourt
Davidson returns size and improved athleticism to its frontcourt where depth and versatility are also viewed as strengths.
Frank Ben-Eze, 6-10, senior: “The way he has evolved as a student-athlete at Davidson keeps getting better and better,” Coach McKillop said of his big guy.
Ben-Eze deserves something good to happen to him as far as maintaining good health. He has endured five knee operations without giving up. He says he felt better in the preseason than he has in years. “He's in the best health he's been in since arriving at Davidson,” McKillop said. “We need him to use his size and strength to help us.”
That help would come in occupying the painted area and blocking shots on defense, attacking the offensive glass and getting some stickbacks and running the court.
“What we've done in the past, or what opponents have done against us in the past means nothing now,” Ben-Eze said. “It's the two hours on game day that counts. That's what matters.”
Jake Cohen, 6-10, junior: He spent the offseason in a high intensity training program that saw his weight increase from 219 to 235 pounds. He's bigger, strong and quicker than he was last season, which should help him maintain his positioning in the painted area on both offense and defense.
“Jake has already had two excellent seasons for us,” McKillop said. “He can score in a variety of ways – from 3-point range to having his back to the basket. His added strength should aid him in improving his play in the low post.”
Now that he's stronger and quicker and harder to move out of position, Davidson is looking for Cohen to improve his rebounding statistics by two or three a game.
He shot 49 percent from the field last season in averaging 12.2 points a game and snared 6.2 rebounds a game. He hopes to cut down on the 107 fouls that he committed last season that resulted in him fouling out of seven games.
Clint Mann, 6-7, junior: His game was a little tentative at the beginning of last season due to sitting out his first academic year at Davidson following his transfer from Iowa State. But once he got into the flow of the game again, his improvement was obvious, especially late in the season.
“Clint was a big help to us last year,” McKillop said, “and he's much ahead of where he was a year ago. There's no rust on his game now. He's worked on his shooting, which is improved, and he's more athletic. That means he takes the court with more confidence. He takes comfort from knowing that he is much more familiar with our system.”
Mann, according to McKillop, can score from the perimeter, by taking his man off the dribble, and by playing with his back to the basket.
“He worked to improve his stamina,” McKillop said, “which is much better now.”
One of Mann's main objectives is to cut way down on fouling. He had 118 fouls last season and fouled out of nine games.
De'Mon Brooks, 6-7, sophomore: “He had a great freshman season for us,” McKillop said. “He will compete for a starting position this year. His experience should help him become a more consistent player. He has the ability to score off the dribble, with his back to the basket, and from the perimeter.”
Brooks has a motor that doesn't stop and runs the court with such adeptness that he often beats his defender to the basket. He says there's no reason he shouldn't average double-digit rebounds. He means it.
Among his goals this year, he says, are to be more accountable to his coaches and teammates and be in better position defensively.
He averaged nine points and five rebounds last year, which would be fine with most freshmen. But Brooks says he was disappointed with those numbers and aims to step them up this year. “It'll happen,” he said. “It's going to happen.”
Will Reigel, 6-5, senior: “Will missed a lot of time last season with injuries,” Coach McKillop said. “He is the ultimate team player. He does his best in whatever role he is assigned. He had offseason surgery that set him back some more. He has a great work ethic and is an outstanding senior leader who excels as a rebounder and defender. His commitment is such that he earned a scholarship for his senior season.”
Reigel says he has no personal goals for the season, just team goals. “I'm ready to do whatever I'm called upon to make the team better,” he said.
His father lettered in basketball at Davidson for four years from 1976-80.
Ali Mackay, 6-11, redshirt freshman: Mackay came to Davidson last year from Scotland. His lack of strength and weight led to his spending the year in a redshirt role. He showed in practicing against Davidson's players, though, that he isn't the least bit apprehensive about mixing it up under the basket.
“He had a very productive summer in his individual basketball work and in putting on weight and gaining strength,” McKillop said. “He's a good perimeter shooter, and could be most effective end line to end line as he runs the court very well.”
Mackay's minutes most likely will be limited this season, but he has interesting basketball skills that should pay dividends for him and Davidson in future years.
Youssef Mejri, 6-7, freshman: Came to Davidson from Tunisia via Montclair Prep in Van Nuys, Calif. He didn't play competitive basketball last year, which means that it'll probably take some time to work the rust off his game. A very determined young man whose dream was to play college basketball in America – and he wouldn't take no for an answer.
“Youssef must make the adjustment to American basketball,” McKillop said. “He's a hard worker, quick, skilled and athletic. Once he learns our system, I'm confident he'll make significant contributions to our program.”
The Backcourt
We'll let the season play out, but on paper this could be one of the most talented, versatile and deepest backcourts that McKillop has ever coached. He wouldn't hesitate to put four guards on the court at the same time, or even play a lineup at times that featured three point guards.
JP Kuhlman, 6-4, junior: He shared SoCon Freshman of the Year honors with teammate Jake Cohen two years ago. He led the team in scoring last year at 12.8 a game. He led the team in minutes played, in steals and assists and in free throws attempted and made.
“JP has always had the respect of his coaches and teammates,” McKillop said. “His first two years here were superb and his work ethic is such that he continues to improve. He can play on the ball or off the ball with equal skill. He worked hard to improve his 3-point shot and was successful in doing so. He is one of our leaders.”
Nik Cochran, 6-3, junior: He'll complement Kuhlman and Tom Droney in the backcourt. Cochran can stoke the fire as well or better than anyone on Davidson's team. He came off the bench last year looking to attack his opponent.
“He has greater quickness this year,” McKillop said. “He moves his feet much better, which leads to better defense. I suspect he'll take more of a scoring role this season. He has the ability to knock down threes, get to the rim and draw fouls.”
That he does. In an average of 20 minutes of playing time last season, Cochran got to the free throw line 101 times. And when he gets there, it pays off handsomely for Davidson. He led the SoCon by making 88 percent of his foul shots.
Like teammates Kuhlman and Droney, Cochran can play both point and big guard. He averaged nine points as a sophomore. Says McKillop, “We expect Nik to play a key role for us this season.”
Tom Droney, 6-6, sophomore: “He took on a tough role for us last year,” Coach McKillop said, “and just keeps getting better and better. He started for us at the point and played with poise. He started every game for us last year and played his best basketball at the end of the season.”
McKillop likes Droney's size for a point guard and didn't hesitate to put Droney on an opponent's leading scorer last year. “He defended well for us last year,” the coach said, “and his shot is improved.”
Some players might complain that being tabbed a defensive stopper hurts them at the offensive end. Not Droney. He loves the challenge of going against top scorers.
Droney has the size to be one of those outstanding rebounding guards that McKillop covets for his program.
AJ Atkinson, 6-6, senior: He was awarded a scholarship for his senior season. Most of his work, which is extremely valuable, has come in practice as he constantly pushes starters in an effort to help them improve.
It's a role that some players wouldn't accept with a good attitude, but Atkinson embraces it.
“He's our jack of all trades,” McKillop said. “He knows what every position on the court does offensively. He's always ready to contribute.”
Atkinson guards every position from point guard to power forward in practice.
Chris Czerapowicz, 6-7, sophomore: He played in 21 games last season after recovering from surgery and showed his potential as a scorer and rebounder.
If McKillop wants to go to a four-guard lineup, he could put Czerapowicz at power forward or small forward.
“He has size, strength, and the skill to shoot threes, drive to the basket, or post up. He is our best rebounding perimeter player,” McKillop said.
He spent last summer playing for the Swedish National team.
Clay Tormey, 5-11, sophomore: A walk-on who Coach McKillop describes as “tough, aggressive and quick. He's willing to take on any role. He made our team as a walk-on and excels at putting on defensive pressure and attacking on offense as a member of our scout team in practice.”
Tormey, who says he feels “blessed” to be a member of Davidson's team, played in eight games last season. His team-first attitude is exemplary.
Tyler Kalinoski, 6-4, freshman: Versatile, fundamentally sound, can play point or big guard, and can shoot. He is from Olathe, Kan.
“Tyler has good size and is an excellent shooter with a high basketball IQ,” McKillop said. “He will certainly make a contribution for us this year.”
Mason Archie, II, 6-4, freshman: Archie made the team this year as a walk-on. He came to Davidson from Indianapolis.
“Mason is long, lanky, athletic and willing to work hard,” McKillop said. “He is a bonus for our team.”
Will Thoni was a team manager last season who spent a lot of time practicing as a member of the scout team. His work was so impressive that McKillop awarded him a roster spot as a scout team player. He will continue with some of his managerial duties.
Thoni's father was head basketball coach at the University of the South and Will also wants to coach. His new role on the team will provide him with great preparation and insight.
Ryan Ansel was a team manager as a freshman. He worked Davidson's summer basketball camp while working on his own basketball skills and will be a member of the scout team this year while continuing as manager.
The Davidson Way
Most coaches who have been around and had as much success as Bob McKillop get a little stubborn in their approach to the game, as they should. They're not about to abandon the things that have made their programs successful.
For Davidson, McKillop's style translates into unselfish basketball. His team will continue to emphasize defense and depend on five guys working together rather than have five games of one-on-one going on. “A team of defenders,” is the way he puts it. He prefers man-to-man defense but will show zone when it's to his advantage. He wants his teams to attack offensively and play at a fast pace. But when the break is not there, the team is schooled in halfcourt sets that when run properly, usually produce high percentage shots.
He recruits good students who are serious about their schoolwork and have what it takes to matriculate through Davidson while also playing basketball at an ambitious level.
All of that is the Davidson Way.
Davidson has excellent talent and depth this year. That's good. Lining up against Duke and Kansas and Vanderbilt and other nationally-ranked teams, there'd better be talent available. It also takes toughness and confidence. Davidson seems to have it all.
That, of course, is on paper. The games are won between the lines. While Davidson is not going to concede an inch to an opponent, neither will any team surrender to them. That's one of the many beautiful things about college basketball.
The games begin 0-0 with no advantage to either team. May the best man win.
Davidson's players are competitors and know that playing against the likes of Duke and Kansas will make them better. Their weaknesses – and every team in America has some — will be exposed by those basketball titans.
The Wildcats – the coaches and players – are not happy with their record from the last two seasons. While many schools would love to swap places with Davidson, McKillop and his men are used to more – and expect more.
That's the mindset they take into the 2011-12 season. They're not expecting any of it to be easy, but they are expecting it to be productive.
Davidson hasn't danced in March in three seasons. That in reality is not a long time or any reason for concern, but to these Wildcats it seems like a decade or more.
Their goal is to be busy in March 2012.
Scouting the Wildcats could be a daunting task for opponents.
“We quite possibly could play a big lineup, a four-guard lineup, or even a lineup featuring three point guards,” McKillop said. “Playing time will be up for grabs as there are as many as 10 players who could earn double-digit minutes.”
Davidson lost two players to graduation following last season's 18-15 team that split two games in the postseason College Basketball Invitational. Guard Brendan McKillop and forward Ben Allison, both four-year mainstays, have graduated. But there is imposing talent, athleticism and size returning.
“Our roster has become stronger and more athletic from top to bottom,” McKillop said. “It's what we need because we intend to once again play an aggressive and fast-paced style of basketball. Having several point guards who are experienced in our system helps set the tone for this plan of attack. We will implement an inside-outside attack believing that we have a number of excellent 3-point shooters as well as several frontcourt players who can score with their backs to the basket. Some of our guards can also post up.”
It's necessary for Davidson to be well stocked with talent this season as it faces a difficult non-conference schedule before jumping feet first into an ever-improving Southern Conference. Davidson plays at Duke, UNC Wilmington, Charlotte and UMass, visits Kansas City to play Kansas and welcomes Vanderbilt, Penn and Richmond among others to Belk Arena.
That would be a handful for just about any basketball program. To succeed against it, the Wildcats must improve defensively over last season.
“We must do a better job of limiting transition points than we did a year ago,” McKillop said. “We must contest every shot and eliminate excessive fouling.”
Davidson's staple defense under McKillop's coaching is man-to-man, which won't change this season. But the 'Cats might throw in a little more pressure as well as some zone defense in an effort to keep opponents out of rhythm.
McKillop drills his players to approach defense as a team of defenders, not as five individuals. “We know the techniques but there must be a consistent focus to play as a team of defenders with no missing links,” he said.
One of Davidson's strengths last season was rebounding. The Wildcats had four rebounds a game more than opponents on average and 419 offensive rebounds to 324 for the opposition. That led Davidson to attempt 147 more field goals than opponents even though it had 37 more turnovers on the season.
“Rebounding was a strength last year and needs to become even more pronounced this season,” McKillop said. “With the size of our guards, we might be able to increase our rebounding advantage on both the offensive and defensive glass. We have always sought to emphasize the importance of guard rebounding. Our rebounding should also be enhanced due to the improvement in the strength and athleticism of our frontcourt players.”
Each returning player on Davidson's team spoke in the preseason about the ups and downs of last season and lessons learned from it. Davidson got out of the gate against a tough schedule in fine fashion going 7-5 in its first 12 games. But then a prolonged slump hit the 'Cats and when College of Charleston visited Belk Arena on Jan. 29, Davidson's record stood at 8-12. It appeared it would be 8-13 when the Cougars left town because they led by 13 points early in the second half. But Davidson completely changed the game's complexion and rallied to win by 11 behind Nik Cochran's 21 points. That set up a torrid finish for the Wildcats as they won nine of 10 games going into the SoCon tournament where they experienced a frosty shooting night and lost in the first round to UNC Greensboro.
Why the sudden turnaround last year? A consensus of veteran players is that the team decided to play basketball without worrying so much about the consequences of winning and losing.
“We freed ourselves up to just play,” junior Jake Cohen said, “and it was an awful lot of fun.”
“Our roster is now depleted of players who were part of our Elite Eight year,” Coach McKillop said. “Our current group faces the challenge of putting their own stamp on the rich basketball tradition of Davidson College. Learning to win has been a challenge; learning to win consistently has been an even greater one. Our late season run last year gave us a glimpse of the potential of this team. Now our goals are to turn that potential into production and do it consistently.”
Davidson returns size and improved athleticism to its frontcourt where depth and versatility are also viewed as strengths.
Frank Ben-Eze, 6-10, senior: “The way he has evolved as a student-athlete at Davidson keeps getting better and better,” Coach McKillop said of his big guy.
Ben-Eze deserves something good to happen to him as far as maintaining good health. He has endured five knee operations without giving up. He says he felt better in the preseason than he has in years. “He's in the best health he's been in since arriving at Davidson,” McKillop said. “We need him to use his size and strength to help us.”
That help would come in occupying the painted area and blocking shots on defense, attacking the offensive glass and getting some stickbacks and running the court.
“What we've done in the past, or what opponents have done against us in the past means nothing now,” Ben-Eze said. “It's the two hours on game day that counts. That's what matters.”
Jake Cohen, 6-10, junior: He spent the offseason in a high intensity training program that saw his weight increase from 219 to 235 pounds. He's bigger, strong and quicker than he was last season, which should help him maintain his positioning in the painted area on both offense and defense.
“Jake has already had two excellent seasons for us,” McKillop said. “He can score in a variety of ways – from 3-point range to having his back to the basket. His added strength should aid him in improving his play in the low post.”
Now that he's stronger and quicker and harder to move out of position, Davidson is looking for Cohen to improve his rebounding statistics by two or three a game.
He shot 49 percent from the field last season in averaging 12.2 points a game and snared 6.2 rebounds a game. He hopes to cut down on the 107 fouls that he committed last season that resulted in him fouling out of seven games.
Clint Mann, 6-7, junior: His game was a little tentative at the beginning of last season due to sitting out his first academic year at Davidson following his transfer from Iowa State. But once he got into the flow of the game again, his improvement was obvious, especially late in the season.
“Clint was a big help to us last year,” McKillop said, “and he's much ahead of where he was a year ago. There's no rust on his game now. He's worked on his shooting, which is improved, and he's more athletic. That means he takes the court with more confidence. He takes comfort from knowing that he is much more familiar with our system.”
Mann, according to McKillop, can score from the perimeter, by taking his man off the dribble, and by playing with his back to the basket.
“He worked to improve his stamina,” McKillop said, “which is much better now.”
One of Mann's main objectives is to cut way down on fouling. He had 118 fouls last season and fouled out of nine games.
Brooks has a motor that doesn't stop and runs the court with such adeptness that he often beats his defender to the basket. He says there's no reason he shouldn't average double-digit rebounds. He means it.
Among his goals this year, he says, are to be more accountable to his coaches and teammates and be in better position defensively.
He averaged nine points and five rebounds last year, which would be fine with most freshmen. But Brooks says he was disappointed with those numbers and aims to step them up this year. “It'll happen,” he said. “It's going to happen.”
Will Reigel, 6-5, senior: “Will missed a lot of time last season with injuries,” Coach McKillop said. “He is the ultimate team player. He does his best in whatever role he is assigned. He had offseason surgery that set him back some more. He has a great work ethic and is an outstanding senior leader who excels as a rebounder and defender. His commitment is such that he earned a scholarship for his senior season.”
Reigel says he has no personal goals for the season, just team goals. “I'm ready to do whatever I'm called upon to make the team better,” he said.
His father lettered in basketball at Davidson for four years from 1976-80.
Ali Mackay, 6-11, redshirt freshman: Mackay came to Davidson last year from Scotland. His lack of strength and weight led to his spending the year in a redshirt role. He showed in practicing against Davidson's players, though, that he isn't the least bit apprehensive about mixing it up under the basket.
“He had a very productive summer in his individual basketball work and in putting on weight and gaining strength,” McKillop said. “He's a good perimeter shooter, and could be most effective end line to end line as he runs the court very well.”
Mackay's minutes most likely will be limited this season, but he has interesting basketball skills that should pay dividends for him and Davidson in future years.
Youssef Mejri, 6-7, freshman: Came to Davidson from Tunisia via Montclair Prep in Van Nuys, Calif. He didn't play competitive basketball last year, which means that it'll probably take some time to work the rust off his game. A very determined young man whose dream was to play college basketball in America – and he wouldn't take no for an answer.
“Youssef must make the adjustment to American basketball,” McKillop said. “He's a hard worker, quick, skilled and athletic. Once he learns our system, I'm confident he'll make significant contributions to our program.”
We'll let the season play out, but on paper this could be one of the most talented, versatile and deepest backcourts that McKillop has ever coached. He wouldn't hesitate to put four guards on the court at the same time, or even play a lineup at times that featured three point guards.
JP Kuhlman, 6-4, junior: He shared SoCon Freshman of the Year honors with teammate Jake Cohen two years ago. He led the team in scoring last year at 12.8 a game. He led the team in minutes played, in steals and assists and in free throws attempted and made.
“JP has always had the respect of his coaches and teammates,” McKillop said. “His first two years here were superb and his work ethic is such that he continues to improve. He can play on the ball or off the ball with equal skill. He worked hard to improve his 3-point shot and was successful in doing so. He is one of our leaders.”
Nik Cochran, 6-3, junior: He'll complement Kuhlman and Tom Droney in the backcourt. Cochran can stoke the fire as well or better than anyone on Davidson's team. He came off the bench last year looking to attack his opponent.
“He has greater quickness this year,” McKillop said. “He moves his feet much better, which leads to better defense. I suspect he'll take more of a scoring role this season. He has the ability to knock down threes, get to the rim and draw fouls.”
That he does. In an average of 20 minutes of playing time last season, Cochran got to the free throw line 101 times. And when he gets there, it pays off handsomely for Davidson. He led the SoCon by making 88 percent of his foul shots.
Like teammates Kuhlman and Droney, Cochran can play both point and big guard. He averaged nine points as a sophomore. Says McKillop, “We expect Nik to play a key role for us this season.”
Tom Droney, 6-6, sophomore: “He took on a tough role for us last year,” Coach McKillop said, “and just keeps getting better and better. He started for us at the point and played with poise. He started every game for us last year and played his best basketball at the end of the season.”
McKillop likes Droney's size for a point guard and didn't hesitate to put Droney on an opponent's leading scorer last year. “He defended well for us last year,” the coach said, “and his shot is improved.”
Some players might complain that being tabbed a defensive stopper hurts them at the offensive end. Not Droney. He loves the challenge of going against top scorers.
Droney has the size to be one of those outstanding rebounding guards that McKillop covets for his program.
AJ Atkinson, 6-6, senior: He was awarded a scholarship for his senior season. Most of his work, which is extremely valuable, has come in practice as he constantly pushes starters in an effort to help them improve.
It's a role that some players wouldn't accept with a good attitude, but Atkinson embraces it.
“He's our jack of all trades,” McKillop said. “He knows what every position on the court does offensively. He's always ready to contribute.”
Atkinson guards every position from point guard to power forward in practice.
If McKillop wants to go to a four-guard lineup, he could put Czerapowicz at power forward or small forward.
“He has size, strength, and the skill to shoot threes, drive to the basket, or post up. He is our best rebounding perimeter player,” McKillop said.
He spent last summer playing for the Swedish National team.
Clay Tormey, 5-11, sophomore: A walk-on who Coach McKillop describes as “tough, aggressive and quick. He's willing to take on any role. He made our team as a walk-on and excels at putting on defensive pressure and attacking on offense as a member of our scout team in practice.”
Tormey, who says he feels “blessed” to be a member of Davidson's team, played in eight games last season. His team-first attitude is exemplary.
Tyler Kalinoski, 6-4, freshman: Versatile, fundamentally sound, can play point or big guard, and can shoot. He is from Olathe, Kan.
“Tyler has good size and is an excellent shooter with a high basketball IQ,” McKillop said. “He will certainly make a contribution for us this year.”
Mason Archie, II, 6-4, freshman: Archie made the team this year as a walk-on. He came to Davidson from Indianapolis.
“Mason is long, lanky, athletic and willing to work hard,” McKillop said. “He is a bonus for our team.”
Will Thoni was a team manager last season who spent a lot of time practicing as a member of the scout team. His work was so impressive that McKillop awarded him a roster spot as a scout team player. He will continue with some of his managerial duties.
Thoni's father was head basketball coach at the University of the South and Will also wants to coach. His new role on the team will provide him with great preparation and insight.
Ryan Ansel was a team manager as a freshman. He worked Davidson's summer basketball camp while working on his own basketball skills and will be a member of the scout team this year while continuing as manager.
Most coaches who have been around and had as much success as Bob McKillop get a little stubborn in their approach to the game, as they should. They're not about to abandon the things that have made their programs successful.
For Davidson, McKillop's style translates into unselfish basketball. His team will continue to emphasize defense and depend on five guys working together rather than have five games of one-on-one going on. “A team of defenders,” is the way he puts it. He prefers man-to-man defense but will show zone when it's to his advantage. He wants his teams to attack offensively and play at a fast pace. But when the break is not there, the team is schooled in halfcourt sets that when run properly, usually produce high percentage shots.
He recruits good students who are serious about their schoolwork and have what it takes to matriculate through Davidson while also playing basketball at an ambitious level.
All of that is the Davidson Way.
Davidson has excellent talent and depth this year. That's good. Lining up against Duke and Kansas and Vanderbilt and other nationally-ranked teams, there'd better be talent available. It also takes toughness and confidence. Davidson seems to have it all.
That, of course, is on paper. The games are won between the lines. While Davidson is not going to concede an inch to an opponent, neither will any team surrender to them. That's one of the many beautiful things about college basketball.
The games begin 0-0 with no advantage to either team. May the best man win.
Davidson's players are competitors and know that playing against the likes of Duke and Kansas will make them better. Their weaknesses – and every team in America has some — will be exposed by those basketball titans.
The Wildcats – the coaches and players – are not happy with their record from the last two seasons. While many schools would love to swap places with Davidson, McKillop and his men are used to more – and expect more.
That's the mindset they take into the 2011-12 season. They're not expecting any of it to be easy, but they are expecting it to be productive.
Davidson hasn't danced in March in three seasons. That in reality is not a long time or any reason for concern, but to these Wildcats it seems like a decade or more.
Their goal is to be busy in March 2012.
Davidson Men's Basketball - Bay Area Mini Camp with Stephen Curry
Wednesday, July 23
The Inside Out Show -- Episode 9
Friday, March 28
The Inside Out Show -- Episode 8
Thursday, February 20
The Inside Out Show - Episode 7
Friday, January 31
