Athletic Basketball Tigers Seek 11th ODAC Crown
by: Jarrod Ficklin ‘11Out of all the sports at Hampden-Sydney, the Tiger basketball teams have historically been the best. Ten ODAC championships and two NCAA Division III Final Four appearances in the last 20 years prove that claim. This year, the Tigers look to continue that legacy and add to the already impressive tradition of Tiger basketball. To do so will be tough considering the extreme depth and talent of other ODAC teams, but because of the Tigers’ own depth, athleticism, and talented group of freshmen, the Tigers will look to contend for their 11th ODAC crown.
This preseason, the Tigers were picked to finish 5th in the ODAC. Guilford’s Final Four run last season helped them garner the #1 preseason ODAC ranking and a #3 national preseason ranking. Randolph-Macon is ranked #19 in the same national pole, and after already beating Division I opponent and last year’s Patriot League Champs, American University, the Yellow Jackets looked poised to hold up that ranking. Virginia Wesleyan will once again be tough as they try to win their 4th ODAC title in 6 years. Obviously the Tigers have plenty of competition in the 2009-2010 season, but they want more respect than they are getting. When asked how much of a motivation factor that preseason #5 ranking is, Head Coach Dee Vick responded, “It definitely motivates us all. One of our goals is to get better every day, and if we stay healthy and accomplish that goal, then we will have a shot in the end.”
Seniors Turner King and Jonathan Mudd have been dubbed to lead the Tigers on their pursuit for the ODAC crown this year. Turner King is an obvious selection as captain for his play on the court: two-time First Team All-ODAC Selection, and he is already tenth on Hampden-Sydney’s all-time scoring list with 1,363 points. Coach Vick attributes King’s honors received on the court to his resiliency off the court: “Turner King stands for perseverance.” Despite King’s terrific play on the court the previous three seasons, Coach Vick expects even more from King this year. The more vocal leader of the two is definitely Jonathan Mudd, and he has earned his spot as captain because of his maximum effort on the court and his ability to mesh well with all of his teammates. Remember that Mudd came in as a transfer last season. Coach Vick pointed out that blending in as well as Mudd did “is rare, and it says a lot for his character and his love for the team.”
Many feel that Ben Jesse was robbed of the ODAC Rookie of the Year Award last season. His confidence and ability to shoot from the perimeter – 40% from three point land – contributed to his 11 points per game average last season. Coach Vick expects even more from him this year considering he said Jesse is “one of the most improved players from last season.” The other “most improved player” that Coach Vick “expects to have a breakout season” is big man Colin O’Neill. O’Neill worked extremely hard on his strength in the offseason, so that should help his already great abilities to defend and rebound. His ability to finish more shots and knock down his free throws has also really impressed the coaches in the preseason.
The Tigers have two other more versatile big men in senior Lane Medlin and freshman Alex Potapov. Medlin is versatile because of his ability to shoot the three; he does it better than any other big man in the conference and even better than a lot of guards – 35% from behind the arc last season. Medlin is also “more fit this year, and it has helped his explosiveness,” states Coach Vick. Potapov has great fundamentals, especially in his post moves and his ability to finish around the basket. Coach Vick also added that Potapov has “great upside, and he runs the floor as well as our guards.”
That ability to run the floor will be needed for everyone this year. Coach Vick has decided to return to the defense he played while at Hampden-Sydney in the early 1990s: an aggressive full court man defense. The move is a result from the sheer athleticism the Tigers have this year: “We have depth, and pressing full court will allow us to try and wear opponents down.” Sometimes the greatest offense is a great defense considering steals typically lead to easy baskets at the other end, and that is exactly what the Tigers will try to do. Coach Vick has preached to his players that “it takes an extreme commitment to defense which is where championships are won.”
A lot of that athleticism stems from a new class of freshman. Assistant Coaches Larry Blunt and Austin Shaver did what Coach Vick called “an incredible job” recruiting last year. Four players that Tiger fans need to look out for are the aforementioned Alex Potapov, Patrick Corrigan, Harrison George, and Randall Ward. Corrigan’s vision and ability to see plays develop is outstanding, especially for a freshman, and Coach Vick said that Corrigan “might be our most well rounded freshman.” Coach Vick added that Harrison George’s “imagination on the court is special.” George is known as a dynamic scorer, but he also has the ability to create plays and is an underrated passer. Randall Ward is simply one of the best athletes on the team; his ability to speed up the pace of the game and find other players is promising.
The Tigers will have a tough road to their 11th ODAC championship, but they have the leadership, athleticism, and resiliency to complete that goal. Their first test will be on November 21st when they travel to take on Division I opponent, High Point University. The Tigers will then open their home schedule when they host North Carolina Wesleyan as part of the South Region Hoops Challenge on Thanksgiving Weekend. Mark your calendars for December 2nd when the Tigers open up ODAC play, hosting the Maroons of Roanoke College.
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