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2007-08 Men's Basketball Season Preview

2007-2008 Season Preview

The Trevecca Nazarene University men's basketball team returns three seniors who have all had a significant four year impact on the program. Clearly they are one of the most successful senior classes in school history. The seniors have seen a combined record of 68-29 overall and are 37-13 in TranSouth conference play. They have reached the NAIA National Tournament Sweet Sixteen on two occasions and have two regular season conference titles. They look to add to that list during their final season playing on the parquet floor in Moore Gym.

One of the unique and binding characteristics for the Trojans is their diverse backgrounds and it is the theme for this year's team. Collins Onyando is from Nairobi, Kenya aside from his big smile he has a large game that includes blocks, dunks, and determined defense. Marcos Salvi is from Santa Cruz, Brazil and possesses one of the most accurate three point shots in school history. Josh Helton was a highly touted recruit from Mt. Juliet, Tenn. who carries on a long tradition of former Bears who have had great careers at Trevecca. They have three different flags representing them, but have become one people with the same call, to take Trevecca to a third NAIA National Tournament in their four year career.

Trevecca head coach Sam Harris is excited about this year's team for many reasons. Coach Harris optimistic outlook stems from the team chemistry and unity developed over the summer. "We had 12 players around campus this summer enjoying the camaraderie and building relationships that will last forever. They all have worked hard and are determined to make this season a success. Our them this summer was expect something special as we approached the start of the new school year," commented Harris.

2007-2008 Style of Play
The Trojans return 11 of 13 players from last year's team and more than 93% of their offense. In addition to the returning players the team has added depth at every position through incoming freshmen and transfers.

The team will feature two players in every position allowing Coach Harris to rotate players in and out of the game to keep a up-tempo pace and allow for more versatility on both ends of the floor.

The post starts with Onyando as the go to guy, but marked improvement in the rest of the group will give Onyando a much needed break without a drop off in the team's performance. The depth in the post will make a marked improvement in the team's ability to have a strong post presence on the floor at all times.

Seniors
This year's seniors include two first team all-conference players in Onyando and Helton. Helton is a four year starter who has been solid and consistent over his career. Onyando played a huge role in his freshman season and has set the season and career blocks record already. Salvi is a three year starter who is consistent and can produce offense in a hurry. Coach Harris commented that, "All three are really good at what they do for our program and as seniors they need to lead by example and leave a legacy and foundation of hard work, effort and determination that our younger players can follow."

The team has two other seniors who transferred to Trevecca in Ricky James and Adam Drake. James has a year with us under his belt and in our system. He has added confidence in being where he needs to be and is blending his distinctive skills into the team concept. Drake is in this third year in the program and has improved again. Adam is always willing to listen and try to execute the game plan.

Juniors
The junior class is deep and talented. Brian Oduor was one of the most improved players not only on the team, but in the conference last year. If possible, he has improved again in the off-season and is more consistent on the perimeter which makes him and even bigger threat offensively. Oliver On'gara has improved his skills over summer on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Christopher Harris has grown another two inches and worked on ball handling. His additional height will only enhance his ability to shoot over defenders. De'Jon Everson is a junior college transfer who will bring defensive pressure on the ball and is a point guard will good ball handling skills.

Sophomores
The sophomore class is the group that has profited the most from the summer work. Matthew Elliott maybe the most improved player over last year. The experience he gained after joining the team at Christmas combined with a full summer and preseason camp has paid off in his becoming fully adjusted to the collegiate game. Christopher Little has benefited from the summer in Nashville and provided him with more confidence that will boost his contributions to the team. Dennis Miruka has seen vast growth in his ability around the glass. He will be a factor in changing opponent's shots when he's on the floor this year. His work on the offensive end is paying off. Miruka has seen growth from his work in the weight room as well.

Freshmen
The two player freshman class is very talented. Jeremy Dixon can play a couple of positions and will swing inside and out. He has great passing skills and is a shooter. He is very athletic on the glass and will contribute immediately this season. Tyler Watkins is already a great standstill shooter and is a smart player that won't make many mistakes. He will see playing time as he develops the other aspects of his game.

The Schedule and the TranSouth
The schedule is tough every year and this year is no different. The schedule is designed to give the team the proper experience it needs to battle in the tough and expanded TranSouth schedule.

Trevecca will play the University of Illinois Springfield. UIS is a talented NAIA team that has announced plans to move to NCAA Division II. They defeated TranSouth champion Lambuth in the NAIA Tournament last year. Also on the pre-conference schedule is another NAIA Tournament participant in The University of the Cumberlands. Trevecca will face two very good Canadian teams in a Classic in Scottsdale, Ariz. over the New Year's weekend. One of the teams, Simon Fraser had two NCAA Division-1 teams down late last year before losing.

The TranSouth conference grows again this year and will be even more competitive according to Coach Harris, "It looks like every team has improved over last year. We've added Blue Mountain and they have had a year to recruit and prepare for all of us in the conference. Everyone knows the league will be tough. If you've never been in the league where you play three conference games a week, many will be surprised at some of the results."

"If everyone in our conference plays like we think they will the TranSouth should get three teams and maybe for the first time four teams into the national tournament," added Harris.