2008-09 Men's Basketball Season Preview

The Trevecca Nazarene University men's basketball team returns seven players from last year's team that played in the NAIA National Tournament Sweet Sixteen. Leadership for the 2008-2009 season will rest primarily on the shoulders of seniors Brian Oduor, Christopher Harris, and De'Jon Everson and junior Matthew Elliott. The seniors know what it takes to complete at the national level having played significant roles during the last three years-making two Sweet Sixteen appearances and earning an overall 68-31 record and a TranSouth Conference record of 41-19 since their freshman campaign in a Trojan uniform.

Solid perimeter play has become the norm the last several years, and this year's team hopes to continue the success. Unselfish play, excellent passing, and experience should help the Trojans continue to use the formula that allowed last year's group to lead the nation in field goal percentage (. 538) and finish second in the country from the three-point line (. 430). Because of such outstanding play on the perimeter, Trevecca's Brian Oduor led the country in field goal percentage (. 658). He will again return as the strongest inside player, shouldering the majority of the burden of scoring in the paint.

The Trojans will have plenty of scoring from every position on the floor. The team has an abundance of guards who can score in transition or in half-court execution of set plays.

Defense and rebounding seems to be the skills that will need to be strengthened if the Trojans want to make another trip to Kansas City. "The chemistry of our team helps us compensate for some of our short comings, but our desire is to continue to improve each week as the season unfolds. I know we will be better in March than we will before Christmas," comments Coach Harris. Secondary leadership and the ability to focus on details will either make or break Trevecca's run through the opponents in the TranSouth Conference and in the end, a trip to Kansas City.

The senior class is made up of three players: Brian Oduor and Christopher Harris as fourth-year players and De'Jon Everson is in his second year.

De'Jon Everson, continues to improve and primarily defends the opponents' best perimeter player. He will continue to develop and will play a greater role, because of his understanding of what we are trying to accomplish. De'Jon loves to win and loves people. His teammates are drawn to him because of his work ethic and fun loving personality.

Christopher Harris returns as a three-year starter, ready to take on a new role of leadership. Harris has a
great feel and understanding of the game and is willing to do whatever the team needs, in order to be successful. His ability to communicate and his work ethic allow him to contribute in many different ways to this year's team.

Brian Oduor has matured and improved again for his senior season. Brian led Nation in field goal percentage (.658) and will be counted on to provide tough inside baskets this year. Brian continues to be a steady, consistent force that will be called upon many times to deliver in the clutch.

The two members of this class will play a critical role in the success of the team this season. Dennis Miruka and Matthew Elliott both were important pieces of the puzzle during last season's run to the NAIA Sweet Sixteen. Miruka continues to mature and will definitely play a significant role rebounding and defending the lane. He continues to improve everyday and will be a key player in the success of this team.

Matthew Elliott will be needed to pick up some of the scoring from last year's players. He is the quiet leader who leads by example and hard work. Matthew will continue to increase his abilities and must stay healthy in order for the Trojans to be successful. Matthew and Dennis may be the most improved players since last year.

This sophomore class will not be short on talent or experience. Jeremy Dixon and Tyler Watkins, returning for their second campaign, will be joined by transfer Tulio Yamasita. Jeremy Dixon will be needed to help in the paint, but his strengths stand out when the ball is in his hands. He made the TranSouth All Freshman Team last year and has added some needed bulk to his frame, and he must be consistent this year for the Trojans to continue their success. Tyler Watkins proved to be an offensive weapon last season, and he will need to deliver every night. He continues to get better in all aspects of the game and should have a great sophomore season. Tulio Yamasita has a good feel for what the Trojans are trying to do and will continue to improve as he adjusts to life in the U. S. He can shoot the three and has great ability to make interior passes. His ability to play multiple positions should help the Trojans throughout the season.

This year's freshman class is very talented but untested. Matt Smigielski and Michael France will be exciting and fun to watch as both adjust to the environment of the TranSouth. Smigielski comes to Trevecca, after red-shirting at NCAA-Division 1 High Point last season. As a senior at LaVergne High School, he helped lead his team to a 102-23 during his four seasons and finished scoring 1,145 points in his career. Michael France, who prepped at Shelbyville Central and led that team to a 105-30 record during his time on campus, played in the TACA All-Star game last spring and continues to improve daily.

Camden Jordon, a red shirt last year, continues to improve and has made great strides understanding the Trojans' system. Don Woods and Carlos Holder continue to adjust to the competitive nature of collegiate basketball on a daily basis. Both will need to grow up quickly for play in the TranSouth Conference.

The team will have a pair of exhibition games against area NCAA-Division 1 teams Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University. The regular season schedule will not be much easier because the team starts the season against Michigan-Dearborn at Homecoming. Non-conference road games include matches against Illinois-Springfield and a West Coast trip to play Azusa Pacific, San Diego Christian, and Point Loma Nazarene. Another trip will take the team to Ohio on Thanksgiving weekend; there the Trojans will face Ohio Dominican and Park University. Home non-conference games include contests with Knoxville College, Free Will Baptist, and Cedarville, and the team will host Bluefield College and Shorter College in the annual Robert Garrett Memorial Classic.

The hardy TranSouth Conference season will start early this year when the Trojans host Freed-Hardeman University on December 4, 2008. The conference will be difficult again this year despite the departures of Crichton College and Lambuth University Trevecca will play a home game against Lambuth University this year, one that will be considered a non-conference game. TranSouth Conference play will remain a complex chore for any team. At least a handful of teams have a great chance to claim the title when the season begins. The conference will have only one automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament, so a conference championship is even more pressing for the teams this year.