The Observer, November 16, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 11
Tip-off today for men's hoops
With the weather finally turning cold outside and almost all of the fall sports coming to a close, basketball season is now upon us. This year the Spartans will look to improve on a disappointing 5-20 from last year. With a recruiting class of 12 freshmen and a core of eight players returning, things are looking up.
One advantage the Spartans come into the season with is some extra practice and game time. This summer, the team took a trip to Brazil and played internationally. Before heading south, the team was allowed to practice for an entire week this summer, and once in Brazil they played three games against professional teams. Competition was stiff because not only were these pro teams bigger and more athletic, but the added mystique of beating the "Americans" really gave Case a handful, and great experience.
Back in the states, the Spartans began practice on Oct. 15th. Up to this point, coach McDonnell is pleased with the direction his team is headed. "We are doing a really good job," said McDonnell. "We've looked good in scrimmages and the guys are chomping at the bit to play another team and have it count." While the starting five is not completely filled out, McDonnell said Mason Conrad, Brandon Bradford, and Steve Young will be in the lineup. The other two positions will be decided when guys get healthy and the point guard will be decided soon between freshman who have been in competition all preseason.
The two guys McDonnell will look to for leadership, especially with such a large freshman class, are senior captains Brandon Bradford and Mason Conrad. While Bradford has played the point the past couple of years, he has switched off the ball because the coaching staff believes he is a bigger scoring threat in that position. Conrad will be holding down the center position again, and looking to improve on his team-leading 393 points from last year.
The three big strengths of the team this year are good returning players, great size, and much more depth compared to last year. The team size-wise has seven players that are over six foot, four inches. This will really help the team, especially in physical games played under the rim. Also, they have a number of freshmen that could contribute right away. This type of depth and trust in their younger players will help the Spartans later on in the season when injuries strike.
The team's first test will come this Friday when they host the Case Alumni Association Tip-Off Tournament and play Alma College. "The most difficult thing about preparing for this game," "is that Alma has a new coach so we really don't know what to expect,"says McDonnell. One thing that Spartan fans can expect is a team that is well prepared and ready to start off the season with a bang. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. in Horsburgh Gymnasium.
