Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks progressing in preseason practice
10/17/2013 3:55:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Three weeks into preseason practice, the Lehigh men's basketball team continues to progress as a young squad looks to gel leading into the season opener on Nov. 9 at Minnesota. Seven of the 15 players on the Mountain Hawks' roster are newcomers, but a talented and diverse group looks to fill the holes left by a senior class that combined for nearly 5,000 career points and 2,000 rebounds.
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"The preseason practices thus far have given us a high volume of reps for young players," said Lehigh head coach Brett Reed. "We are moving forward very deliberately. It's been a process to continue to teach the way we play Lehigh Basketball. For our freshmen, there is a natural adjustment to the intensity and speed of the college game."
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Seniors Mackey McKnight, Anthony D'Orazio and junior Corey Schaefer have anchored the backcourt with freshmen like Austin Price and Miles Simelton pushing hard for time. Junior Stefan Cvrkalj hasn't participated in preseason practice thus far due to injury, but his rehabilitation is going well. He is expected to return and make an impact.
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"We've had a lot of energy in our practices," said Schaefer. "Guys are starting to play really well together. Obviously, there are things that we're building, but I think it's coming together nicely."
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The backcourt is extremely experienced compared to a young group at forward. Sophomore Justin Goldsborough and junior Conroy Baltimore are the only two with collegiate experience, but freshman Tim Kempton and sophomore Jesse Chuku (who had to sit out last season, but did practice) have impressed in camp. Freshman Shane Whitfield has a strong 6-foot-7 frame, but can handle the ball and is a good passer, in the same mold of Holden Greiner. He adds a lot of versatility to a deep roster that can see several lineup combinations.
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"We are trying to determine which combinations of players will be the most effective for our program," said Reed. "With so many new pieces to evaluate and the need to learn their individual games, there is a lot to assess. The exciting thing at this point is that there appears to be versatility within our roster. Multiple players will have the opportunity to potentially play different roles this year."
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"As a group, I think we've had really good intensity," said Schaefer. "We're trying to learn and get better. Defensively, we're working on getting in the right position, working on our rebounding and being in the right places. Offensively, we want to develop good unity and flow."
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Every team has to create an identity during the preseason, but especially this group with a lot of new faces. Reed has found a creative way to solicit feedback from players of all class levels.
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"We have identified a leadership council within our team where we've taken a representative from each of our classes," he said. "They have been meeting with me to talk about leadership concepts and applications."
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Price (freshmen), Chuku (sophomores), Schaefer (juniors) and McKnight (seniors) make up the leadership council. Â
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"I have been pleased with their contributions thus far, and I feel that that nucleus is not exclusive of strong leadership, but will also allow us to more successfully promote behaviors and attitudes that we're seeking across class lines," said Reed.
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"Within this structure, we'll be looking to our upperclassmen because they have experience that they can share with younger players," Reed continued. "Mackey's predominant role (as a senior point guard) will provide a natural conduit for the needed leadership responsibilities to flow into our program."
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The Mountain Hawks open their season at Minnesota on Nov. 9 before returning home for their home opener against Rider on Nov. 12.
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"The preseason practices thus far have given us a high volume of reps for young players," said Lehigh head coach Brett Reed. "We are moving forward very deliberately. It's been a process to continue to teach the way we play Lehigh Basketball. For our freshmen, there is a natural adjustment to the intensity and speed of the college game."
Â
Seniors Mackey McKnight, Anthony D'Orazio and junior Corey Schaefer have anchored the backcourt with freshmen like Austin Price and Miles Simelton pushing hard for time. Junior Stefan Cvrkalj hasn't participated in preseason practice thus far due to injury, but his rehabilitation is going well. He is expected to return and make an impact.
Â
"We've had a lot of energy in our practices," said Schaefer. "Guys are starting to play really well together. Obviously, there are things that we're building, but I think it's coming together nicely."
Â
The backcourt is extremely experienced compared to a young group at forward. Sophomore Justin Goldsborough and junior Conroy Baltimore are the only two with collegiate experience, but freshman Tim Kempton and sophomore Jesse Chuku (who had to sit out last season, but did practice) have impressed in camp. Freshman Shane Whitfield has a strong 6-foot-7 frame, but can handle the ball and is a good passer, in the same mold of Holden Greiner. He adds a lot of versatility to a deep roster that can see several lineup combinations.
Â
"We are trying to determine which combinations of players will be the most effective for our program," said Reed. "With so many new pieces to evaluate and the need to learn their individual games, there is a lot to assess. The exciting thing at this point is that there appears to be versatility within our roster. Multiple players will have the opportunity to potentially play different roles this year."
Â
"As a group, I think we've had really good intensity," said Schaefer. "We're trying to learn and get better. Defensively, we're working on getting in the right position, working on our rebounding and being in the right places. Offensively, we want to develop good unity and flow."
Â
Every team has to create an identity during the preseason, but especially this group with a lot of new faces. Reed has found a creative way to solicit feedback from players of all class levels.
Â
"We have identified a leadership council within our team where we've taken a representative from each of our classes," he said. "They have been meeting with me to talk about leadership concepts and applications."
Â
Price (freshmen), Chuku (sophomores), Schaefer (juniors) and McKnight (seniors) make up the leadership council. Â
Â
"I have been pleased with their contributions thus far, and I feel that that nucleus is not exclusive of strong leadership, but will also allow us to more successfully promote behaviors and attitudes that we're seeking across class lines," said Reed.
Â
"Within this structure, we'll be looking to our upperclassmen because they have experience that they can share with younger players," Reed continued. "Mackey's predominant role (as a senior point guard) will provide a natural conduit for the needed leadership responsibilities to flow into our program."
Â
The Mountain Hawks open their season at Minnesota on Nov. 9 before returning home for their home opener against Rider on Nov. 12.
Like Lehigh Men's Basketball on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive content, team updates and more.
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