Oct. 30, 2006 Bulldogs look to rebound Men's basketball preview 2006-07 By Ed Patino, Sports Information Assistant ADRIAN, Mich.-- The sting of last season is still being felt by members of the Adrian College men's basketball team. That explains why the Bulldogs are eager to take the court for the 2006-07 season and put the past behind them. From 2001-05, the Bulldogs made two appearances in the MIAA Tournament finals and two other trips to the semifinals. However, Adrian was unable to maintain its momentum last year and struggled to a 9-17 finish. In the MIAA Tournament, the sixth-seeded Bulldogs were eliminated by rival Albion in the opening round. Adrian coach Buck Riley, entering his 25th season with the program, and his players want to prove that last year's rocky season was an aberration. "We had five good seasons in which we beat some nationally ranked teams, but unfortunately we didn't mesh last year and have the success we've enjoyed," Riley said. "We had some injuries and interruptions within the team, and we weren't close to reaching our goals." The Bulldogs are well equipped for success in 2006-07. An experienced senior class and influx of highly touted freshmen has Riley excited to get the season started. Riley will look to three seniors for leadership, as Steve Thornton, Andy Kubish and Corey Smith return for their fourth year in the program. All three bring different elements to the Bulldogs' lineup. "I've been impressed with the senior leadership we're getting from Thornton, Kubish and Smith," Riley said. "Those three have been a part of our success in the past and have a renewed attitude this season. They've made certain to get the underclassmen involved in a positive way, and that's an element I've seen at practices." At 6-foot-8, Thornton provides needed height inside as well as a scoring touch. Thornton led the team with 114 rebounds last year (4.6 per game) and averaged seven points per game. He was also Adrian's leader in field goal percentage, knocking down 49 percent of his shots. "Steve has added about 15 pounds and has added confidence," Riley said. "For being 6-8, he runs the floor very well, and his work ethic is one of his strengths." Kubish brings a multidimensional game to Adrian's lineup. Last season, Kubish averaged 6.3 points per game and was fourth on the team in 3-point percentage (35.2 percent). Kubish is also a strong defender, as he was second on the team in steals last year. After seeing limited time last year, Smith will have an expanded role this season. The senior is an aggressive defender who can also be a scoring threat. Riley believes Smith has the ability to put up big numbers. "The experience those three gained over the years is invaluable," Riley said. "The seniors have been through a lot of battles and they're providing positive, unselfish leadership." Adrian will also get a boost from two players returning from injury-plagued seasons. Nate Soltzfus sat out last season with knee injury, while Ryan Gallus enjoyed a strong start to last season before tearing his ACL. Soltzfus is an explosive jumper who provides a scoring threat, while Gallus has drawn comparisons to former AC standout Jeff Nokovich for his competitiveness. Gallus averaged 10.3 points a night in his nine games. "Nate may be the best shooter on the team, and Ryan is very skilled and brings intangibles to us defensively," Riley said. Junior Ian Weber will alternate with Thornton in the post. Along with providing size at 6-foot-6, Weber also brings two years of varsity experience. Brett Asher and Mark Rairigh are a pair of 6-foot-4 players who will also compete for playing time. Asher moves up from the junior varsity team where he developed into a strong floor leader, while Rairigh is a solid competitor providing extra strength. Senior Clark Rowekamp has a year in Adrian's system under his belt and has blended with his teammates. "Our chemistry is solid and the guys are hungry to turn things around from last year," Riley said. "I think we have the potential to be very good at both ends of the floor with our balance of size and quickness." Several freshmen are viewed as key additions to the Bulldogs' roster. Leading the newcomers is Lamar Cardenas, who Riley believes is poised for an excellent college career. A 6-foot-1 guard, Cardenas is a multidimensional athlete that is a tough cover for opponents. Fellow freshman Matt Wayne is a scrappy player who will dive for the loose ball and can run the floor. Riley has compared the 6-foot-6 newcomer to former Bulldog Adam Novak ('05) in terms of work ethic and competitiveness. J.T. Curry, Chris Stasik and Jordan Kelly are three other freshmen that could see action. Curry provides a scoring option from the perimeter, while Stasik is a tough, skilled player. Kelly is a local standout from Adrian High School who can score from anywhere on the floor. "We'd like to have scoring inside to open up the outside shot, and the development of our post players has been encouraging," Riley said. "We have the quickness to play good defense and get the ball out and make good decisions on offense." The Bulldogs will kick off the season Nov. 17 by competing in the Albright College Tournament in Reading, Pa. Along with host Albright, the Bulldogs will be joined by Neuman College and NAIA power Catholic University. "Catholic has been a nationally ranked team in recent years, and Albright is good as well," Riley said. "We pride ourselves on playing a competitive schedule, and it's good preparation for the conference." Hope won the MIAA Tournament last year, while Calvin captured the conference's regular season title. Albion lost some key players, but are just two years removed from a 24-2 season and appearance in the MIAA Tournament finals. The Bulldogs have competed with these teams in the past and had moderate success against them. Riley believes with the parity in the MIAA, several teams will have a chance to capture a league championship, including his Adrian squad. "We have to be labeled as underdogs after last year, but we have a fresh start," Riley said. "We can bank on the guys who were part of our success and the fact that we've knocked on the door in the MIAA Tournament before. Our staff has been encouraged so far, and we're looking forward to getting started." KEY DATES Dec. 6 at Siena Heights: Battle for the Milk Jug. Adrian gets first look at new Siena Heights coach George Evjen. Dec. 9 vs. Rochester College: Bulldogs' home opener is a Saturday matinee. Jan. 3-Jan. 27 vs. Albion: MIAA opener has Bulldogs looking for payback against Britons. Jan. 13-Feb. 7 vs. Olivet: Budding rivals split two meetings last season. Jan. 17-Feb. 10 vs. Hope: Defending MIAA champs and national power should be formidable again. © Adrian College - All Rights Reserved