Men's Basketball Season Preview 2008-09

After compiling arguable the most successful season in both school and SCAC history, the Centre men's basketball team will look to continue its string of recent succes in 2008-09.

The Colonels, which went 26-3 overall and 14-0 in the SCAC a year ago, will need to replace two standout guards from last yearÕs team, but will return three starters, including two all-conference selections.

Gone are Thomas Britt, the 2008 SCAC Player of the Year, and Matt Nestheide, the 2007 SCAC Player of the Year, but despite the loss of these two seniors, Centre has the potential for another great season.

Although Nestheide has graduated, he will remain a big part of the program as he makes the transition to coaching in 2008. Nestheide will assist head coach Greg Mason in hopes of making a return trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Returning for the Colonels are senior wing T.C. Thomason and junior forward Danny Noll. Thomason, a two-year starter and Third-Team All-SCAC selection last season, is the leading returning scorer and rebounder at 12.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Noll, a returning starter and an Honorable Mention All-SCAC performer last season, provided an inside-outside threat for the Colonels, averaging 12.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Senior Ryan Crowdis will be called upon to run the offense for Centre this upcoming season. A major contributor throughout the past three seasons, Crowdis averaged 5.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and nearly two assists per contest, all while being one of Centre's best perimeter defenders. Seniors Beau Braden, Kameron McRay, and Kris Bentley all saw action last season and will look to further contribute to this team's success. Junior Ross Herman, a returning starter, and sophomores Chris Gowers and Alex Lloyd will also look to increase their roles in 2008-2009.

The Colonels continue to have high expectations and must stay focused to maintain the level of success that has been achieved in recent years.