2010-11 Men's Basketball Season Preview

The first year as a collegiate head coach can be a learning experience. Adrian College men’s basketball had not experienced a first-year head coach in a quarter century until last season when Mark White took over the program. The Adrian alum immediately brought respectability to the program as the Bulldogs compiled a 15-12 overall record and went 9-5 in the MIAA. Adrian finished third in the rugged MIAA and after last year’s performance it is up to White to set even loftier goals entering his second campaign.

The core of this year’s team will feature seven returning letter winners. The team had nearly an even split amongst those who are back and those who are no longer with the team. The first challenge this year will be to mesh those newcomers with a group that already is comfortable with each other.

“I feel like we are in a better position than last year despite losing some guys in the offseason,” said White. “Everyone had to learn a new system a year ago and also learn how to play with each other. This year we have several guys who already know about the commitment level it takes to win. Our core of returners knows what it takes to succeed and the newcomers will be guided by them.”

The Bulldogs hung their hats on the defensive end under White in 2009-10. Adrian ranked first in the MIAA in scoring defense (62.2 ppg) and also ranked second in steals (8.14 spg). Coach White will continue to keep a solid defensive philosophy and preach the importance of taking care of the ball and limiting mistakes. Adrian ranked second in the MIAA in turnover margin a year ago (+3.64) despite having a pair of freshmen point guards running the show.

The team this season will look to establish an identity on offense. Last season, Adrian ranked seventh in the MIAA in scoring offense (61.6 ppg) and were last in field goal percentage (.376). Coach White thinks that a year in the system will make a big difference on the offensive end.

“After 27 games last year, I know what these guys strengths are and we will feature those talents in our offense. We know that our defense kept us in many games last year. However, we need to make strides on offense so that we put distance between us and the opponent. I know low-scoring games are not popular, but winning always will be.”

The Bulldogs return their top two scorers in senior Jovon Mosley (Detroit, Mich./Warren Lincoln) and sophomore Wesley Reed (Piqua, Ohio/Piqua). Mosley was a Second Team All-MIAA selection in his first year with the program and will be looked upon for scoring and leadership this season as the lone senior on the squad.

“We are aware that Jovon needs to have a big year for us to be successful,” said White. “I don’t want all the responsibility on him though. We have other guys who will be vocal and lead us as well. Jovon is a talented guy with First Team All-Conference and more potential. He has a lot of experience and we will rely on him during crunch time.”

Mosley averaged 13.3 points per game in 2009-10 and shot 39.2 percent from the floor. He tied for the team lead with Reed with 43 three-pointers and they both shot identical 43-of-128 from behind the arc. Mosley was also good at the foul line making 80-of-100. Reed averaged 8.7 points per game and shot 38 percent from the floor. He made 30-of-38 at the charity stripe and committed just 11 turnovers in 479 minutes of action. He made just one start but has earned that starting role this season.

The other three starters will likely be sophomores Delano Collins (Detroit, Mich./Renaissance), Dennis Mason (Ferndale, Mich./Academy of Oak Park) and Sean Gallant (Jackson, Mich./Lumen Christi). Collins was the prototypical unselfish point guard for coach White as a freshman. He ranked fourth in the MIAA in assists per game (3.07), first in steals (1.64) and second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.95).

“Delano had a great season for us averaging nearly 25 minutes per game in a pressure position having the ball in your hands most of the time,” said White. “He needs to continue to make great decisions and also attack the basket when the time is right.”

Mason played in 24 games and averaged 17.8 minutes per contest as a freshman. He averaged 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. He tied for second on the team in rebounding and led the team with 23 blocked shots. He is a good defender with a ton of athleticism. Gallant played in 20 games and made five starts a year ago. He has made the biggest improvement on the team with his all-around skill set.

Sophomore Cody Barnes (Romulus, Mich./Romulus) also returns to add depth in the backcourt. Barnes started 18 times during his rookie campaign and averaged 15.6 minutes per outing. He needs to knock down more of his shots from the perimeter (21-of-72 from behind the arc) and continue to play lockdown defense.

The rest of the squad either saw limited time or are completely new to the varsity program. Sophomore Raymond Reed (Trenton, Mich./New Boston Huron) is a 6-11 center who saw action in seven games in 2009-10 as a freshman. He has worked on his game this offseason concentrating on his footwork and post-up moves. Junior Derek Clark (Detroit, Mich./CMA) is a transfer from West Virginia Tech and played in 29 games last season. He shot 36.5 percent from the floor and averaged 1.7 assists per game. Junior Josh McPherson (Detroit, Mich./CMA) is a transfer from San Diego Christian College and will log minutes at the forward spot.