LJ Santa Maria
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Coach Jeff Rush’s squad features a great core group of talented guards and perimeter players but is well undersized in comparison to the competition they will see this sea- son. One of those talented guards is incoming freshman Ashkan Naderi who made his way to Hazleton all the way from Virginia.
“I have big shoes to fill. Last year we won the championship, so coaches and players I’m sure are expecting a lot out of me. I’ve worked hard throughout my life for it, and this is my chance to do it for
my teammates, I came along way from Virginia and I am not here to waste my time, I am going to make something of it” said Ashkan.
With the team being so undersized, losing 6’5 center Eric Radishofski from last season, these guards such as Naderi, are going to have to step up, score the ball and make smart decisions running the point.
Returning sophomore, and star player this season, Alex Akabogu is confident in the team, yet skeptical about certain areas with home opener against Johnson College just right around the corner.
“We are definitely undersized this year, but I would say we have a good core of guards, that if they can step up they can make up for a lack of big men. The big men we do have are all young, and unexperienced” Akabogu reiterated.
Being a top scorer from a year ago, he has high expectations for himself this season, expecting to assume for responsibility losing key players from last season.
“Last year I had a good season, but I expect a good season out of myself, and expect to make a bigger impact, being a sophomore I am bigger, stronger, smarter and better.”
Comparing this team to last year’s, Akabogu said, “This year’s team is completely opposite from last year’s team. Last year we were more of a perimeter shooting team, but this year we’re smaller. We are going to have to be faster, smarter and just push the ball on every possession.”
One of the toughest things to do when you have a lot of freshman on your squad is to come together and truly become a team. You can have all the talent in the world, such as the 2011 Miami Heat, and not come away with the top prize if all the parts do not gel and learn roles.
“Honestly, we are far behind and we know it. The players are not get- ting along as I feel last year’s team got along. It will take some time. I feel like after Christmas break, we will really be a team” said Naderi.
Only time will tell if the group can play cohesive basketball with one another, but time is something they may not have if the team gets off to a shaky start. Both Naderi and Akabogu agreed that for the team to emulate last year’s success they will need to win 11 or more of the 17 conference games they play. Both players mentioned Penn College, Penn State Beaver and Penn State Wilkes-Barre as key matchups that could determine their season.
“If we understand it is a team game, not everyone for themselves, well be better overall” said Akabogu. Naderi added, “We have guys that can do something at every po- sition, if they stick to their roles and stay within their capabilities, each and every player, then well be good”.
Akabogu and Naderi are going to need to have solid seasons, Akabogu scoring the ball and Naderi, running the point.
Both said two players that will really need to step up this season are returning junior at shooting guard Diego Jimenez and incoming freshman Dwayne Vines.
“Diego can stretch the floor, he is our best perimeter shooter and he will be open. If he hits his shots, that will make us better” said Naderi.
“Dwayne is only 6’2 and most other centers in the league are 6’5-6’6”. He has to play really big, he has a great knack for the ball, very athletic, he just has to stay out of foul trouble and play smart. He has to be very fundamental, box out, and understand some fouls are not necessary in certain situations.”