Seasoned veterans and inspiring newcomers look to make impact in Clippers CACC inaugural season.
Bronxville, NY - Seasoned veterans and inspiring newcomers look to make impact in Clippers CACC inaugural season.
The 2009-2010 Concordia College Clippers will launch a new coach, ten new players and a new attitude as they look to "Build Tradition" within the programs new conference, the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).
It was an active off-season for the Clippers who promoted Joan Sanchez from Assistant Coach to Head Coach over the summer.
Coach Sanchez' first order of business was to solidify his coaching staff. He didn't have to go far in his coaching roots to find John Paul Ballesteros. Having working several basketball camps together, Coach Ballesteros understands the key to the programs success and will provide an experienced voice on Coach Sanchez' bench.
Coach Sanchez' second order of command was to revamp and solidify the roster. Building upon the foundation of key returning players, the Clippers have added ten new faces to the roster that will become the core and future of the Clippers success for years to come.
Coach Sanchez counts on a returning core that are seasoned and ready for the challenge of this new era. Senior Kenny Gaskins, III is known for his athleticism on the offensive end as well as his rebounding abilities. Kenny has earned a reputation as a tireless worker and a leader on and off the floor. With a solid jump shot and a quick first step, Kenny will help lead the new look of the Clippers game.
Junior Will Eason, known as a tough competitor, will look to establish himself as one of the top players in the CACC. At 6'7", Eason creates problems for other forwards with his inside/outside game and his ability to run the floor and finish in the transition. A defensively minded player, Eason will be looked to lead the young Clippers.
Sharp shooter Sam Batista is the other returning starter that will look to impact the CACC. Sam led the team in scoring on several occasions a year ago and will look to continue his growth and establish himself as one of the top shooters in the conference. Sam worked hard this past season on his ball handling and added several new weapons to his already extensive arsenal.
Returning Junior Nikko Callender, Jetmir Shala, and Seniors Jaime Rivera and Williamson Egwu round out the returning core of leadership and experience that will give the Clippers an added advantage come conference play. They will be looked upon by the new energetic staff to help lead them against Mercyhurst College on November 20th in the Double Tree Tip-Off Classic and set the tone for a successful season.
In addition to the returnees, Coach Sanchez introduces the Clipper fans to an enthusiastic group of newcomers. One of those new faces is a product of power-house Christ the King High School, Matthew Collins. Matt is a versatile guard that can create shots fro himself and his teammates as well as shoot from several spots on the court. A silent assassin, Matt's on the court savvy and awareness along with his defensive play will help the Clippers set the tone for years to come.
Joining Matt at the wing is Freshman Josh Vital. At 6'6", Josh comes with a wealth of talent which enables him to be able to play any of the five spots on the floor. His court vision gives the Clippers an extra weapon that the staff can count on. Josh's mid-range and 3-point shots will cause problems for the opposition. His energy and spirit will bring fans something to look forward for the next few years.
Local talent Lavor Morris is an impressive combo guard. With his style of play and his sharp shooting abilities will surely make him a fan favorite at the Meyer Center.
Douglas Soutar, a combo guard, adds athleticism and defensive tenacity to the roster. Brandon Whittaker is a proven floor general that will looked upon to give the Clippers solid minutes. Mark Cole is a local product with quickness, speed and experience that will give Coach Sanchez' staff another option. Ricardo Mercado is a shooter that will be asked to fill many roles this season on the court for the Clippers.
That staff didn't stop with the freshman class, as Coach Sanchez introduces several transfers that give the Clippers added experience. Letter-winner Damjan Toljan, at 6'4" from Croatia, the shooting guard was a member of the Croatian Junior Squad and the #7 Junior College Highland Community College.
Joining him at the backcourt is Brendan Lyn, a quick and athletic point comes via Division I NJIT. Brendan brings an exciting game to the Bronxville Campus.
Rounding out the recruiting class is 6'8" Junior Marko Grbovic from Serbia. Marko comes via TCI Junior College and at 6'8" he can play several positions with a nice outside touch.
As always the Clippers will have a demanding non-conference schedule including the College of St. Rose and Pace University along with Eckerd College and the University of Tampa during the holidays in Florida.
The 2009-2010 season will be filled with action-packed drama, a new exciting team and attitude as they enter a new conference. One thing for certain, this year's team filled with seasoned veterans and inspiring newcomers are focused, energetic and are eager to "Build Tradition" and create a new legacy at Concordia College and surprise their new conference foes along the way.
