Experience the key for Elgin CC men
Last season, the young Elgin Community College men’s basketball team finished 14-17 overall and lost 6 of its last 8 games to close out the 2010-2011 campaign.
This season, with more experience and some key returning players, ECC head coach Reed Nosbisch believes his team will only get better.
“I think a big difference this year is going to be our experience and the leadership that goes along with that,” said Nosbisch. “Our guys have worked this off-season on their individual skills and in the weight room.”
Among the key returning players for the Spartans is 6-foot-6 sophomore forward Corey Rau, a Burlington Central product who played with the team 3 years ago averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.
Sophomore guard Mike Banks (6-2, Bartlett), who was originally recruited out of high school by ECC, also joins the team as he transferred from Olivet Nazerene.
Sophomore forward/guard Sean Meyer (6-2) and sophomore forward/center Lance Vesper (6-7) are returning starters and sophomore guard/forward Shane Larkin (6-3, Burlington Central), sophomore guard Drew Simonini (5-11, Larkin), and sophomore guard David Manning (6-1) also saw significant minutes last year.
“Rau was a starter for us three years ago, and Banks got quality varsity minutes at Olivet,” said Nosbisch. “Those guys combine to have perimeter shooting and inside scoring for us. The newcomers are the same. They have a combination of inside and outside scorers. I think we are 14 guys deep. I have confidence in all 14 guys right now. We just need to fill our roles and continue to get better everyday.”
Nosbisch knows this team has improved, but he doesn’t want them to forget that they have to work for it if they want to finish strong this year.
“I like our combination of size and shooting this year. Our team chemistry is good and the guys are working hard,” he said. “I think we can be a very good offensive and defensive team this year. What we need to understand however, is that it takes work. We have to come in and work hard and get better everyday. Our schedule is very difficult to start the year off. We just need to get after it each day.”
Everyone will be contributing to the Spartans’ success this season, and if they can clean up a few key things, they will undoubtedly improve, according to Nosbisch.
“We need to take care of the ball and not turn it over,” said Nosbisch. “The other key for us will be on the glass. If we rebound on both ends of the floor we should be fine.”