Nonconference games key to success for Judson

Last year, the Judson University men's basketball team finished 15-16, mostly due to a slow start in nonconference play early on.

This year, the Eagles are ready to make a statement early.

“We had a really bad start of the season last year in nonconference play,” said Eagles' head coach Tony Tompkins. “We play another tough nonconference schedule so it is key that we get off to a great start before conference starts.”

The Eagles have several returning players this year, including guards Landon Skinner (6-foot-2) and Josh Edwards (6-2), forwards Caleb Sutton (6-6), and Jason Roy (6-6), and center Anthony Ahlers (6-7). The Eagles will have to be without junior guard Deon Thomas (6-3), who tore his ACL late in the summer. Tompkins is glad to have the returning veterans back this year, and he can tell they have improved.

“Landon, Josh, Caleb, Jason, and Anthony have all come back in great shape and with a more focused attitude,” said Tompkins. “They have all come back with much improved skills.”

Not only will the veteran presence help the Eagles this season, but their new recruits will also bring plenty of excitement to the team.

“I think we brought in some really solid recruits,” said Tompkins. “Nick Morgan (5-10) and Bobby McCarthy (5-10) have brought a much needed toughness to our point guard position. Adam Hodge (6-4) is a senior transfer that will really bring in some added size and depth to our small forward position. He can really be a tough mismatch as long as he is aggressive. We also added Brandon Romey (6-5) and Brian Pedersen (6-8) to help out Anthony in the middle. We really need them to play solid in order for us to do something special.”

Having the depth that this Judson team has means everyone can contribute, and Tompkins is confident that their commitment will show in the results on the court.

“Our commitment to defense and rebounding are the things that I am confident in,” said Tompkins. “We are getting better every day with our pressure and rotations. I am looking forward to seeing them play against other competition. We are going to play a lot of people, so the biggest concern I have right now is that everyone produces when they are in the game. We are very deep and we really need to take advantage of it.”