HAMILTON, N.Y. (8/30/06) - With classes underway this week at Colgate, normalcy has returned to the picturesque upstate New York campus, however, for the Colgate Raiders men's basketball team who returned from Spain last Wednesday, emotions are still high and their heads remain in the clouds. "The trip to Spain was a magnificent experience for our players, it was all very positive." said Colgate head coach Emmett Davis whose team went 4-1 against Spanish professional teams during a nine-day journey abroad. "The games were very competitive and we had no significant injuries or incidents on the trip and no lost luggage. I know that everyone was physically exhausted (after the trip) but mentally energized. It was exciting to watch the team come together. There was definitely a special bond formed on the trip."
Davis took his 13 returning upper-class players to Spain (incoming first-year players are not permitted to participate in these tours until they are enrolled in school per NCAA rules). Unfortunately, injury and illness prior to departure kept four players from seeing any court time in Spain. All four of these players are expected to be ready for preseason workouts and will compete for starting positions on the 2006-07 team. In fact, three were starters last season. Seniors Jon Simon and Marc Daniels and junior Kyle Roemer and the fourth Alex Woodhouse started 21 games as a freshman before a torn ACL injury sidelined him in October, 2005. "Because of the unavailability of Simon, Roemer, Daniels, and Woodhouse in Spain, we were able to get quality minutes for our other players. The trip provided the "Iron Nine" with a great opportunity to play a lot of minutes and they did a terrific job taking full advantage."
Kendall Chones led the way in the scoring column averaging 12.2 ppg over the five-game tour. Chones connected on 63 percent of his shots which was also a team high and he contributed 4.6 rpg. Dan Gentile and Kyle Chones both scored in double figures averaging 11.6 and 11.0 ppg, respectively. Gentile had back-to-back games of 21 and 17 points in wins number two and three while Kyle Chones was a terror on the boards averaging 8.2 rpg to lead the team. Tim Pounds, and transfers Willie Morse and Daniel Waddy, took full advantage of their first opportunity to play in a game in over a year. Pounds provided great energy and athleticism from the small forward spot averaging 9.4 ppg and 6.2 rpg while Morse contributed 8.0 ppg including several timely three-point baskets. Waddy led the team in assists and averaged 6.0 ppg, while providing solid defense from the guard position. Peter Minchella, Todd Checovich and Tre Vinson each made key contributions throughout the trip. Minchella had 13 points, five rebounds and two blocks in game #5 and averaged 5.8 ppg. Checovich was steady throughout the trip playing positions 1-4 and averaging 5.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg while Vinson did an excellent job running the ball club at the point guard spot and led the team in steals with nearly three per game.
"The trip to Spain was a huge success" said Davis. "Our nine man roster got a lot of experience and they performed well. Throughout training camp and while in Spain our emphasis has been on "the team" and team success. The trip provided this year's Colgate team with a starting point for the season ahead, but more importantly it created a strong bond among teammates and memories that will last a lifetime. We are all extremely appreciative for the opportunity and want to thank Rebecca Chopp (University President), Lyle Roelofs (Dean of the Faculty), Dave Roach (Director of Athletics), and Kevin Hatcher (Sr. Associate Director of Athletics) for their approval and support of this trip and special thanks to those loyal Hardwood Club supporters who made this trip a reality through their generous gifts."
The Raiders will begin preseason skill workouts, conditioning and weight training next Monday with official practice set to start October 14th. An opening season home game with Stony Brook is set for Friday, November 10th at 7:00 pm.