Bears Basketball 2006-07 Season Preview
Coming off a second consecutive loss in the Hudson Valley Conference Championship, and a disappointing sixth-place finish at the USCAA National Tournament, St. Joseph's enters the 2006-2007 campaign hoping to avenge their poor finish from last season. Winners in 12 of 14 games entering the HVC final, the Bears would go on to lose 3 of their last 4 contests to finish the season at 21-12. Despite eclipsing the 1992-1993 squad's men's record of 20 wins, the poor finish put a dark cloud over what shaping out to be a spectacular season.
The Bears enter their thirteenth consecutive season as members of the HVC still searching for their first title. It will not be easy, as they will have to replace over 40% of their scoring from last year. Leading the way will be senior captains Lukasz Cygan and Mike Donnelly. Donnelly led the Bears in assists last season at 3.6 per game, and was second in scoring at 12.5 points per game. Cygan finished last season second in rebounds at 6 per game, and third in scoring at 10 points per game. Junior Chris Olaskiewicz, 9.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game last year, is the only other player on this season's roster to play a significant role for the Bears prior to this season. Expected to step in at point guard this year is sophomore Ervin Maddox who averaged 5 points and 1.5 assists in limited play last year. Sophomore transfer Dane Bruce adds athleticism, while freshman Mike Dziewit has showed much promise early on. Returnees Lukasz Klimaszewski, and Przemyslaw Kudla should see significant action as well. Rounding out the roster are junior Timmy Finnigan, sophomores Paul Kielmanowicz and Larry Fawcett, and freshman Brian Mahon.
Under the approval of athletic director Frank Carbone, the Bears will also add a unique wrinkle to the schedule this season. As a member of the USCAA, the Bears will participate in the inaugural season of the Eastern Atlantic Conference. The conference which has been spearheaded by the efforts of Bill Michaels, head coach of Williamson Trade School in Pennsylvania, is being recognized by the USCAA. Participatory members this season include St. Joseph's, Williamson Trade, Christendom College of Virginia, and Briarcliffe College of Long Island. States head coach Joseph Cocozello, "Although we are looking to move into the NCAA as a provisional member next season, I saw this as an exciting opportunity for us at the present time. It puts added significance into 8 games on our schedule."
Another addition to the Bears this season is the appointment of 2004 St. Joseph's graduate, Nolan Adams as assistant coach. Adams, who played on the collegiate level at the College of Mt. St. Vincent before transferring and finishing his career at St. Joseph's, has much experience as a low post player, and has been working with the big men since the start of the season. In addition to his role in the gym and on the bench, Adams will be taking a lead role in both scouting and recruiting for the Bears.