2006-07 Bears Basketball Season Recap
Despite some shortcomings, the accomplishments of the 2006-2007 men’s basketball team are most certainly sufficient to label the season a success. The final record of 21-11 was good enough for a winning percentage of .656, the highest in the history of the men’s program. Of those 21 wins, none was more significant than the Bears’ thrilling 58-55 victory over Williamson Trade School in the championship game of the Eastern Atlantic Conference Tournament. The win marked the Bears’ first-ever conference championship. However, a week later, the Bears would suffer their most heartbreaking loss of the season, a 94-93 overtime decision to Berkeley College in the championship game of the Hudson Valley Conference Tournament. The loss made it three years in a row the Bears have fallen short in the HVC title game, with two of the three losses by just one point. “Obviously losing three years in a row as the #1 seed is a major disappointment, but it does make you appreciate more what we did during the regular season to claim that top seed.”
The ’06-’07 season also saw the Bears receive a bid and compete in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Tournament for a third straight year. Unfortunately, in the opening round, they suffered a 3-point loss to eventual third-place finisher Hesser College. The Bears went on to split the final two games to finish in seventh place. “It’s not what we wanted, but unless you bring you’re A-game for three days, you have no chance!” Lastly, another first for the Bears was finishing unbeaten at home with a record of 9-0. Of the 9 wins, 6 were by 11 points or less, with 3 coming by 5 points or less.
From an individual standpoint, the Bears saw much success as well. Senior captain Mike Donnelly finished the season averaging 15.7 points and 4.3 assists per game. He was named to the All-Tournament team of the EAC Tournament, was an All-Conference selection in the HVC, and was named USCAA All-American. Donnelly, who scored his 1000th point in early January, closed out his career with a total of1300 points. Senior captain Lukasz Cygan enjoyed a stellar year on the court as well, averaging 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. In addition to being honorable mention All-American by the USCAA, Cygan received Academic All-American by the USCAA, was named MVP of the EAC Tournament, and All-Conference in the HVC. Playing in only 5 games his freshman year due to injuries, Cygan went on to take over 100 charges in his career.
The ’06-’07 season also saw the emergence of sophomore guard Ervin Maddox. Maddox finished the year second in scoring for the Bears at 12.2 points per game and first in assists at 4.9 per game. Junior Chris Olaskiewicz, who struggled with injuries the second half of the season, averaged 10.1 points and a team-high 8.3 rebounds per game. Freshman Mike Dziewit enjoyed a successful first year at the collegiate level, averaging 8.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. The Bears also received solid contributions reserves Lukasz Klimaszewski, Dane Bruce and Przemyslaw Kudla. Kilimaszewski, who served as a backup to both Cygan and Olaskiewicz, averaged 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Bruce, who filed in wherever needed, averaged 6.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Kudla, who possesses leadership qualities, may perhaps be the Bears best on the ball defender. He was used as a third guard, and a backup at the point position. What was instrumental in the Bears’ success this year was their preparation heading into games. Not to be outdone were the contributions received from Paul Kielmanowicz, Timmy Finnigan, Larry Fawcett, and Brian Mahon. “The top guys don’t perform the way they did all year long, if not for the other guys battling them each and every day in practice.”
With 10 of the 12 players on the roster eligible to return next year, the Bears will add to add a few pieces and build upon the success from this season. With next year being their first as a provisional member of the NCAA, things will certainly not get any easier!