Blue Hose Men's Basketball

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Presbyterian Commences Its 2006-07 Season On Wednesday At Home Against Lander
Blue Hose Welcome Back Three Returning Starters And 10 Returning Letterman

CLINTON, S.C. – Presbyterian’s men’s basketball teams opens its 2006-07 campaign against the Lander Bearcats on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Templeton Center.

Tip-off in the game is set for 7 p.m.

Entering the 18th season under Gregg Nibert’s watch, the Presbyterian men’s basketball team looks to a veteran group to build on its success from a year ago.

The 2005-2006 Blue Hose Basketball team recorded 25 wins and advanced to the South Atlantic Regional of the NCAA Division II Tournament before falling to a hot Georgia College and State University in the semifinal game.

Presbyterian must replace two starters from the 2005-2006 squad who played major roles for the Blue Hose. Gone from the fold are 6-foot-11 center Johann Collins, a 2005 All-South Atlantic Conference first team selection and 2005 second team All-SAC member Tray Ballenger. The two were part of 86 wins and two NCAA Tournament appearances during their careers.

Three returning starters and 10 lettermen are joined by four newcomers for the upcoming 2006 campaign. The Blue Hose are an upperclassmen-laden squad as nine of the 14 players are either juniors or seniors. PC must rely on experience and leadership of this veteran group to challenge for the SAC crown.

The health of guard Sean Dixon will go a long way in determining the performance of the team. Dixon, a pre-season second team All-SAC choice, missed 16 games a year ago due to a hamstring injury. He would still lead the team in assists at 3.1 assists-per-outing and finished second on the team in points-per-game at 10.5.

Returning is three-year starter Grant Herren, the 2005 SAC Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Herren will be looked upon even more in the 2006-07 season. A power forward and post player, Herren is the second leading returning scorer for the Blue Hose and should vie for all-conference status by season’s end. More importantly though will be the leadership qualities that Herren brings to the program. He will be looked upon to provide consistency and stability for the Blue Hose as the team follows his lead.

Guards

The guard position will once again be deep for the Blue Hose. Sean Dixon should anchor the shooting guard position and has experience at the point if called upon. A true candidate for the SAC Player-of-the-Year award, a healthy Dixon adds improved athleticism to an already tremendous work ethic. Dixon ended last season averaging 10.5 points-per-game and 3.1 assists-per-contest and should see both his scoring and defensive production increase from the off-guard spot.

Dixon will be joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Quinton Ferrell. Ferrell started 20 games for the Blue Hose during the 2005-06 campaign and has established himself as one of the best on-ball defenders in the country. Ferrell led the team in steals last season with 43 and with improved quickness and explosiveness to the basket, Ferrell should provide an added punch at the offensive end as well.

Bryan Bostic tallied 17 starts for the Blue Hose last year and looks to have a breakout sophomore season. The 6’3 wing provides great athleticism and versatility with the ability to play either the small forward or off-guard positions. Bostic can score both inside and out and should become one of the best rebounding swing men in the SAC.

The Blue Hose will rely on quality depth on the perimeter as well. Junior Drew Biggs started 19 contests a year ago and led the SAC in three point field goal percentage at 45% from beyond the arc. At 6’5, Biggs adds size and strength at the wing position.

Sharp shooter Pat Kiscaden provides another deep perimeter threat for the Blue Hose. The 6’3 junior has unlimited three point range and with added strength and quickness should see other parts of his game develop this season.

A pair of newcomers will also vie for playing time at the guard position. Rhett Bonner, a freshman from North Forsyth High School in Winston Salem, NC, is a true point guard who brings the instincts and a work ethic necessary to run a team. Junior Ryan Lamb, a transfer from Marshall University, provides quickness, steady ball-handling and the ability to pass at the point guard position. Both Lamb and Bonner are true leaders who add depth to an already experienced Blue Hose backcourt.

Forwards

Grant Herren provides experience and stability at the power forward position. The 6’8 senior recovered from an off-season shoulder surgery and is totally healthy for his senior campaign. Herren is the team’s leading returning rebounder and also was second on the team in assists a year ago. Herren connected on 53% of his shots last season and has added strength that should make him tough to deal with down low.

Fellow senior Ryan Koppel enters the year as another of the five senior captains. The 6’6 power forward from Ashburn, Va. has improved every year and has shown a tremendous work ethic throughout. Koppel’s ability to knock down the three makes him a threat at the high post and opens up the floor for the big men down low.

Travis Sligh, a 6’5 sophomore from Columbia, SC, played in all 35 games last season gaining valuable experience in the Blue Hose system. A tremendous athlete and defender down low, Sligh can also score in a variety of ways and will provide quality depth at the power forward position.

Centers

Replacing Collins will be a tall order for the Blue Hose, but PC features two returnees who coaches think can fill the void.

Martynas Versinskas should step in and provide an immediate impact in the middle. The 6’9, 240 pound center from Kaunas, Lithuania has an innate ability to score and has worked to get himself into the best physical shape of his career. Versinskas connected on 54% of his shots a season ago and looks to increase his scoring production as the main scoring option down low.

Senior captain Brian Epperly will move back to the low post position this upcoming season. The 6’6 post player from Roanoke, Va. can score with both hands on the low block and adds toughness in the post for the Blue Hose.

Two newcomers will also be looked to for added depth inside. Highly touted freshman Walt Allen, the reigning “Mr. Basketball” from the state of Kentucky, is a versatile post who can score both inside and out. Allen possesses great skills and an understanding of the game, and with added strength and quickness should thrive in the Blue Hose system.

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