Nov. 4, 2009

11.4.09 - The Mid-America Christian University men's basketball team is a program rich with tradition. As the Evangels enter in their third season in the Sooner Athletic Conference, they look to improve on their season a year ago with a mix of both youth and experience.

The Evangels return four starters from last year, two who were freshmen. At the guard position, the men return high scoring sophomores Charlie Shorter, who led the team in scoring last year, and Brandon Williams. A third sophomore, Darius Gregory, is also returning and is improved from a year ago, providing an inside presence. Overall the Evangels return nine players, including two redshirt freshmen. Seven newcomers join this year's team.

"Brandon Williams is expected to be the big play person on the team, and Charlie Shorter will provide explosiveness to our offense," Head Coach Willey Holley said. "As freshman, they were both strong offensively but lacked defensive discipline. We are looking for them to improve individually on defense. Darius is a blue-collar player who provides quickness and scoring around the basket."

At the point guard position, MACU returns two players who saw significant court time in 2008. Donnell Lewis and Corey Raney with add much needed depth at the point guard position. Lewis has spent the last three seasons at MACU while Raney transferred prior to last season after spending two years at Seminole State College. Lewis and Raney both should compete for the starting position.

"Donnell and Corey know our system," Holley said. "They are experience guards who are good ball handlers. Donnell brings great scoring potential while Corey provides physical strength."

Senior Josh Ball will finish his career at MACU this season. As a junior post player, he averaged 6.3 points per game with 24 blocks in 2008.

"Josh will be expected to be a consistent scorer inside while providing defense in the middle," Holley said.

Junior Cameron Langster should provide the Evangels with a solid inside and outside presence in 2009-2010. He did not play until the spring semester last year and made immediate contributions. He is an all-round player who can make shots from the outside, but also has the ability to post up if needed.

"Cameron is the most versatile player on our team," Holley said. "He is a vital player for us. He is a tough match up for opponents and has a consistent outside game and an improved inside game. He is a vocal leader on the court and is willing to put in the work no one else wants to do."

The Evangels will turn to redshirt freshmen Auston Davidson and Van Craven to offer a boost at the guard positions. The players sat out the 2008-2009 season but look to earn immediate playing time at the guard position.

"Van gives us depth at the guard position providing strength and quickness on both ends of the floor," Holley said. "He is talented and capable along with being the hardest working player on the team. Auston has a chance get quality minutes at the point guard position. We have been pleasantly surprised with him this fall; he's becoming a complete player."

Looking to replace the loss of several key seniors from last season, Coach Holley believes the Evanegls have recruited players that can strengthen their weaknesses.

"We have accomplished a good blend between our returners and newcomers," Holley said. "We have good communication and openness on and off the court."

MACU will turn to newcomers Nathan Pratt and John Shodipo to be difference makers on offense and defense. Both players bring a wealth of experience and should immediately compete for starting playing time.

"Nathan and John are bigger guys who will give us more size on defense," Holley said. "Nathan played at Richfield Community College and is a versatile player who can make everyone around him better. He is a natural-born leader that people follow. John is a big guard/small forward who played two years at College of Dupage. He is a player that loves to score and can get to the rim with the basketball."

The Evangels will look to sophomore Bradley Cosby to compete for time at the point guard position. Cosby comes to MACU from Seminole State College where he played for one season.

"Bradley is an all around player who can get it done on both ends of the floor," Holley said. "Bradley has the potential of being the most complete player on the team. He is a combo guard who is an offensive threat with good hands."

The Evangels have added three forwards (Nosa Amadasun, Arcelon Osborne and Dyre Ross) to provide much needed inside depth.

"Nosa is an active inside player who will provide a blue collar influence on his teammates," Holley said. "Arcelon loves contact and doing the dirty work. He cleans up around the basket. Dyre is a role player who gives depth and consistency inside."

George Hanes comes to MACU from Western Oklahoma Junior College with a chance to see significant playing time. The 6 foot, 10 inch junior center has good hands and should provide an inside scoring threat when on the court.

"George has a great work ethic and mental attitude. He is expected to develop into a starter before the season is finished," Holley said.

Coach Holley, who is ranked 5th in active coaching wins and 19th in winning percentage in the NAIA, will lead the Evangels through a challenging non-conference schedule, taking on three NCAA Division II teams and one NCCAA Division I team. The first game of the season is at home on November 5 against Southwestern College.

"We have put together a five-year plan to become successful at the NAIA Division I level of competition; we're in the third year of that plan," Holley said. "We were close last season and this should be the year to get over the top. Our schedule provides strong non-conference match-ups to help prepare our players for the tough 22 game conference schedule."