NEW-LOOK MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM READY TO MAKE ITS MARK DURING 2010-11 SEASON

By Scott Sudikoff
Tufts Athletics Communications Assistant

Sam Mason is one of the veteran leaders of the Jumbos

MEDFORD - After a disappointing 6-17 (2-7 NESCAC) season in 2009-10, and the loss of their two top scorers to graduation, the Tufts University men's basketball team has reason to be optimistic.

"We really feel like we are a better defensive team this year and plan to be way more balanced on offense," assistant coach Matt Malone explained. "Obviously, we lost quite a bit of experience, but we feel like we have a more talented group of athletes who are able to make more plays on both ends of the court."

Jon Pierce, who is the school's all-time leading scorer and led the team with 18.9 points per game, and Dave Beyel, a captain who tallied 16.5 points per game, are the key departures from last year's club. The Jumbos are confident that their current crop of upperclassmen can lead the way in 2010-11.

Seniors Matt Galvin (Floral Park, NY) and Sam Mason (York, ME), along with junior James Long (Norwell, MA) take over the role of team captains.

"Matt, Sam, and James have a lot of experience as role players. They are our three best defenders and really understand what good shots are on offense," Malone said.

The Jumbos will also look to sophomore Scott Anderson (Sudbury, MA) to score the basketball during the season after a solid first year that saw him produce nine points and five rebounds per contest. Another sophomore, Alex Goldfarb (New York, NY), saw plenty of game action in his first year and was the second-most effective three-point shooter at 35% from long range.

There is also an influx of new players to the squad, including five freshmen and a junior transfer, Alex Orchowski (Cornwall, NY).

"(Orchowski) is going to be one of the most athletic players in the league this season," Malone described. "Alex is very versatile and is able to compete for every rebound with his athletic ability."

The biggest lesson learned from last year was that the Jumbos need to play a complete game.

"We found ways to lose at the end of games last year," Malone said. "We learned that we need to stay focused for 40 minutes. We are going to run more and try to get some more easy baskets this year."

The coaching staff hopes to utilize a more balanced offensive attack with their depth and athleticism while having five guys work together at all times on the defensive end.

"We want to go from the team that no one fears or respects to the team that no one wants to play," Malone added. "We want our identity to be the team that is extremely physical and effective playing in transition at a high pace."

Head Coach Bob Sheldon enters his 23rd year at the helm of the Jumbos and currently holds a .572 winning percentage. Tufts opens their season this coming Saturday by hosting Skidmore at Cousens Gym.

2010-11 Tufts Men's Basketball Schedule

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