Mercy College Men’s Basketball Touts New Look for 2008-09
Friday, November 14, 2008
Mercy College Men's Basketball Touts New Look for 2008-09
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Michael Marin |
DOBBS FERRY, NY - With a new coaching staff serving under Head Coach Tony Staffiere, five new student-athletes, and a completely renovated gymnasium to compete in, the Mercy College men's basketball squad is sporting a fresh look.
Staffiere, in his second season, has brought in an innovative offense and defense to suit this year's Mavericks.
"Our greatest strength is our team speed. We are as fast as we've been since I've been here," Staffiere said. "We will look to go outside-in on offense, relying on our ability to shoot the ball from the perimeter."
Now that many key contributors from last year's team have a year under their belts, Staffiere is hopeful that the defense will be even stingier.
"Last year we held many teams to their lowest point totals of the season and during the preseason we've had low scoring games as well," Staffiere said.
The head coach has an original perspective on keeping opposing offenses out of sync.
"The players understand our defense a lot better this season, which is to change it like were changing socks, that is we change defenses within the game and even possessions," Staffiere said.
Key defenders for the Mavericks will be sophomore Ed Wilson (Bronx, NY), seniors Justin McMullen (Brooklyn, NY) and Michael Marin (Flushing, NY).
Wilson will also be counted on to be the catalyst for the Mavericks' offense. His lightning quick speed with the ball is unmatched and could cause problems for opponents.
McMullen is Mercy's "chameleon" in that he is capable of playing all five positions on the floor. He is a solid perimeter shooter and has a strong impact on the game.
"In the final 10 games last season he probably won two games for us and put us in position to win others because of his ability and growing knowledge of the game," Staffiere said.
Marin will serve as the team leader and the go-to guy. Over the past three years his game has evolved from a spot shooter to a complete player that can drive, shoot from the outside and find the open man. He has high hopes for the team and himself this season.
"This year we hope to make it into the conference playoffs. I know we will give it our all and play each game like it's our last," Marin said. "I would like to become the leader of this team and continue to improve on all aspects of my game."
Sophomore Jimmy Gunville (Raynham, MA) is this year's sharpshooter and is one the best three-point shooters in the conference. He will be counted on to stretch defenses to create more room for other shots. Staffiere has unshakeable confidence in Gunville to be the athlete to take the last shot.
"Many guys want to take the last shot, but few guys are willing to miss it. He's a guy willing to miss it and take that chance. He's fearless," Staffiere said.
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Justin McMullen |
First-year player Kortney Parker (Mount Vernon, NY) is a tremendous athlete that can do just about anything on the floor.
"He can get by you or over you," Staffiere said. "During the preseason his first two collegiate field goals were both dunks."
The Mavericks added to its depth with juniors Jason Charles (Brooklyn, NY) and David Brown (Ardsley, NY). Charles is the team's best rebounder and will have to box out players that will routinely be bigger than him. His physical strength will allow him to do precisely that. Brown brings a ton of energy to the floor and can create havoc on defense.
Sophomores Orlando Daniel (Bridgeport, CT) and Desentrie Allen (Bridgeport, CT), will contribute key minutes for the Mavericks as well.
All these student-athletes will be coached by Staffiere and his two new assistants: Eric Powe and Adam Parmenter.
"I couldn't ask for two better coaches to work with everyday. Eric has seen the game from many different perspectives so I look to him for wisdom. Adam is the glue that ties this program together and has made a seamless transition in getting to know our guys," Staffiere said.
With all the changes put in place for this 2008-09 season, the Mavericks have primed themselves for a successful campaign.
