2005-06 Men's Preview

The beginning of each season always brings new hope and excitement to the coaches and players. This season head coach Terry Conrad is especially excited and hopeful about the 2005-06 men's basketball season.

"I think we can be more competitive in the PSAC East and get more wins as we continue to improve our program," said Conrad. "We have some new additions and they are mixing with the returning players nicely. I think as a group we can have better success."

Last season, the Huskies had a young, inexperienced roster and they struggled to compete in this conference. This year's team, however, is more experienced and should improve on last season's record. Conrad has a number of goals that he feels this season's team can meet. "As always our primary goal is to have a winning season and be one of the top four teams in the PSAC East so that we can advance to the PSAC playoffs," said Conrad.

In order to prepare for the PSAC match ups, Conrad has scheduled a very demanding non-conference schedule. This includes an exhibition game against Division I, St. Bonaventure. "This is a great opportunity for our program," said Conrad. St. Bonaventure will be a great test for the Huskies and it will provide us with lots of insight into our program."

The 2005-06 Huskies will be led by captains Billy Bryan (Denver/Holy Name) and Derek Daniels (White Plains, NY/Coppin State). Bryan is entering his junior year at Bloomsburg. Last season he led the Huskies in rebounds and field goal percentage. "Bryan is one of our most dependable players. He has a great passion for basketball and brings a lot of intangibles," said Conrad.

Daniels is a transfer from Division I Coppin State and Conrad believes he will step in and be a legitimate post player in the PSAC. "We expect Derek to be a force in the post area for us," Conrad added.

BACKCOURT

In addition to Bryan, Conrad expects a major contribution from point guard Andrew Jerry. "Jerry is small but he brings a lot of energy to the team and has the ability to spread the ball around," Conrad said. Last season, Jerry finished third on the team in scoring and assists.

Freshman Seve Cunningham (Wrightsville/Eastern York) will back up Jerry. Cunningham had an excellent high school career and Conrad hopes he can contribute off of the bench.

Also look for sophomore Mike Cheatle (Lower Gwynedd/Hatboro-Horsham) to have an impact. Cheatle had an excellent rookie year averaging 7.2 points per game.

FRONTCOURT

Along with Daniels, Brian Holsey (Royersford/J.R. Masterman) will play a key role in the Huskies rotation.

Center Jeremiah Long (New Columbia/Mifflinburg) should also contribute. Long put on weight over the summer and should see solid minutes in his sophomore season.

Other key players are Matt Jefferson (Philadelphia/Engineering & Science) and Ernest Cherry (Babonneau, St. Lucia/St. Mary's). "Jefferson and Cherry will provide us with athleticism as inside/outside players," said Conrad. Both players will help us rebound and defend against some of the best players we play against in and out of the conference." Jefferson returns to the Huskies after sitting out last season.

OVERALL

The PSAC East should be very balanced this year, with East Stroudsburg and West Chester expected to compete for first place.

In order for the Huskies to have a successful season Conrad feels the key factor will be to avoid turnovers. "We need to take better care of the basketball. Last season, we had only one player who finished with more assists then turnovers", added Conrad. "That is a major concern as we head into the 2005-06 season." Conrad also feels it is important to establish a seven-nine man rotation. "We played a lot of players last year, but the better teams always have a solid rotation."

With a number of returning players and some talented newcomers, Conrad and the Huskies anticipate an exciting season of basketball.