The Randy Monroe era at
UMBC has started on solid, yet unspectacular ground.
In year three, the program is more fully his own, and added and
experience and depth could lead to bigger things in 2007..
***
CHN:
Looking ahead, what should we expect to be the strengths and weaknesses of
this year’s team?
RM: We want our defense to be a strength of our team
this year. Last season, I did not think it was as good as
we wanted it to be. I think this year it can be much improved
because our youngsters have a good idea of how we want them to
play defensively in a half court situation. Offensively I think
we have guys who can put the ball in the basket and have a good
feel for the game.”
Our biggest challenge will be finding
consistent inside scoring. Michael Housman had a solid year
last year, but he will need help from Chris Timba and Uwem
Eshietedoho. We are going to ask them to step up and make
contributions. If they can do that. I think it will be fun to
watch.
CHN: Fans often just see what happens during the games, but
talk about which of your guys deserve more credit for working
hard in practice, in the workout room, and being leaders off the
court:
RM: You can’t put a price tag on what Tyler [Massey]
Uwem [Eshietedoho], Chris [Timba] and Matt [Spadafora] did for
us last year. Those guys don’t get the credit that they so
rightfully deserve. The sacrifices they made every day to come
and put it all on the line to make the players that played a lot
more that much better.
CHN: Discuss the incoming guys for a bit. What type of
players are they? Who will make the biggest impact?
RM:
Matt Spadafora, who did not play for us last year, will make a
big impact for us. I think his ability to score and knowledge
of the game will help us. Although he didn’t play last year,
allowing Matt to sit back and watch, and see the game will
really help him this year.
The
other young man I am really high on is our freshman Justin Fry,
who had a tremendous year this past season, his senior year. I
think Justin has the ability to step away from the basket and
shoot the basketball. He is a very competitive person.
I think Jason Greene getting a taste of
success his freshman year, I think he is able to step up. I
think Tom Young will be another player that will step up to a
role where he can contribute much more offensively.
