“Last year’s team had so many new faces that it took a long time for them to really figure out how to play together,” Porter said. “It’s nice to have some familiar faces in practice this season. These individuals understand my coaching style and are able to relay the expectations of myself and my staff to the newer players.”
Helping replace graduated top scorer Dave Brown will be returning senior starters Vitas Naudziunas and T.R. Ellis. Naudziunas, a 6-foot-9 center from Toronto, led the team in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and blocked shots (1.2 bpg) last season. Ellis finished second on the team in scoring (9 ppg).
The Blue Knights also will look for more from a strong trio of sophomores — Marcus Pearl, Harvey Stewart and Rob Matthews.
Pearl and Stewart were named to the All-ICAA (Independents’ Collegiate Athletic Association) Freshman Team. Pearl averaged almost 11 ppg over his final 13 games after scoring just 2.5 ppg in his first 12. Stewart started seven games and finished fifth on the team in scoring (5.2 ppg). Matthews appeared in all but one game and converted on more than half of his shot attempts.
In addition to the five returners, Urbana welcomes nine newcomers to the squad, including eight transfers.
“All of our incoming student-athletes will be looked upon in one way or another to contribute immediately,” Porter said. “Specifically, Justin Tyson was brought in to give us a greater low-post presence. Anthony Gage and Charlton Conner will help supply some leadership and court vision.
“Meanwhile, Jared Dewberry, Sean McCants and Clint Nicholson should allow us some added scoring presence on the floor.”
Porter’s blend of veteran transfers, talented sophomores and senior co-captains hope to turn up the tempo and churn out a winning season, the program’s first since 1997.
“We hope to be much more up-tempo than we were last season,” said Porter, whose team opens tonight, Nov. 15, at Fairmont State.