Dean Men’s Basketball at Media Day. (Photo Courtesy: Dean College Broadcasting Team)
The Dean College Men’s Basketball team is getting ready to start the 2022-2023 season after finishing last season with a record of 8-17 and a loss in the first round of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference tournament.
While the Bulldogs were battle-tested last season and lost several close games, second-year head coach Joe Cabral feels that this team can learn from their experience, which could help them earn more wins this season.
Dean has a group of returning players from last season including Mark Blair, Hunter Meyer, Dion Zhuta, Marquist Muse, Jagan Daughters, and Jonathon Larson.
The returning players spent a lot of their summer in the gym building muscle as coach Cabral challenged them to get their bodies where they thought they needed to be for the season. Mark Blair also mentioned that he worked hard this offseason on his shot selection, aiming to remain patient on offense, and with the team overall. Blair also explained that he would like to build great chemistry with his teammates as a part of his goals for this season.
The Bulldogs added several transfers from junior colleges, which Cabral feels can help improve their win total this season. These new transfers will be able to contribute by adding depth at every position as well as much-needed speed and height. Some of the new transfers for Dean include AJ Weston, Nick Grant, Jayden Madise, Dorien Ruffin, Will Osborne, Charles Walker, Davis Richard, Jakobi Greenleaf, Malik Spearman, Akili Prince, and Dom Chiota.
“It takes time when you add a big class from a chemistry standpoint. However, I do believe from day one to now at day fifteen, we have made a huge jump because I think that guys are starting to get comfortable with one another,” Cabral explained.
Practices so far have included throwing different lineups onto the court as Cabral is still contemplating the starting five for the start of the season. These practices have also allowed the players to gain some more familiarity on the court and get along with each other as well.
One thing that Cabral would like to see his team improve on this season is staying consistent. “We changed a few different times of what we were running last season, so I believe that our plan is going to stay consistent over six months. The guys have bought into the X’s and O’s of the gameplan on offense and defense so far, and we hope that it will win us some games,” Cabral said.
Coach Cabral is switching up his defensive style this season as they will be running “94 feet of heat”, where they will be pressing and defending hard on the ball at full court and half court. On the offensive end, the Bulldogs have added some new sets and looks but will continue to run their usual four out and one in offense.
While the team's primary focus lies on their home opener against Curry College, they also have a scrimmage two days later on the road at Division I Holy Cross. “It is a tremendous opportunity for our guys to go to a Division I environment. The Hart Center will be a place that none of us have played at before. But we are truly fortunate to have that opportunity. This will be a great experience for our guys and something they will be able to carry with them throughout life,” Coach Cabral said.
The players acknowledge that Holy Cross, being at the D-I level, might be able to do things they can’t, as the Bulldogs' chemistry is still a work in progress. However, they are excited about the matchup and will try to put their best foot forward.
The team goal for this season is to win the GNAC championship. “Obviously, we fell short of that last season, but I feel that there are enough pieces in the room to make that goal a reality. However, it goes day-by-day as we have to win every day and trust our teammates and the process,” Coach Cabral explained.
“I want this to be an enjoyable experience for all our players. We have to come together as one and play as a unit. We also have to play selflessly, but if we can stick to our goals and our core concepts, I truly think we can have a special season. But it is all about the players because these are the best four years of your life, and only two percent of high school athletes get a chance to be a college athlete. I want to instill into our guys how lucky and grateful they are to play college sports and then make it an enjoyable experience.”
Comments