Marcus Colbert and the Cats prep for the 2014-15 season
Photo by: Ruth Shellenberg
Bobcat Men's Basketball Progressing During Fall
10/16/2014 5:12:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Backcourt experience boosts transition to new coaching staff
All parties involved agree that Montana State's men's basketball team is heading in the right direction two weeks into its formal practice season. The question is, how fast is it getting there?
"Quick," says senior guard Michael Dison, when asked how things are progressing.
"It's a process and it takes time," said first-year coach Brian Fish, "and it takes time. We might not be quite as far along compared to where I want to be, but the guys are working hard and picking things up."
Fish faces a double-edged challenge in replacing much of the team's 2013-14 core while integrating four newcomers asked to contribute. Four of the team's top five in scoring and minutes played a season ago departed, including leading scorers Flavien Davis (12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds) and Paul Egwonwu (9.5 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds). Also gone is guard Antonio Biglow, the team steals leader who was on the floor during most of the team's key moments.
Much of the team's returning experience lies in the backcourt, which Fish says has helped in the transition to systems and styles on both ends of the floor. Marcus Colbert returns as a starter at the point guard position, carrying averages of 9.4 points and a team-best 3.0 assists a game. "Marcus has really played well," Fish said. Michael Dison, a senior, joins Colbert in the backcourt after averaging 6.2 points a year ago.
With room for improvement across the board, Fish said the glass and the offensive end are two areas the squad presently focuses on. "We need to rebound better as a team," he said, "and we want to continue to improve our execution offensively. That's an area we can get better, running the offense."
The Bobcats continue practicing in preparation for the November 6 exhibition contest against UM Western before beginning a five-game, season-opening road trip that begins with UCLA on Nov. 14 and ends at preseason No. 1 Kentucky on Nov. 23. UCLA received votes in the USA Today preseason coaches poll Thursday.
"Quick," says senior guard Michael Dison, when asked how things are progressing.
"It's a process and it takes time," said first-year coach Brian Fish, "and it takes time. We might not be quite as far along compared to where I want to be, but the guys are working hard and picking things up."
Fish faces a double-edged challenge in replacing much of the team's 2013-14 core while integrating four newcomers asked to contribute. Four of the team's top five in scoring and minutes played a season ago departed, including leading scorers Flavien Davis (12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds) and Paul Egwonwu (9.5 points and a team-high 6.7 rebounds). Also gone is guard Antonio Biglow, the team steals leader who was on the floor during most of the team's key moments.
Much of the team's returning experience lies in the backcourt, which Fish says has helped in the transition to systems and styles on both ends of the floor. Marcus Colbert returns as a starter at the point guard position, carrying averages of 9.4 points and a team-best 3.0 assists a game. "Marcus has really played well," Fish said. Michael Dison, a senior, joins Colbert in the backcourt after averaging 6.2 points a year ago.
With room for improvement across the board, Fish said the glass and the offensive end are two areas the squad presently focuses on. "We need to rebound better as a team," he said, "and we want to continue to improve our execution offensively. That's an area we can get better, running the offense."
The Bobcats continue practicing in preparation for the November 6 exhibition contest against UM Western before beginning a five-game, season-opening road trip that begins with UCLA on Nov. 14 and ends at preseason No. 1 Kentucky on Nov. 23. UCLA received votes in the USA Today preseason coaches poll Thursday.
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballThursday, March 03
Friday, November 05
Monday, November 01
Sunday, October 31
