Men’s hoops graduate from school of hard Knocks
T-Birds still have outside chance at making
the playoffs despite their 8-14 conference record
BY MICHAEL GEER
MESA LEGEND
Submitted February 27, 2001
The 2000–2001 men’s basketball team had to grow up fast and
learn some valuable lessons on the court.
According to Assistant Coach Willie Young, the team had some good wins,
and some bad losses.
In addition to having a rookie head coach in Alton Lister, the Thunderbirds
have seven redshirt freshman and four true freshman, including John Davis
out of San Diego and DeWayne Parker from Los Angeles, who both agree like
the fact that coach Lister played professional ball for seventeen years
in the NBA.
When you combine new coaching, 11 freshman, and a few players who were
away from the hardwood for two years serving missions, you get a lackluster
record.
The team, however, has a more promising chance at winning a championship
next year than they had at the beginning of this season.
"I didn’t know what to expect," Lister said. "I wanted
to go out and be competitive the first year and make sure the kids understand
where I was coming from"
After taking over the team in May of 2000, Lister didn’t have a
chance to do any serious recruiting.
After his arrival, Lister said he emphasized to the team how important
it is that the players attend their classes.
Lister also promised to give positive direction to the players who will
be graduating soon, so they can enjoy success after basketball.
Coach Young seems impressed with the players response to their new situation.
"The team played hard, practiced hard, and did what they needed
to do" Young said.
The average GPA for the squad is a respectable, 2.7 including at least
two players with perfect 4.0’s.
After the season, coach Lister said he will re-evaluate, and see what
direction the program needs to go in.
He also plans on conducting some off-season camps for his bigger men.
As for this season, it’s not over yet.
With an 8-14 conference record, the Thunderbirds have to win the last
three games of the season and pray for some key losses around the league
to see action in the post season.
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