Winthrop ready to take on Big South
Big South beware, Winthrop is ready to rumble. After last year’s unprecedented 15-1 conference record, the men’s basketball team is back with all five of last year’s starters. The addition of three freshmen will only make matters worse for the Eagles’ opponents.
Since last season’s hard fought defeat to Gonzaga, there has been nothing but positive news.
The Winthrop men’s basketball team is the first in history to be unanimously picked to win the Big South championship. Torrell Martin has been named the Preseason Men’s Basketball Player of the Year by the Big South coaches, athletic directors and sports media. Martin is also one of only 25 players that were named to the prestigious preseason Mid-Major All-American team.
“I’m anxious to see how well we’ll perform,” Torrell Martin said. “The schedule looks tough and we’ve got a lot of prove. We gotta step up and show we can compete with the best of them. ”
Martin said he’s watched the Gonzaga tape at least 16 times. He thinks this year’s team has “one of our better chances” to get to the tournament and advance.
Since last year’s success, Head Coach Marshall told Martin not to be satisfied. Martin listened and over the summer, he dedicated himself to working out and improving his game. He gained 10 pounds during the off-season and says he’s improved various aspects of his basketball skills.
There are some new faces on the team.
“Being a freshman coming into this kind of program, I’m very excited,” guard De’Andre Adams said. The freshman Adams said his game will bring excitement and energy to Winthrop basketball.
Freshman forward Jonathon Rice said he read every newspaper article about Winthrop last season. He said he wants to bring wins and championships to Winthrop and expects the team to go farther into the tournament this year.
The Eagle veterans are prepared for this year’s challenges.
“Everyone’s out to get us,” Craig Bradshaw said. “Our goal is to make it to the tournament and advance.”
Bradshaw spent the off-season playing with his native New Zealand’s basketball team. He said the experience of playing in China and Australia helped to improve his game.
Forward Otis Daniels is also ready to play.
“I watched the Gonzaga tape like there’s no tomorrow,” senior Daniels said. “Last year wasn’t just given to us. We have a chance this year to really make our name early and get some national recognition.”
This was no lazy summer for Daniels. His trainer put him on a high-protein diet and expanded his conditioning regimen. Daniels’ increased strength and focused summer training will help to boost his physical style of play.
Gregg Marshall refuses to watch the second half of the Gonzaga game. He is eager to move on.
“We’re ready to get going,” Coach Marshall said. “We’re looking to build upon the success of last season.”
Marshall said this year’s schedule is the toughest in his seven years as Winthrop’s head coach. Before he even deals with the prospect, he said his team has to get to the NCAA tournament first.
It’s been a good off-season for Marshall.
In July, his 10-year contract with Winthrop went into effect. His $200,000 annual salary makes him the highest paid university employee but if he chooses to leave as head coach before 2015, he will be fined $100,000.
Marshall is enthusiastic about the 2005-2006 Eagles.
“We want to bring positive reflection to a wonderful university by what we do on the court, in the community and on campus,” Marshall said. “We wear Winthrop proudly on our chest in many venues with a lot of people watching.”
He urged fans to come early to games. He said a formidable Portland team is coming to Winthrop on Nov. 26 and it’s guaranteed to be a competitive game.
Many Winthrop fans can’t wait for the season to start.
“This year, we will be undefeated. We’ll make it to the tournament and win our first game,” said sophomore history major Hunter Ballenger. “I’m going to every single game, even Alabama and Auburn.”
Others agree.
“We’re going to take the Big South Conference by storm,” said sophomore mass communication major Adam LaRoche. “The new players look good.”
LaRoche, who is president of the WU Crew basketball fan club, said the crew will be at every home game and at the South Carolina game.
Winthrop has some big shoes to fill this season. Anything inferior to last year’s performance will be seen as a disappointment.
The Eagles’ season kicks off Nov. 18 in Milwaukee for the Blue and Gold Pepsi Classic tournament. Winthrop’s first home game will be on Saturday, Nov. 26 against Portland, who gave the Eagles 1 of only 5 regular season defeats.
