B-Section 2015

B-Section

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

Kristin Schatzlein ‘16

Page 1

Your 2015-2016 preview of

Fairfield’s men’s and women’s basketball Brought to you by Alfredo Torres and Patrick Kiernan

Marcus Gilbert ‘16 Casey Smith ‘17

Fairfield’s Big Three -Read about seniors Marcus Gilbert and Kristin Schatzlein on page 11 -Read about Casey Smith’s transition to junior year on page 10

Basketball preview 2015-2016

Sports

Page 2

Men prepare for success after poor 2014-15 season

By Patrick Kiernan Editor-in-Chief Last year’s basketball season was one that did not bode well for the men’s team, as they went 7-24 for the season and 5-15 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. They finished 10th in the conference and lost in the first round of the MAAC Tournament against St. Peter’s.

Although the team had just seven wins last season, there were multiple takeaways that could directly impact the strength and success of this year’s team. The first was the emergence of shooting guard Tyler Nelson ‘18.

As a freshman, Nelson burst onto the scene. After being inserted into the starting lineup in the first half of the season, Nelson averaged 10.2 points per game and led the team in three-pointers made with 64. His field goal percentage and three-pointer percentage both stood at .424.

He also ended the season second on the team in minutes played per game with 27.2. He was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team and won multiple Rookie of the Week awards.

With a full season under his belt now, Nelson will surely be a source of firepower for the 2015-16 campaign.

The other constant source of offense for this Fairfield team was forward Marcus Gilbert ‘16. After two successful seasons as an underclassman, Gilbert really broke into his own

as a star player last year. He led the Stags in a number of categories, including points per game (16.4), minutes per game (34.7) and steals (25).

He was named to the All-MAAC Third Team last season and was also named to the All-MAAC Preseason First Team for this season. With his skills fully honed now heading into his senior year, Gilbert is sure to turn in his best season yet, and be the force that leads the team on offense.

However, with every collegiate season, teams lose players to graduation and transfers. The Stags lost two seniors from last season: Steve Johnston and Malcolm Gilbert. Both averaged more than 10 minutes per game and provided an instant spark off the bench on defense. Johnston finished tied for fourth on the team with 17 Contributed by Sports Information Desk steals and Gilbert finished second on In his final season, Steve Johnston ‘15 averaged 18.6 minutes per game in 31 game appearences, eight of which he started. blocks with 33.

Johnston connected on 26 three-pointers, good for third on the team.

Aside from those two, the Stags also lost some others that played vital minutes, namely K.J. Rose, who trans- no longer plays for the team.

Aside from King, the Stags also two will be relied on for rebounds and ferred. He averaged 23 minutes per Also, like any other year with a added a number of freshmen to assist playing defense in the paint. game last season and started the sea- collegiate program, Fairfield brought the team at both the guard and forWith this influx of new talent son as the team’s starting point guard. in a slew of new talent to hopefully ward positions. Among the recruited and reliable players like Nelson and Although Jerome Segura ‘18 eventu- bolster the lost team roles. One inter- guards include Jerry Johnson ‘19, Marcus Gilbert, the Stags should be in ally took over that job, Rose was still esting addition to the team is forward Thomas Nolan ‘19 and Curtis Cobb good shape despite departures from an asset off the bench. He averaged Scott King, a redshirt senior who will ‘19. The two taller forwards are both last year’s team. They will definitely 4.7 points per game, led the team with be playing at Fairfield for one year international products, Jonathan Ka- look to build upon their seven wins 76 assists and finished second with 24 and one year only. Known as a sharp- sibabu ‘19 of Kinshasa, Congo and from last season and prove the MAAC steals. Other losses from last year in- shooter, he spent three years with Matija Milin ‘19 of Belgrade, Ser- conference wrong as they were ranked clude DeMarcus Threatt, who trans- Stony Brook where he shot 36 percent bia. Standing at 6-feet-8 inches and eighth in the preseason poll. ferred, and Doug Chappell ‘17 who from the three-point range.

6-feet-9 inches tall respectively, these

Women look for back-to-back strong seasons

By Patrick Kiernan Editor-in-Chief The Fairfield women’s basketball team enjoyed another successful season last year, although it left a sour taste in the mouths of the team members. The team went 15-16 overall, but held an impressive 13-7 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record. They fought their way to the semifinal round of the MAAC Tournament before being beaten by Marist 67-50.

This season, however, the Stags have their heads held high as they ranked number one in the MAAC preseason poll. There are a number of evident reasons from last season that make the Stags the team to beat.

The most obvious one is the emergence of forward/center Casey Smith ‘17. After having to sit out the 201314 season having transferred from St. Joseph’s University, Smith hit the hardwood poised to shine last season, and her accolades prove it: All-MAAC Rookie Team, All-MAAC Third Team, All-Metropolitan Third Team, six-time MAAC Rookie of the Week and threetime Eastern College Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week. As this season begins, she was already named to the Preseason All-MAAC First Team.

Her numbers last season immediately prove her worth, as she was among team leaders in a number of categories: first in points per game (11.9), first in blocks (29), second in rebounds (4.6) and second in minutes per game (29.8).

Aside from Smith, a number of other players emerged as forces to be contended with last season, namely Samantha Cooper ‘18, Kelsey Carey ‘17,

Kristine Miller ‘17 and Helena Orts ‘18.

These four forwards all received ample playing time and rotated time as starters. They each averaged at least four points per game, as well as three rebounds per game. Cooper led the team with 6.7 rebounds per game, and Miller

led with a .616 shooting percentage.

They each played at least 14 minutes per game, and should be expected to pick up even more time and responsibility during the 2015-16 campaign.

Aside from these players, a mainstay in Fairfield’s lineup since her fresh-

man year is Kristin Schatzlein ‘16, who will look to continue to be a high-volume shooter as she was named to the Preseason All-MAAC Second Team.

Last year alone, Schatzlein led the team averaging 36.2 minutes per game, 39 steals and scored 11.6 points per game.

She shot 83 percent from the free-throw line as well as .349 percent from behind the three-point arc. Her all-around ability as a stretch guard is integral to the Stags’ offense and defense, and she will look to make a showing in her final season.

However, one area the Stags will look for help in this coming season is at the point guard position, where Felicia DaCruz ‘15 has left a legacy of assisting prowess and overall excellent basketball IQ. She is still at Fairfield, though, as the new Director of Women’s Basketball Operations.

In her senior season, DaCruz averaged 4.3 points per game, and led the team in assists with 116 and only 52 turnovers. She averaged 32 minutes per game and finished third on the team with 25 steals.

In her absence, the Stags will have to look to point guard Lizzy Ball ‘16 and the newest freshmen on the team to help out at the guard position: Casey Foley and Kendra Landry. These three will have to work to bring the ball up court and be the playmakers for this Fairfield team.

Additionally, incoming forward Khadidiatou “Dija” Diouf ‘19 will be looked at to fill in some time at the forward positions and be an impact player.

All in all, this year’s Fairfield women’s basketball team has the post players to dominate the MAAC, and freeze opposing offenses before they get relatively close to the rim. The sharp shooting from Schatzlein will also be what propels this offense. Winning the MAAC Contributed by Sports Information Desk Tournament is absolutely a possibility, Felicia DaCruz ‘15 appeared in 124 games over her four-year stay at Fairfield, the sixth most in program history. During her and this team has the talent to make it career, DaCruz dished out a total of 405 assists placing her ninth in program history. definite.

A look at this year’s coaching staff: Basketball preview 2015-2016

Sports

Men’s:

Head Coach Sydney Johnson

Page 3

Women’s: Head Coach Joe Frager

Assistant Coach Laura Scinto

Assistant Coach

Mitch Buonaguro

Assistant Coach Tom Parrota

Assistant Coach Tyson Wheeler

Assistant Coach David Jollon

Stephanie Geehan

Director of Director of Basketball Basketball Operations Operations Kyle Koncz Felicia DaCruz

Assistant Director of Basketball Operations Dustin Dobbs

Assistant Coach

Sports

The new kids on the block: Basketball preview 2015-2016

Page 4

Men’s freshmen

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor There will be a total of five freshmen heading into the 2015-16 basketball season, and they’re ready to make an impact immediately.

Fairfield added three guards to the roster starting with Jerry Johnson, Jr. from Notre Dame Prep School. Curtis Cobb, a 6-foot4-inch guard, comes to Fairfield ranked sixth in Massachusetts (Class of 2015) by ESPN. Fairfield Prep graduate Thomas Nolan made the decision to stay another four years at the Fairfield University campus to represent none other than the Stags.

Johnson, a 6-foot-2-inch, 200-pound guard from Memphis, Tennessee previously attended Houston High School then decided to attend Notre Dame Prep School. He was ranked thirteenth in Massachusetts (Class of 2015) and 48th overall in New England

by New England Recruiting Report (NERR). His versatile scoring and high basketball IQ helped Notre Dame Prep qualify for the 2015 National Prep Championship tournament.

When asked about what he can bring to the team, Johnson answered, “I can provide some experience. I’m a freshman, but I’m 20 years old. I went to prep school, did a post-graduate year and now just

By Patrick Kiernan Editor-in-Chief With every new season comes an exciting new crop of undergraduate talent to take over the program in a matter of time. This year, the women’s basketball team will be taking on two freshmen, both of whom are guards that will be responsible for taking over backcourt duties.

Freshmen Casey Foley and Kendra Landry both hope to become implemented into Coach Joe Frager’s system in an effort to gain ample playing time and show the impact they can potentially have on the team atmosphere.

Foley, hailing from Ardsley, New York, has made a reputation for herself as a sharpshooter from long range throughout high school and hopes for much of the same at Fairfield.

In her senior season, she was named Class B Player of the Year by the New York State Sportswriters Association, making her the third Stag to receive this award.

This two-time captain of her high school squad was selected as an All-League Honor three times, named to the All-Section squad twice and was on the All-State team during her senior year. Additionally, Foley played on Ardsley’s softball and volleyball teams, really stamping herself as an all-around athlete.

The other newcomer to the women’s basketball team, Landry, is also known for her reputation as a fine backcourt player. However, rather

feel like I’ve been around the game for so long. My experience previous to college is up there with guys that are seniors in college.”

Johnson’s decision to play for Fairfield was an easy one. After several interactions with the coaching staff and the team, he knew Fairfield was the place for him. “I feel Fairfield was my second family. Coach Johnson and Coach Wheeler did a good job of recruiting me and making me feel like this could be my next home for four years. When I came and met the teammates, it was the same way. The guys were real genuine, they had real intentions of being your friends,” said Johnson.

Adjusting to college-level basketball is always a challenge for incoming freshmen, but with the help of the coaching staff and teammates, the adjustment has become much easier for Johnson.

He credits the senior captains on the team, both Amadou Sidibe ‘16 and Marcus Gilbert ‘16, for the huge help they have been. “They have really helped us transition into the system really well. Off the court they showed us techniques, schemes and how we should read defenses and just go about our business on and off the court,” said Johnson.

With a clean start to the season, Johnson looks forward to the challenge and believes his team will compete with the best the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has

to offer. “We have a real good team, we work hard. I’ve never worked as hard in my life previously and I feel like my game has elevated to the college level and I feel like my teammates are hungry. We haven’t had a MAAC title in a couple years and we want to get back to that stage right away,” said Johnson.

Cobb earned All-NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) First Team Honors as a member of Wilbraham & Monson Academy and was a 2015 McDonald’s All-American nominee.

Cobb comes to Fairfield listed as a three-star recruit by several recruiting services including Scouts, Rivals, Yahoo Sports and 24/7 Composite. “I can bring some variety, I’m a bigger guard than most of the guys we have. I can play the three, the two if I have to, the one,” said Cobb.

After seeing the coaching staff at almost all of his prep school games, Cobb realized how important he was to Fairfield so he made the decision to join the Stags.

Cobb’s relationship with the coaches is one of the reasons why he’s coming into the season confident. “They really believe in me as a whole, [and] they believe in what I can do. They push me every day to make sure that I do those things,” said Cobb about his helpful coaches.

The relationship between Cobb

and his teammates is another important bond. From the moment Cobb met his teammates, he immediately felt a connection not only on the court, but off the court. “I love my teammates, I feel like we’re a family. Every single one of us loves each other on and off the court and that’s going to bring us a long way,” said Cobb.

The relationship Cobb shares with his team will only get better as the season goes into full swing.

Cobb believes the relationship he shares with his team will lead to a great season with the end result being a MAAC title.

After four years at Fairfield Prep, Nolan, a 6-foot-3-inch guard, will be suiting up for the Stags once again. He is a two-time Connecticut Post All-Star Selection and also collected two berths to the New Haven Register All-Star teams in 2014 and 2015.

He secured the Southern Connecticut Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player award in 2014. Due to Nolan’s contributions, Fairfield Prep posted a 25-2 record and captured their first Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference LL championship since 1997.

It was hard to leave Fairfield for Nolan. “Since I’m from the area, even played high school basketball on this campus, I know how big basketball is around here. When Fairfield is good, how strong the

community gets behind them, it’s really fun and I want to be a part of that,” said Nolan as to why he chose to play at Fairfield.

Nolan has the hard work mentality needed to compete in college hoops and hopes to influence his teammates to adopt the same mentality. “I think I can bring a little more intensity to the team, I like to work hard and stuff like that. On the court I like making plays for others,” said Nolan.

The Fairfield Prep alumnus feels that the coaching staff has put more than 100 percent effort into this team’s success. “All the coaches are here at six o’clock in the morning, [and] they don’t leave till late at night. We’re getting texts throughout the night and day saying what we’ve got to do, they’re studying film, they’re making sure we’re working hard in practice all the time. Especially Coach Johnson — he really wants the team to be great this year and I think by the way him and the coaches are going about it, I think we will be.”

With a long season full of competition from around the nation, Fairfield’s incoming class looks to be integral parts for the success of this season and for the years to come.

Johnson, Nolan and Cobb bring a lot of excitement to the team, as they hope to come together and help Fairfield get back on top.

Women’s freshmen

than a sharpshooter, Landry is regarded for her vision and defending skills.

Playing at Mercy High School in Durham, Connecticut, she was a two-time All-Southern Connecticut Conference selection, a New Haven Tap-Off Club honoree, a SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month and a two-time Regional All-Star. She led her team to the 2014 SCC girls’ basketball championship.

Like Foley, Landry also cemented her status as an all-around athlete by winning two SCC Quinnipiac Division titles with Mercy’s soccer team, and also being named All-State three times.

As far as the decision-making process went for both of them in terms of where to play athletics in college, the welcoming nature of the coaching staff and environment as a whole attracted them to Fairfield.

“It’s a good location, it’s close to my house, it’s a beautiful campus and I really liked the coaches and the girls here,” said Foley.

“My high school coach happened to be pretty similar to Coach Frager, which is lucky for me,” said Landry.

“The playing style is very similar to what I’m used to, and I really liked Coach Frager. He made me feel more comfortable right from the start, and I just really like the school.”

Now that both Foley and Landry have adjusted to college life as studentathletes following their prestigious high school careers, they have both found the experience life-changing and welcoming thanks to the help of

their new teammates and coaching staff.

“Everyone’s really nice and fun, and just easy to get along with, so it makes everything so much easier,” said Foley.

“It’s been nice; I’ve already made a lot of friends which is easy to do at the freshman Quad,” said Landry. “And the team’s awesome.

They just welcomed us right in. It wasn’t much of a transition at all.”

As far as their first season at Fairfield goes, both of them are hoping to make an impact on and off the court as much as possible.

“I think I can bring energy and make it a fun season where we’ll be successful,” said Foley. Her biggest goal for this season is simply “to play.”

“I’m a lot different than the other point guards,” said Landry.

“They have stuff that I can’t do, but I bring stuff that they can’t do. So, it’s a cool balance, and it’s good in practice because we’re all very competitive and I think that will help us in the long run.”

Regardless, after the women’s basketball team was ranked No. 1 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason rankings, both of these newcomers are eager to become part of a winning team that has the potential to make a deep run in this year’s MAAC Tournament.

“I want to be No.1 at the end of the year, so that’s my goal,” said Landry. “I’m hoping that we win the MAAC Tournament.”

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Freshmen Kendra Landry (left) and Casey Foley (right) join a Fairfeld club with a lot of potential.

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

The Mirror’s projected starting five: Men’s:

Page 5

Women’s: Lizzy Ball ‘16 Point Guard

Jerome Segura ‘18 Point Guard

Tyler Nelson ‘18 Shooting Guard

Kristin Schatzlein ‘16 Shooting Guard

Casey Smith ‘17 Small Forward

Marcus Gilbert ‘16 Small Forward

Scott King Jr. ‘16 Power Forward

Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19 Center

Helena Orts ‘18 Power Forward

Samantha Cooper ‘18

Center

Photos contributed by Sports Information Desk

Men’s Basketball 2015-16 Schedule Date:

Nov. 13 Nov. 15 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 18 Feb. 20 Feb. 24 Feb. 27

Opponent:

@Yale @North Carolina University @Northwestern University Sacred Heart University @Maryland Eastern Shore Columbia University @Iona College* Rider University* Wagner College Loyola University (MD) @Bucknell University @Manhattan College * Dartmouth College @Siena College* @Rider University* Monmouth University* Niagara University* Saint Peter’s University* @Marist College* Iona College* Canisius College* Quinnipiac University* @Monmouth University* Manhattan College* @Quinnipiac University* Marist College* @Canisius College* @Niagara University* Siena College* @ Saint Peter’s University*

Time:

3:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

TBA 7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball 2015-16 Schedule Date:

Nov. 13 Nov. 18 Nov. 21 Nov. 24 Dec. 2 Dec. 6 Dec. 9 Dec. 17 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 5 Feb. 7 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 21 Feb. 24 Feb. 26

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror

Opponent:

Time:

La Salle University 7:00 p.m. @Loyola University (Md.) 7:00 p.m.

Sacred Heart University 5:00 p.m.

Hofstra University 7:00 p.m.

Iona College* 7:00 p.m.

Marist College* 2:00 p.m.

Albany University 7:00 p.m. @Cornell University 5:00 p.m.

IPFW 2:00 p.m. @St. John’s University 2:00 p.m.

Harvard University 7:00 p.m. @Canisius College* 2:00 p.m. @Niagara University* 7:00 p.m.

Manhattan College* 11:00 a.m. @Saint Peter’s University* 2:00 p.m. @Rider University* 5:00 p.m. @Manhattan College* 2:00 p.m.

Quinnipiac University* 7:00 p.m.

Canisius College* 1:00 p.m.

Rider University* 7:00 p.m. @Monmouth University* 4:00 p.m.

Niagara University* 7:00 p.m.

Siena College* 1:00 p.m.

St. Peter’s University* 7:00 p.m.

Monmouth University* 2:00 p.m. @Siena College* 7:00 p.m. @Marist College* 2:00 p.m. @Iona College* 4:00 p.m. @Quinnipiac University* 5:00 p.m. * denotes a MAAC conference game

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

International basketball Stags

Fairfield welcomes Jonathan Kasibabu (left) from Kinshasa, Congo and Matija Milin (right) from Belgrade, Serbia.

By Patrick Kiernan Editor-in-Chief This year, the Fairfield men’s basketball team will be welcoming two international students, each with their own unique story of how they came to the U.S., and Fairfield specifically. Freshman Matija Milin is a 6-foot-9inch forward from Belgrade, Serbia, and Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19 is a 6-foot8-inch forward from Kinshasa, Congo. Both have led interesting lives on their way to Fairfield, traveling around the world to make their dreams come true.

For Milin, the interest in basketball began as early as second grade.

After growing up and playing the game that attracted him so much, Milin decided that he wanted to learn the difference between American and European basketball firsthand.

However, he did not have much of a decision to make in what school to attend, as Fairfield was one of a select few schools that contacted him.

“I found out maybe one month before I came here that I could go to America, so I really didn’t try to find some schools,” said Milin. “It’s more like they contact me because they saw some highlights posted online.”

Once Fairfield got in touch with Milin, he was convinced that this was the school where he could excel. He cites an easygoing coaching staff that showed a large interest in him and his playing ability as the deciding factor that made him decide to come here.

After touching down and having dinner with coaches, Milin began to become acclimated to his new environment. However, many buildings still look the same to him, especially around campus.

“When I go to Bridgeport or out in Fairfield, I’m lost,” said Milin. “Ev-

erything is the same. Every street is the same. I like it, but it’s really strange.”

Regardless, more than two months into the academic year now, he feels he has transitioned to Fairfield quite nicely, though the language barrier is still a challenge.

“I’ve got a lot of friends from basketball and other sports, so I think I’m getting myself into school and society very well,” said Milin. “[My teammates] supported me and showed they cared about me like brothers.”

Aside from the transition, Milin is here to play basketball, and feels he has the skills to help out this team and get them to the top of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, as does Kasibabu.

Kasibabu joins Fairfield after traveling the world up until this point; growing up in the Congo, he moved to Spain as a youth to play basketball, then moved Pennsylvania to play high school basketball.

“I was only about 11 or 12,” said Kasibabu about when he first gained an interest in the sport. “I was growing up pretty fast, and I couldn’t find soccer shoes anymore.”

After playing basketball for quite a while at home and in Spain, Kasibabu was ready to play in the U.S. “I reached a point in Europe where you either play basketball or study, because you cannot do both things at the same time,” said Kasibabu.

“Me and my family made the decision that it was best for me to come here, because here I had the opportunity to get a degree and play basketball at a high level.”

With that, Kasibabu was off to Pennsylvania to play high school basketball at Westtown School. According to him, a coach of his in Spain recommended Westtown, and put him in contact with their coaches. After being offered a scholarship, Kasibabu was off to the States to pursue his

Page 8

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

dream.

After four successful years, he was ready to play college basketball, but it was not primarily at Fairfield. Kasibabu was already committed to play at Colgate University, but his English was still lacking as he mostly spoke Spanish at the time after previously living in Spain. Unfortunately, he was unable to score adequately on his SAT. After being told from the coach at Colgate to open up his recruiting and look at other schools, Kasibabu began to engage in talks that would ultimately lead him to Fairfield.

“At first, when the coaches wanted to recruit me, the conversation we had made me relaxed, and that this coaching staff cared more about the person than they did about the game,” said Kasibabu. “What I saw in them was that they will help me with what I need. And on my visit, when I met the [teammates], I met them for one day and it felt like I knew them forever.”

Now, as far as transitioning to Fairfield, the teammates were integral in making him feel comfortable both in school and in practice.

“My way of playing is not adjusted to college basketball yet,” said Kasibabu. “My teammates really helped me a lot in terms of explaining to me what’s going on on the court and how I should move sometimes. In classes, sometimes when I need help, I don’t need to go to a tutor. They will just grab me and explain it to me, because they’ve been there.”

Now, having adjusted to the school and team, Kasibabu is ready to make an impact and be a role player on the basketball team. He sees himself as a rebounding and defensive commodity, and someone who can be a great teammate by dragging others to the gym or practice to get better.

“By helping somebody else get better, I get better myself,” said Kasibabu.

Q&A with Khadidiatou ‘Dija’ Diouf

By Patrick Kiernan Editor-in-Chief

While it is rare to see a young adult make the transition into both a student-athlete and a medical specialist, it is even more uncommon for someone to travel from Senegal to the U.S. all in an effort to make this truly a reality.

However, that is the case for Khadidiatou “Dija” Diouf, a redshirt freshman who will finally earn playing time for the women’s basketball team after transferring from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis last year. This 6-foot-3-inch forward played high school basketball at the Lake Forest Academy in Illinois where she was named Lake County Senior Shootout All-Star and was named to the Illinois Amateur Athletic Union Girls Basketball All-State team.

Prior to that, Diouf was given the ability to bring her basketball dreams to the U.S. through the Sports for Education and Development in Senegal program (SEEDS). The program gives Senegalese teenagers the opportunity to play in the United States through its Grow the Game Campaign. Diouf was one of those lucky enough to make it into the program and is now trying to make it through college as both a student-athlete and a pre-med biology major striving to become a medical specialist after her basketball career is over.

What was it about Fairfield that interested you?

“It was a small school, and the community was more brought together than other schools I’ve been to where, let’s say, athletes were separated from other students so we were in our own world. Also, I was very interested in how the coaches here coach basketball, and I thought it would fit the way I play.”

What motivated you to come to the U.S. to go to college and play basketball?

“I never thought I would get the chance to come here in the U.S. to play basketball. It was just a once in a lifetime opportunity that came up, and I just took it, and I always wanted to play at a higher level here and pursue my dream in school.”

Why did you transfer from IUPUI? “It’s a long story. Mostly because I just felt that it wasn’t a place

that I belonged to and it wasn’t the perfect fit for me. I thought about it, and after all the visits that I did my senior year, I thought Fairfield would be the best fit. And even before I chose IUPUI, I had doubts in my head whether I should pick IUPUI or Fairfield. Then, I ended up realizing that Fairfield would be a better place for me.”

How was your experience with Fairfield in the short time that you were here last year?

“It was amazing. I spent one semester in IUPUI, but the semester I spent here at Fairfield was nothing like the experience I had at IUPUI. It was great here; I easily made friends, my teammates were great, they helped me fit in and just welcomed me and made me feel at home. The coaches were very nice to me. I felt like I was home.”

How did you make the transition coming to Fairfield?

“It was a little hard, just coming in the middle of the season where all the girls already had their groups formed with their friends and knew each other very well. It was my job to fit in, and just do my best. So, it was kind of hard, but like I said, the teammates all helped me so even if I didn’t have friends outside of basketball, my teammates were here and were my friends. So, that made it easy and nice.”

How have your teammates been? Have you all been getting along well?

“All the teammates have been getting along very well. This year, the chemistry is awesome, and I think it will be one thing that helps us do very good this year. We should just try to build up our chemistry every day and every time we can.”

Any thoughts or predictions for this season?

“What I can say is that we have the tools and the talent to do very, very good this season. I believe in my team, just like yesterday my walkout song was “Big Rings” by Drake [and Future] because I believe in my team. I believe that we can go to the [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] Championship. I believe we can win it if we want it. We work hard for it every day, step-by-step, and work like champions because we have the tools.”

Any goals you have set out for yourself this season?

“Since this is like my rookie year and I have never played a college basketball game yet, there are girls more experienced than me.

My goal for me is just to try to do my best to accomplish what the coaches expect from me, and just be the best player that I can be.

I don’t know how to explain it — it’s a lot of details, and I tend to get hard on myself. All I can do is work hard and be there when my coaches expect me to be.”

So you want to be a doctor. Why, and how are you going to go about achieving that?

“Every day in my life, I think about this - this one question that people may ask. I am doing biology pre-med right now, so I haven’t made up my mind with what I want to be or what I want to specialize in, so I’m just taking it day-by-day. I want to just probably play pro after my four years of college if my health allows me that and from there, try to go to med school.”

How is the workload? Has it been tough managing both basketball and schoolwork?

“It is not an easy thing to do, but it can be done. You just have to get your head into the game and believe that you can do it. Giving hours of your day to basketball is just one thing, where it could be to schooling. If I had those extra hours, it would be easier for us to get the grades we want to get. We’re doing very good, but you just stay up late and do it. After a couple of weeks, your system just gets so used to you trying to balance it out. You just try harder.”

How well do you think you’ve managed it out?

“I think I’ve been spreading it out very well. I especially use my weekends a lot. Most of the time, my friends are just hanging out, and I try to hang out a lot with them, but I also try to be smart and think about the workload that I would have during the weekdays, and stay up late nights on the weekends to work and just try to get ahead and catch up on stuff. That’s what I do the most, especially on weekends.”

Helena Orts leads Spain to summer success

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Being back home is different for everybody. While some were home with friends, Helena Orts ‘18 returned to Spain to join her fellow Spaniards to represent her country as she led her team against some of the best talent the world has to offer. Orts was a vital piece to a successful summer of 2015 for Spain.

Orts’ emerged in her freshman campaign as one of the team’s top defensive stoppers and rebounders.

Orts started the first 12 games of the season as a rookie and averaged 6.5 points during that stretch. As the season progressed, so did the play of Orts as she became an important part to Fairfield’s rotation. “It was a completely new experience, new teammates, new style of basketball, but a very good season,” said Orts of her first year at Fairfield. She added, “When I went home, I can see a lot of improvement. A lot of things that I learned here at Fairfield, I can see myself a stronger, more solid, and a better player.”

With the season over at Fairfield, Orts made the trip back home to join the Spain national team and compete for gold. Orts was a part of two different teams: the U20 team and the U19 team.

Through the first six games of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U20 European Champi-

Page 9

onship, Orts led the team with 10.3 points per game and a .574 field goal percentage while ranking fourth on the squad with five rebounds. Orts was very efficient from the floor as she led the entire tournament in field goal percentage through the first five contests.

After winning eight straight games in the tournament, Spain advanced to the Championship Game for the seventh straight season against France. Spain picked up the victory to take home the U20 European Championship. Orts’ summer wasn’t over there as she would immediately fly to Russia where Spain was set to take part in the U19 FIBA World Championships following winning gold the year prior.

Spain defeated Belgium 70-66 in the quarterfinals to advance to face off against the United States in the semifinal round, but Spain would fall to the defending champions.

“We wanted to get a medal but we didn’t, we were still very proud. Five of us were playing with the U20, so we didn’t have time to prepare with our team and as soon as we ended the European Championship, we flew to Russia to play with U19. The team was new. We knew each other because we played the last years together, [and] we still needed more solidification,” said Orts of the loss against the U.S. Orts’ play during both tournaments just goes to show how she has

improved in just one year. In the European Championship, Orts finished fourth on the squad with 8.7 points per game and tied for second with 4.8 boards per outing. Orts was a part of the starting lineup for nearly every game and connected on eight points and grabbed a team-high five rebounds in the gold medal win over France.

In the World Championships, Orts was second on the squad with 5.2 rebounds per game while averaging 7.8 points per outing, good for third on the team. “I think I can see different types of basketball and different styles, everything is helping me to build as a basketball player and as a person. I can see different cultures everywhere I go to play and it’s helping to my development,” said Orts of her experience this past summer.

So, after a season playing collegiate basketball followed by competition with some of the best the world had to offer, Orts looks to use her experience to help contribute in any way possible. She expects her team to perform at a high level after an increased level of intensity coming into the season for the Stags.

“We are working hard every day, pushing ourselves to try to get better and I think that we can do a very great job because we have an awesome team. If we keep working hard and going day-by-day, we can do a great job,” said Orts of her team’s expectations.

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Year two: same backcourt, new roles

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Sophomores Tyler Nelson (left) and Jerome Segura (right) will do the majority of the ball handling. The duo looks to improve after a good first year.

In their first year at Fairfield, both Tyler Nelson ‘18 and Jerome Segura ‘18 emerged as silver linings in a season full of disappointment. The men’s basketball team completed the season with just a total of seven wins on the season, as they finished with a 7-24 record where they went 5-15 in conference games. “It was a really a tough year for me being a freshman and being out there a lot, having gone through that it was a good learning experience for us,” said Nelson.

But the season’s struggle only motivated the sophomore guards to work harder as they improved as the season went on. Nelson emerged as one of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s top freshmen by becoming one of the conference’s top three-point threats by knocking down a total of 64 shots from behind the arc.

By the end of the season, Nelson earned a spot on the MAAC’s All-Rookie team. “I didn’t really have any goals going into the beginning of the season. I just wanted to go out there and play and do what I can do. Luckily I started playing well as the season went on. I figured out my role on the team and I think I just focused on that, so it helped me a lot. I’m not here to win individual awards, I’m here to win games so that’s what I’m focused on,” said Nelson of the recognition he received.

Page 10

Just as Nelson did, Segura emerged as one of the team leaders in assists and in general on the floor with his ability to control the ball. Segura was a regular all season long as he played in all but one contest as a freshman. Fresh off a rough first year, Segura heads into the season hoping to improve from the previous season. “I want to be a better all-around player, help my team get going because I’m the point guard. It all starts with me, try to develop my skills and go from there,” said Segura.

With a year of experience under their belts, both guards look to encounter the season differently. Nelson, along with Segura, were the primary ball handlers for Fairfield last season and look to improve their ability to lead from the point guard position.

“I was in there to hit open shots, this year I’m looking to be more aggressive and help get my teammates involved and just helping the younger guys with the offense.

Being more vocal and helping the team offensively and defensively, that’s a big focus for me,” said Nelson of how his role on the team has changed.

One significant difference from last year is team chemistry, coming off of a season where Fairfield struggled to come up with wins and frustrations mounted.

The Stags knew they had to get back to team basketball and playing as one with one goal: to win.

With new additions and most of the core from last season’s team

returning, the chemistry has improved both on and off the court.

“Team chemistry is really good this year. On and off the court, we have a good bond with everybody.

There’s no drama or anything like that, that just helps us even more on the court being able to hang out with everyone off the court just translates right over to on the court,” said Nelson.

Fairfield’s sophomore guards ultimately hope to lead Fairfield basketball toward the right direction back to success. Winning is the most important thing to not only Nelson and Segura, but to every single member wearing Fairfield across their chest. “This year I just want to have a winning season, I want to win more than we lose. It’s a young team that we have, I just want to grow every day. If we get better every day, I think down the road the sky’s the limit for this team. It’s an everyday thing, just being aggressive and going out there playing as hard as we can,” said Nelson of what he hopes the season can become.

Both Nelson and Segura look to lead Fairfield’s incoming class and help them adjust to college basketball. The sophomore guards are expected to take up a leadership role and facilitate the offense both with and without the ball.

With a clean start to the season, new faces, experience and confidence, Fairfield’s young backcourt may lead Fairfield basketball to new heights.

Juniors seek vengeance after disappointing end to season

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Sunday, March 8, 2015 was the date when Fairfield’s women’s basketball season came to an end. After defeating Niagara to advance to the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament, Fairfield would meet its match in the No. 2-seeded Marist, as they were edged 67-50. Just like that, the season was over and on to the next one.

“None of us want to feel the same feeling that we felt last year so I think that’s our biggest motivation. After that loss in the locker room we were literally all sitting around saying let’s embrace how we feel right now and never feel this way again,” said Kristine Miller ’17 about what losing to Marist did for the team.

After a heart-breaking loss, Fairfield knew it had to bounce back big.

Juniors Kelsey Carey, Casey Smith and Miller look to lead their team past any challenge that cross their path to the MAAC title.

After sitting out the 2013-2014 season due to National Collegiate Athletic Association transfer regulations, Smith was ready to make her presence known.

Smith would emerge to have one of the best rookie seasons in program history as she finished three points shy of tying the 20-year old rookie scoring record. She became the first player in Stags history to be named to the MAAC All-Rookie team and All-MAAC Third Team and tied a program record with six MAAC Rookie of the Week awards.

Carey is known on the team as the

Kristine Miller ‘17

sparkplug off the bench after having a breakthrough season where she finished second on the team with a .480 field goal percentage. Carey started the season as a bench player before her breakthrough performance against Siena that saw her score a career-high 22 points. Miller joined the breakout party as she became one of the team’s most physical postpresences, shooting .616 percent from the floor.

Coming into the upcoming season, the women’s basketball team was polled to finish first in the MAAC causing a lot of excitement among not only the team, but throughout campus. “It creates a lot of excitement around campus. Campus is pretty much buzzing and it just makes our team feel great because the rest of the student body recognizes us and say they’re going to come out to games which is great, but for us it just means we have to work very hard,” said Smith of the preseason poll.

One significant difference from last year’s squad is the loss of Felicia DaCruz ‘15 to graduation following the conclusion of last year’s season. DaCruz was a huge part of the Fairfield offense, as she dished out a total of 405 assists, ninth most all-time. According to the juniors, several players have stepped up to fill in the role DaCruz provided for the Stags.

“We lost Felicia; she was our floor general. She ran everything, so that was a big loss. But I think Lizzy [Ball ‘16], Macey [Hollenshead ‘18] and Kendra [Landry ‘19] are going to follow in her footsteps and they’ll be able to fill her role,” said Carey of adjusting without DaCruz.

Following a great season and being polled to finish first, the Stags have a lot of expectations for this season with

one ultimate goal: a MAAC championship. When asked about her team’s expectation, Miller said, “To win a MAAC Championship, our coaching staff has high expectations of us and we have high expectations of ourselves. Our biggest goal is to take it game-by-game and win, stay connected to each other and to our coaching staff and go to the big dance.”

In just one short year, these juniors will be seniors, so they know how important it is to win now before their time is unfortunately up. “It’s very important, this year of any we should because last year I know how hard Felicia wanted it.

Just for Kristin and Lizzy we have to win this year, and it would be really nice for coach to have this win, for [Coach] Scinto to have this win, for all of our coaches to have this win, for the athletic depart-

ment to have this win and if we do win the championship, it’s just nice to have the whole campus come to the games,” said Smith of the importance of winning.

Heading towards their junior campaigns of Fairfield basketball, Smith, Carey and Miller know the importance of hard work in order to win. Team chemistry was something that took the Stags a while to develop last season, but after spending long hours together both on and off the court the chemistry seems to be stronger than ever. “Nothing short of a family, I think that we all just get along really well, almost too well. We’re just very close as a team, as friends and as sisters,” said Miller. Fairfield will look to the leadership of its upperclassmen to lead this year’s team to the top of the MAAC.

Kelsey Carey ‘17 Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Sports

Basketball preview 2015-2016

Seniors: leaders of the herd

Page 11

Men’s:

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Four years does a lot to a person and Fairfield has been influential to the development of this year’s seniors: Marcus Gilbert, Amadou Sidibe, Mike Kirkland, Jr. and Coleman Johnson as they come together for one last ride in the hopes to take the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference by storm.

“I have high expectations. I don’t think a MAAC Championship is out of reach. I think that this year can be a special year for Fairfield basketball,” said Johnson.

Gilbert has come a long way from his freshman year, as he has emerged as one of the top scorers in the MAAC after averaging 16.4 points per contest, good for fifth overall in the conference. “I gained a lot throughout my years here. I’ve really grown from my freshman year going on to my senior year, which is right now. I’ve learned a lot from leadership, getting those qualities in and really learning how to take on the leadership role and that’s one of the biggest things I’ve grown to be, a leader,” said Gilbert.

Following a season where the Stags only finished with seven wins, Fairfield looks to build off that experience and improve. “It’s definitely been a growing experience, a lot of ups and downs, but I feel like that all that’s come to

fruition now.” Johnson added, “The team is looking the best I’ve seen since I’ve been here including my freshman year when we did win a lot of games. So I think this year is going to be special for Fairfield basketball.”

Joining the Stags this season is redshirted senior Scott King Jr., a 6-foot-10-inch forward. King transferred to Fairfield after spending three seasons at the University of Stony Brook. The class of 2019 will be represented by guards Thomas Nolan, Jerry Johnson Jr., Curtis Cobb and forwards Matija Milin and Jonathan Kasibabu.

With such a young team, the leadership of this year’s senior is imperative for the growth of not only these players, but for the team as a whole.

“We have a lot of young guys on the team and it’s important for them to follow our lead and for us to be good leaders to them so they can be successful during their four years here,” said Sidibe.

Leadership has become much more important for team captain Gilbert now that he is in his final campaign. The guard looks to lead his team to new heights.

“It’s a great honor to be a team captain. You get recognized as one of the guys that go about their business the right way and how

Felicia DaCruz ‘15

Contributed by Sports Information Desk From left to right: Seniors Mike Kirkland, Jr., Marcus Gilbert, Scott King, Jr., Amadou Sidibe and Coleman Johnson.

the coaches want you to go about your business. I just take it as a challenge and just help the younger guys become the best player they can be and just lead them and show them the way,” said Gilbert.

Winning is the only goal after going through two straight losing seasons. The Stags realize that their shot at winning a championship is getting slimmer and slimmer as the season goes on.

“I only have a year left and nothing is guaranteed after this.

Winning this year would mean a lot to me, the seniors being Coach Johnson’s first recruiting class here. We definitely want to leave a legacy of winning,” said Johnson when asked of the importance of winning now.

With a season full of ups and downs, Fairfield’s ultimate goal is to make it to the big dance and

compete for the MAAC Championship. When asked about his one goal for the season, Kirkland answered, “Win a MAAC Championship, all the teams that beat us last year I want to get redemption form those losses. I know last year we could have beat those teams and we just fell short and this year I’m confident we won’t.”

Women’s: one last shot at glory

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

Contributed by Sports Information Desk Seniors Kristin Schatzlein (top) and Lizzy Ball (bottom) look to lead the Stags.

Senior year is always a bittersweet moment; you finally reach the point where all eyes are on you, but only have one shot at winning it all.

This year the Fairfield women’s basketball will say farewell to guards Lizzy Ball ’16 and Kristin Schatzlein ’16.

The 2014-2015 season saw Ball step up as the Stags’ backup point guard behind Felicia DaCruz ‘15. Ball provided the team with valuable minutes every time out on the court as she recorded two or more assists in 13 of her first 15 games. Ball’s defensive intensity has her regarded as the best “on-ball” defender on the team and is usually matched up against the opposing team’s top scorer.

Schatzlein joins Ball on the farewell tour after enjoying a successful junior year campaign. Known for her range from beyond the arc, Schatzlein proved to be a threat as she connected on a three-pointer in 28 of the 31 games she started. She led the Stags with a .833 free throw percentage, missing just six all season and led the team in steals with 39.

Before the start of the season, Schatzlein was selected to the women’s basketball AllMAAC Second Team. “I took it to heart, but I put it in the back of my mind. I have to prove myself in the season,” said Schatzlein of the honor placed on her by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Now a senior, Ball understands how her role has increased. “When you’re a senior, people look up to you more, especially the freshmen who aren’t used to playing at this high level. As a senior, it’s really important to be a leader, you’re setting an example for all your teammates and the people who are influenced

by your team,” said Ball of her role as a senior.

With the graduation of point guard DaCruz, Ball earned the starting point guard role and hopes to help her team in anyway to win. “I want to do anything it takes to win a championship, and what I’ve learned is we have to play together. We have to take what our coaches say and put it to good use. Do everything we can to get to the championship,” said Ball.

After a great season, Schatzlein recognizes that improvements can be made. DaCruz was a major part of Fairfield’s offense last season and Schatzlein looks to pick up where the point guard left off. “I just have to lift the scoring more, Feesh [Felicia DaCruz] did have a good jump shot when it came down to situations at the end of shot clocks. She knew what to do.

She got the ball to the hole, she knew where to kick it, who to pass it to shoot. Now I have to look to score more like Feesh did last year,” said Schatzlein on how she looks to hold the same responsibilities that DaCruz once held.

Seniors Ball and Schatzlein realize the importance of winning now in their final season at Fairfield. The ultimate goal for the Stags is to compete for a MAAC Championship after coming so close the season before Fairfield looks to bounce back with only a championship in sight.

When asked about the importance of winning now, Ball said it’s “really important.”

“I hate to lose. I’m very competitive, and it’s our last chance to win the championship and win with this particular team. We’re not going to have any other chances to play on Fairfield women’s basketball team in our lifetime, so I think it’s really important.” Schatzlein added, “It’s our last year, and we just want to make it the best year that we can and win the MAAC Championship.”

Basketball preview 2015-2016

Sports

Women’s 2015-16 Roster No.

Name

13

Khadidiatou ‘Dija’ Diouf ‘19

25

Page 12

Men’s 2015-16 Roster Pos. No.

Name

F

2 Jerry Johnson, Jr. ‘19

Emma McCarthy ‘18

G

40

Kevin Degnan ‘18

1

Lizzy Ball ‘16

G

5

Scott King, Jr. ‘16

3

Sarah Stock ‘18

G

14

Marcus Gilbert ‘16

14

Casey Foley ‘19

G

4

Jared Harper ‘18

11

Samantha Cooper ‘18

F

15

Matt Hill ‘17

12

Helena Orts ‘18

F

35 Coleman Johnson ‘16

5

Macey Hollenshead ‘18

G

10

15

Kristen McLaughlin ‘18

G

0 Mike Kirkland, Jr. ‘16

21

Casey Smith ‘17

F

30

Andrew Leone ‘17

23

Kelsey Carey ‘17

F

3

Tyler Nelson ‘18

24

Kristine Miller ‘17

F

13 Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19

20

Kendra Landry ‘19

G

1

Jerome Segura ‘18

40

Kristin Schatzlein ‘16

G

21

Amadou Sidibe ‘16

25

Steve Smith ‘17

33

Curtis Cobb ‘19

34

Matija Milin ‘19

Thomas Nolan ‘19

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror