The Northerner | Ed. 64 Issue 11 by thenortherner.com

Edition 64, Issue 11 Wednesday, November 6, 2019

thenortherner.com @northernermedia

02 Happenings

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

NORTHERNER STAFF

WWW.THENORTHERNER.COM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Natalie Hamren [hamrenn1@mymail.nku.edu]

WHAT TO DO Check out the hottest campus happenings and can’t-miss events in Greater Cincinnati.

MANAGING EDITOR Josh Kelly [kellyjoshua17@gmail.com] NEWS EDITOR Billy Keeney [keeneyw1@mymail.nku.edu] NEWS EDITOR Josh Goad [goadj2@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. NEWS EDITOR Noelle Horn [hornn3@mymail.nku.edu] ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Kane Mitten [mittenm1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR Corinne Byrne [corinnefaith217@gmail.com] SPORTS EDITOR Sierra Newton [sflnewton@gmail.com] PHOTO EDITOR Colin Johnson [johnsonphotography6626@gmail.com] ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Maya Shaffer [mayakat1998@gmail.com] VIDEO EDITOR Abby Behrens [behrensm1@mymail.nku.edu] VIDEO EDITOR Megan Mixon [mixonm1@mymail.nku.edu] DESIGN EDITOR Billy Keeney [keeneyw1@mymail.nku.edu] ASST. DESIGN EDITOR Noël Waltz [hailee.waltz@gmail.com] WEB EDITOR Laine Harrett [nicholasharrett25@gmail.com] ASST. WEB EDITOR Sean Gibson [seanpgib@gmail.com] SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR Kate Fulmer [fulmerk1@mymail.nku.edu] ADVERTISING Samantha Brown [northerneradvertising@gmail.com] ADVISOR Michele Day [daymi@nku.edu]

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Broadway and 13th street in Pendleton. PHOTO BY BILLY KEENEY

NOV

8-22 NOV

BOB DYLAN | BB&T ARENA | $50+ | 8 P.M. NKU will be graced with the presence of music legend Bob Dylan on Friday. The iconic, 10-time Grammy winning musician is worth the steep ticket prices, and is sure to provide a unique concert experience unlike any other. Our generation can hardly boast any name as big as Dylan’s—be sure not to miss this. CINCINNATI CYCLONES | US BANK ARENA | $15+ | 7:30 P.M. Halloween is over, the weather is getting colder and Christmas is coming. Name a better way to celebrate winter than with the ultimate icy sport—hockey. Friday is Shutout The Hate night, aiming to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The team will be wearing special Shutout The Hate jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. SIMPLE PLAN WITH STATE CHAMPS AND WE THE KINGS | BOGART’S | $55+ | 6:30 P.M. Never grew out of your emo phase? Don’t worry, we didn’t either. Immerse yourself in the punk scene with a show featuring Simple Plan, State Champs and We the Kings on Saturday at Bogart’s. It’s gotten to the point in the semester where everything sucks (pun intended), but there’s nothing a good mosh pit won’t cure. FRIDAY NIGHT JAMS | FOUNTAIN SQUARE ICE RINK | $6+ | 8 P.M. On Friday nights during the month of November, grab a warm coat, some friends and get ready to skate to the groove. At Fountain Square’s ice rink, DJs will play live music as skaters carve up the ice. Admission is $6 and skate rentals are $4. Don’t worry about getting too tired, cold or hungry— concessions will be ready to warm you up with a snack and a nice cup of hot chocolate.

What you missed at SGA Nov. 4 Noelle Horn

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Passing the first resolution

During Monday’s meeting, the first resolution of the 2019-20 legislative session was read for a second time and passed. The resolution was read by Committee Chairwoman of University Improvements Noelle Brooks and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. member Aliya Cannon. The floor was then opened to SGA members to ask questions or make amendments to the resolution. The resolution asks that the university provide physical representation on campus for National Pan-Hellenic Council fraternities and sororities. Cannon clarified that while the plan is to have nine plots, one for each of the ‘divine nine’ organizations, it will all be part of one installation. Following questions about specifics of where the installation will be, costs to the university and what will happen to the landscaping that is already by the Math, Education and Psychology center Vice President Shelby Sanford reminded senators that it is their job to offer their support and not figure out all the specifics. The resolution was passed with unanimous consent. COVER PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON / ILLUSTRATION BY JOSH KELLY

“It goes to show that our resolutions are just the things we want to do,” President Jarett Lopez said. “We have to seek out students who want us to work and support something on their behalf.” Improvement initiatives Mike Hales, vice president for Administration and finance and chief financial officer, gave an update on process improvement initiatives. Hales shared the variables and processes necessary for improving processes on campus to be improved (such as hiring). Other Announcements Secretary of Pubic Relations Jessica Archer said she is planning on re-doing the allcard, Archer said the design has not been updated since 2012. SGA will be hosting Victor Talks Nov. 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. in SU 107B. The Safety Walk is Nov. 6 and is from 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Student Government Assocation meets at 3:30 p.m. Mondays in SU 104.

Ed 64, Issue 11

Arts & Life 03

What’s coming to streaming in November

Kane Mitten

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

Don’t you love Cincinnati’s weather? We went from 80 degrees to 40 degrees in about a week’s worth of time. With these chilly temperatures, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up under a blanket and binge-watch some of the new shows available. Netflix, especially, is having a killer month, with one of their best slates of original content in quite some time. With a new month comes new additions to streaming services, so read on below to find out what Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO and the Criterion Channel have in store this month when you’re looking for your next television binge or new favorite film. Netflix The Irishman - Netflix Original, Martin Scorsese (11/27) It feels weird to say one of the best films of the year, made by one of the greatest directors to ever live, will be a Netflix exclusive. But that’s exactly what’s happened with “The Irishman.” Martin Scorsese, who previously directed mob epics “Goodfellas” and “The Departed,” returns to the world of the mafia with this film based on the nonfiction novel “I Heard You Paint Houses” by Charles Brandt. Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in this three-and-a-halfhour drama that’s being hailed by some critics as the best crime-related film in years.

as Menzies and Helena Bonham Carter. Fans of the series should be pleased, as the high production values, incredible acting and amazing direction from the other two seasons will most likely carry over to this one. Hulu Booksmart, Olivia Wilde, 2019 (11/18) This quirky film was praised upon release earlier this year for breathing new life into the coming-of-age genre. It features two high school senior girls, Amy and Molly, who worry that they may have wasted their high school years studying too much and decide to go to a party. “Booksmart” has garnered critical acclaim for its positive portrayal of LGBTQ+ youth and its discussion of issues that are important to the current generation. Creed II, Steven Caple Jr., 2018 (11/15) Adonis Creed returns to the ring in this sequel to the surprise-hit 2015 boxing drama “Creed.” Michael B. Jordan once again puts on the gloves as Creed, and Sylvester Stallone returns as iconic

boxer Rocky Balboa. Adonis encounters Viktor Drago in the ring, whose father killed Adonis’ father Apollo Creed in the ring 33 years ago. Tessa Thompson also returns as Adonis’ fiancée, Bianca. Interview with the Vampire, Neil Jordan, 1994 (11/1) Still stuck in Halloween season? This gothic horror film, based on the famous novel by Anne Rice, should quench your thirst for a spooky movie. Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Kirsten Dunst star as immortal vampires living in the year 1791, and Christian Slater plays a journalist interviewing Brad Pitt’s character in the present day. Amazon Prime Video Nearly Every James Bond Movie Every James Bond movie not starring Daniel Craig—all 21 of them—are available at your fingertips for some British espionage action whenever you please. The Sean Connery-starring films “Goldfinger,” “From Russia With Love” and “Dr. No”, and “GoldenEye” with Pierce Brosnan as Bond (which was the first to star Dame Judi Dench in her role as M) are the clear standouts.

The Man in the High Castle, Season 4 (11/15) One of Amazon’s first original series is finally coming to an end this month. The Man in the High Castle is an alternate history science-fiction drama set in a parallel universe where the Axis powers won World War II, and the United States is split into two territories occupied by Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan. “High Castle” is adapted from Phillip K. Dick’s 1962 novel of the same name, and is executive produced by director Ridley Scott—who is most famous for “Blade Runner,” another Phillip K. Dick adaptation. HBO Us, Jordan Peele, 2019 (11/23) This horror drama from Jordan Peele, writer/director of 2017’s smash hit “Get Out,” made waves earlier this year for its social commentary and an earth-shattering performance from Lupita Nyong’o. A family of four on vacation to Santa Cruz must endure a night of terror, as four people that look exactly like them break into their house and attempt to murder them.

The King - Netflix Original, David Michôd This historical epic, starring Timothée Chalamet and Robert Pattinson, is certain to produce a new phone background for some sorority girl somewhere on campus. Based on the plays “Henry IV, Part 1,” “Henry IV, Part 2” and “Henry V” by William Shakespeare, this drama stars Chalamet as Henry, Prince of Wales. This film seems to be Netflix’s attempt to make a “Game of Thrones”-esque drama without the dragons, so expect lots of elaborate, period-accurate costumes and lots of (literal and figurative) backstabbing.

Booksmart

The Irishman

The Crown, Season 3 (11/25) For a different style of historical period drama, the Queen Elizabeth-centric series “The Crown” returns for its third season, with a brand-new cast. To reflect the aging of the characters, the roles previously played by Claire Foy, Matt Smith and Vanessa Kirby have been recast, and are now played by Olivia Colman, Tobi-

The Man in the High Castle

The Crown

Us ILLUSTRATION BY BILLY KEENEY

04 Viewpoints

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Space Jam

He Got Game

Hoosiers

Poetry in motion: eight great hoop movies

Kane Mitten

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

He Got Game (1998) by Spike Lee What’s a list of basketball movies without “He Got Game?” The number of college guys who own Jesus Shuttlesworth jerseys alone guarantees it a spot on this list. Denzel Washington plays Jake Shuttlesworth, who is in prison for accidentally killing his wife. The governor of the city, an alum of fictional college Big State, lets him out on parole for a week and promises to reduce Jake’s sentence if he can convince his son Jesus, the top high school basketball player in the country (played by NBA superstar Ray Allen. You know, “Ray Allen for a 3, BANG!”? That Ray Allen?) to play for Big State. “He Got Game” is one of Spike Lee’s best films, and arguably the best basketball movie ever—if you’re going to watch one thing off this list, make it this one. Space Jam (1996) by Joe Pytka Speaking of college guys who own basketball jerseys based on a movie that stars an NBA legend, “Space Jam” is the most well-known sports movie in history. This live-action/animated comedy, in a premise that still makes absolutely no sense over 20 years later, stars Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes facing off against the villainous Monstars, who have stolen the talents of then-NBA players like Charles Barkley and Patrick Ewing. Bill Murray shows up to play the role of ... himself, and Danny DeVito is also here for some reason. It also has one of the

ILLUSTRATION BY BILLY KEENEY

most iconic theme songs for any movie, ever. You’ve probably already seen this movie like eight times, so does it really need explaining? Hoop Dreams (1994) by Steve James This groundbreaking documentary followed the lives of two AfricanAmerican high school students, William Gates and Arthur Agee, for five years as they try to achieve their goal of reaching the NBA. “Hoop Dreams” uses sports to talk about important social issues, like the racial, educational and economic divides of modern cities, and illustrates why telling athletes to ‘stick to sports’ is foolish. This isn’t just a good basketball movie—it’s a good movie, period. (The 2007 sequel, while not nearly as powerful, stars current NBA player Patrick Beverley.) Hoosiers (1986) by David Anspaugh “Hoosiers” is one of the only sports-related films to ever be selected by the Library of Congress for preservation on the grounds of being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” This 1986 basketball flick about small-town Indiana basketball is loosely based on a true story and stars Gene Hackman as the head coach of the Huskers, a high school basketball team. “Hoosiers” is the most influential film on the list, as it paved the way for a lot of cliches featured in many sports movies.

Blue Chips (1994) by William Friedkin This film, which was hated by critics on release but is now well loved by sports fans everywhere, is the reason Shaquille O’Neal asked the Orlando Magic to draft Penny Hardaway. The film stars Nick Nolte as college basketball coach Pete Bell, who turns to illegally paying college athletes to save the school’s struggling basketball program. The two players star as ‘blue chip’ basketball prospects, and the two became such good friends during filming that Shaq went to Orlando’s front office to specifically request he join the team. It also features a ton of other basketball superstars, like Bob Cousy, Larry Bird and former Louisville coach Rick Pitino. White Men Can’t Jump (1992) by Ron Shelton Woody Harrelson stars as a former college basketball player who makes a living by betting on streetball games against other players who think he can’t play well because he is white. Wesley Snipes stars as his rival-turned-two-on-two partner. Alex Trebek—yes, the host of “Jeopardy!”—is also in this movie, and if that’s not an endorsement, what is? This is one of the most uniquely 1990s movies ever. Coach Carter (2005) by Thomas Carter “Coach Carter” is based on the true story of Ken Carter, the basketball coach of Richmond High School, who suspend-

ed his undefeated basketball team from playing because of their poor grades. Samuel L. Jackson stars as the titular coach, who faced backlash from the local community after forcing his players to focus on their academics. Rob Brown, Channing Tatum and Ashanti also star. Like Mike (2002) by John Schultz If you’ve never seen the movie, you’ve definitely heard the theme song, which famously began with “basketball is my favorite sport, I like the way they dribble up and down the court.” Rapper Lil’ Bow Wow launched his career in his role here as Calvin Cambridge, an orphan who finds a pair of sneakers with Michael Jordan’s initials inside. After a bully at the orphanage named Ox (Jesse Plemons, many years before his role as Todd in “Breaking Bad”) throws the sneakers over a power line, Calvin tries to get the sneakers back and is shocked by a lightning bolt—which magically gives him the power to be as good as Michael Jordan when he has the sneakers on. He ends up becoming an NBA superstar who takes on Vince Carter and the Toronto Raptors. Tons of other NBA players, like Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki also make cameo appearances.

@northernermedia

Ed 64, Issue 11

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 6 Men’s basketball preview Page 7 Women’s basketball preview Page 8 Get to know the new players Page 9 Get to know the coaches Page 10 New 3-point line and can’t-miss games Page 11 Game attendance and players to watch Page 12 Timeline of schedule

Basketball 05

06 Basketball

MEN’S

Basketball 07

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

WOMEN’S Ty DeBonis

Sierra Newton SPORTS EDITOR

The past three years for NKU men’s basketball program have been history-making, with two trips to the NCAA tournament (2017, 2019) and one trip to the NIT (2018). The Norse are focused on improving from those seasons with new coaching staff, a new style of play and four players returning out of last season’s starting five. “We want guys that want to be here and I think this is a group that saw the value of sticking together,” Head Coach Darrin Horn said. “With a lot of returning guys, I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to get better and grow and move forward as a team and as a program.” With a preseason ranking of second in the Horizon League, the Norse expect to make it back to the NCAA tournament. “That is pretty much the mentality that we take on,” redshirt junior guard Jalen Tate said. “You play the games to win every single game, and you play every single conference tournament, regular season, everything like that to do the same thing.” Style of play With the Norse now entering the postDrew McDonald era, this season’s style of play will look different from previous years. Post presence has been a major key in the past; the post will still be utilized, but not in the same capacity as seasons of the past. Nine of the 14 players on the roster are listed as guard or wing, indicating a faster style of play for this year’s squad. “We’ve got three guys that will play the five spot for us,” Horn said. “You’re not going to see the ball thrown into the post a whole lot this year with us with the way that we want to play.” When it comes to rebounding, the Norse will make it more of a group effort than before. “Replacing [Drew McDonald] is going to be a group effort, but I mean, we got Silas, Adrian and Dantez is back to play down low,” senior guard Tyler Sharpe said. “The guards got to be able to help the bigs rebound.” The Norse look to be more active and disruptive on defense, creating more opportunities to score in transition. The quality of shot selection while creating quick plays was an emphasis over the summer. “Create more turnovers for more easy

REPORTER

opportunities, which translates into the offensive end; honestly, looking for the best available shot,” Tate said. “Why run 26 seconds of offense to get the same shots we can get in six to eight, you know?” Team makeup Coach Horn noted that the main three inside players are redshirt junior forward Silas Adheke, sophomore forward Adrian Nelson and senior forward Dantez Walton. Adheke saw 100 minutes across the 20 games he played in last season. In those games, he averaged two points and 1.7 rebounds per game. Nelson isn’t currently at “full go” from a summer injury, but when he is, the Norse plan to use him. Nelson had 252 minutes across 30 games and averaged 8.4 buckets and 2.5 rebounds. Nelson shot perfectly during the NCAA match against National runner-up Texas Tech. Giving the Norse six points and eight rebounds. Walton is a guy of “versatility.” Walton started all 35 games for the Norse in the previous season. He played a total of 992 minutes with an average of 11.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. Although Walton was seen on the wing with a total of 62 three-pointers in the previous season, Coach Horn sees him making an impact down in the post as well. “I think [Walton] is the guy,” Horn said. “Because of his versatility, ability to shoot the basketball, he’s playing at the five. He can present some real problems for people.” Building from the past “I believe we’re standing on the shoulders of everybody that’s come before, so to be in [this] position to me is not pressure. I think it’s an opportunity and it’s great,” Horn said. Tate said that the ending of last season in Tulsa wasn’t his best showing. From that moment on, Tate decided to try to be the guy his teammates could lean on in bigtime games and every game in between. “Be consistent, be an everyday guy and be that much better of a leader,” Tate said. “We knew Drew wasn’t going to be back. Seniors graduate and they move on to their next chapter in life. But just to be somebody that my teammates could look

up to as another guy.” As far as on-court improvements, Tate mentioned extending his range and furthering his jumpshot to become more consistent. The Preseason All-Horizon League First Team guard played 31 games last year, and was able to average 13.7 points per game and 4.1 assists per game, with a .407 percentage behind the arc. Sharpe was an integral part in keeping NKU in the game against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament, where he was four of seven from behind the arc and contributed 23 points total. After that game, Sharpe took a moment to think about what he could do in order to elevate the Norse to making an actual NCAA tournament run. “I just wanted to keep getting more athletic,” Sharpe said. “Slim down a little bit, get faster and continue to hone in on my strengths. Shooting and playmaking, my ball handling and just become more of an all-around player.” Sharpe was named Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team this season with stats like 14.4 points per game, 3 rebounds per game and 52 steals last year. Sophomore guard Trevon Faulkner played in all 35 games, and started in the last 28. Faulkner averaged 4.7 points per game and averaged 2.5 rebounds per game. He was known as a defensive spark, and is someone the Norse will expect a lot from. “Trevon Faulkner, for one, the guy’s always in the gym,” Tate said. “He’s made numerous strides offensively. He’s always been a defensive standpoint on our team, a focal point that we’ve had.” There are many new faces surrounding the men’s basketball program, but one thing hasn’t changed: their heart to win and willingness to learn the game. “I give our team credit; they’ve had an unbelievable willingness to learn and try new things and just do things in a different way,” Horn said. “I’m thankful for their attitude and their willingness, especially from a team that’s won a lot of games and guys that have a lot of experience. “They’ve got a maturity about them, competitiveness about them. I don’t think they’re satisfied with where they are, where the program is, so it’s been fun to get in the gym every day and work with them.” Senior guard Tyler Sharpe.

For the second straight year, the Northern Kentucky women’s basketball team is projected to finish sixth in the Horizon League preseason poll. Redshirt senior guard Molly Glick received Preseason All-Horizon League Second Team honor. The Black and Gold finished fifth in the Horizon League regular season standings last season with a record of 11-18. This was a two-win increase from the 2017-18 season, and the Norse look to rack up even more wins this season with five upperclassmen returning as well as three sophomores and a new junior transfer student. “I am extremely excited about our team this year; it’s nice to finally have some experience on the court,” Head Coach Camryn Whitaker said. “It definitely shows. I am really enjoying coaching this team. There’s a lot of positive in our atmosphere, in our practices and lots of talk.” Areas of improvement One area the Norse are looking to improve in is their nonconference play. Last season, the Norse won their first two nonconference exhibition games against Pikeville and Alderson Broaddus. After that, the Norse fell short in their remaining nine games. “We’ve got to improve in the nonconference. I think that we’ve got a really good schedule set up that will help prepare us for Horizon League play,” Whitaker explained. On the flip side, the women’s basketball team showed great signs of development toward the end of last season. The Black and Gold ended the regular season winning eight of their last 11 games. They will look to pick up that momentum they had going at the end of the regular season and carry into the 2019-20 season. Returning to the court

Redshirt senior guard Molly Glick.

Redshirt senior guard Molly Glick is looking forward to her final season in Highland Heights. Glick averaged 10 points and 2.8 rebounds last year for the Norse. The fifth-year guard was ranked sixth in the Horizon League last season, averaging 1.9 three-pointers a game. Her 55 three-point baskets last season pushed her into the top five all-time on NKU’s 3 point list. Glick and sophomore guard

Taylor Clos tied for the team lead last season with 27 steals a piece. Glick wants to focus on playing with more confidence this season. “When we got into conference play last year, obviously we were a little down because our record wasn’t the best, but ending on a six-game winning streak, that definitely helps our confidence this year,” Glick said. Another leader on the court this year will be junior forward Kailey Coffey. As a sophomore, Coffey was the Norse’s best glass cleaner, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. Coffey was named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team and Google Cloud Academic All-District Team during the 2018-19 season. Coach Whitaker said that Coffey is more aggressive this year and has worked hard on expanding her game. Whitaker said Coffey has developed an outside shot and improved her ability to play multiple positions. Coffey acknowledged her status as a team leader and mentioned what her main focus is for the season. “Knowing when I need to drive or take the outside shot or do what my team needs me to do. Defense is what I have been working on the most,” Coffey said. Sophomore point guard Ally Niece will be a big key this year for the Norse to have success. Last season, Niece was elected to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team and racked in two Horizon League Freshman of the Week awards, both of which were during conference play. She scored in double digits 15 times, including two games with 20+ points. Coach Whitaker said that Niece’s strong play to end the season last year will help the team’s overall confidence, as she will remain the starting point guard for her sophomore season. “The college game is a lot different, and I am not the best player, so I have learned to be smarter and I think that’s one of the biggest things that I am looking to improve,” Niece said. Whitaker and her coaching staff have not talked extensively about starting lineups for the 2019-20 season. However, Whitaker said that she would not hesitate to put freshman guard Carissa Garcia in the starting lineup if the season were to start today.

“Carissa would probably start at the three or the two on the perimeter and, as a freshman, those are big shoes to fill. She’s a competitor, and I think everybody will really enjoy watching her play,” Whitaker said. New to NKU Junior forward Janna Lewis,a transfer from Motlow State Community College in Tennessee, averaged 22.7 points and 11.3 rebounds per game last season, ranking fifth and 14th in the NJCAA, respectively, and was named to the NJCAA All-America Second Team. Lewis also pulled in first team all-conference honors in both campaigns and was named the 2018 Tennessee Community College Athletic Association Freshman of the Year and 2019 TCCAA Offensive Player of the Year and Co-MVP. Lewis will greatly help the Norse down low against conference rivals like Wright State, IUPUI and Green Bay, who all have great post players and are physical teams when it comes to rebounding. “She is one of the strongest players I have ever coached. She’s only about 5’9, but you cannot move her in a fight, and she is a great rebounder,” Whitaker said about Lewis. Another newcomer for the Norse this season is Assistant Coach Lester Rowe. Rowe joined the Norse in July 2019 after spending the last eight seasons as an assistant coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers women’s basketball team. During his time in Morgantown, the women’s team had one of their most successful runs, with six 20-win campaigns and five NCAA Tournament appearances. The Black and Gold open the season on Nov. 6 against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. Several newcomers as well as returning leaders for the Norse this season could help them reach their goal of obtaining a better record during nonconference play. Over 20 games this season will stream on ESPN+, and several will be watchable on ESPN channels.

PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON

06 Basketball

MEN’S

Basketball 07

BASKETBALL PREVIEW

WOMEN’S Ty DeBonis

Sierra Newton SPORTS EDITOR

REPORTER

Redshirt senior guard Molly Glick.

PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON

08 Basketball

Sierra Newton

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Get to know the new players

ILLUSTRATIONS BY NOËL WALTZ

SPORTS EDITOR

Bryson Langdon G/Sophomore

Carissa Garcia PG/Freshman

Tayah Irvin Forward/Freshman

Karl Harris G/Grad student

Garcia is a “no days off ” kind of player. The freshman point guard feels that the team is starting to learn about one another and mesh together well. Garcia is another energy that can spark the game with her shooting and defensive play. “Communicating and talking a lot. I think is gonna be really important for me.” Garcia believes the team is capable of winning a lot this year and is excited to continue bonding with the team. Something off the court that Garcia practices is playing her guitar. “I just one day had a Hannah Montanna guitar and I started playing.”

Although Irvin is a freshman, she felt at home jumping into the mix of the women’s basketball team. “I really didn’t need to get to know them as I got here since I had known them for so long. We’re already like our own little family.” Irvin is a rebounder at heart, both offensively and defensively. Getting offensive putbacks, scoring some points and bringing energy on the defensive end are a few more things Irvin plans to do for the Norse. In high school, Irvin won state in basketball and track, making her someone who is used to a winning culture.

Janna Lewis Forward/Junior

Ivy Turner PG/Freshman

Adham Eleeda G/Junior

John Harge Forward/Freshman

Langdon comes from Yuma, Arizona, one of the hottest cities in America. With an average of 16.3 points during his last season at Arizona Western, Langdon looks to be a utility player for NKU. “I can say my game is versatile. I like to shoot, I like to get to the rim. So, really, whatever the defense gives me.” Between the family-like coaching staff and the NKU community’s support Langdon already feels like he’s at home. “You can just be walking on campus and somebody come and greet you. I feel that’s real comfortable for me.” When he’s not in the gym, Langdon can be found binge watching different series. “Ozark” is one of his latest binges.

Lewis is a communication studies major who transferred from the National Junior College Athletic Association level. Last season alone, she averaged 22.7 points per game and had 11.3 rebounds per game. Lewis, although 5’9,” looks to add that dynamic performance to NKU. The skill development aspect is one of the things that attracted Lewis to NKU. “I went from [junior college] and I was doing good there but they really wasn’t on me as much being nit picky with everything. So, now that I’m back to that type of program is bettering me.” Lewis is into cooking and seafood is her favorite. She attributes the love of food to her parents. “My mom’s a chef. She taught me how to bow down in the kitchen.”

Turner anticipates being a teammate that gives her all. “When I get in, it’s 110 percent scoring, driving, hitting open people. Hit my teammates whenever they’re hot and just do whatever I need to do to be able to get the win.” Turner said she’s grateful to be playing at this level. “Such a blessing to be here playing at this level and just competing.” Turner has a twin sister and can be found spending her free time hanging out with her. “I really just like hanging out with my family, doing whatever.”

Eleeda was drawn to NKU because of the coaching staff and their vision coming into the school year. “What they’re bringing to the team and what they believe in and I have the same beliefs they have and mostly just the winning culture they have here.” Eleeda said he felt the summer was a great adjustment period and didn’t fret about the 3-point line change. “I’m from Canada. It’s the same line so I’m really pretty used to it. I kind of had that advantage over most people.” Eleeda describes himself as a “laid back guy” and enjoys fishing when he gets the chance.

Harris is a health science graduate student at NKU. During July, Harris was able to come to campus and explore the opportunities at the basketball program. Since he had the opportunity to play one more year at the collegiate level, he said, “why not?” Harris brings versatility and leadership to the team. “Coaches can kind of put me anywhere and I feel like I can succeed. Just bring in toughness, leadership, whatever the coach needs.” In his free time, Harris likes to screenwrite. He draws inspiration from watching other screenplays and movies.

Harge is the freshman of the men’s basketball team and plans to major in sports business. Harge enjoys winning, so he felt the culture of NKU was a perfect fit for him. Although Harge is out with an ACL injury, he plans to bring plenty of energy to the team. Harge is focused on learning the game, becoming more mature and putting on some muscle while he recovers. “When I start practicing again, just push everybody in practice, work on getting myself better and the team better.” Harge loves dogs and particularly likes french bulldogs. “I saw Ben Simmons, he had this little French Bulldog. It was all black. He put a chain on it. That’s my next dog, for sure.”

Ed 64, Issue 11

Sierra Newton SPORTS EDITOR

Basketball 09

Get to know the coaches PHOTOS FROM NKU ATHLETICS

David Harris, Men’s Assistant Coach

Kayla Kleifgen, Women’s Assistant Coach

During Harris’ first day on campus, he and assistant Coach McCormack were walking around NKU’s campus and were greeted by several students. He knew he made a great decision. “The community has been great. The students have been great. Coach Horn has done a really good job of letting us know and letting the NKU family know that we’re excited to be here and looking forward to the season.” Harris has a more laid back coaching style; he connects with the players and enjoys joking around with them. He sees the coaching staff as balanced because of the different coaching techniques. “We’re all completely different. Coach McCormack and Coach Haut and myself all have different personalities, but we all balance each other out.” Harris is a Cincinnati native, so coming to NKU was a familiar choice. “I have a lot of friends here. Ever since college, I’ve always lived in places and kind of started over brand new, so this is nice going to a place where I can get places without needing the GPS.”

It’s Kleifgen’s fourth year at NKU alongside head coach Camryn Whitaker. Prior to NKU, she was on support staff at the University of Kentucky where Whitaker was an assistant. “We’ve been able to build such a great relationship over the years and knowing her previously coming from Kentucky together, very thankful and blessed that she brought me along.” Kleifgen works specifically with the point guards during individual workouts. “I was a point guard and so that’s great to be able to connect with them in that way.” Kleifgen also has the responsibility of an academic liaison, and directs recruiting for the team. “I love recruiting. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.” Kleifgen enjoys connecting and building relationships with prospective players. Kleifgen is excited about the core group returning and how the returning players lead the newcomers. Something Coach Kleifgen loves to do is go fishing with her dad. She doesn’t get to do it often, but enjoys doing so whenever she has a chance.

Lester Rowe, Women’s Assistant Coach

Lauren Stodola, Women’s Assistant Coach

Rowe comes from a background of winning and elevating players to a new height. Rowe’s past eight seasons have been at WVU as an assistant coach, where the team’s had seven straight winning seasons, a regular season Big 12 Championship, a Big 12 Tournament Championship and five NCAA Tournament appearances. He’s recruited and developed seven All-Big 12 selections, with four going to the WNBA Draft. So far, Rowe has noticed consistency in practice and a consistency in message to the team. “If they know what’s expected, and you go to practice and you prepare to relay that message every day, it’s like anything else. The more you practice it, the better you are.” Rowe loves cooking and grilling with his three-year-old grandson by his side.

Stodola enters her second year as an assistant coach, but has been with Coach Whitaker all four years. Stodola started as a graduate assistant and later made her way into coaching. Due to her experience before being an assistant coach, she felt as if she knew exactly what Coach Whitaker wanted and how the flow of the team would work once on staff. “It was a good transition, but it’s definitely more fun to be out on the court with our players and as an assistant coach.” Outside of basketball, the coaches look to instill basic values into the team. “Whether it’s in the classroom or on the court, say we are super prepared and we still end up losing the game. How do we bounce back? How do we recover? Those are really great life lessons that you learn as a student athlete.”

Eric Haut, Men’s Assistant Coach

Simon McCormack, Men’s Assistant Coach

Fifteen years ago, Coach Horn gave Haut his first coaching job. Along with the community, it wasn’t hard for Haut to make the decision to come to NKU. “The things going on here at NKU, the success they’ve had, the success they want to work toward. It’s just an exciting opportunity.” From day one, Haut has felt nothing but enthusiasm and excitement from the Northern Kentucky community. In his experience, he’s been able to better gauge the rhythm of his teams by seeing the evolution of every team. Haut has noticed his players being able to back up the mistakes players make with information. “Well, now if I or someone on staff says to one of our guys ‘hey, man you’re not playing hard enough.’ Well, we better have some information on what proves the fact that they’re not playing hard enough besides just our own observation with our eyes.” Coach Haut is already known for his energetic demeanor and his new baby boy, Karter.

McCormack previously spent time as Director of Program and Development at the University of Texas, where he was a graduate assistant for two years. This is McCormack’s first year being an assistant coach, and he’s already enjoying the job. “There’s a lot of similarities to when I was a grad assistant at Texas, just in terms of responsibilities of being on the floor and trying to get guys better, so it’s been good.” McCormack said that being a younger coach helps him to better connect with the players and the thoughts and feelings they’re going through. He feels keeping in mind the players frame of reference mentally is important. McCormack is excited to be a part of a school where basketball is part of the tradition. “It’s a basketball state. I’m coming from Texas, which was definitely more of a football state. So it’s exciting to be just around a fan base that wants to win and wants to support their team.”

10 Basketball

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Big changes to the 2019-20 basketball season Sierra Newton SPORTS EDITOR

International 3-point line Starting the 2019-20 season, Division I men’s college basketball 3-point line will be extended to the international distance of 22 feet and 1 and 3/4 inches. The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved moving the 3-point line after the Men’s Basketball Rules Committee members received positive feedback. The feedback was from the annual rules survey of the coaches who participated in the 2018 and 2019 National Invitation Tournament (NIT). During the tournament, the international 3-point distance was used as an experimental basis. “It’s not too big of a difference,” senior guard Jalen Tate said. “It comes with the reps, it’s a little getting used to. Sometimes you’re stepping on the line in the corners, you have to keep from stepping

The NCAA committee cited these rationales for extending the 3-point line: • Making the lane more available for dribble/drive plays from the perimeter. • Slowing the trend of the 3-point shot becoming too prevalent in men’s college basketball by making the shot a bit more challenging, while at the same time keeping the shot an integral part of the game. • Assisting in offensive spacing by requiring the defense to cover more of the court. out of bounds but for the most part, it comes with the reps you put in every single day.” Due to the financial impact of placing a new three-point line on courts, Divisions II and III won’t take effect until 2020-21 season.

CAN’T-MISS GAMES

Ty DeBonis

Shot clock reset The panel also approved resetting the shot clock at 20 seconds after a field goal attempt hits the rim and the offensive team rebounds the ball in front court. The change is being made to enhance the

pace of the game. The committee decided against a full 30-second shot clock reset because the offensive team is already in the front court after securing the rebound. This was another experimental rule during the 2019 NIT. Other proposals The panel approved the proposal where players will be given a technical foul should they use “derogatory language about an opponent’s race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.” Coaches now have the ability to call live-ball timeouts in the last two minutes of the second half and the last two minutes of any overtime periods. Previously coaches weren’t allowed to call any liveball timeouts during the game. Lastly, in the last two minutes of the second half or the last two minutes of any overtime, instant replay review can be conducted if a basket interference or goaltending call has been made.

Missouri Tigers Nov. 8 | 8 p.m. Away - Columbia, MO Arkansas Razorbacks Nov. 30 | 3 p.m. Away - Fayetteville, AR

MEN

The NKU men’s basketball team not only has a new look to them this upcoming season, but new rules according to ncaa.com.

REPORTER

and Florida International University during this tournament. While most of the men’s contests are on either ESPN3 or ESPN+, there are a couple of bigger matchups that will be on ESPNU as well as ESPN2. The two games that are being shown on ESPNU this season will be when the Norse take on the Raiders from Wright State. The first matchup will be on Jan. 24 in Dayton, OH and the second will be here in Highland Heights at BB&T Arena. This year’s nonconference slate for the men has been upgraded from prior years and features two SEC schools. The first of the two takes the Norse to Columbia, MO where they will take on the Missouri Tigers on Nov. 8. The second will take place at the end of November in Fayetteville, AR where the Norse will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Both of these contests drive Northern Kentucky’s strength of schedule up from where it has been the past few years.

Wright State Raiders Feb. 28 | 7 p.m. Home - BB&T Arena

Jackson State Gamecocks Nov. 29 | 2 p.m. Away - Miami, FL

FIU Golden Panthers Dec. 1 | 12 p.m. Away - Miami, FL

Louisville Cardinals Dec. 8 | 2 p.m. Home - BB&T Arena

WOMEN

Norse fans will have ample opportunity to watch the Black and Gold play in the 2019-20 season, even if they can’t make it to BB&T Arena. The Northern Kentucky men’s basketball team will have a total of five games broadcast on FOX Sports Ohio. These games include the Black and Gold’s matchup with Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 8, Illinois State on Dec. 15, Milwaukee on Dec. 28, Oakland on Feb. 6 and University of Illinois Chicago on Feb. 16. The Norse also have a slate of games on the ESPN family of networks. All of the women’s games are on either ESPN+ or ESPN3. Highlighting the women’s schedule is the matchup on Dec. 8 when the Louisville Cardinals come to Highland Heights for a matchup. The women’s team will also compete in Florida International University’s tournament this season, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. The Black and Gold are scheduled to take on Jacksonville State University

Ed 64, Issue 11

Basketball 11

How NKU athletics plans to get fans in the door

Kane Mitten

ARTS & LIFE EDITOR

With NKU’s basketball program growing massively in the past few years, including two trips to the NCAA tournament and one bid to the NIT, the athletics department is doing all that they can to ensure students, alumni and local residents are making their way down to BB&T Arena to cheer on the Norse—including a new promotion that will send students home with $1,000. “The success that they’ve seen on the court, I think that really echoes the growth that the university has seen as a whole,” Lydia Abner, athletics coordinator of marketing and promotions, said. Attendance numbers really took off in the 2016-17 season, when NKU finished its reclassification to Division I, with a 22.97 percent increase in attendance. That same year, the team made the NCAA Tournament in just their first year of eligibility, and the number of fans in the stands next season increased by 44.9 percent. The men’s team not making the tournament in the 2017-18 season caused the number of Norse fans in BB&T to slightly dip during the 2018-19 season, but the team returning to the tournament last year combined with the excitement of a new head coach has given the athletics department their highest number of sea-

JALEN TATE |||||||||||||||||||||||||||

6’6” GUARD

13.7

POINTS PER GAME

136

REBOUNDS

4.4

son ticket sales ever. “We’ve just been trying to get more information out there and reach out to all kinds of different groups,” Micki Ford, coordinator of athletics ticketing, said. “I feel like our fans are pretty interested now in the basketball program.” In an effort to keep attendance growing, athletics will be running several promotions throughout the season— like their new #1kfor1k promotion. For all men’s basketball spring conference games, if 1,000 students show up, one student will leave BB&T Arena $1,000 richer. The promotion starts Jan. 16 at home vs. Youngstown State. According to Abner, the idea came from new Head Coach Darrin Horn. Generally, the three games every year to have a thousand students in attendance are the home games against conference rivals Wright State and Oakland and the homecoming game. “The idea is, ‘how can we get five or six games with 1000 students?’ and not just those guaranteed three,” Abner said. “Once the spring semester starts, every time we have 1000 students in attendance, we will randomly select one of those students … and that person will win $1,000.” Special theme nights, where students

MOLLY GLICK |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

GUARD 5’11”

KAILEY COFFEY 67 |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

REBOUNDS

2.6

PER GAME ASSISTS

ASSISTS

.407 3-PT %

.333 3-PT %

from Fort Thomas, which is a cool connection,” Abner said. “We’re expecting a lot of people to come out that day.” The Hoops for Health event also returns, with the women’s team playing a game in the middle of the day and inviting different elementary schools in the area to bring their students. The event is intended to be simultaneously fun and educational. “During the game, we have videos of the women’s players doing jumping jacks, getting everybody out of their seats to be active and do some exercises. We do trivia questions about ‘how many fruits and vegetables are you supposed to eat?’” Abner said. “They’re coming to watch the basketball game but they’re also receiving … those educational pieces, which make it a really cool event.” Abner has only been working at NKU for three years, but in that short amount of time she’s noticed that athletics and the university as a whole have significantly changed for the better, and that attendance has risen because people who attend classes here really care about NKU. “I think it’s a combination of the rich culture and history of [NKU], and the excitement of going Division I,” Abner said. “People want to be involved and be a part of that.”

PLAYERS TO 2018-19 STATS WATCH

POINTS PER GAME

PER GAME

128

will be encouraged to dress up in different costumes, including a ‘90s night, prom night, a PJs night, a ‘gold rush’ and a whiteout game will occur on various home games. Several of the games will feature a happy hour with discounted beer from the local Braxton Brewing Company that begins when the doors to BB&T Arena open. The fan-favorite Domino’s Pizza promotion, where 80 points from the home team means fans can turn in their ticket stubs to Domino’s for a $1 pizza, is returning. Tailgates will also be back, with tailgating events taking place the day of the home games against Texas Southern, Youngstown State, Oakland, Detroit Mercy and Wright State. The women’s team initially received a large boost in attendance from the shift to DI. However, a poor overall record has led to a stark decline in attendance the past two seasons. This year, there will be several reasons to turn out to see the women’s team—including a home game against the nationally renowned Louisville Cardinals, who reached the Final Four in 2018 and have historically been one of the top five teams in the United States. “Their head coach was actually a player here. He played for the men’s team, and is

5’10” FORWARD

7.3

POINTS PER GAME

212

REBOUNDS

8.2

PER GAME

TYLER SHARPE |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

GUARD 6’0”

14.4 POINTS PER GAME

BLOCKS

52 STEALS

ASSISTS PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON / ILLUSTRATION BY JOSH KELLY

12 Basketball

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

PHOTOS BY COLIN JOHNSON / ILLUSTRATION BY JOSH KELLY