Massachusetts Daily Collegian: November 13, 2014 - Basketball Special Issue

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UMass eyes return to NCAA tournament By Mark Chiarelli Collegian Staff

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hen Derrick Gordon assesses the 2014-15 Massachusetts men’s basketball team, he acknowledges the team’s aspirations in a firm, matter-of-fact way. Little has changed for UMass in a calendar year in terms of goals and aspirations. The Minutemen are locked in on returning to the NCAA tournament and building upon last year’s breakthrough success. A year ago, UMass earned a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament, capitalizing on a 24-9 season until a sudden 86-67 loss to Tennessee in the second round. So it’s only natural that a return is on UMass’ expanded horizon. “We want to make it to the Final Four,” Gordon said. Gordon followed by acknowledging that before the team can focus on games played in March or April, it must focus on the present, which is the season opener on Friday against Siena. But it’s not difficult to hypothesize about the potential of a UMass team which believes it deserves a place in the national landscape. “It’s a long season,” Gordon continued. “But we definitely talked about it a little bit and we know if we stay together and do what we’re supposed to do on the court, it can happen.” The Minutemen have the end solution to their complex problem figured out. But getting there, that may take some time to determine. Because the method UMass used a season ago can’t be replicated. “At the end of the day, this team is definitely a lot different than last year’s team,” Gordon said. Gordon has cited improved team chemistry throughout the preseason, but it doesn’t take long to see differences on the court this season. The focal point of UMass’ attack last season was doeverything senior point guard Chaz Williams. The Minutemen must replace his 516 total points and 229 assists, as well as determine who will fill his role in commandeering crucial offensive possessions. UMass must replace two other starters in Raphiael Putney and Sampson Carter as well. Roles will be redefined; remaining players will take on larger roles. see RETURN on page A6 If everything goes according to plan, it will be a truer team effort.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The rebuild

Derek Kellogg is set on bringing UMass back to its standards from the 1990s.

Filling into his role

p. A2

Cady Lalanne put on 40 pounds of muscle in hopes of creating a dominating presence.

UMass expects contributions from 2013 recruits

p. A3

Seth Berger, Zach Coleman and Demetrius Dyson are filling new roles.

p. A3

Shooting higher

UMass’ schedule will dash NCAA tournament dreams

Minutemen built to return to NCAA tournament

Derrick Gordon aims to prove doubters wrong. p. A5

Mark Chiarelli argues that the Minutemen will not return to the NCAA tournament.

Andrew Cyr writes that UMass is primed to return to the Big Dance. p. A6

On the defensive

Heads of the class

Taking charge

UMass women’s basketball enters the season with a new philosophy on defense. p. A7

Emily Mital and Kim Pierre-Louis are set to lead the Minutewomen in their senior seasons. p. B7

Kim Pierre-Louis looks to build on a successful junior year in her final season with the Minutewomen. p. B7

p. A6


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