2010-11 Hoops Preview Special- UMBC Retrievers

2010-11 Hoops Preview Special- UMBC Retrievers

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Quick Facts: 2009-10 Record: 4-26 (3-13 America East)

                     Letterwinners Returning: 7

                     Starters Returning: 3

                     Newcomers: 4

                     Head Coach: Randy Monroe (7th season)/ 76-109 career record

 

Since its tremendous 2007-08 season, which saw UMBC win its first America East championship and qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history, head coach Randy Monroe has been looking for ways to replicate that success. While the Retrievers had a strong 2008-09 campaign, including an appearance in the America East championship game, last season failed to meet the expectations of anyone in the program. An extremely difficult non-conference schedule saw UMBC enter America East play with a 1-11 record. The Retrievers were never able to rebound from their slow start, and finished 4-26 (3-13 America East).

While the Retrievers did lose key players to both transfer and graduation, there is a solid core of experience returning. One player that Monroe will be relying on to help develop a winning mentality with this group is senior forward Justin Fry. Fry is the last remaining piece from the special 2007-08 season and will be looking to bounce back from a knee injury that cost him all of last season.

"Justin's experience and leadership is very valuable to this team," Monroe emphasized. "I can't tell you how proud I am of this young man. He is just a tremendous leader. Last year, just sitting out watching what the team had to go through, he had a chance to see the game from a different perspective. I think that it motivated him and it also gave him a chance to see the other side of the game of basketball. As a result, I think it's going to make him a well-rounded player."

Following a stellar first season at UMBC, during which he averaged 11.7 points and a league-high 5.1 assists, even more is expected of junior guard Chris De La Rosa. With his ability to find open teammates, De La Rosa is the type of floor general that any coach would love to have at his disposal.

"I think he is definitely one of the better guards in our league," said the seventh-year head coach. "He is a very committed young man. He studies the game of basketball. He is very passionate about the game of basketball. He leads in his own way.  He is not a vociferous leader, but he is a quiet kind of leader where he can pull guys aside. This year is going to be a very good year for Chris. He knows what is expected of him in terms of leading our team."

Monroe will also rely heavily on the impact of two graduate student transfers. Both Laurence Jolicoeur (Manhattan) and Travis King (George Washington) will see substantial minutes and be expected to make an immediate contribution for this team.

"I think that our new guys are certainly capable scorers," explained Monroe. "Laurence Jolicoeur is very capable of scoring. He can shoot the three-point shot. He is able to put the ball on the floor. I think he is a player we can look to get some offense from. I think Travis King, who has been a thorn in our side a couple of times, transferred from George Washington, and is certainly capable of scoring and putting points on the board."

While Joiceour and King should provide more depth and scorers for this UMBC team, much of the success will depend on the strides that De La Rosa, America East All-Rookie team selection Adrian Satchell and sophomore guard Brian Neller have made this offseason. The leadership of Fry should provide a huge spark for this team, but a strong start to the non-conference schedule will be vital to improving the mentality of this group. If the Retrievers can pick up a couple of strong wins prior to America East play, they have the backcourt depth to compete against any team in the conference.