Quick Facts: 2009-10 Record: 19-11 (11-5 America East)
Lettermen Returning: 8
Starters Returning: 4
Newcomers: 2
Head Coach: Ted Woodward (7th season)/ 73-104 career-record
Heading into the 2009-10 season, expectations were
relatively low for the Maine men's basketball program. While there was a strong
core of young talent, few people outside the program believed that the team was
ready to compete at a high level in the America East. However, after a strong
performance in the non-conference portion of the season, which included wins
over Fordham and Boston College, it became clear that this was a team capable
of competing for an America East championship. While the Black Bears didn't
ultimately reach that goal, the 19 wins were the fourth-most in program
history, and the stage was set for what could be an historic 2010-11 season.
As his team prepares to enter the season as one of the main
contenders for the America East crown, head coach Ted Woodward has the luxury
of returning four starters and each of his top three scorers. While those
outside the program have high expectations for this group, Woodward knows that
this team will have to earn any of the success it hopes to achieve.
"I think the great thing about expectations is that we have
them for ourselves," explained Woodward. "Last year we were picked near the
bottom of the league. We basically have the same roster, and this year,
depending on different things you read, we are obviously picked a little bit
higher. We try not to get caught up in anybody else's expectations. We
recognize this is a very tough and competitive league and that our
non-conference schedule is incredibly difficult. We are going to have to be
able to do a lot of things to able to reach the levels we want to reach."
Despite the excitement following an incredibly successful
season, Woodward knows that once the season begins, everyone starts with the
same record and same expectations.
"We go into every year wanting to be the conference
champion," Woodward said. "Last year we had some great fortune. We did a good job
not having many injuries. But we also recognize that is in the past. Everyone
starts out the year with a fresh slate. Obviously, we are very excited about
the year. I am very pleased about the development of our guys continuing
through our program."
One player that will certainly play a key part in the
ultimate success of this team is junior guard Gerald McLemore, who last year became
only the 3rd player in league history to make over 100 3's in a
season. The sweet-shooting guard is coming off a season in which he was names
to the America East All-Conference First Team. Even with the success he has had
during his career at Maine, Woodward continues to be impressed by his growth as
a player and as a leader.
"Gerald has been a wonderful student-athlete in our program,"
emphasized the seventh-year head coach. "Obviously, he is one of the hardest
workers in our program and has had tremendous success in helping to lead us to
a great season. Every single day in practice he works extremely hard. He has
done a great job in the weight room and has worked hard on the skill aspect of
his game. I'm really looking forward to great things from him. It's great to
see his leadership, as he continues to develop in our program, help other guys
along to great levels of success."
With great depth and talent on the perimeter, senior forward
Sean McNally sometimes doesn't get the recognition he deserves. However, after
a junior season in which he was selected to the America East All-Conference
Third Team, McNally will be relied upon to provide leadership and toughness for
this group.
"Sean's leadership is just tremendous for our team,"
Woodward explained. "Even when we recruited him back when he was in high
school, we knew he was a tremendous competitor and knew he was a guy that would
eventually be a leader on our basketball team. Sean has been the guy to lead
since the moment he got here. I'm expecting a huge year from Sean. He is in
great shape and is looking forward to having a fantastic senior year, not only
on the court, but also with his leadership he provides off it."
Just as it did last season, Maine will make its mark on the defensive
end of the court. In 2009-10, the Black Bears finished first in scoring defense
in the America East, allowing only 62.1 points per game. Maine will face an
incredibly challenging non-conference schedule, which includes visits to
Maryland, Notre Dame, Massachusetts and Penn State. If this team is able to use
its excellent defensive presence to steal a couple of big road victories prior
to America East play, it should have the confidence needed to compete for an
America East championship and potentially earn the program's first appearance
in the NCAA Tournament.