Page 14
Lions get new look
Amel Baldta/ Collegian photo ooorcinator
Cleaning the glass: Freshman toward, Ron Derian,
grabs a rebound in practice as the Lions prepare tor their
opener at Keuka.
by Joe Mottillo
Collegian Staff
The 1993 look of the men's
basketball team is a completely
different one from last year.
"Our overall style of play and
change of personnel is the
biggest difference," said first year
coach Joe Shapiro. He continued,
"Byron Thome and Donnie Plyler
„ rj . Amel Baldta/ Collegian Photo Coordinator
It's official: Head Coach Roz Fornari stands with Nick Scott (L) a
representative of Arby's and Rick Santos (R) of Creative Imprints Systems, inc.
A press conference was held Tuesday at Econo Lodge to officially announce
that Arby's and Creative Imprints Systems, inc. will co-sponsor the women's
basketball tournament to be held this weekend at Erie Hall.
are really playing well and
providing leadership."
Shapiro said that some of the
strong points of this year are
work ethic, intensity, unity and
perimeter play.
"The team unity has gotten a
lot better since the beginning of
the year," said Chad Sutton.
"We've had some surprises at
point guard with Sutton, Matt
The Behrend
men's basketball
team will open
it's season
Saturday at
With
Keuka.
only four
returners from
last seasons team
and a new head
coach in Joe
Shapiro , fans can
look forward to a
new look from
the cagers this
year.
Diplacido and Plyler. The three of
them have really taken control,"
Shapiro said.
Point guard was one of the
Lions weaker spots last season
when Plyler got hurt and Johnny
Hawthorne was the only player to
handle the point.
"I'm about 90% right now. I
don't think HI be as quick as I
used to he, but I feel that I can
Amel Baldte/ Collegian photo coordinator
This Is S bSSkStbSII: Senior swingmdn, Byron Thorne,
gets the crowd going at the basketball openhouse last week.
still compete on this level," said
Plyler.
"Rob Hunt and Todd Strugin
are the forces inside. The team is
adjusting well to the new style of
play," said Shapiro.
Offensively the Lions will be
fast breaking, and defensively
they’ll usually be picking toll
court. This will be a very
different approach compared to
last year’s half-court offense.
Another big change is in
personnel. Not only is Shapiro
new, but so are eight of the
players and Assistant Coach
Chris Gilmartin.
The Lions' returning players
are Plykr, Thane, Hunt and Jose
Fortuno. The Lions lost leading
scorer Stephen Respress (4
years), Johnny Hawthorne
(transfer) and Tim Cook
(graduation).
Thursday, November 18, 1993
"I'm a little concerned with our
fall court offense when we see
pressure,” said Shapiro.
He has really been pleased with
the teams concentration and the
team's free throw shooting.
"Physically we're getting into
shape and the practices are getting
better," said Plyler.
"I've been very pleased with the
amount of support shown to our
players by the students, faculty
and administration."
Shapiro continued, "It is great
to know that this is a team effort
and that we have the support of
everyone here at Behrend."
The Lions open the season at
Keuka this Saturday. They play
three more road games before
they open their home season with
the Penn State-Behrend tourney
on December 3 and 4.