Keeping Score

Season Preview (my article from iPulse)

by Gene | October 29, 2008

With nine returners from last year’s squad, the 2008-2009 Fighting Knights basketball team is looking to build on the success and experience of last year. Last year, the Knights went 16-13 overall and 8-8 in conference last year while advancing to the conference tournament semi-finals.           

Returning this year are seniors Luke Postorino, Randy Jones, and Dusty Pflugner; juniors Anthony Balsam and Brandon Kennedy; and sophomores Michael Baptiste, Chris Hall, Michel Vidal, and Michael Woo. Adding to this strong unit are juniors John “JB” Brown and Kendall Butler; sophomore Mike Tanner; and freshmen Bo Jukic, Jonathon Johnson, Jared Paul, and Pascal Schuler.            

With all these newcomers, it only helps that the three seniors will be running the point guard position. Jones started 22 games last year for the Knights, while Postorino led the team in minutes played with 32 per game. Postorino also has the most experience on the team, entering his third year. Pflugner is coming off of an injury plagued season after transferring from Virginia Military Institute.           

 “It’s been a long road with plenty of ups and downs along the way in my career,” said Pflugner. “I’m excited to finally be healthy, get back in shape, and be a contributing member of this championship level team. We have experienced guards and athletic big men who are ready to get the job done. I’m looking for one last run deep into March.”           

Hall looks to build off a very successful year last year, which includes setting the Lynn single game scoring record with 42 in the SSC Tournament against Florida Tech.            

“That was just one game,” Hall said. “I still have a lot to get better at, including my defense. I need to  step up and prove my worth to this team.”           

The team was picked to finish fifth in the SSC by coaches and sports information directors around the league.            

“I’m looking forward to proving a lot of people wrong this season,” said Woo. “We feel that we can exceed the expectations that people outside of our team set for us. We are only going to take this ranking and use it as motivation.”            

 “I can’t wait for the games to start,” said Lauren Fry, junior. “I think there are some great games on tap for this year. I can’t wait for the FAU game, its been too long since I’ve watched the blue and white.”           

The Fighting Knights tip-off on Nov. 5 at FAU Arena against the cross-town foe FAU Owls. The home opener is Nov. 8 against Division I Bethune-Cookman.