Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Make Strides On Bahamas Trip
8/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan men's basketball team returned from its trip to the Bahamas this week, after handily defeating three semi-pro teams on the island.
The trip was an important step for a program that is in transition after graduating four seniors who were at the core of the resurgent program, and welcoming in six newcomers who will begin their Chippewa careers in the 2016-17 season. Those six newcomers are Marcus Keene, Ellis Jefferson, Kevin McKay, Matty Smith, Cecil Williams and David DiLeo.
The Chippewas practiced for 10 days before their departure for the Bahamas.
Keno Davis, who is in his fifth year as the Chippewas' coach, sat down with CMUChippewas.com to discuss his thoughts on the trip.
CMUChippewas.com: Who, among the newcomers, most impressed you?
Davis: I feel like all of the newcomers were impressive at different times throughout our 10 days of practice and our three-game tour. I think it really showed me that there's a bright future with our team because of the talent combined with the desire to improve from this group. We understand as a team that we need to improve, collectively and individually. I also think we have high goals as individuals and as a team for this season and I could see the improvement from the start of summer until the end of the trip and hope that it will pay great dividends.
CMUChippewas.com: How does making a summer trip such as this help in the long run?
Davis: With the extended hours of practice and game experience, the players to realize what areas they need to work to improve before the season starts, and it also allows coaches to have a better understanding of their team as a whole. The ability to improve skill work, improve as a team, the experience that you get both in practice and in games, all of that is invaluable. The chemistry that makes good teams great and great teams special is about being able to come together and truly be a team and we're hopeful that this time together will lead us in that direction.
CMUChippewas.com: What most impressed you about your team's on-court performance?
Davis: I felt like our defensive effort from day one was at a different level than it has been in the past and although we're not as good of a defensive team as we were at the end of last season, I feel that there's optimism that we can improve in that area and become a tough team because of it. Also, the ability to shoot well from the 3-point line with the extended international line was a big positive because we believe that, although we've broken records in that area (recently), we have a chance to be even a better shooting team with this group.
CMUChippewas.com: What, off the court, stood out to you about the trip?
Davis: The experience to be able to go to a great place, an incredible resort, and to do so with a group that has such high character makes it all the more special. Coaches and teams often talk about representing their school, and while we teach and try to direct our student-athletes down the right path, the impression they made and how they conducted themselves speaks to the quality of the student-athlete when he arrives here and the credit goes to our assistant coaches who have been able to recruit to that standard.
CMUChippewas.com: You've talked about the role a trip such as this serves in creating team bonding and in assimilating the newcomers with the veterans. Did it also serve to help those players who will be counted upon to fill the leadership roles?
Davis: We have several players that are taking more of a leadership role, that are becoming more vocal in that aspect. But I also know that the captains and leaders of this year's team will likely present themselves at the start of fall semester and the beginning of practices.
CMUChippewas.com: What's next for the student-athletes?
Davis: They are off until they return to school (Aug. 29) and then we will be limited to eight hours week, two of which can be on-court instruction with the balance in the weight room, conditioning and meetings. The first day of practice is Sept. 30.
