The last time the Central Maine Community College men's basketball team left the basketball court, they had fallen to Vermont Tech 70-67 in the Yankee Small conference quarterfinals. Curtis Miller, Nick Hinckley, Ross Caron and Tyler Smithgall all graduated, and men's basketball coach Dave Gonyea was once again left to restock the cupboard for the next season.
Once again, he did.
Focusing on character and "fit for the team", Gonyea has brought in ten freshmen to join his returning core of Samson Oleyami, Edward Little alum Brandon Giguere, Oxford Hills alum Justin Cocroft and Mt. View alum Jason Hughes. Gonyea spoke about what he looking for in recruits this season and the difference between last year and this year.
"Tremendous amount of character and talent," said Gonyea when asked of the differences between last year and this year's squads. "Better attitude, better work ethic, more commitment, and they are a much more coachable group."
Oleyami agreed with his coach.
"There are a lot better attitudes this year," said Oleyami. "The young guys are picking things up right away."
One of those young guys picking things up right away is former Lincoln high star Jalen Lincoln. He noticed the difference from the high school game to the college game before he even played a game.
"The physicality," said Lincoln. "The practices are tougher, more physical, you have guys up in your (face) a little more and they're a lot more intense. It's a much faster paced game. From what I am used to, it's a lot more running. It's much different than high school."
Lincoln chose CM because of the feel of the campus.
"I'm a family kid," said Lincoln. "I liked the atmosphere; it's got that hometown feeling."
Olayemi feels this year's practices have had more teaching to them due to the youth of the team.
"There's a lot of teaching going on," said Olayemi. "We've been stopping a lot to help the young guys catch on."
Gonyea enjoys the teaching part of it.
"It's actually a lot of fun," said Gonyea. "It's fun because the kids are grasping what we want to do. Every day we get a little better at understanding what we're trying to do. It's all about fit. The more we go every week, it fits better and the kids buy in more. It's a whole different defense and shooting style than what they are used to. As time goes on, I think they will all get acclimated quicker, they understand quicker and we'll be going in the right direction."
Gonyea feels they'll know early where they are at.
"We have a stretch going in to November without a game," said Gonyea. "After that we play six games in eight days, so I want to make sure we have everything in by that point. It's going to be a big week and I'm hoping that we'll be ready to go."
Cocroft, who is a long-range shooter, spent his summer staying sharp.
"A lot of shooting and weight room work," said Cocroft, who is a junior. "It is all about building confidence and maintaining confidence."
The biggest key this year is continuity from semester one to semester two, as Cocroft explains.
"You spend the first half of the season learning everyone's abilities and tendencies," said Cocroft. "If there is turnover during the break, you lose that and have to learn all over again."
All are looking forward to the season getting underway and the season tips off with the Can-Am Tournament on October 27th. Gonyea's expectations are high as always.
"We want to win the Yankee Championship," said Gonyea. "We are hosting the tournament this year, which I think gives us an advantage. Our kids are stable socially and academically, so I think we will be in a great position at the end of the year. "
They always seem to be.
For more information on Central Maine Community College Athletics, including schedules, rosters, and broadcasts, visit CMMustangs.com.
