The winds of change continue to swirl around the Shawnee State University Men’s Basketball Team.  The Bears have undergone two coaching changes in as many seasons.  Gone is Geno Ford, the American Mideast Conference Coach of the Year, who in one season led SSU to a 22-10 (13-5 AMC) finish and an appearance in the AMC Tournament.  Also departed are seven players from last year’s squad, including Shawnee State’s all-time leading scorer, Jay Hall who averaged 13.8 ppg and 9.3 rpg during his final season.  

Despite the many departures, the Bears have a very solid foundation upon which to build.  “We are very excited about the 2002-2003 season and the return of one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in the country,” states first year Head Coach Jeff Hamilton, who was assistant coach to last years squad.  The Bears look to senior Andre Horton (Lima, OH) and junior Antwain Lavender (Columbus, OH) to lead the team both on and off the court.  Horton was the American Mideast Conference Player of the Year, and 1^st Team NAIA All-American averaging 25.6 pts a game.  Antwain Lavender earned 2^nd Team All-Conference honors averaging 17.6 pts a game. 

Coach Hamilton also relies on leadership from senior Jeff Fraley, junior Curt Grimes (Celina, OH), and sophomore Adam Davenport.  “The off season improvement of our post players, especially Adam Davenport and Curt Grimes coupled with the sharp shooting of Jeff Fraley are an outstanding compliment for Andre and Antwain,” said Hamilton.  Also returning for the Bears are senior Mike Frazier, junior Larry Pridgen (Dayton, OH), and sophomore Richard Montague (Oberlin, OH). 

“We are anxiously awaiting numerous transfer to bolster out line up, once they become eligible,” added Hamilton. Joining the squad are Emmanual Smith (Euclid, OH), Jason Burston (Centerville, VA), Phil Dupree (Columbus, OH) and Delano Thomas (Columbus, OH).  Freshman Kevin Cunningham (Columbus, OH), Brock Pistole (Seamen, OH), Terrence Davison (Mansfield, OH), and Charles Gray (Dayton, OH) will add much depth for the Bears.

Coach Hamilton expects Bears fans will see a very exciting team this year.   “We will continue to push the ball on offense and hope to take the defense up a notch to create some easy opportunities and take advantage of our players open court skills.”

Shawnee State opens play on November 13, at OSU-Lima.  The Bears home opener is November 27 versus Urbana University.  Game time is set at 7:00 pm in James Rhodes Athletic Center.