The Shawnee State University’s Men’s Basketball Team enters the 2006-2007 season with a core of ten veterans and five newcomers to the program.  “I’m very excited about the upcoming season,” said Head Coach Jeff Hamilton.  “We have a nice mix of returning players as well as some new players who should help immediately.” 

Aaron Davis, Justin Phillips, and Allassondro Roberts lead the core of returners.  Davis, a 6-1 junior guard from Mt. Orab, OH, is returning this season after being sidelined last season due to a knee injury.  Along with 6-0 senior guard Phillips from Mt. Orab, OH, the two have worked hard in the off-season and will lead the Bears on and off the floor this season.  Roberts, a 6-3 senior forward, is one of the most athletic players on the team and will be looked upon for his defense.   

Also returning for the Bears are juniors Bryan Robinson, Aaron Mauk, and Kevin McDonald and sophomores Justin Patrick and Justin Brinkman.  Robinson, a 6-7 forward from London, OH, averaged 8.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season.  Mauk, a 6-2 guard from Lima, OH, will be used in the guard spots as an offensive threat.  McDonald, a 6-10 center from Harrison, OH, averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 rebounds last season in just 11 games.  Patrick, a 6-5 forward from Columbus, OH, averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per game as a freshman.  Brinkman, a 6-7 sophomore from Cincinnati, OH, should put valuable minutes in the post for Bears. 

New to the Bears squad are transfers, Josh Reed and Mark Neal and freshmen, Jeremy Keaton, Derek Lewis, and Joe Ayers.  Reed, a 6-1 guard from East Liverpool, OH, will make an immediate impact for the Bears with his all around playing ability.  Neal, a 6-4 guard from Glenolden, PA, will put valuable minutes in for the Bears.  “We have a fantastic group of young men, who have worked hard for the upcoming season,” said Coach Hamilton.   

Coach Hamilton has once again built a challenging schedule.  In addition to the conference schedule which features home and away games with 7^th ranked Walsh and 14^th ranked Mt. Vernon University, the Bears also travel to second ranked Huntington on November 14.  Shawnee State also participates in the Kent State Classic on December 29 and 30.  The Bears open the event against Kent State and then play either Elon or New Hampshire.  

“It’s always a great to get the chance to play Division I opponents,” said Coach Hamilton.  “This trip will be a little less hectic than the trip to Vegas and Texas.  It is a great opportunity for the guys to be on a much bigger stage.” 

2005 - 2006 Outlook