Men’s basketball prepares for first-ever playoffs

Elizabeth Pacheco Sports Editor

If you attended the last weekend of home games for the men’s basketball team on Feb. 2-3, you were probably surprised to see the typically sparse stands transformed into a sea of Brewer red and gray. Besides the ever loyal parent supporters, many students, faculty and administrators trudged through the wintry conditions to cheer on the team against Clarkson University and St. Lawrence University. The sudden increase in game attendance this season is more than welcomed by the team who, for the first time since joining the Liberty League in 2000, will compete as the third seed in the playoffs this weekend hosted by the tournament’s first seed Hamilton College.

When Vassar athletics switched over to Liberty League seven years ago, the teams began competing at a higher level of play, especially the men’s basketball team. “Basketball is very competitive in recruiting,” explained Coach Mike Dutton. “Figuring out how to compete in the new league took time and every year the team has slowly improved.” This improvement is evidenced by their season records. For the past two years the Brewers have had a respectable record of 12-12, preceded by four seasons of losing records.

“We are all very excited about our recent success in the Liberty League. It is by far the best we’ve done as a program since entering the conference,” said second-year co-captain Tom Driscoll ’07. “However, we aren’t that surprised by these results. We lost several close games last year, ones that we have been able to pull out this season due to added experience in those types of situations.”

Along with experience in the league, Dutton credits the team’s improvement to their continuous dedication to the sport. The players started individual conditioning months before the season began, then brought their diligence to their pre-season, which began in October. Now, four months later, the team moves into post-season competition still committed to playing basketball, and more impressively, they recognize the opportunity for improvement in their game.

“It’s nice that the hard work we put in this season has paid off in the form of playoffs, but we still have some work to do in our final regular season weekend,” said second-year co-captain Lawrence Avitabile ’08. “We’re excited for the playoffs, but our team knows that we can accomplish a lot more in the next couple weeks.”

One change Dutton made this season was placing a greater emphasis on team defense. Statistically, the Brewers rank in the top three for defensive rebounds, blocked shots, and least points scored against them. On offense, the team is using fewer plays, so players can have freedom in shooting. Avitabile leads the team in overall points and reached the 1,000-point mark in the Feb. 10 game at Skidmore College, becoming only the 11th Brewer to do so in all 35 seasons of Vassar men’s basketball. Defensive leader Tyson Brazell ’08, who earned the honor of Liberty League co-Guard of the Week for the second time, closely follows Avitabile’s total points.

While individual effort is important for the success of any team, the coaches and players both recognize their wins as the result of team playing. “Basketball goes beyond winning games,” said Dutton, “it’s about challenging ourselves and seeing the game as team-oriented.”

Before the season began, the team set a goal of making the playoffs. Having achieved that objective, they now anticipate the thrill of the post-season. “We are excited to make the playoffs, but I don’t think anyone is satisfied. We want to win the league and do some significant damage in the post-season,” said Brazell.

The hard work of players and coaches has certainly not gone un-appreciated, as indicated by the growing number of Brewer fans at both home and away games. Even President Catharine Bond Hill traveled to watch their win over Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which clinched their spot in the playoffs.

“Campus support has been outstanding,” said Dutton. “When peers and the community come behind us, it’s a positive experience and really meaningful to the team. We’re so appreciative and hope they’ll be there to cheer us on in the playoffs.”

The Brewers will play their first game against second-seed St. Lawrence College at 6 p.m. If they win, the Brewers will go on to compete against Hamilton or fourth-seed Union College. The winner of the entire tournament will then receive a bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.