B section mirror1

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

B-Section

Back to

Page 1

Your 2016-2017 preview of

Fairfield University Men’s and Women’s Basketball Brought to you by Alfredo Torres, Daniel Montgomery, Conor O’Brien, Christopher LaZazzera & Patrick Getz

Supremacy

Cover Design by Alfredo Torres Photos by Alfredo Torres

Page 2

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Men Look to Carry Momentum From Last Season

By Daniel Montomery Assistant Sports Editor

By Patrick Getz Contributing Writer The excitement for Fairfield Men’s Basketball Team for the 2016-17 year was building ever since the Stags’ historic turn-around just a season ago. However, no one is more excited to start the basketball season than Sydney Johnson, the head coach of the Stags.

Johnson leads the Stags into the current season after guiding them to a 12-win improvement last year, which was the fourth best in Division I that season. He is not shying away from the high expectations that his team has this year. Rather, he is embracing them and he believes that his team is ready to fight any challenge Fairfield will face this year.

Following Fairfield’s 91-59 rout of the University of Bridgeport Purple Knights in the exhibition opener, it is certainly a confidence builder as the team takes on the Sacred Heart Pioneers next.

Against Bridgeport, Tyler Nelson ‘18 drained six three-point field goals and finished with 28 points. If Nelson can perform like he did, he will be a force to be reckoned with and he will be heavily guarded throughout the season.

Another name to look out for is Curtis Cobb ‘19, who recorded a double-double in the win on Nov. 4. The sophomore from Fall River, Mass. recorded 14 points, to go along with 10 total rebounds in the contest. It was a nice showing by Nelson and Cobb, who will be a solid starting duo for the Stags.

The biggest defensive and inside presence on the Stags belongs to Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19. The 6-foot-8-inch defender made his physicality known versus Bridgeport with three blocks and a steal to go along with eight total rebounds. Watching Kasibabu work his inside game will be noteworthy to watch all season long.

Additionally, it will be interesting to watch Kasibabu’s growth and development as a leader. When on the bench or during the game, Kasibabu is always taking charge and calming down teammates if emotions are high. Keeping an eye on that, along with the men’s basketball team in general, will hopefully provide the spark and give Fairfield a chance to be a contender in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and even the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament.

The great thing about this team is that there is an incredible amount of youth, so there is plenty of room to grow and blossom under Johnson’s high powered offense. Since there are five sophomores and three freshmen on the roster, the team will have the privilege to Alfredo Torres/The Mirror grow as a group and develop chemistry, which will make Stags fans excited for this upcomJunior Tyler Nelson (top) looks to lead the Stags after being selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. ing year.

Stags Looks to Bounce Back After Down Year

By Daniel Montgomery Assistant Sports Editor

By Patrick Getz Contributing Writer The Fairfield Women’s Basketball Team is looking to bounce back after finishing only one game over .500 in their 2015-16 campaign. For head coach Joe Frager, now entering his 10th season at the helm, inconsistency is not something that he is used to.

Frager holds a great reputation as coach of the Stags for the winning ways he has made the Fairfield faithful become accustomed to. Since coming on board, he has averaged 19 wins per season, which is the best in program history for a head coach of the red and white. This upcoming season, he looks to bring the Stags back to glory by hanging his coat on the one aspect of the game that has brought him steady success over the years.

Frager’s success during his tenure at Fairfield can unquestionably be attributed to his defensive philosophy. He believes in every player working together as a unit to lock down whomever they are playing on the defensive side.

The process begins tonight at 5 p.m. when the Stags open their season against Sacred Heart at Webster Bank Arena. The group is expecting a big year from Kelsey Carey ‘17 as she looks to make the most out of her final year at Fairfield. In her junior season, the forward led the team in scoring on 14 different occasions, so

Carey will certainly be expected to put the ball in the basket when the Stags need to score.

Another player who hopes to continue her success on the interior is Samantha Cooper ‘18, a resident of Sudbury, Ontario. She led the team

in rebounds in 20 games last year, so she knows how to make her presence known in the paint. Her rebounding skill set can be productive when giving the Stags second and third chances at points.

Since the Stags are known to

be so consistent, the average record that they had last year is no reason to panic. The defensive focus of the Stags shows that they can hang tough when games are close and save their best for home stretch of barnburners.

The Stags have a lot to look for-

ward to this year with their team infused with youth, much like the men’s basketball team. Since there are three sophomores and three freshmen, there is a great opportunity for these players to grow together and make something special.

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror The Fairfield University Women’s Basketball Team looks to get back to the top of the MAAC this year after being selected to finish fourth in a preseason poll.

Sports

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Page 3

Page 4

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Junior Guards Lead the Charge

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror In the Stags exhibition game against the University of Bridgeport, Jerome Segurra ‘18 (left) finished the game with eight points and five assists. Junior Tyler Nelson (right) led all scorers with 28 points.

By Christopher LaZazzera Contributing Writer When entering college, few people have the ability to adjust to a radically new life so quickly. For Olivier Cadieux ‘20, his bubbly personality and revered work ethic has made the transition from life in Montreal, Canada to Fairfield appear seamless.

From a young age, the hybrid guard always had one objective in the back of his mind that guided his journey to the Nutmeg State.

“My dream was to play Division I basketball,” said Cadieux. “When I met with head coach Sydney Johnson, I immediately wanted to go here. It is one of the best academic schools around the New York area, so

I had to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Cadieux is one of three freshmen who have made the trek to the United States from their respective countries to become a Stag.

Deniz Celen, a native of Ankara, Turkey and Nemanja Zubac from Novi Sad, Serbia joined Cadieux in a recruiting class that exhibits Fairfield’s incredible international connections that have brought some of the best overseas talent to Connecticut.

Along with help from the entire team, his fellow international classmates have unquestionably made the adjustment to life in America easier for Cadieux during his first year on campus.

“As international students, we always try to help each other as we become more accustomed to life here,” said Cadieux. “We

are all going through the same thing, so it really helps us to do it together.”

Given that there are so many different players on the team with valuable skill sets, Cadieux knew that for him to have an effect as a first-year player, he must follow in the footsteps of the guards that brought energy to the Stags’ season.

“I have been focusing a lot on defense.

I want to become a better two-way player,” said Cadieux. “I look up to [Jerry Johnson Jr.] and [Curtis Cobb], so I am trying to become like them as a strong two-way contributor.”

Possessing incredible athletic ability, Cadieux is sure to show flashes of brilliance in his rookie season in Stag Country.

The unselfish freshman is all about the

team and cannot wait for the season to start so that the group can commence its quest to achieve their goal.

“I am so excited to compete for a [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] Championship. The goal is to win the whole thing,” said Cadieux. “Hopefully we accomplish that and make it to the [National Collegiate Athletic Association] Tournament where we can make some noise.”

From 1-14, the Stag team is loaded with weapons. Everyone on the squad is onboard and the excitement among fans for the upcoming season is palpable.

For Cadieux and the Stags, it all begins tonight at the Webster Bank Arena at 7 p.m.

Free Ubers are available from the University to the venue.

Freshmen Soar Into First Year

By Daniel Montgomery Assistant Sports Editor

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Freshman Olivier Cadieux looks to make an impression in his first season in the red and white.

When entering college, few people have the ability to adjust to a radically new life so quickly.

For Olivier Cadieux ‘20, his bubbly personality and revered work ethic has made the transition from life in Montreal, Canada to Fairfield appear seamless. From a young age, the hybrid guard always had one objective in the back of his mind that guided his journey to the Nutmeg State.

“My dream was to play Division I basketball,” said Cadieux. “When I met with head coach Sydney Johnson, I immediately wanted to go here. It is one of the best academic schools around the New York area, so I had to take advantage of the opportunity.”

Cadieux is one of three freshmen who have made the trek to the United States from their respective countries to become a Stag. Deniz Celen, a native of Ankara, Turkey and Nemanja Zubac from Novi Sad, Serbia joined Cadieux in a recruiting class that exhibits Fairfield’s incredible international connections that have brought some of the best overseas talent to Connecticut.

Along with help from the entire team, his fellow international classmates have unquestionably made the adjustment to life in America easier for Cadieux during his first year on campus.

“As international students, we always try to help each other as we become more accustomed to life here,” said Cadieux. “We are all going through the same thing, so it really helps us to do it together.”

Given that there are so many different players on the team with valuable skill sets, Cadieux knew that for him to have an effect as a first-year player, he must follow in the footsteps of the guards that brought energy to the Stags’ season.

“I have been focusing a lot on defense. I want to become a better two-way player,” said Cadieux.

“I look up to [Jerry Johnson Jr.] and [Curtis Cobb], so I am trying to become like them as a strong two-way contributor.”

Possessing incredible athletic ability, Cadieux is sure to show flashes of brilliance in his rookie season in Stag Country. The unselfish freshman is all about the team and cannot wait for the season to start so that the group can commence its quest to achieve their goal.

“I am so excited to compete for a [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] Championship. The goal is to win the whole thing,” said Cadieux. “Hopefully we accomplish that and make it to the [National Collegiate Athletic Association] Tournament where we can make some noise.”

From 1-14, the Stag team is loaded with weapons. Everyone on the squad is onboard and the excitement among fans for the upcoming season is palpable. For Cadieux and the Stags, it all begins tonight at the Webster Bank Arena at 7 p.m. Free Ubers are available from the University to the venue.

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Page 5

The Mirror’s Projected Starting Five: Men’s:

Women’s: Jerome Segurra ‘18 Point Guard

Macey Hollenshead ‘18

Point Guard

Tyler Nelson ‘18 Shooting Guard

Casey Foley ‘19 Shooting Guard

Curtis Cobb ‘19 Small Forward

Kelsey Carey ‘17 Small Forward

Kristine Miller ‘17 Power Forward

Matija Milin ‘19 Power Forward

Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19 Center

Casey Smith ‘17 Center

Photos contributed by Sports Information Desk

Men’s Basketball 2016-17 Schedule Date:

Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 15 Nov. 19 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Dec. 1 Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 30 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 15 Jan. 17 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 6 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 Feb. 17 Feb. 19 Feb. 21 Feb. 24 Feb. 26

Opponent:

Bridgeport 91-59 Sacred Heart University @Dartmouth @Wagner @Loyola (Md.) Army West Point @Rider University* @Siena College* Bucknell University @North Carolina State @Boston College @Penn Iona College @Manhattan College* Canisius College* Siena College* Saint Peter’s University* @Iona College* @Monmouth University* Marist College* Manhatta College* Niagara University* Quinnipiac University* @Marist College* Rider University* @Quinnipiac University* @Saint Peter’s University* Monmouth University* @Canisius College* @Niagara University*

Time:

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball 2016-17 Schedule Date:

Nov. 11 Nov. 15 Nov. 17 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 22 Dec. 30 Jan. 4 Jan. 6 Jan. 8 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 2 Feb. 5 Feb. 12 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 19 Feb. 23 Feb. 26

Opponent:

Time:

Saced Heart 5:00 p.m.

Loyola (Md.) 7:00 p.m. @UMass Lowell 7:00 p.m. @Mount St. Mary’s-MD 2:00 p.m.

Rhode Island 1:00 p.m. @Harvard 6:00 p.m.

Siena* 7:00 p.m.

Iona College* 2:00 p.m. @UAlbany 7:00 p.m. @LaSalle University 1:00 p.m.

Temple 2:00 p.m. @Marist College* 7:00 p.m. @Monmouth* 7:00 p.m.

Siena College* 11:00 a.m.

Manhattan College* 2:00 p.m. @Rider* 2:00 p.m. @Quinnipiac* 2:00 p.m. @Niagara* 7:00 p.m. @Canisius* 2:00 p.m.

Monmouth University* 7:00 p.m.

Niagara* 2:00 p.m.

Quinnipiac University* 5:00 p.m.

Saint Peter’s* 2:00 p.m. @Manhattan College* 3:00 p.m. @Saint Peter’s* 7:00 p.m.

Marist College* 7:00 p.m. @Iona College* 2:00 p.m. @Canisius* 7:00 p.m.

Rider* 2:00 p.m. * Denotes a MAAC game

Photos Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Page 8

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Stags Front-court to Protect the Herd

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Sophomore Jonathan Kasibabu looks to carry the momentum from his freshman year as he transitions to a sophomore.

By Conor O’Brien Contributing Writer A lot of the success that Fairfield’s men’s basketball team will have is dependent on a pair of sophomore forwards, but for Matija Milin and Jonathan Kasibabu, they don’t let the pressure get to them. For both of them, having a full season under their belts has helped tremendously in the growth process.

“Coming in as a freshman, you’re walking into a very high level of basketball,” said Kasibabu. “Everything is kind of new. Now that you know what is expected from you, from your teammates and coaches, it makes the game more fun to play.”

For both players, their role expanded greatly from what they did as freshmen.

“Coach asked me to become a better shooter and I’ve worked on it a lot over the summer,” said Milin. “I want to help the team in scoring more and obviously rebounding.”

Both players also had to spend time adjusting to a different style of basketball compared to what they were used to playing overseas. Kasibabu is from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa, while Milin is from Serbia in eastern Europe.

“The biggest difference is the speed of the game; it’s faster here,” said Milin. “You have a lot more competition. Overseas, you have two or three teams that have a chance at a championship. Here, the competition starts right away.”

The added workload on the court comes with increased expectations off of it.

“Coach encourages all of us to be vocal, to give our teammates good advice on and off of the court,” said Milin. “I have tried to change my personality and speak up more.”

Fairfield put a large workload on both players as freshmen. Kasibabu started all but one game and led the team in rebounding, while Milin was used as a sixth man for most of the year before working his way into the starting lineup toward the end of the season.

Both players started in the Stags exhibition game against the University of Bridgeport on Nov. 4 and hope to remain in the starting lineup throughout the year. Both players also set high expectations for the team as they enter into the season.

“We’re looking to end a 20-year drought,” said Milin when asked about the team’s confidence. “Fairfield has not won the [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] in 20 years and we believe we are the team that can do that.”

When asked if he had any personal goals for the season, Kasibabu kept his answer short and sweet.

“Bring a title to the program,” he said.

After last year’s success, Fairfield enters the season with high expectations. However, with their versatile sophomore front court, it feels as if the Stags have a great opportunity to meet those expectations. Look for Milin and Kasibabu to wreck havoc in the paint all across the MAAC this season.

Q: Now that Lizzy Ball ‘16 is gone, what did you learn from her about the point guard position?

A: “Sitting back and watching Felicia DaCruz ‘15 my freshman year and Lizzy my sophomore year, just that as a point guard you have to stay calm and make sure everybody’s in their spots. More or less, just watch what they did and just know that we have to work as a team together to go anywhere this season.”

Q: There’s a new batch of freshmen this year. How is your team looking?

A: “I think that we’re coming together great; it’s been really easy working with this group. They’re really eager to listen and the leaders on our team, the seniors, not just the freshman but [they’ve taken] all of us under their wing and just really directing us in which way to go and I think that everybody has the same mindset and we’re all just ready to roll.”

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Sophomore Matija Milin skied for a dunk during a dunk contest at 2016 Red Sea Madness. Milin looks to provide a huge presence for the Stags this year.

Q&A With Macey Hollenshead ‘18

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

Q: Can you describe the summer and what you had to do to prepare for this season?

A: “Just get in the gym and really work together. I mean, we were here for a whole month, so we were together everyday just working on our game and always looking to get better by pushing each other.”

Q: What do you think you have to do differently this year now that you’re a junior?

A: “Definitely step up and realize that you can’t just say you’re young anymore. Every possession or any time you’re on the court, you have to make an impact and help the team. I think just the mentality, your mental state needs to be stronger.”

Q: Are there any goals that you set out for you and your team?

A: “Mostly I want to help the team any way I can and as a team, we’re looking for tournament time. Takingone game at a time and just seeing how great this season can be.”

Q: What’s your team’s expectations?

A: “To win. We just need to get better everyday and win.”

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Page 9

Sophomore Back-court Poised to Make Noise

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

Catching Up with Kristen McLaughlin ‘18 Alfredo Torres/The Mirror In an exhibition against the University of Bridgeport, Curtis Cobb ‘19 finished with 14 points and 10 boards.

By Daniel Montgomery Assistant Sports Editor Hailing from Fall River, Mass. and Memphis, Tenn., you realize in life that nothing comes easy. Everything is earned through hard work and perseverance. Sophomores Curtis Cobb and Jerry Johnson’s freshman seasons were defined by the resiliency that they developed in their respective cities, a character trait that guided them through the ups and downs of their first season in Fairfield.

“Last year brought along a lot of things that I did not expect to experience,” said Johnson. “My teammates were always picking me up and I just grew so much as a freshman.”

Similar to Johnson, the Fairfield basketball family helped Cobb become the person that he is today as he prepares to put on the Stag uniform in his second season, already having become

one of the best two-way players in the conference.

“Everyone on the team loves each other,” Cobb added. “We all love playing with each other no matter who is on the court. We have big goals and we are going to go after them togther.”

If you have ever seen Johnson play, one of the first people that you liken his game to is Vinnie Johnson, or “The Microwave” on the Bad Boy Pistons team in the late 80s. Like the Pistons player, Johnson is known for his uncanny shooting ability as he is a threat to light it up from beyond the arc every time he steps onto the court.

“People know who I am now.

People want to stop me from doing what I do,” said Johnson. “I am going to push myself to go really hard this year and we’ll see if they can stop me.”

Confidence is key in a sport that thrives on competitiveness and fiery spirit. Cobb knew that

with a year under his belt, he would be asked to do even more as a sophomore.

“I know that I have a bigger role this year,” the forward said.

“I know what I did last year was good, but I know that I can do better this year. Being aware of what I can do is always helping me to get better.”

The ceiling is extremely high for this squad if Cobb and Johnson carry over their performances from freshman year and continue to improve as key contributors in year two in the red and white.

“We are ready for any challenge that comes our way this year,” said Johnson. “It is going to be a show out there. With the guys that we have, this team can do anything. We are going to make big things happen.”

Enter Cobb and Johnson into the spotlight. Fairfield has two monsters that are ready to take over the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

Jerry Johnson Jr.

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Q: It’s junior year now. What have you learned in your time at Fairfield thus far?

A: “I’ve learned that roles are always changing and that you need to adapt yourself and grow so much from a high school player to be a good player at the college level. It’s a whole other world and you learn so much just from the start, and you keep learning so much throughout the years.

It’s been three so far for me, but I’m still learning a lot.”

Q: What is your role this year on the team?

A: “This year, hopefully at the guard spot, I’m going to come in and get some good minutes. I think our whole team right now is looking really good and hopefully we’ll be getting a lot more girls playing than we did last year because we’re highly competitive. We’ve been scrimmaging during practice and they’re always close. It’s really exciting because I think that we have so many moving parts that can give us different facets that can help us throughout the game and against different teams.”

Q: Is there anything that you learned last year that will come into play this season?

A: “Last year, being my first full year, definitely was a growing experience for me. Even though I was there for the whole season, I did miss half the season my freshman year [due to injury], so just learning how to get through the ups and downs because it is a such a long season — we start in November and go into March. Every single game is important, even if you’re not feeling it that day and you’re just tired every game counts and it’s going to help you in the end.”

Q: What can you say about this year’s team?

A: “I think our versatility and the fact that we can go deep; all of us really have something to bring to the table, especially the guards, or whether you’re a knockdown shooter or you’re going to give us some extra boards. There’s something that each of us can bring to the the table and really contribute to each game we play. There’s going to be, in the [Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference] and in non-conference, different teams, different styles of play and I think we each have something to bring to each of those teams.”

Q: What can you say about the coaching staff and how they have helped you?

A: “They definitely have helped me grow, especially being here over the summer and coaching me, helping me work on certain things that I need to improve on and just being there when you need to be told to push yourself or being there when you need a little bit of encouragement.”

Q: Are there any specific goals that you have set out for yourself or the team?

Contributed by Sports Information Desk

A: “[The] team’s goal is always the MAAC Championship. Honestly, I think if we play the way we have been playing in practice and preseason, I think we have a really good shot [especially] if we stick together, if we don’t have the third quarter slump that we’ve been having in past years and just come out strong and stay together. I think it’s going to be a very big year for us.”

Sports

Page 10

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Senior Year: All Good Things Come to an End in 2016 Andrew Leone

Steve Smith

By Conor O’Brien Contributing Writer Fairfield’s men’s basketball team enters this season with just two lone seniors on the roster, Steve Smith and Andrew Leone. Both players have been with the program since their freshman year and both hope to leave behind something memorable.

“It’s gone by way too quick,” said Smith, reflecting on his time spent with the program.

“It feels surreal that basketball is coming to an end for me here,” added Leone.

Both players look to provide the program with leadership and act as good mentors to the underclassmen.

Leone admitted that the job isn’t that bad because “we have really good underclassmen.”

When reflecting on their four years here, both players take tremendous pride in how the program has grown since they were freshmen.

“We run a lot more,” said Smith. “We operate at a much faster pace than when I was a freshman.”

Leone admitted that “freshman and sophomore year were tough.”

The Stags won a combined 14 games in Smith and Leone’s first two years, compared to 19 wins last season.

However, both players expressed great optimism moving forward.

“I think wins and losses are important,” said Leone. “I hope to leave behind a winning program … you want to be remembered for helping make the transition.”

Both players are focused when looking for inspiration, but the two players differ slightly.

“I’m a big fan of Jim Valvano,” said Leone. “I want to get into coaching. His big thing was that if you have a dream and goal, you have to work for it. For me, he’s shown that if you work hard enough you can work and accomplish most things. If I can be half of what he was, I will be completely happy later in life.”

For Smith, he looks up to a more modern source.

“Klay Thompson is the main player that I look up to,” said Smith.

“He’s not the main guy on his team, but he can get hot and when he does, the whole team looks to him to shoot the ball.”

However, as with all seniors, the two also have their minds partially set to the future and life after Fairfield.

“I would love to continue basketball in the future if there is an opportunity,” said Smith. “I’ve also been talking to a lot of accounting and finance firms.”

For Leone, he has his sights set on a career of coaching in the basketball world.

“I’ve had some great coaches in coach Johnson and all of the assistants,” said Leone. “They’ve made me a better person. I’m a big X’s and O’s guy, but building the relationships is something I really look forward to as well. If I can get into the coaching business that would be great.”

A team is dependent on the strength of its leaders. Luckily for the Stags, Smith and Leone should provide great support for their teammates this year, both on and off the court.

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror

Q: Senior year is finally here. How has your role changed throughout your time at Fairfield?

A: “Now, I am in more of a leadership-type role. I am finally the oldest on the team and I have a lot of experience that I can share with the underclassmen, so I think that is the biggest way in which my role has changed.”

Q: What do you have to do this year as you lead the team?

Q&A With Kristine Miller ‘17

Miller ‘17

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor

A: “I have to score more than I have in the past. I need to be more of a threat offensively than I have been the last three years. I need to motivate my teammates in a way that wants to make them do the best they possibly can.”

Q: You guys were picked to finish fourth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason poll.

What does that mean to the team?

A: “We honestly do not pay attention to preseason polls whatsoever. We are just trying to maximize our effort every time we step onto the court. Preseason polls are materialistic; we do not really think about it much as we are focused on our own personal gains.”

Q: What can you say about this year’s squad?

A: “We are really a family and we really want each other to do really well and succeed so if they succeed we do well as a team. We are really close and have a lot of fun together.”

Q: How have you helped the freshmen adjust to Fairfield basketball?

A: “We are kind of just telling them that there is a learning curve and nothing comes right away. Coming in my freshman year, I know I had a steep learning curve as well. It really helped back then having seniors telling me that it was not going to happen all in one day. Things will become ingrained in their mind and although it seems hard now, it will get a lot easier.”

Q: Overall, what are your team expectations?

A: “We want to go as far as we can in the MAAC Tournament. Hopefully that ends up in a MAAC Championship. Our expectations are always high and our coaches’ expectations of us are always high as well. At the end of the day, we want to be cutting down the nets.”

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Page 11

Sidibe ‘16 Returns to Center Stage

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Graduate student Amadou Sidibe looks to make an impression this season after missing last season due to injuries. Sidibe will be a main cog in the Stags defense, protecting the paint for Fairfield.

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor Just when you think that it’s all over, he’s back with vengeance. A season after not playing a single game for Fairfield’s men’s basketball team, graduate student Amadou Sidibe looks to bring leadership and success to the Stags.

“It was really painful. It was hard for me to watch, but I still had to do my thing; try to help my teammates and just be there for them,” said Sidibe on being sidelined last season due to injury. “It was an adjustment at first that I feel I got used to.”

It is now Sidibe’s fifth year in the red and white and throughout his time as a Stag, the 6-foot-8-inch forward had his fair share of ups and downs. In his freshmen year, the Stags enjoyed success winning 19 games in total, nine of which came in conference play. The following two seasons, the Stags would struggle to get wins as they won 14 games in a span of two years and dropped a total number of 49 losses.

Following the addition of a couple of talented freshmen, the leadership and offensive prowess of Marcus Gilbert ‘16 and a fast paced, uptempo offense, the Stags found their way back in the win column for 19 wins on the season. Fairfield’s 19 wins last season surpassed the amount of wins that the Stags had the previous two years.

“The past is the past and we’re just moving on, we’re eager to get better,” said Sidibe when asked about the overnight improvement of the program. “We’re even more eager to have a better season than we did last year.”

Although he was not on the court last season, Sidibe was still a pivotal part of the team as a vocal leader, making his presence known and pushing his teammates to perform to their full potential.

“I know I couldn’t be there physically on the court, but I feel like my voice was still a presence by just me talking to the guys [and helping them] as much as possible being that I’ve been in their role,” said Sidibe on how he helped motivate his teammates throughout the 2015-16 season.

Sidibe has some goals that he wishes to accomplish throughout the season that is set to start later today.

“My personal goal is to be the best player I can be, the best leader I can and the best Amadou I can be to help everybody reach their goals,” said Sidibe.

Now entering his fifth season under the tutelage of head coach Sydney Johnson, the relationship between Sidibe and his head coach continues to grow stronger and stronger.

Sidibe shared a few words regarding his relationship with his head coach.

“Coach Johnson is a big reason I’m here, so I’m just kind of happy that our relationship has gotten better each year and I’m just happy that he’s in my life,” said Sidibe.

When asked about how things have changed for Sidibe since his first year on campus, the Bronx native said, “A lot has changed, from coaches to players, atmosphere, environment, but I think it changed for the better. From a personal standpoint, everything got better.”

Making a decision on what school you will spend the next four years at is always a tough one, but for Sidibe he made the right choice selecting Fairfield.

“I’m happy to be here, happy I found out about it and I’m just happy about the people I’ve met and the connection that I’ve built,” said Sidibe on his decision.

The new season is finally here and the Stags are looking to make an impression and take the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference by storm. When asked about his team’s expectations, the forward said, “My expectation is for us to go all the way. We have the chemistry and now we just have to show it on the court day in and day out.”

Before Sidibe hangs up his Stag uniform, he wishes to bring back the MAAC championship to the old red and white.

Seniors Smith & Carey Make One Final Push

By Alfredo Torres Sports Editor After being selected to finish first in a preseason poll before the start of the 2015-16 season, the Stags struggled to start the season, but found their groove midway through the year, only to get their hearts broken as conference foes Monmouth eliminated them in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.

“I think we had a really good year last year. I know we were ranked No.1 to win it all and I know we didn’t come out as strong as we wanted to, but I don’t think we let that affect our play,” said Kelsey Carey ‘17 on the team’s performance last year. “As a team, even though we went through a rough patch, all of us kind of pulled together.”

Now, as we fast forward to the 2016-17 season, the Stags have a fresh start with new faces and some experienced ones.

“Our team is different now because we have a little more experience under our belt,” said Casey Smith ‘17 on the Stags’ new look. “We’re more vocal, we communicate more and I think we’ve been competing a lot harder than we have in previous years in practice.”

The Stags will be missing two of the premier players from the previous season, Lizzy Ball ‘16 and Kristin Schatzlein ‘16, due to graduation.“[Schatzlein] is a great shooter [and] did a lot for us. Lizzy was also a great point guard who kept us all in line,” said Smith of this year’s transition. “So I think in the beginning of the season, we’re probably going to have fill the point guard spot and obviously the shooting spot, but I think we’re doing a good job. The younger players are really stepping up and filling those shoes, but they are big shoes to fill, so I look forward to what we do.”

The Stags will look to some veteran leadership from Carey and Smith to carry the Stags back to the promised land. Before the start of the 2016-17 season, both Carey and Smith were selected to Preseason All-Metro Atlantic Athletic teams. Smith was named to the Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. When asked about the recognition, the Danbury, Conn. product said, “It’s just an honor to be named that. It makes me want to do a lot better and just prove that I belong in that spot.”

On the other hand, Carey was selected to Preseason All-MAAC Third Team and spoke about the selection saying, “Obviously it’s a very, very big honor. I’m so blessed to even be considered to make any team preseason, but I definitely think that preseason is exactly that — it’s preseason polls. As much of a motivator it is, you should just come in everyday and work as hard as you can without letting preseason polls determine how you work.”

With senior year finally here, Carey and Smith reflect on how fast time has gone by as they enter their final season in Stag Nation.“[It’s] bittersweet. It’s been a long three years like a lot on your body, a lot

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror Seniors Casey Smith (left) and Kelsey Carey (right) look to lead the Stags back to title contention.

of ups and downs, but I’m excited to finish out my year on a high note, but I’ll miss it. I’ll definitely miss basketball,” said Carey.

As a senior, Smith knows that her role as a leader has increased from previous years. When asked about her new role she said that she would “just lead by example and really take the underclassmen under our wing because we’re going to be graduating this year and we don’t want to stop the Fairfield legacy.”The Stags are looking to make an impression this year and take the MAAC by storm. Additionally, both Carey and Smith have high expectations for the season.

“My expectations are very high, especially going into my last year with no MAAC Championship thus far, so that’s really all of our goals,” said Smith.

Page 12

Basketball preview 2016-2017

Sports

Women’s 2016-17 Roster

Men’s 2016-17 Roster No.

Name

Name

Pos.

0

Olivier Cadieux ‘20

F

2

Sam Kramer ‘20

G

1

Jerome Segurra ‘18

G

4

Erika Schlosser ‘20

G

2

Jerry Johnson Jr. ‘19

G

5

Macey Hollenshead ‘18

G

3

Tyler Nelson ‘18

G

11

Samantha Cooper ‘18

F

4

Jared Harper ‘18

G

13

Khadidiatou Diouf ‘19

F

10

Thomas Nolan ‘19

G

14

Casey Foley ‘19

G

11

Deniz Celen ‘20

F

15 Kristen McLaughlin ‘18

G

13

Jonathan Kasibabu ‘19

F/C

20

Kendra Landy ‘19

G

14

Matija Milin ‘19

F

21

Casey Smith ‘17

F

15

Nemanja Zubec ‘20

F

23

Kelsey Carey ‘17

F

21

Amadou Sidibe ‘16

F/C

24

Kristine Miller ‘17

F

25

Steve Smith ‘17

F

44

Nicole Bus ‘20

F

30

Andrew Leone ‘17

G

33

Curtis Cobb ‘19

G

Back page design by Alfredo Torres

Pos. No.

Alfredo Torres/The Mirror