Nov. 11, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - A good mixture of solid returning players and a standout recruiting class has the Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team optimistic heading into the 2004-05 basketball season.

"I think we are very much improved," said fourth-year HSU head coach Dylan Howard. "We had a great recruiting year and return the freshman of the year in the conference in Zach Pickelman and honorable mention All-ASC selection Tanner Kudrna. James Peters looks better every day coming off his knee surgery."

The Cowboys have more talented depth than in the past. Three transfers - Calvin Nite from Abilene Christian, Colby Hale from Angelo State and Donald Rohde from Weatherford College - are all expected to step in play a huge role for the Cowboys. Nite and Rohde are slated as starters and Hale will push for the starting point guard job if his knee will cooperate.

"We have more offensive weapons," said Howard. "Teams are not going to be able to guard just Tanner and Zach, like they did a lot last year. At all times, we will have at least four players on the floor that are legitimate scorers. We have not had that in the past."

The added depth will also allow the Cowboys to do some things they have wanted to do in the past - press and run. Speed at point guard will allow the Cowboys to push the ball and the increased athleticism will allow HSU to pick up full court defensively and force the tempo.

"This is something we have wanted to do all along, we just haven't the depth. I think we are 11 or 12 deep this year."

Pickelman has assumed a quiet leadership role on the team, after a strong second half to his freshman campaign. Peters and Nite have also showed the ability to be vocal leaders. Seniors Jonas Fuller, a captain for the Cowboys and the only player to play all four seasons under Howard, is the Cowboys' daily leader.

"Jonas has been with me for four years and knows how I want things done," said Howard. "He has done a great job and although he won't play as many minutes this year he knows his role on the team. He is one of the best defenders in the conference and will be counted on to lock down some of the better perimeter players. Jonas pushes the team to be better in all areas every day in practice. You will always get maximum effort from Jonas."

The most unsettled role on the team going into the season is point guard. As of now junior Garret Pool goes into the season as a starter, but he is being pushed. Junior transfer Colby Hale, who has battled a knee injury in the preseason, Matt Brackett a sophomore who showed flashes last season and freshman Marlon Washington are battling hard for minutes.

All four bring different qualities to the team. Pool is quick and can break down the defense. Hale is by far the best shooter of the four. Brackett does a good job of getting the ball into the shooter's hands. Washington is the best ball handler and can break down defenses with penetration.

Shooting guard is one of the deepest spots on the team. Peters will see a majority of the time. He missed last year with a torn ACL, but will be counted on to score double-digit points for the Cowboys.

"James can be one of the top players in the conference," said Howard. "He has had knee injuries each of the last two years. He looks healthy and is starting to get some lift back. He has worked hard."

Freshman Tress White is one of the top recruits for the Cowboys. He is the best shooter on the team and his minutes will increase as the season wears on and he adjusts to the speed of the college game. Fuller will also see time at the two-guard. He is a streaky offensive player but his ability to guard people will keep him in the rotation.

Pickelman, the Cowboys' best all-around player, will man the small forward. He averaged 42 percent from 3-point range last year and finished his freshman campaign averaging 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per outing.

"Zach can be the player of the year in this conference," said Howard. "He is extremely talented can score on the perimeter and in the post. He passes, defends and handles the ball well and we will count on him to make a lot of big plays for us like he did last year."

Kudrna, a sophomore who started every game last season, will come off the bench, after leading the team with 11.8 points per game last season as a freshman. Freshman Robert Yeatts will see some time at the three. He is athletic and a solid shooter.

"Tanner will be able to help us off the bench as some instant offense," said Howard. "I can see him averaging 12 to 14 points off the bench. Rob is a guy that does a lot of the little things that are going to help you win close games."

The power forward will be manned by Nite. He will be one of the top scorers in the league and has the ability to score from inside, outside and mid-range. He can play the three positions and will immediately elevate the Cowboys' options on offense.

Adam Shoupe has played the five his first two years for the Cowboys, but is going to play more at the four this year.

"Calvin does a lot of different things and there are not going to be many 4's in this league that can guard him one-on-one," said Howard. "He will draw some double teams that will free up the shooters on there perimeter and get the inside guys some free looks. Shoupe has worked harder than he ever has and is really pushing for playing time. He has had a great preseason.

Freshman Cody Shuman, a 6-7 player from Uvalde, will also see some time at the four. He is a skilled offensive player that is still learning how to defend on the college level.

At center Donald Rohde will be the starter in the middle. He has been away from basketball for two years after playing a semester at Weatherford College. He will be backed up by Mardochee Jean and Chris Gammage.

"Rohde is the type of player we are looking for in the post. He is big, athletic and has good fundamental moves in the post. He is also a very good rebounder and solid passer in the post. Mardochee is a very athletic 6-8 player that is a good shot blocker and defender. Chris is just a warrior on the inside."

With several players that can play multiple positions the Cowboys have the flexibility to go big or small. With all of the offensive firepower, Howard sees good things ahead this season.

"We will break it down as the season goes along," said Howard. "We have put some goals out in front of ourselves. The first is to win more games than last season. The second is to be above .500. Once we are above .500, we want to win 20 games and make it to the conference tournament. Once we are in the tournament then the goal would be to win it and get to the NCAA Tournament.

"It will be a tough chore, no doubt. We are for sure one of three or four teams that can win the West and it is going to be a tough, deep division. Texas Lutheran, Sul Ross State, and Mary Hardin-Baylor are all going to be good teams. McMurry and Howard Payne always have the athletes and Concordia and Schreiner will be better than they have been."