"We consider ourselves to be the favorites to win the NESCAC this year due to our large number of returnees," said tri-captain power forward Steve Zieja '03. "But we know that the target will be on our backs this year, which is why we must come prepared to play every night."
Despite the high number of returning players from last years' group, Head Coach Dave Hixon does have some large shoes to replace, especially those of All-NESCAC guard Brian Daoust '01. The class of 2001, which compiled an impressive 77-26 career record, also featured stalwarts Abe Sexson '01 and Erik Kelly '01, who will be missed as well.
Undoubtedly, the center of this year's team is the 6'5'' Zieja. Zieja, who was a Second-Team All NESCAC selection last year, led the Jeffs in scoring with a solid 17.8 points per game. Zieja is not just a scorer, however, as he ended the 2000-01 season second on the team in rebounds, with 8.6 per game. Zieja is accompanied in the frontcourt by 6'8'' center Pat Fitzsimons '03. Fitzsimons is a formidable force in the paint for Amherst, coming off of a season in which he averaged nearly a double-double per game (10.2 points, 9.3 rebounds), in addition to his intimidating 2.1 blocks, which ranked second overall in the NESCAC.
In the backcourt, the Jeffs will be led by point guard Ryan Faulkner '03. Faulkner moved into the starting lineup for the first time last season, and produced a NESCAC-leading 5.9 assists per game. Faulkner's solid interior passing skills should help the Lord Jeffs produce a dominant inside game.
New to the starting lineup this year is tri-captain swingman Patrick Taverna '02, the only senior in Hixon's starting five. Taverna was a valuable member of last year's team as a backup, and his steady production should only increase with the extra minutes he is likely to get.
The last starting slot in Hixon's backcourt will go to either John Kloepfer '04 or Ray Corrigan '05. Kloepfer saw limited action last year, but he has impressed thus far in practice, and his shooting touch will be valuable to the Jeffs regardless of whether he starts or not. Corrigan, who will likely get the starting nod in the beginning of the season, was a three-year starter at Poly Prep where he played both the one- and two-guard positions. Corrigan and Kloepfer should each see extended action throughout the season.
In addition to his impressive starting five, Hixon will have the luxury of a deep and experienced bench. Tri-captain Paul Williams '02 and Tim Jones '04 will provide depth in the frontcourt, while Adam Harper '04 and John Donovan '04 will back up the point guard position. Harper led the Jeffs in steals last year as a rookie, collecting a stellar 59. Swingman Suli Jenkins '03 will also be looked to come off the bench. And in addition to Corrigan, freshmen Brian Preston and Andrew Schiel should contribute to the Jeffs' success.
While Amherst will rely on many different players this year, the experience of the current group should allow them to function as a cohesive unit. "We are slowly starting to develop good team chemistry and team unity," said Zieja.
Amherst opened their season in splendid fashion with a 116-57 thrashing of Mass. College at LeFrak last night. While the game was hardly a true test for an overpowering Amherst squad, the Jeffs' offense looked impressive. Amherst shot 55.1 percent from the field and had seven players in double digits.
Amherst's next game will be against Rivier this Friday in the Ken Wright '52 Memorial Amherst Invite.
Amherst's NESCAC opener is not until Jan. 18, when they will head up to Williamstown to face Williams College.
Amherst will also get a chance to avenge last year's two losses to Clark University, one in triple overtime and the other in the NCAA Tournament, when they meet on Dec. 4th.