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Show THE THUNDE 'Bird basketball shoots for the stars BY BRENT RICHEY first season of Division In an athletic season dominated by talk of Division teams, challenging schedules, and chances of winning seasons, the Thunderbird basketball program is concentrating on building the basics, says Head Coach Neil Roberts. His goal in recruiting has been to find the type of players with that attitude and desire. Roberts has already begun the recruiting process for next year; however, Roberts said think we had the best recruiting of any school in Utah this year." This year's team has one returning starter in junior, Jerry Naulls. He is being looked to for leadership and discipline on a team made up primarily of new from Cerritos Junior College in players. A stand-oCalifornia is Chris Naulls, Jerry's brother. Many wonder if Chris is as good as his brother, but Hodson says they are entirely different players. According to Jerry their styles complement each other on the floor.. "It's a good thing Chris doesn't play point guard Gerry's position), or he'd be watching a lot." Roger McDonald, also a junior college transfer, is expected to make an impact on this year's team. "They were all stars on their team," said Hodson. But regardless of talent and potential, Jerry Naulls is still the focus of the 'Birds. "You can't build a program around a player, but you can build a foundation," said Hodson. Four freshmen join the squad this year. According to Hodson, it is too much to ask of freshmen to make a large contribution, but they must come along quickly. "How quickly our big freshmen (Aaron Crookston and Chris Koford) learn the program will be the test," he said. The coaching staff feels this is a year of transition, but Roberts has set his eyes on more than just the I ut y? TUESDAY w SEPTEMBER nrj t $r f r PACE 25 27, 1988 m ;s $ . ' I to a future of successful basketball. This year's schedule includes such powerhouses as Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas and Baylor, but the prevailing attitude from the coaches and players is one of optimism. The 'Birds' schedule includes eight teams who competed in last year's NIT and NCAA tournaments. "To compete at the Division level, you need money, and playing this caliber of teams brings in revenue," said Assistant Athletic Director for External Relations Paul Ridings. I I "Roberts is demanding on the floor. Perfection is almost good enough," said Hodson. "For players that are satisfied with just getting by, his attitude is too stern, or too demanding." But the players treat Roberts with respect on and off the court. Jerry Naulls said, "Give 110 percent or you won't play. .You'll sit until you do. know, I've experienced that." I "He doesn't want to be the players' best friend. He can't get the maximum out of them," said Hodson. The toughest part of this season's schedule begins with a road trip December 3 at Northern Arizona, and concludes with Baylor December 22. "Seven road games is not a problem. Basketball players are used to traveling frequently," explained Ridings. But this road stand also includes trips to Texas, Wyoming and Oklahoma. "The Division teams will overlook us," said Hodson. "Our success depends on how good we can become. We feel we'll surprise some people. We'll definitely win some games we're not supposed to win." I The Thunderbirds open their season at home against the Australian National Team, November 21. season as Pressure? Naulls summed up the 1988-8- 9 "Tough, all can say is tough." Returning point guard jerry Naulls goes up for an n practice. easy slam during I pre-seaso- Lady 'Bird volleyballers, under new coach, get off to rocky start BY MICHELLE JENSEN 5 consecutive losses to open the season, the women's volleyball team is playing harder and Despite 1 smarter than in past seasons. The Lady 'Birds began at the University of Utah, and play September continued competition September 15-1- 7 at the BYU tournament. "If there had been an award given to the best defensive team, the Lady 'Birds would have gotten it," said Alema Teo, the Lady 'Bird coach and 3, newest addition. The Lady 'Birds wrapped up a three-da- y tournament 22-2- 4 at UC Irvine, US International, and 15-15-San Diego. They lost to UC Irvine 15-15-15-The final at USIU was 15-with SUSC losing again, and finally dropping the third match September 8, 8, 2, 9, 2, 8. the Lady 'Birds' goals is to enter the league with a winning attitude, which is becoming harder to do with their travel schedule, said Teo. They play 13 games on the road before coming home for five games. Their first home game is scheduled October 15 against Mesa College at 7 p.m., in the Centrum. Following the five home games, the Lady 'Birds are back on the road to St. Mary's, Idaho State and Weber State. "The scheduling was done poorly and traveling has bad effects on the team," said Teo. He hopes to help construct next season's traveling schedule, making it less stressful on the team. Teo is conditioning the players to adjust to the leap to Division I, and he will remain on the lookout for the type of player it takes to make it in the higher reaches of the NCAA. 15-- 8 to San Diego. Teo contributed the consistent losing to fatigue, malnutrition, and lack of 15-- 6, 15-1- 1, practice time. Although Teo was hired after the players were chosen, he has worked hard preparing his squad physically and mentally for the higher caliber of teams the Lady 'Birds are matched against in their first year of Division competition. He believes that the closeness between his and his players' ages is beneficial in that it promotes intra-teacommunication which in turn gives the team more confidence and motivates them toward positive thinking. "Division I," said Teo, "is the toughest division ever before played by the Lady 'Birds, but they play to win and practice to get better every day." One of I m y L FT. LaD L- -a it L-- a THE SUSC PUBLICATIONS COUNCIL IS SEEKING APPLICATIONS FOR THREE POSITIONS AND THE CHAIR ON THE BODY WHICH OVERSEES THE THUNDERBIRD AND TAILWIND, SUSCS LITERARY MAGAZINE. THE COUNCIL MEETS ONCE A QUARTER FOR UPDATES, SELECTS THE EDITORS, APPROVES THE BUDGETS FOR THE PUBLICATIONS, AND HEARS AND ACTS ON COMPLAINTS, IF NECESSARY FOR APPLICATION FORMS, SEE SHELLEY BIRCH IN ADMINISTRATION 312. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF FORMS IS 5 P.M., TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1. n |