2007-2008 Season Preview

With a rich tradition of success on their side, a strong nucleus of returning lettermen, and an infusion of new talent in the fold, there is reason for optimism when it comes to the 2007-2008 edition of the Taylor University men's basketball team.

A year removed from just the third losing season in the last 28 years under Head Coach Paul Patterson, the Taylor coaching staff has assembled a team with the ability to once again compete for a Mid-Central Conference championship.

A core group of returnees from a season ago will help fuel the fire of resurgence and will lead a talented collection of newcomers looking to contribute immediately to the legacy of Taylor basketball.

With the departure of the lone senior (Josh Merrick, forward) from last year's team, there will be no shortage of experience on the court for the Trojans during the 2007-2008 campaign. 

NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and Second-Team All-MCC selection Daniel Cox returns at the guard position for his second season.  After leading the team in scoring and rebounding a season ago, the junior will be relied upon as a catalyst on both ends of the floor.

A pair of frontcourt players, juniors Chad Reynolds and Jacob Bream, will also be called on to carry the offensive load and provide defensive toughness.  Right behind Cox, the tandem combines as the next two leading scorers among the holdovers from last season.

Seniors Bret Burchard and Josh Brooks will be asked to provide leadership on and off the court, as this group defines its identity and develops the character of a championship-caliber team.

The crop of newcomers features two talented junior college transfers as well as four true freshmen, including two from Indiana basketball powerhouse New Castle High School.

There is no shortage of offensive firepower for the Trojans, but if the twelve are to leave their mark and hang another banner from the rafters of Odle Arena, they must come together as a unit early in the season and learn to work together.  With four freshmen, two transfers, and six lettermen returning, team chemistry along with adopting the defensive mentality of a Patterson-coached team will be critical to the success of the Trojans.

SENIORS

Josh Brooks (6'0, 175, guard, Eastbrook High School) is a coach's son (Steve Brooks, TU '80) who understands what playing basketball at Taylor is all about.  A sharpshooter from the outside, Brooks enters his senior season looking to help the Trojans get back to the NAIA National Tournament.

Bret Burchard (6'3, 175, guard/forward, Hickman High School) has taken on a key leadership role this off-season and will be expected to continue that role throughout the season.  Also a coach's son, Burchard will look to make an impact on the team this season using his athletic ability and superior stamina. 

JUNIORS

Jacob Bream (6'8, 225, forward/center, Male High School) had a strong ending to the 2006-2007 season, averaging double figures in points over the second half of the season.  His soft touch around the basket and the ability to knock down three-pointers make him a valuable commodity in the Trojans' offensive arsenal.

Daniel Cox (6'2, 185, guard, New Castle High School) led the Trojans in scoring and rebounding last season as well as several other statistical categories.  An MCC Second-Team All-Conference and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American selection a year ago, Cox has a chance to be one of the outstanding guards to play under Coach Patterson.

Alex Daniel (6'2, 190, guard, Muncie Central High School) comes to Taylor from Lake Land Junior College where he averaged 15 points per game last season.  In 2005, Daniel led Muncie Central to the Indiana High School 4A State Championship game.  He will bring a throwback style of play to the court and is expected to contribute immediately.

Kyle Pickett (6'6, 250, forward/center, Hanibal High School) transfers to Taylor from John Wood Junior College.  Over his two seasons there, he appeared in all 63 games and made 43 starts, averaging eight points and six rebounds per game.  Pickett will provide the Trojans with a physical inside presence and add toughness to the frontcourt. 

Chad Reynolds (6'8, 205, forward, Delphos St. John's High School) emerged as one of the better players in the conference last year and was an All-MCC Honorable Mention selection.  He averaged 11.4 points per game and also grabbed 3.2 rebounds per contest.  Reynolds' versatility and outside shooting touch will be valuable assets for the Trojans this season.

SOPHOMORES

Justin Goeglein (6'5, 185, forward, Concordia High School) is a familiar name to the Taylor programs (dad is Chris Goeglein, TU '84).  With a year's experience under his belt, Goeglein should be expected to contribute more significantly during his sophomore season.

FRESHMEN

Luke Bennett (6'0, 150, guard, New Castle High School) was a member of the 2006 Indiana High School 3A State Championship team at New Castle.  As a senior, Bennett averaged 10.2 points and shot 40% from three-point range.  He will provide depth at the guard spot as he continues to learn the system.

Scott Gill (6'4, 185, forward, Russell High School) averaged 11 points and 6 rebounds per game during his senior season, leading Russell High School (Ky.) to a 27-5 record.  His outstanding athleticism and jumping ability will add a new dimension to the Taylor frontcourt.

Derrick Hughes (6'0, 175, guard, Plumstead Christian High School) will add a tough and aggressive mentality to the team this season.  He is expected to challenge the veterans in practice while being trained to contribute in the future.

Drew Tower (6'5, 180, guard/forward, New Castle High School) was also a member of the 2006 Indiana High School 3A State Championship team at New Castle.  He served as a defensive stopper during the state championship run while also scoring 5 points per game.  Tower will add versatility to the squad as he continues to grow as a player.

SCHEDULE

Taylor opens their season at home in the Taylor Classic on November 2-3, squaring off against Ohio State-Marion on Friday and Grace Bible College on Saturday.

One of the many constants during Patterson's 28 years as Taylor's head coach has been a demanding non-conference schedule to prepare his teams for conference play.  This year is no different as the Trojans' schedule features match ups with NAIA Div. I powers Cumberland University and Columbia College. 

The non-conference slate will also see the Trojans face some of the top NAIA Div. II teams in the country including Cedarville, William Jewell, and Benedictine just to name a few.

One of the toughest conferences in the nation, the Mid-Central Conference schedule is full of challenges for the Trojans again this season.  Three teams from the conference finished in the Top 15 of last year's final NAIA ranking with that trend expected to continue in '07-'08.

The MCC schedule kicks off for Taylor at home on Saturday, December 1, with a game against Bethel College.  The 16-game conference season will conclude with a road trip to Indiana Wesleyan on February 23.