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Clarkson University Athletics

GayleKeenan2018--a
Connor Koehler

Men's Basketball November 11, 2018

2018-19 CU Men's Basketball Preview

Across the country, many teams are embracing the value of the 3-point field goal, but few did so with the volume and efficiency of the Clarkson University Men's Basketball team. That formula will be repeated in 2018-19, and with more shooters entering the fold the Golden Knights are eyeing a playoff spot and position among the conference's best teams.

The only key loss from last year's Golden Knights' squad is senior Gary Hanley. The transfer played just a single season with Clarkson and filled a considerable void after the graduation of Derek Hart in 2017, serving a big role in terms of defense and rebounding. Clarkson brings back 11 players and four of its five starters from a year ago, putting the Green and Gold in position to reach the playoffs in 2019, a position they narrowly missed on a tie-breaker a year ago.

Clarkson opens its season on Tuesday against Plattsburgh State, tipping off against the Cardinals at 7:00 pm at Alumni Gymnasium.

Key Returners: It's not easy to return two conference all-stars in a league with 10 teams and just 15 spots or so for league standouts, but the Golden Knights have both of their Liberty League All-Stars back for 2018-19. Junior Matt Higgins, a Liberty League Second-Team All-Star, took one of the biggest leaps in program history from his freshman to sophomore season, going from 2.9 points per game in 2016-17 to 18.5 points per contest as a sophomore. Senior Liam Ellis, a Liberty League Honorable Mention All-Star, posted 15.0 ppg and led the conference with 4.5 assists per game, frequently locating Clarkson's talented shooters along the perimeter. The biggest returner for Clarkson, however, is one number rather than any one player: 265. That's how many 3-point field goals were made by returning players on Clarkson's 2018-19 roster. Higgins buried 76 3-pointers at a rate of 39.8%, but senior Matt Hornak (63, 40.9%), sophomore Joe Lucas (40, 40.8%), and sophomore Roburt Welch (20, 42.6%) each shot plenty of volume as well and at an even higher rate of success. Add in sophomore Jason Phelps (14, 37.8%), who was slowed by injury, and senior Malaquias Canery (12, 36.4%) and the Knights likely will not face many nights where they lack options.

Senior Keenan Gayle is the team's top on-ball defender and often provides the opposition fits with his quick hands and athleticism. Junior Barryn Shark saw his playing time increase down the stretch and the point guard produced the two best assist totals in the league last year. Senior Cormac Bettinger has been slowed by injuries during his three seasons but will still provide a significant contribution and junior Jake Purdy could provide the team a much-needed rebounding presence off the bench.

Key Newcomers: Fifth-year head coach Jeff Gorski is excited about the four freshmen that join the team in 2018-19 as each provides depth or fulfills a need. Reese Swedberg, a 6-7 forward, gives Clarkson an inside presence and fellow 6-6 forward Marques Bouyer also gives the Knights another big body in the paint. Andrew Kelly will give the Knights options at both guard and forward, while Chris Hulbert adds to Clarkson's already enviable stable of 3-point shooters.



 
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Players Mentioned

Gary Hanley

#44 Gary Hanley

F
6' 8"
Senior
Cormac Bettinger

#40 Cormac Bettinger

F
6' 8"
Senior
Malaquias Canery

#22 Malaquias Canery

G
5' 10"
Senior
Liam Ellis

#3 Liam Ellis

G
5' 11"
Senior
Keenan Gayle

#1 Keenan Gayle

G
6' 2"
Senior
Matt Higgins

#30 Matt Higgins

G
6' 3"
Junior
Joe Lucas

#0 Joe Lucas

F
6' 5"
Sophomore
Jason Phelps

#24 Jason Phelps

G
6' 2"
Sophomore
Jake Purdy

#14 Jake Purdy

F
6' 5"
Junior
Barryn Shark

#10 Barryn Shark

G
5' 9"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Gary Hanley

#44 Gary Hanley

6' 8"
Senior
F
Cormac Bettinger

#40 Cormac Bettinger

6' 8"
Senior
F
Malaquias Canery

#22 Malaquias Canery

5' 10"
Senior
G
Liam Ellis

#3 Liam Ellis

5' 11"
Senior
G
Keenan Gayle

#1 Keenan Gayle

6' 2"
Senior
G
Matt Higgins

#30 Matt Higgins

6' 3"
Junior
G
Joe Lucas

#0 Joe Lucas

6' 5"
Sophomore
F
Jason Phelps

#24 Jason Phelps

6' 2"
Sophomore
G
Jake Purdy

#14 Jake Purdy

6' 5"
Junior
F
Barryn Shark

#10 Barryn Shark

5' 9"
Junior
G