BROADSIDE Guide Size up the 2008-2009 Season competition. . . CAA Team Preview Get to Know Jeri Porter, New Women’s Team Coach

Larranaga: 2 More Years START OUT ON TOP. START RAISING THE BAR.

START COMMANDING ATTENTION.

START HIGHER.

START ONE STEP AHEAD.

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ASK ABOUT OUR OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUMMER LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND A $5000 BONUS! 2 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 3

©2008. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. 34 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 35 BROADSIDE says, “Please Don’t Forget to Recycle!” COACH PROFILES The men’s team returns with their head coach and three assistants while the women’s team has a new 10 coaching staff. Find out what got the coaches to where they are now.

CAA CONFERENCE As Mason looks to defend the con- ference title, 11 other teams will try to dethrone the Patriots. Check out 22 the season preview for the rest of the CAA and their key returning players.

MASON SOPHOMORES Three key players from last season’s team return to have an even stronger 2009 sea- 25 son. Learn more about Eugenia Broadus, Brittany Eley, and Brittany Poindexter.

PATRIOT CENTER Homecourt advantage or home- court disadvantage? Through regression analysis, find out 26 what affects the opponents on gameday at the Patriot Center.

GUNSTON After 12 years on the sidelines, the fuzzy green creature gives his spot up to a new mascot. 30 Check out the history of past Mason mascots.

Coach Larranaga feature 6 Coach Porter feature 8

Player profiles 14 CONTENTS 2 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 3 Front Cover photo by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager Back Cover photo, headshots, and team photos courtesy of Mason Athletics 4 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Photo by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager Fall 2008 | 5 STAFF NICOLE OCRAN Men’s Basketball Schedule Editor-in-Chief 2008-2009 Season SHERELL WILLIAMS Managing Editor Date Opponent / Event Location Time/Result 11/15/08 at Ver m ont Burlington, Vt. 1:00 p.m. ET 11/17/08 vs. BROWN Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET BRIAN CHAN 11/20/08 at Hampton Hampton, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET Sports Editor 11/22/08 at East Carolina Greenville, N.C. 4:30 p.m. ET 11/25/08 vs. MOUNT ST. MARY'S (TV) Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET KERRY SHEATS 11/29/08 vs. OHIO Fairfax, Va. 4:00 p.m. ET Copy Chief 12/01/08 at Liberty (TV) Lynchburg, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET 12/06/08 at Drexel * (TV) Philadelphia, Pa. 4:30 p.m. ET 12/19/08 vs. RADFORD (TV) Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET COURTNEY ERLAND 12/22/08 vs. TULANE Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET Photography Manager 12/30/08 at Dayton (TV) Dayton, Ohio 7:00 p.m. ET 01/03/09 vs. UNC-WILMINGTON * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET TEDDY MEYER 01/05/09 vs. GEORGIA STATE * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 5:00 p.m. ET Asst. Photography Manager 01/07/09 at Towson * Towson, Md. 7:00 p.m. ET 01/10/09 vs. OLD DOMINION * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 2:00 p.m. ET 01/14/09 at William & Mary * Williamsburg, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET TEODORA BLINDU 01/17/09 vs. JAMES MADISON * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 2:00 p.m. ET MARY KATHRYN LOOMIS 01/21/09 at Northeastern * (TV) Boston, Mass. 7:00 p.m. ET NICOLE OCRAN 01/24/09 at VCU * (TV) Richmond, Va. 4 p.m./7 p.m. ET CHRISTIAN YINGLING 01/27/09 vs. DELAWA RE * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET SHERELL WILLIAMS 01/31/09 at Old Dominion * (TV) Norfolk, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET 02/03/09 vs. HOFSTRA * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 9:00 p.m. ET Design 02/07/09 at James Madison * (TV) Harrisonburg, Va. 2:00 p.m. ET 02/12/09 at Delaware * (TV) Newark, Del. 7:00 p.m. ET YASIN JAMA 02/14/09 vs. NORTHEASTERN * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 12:00 p.m. ET BRENDAN MURPHY 02/18/09 vs. DREXEL * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 7:00 p.m. ET NATALIA KOSSOBOKOVA 02/21/09 at ESPN BracketBusters TBA TBA 02/25/09 at UNC-Wilmington * (TV) Wilmington, N.C. 7:00 p.m. ET Sports Contributors 02/28/09 vs. TOWSON * (TV) Fairfax, Va. 8:00 p.m. ET 03/06/09 CAA Tournament-Opening Round Richmond, Va. TBA SARAH LEON 03/07/09 CAA Tournament-Quarterfinals Richmond, Va. TBA KRISTINE LEWIS 03/08/09 CAA Tournament-Semifinals Richmond, Va. TBA ERICKA RIGGS 03/09/09 CAA Tournament-Championship Richmond, Va. TBA Advertising Representatives

JACQUES MOUYAL Business Manager

KATHRYN MANGUS Faculty Adviser

4 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Photo by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager Fall 2008 | 5 Photo by: Teddy Meyer, Asst. Photography Manager

6 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 7 Staying Put Coach Larranaga to Stay at Mason for Two More Years Yasin Jama Broadside Correspondent

Turning down a job offer that ing staff, the players, the fan one dreams of for many years is not base, Doc Nix and the Green an easy decision. Just ask George Machine, alumni, and the Mason University basketball head leadership with President coach . Alan Merten, and the athlet- A week after Mason lost to ic director Tom O’Connor.” Norte Dame in the first round of the Family also played a NCAA tournament; Larranaga re- role in Larranaga’s decision. ceived a call from Robert Driscoll, He currently has two sons, the athletic director of Providence Jon and Jay, and two grand- University. children, Tia and James. After the call, Larranaga had Larranaga feels like if he his thoughts on the situation. goes to coach at Providence, “I’ve been following the Friars he would not see his chil- as a fan ever since I graduated there dren very often. in 1971, and it was my dream job “I have a son named was to be the head coach at Provi- Jon who played at GMU dence,” said Lar- and gradu- ranaga. “I was “It would be a ated in 2003, interviewed for and he and his that job in 1985, tremendous wife goes to but I didn’t get all the home it because I did sacrifice if I give up games,” said not have head my coaching Larranaga. “My other to the NCAA tournament last year, coaching expe- son Jay plays profes- Larranaga believe it would be a mis- rience.” position here at sional basketball in take if he left Mason despite what After 23 Italy, and he lives in he went through during his tenure years and two Mason,” Fairfax three months as the Patriots’ head coach. head coaching every year.” “It would be a tremendous sac- positions, Lar- Larranaga’s fam- rifice if I give wwwup my coaching ranaga now has - Jim Larranaga. ily and the people on position here at Mason,” said Lar- enough experi- the Fairfax campus ranaga. ence to coach was one of the reasons With his decision being made at Providence. But after a decade why he stayed at Mason. However, already, Larranaga can now focus of coaching here at Mason that in- while coaching at Providence will on the upcoming season and con- cluded four trips to the NCAA tour- give him and the team more expo- tinues to spend time with his fami- nament and a Final Four appear- sure due to the Big East, he believes ly, children, and his grandchildren. ance, he felt this was home. the Colonial Athletic Association is “I loved it here, my family loves also a great conference. it here too” said Larranaga. “I am While Providence plays in a Photo by: Courtney Erland, very comfortable with my coach- conference that sent eight teams Photography Manager

6 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 7 The New “Porter”: A New Era in Women’s Basketball Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

Webster’s Dictionary defines After a 28-1 season in 1998, department. porter as a person who carries Porter landed her first head coach- “Once students get to college, burdens. The first-year “porter” in ing job at University of North Ala- academics are their top priority. Fairfax will have loads to carry for bama. From 1998-2002, Porter In order to be successful, you need a team that has only five conference guided the team to a 64-43 record. to know what you want to win. We wins in the last two seasons. want to recruit the players that fit In its 35 years of history in our style of play. Even though I women’s basketball, George Mason think the team we have right now University is undergoing only their is good, we will want to continue to third coaching change since the recruit in order to improve,” said 1984 season. Mason hired Jeri Por- Porter. ter, the seventh overall head coach In 2002, Porter returned to the in school history, this past April af- Big South Conference, where she ter the predecessor Debbie Taney- first played and coached basketball. hill announced her resignation. This time, she was coaching anoth- Porter takes over a team that er team. Her second head coach- has yet to have recorded a winning ing job was at Radford University. record since the 2004 campaign. After a rough first season, Porter Porter will have a tough task to get eventually took the team to a higher Mason out of the cellar of the Co- level. In the 2007 season, Radford lonial Athletic Conference. On the won 20 games, which also marked bright side, Mason’s 7-5 start as of the first time in fifteen years. Last mid-January last season and the re- season, Porter and Co. recorded the turning starters give Porter some- second most wins in school history thing to work with in her first year. with a record of 23-12. The High- “In the short run, we want to be landers earned an automatic bid to competitive. Our goal is to be better Porter’s led the team to a 13-14 re- the WNIT, but made an early exit in than we were the previous night,” cord in her rookie season as head a loss to CAA foe James Madison, a said Porter, “Recruiting is a vital coach. An improvement was immi- team Porter will have to face twice part in the long run and right now nent as the Lions to a 21-win sea- this coming season. we think we have a good team.” son in 2000, their highest since the Porter comes into Mason with Porter’s basketball days began 1994 season. Porter was honored an impressive résumé, a 93-85 re- as a player at Liberty University Gulf South Coach of the Year for cord with her previous employer when she scored 717 points, which leading the team to a conference and a 157-128 overall record as a ranks among the top 20 scorers in championship. In addition to build- head coach. Mason’s last 20-plus- the Lady Flames school history as of ing a successful team, she gained win season came in 2002, one of this day. After graduating in 1991, the reputation as a solid recruiter only four in school history. Steering Porter immediately became the as- who took academic factors into a team that went 17-42 in its previ- sistant coach of her alma mater. consideration. Two of her players ous two seasons to a 20-win season “I loved the game, and I wanted were named to the all-conference will be complicated goal to achieve the opportunity to interact with the teams in 2000, and in 2002, her immediately, but with Porter under young women as a mentor, both on team was recognized for maintain- the helm, there is a new era in Ma- and off the court,” said Porter. ing the highest GPA in the athletic son women’s basketball.

8 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 9 Photo by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager

8 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 9 MASON’S COACHES Jim Larranaga, Head Coach Since Larranaga’s first winning season at Mason, the team posted a 109-21 record at home. Larranaga, known as Coach L to the Patriot community, earned milestones of 200 wins in last season’s 72-46 rout over CAA rival James Madison and 400th career win after Mason defeated Delaware 70-58. Larranaga is well-known for being able to exploit talented recruits. It is apparent in the last few years that Larranaga steered away from recruiting locals such as Lamar Butler, Tony Skinn, or John Vaughan to expanding into a larger market with newcomers Ryan Pearson, Kevin Foster, and Andre Cornelius. Entering his 12th season as the Patriots head coach, Larranaga and Co. will look to defend their first back- to-back conference title.

Jeri Porter, Head Coach

Porter led Radford to consecutive 20-win sea- sons. Entering her 11th season, Porter will be coach- ing her third team. Porter and her newly-replaced staff of assistants will embark on their journey to turn around a team that went 9-21 and 8-21 in their last two seasons. To make the task much harder, Porter inherits a team trying to rebuild after losing its two leading scorers to graduation. In each of Porter’s first years at North Alabama and Radford, she was able to help her teams re- bound and become contenders in their respective conferences. Last season, Porter took the Highland- ers to only their fifth appearance in the WNIT. This is not new for Porter to accomplish what may seem unconquerable. Photos courtesy of Mason Athletics

10 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 11 MASON’S COACHES Chris Caputo Men’s Assistant Coach A native of Elmhurst, N.Y., Caputo played his high school ball at Archbishop Molloy, the alma mater of head coach Jim Larranaga. Caputo enters his seventh season as member of the Mason men’s basketball team, fourth as an assistant coach. His scouting capability allowed Mason an opportunity to defeat major conference opponents Kansas State and South Carolina, in addition to putting up a challenging against Villanova’s talented youth last season. Caputo is also a major contributor in Mason’s recruitment process. Michael Huger Men’s Assistant Coach Like the latest Mason graduates, Huger played for current head coach Jim Larranaga, but at Bowling Green. In his senior year, he was the runner-up for Conference Player of the Year. After college, Huger travelled over- seas and played European basketball. Huger, the Dutch League MVP in the 1995-96 season, averaged 25.3 points and 5.8 assists. In 12 years, Huger played in Finland, Holland, and spent his final nine years in Belgium, where he was named to the first-team in 2000 and 2004. After coming back to the states, Huger spenttwo years at Longwood University as an assistant coach under Mike Gillian, who formerly worked for Larranaga. Eric Konkol Men’s Assistant Coach Konkol enters his fifth season with the team as an assistant coach. He returned last season afterspend- ing two years coaching high school basketball in Minnesota and for only a short time, he served on the North Dakota State coaching staff. While at University of Tennessee studying for his master’s degree, Konkol served under Buzz Peterson, currently an executive for the professional team Charlotte Bobcats. Konkol also got the opportunity to play for head coach Bo Ryan at University of Wisconsin at Platteville. Jana Ashley Women’s Assistant Coach Ashley enters her first season at Mason after spending the last three years at Radford University as a full-time assistant. In the previous two seasons, she served as a graduate assistant. Ashley has a long history with Ma- son’s new head coach Jeri Porter. Ashley also played for Porter at University of North Alabama until 2002. The new assistant coaches including Ashley come from Radford to replace the three first-season assistants from last season. While at Radford, Ashley was responsible for tape exchange and assisted with conditioning and floor work with the guards. At Mason, she will try to continue her successes as a mentor to young players. Simone Edwards Women’s Assistant Coach Edwards played basketball at the collegiate level, and played professionally and internationally de- spite not playing in high school. In her two years in the NJCAA, Edwards was the Bi-State West Confer- ence twice after averaging 22.3 points and 10.5 rebounds. Edwards was a member of the New York Liber- ty squad in 1997, but saw her first action in 2000 when she played for the newly-inaugurated Seattle Storm. In her first two seasons with the team, she averaged 7.4 points and left the team ranked third inStorm career rebounds and fourth in scoring. As a fan favorite, Edwards retired in 2006 and joined the Rad- ford coaching staff last season. Edwards’ primary task will be to work with the post players at Mason. Greg Pulliam Women’s Assistant Coach Before joining Radford University for the 2006-07 season, Pulliam was linked to Mason’s current head coach Jeri Porter a decade earlier at Liberty University, especially contributing to the best record in school his- tory at 28-1. Like Porter, Pulliam started as an assistant coach at his alma mater. Pulliam would work with four other schools before coming to Radford. In 2000, Pulliam worked with Southern Mississippi Univer- sity, where he earned his master’s degree, as the director of basketball operations for two seasons. Pulliam went back to being an assistant coach in one-year stints with Winthrop University, , and University of Missouri St. Louis. With Mason, Pulliam will be responsible for guard work and recruiting.

10 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 11 Visit connect2mason.com for updated content daily!

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12 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 13 Interested in sports? Got love for the game? Broadside Sports needs you!

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Catholic Campus Ministry WEEKEND MASS SCHEDULE Saturday at 5:30 Sunday at 11 am, 8 pm & Student Mass at 10 pm www.gmuccm.org

12 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 13 Men’s Profiles Men’s

14 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 15 Q: What is your most unique Q: What is your most unique skill? skill? JN: Shooting MM: Length, athleticism

14 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 15

Welcome to George Mason from Parking Services and the Office of Parking & Transportation!

Your 1st class assignment: Pass Parking 101! To help you out, we copied the professor’s notes.

Parking 101-Some Tips to Help Get You Started

1. Parking lots fill up fast-Allow extra time, especially the 1st few weeks of class to find a space.. 2. Tuesdays and Thursdays (including the evenings) are the busiest days on campus. 3. On the busiest of days, it is recommended that those arriving to campus after 10am park at the Field House-a 15 minute walk to the Johnson Center. 4. There’s even a free shuttle, the Field House Express, which will take you from the Field House to main campus. Check out http://shuttle.gmu.edu for info on the shuttle’s hours of operation 5. Parking permits are required to park in any lot on GMU property. 6. Always read the signs to know if a lot or area is restricted to a certain type of permit. Don’t ever park in reserved, service/repair, state vehicle and administrative spaces. 7. Parking lots are enforced all year round, including the 1st week of classes and even when classes are not in session. Don’t believe the myths and rumors about a grace period. 8. Check the parking website http://parking.gmu.edu for the latest information regarding hours of enforcement and other important news affecting parking on campus and even when classes are not in session. 9. If you’re a commuter student and want to save some money, you can park in the new West Campus Lot located by the softball stadium. Parking at the West Campus Lot is only $90 for the entire year. Please note that all freshman residents will be required to park in the West Campus Lot. The West Campus Shuttle will run from the West Campus Lot to the Field House, to the CUE bus stop, and then to President’s Park with departures every 20 minutes from each stop. 10. Visitor parking is available in Mason Pond and Sandy Creek Parking Decks, as well as metered lots. 11. Pay attention to your GMU email as students are often emailed about temporary lot closures. 12. Information about online permit sales and online citation appeals and payment options is available at http://parking.gmu.edu. 13. Stay tuned for more information on carpooling! 14. Always contact Parking Services if you have questions or concerns! We’re located in the Parking Services building next to the Sandy Creek Parking Deck. You can also call us at 993-2710 or email us at parking @gmu.edu 15. Good luck!

16 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 17

Welcome to George Mason from the Office of Parking & Transportation!

Tired of paying high gas prices? Tired of driving on the crowded area streets and highways? Want to save $$$$ instead of buying a parking permit?

If you are, GMU is giving you options so you don’t have to drive your vehicle to campus. Check out http://transportation.gmu.edu for details!

Mason to Metro Shuttle You can ride the Mason to Metro Shuttle which runs between the Fairfax Campus and Vienna Metro station from 6:00am to midnight M-F. There is also extended service until 4am on Fridays and from 8:30pm to 4am on Saturday nights to help you get back and forth to DC! For more info, go to: http://shuttle.gmu.edu

Prince William Shuttle You can ride for free on the Prince William shuttle that runs back and forth between the Fairfax and Prince William campuses between 7am-10:20pm M-F. The shuttle also stops at the Target at Manassas Mall. For more info, go to: http://shuttle.gmu.edu

CUE Bus You can take the CUE Bus-IT’S FREE!!!! Just show your GMU ID and you can ride for free on any of the City of Fairfax CUE buses. They all pick-up at the bus stop on Fairfax campus across from Lot G and can take you to various places in Fairfax with all routes winding up at the Vienna Metro Station. For more info go to: http://www.fairfaxva.gov/CUEBus/CUEBus.asp

Metro Rail From the Vienna Metro Station you can take the Orange line to the Arlington campus or beyond into DC. The Square Metro stop is only 2 short blocks to the GMU Arlington campus.

Metro Bus There are several Metro Bus routes serving GMU: Fairfax: 15K, 15L, 17A, 17G, 29K Arlington: 24P and the ART 67 buses

Don’t forget-you can bicycle or walk to campus as well if you’re close!

Stay tuned for more info on carpooling, ridesharing, and additional shuttles.

If you have any questions or suggestions, email [email protected]

16 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 17 Q: What is your most unique Q: What is your most unique skill? skill? RP: Scoring, rebounding BH: Court vision

Q: What is your most unique Q: What is your most unique skill? skill? AC: Perimeter penetration, jump KF: Dunking shot

Good Luck To Our Men and Women This Season!

Men’s Profiles Cont’d

18 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 19 Women’s Profiles

18 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 19 Q: What is your most unique skill? AL: Defense

Q: What is your most unique skill? JR: Defense

20 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 21 Q: What is your most unique skill? RR: Rebounding

Q: What is your most unique skill? DR: Shooting

Q: What is your most unique Q: What is your most unique skill? skill? BC: Passing AE: Defense

20 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 21 2008-2009 Colonial Athletic Association

Delaware Blue Hens Monte Ross took over as head coach for the Delaware Blue Hens in 2006 to only come up with a 5-26 record. Last season, the Blue Hens improved their win total by nine games to compile a 14-17 record. The 2009 team will be led by senior guard Marc Egerson and sophomore guard Alphonso Dawson. Egerson was named to the third Team All- CAA while Dawson made the CAA All-Rookie team. Egerson, a transfer from Georgetown last season, finished second on the team with 13.4 points per game (PPG) and led the team with 6.9 rebounds per game (RPG). Senior forward Jim Ledsome shot at a high 61.6 percent from the field. After a rough 0-4 start, the Blue Hens quietly played .500 basketball from there on out. Surprisingly, the team defeated the eventual CAA champion George Mason University Patriots in a 73-68 over- time upset earlier last season.

Drexel Dragons Frank Elegar’s final season with the did not go expected. The team went into Fairfax with a 5-1 record on Novem- ber 29. The result—an 85-38 thrashing and a four-game losing streak. Drexel was one of the teams left out of the 2006 NCAA tournament with a 23-9 record, but the Dragons turned in a hor- rific 12-20 season and a three-way tie for last place in the CAA with a 5-13 record. This season, the Dragons turn to their senior guards, the only two returning starters, Tramayne Hawthorne and Scott Rodgers. Hawthorne provided the long-distance shoot- ing with 81 three-pointers, a 35.2 percent rate. Rodgers was third on the team with 9.2 PPG on 33.2 percent shooting from the field. Drexel, as a team, struggled with shooting since Elegar shot 55.9 percent. The team shot only 40.6 percent. With Elegar gone, head coach Bruiser Flint will expect production from freshmen Samme Givens, Chris Fouch, and Kevin Phillip.

Georgia State Panthers Senior guard Leonard Mendez, the fifth leading scorer in the CAA last season, scored 16 PPG for the last place Georgia State Panthers. Mendez, one of the few bright spots of the Bulldogs’ season, earned third Team All-CAA honors. The Bulldogs look to their top player and possibly one of the top CAA players for this coming season to turn around a 9-21 record. Senior forward Rashad Chase and junior guard Trae Goldston will provide the team with depth and experi- ence. Chase posted 7.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG and Goldston trailed Mendez with 9.3 PPG. Chase, a decent scorer and rebounder, recorded five double-doubles last season. The team added Dante Curry and Joe Dukes to their lineup. Curry transferred from South Florida as the former Demon Deacon Dukes came from the com- petitive ACC. In the CAA tournament last season, the Panthers lost in the last second to a William & Mary team that advanced to the final.

Hofstra Pride The are in a similar situation as the Drexel Dragons. Antoine Agudio and his leading 22.7 PPG last season will be difficult to make up, but the return of CAA Rookie of the Year guard Charles Jenkins provides the team with high hopes for a shot at the CAA title. From 2005-2007, the Pride won 69 games and lost only 26. Last season, Hofstra was unable to regroup after a poor regular

22 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 23 ...The Competition Begins Here Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

The team had a disappointing 12-18 record, 8-10 in the CAA. Jenkins scored 15 PPG, and senior forwards Darren Townes and Dane Johnson recorded 8.0 and 6.4 PPG, respectively. Townes also led the team in boards with 6.7 RPG. The Pride open their 2009 campaign in the Charleston Classic against Clemson. For Jenkins in his sophomore season, he will play a bigger role and try to reverse Hofstra’s 2008 misfortunes.

James Madison Dukes The JMU Convocation Center will be remembered as the building where Dre Smith went ten-for-ten. Smith will be back one more time on February 7, but it might be the getting the last laugh as the team returns four starters for the 2009 season. Nearly all of their five starters last season scored in double-digits. 2008 third Team All-CAA selection Abdulai Jalloh scored 15.5 PPG and boarded 5.5 RPG. The senior guard also led the team in steals. Fellow senior forward Juwann James posted 12.8 PPG and 5.8 RPG, and junior guard Pierre Curtis scored 10 PPG along with 4.2 as- sists per game (APG). Senior forward Kyle Swanston enters the season with 111 career three-pointers, which is No.7 all-time in James Madison history. The Dukes, 14-17 last season, and their new head coach open their season in the NIT Season Tip-Off against last season’s Cinderella Davidson. James Madison will also play against non-conference local teams Longwood and Radford during the season.

UNC-Wilmington Seahawks Improving their 2007 record of 7-22 to 20-13 last season, the UNC- Wilmington Seahawks will have yet another obstacle to encounter. This time, the Seahawks will come into the 2009 season with four double-digit scorers leaving the team. Among them, T.J. Carter handed the Patriots their first and only loss at the Patriot Center with a thrilling buzzer-beating floater to spoil the host’s homecoming game. The 2009 roster consists of only one senior and returns the lone starter, sophomore guard Chad Tomko. Tomko, a member of the CAA All-Rookie team, fared well against the Patriots in the two games last season. Both resulting wins, Tomko shot 4-for-7 for 16 points in the first meeting and continued giving Mason trouble with 4-for-5 in three-pointers for 18 points in the 75-73 win in Fairfax last season. The Seahawks also return with sophomore forward Dominique Lacy, junior guard Montez Downey, and junior guard Josh Sheets.

Northeastern Huskies One player to watch out for will be junior guard Matt Janning. Janning scorched Mason’s defense with a 10-for-15 shooting performance and 27 points in a 70-59 towards the latter part of last season. The second Team All-CAA guard was a non- factor in the ’ 63-52 loss to the Patriots in the CAA tourna- ment, shooting only 2-for-13 in the field. However, his 19-game double-digit point streak was extended due to the face that he scored ten points in the game. Janning’s 16.1 PPG last season helps make him a dangerous player for the 2009 season as the Huskies look to improve on their 14-17 record. The team returns all five starters. One of them, junior forward Manny Adako provided 10.6 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Guard Chaisson Allen hopes to prevent a sophomore slump since he was an effective asset with 9.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 3.5 APG. The team will have a full schedule with the 2K Sports Classic in November, and games against Indiana and Memphis in December.

22 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 23 Old Dominion Monarchs In 2007, the Old Dominion Monarchs were the at-large selection in the NCAA tournament before falling to Washington State. Last season, the Monarchs dropped slightly from 24-9 to 18-16. Still, the team was compet- ing in the CAA at a high level with an 11-7 conference record. Last season, the Monarchs had the huge task of challenging three top six teams, at the time, in a matter of five days. In one, the Monarchs put up 82 points against North Carolina, but the opponent countered with 99. Old Dominion’s biggest loss took place at Mason, where the team lost by 33 points. The Monarchs got their revenge, taking care of Mason’s woes on the road with a 72-64 win, which started a six-game winning streak. Among the notable returning starters, 6-10 junior forward/center Gerald Lee posted 12.9 PPG and 5.9 RPG. Sophomore forwards Ben Finney and Frank Hassell, and guard Darius James keep the team intact as the Monarchs are hungry for another NCAA tournament berth in the near future.

Towson Tigers The name Durant might show up on a No.35 jersey, but there is to be no confusion between the NBA star Kevin and his older brother Tony. The forward Durant is in his senior year and looking forward to pursue a career just like his younger brother. Unlike his brother, Durant is not relied upon to carry a team. The Tigers were led by junior guard Josh Thornton and senior forward Junior Hairston in scoring. Hairston was a third Team All- CAA selection last season for his 12 PPG and 8.9 RPG. This time, the team will have the presence of senior forward Tommy Breaux on the court since he was redshirted last season. Head coach Pat Kennedy is one of the most experi- enced coaches among a group of young CAA coaches. Kennedy, entering his 29th season, looks to get the Tigers out of mediocrity and into the top positions in the CAA.

VCU Rams The difficult part about being in the CAA is that a loss might put the nail in the coffin as far as qualifying for the NCAA tournament. There is never a cakewalk in the CAA as once a year, there will be a surprise. Three seasons ago, some felt Mason took Hofstra’s spot in the tournament as both teams were considerably identical. In 2007, the VCU Rams defeated Duke in a stunning upset and nearly pulled another against Pittsburgh. Last season, there was a change in order among the CAA teams as some moved up at the expense of others. Despite a strong 2008 showing at 24-8, the VCU Rams were denied entrance to the Big Dance. The Rams enter 2009 with a different outlook as guard looks to close out his outstanding CAA career on a high note. The reigning CAA Player of the Year scored 17.9 PPG, and record- ed 4.7 RPG and 5.5 APG. His all-around ability will help VCU with the bulk of the offense, but the Rams also return with starters, sophomore guard Joey Rodriguez and sophomore forward Larry Sanders.

William & Mary Tribe The William & Mary Tribe are the new Masons at the CAA level—make an impressive run, but fall at the end. Yet, the potential is evident for the 2009 season as the Tribe hope to make more appearances on ESPN. The team is led by junior guard David Schneider, who scored 10.9 PPG, and posted 4.5 RPG and 3.8 APG last season. Junior forward Danny Sumner provides support with 10.5 PPG and senior forward Peter Stein with 7.9 PPG. Junior forward Alex Smith and senior forward Chris Darnell are key returnees for the Tribe. Ever since Tony Shaver took over the head coaching job at William & Mary in 2004, the team has improved in win percentage up until now. Key losses include Nathan Mann and Laimis Kisielius, who drained the game-winning shot with three seconds left in the ever-so intense CAA tourna- ment game against the VCU Rams.

24 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 25 Mason’s Sophomores: It’s a Triple Play Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

Entering the 2008-09 season, the George Mason she is the second leading scorer from 2008. Eley shot University Patriots have seven returning players. a respectable 65.5 percent from the free throw line. Among them, three freshmen from last year’s team Eley did not have to go far when choosing to will be expected to step up and fill the holes in the play for a team. With interest from starting lineup. Experience from last season is a key James Madison, Hofstra, Massachusetts, Delaware, benefit for this season as these three players were and East Carolina University, Mason stood out most given ample playing time. Year two is just around the for Eley. corner for Eugenia Broadus, Brittany Eley, and Brit- “With Mason being close to home, the school has tany Poindexter. a nice environment and a good education program Broadus Broadens Her specified to my major. I felt Horizon this was the place where Last season, Broadus I had a good opportunity started in 12 of 30 total to make a difference on games, and led all fresh- the basketball court,” said men with 19.3 minutes Eley. per game. Playing a full Last season, Eley season without missing scored a season-high 15 any games, Broadus aver- points against Liberty aged 4.5 points per game University and followed (PPG). As a freshman, that performance with the forward posted an 14 points against James above-average field-goal Madison. Eley scored in percentage. Broadus is double-digits for the third known for her all-around consecutive game against ability. with Broadus carried that 12 points. She has been a success over to Mason as streaky player with highs she had a productive debut at University of Georgia, and lows. In the month of February, Eley averaged shooting 4-of-5 from the free throw line and grabbing only 2.7 PPG with a high of six points. Towards the four rebounds. In her first 27 games, she averaged 3.9 end of the season, Eley rediscovered her scoring ways. PPG. In the last three games of the season, Broadus In two of the last three games, Eley scored 11 and 12 scored 10 PPG. The 6-1 forward was the team’s second points back-to-back. leading offensive rebounder with 1.4 per game. In a Poindexterous game against Towson University, Broadus grabbed Poindexter led all freshmen last season with 17 a season-high 11 boards, five of which came from the starts. In 29 games, Poindexter averaged 4.2 points offensive side. and 2.4 rebounds in 19.2 minutes. Poindexter shot In addition to her offensive prowess, Broadus was 41.1 percent from the field at the expense of a below- just as effective on defense. average free throw percentage of 42.1 percent. “Athleticism is the strong point of my game, espe- Poindexter was a first-team All-WCAC player cially on defense. I believe defense wins games,” said along with current teammate Eugenia Broadus in Broadus. “If we make stops on defense, we can rely 2007. Last season, Poindexter scored in double-digits less on our offense to win.” three times. In a 58-57 win over UMBC, Poindexter Broadus led the team last season with 18 blocks, scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Poin- and also recorded 24 steals. Already a good defender, dexter matched her season-high 12 points to go along Broadus will be a tough player to guard as she can be with six rebounds against . skillful in scoring and passing. Poindexter, one of three freshmen last year, commit- Eley Idol, the Scoring Artist ted the fewest turnovers with only 35. In 17 starts last season, Eley averaged 5.1 PPG, Poindexter’s role on the team will be significant fourth-most on the team. Among returning players, with the loss of 2008 graduate Lateisha Wade.

24 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 25 Patriot Center: Home Court Advantage Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

The Cameron Crazies and Izzone make up two of the top inhospitable environments in college basketball. From creative signs to yelling expletives at opposing players, the student section continues to play a significant role in college basketball games. Unlike the major conference schools such as Duke or Maryland, George Mason University fans tend to be more balanced in being rowdy and family friendly when it comes to game day. Yet, the Patriot Platoon make it rather difficult on opponents, especially when poor shooting and turnover-after- turnover do not help the cause. Full House Est. 1985 The Patriot Center, Mason’s own landmark since 1985, opened its doors to many students and fans. The first ever sellout was on February 25, 1989 in a Colonial Athletic Conference showdown against the James Madison Dukes. At the time, the arena capacity filled 9,523 seats. Mason versus James Madison was always a popular game for fans to attend. “With JMU students growing up in the Northern Virginia area and alumni living around here, there tends to be a number of fans supporting the visiting team at the Patriot Center as the two teams clash,” said senior Daniel Rivera. Photo by: Teddy Meyer, Asst. Photography Manager

26 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 27 Over the years, games based on the locality factor Show Me the Numbers shifted to games against quality opponents. As Mason As seen in Figure 1, the average attendance added more seats in the Patriot Center, there was continued to shift rightward, and after the 2006 Final more attraction of fans to games that “mattered.” Four appearance, there was a significant increase per “My favorite game so far was when we beat VCU game. at home last year. Everyone rushed the court and it At Mason, the Final Four stands out, but what just felt great beating our biggest rival,” said junior goes unnoticed is the team’s dominance as a host. Matt Cerilli, “It is definitely much more exciting From a struggling 7-6 record in 2007 to 13-1 the watching a home conference game especially when next season, the Patriots in 2008 increased their we come out on top, which is very common at home point differential nearly 2.5 times the amount from games. the previous season. Mason increased their average Among a handful of Mason fans, Cerilli had not scoring by four points as opponents’ scoring declined missed a home game yet as he hopes to keep the by four points per game. In the last two seasons, the streak alive. Patriots won by at least 20 points nine times, their Coming off a Final Four appearance in 2006, biggest coming in an 85-38 rout over the Drexel 9,804 fans packed the Patriot Center to watch the Dragons. Patriots fall short to the Mason’s worst loss was Wichita State Shockers. “My favorite game so far a 20-point loss in their 2006 “It was definitely what home opener against the I had been looking forward was when we beat VCU at Creighton Blue Jays. to since I had arrived in the home last year. Everyone There is a significant fall. Even though we lost that discrepancy between Mason game, I was very impressed rushed the court and it just and their opponents in field- at how exciting the game felt great beating our biggest goal percentage and turnovers was and how school spirited committed. everyone was, and I definitely rival,” said junior Matt Cerilli. In basketball, key got chills when they released components of scoring the Final Four banner before includes making shots (FG) the game,” said Cerilli, and at the number of missed referring to his first experience at a Mason home game shots (FGM), and reducing turnovers (TO) to prevent as a student. from giving opponents ample opportunity to score. Also in the 2006-07 season, the Patriot Center Table 2 (MASON) and Table 3 (OPP) show the sold out in a game against the Old Dominion components plus attendance (ATTEND) and how they Monarchs, who eventually earned an NCAA factors into scoring for Mason and their opponents tournament in that year. based on last season’s statistics. Last season, 36 seats were added, and two more For Mason, there was greater sensitivity in the games made the number 1 slot for all-time Mason attendance coefficient last season than in 2007 when biggest crowds. Even though James Madison became combining the two. As seen in Table 4 and Table 5, a popular attraction again, it is apparent that the attendance still works in Mason’s favor. Dukes held a better record last season than that in The Great Decade 2007 before a showdown at the Patriot Center. The There seems to be a significant win-loss record in Dukes improved their 4-11 record coming into Mason home court dominance in the last ten seasons. From in 2006 to 10-10 last season as the attendance shot 1998-2008, the Cameron Crazies and their faithful up from 8,044 to 9,840 fans. That marked Mason’s Duke Blue Devils won 141 games with only 13 losses only win when playing in front of a sellout crowd since at home. The Michigan State Spartans did even better 2001. with 146 wins out of 156 total with four zero-loss The other sellout game against the UNC- seasons. From a CAA standpoint where there is no Wilmington Seahawks last season ended in a one team clearly above the rest, Mason tends to be heartbreaking fashion as it appeared former player home-dominant with a 109-21 record. Will Thomas sunk the game-tying free throw to force The Patriot Center, now in its 23rd year, overtime. Spoiling Mason’s homecoming, T.J. Carter, continues to be a strong venue for basketball fans also a graduate in 2008, scored the game-winning where history is preserved. Former Maryland great layup as time expired to give the Seahawks their first Len Bias’ record for free throw attempts by an win in Fairfax since 2001 and handed the Patriots opponent as of this day has been unhampered with. their first and only home loss of the season.

26 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 27 Mason’s Sweet Sixteen

Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

For 40 minutes, basketball players put all of their son basketball game. The Mason Dance Invitational is effort in helping the team score points and preventing usually held in November or December. opponents from putting the ball into the basket. What Every January, the Masonettes compete at the goes unnoticed is the amount of work George Mason Universal Dance Association’s National College University spirit teams go through to keep the crowd Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship at Walt entertained. Regardless of the situation of the games, Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Last season, the the mood stays the same for the Masonettes, a group Masonettes finished in seventh place in the hip-hop of 16 dancers, when they perform in front of approxi- category of approximately 30 Division I schools. mately 9,000 fans during halftime, which has been a “We were really happy with our finish last season rallying point for the fans and the home team. since the competition had more than 30 teams,” said Led by head coach Michelle Chin, the Masonettes Chin, “Our goal is to always improve our placing, and and their halftime shows are a popular attraction this year, we want to shoot for a top five finish.” during the Mason basketball Dancing also requires games. Chin was a Masonette plenty of work from the a decade ago. Over the years, “Dancing motivates us to Masonettes and every other the alumni have continued make people smile, college dancer. There are the dancing professionally. For- expenses for shoes, costumes, mer Masonettes are currently especially our younger and travel. In addition to dancing for the Washington that, choreography takes time Redskins and Washington crowd since it makes them to master. During the regular Wizards. Others like Chin be- feel like a part of the school,” season, the Masonettes came coaches for high school practice three times a week, and all-star teams. said Maclin.” and will eventually have a “I remember that we’d much harder schedule during be excited when the Patriot the competition season when Center was half-full. It’s so great to see the student practice goes up to six times per week. involvement and the seats filled at every game,” said “Every morning, we practice starting at 7 a.m. on Chin. technical skills. As easy and effortless it may seem, I For the Masonettes, to be part of great excitement always love performing at basketball games. Danc- at Mason is a grand experience. Their performances ing motivates us to make people smile, especially our are enhanced by popular and current music. “Old younger crowd since it makes them feel like a part of school” music and ’80s music have been a big hit with the school,” said Maclin. the crowd. Senior Denise Maclin, captain of the Masonettes There are usually about 50 people trying out at this year, said, “In our first year doing hip-hop, we did the Masonettes audition, which also requires every very well. Since we look to push for improvement, our current member to try out again for the following focus will be on hip-hop and jazz this year.” year. In the process of trying out for the team, Ma- In the past, the Masonettes have been involved in sonettes will go through a one-day clinic where dance other venues including Washington Wizards games combinations are taught, an interview, and a formal and the Virginia Special Olympics Opening Ceremo- tryout. This year’s roster introduces eight rookies. nies. With the Mason athletic teams progressing into Information can be found on the website GoMason. CAA contenders, the Masonettes have accomplished com—click on “Spirit” for the Masonettes page. at the national level. Even though dancing requires serious commit- The Mason Dance Invitational has been an annual ment, the end result is enjoyment among the Mason- tradition where junior high, JV and varsity dance ettes, who have kept crowd enthusiasm at a high level teams from all over the Washington Metropolitan area since 1990. compete in which the winner gets to perform at a Ma-

28 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 29 Photos by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager

28 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 29 30 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 31 Building Off Last Season’s First-Round Exit Brendan Murphy Broadside Correspondent

The Patriots lost to the Fighting Irish of Notre Coaches and players believe the team’s struggle Dame 68-50 in the opening round of the NCAA with health, different atmosphere and environment 64-team basketball tournament. The luck of the Irish played major roles, but feel they lost to a good team. came three days after St. Patrick’s Day. “My guess, Notre Dame will be picked as a top Team leader Will Thomas led the team with 25 ten team this year and have a chance at the national points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals, championship game,” 12th-year head coach Jim Lar- but the green and gold were a combined 19-of-57 from ranaga said. the field including 3-of-17 from the three-point line. The loss ended the Patriots fifth appearance to the “I think we struggled and relied on Will too NCAA tournament after winning the CAA champion- much,” senior guard John Vaughan said. ship for the vfourth time in school history, third under The Irish out shot the Larranaga and first since 2001, Patriots, shooting 45.6 percent but the coaches and players including 9-of-21 on three-point look forward. field goal attempts. Six three- “It is absolutely a new pointers came in the first half as year, we don’t look back. We the Irish dominated the Patriots knew going into the Notre 33-21 after the first 20 minutes. Dame game that they were “We missed a lot of shots much bigger than us and we we had been making all year,” hadn’t faced anybody of that senior guard Dre Smith said. size. They were able to chal- Smith set an NCAA record lenge our shots and make us for the most three-point field miss,” Larranaga said. “We goals without a miss earlier in were not at the top of our game the 2007-08 season against that day for whatever reason. James Madison University But that season is behind us when he made 10-of-10 from and a new year is here and behind the arc. Smith struggled we’re just looking forward and from the field, shooting only not looking backward.” 1-of-6, and 1-of-4 from three- When asked if this is a point land. strong enough team to get Notre Dame was led by ju- back to the Big Dance, senior nior forward Luke Harangody, guard John Vaughan said, who led the team with 18 points “We have a great chance. Our and 14 rebounds. Harangody league has gotten better. I just averaged 20.4 points and 10.6 think we are under the radar. rebounds per game during the Last year we were the top dog. regular season. We handled it very well, but this year we are under the Senior Guard Kyle McAlarney matched his sea- radar.” son averages with 15 points, four assists, and three The green and gold Patriots open regular season rebounds. on Nov. 15 on the road at Vermont and travel home to “They are a great team. They can shoot one play Brown University on Nov. 17 for the home opener through four. Their four man is a really great shooter,” at the Patriot Center. Smith said. L-R Photos by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager

30 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 31 The Rise and Fall of the Mason Empire Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor

After a 10-19 showing in the 1999-00 season, the 15 games. From an impressive 4-2 start, Mason suf- George Mason University women’s basketball team fered their worst record in school history at 8-21. completed a major turnaround in the next season as Another decent start got Mason to a 7-5 record they matched a career-high 21 wins and qualified for last season, but a roadblock led to minimal improve- the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. Head ment. In contrast to the 2007 season, the team im- Coach Debbie Taneyhill was named Colonial Athletic proved its home record from 3-10 to 6-8. Last season’s Association Coach of the Year. The Patriots were able freshmen were given ample playing time and more to sustain three more winning seasons, including opportunities to start games. Brittany Eley, Eugenia another WNIT appearance in 2004 after going 18-11. Broadus, and Brittany Poindexter each started at least Since then, it has been a gradual decline with two 10 games with approximately 17-18 minutes per game. consecutive 21-loss seasons in progress. With Taneyhill stepping down after last season, there is a new look in Mason women’s basketball. 2001-2004: A New Zenith in Mason Wom- en’s Basketball 2009: Searching for the Light Going back to the start of the millennium, Mason Jeri Porter, Mason’s new head coach, has a was equipped with three high-scoring athletes—Jen difficult task in front of her. The last time the team Derevjanik, Jen Surlas, and Vernessa Neamo. Surlas, finished with consecutive sub-.400 records was in Derevjanik, and Neamo finished their four years at 1986-1987. In 1988, the Patriots posted a 21-9 record. Mason with at least 1,300 points apiece. Even from 2000-2001, the Patriots turned a 10-19 Despite a 10-19 record in 2000, Surlas averaged season to 21-9. If history has its way, a major im- 16.9 PPG. At the time of Mason’s 21-win season in provement is imminent whether it is this year or next. 2001, Surlas averaged only 12.7 PPG her senior year. What gave rise to this type of success was the Derevjanik led the team in assists and steals, and av- emerging freshman class. Before Toni Battle and eraged 10.1 PPG along with 4.3 rebounds per game. Jerolyn Weathersby became efficient scorers and Neamo, the eighth all-time leading scorer, still rebounders 20 years ago, the two athletes began on a ranks at the top of all-time steal leaders. Neamo led team that was looking to develop from its young play- the team in 2004 with 165 field goals and finished sec- ers. Same way worked out for Derevjanik and Neamo ond in scoring with 15.3 PPG and field-goal percent- in the 21st century. age with 45.5 percent. Porter inherits a new team with many new faces. Derevjanik, who averaged 17.1 PPG in her se- With Eley, Broadus, and Poindexter entering their nior year, reached national stardom in the WNBA. sophomore year with a sufficient amount of experi- Originally undrafted, Derevjanik currently plays for ence, the team also looks for its four freshmen to the Phoenix Mercury. Prior to playing professional deliver. Becky Cox and Deidre Richardson will be vital basketball, Derevjanik made key highlights in her assets on the offensive side, Amber Epps is regarded tenure with the Patriots. In 2004, Mason’s last win- as a potent defender, and Rachel Robinson has the ning season, Derevjanik averaged 24.7 PPG in the ability to grab rebounds. CAA tournament, including a career-high 40-point An important job for Porter will be to find a bal- performance in the semifinals to lead the team to only ance between the short-term and long-term effects. their third championship game. The post-Surlas/ In addition to developing for the future, Porter hopes Derevjanik/Neamo era led to a downturn that is still to build a team that can win its games now. Since in effect today. the CAA tournament’s existence in 1984, Mason has reached the final three times without a trophy in 2005-2008: Trapped in the Dark hand. No team has been able to dethrone Old Do- From 2004-2005, the average attendance for minion University in the last 17 years. With the new women’s basketball at the Patriot Center dropped outlook for 2009, the potential may be what drives from 819 to 713. After starting 0-2 in 2005, Mason Mason to a higher level, a level never achieved by past won four of their next five games before losing three Mason women basketball players. in a row. In 2006, the Patriots jumped to an early 2-0 start, but that was countered by 12 losses in the next

32 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 33 You Don’t Stop Believin’ When You Have Doc Nix Natalia Kossobokova Connect2Mason Multimedia Director

Doors fling open and students begin to file out of a classroom, instruments swinging in their cases as they walk. A clump of kids follows shortly afterward, cluster- ing around their tall and broad-shouldered professor in the middle of the hallway. The crowd is beaming, bab- bling and eager with questions. Someone reaches over to give the professor a hug, another bursts into song. “Can we walk and talk?” the professor asks, and the crowd pursues in agreement. One would think that this pep band director was some kind of celebrity. When it comes to George Mason University that just might be true. Wearing his pinstriped suit (sometimes referred to as a “Mardi Gras” or “Pimp” suit), shimmering gold shirt, cream crocodile shoes and funky golden-rimmed shades, Dr. Michael Nickens, or “Doc Nix,” brings an unprec- edented energy to Mason’s basketball games by leading the pep band with songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Even Nix’s cane is eye-popping. Topped with an apple-sized, emer- ald green diamond, Doc uses it not only to conduct the band, but to engage the audience, as well as add “oomph” to his slick dance moves. “It’s simply a pleasure to have Nix around,” says Peter Stearns, provost and history professor at GMU. “Most obviously for the pep band and his conservative attire at basketball games, but more gen- erally for the energy he brings to the music program. He makes a real difference at Mason.” Music major Don Bradner says Nix brought “a whole new level of intensity” to The Green Ma- chine—the pep band—as well as the games. “When I first started this job I knew I wouldn’t just teach kids music,” Nix admits. “Our community is kind of like a tribe. [The band] is kind of a connecting point.” One of his favorite memories was when thousands fans sang along to “Livin On a Prayer,” booming throughout the stands during the playoffs. “You singing is part of the performance. You dancing is part of the performance. Everything we do is in the spirit of— ‘How do we have fun with this’?” says Nix.w During recent weeks, he has been thinking about performing a flavorful track called “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That,” by Robert Randolph & The Family Band. It sounds a bit like “Outkast and Jimmy Hendrix” says Nix. “Someone in my pop music class gave me this CD and said ‘check this band out!’ I took a road trip last week and I popped it in… immediately I was like, ‘Thank you!’” He loved the mes- sage behind the lyrics: “It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, what kind of clothes you’re wearing, what you look like, were all just here partying together.” Mason is known for its diversity, and Nix knew that he had to address this during the games. “We gotta find some kicking country to play,” he says thoughtfully. “We have everybody walking around here. Everybody’s voice needs to be heard…It’s a huge mix of the whole world.” He also hopes to incor- porate metal band Van Halen during their next performance, “Jumping is important,” he adds. Nix is a worldly man himself, having family roots from around the globe—including Africa, Europe, and South East Asia. The only continents he hasn’t played on are Australia, and Antarctica. He has studied at James Madison University, Yale, Michigan and the Manhattan School of Music. Unlike other professors, he has not had a day off since the semester started. On a recruiting job last week, Nix spoke with the Dean of Admissions at Juilliard, one of the most prestigious performance schools in the world, located in New York. Even though Nix graduated from the Manhattan School of Music a decade ago, he enjoyed running into old friends, and is very thankful for the opportunities he had while studying there, as well as his other schools. He hopes one day Mason will be able to provide better opportunities for students, and is working to achieve this goal. Photo by: Laura Foltz

32 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 33 Time’s Up... Loyal Fans Say Goodbye to Gunston Brian Chan Broadside Sports Editor For the past couple of years, the students have finally spoken. Entering the 2009 season, Mason ousted their fuzzy green mascot of 12 years. Mason will unveil their new mascot at their home opener against Brown University on Monday, November 17. According to Press Secretary Dan Walsch, Gunston will not be gone forever. “Gunston is simply taking on a new role,” said Walsch. With ratings compared to those of the United States president and Congress, the for- mer Gunston received mixed reactions from the Mason student body. A few years ago, Associate Athletic Direc- tor for Marketing Andy Ruge surveyed a 60-stu- dent marketing class, finding that none of the students approved Gunston as a mascot. The controversy began with the uncer- tain depiction of Gunston. Gunston, a cross between “Oscar the Grouch” and a muppet, emerged as Mason’s main mascot at a men’s basketball game against Ohio State University in 1996. For 12 years, the “what’s that?” mascot made appearances at basketball games and campus events. At times, Gunston created a family-ori- ented environment at the Patriot Center as the younger fans filled the arena. Prior to Gunston’s existence, Mason was represented by the Mason Maniak, a patriot, gorilla, and the Green Mask. The patriot only last three years from 1990-1993 as George Johnson, the school presi- Check out connect2mason.com with the dent at the time, believed a white male mascot did not portray the university’s diversity. The Green Mask video of Gunston’s graduation by was based on the 1995 movie, in which he performed Web Communications! outside Mason basketball games. Gunston is another member of the 2006 Final Four run who will not show face at Mason basketball games The new mascot will be revealed on in the 2009 season. There has been speculation that the November 17 at the Mason vs. Brown game. mascot will represented more like a Patriot rather than a creature like Xavier University’s Blue Blob.

Photo by: Courtney Erland, Photography Manager

34 | Broadside’s Basketball Guide Fall 2008 | 35