ALFRED, NY - Hard work.

Commitment to the team.

Chemistry.

This is the blueprint that head coach Jay Murphy will be looking for as he tries to send the Alfred University men's basketball team to the postseason for the third time in the last four years.

The Saxons will need this commitment from the entire team this season after losing their top two offensive players, Brian Quinlan and Steve Filosa, to graduation.

"For our team to be a success this season all of our players must push aside their egos and do what is best for the team, maybe even play roles that were not asked of them previously," Murphy said. "I am looking at our six returnees to show all of our newcomers what it means to be a part of the men's basketball program here at Alfred."

AU will also have to play a stingier defense in order to return to the postseason. They were outrebounded by 4.4 boards a game last season, something that Murphy says must change.

"We could have won 20 games last season if we had a better defense. We have to give our opponents tougher shots and rebound better for us to be successful. One major goal is to get on the positive side of rebounds and reduce the other team's field goal percentage. I am looking for everyone to be a complete player, be committed both defensively and offensively."

This season will also mark a return to conference play for the Saxons, as they play their first season in the Empire Eight. The champion of the Empire Eight will receive an automatic bid to this season's Division III NCAA Tournament.

"We have to make a concentrated effort against our seven conference teams. We will have a total of 14 games against conference rivals," Murphy said. "We can't overlook our nonconference opponents either. The team has to put their best effort forward for all of the games. If so, I can see a 20-win season as a possibility."

Murphy will look to his four captains, juniors Willie Smith (Fulton/Fulton), Kareem McKinnon (Brooklyn/Kingsborough), and Rob Stedman (Perry/Perry) and sophomore E.J. Docteur (Seneca Falls/Mynderse Academy) to show the way to a large group of newcomers.

Smith, a 6-1 point guard, will be looked at to build on a successful 1998-99 campaign which saw him lead AU with 131 assists and finish third in team scoring with 10.6 points per game. He is aggressive on defense, and is rarely beaten by the oppositions point guard.

McKinnon will be the big man down low for AU this year. The 6-9 center made huge strides last season, and has the capability to be in double figures in both scoring and rebounding every night. Opponents will also have to be fearful of his solid passing and shot blocking skills.

Stedman, a 6-2 guard, will be looked at as a 3-point threat this year. He gained a few starts at the conclusion of last season, replacing an injured Filosa in the ECAC Playoffs. He is also the Saxons' best free-throw shooter. Coach Murphy will be looking for Stedman to become more of a complete player this season and return to the defensive form that he had in his freshman season.

Docteur, an imposing 6-6 forward, will be dangerous both offensively and defensively. He will not only be a threat down low at the post, but he can take the ball outside and shoot the three. If he is pressured, Docteur has the ability to find the open man to set up a scoring chance. Docteur is also a strong defensive player and will be looked at, along with McKinnon, to run the defensive boards.

Two other returners should make an impact in this season's Saxons lineup. Sophomore guards Chris Koek (Penn Yan/Penn Yan) and Jason Wheeler (Camden/Camden) will both be looked at to pick up more time this season.

Koek is a good shooter who can stop players in the defensive end. Wheeler is a great leaper who can excite the crowd with his dunking ability. He could be a shooting threat as he continues to build on his range.

AU will welcome two sophomore transfers to their lineup this season. The "Newark Connection" of Tanner Webb (Newark/Newark) and Brian Strait (Newark/Newark) should pay immediate dividends to the Saxons. Both come from a winning high school program and know what it takes to win.

Webb, a transfer guard from Clarkson University, can play either the point or the two-guard. He has a deep range on the three and is a good ball handler. He will be a major addition to the team, and will continue to improve as he learns the AU system.

Strait, a transfer forward from Nazareth College, joins his former high school teammate in Alfred. He has the ability to drive the ball to the hole and is also a solid passer.

Three upperclassmen will make their first appearances in Alfred purple and gold. Junior guards Todd Boyland (Sinclairville/Cassadaga) and Rob Strickland (Amherst/Sweet Home) as well as sophomore guard Kurt Larson (McKees Rock, PA/Montour) will all be members of the 1999-00 edition of the Saxons. Both Boyland and Strickland return to basketball after taking two years off, while Larson comes back after missing all of last season with an injured knee.

A solid group of freshmen are also expected to be strong contributors, led by guard Neil Burley (Rushville/Marcus Whitman) and forward Jeff Hopkins (York/York). Burley, 6-4, is a talented 3-point shooter who can drive to the hoop. Hopkins will be another tall presence in the AU lineup, standing at 6-6. He is strong fundamentally and possesses a solid hook shot.

AU will also welcome local hero, 6-4 forward Bryan Crandall (Canisteo/Canisteo) to their lineup. He is the all-time leading scorer at Canisteo High School. Crandall can post and go outside. He is a hard worker who should blossom into a good player.

Three other freshmen will be looked at as a foundation of the team's future. Guards Augustine Fayomi (Queens/John Adams), Dan Miller (West Coxsacki/Coxsacki-Athens), and Brian Roegiers (Marion/Marion) will all develop this year and be important players in the future success of the program.

- 30 -

10/15/99