'Roos To Face Off With Western Illinois On Thursday
2/16/2011 2:10:00 AM | Men's Basketball
THE SETTING
The UMKC men's basketball team (15-10, 8-6) will look to make it two wins in a row when they head to Macomb, Ill., to face Western Illinois (7-18, 2-12) at Western Hall. The game between the 'Roos and the Leathernecks is set to tip at 7 p.m.
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LAST TIME OUT
The 'Roos picked up a 91-58 win over Centenary on Saturday night at the Swinney Recreation Center. UMKC dominated the game from the three-point line, knocking down 50.0 percent of its shots (15-30), while limiting Centenary to 18.2 percent (2-11) from beyond the arc.
Senior Jay Couisnard led the 'Roos with a team-high 21 points, while freshman Trinity Hall finished with a new career-high of 21. Senior Bakari Lewis, meanwhile, added 15 points and eight assists, while junior Reggie Chamberlain registered 15 points and senior Spencer Johnson finished with nine points and 15 rebounds.
SCOUTING WESTERN ILLINOIS
Western Illinois enters the game with a 7-18 overall record and a 2-12 mark in Summit League play after losing at North Dakota State and South Dakota State last week. Senior Matt Lander leads the Leathernecks at 16.7 points per game, while also dishing out a team -high 60 assists. Junior Kaimarr Price is the only other WIU player averaging in double figures at 10.5 points per game, while leading the team at 6.7 rebounds per game. As a team, the Leathernecks are out-shooting their opponents from three-point range, 35.8 percent to 34.2 percent.
THE SERIES
UMKC leads the all-time series between the two schools, 24-14, including a 55-46 win on Jan. 22. In the game, UMKC picked up its first Summit League weekend sweep in the Matt Brown era. The 'Roos out-rebounded the Leathernecks in the game 41-31, while committing a season-low nine turnovers in the contest. Senior Spencer Johnson led the 'Roos, as the forward finished with game-highs of 16 points, 18 rebounds and three steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Senior Jay Couisnard and freshman Trinity Hall were next on the UMKC scoring list with 11 points apiece, while junior Michael Gholston, Jr., was the final 'Roo in double figures with 10.
In the first game last season, four players reached double figures to propel the UMKC men's basketball team to a 61-57 victory over Western Illinois on Jan. 21 at Municipal Auditorium. Senior Spencer Johnson finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds to tally his second double-double of the season. Senior Jay Couisnard paced the team in scoring with 14 points. Senior Bakari Lewis and Johnson finished with 10 points apiece, and Lewis dished out a game-high five assists. UMKC finished the game with a .449 (22-49) field goal percentage and a .444 (8-18) mark from long range. WIU, meanwhile, had a .373 (19-51) mark from the floor, despite shooting .500 (8-16) from three-point land. UMKC also won the battle on the boards for the second straight game, 32-28, and had 13 assists.
In the second game, the 'Roos closed out the road portion of their schedule with a tight 64-59 loss at Western Illinois on Feb. 20 at Western Hall. The 'Roos fought back to within three points twice in the final two minutes after trailing by as many as 15 early in the second half. Jay Couisnard netted 15 points to lead the squad, going just 3-of-12 from the field, but 9-of-10 from the free throw stripe. UMKC finished with a .328 (19-58) field goal percentage and a .222 (4-18) mark from long range, while Western Illinois shot .525 (21-40) from the floor and .455 (5-11) from three-point land. The Leathernecks also went 17-of-21 from the free throw stripe, which included making all eight attempts in the final minute. UMKC won the battle on the glass, 35-25.
THE COACHES
UMKC head coach Matt Brown is in his fourth season with the UMKC men's basketball program, where he has compiled an 40-72 overall record and has coached four players to all-Summit League recognition. Former forward Dane Brumagin was a second team all-league honoree and Reggie Hamilton was an all-newcomer team selection in 2007-08, before Brumagin and Jay Couisnard were honorable mention all-league honorees in 2008-09 and 2009-10, respectively. Couisnard was also chosen to The Summit League all-Newcomer team.
Jim Molinari took over the helm of the Western Illinois program at the start of the 2008-09 season. In the 2009-10 season, Molinari led Western Illinois to The Summit League Tournament with sophomore Ceola Clark earning both Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors. It was the first time in program history that a Western player earned the yearly accolade and the first time in 10 years that the Leathernecks had a first team member.
In his first season (2008-09) he began a rebuilding process of the Fighting Leatherneck program and coached the Fighting Leathernecks to the best conference start since the 1997-98 season. Molinari coached Western's highest leading scorer since the 1996-97 season in senior David DuBois, also a Summit League all-conference selection.
NEW MAN ON TOP
With the first of his 10 rebounds against North Dakota State, senior Spencer Johnson passed Darecko Rawlins for the top spot in the UMKC annals with 683 career rebounds. The forward also moved into the top-10 in scoring with 954 points, while sitting third in games played with 116, sixth with 86 games started, ninth with 2,798 minutes played, 10th with 305 three-point attempts, third with 16 double-doubles and tied for second with 21 double figure rebounding games.
1,000 CAREER POINTS
With his 31 point performance against Oral Roberts, senior Jay Couisnard surpassed the 1,000 career point mark. The forward now has 1,027 career points and needs 125 more to reach 1,000 at UMKC after scoring 152 at Evansville. Senior Spencer Johnson, meanwhile, has 954 points, 46 shy of becoming the 10th 1,000 point scorer in school-history.
LEAGUE GAMES ONLY
In Summit League games only, Spencer Johnson is averaging 11.6 rebounds per game, 2.0 more than the second place person, while sitting third in the league in minutes played (37.2). Reggie Chamberlain, meanwhile, is fifth in assists (3.1), Trinity Hall is third in blocks (1.3) and Jay Couisnard is fifth in scoring (18.9).
HOME/AWAY
This season, the 'Roos have posted an 11-2 record at home, while going only 4-8 on the road. At home, UMKC is out-scoring the opponent 75.0-67.9, limiting the opponents to 44.3 percent shooting. On the road, the 'Roos are getting out-scored 77.1-65.7, while shooting only 40.04 percent from the field.
CLUTCH FREE THROWS
Junior Reggie Chamberlain has made a habit out knocking down clutch free throws this season, making 24-of-28 through the first 23 games of the season. On Jan. 20, against IUPUI, the Kansas City native made 8-of-8 in the final minute of the second overtime. Sophomore Max Rockmann, meanwhile, has made 11-of-14 clutch free throws this season.
OVERTIME GAMES
UMKC has already played in four overtime games, including two double overtime games, for a total of six overtime periods this season. The four games are the most since 2006-07, while the six periods are the most in school history in the Division I era and tied with the 1981-83 season for most all-time. The 'Roos currently sit 1-3 in the four games.
UMKC TOP HOME WIN TOTALS - DIVISION I HISTORY
14 wins (once) - 1991-92
12 wins (once) - 1992-93
11 wins (five times) - 1989-90, 1990-91, 2001-02, 2010-11
UMKC TOP WIN TOTALS - DIVISION I HISTORY
20 wins (once) - 1991-92 (later changed to 21 wins due to NCAA violation by UTPA)
18 wins (once) - 2001-02
16 wins (twice) - 1999-00, 2004-05
15 wins (four times) - 1990-91, 1992-93, 2003-04, 2010-11
IRON MEN
In this season's 25 games, 10 men have totaled all the minutes for the 'Roos, including six that have played in every game, while never playing more than nine in a single game. Among the top nine, none is averaging less than 10 minutes a contest, while senior Spencer Johnson (89) and junior Reggie Chamberlain (90) each played more than 89 minutes combined in consecutive games against Oral Roberts and IUPUI. Chamberlain, Johnson and Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, have started all 25 games for the 'Roos.
NATIONALLY RANKED
A pair of UMKC seniors have posted impressive enough numbers that they rank near the top-100 in the nation in their categories. Spencer Johnson tops the list, as his 10.2 rebounds per game is 16th best in the country, while Jay Cousinard's 18.2 points per game is 54th best and 50.0 field goal percentage ranks 84th. As a team, the 'Roos are 45th in three-point field goals made per game at 7.8.
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Freshman Trinity Hall has made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the 'Roos, averaging 8.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and just under 1.0 blocks per game. Currently, the 8.3 points per game ranks tied for ninth best average for a freshman in school history, while the 24 blocks are the second most by a freshman, the 3.8 rebounds are ninth most and the 41.3 percent field goal percentage is tied for 10th best. His 57 free throws made and his 86 free throw attempts are each sixth most.
FEELING RIGHT AT HOME
With its 75-73 win over North Dakota State on Dec. 28, the UMKC men's basketball team improved its home record to 7-0 on the season, topping the 4-0 mark by the 2001-02 squad for the best start at home since the team moved to Division I. Overall, the seven game home winning streak ranked as the third longest streak in school history, trailing only the 12 game home winning streak in 1990 and the 11 game winning streak spanning the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons.
MONSTER ON THE GLASS
Three times this season, senior Spencer Johnson set his career-high in rebounds, including the latest when he grabbed the second most in school-history with 21 against North Dakota State on Dec. 28. The mark trails only the 23 by Tony Berg against Baylor on Dec. 3, 1996. Johnson currently sits second in The Summit League with 9.4 rebounds per game.
UNDEFEATED WHEN...
Several scenarios have resulted in perfect records for the 'Roos, including: Finishing with less turnovers (7-0), registering more assists than their opponent (6-0), five players score in double figures (2-0), playing on Tuesday (3-0) and playing on Friday (1-0).
2009-10 'ROO TIDBITS
• Jay Couisnard (49), Spencer Johnson (48), Reggie Chamberlain (48) and Max Rockmann (36) all registered a career-high in minutes played against IUPUI on Jan. 20
• Reggie Chamberlain's 23 points against Houston Baptist, five assists against UCA and four steals at Oakland were new career-highs.
• Max Rockmann's 10 points against SDSU were a new career-high, while his five rebounds in the same game matched his previous career-high.
• Bernard Kamwa's 10 rebounds against Kansas were a new career-high.
• Jay Cousinard's 181 free throw attempts last season rank sixth all-time at UMKC.
• Jay Cousinard's four blocks against SEMO were a new career-high, while his 26 points against SIU Edwardsville were a new career-high.
• Jay Couisnard's junior class ranks include seventh in scoring (420), second in made free throws (108), third in free throws attempted (181), sixth in field goals attempted (333).
• Spencer Johnson's junior class ranks include tied for the third most starts (29) and his 175 rebounds rank eighth.
• Reggie Chamberlain's 82.8 free throw percentage ranks fifth all-time in junior class ranks.
• Jay Couisnard's senior class ranks include fifth in scoring average (18.2), seventh in scoring (455), sixth in field goal percentage (.500), third in free throws attempted (178), sixth in free throws made (113), tied for eighth in field goals (152) and tied for 10th in blocked shots (18).
• Spencer Johnson's senior class ranks include second in rebounding (256), tied for eighth in field goal percentage (48.7), eighth in 3-pt. field goals (50) and tied for fourth in three-point % (.420). Johnson is also tied for 10th all-time with 45 double figure scoring games.
• Jay Couisnard ranks eighth with 16 20-point games, ninth all time with 243 free throws made, seventh with 359 free throws attempted, ninth with 47 double figure scoring games and tied for seventh with two 30-point scoring games.
• Bakari Lewis ranks tied for 18th with 696 career points, while Jay Couisnard is 12th with 875.
• Sophomore Kirk Korver made two or more three pointers in nine games on the season and tied for third on the squad with 26 long balls. The total is the ninth most by a freshman in school history. His .386 three-point percentage, meanwhile, was the fourth best mark by a freshman in the annals.
• In losses this season, UMKC is averaging 66.2 points per game on 81 assists, while allowing 85.4 points per game on 166 assists. Opponents are shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point range, while the 'Roos are shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 29.7 percent on three-point attempts.
• In wins, UMKC is out-scoring opponents 73.4 to 63.6, while out-rebounding them by more than three rebounds a contest. In all, the 'Roos are out-shooting opponents from the field and from three-point range, forcing more steals and blocking more shots.
SUMMIT LEAGUE LEADERS
Currently, Senior Spencer Johnson's 10.2 rebounds per game position him as the top rebounder in The Summit League, while his 12.5 points per game rank 15th and his 42.0 percent three-point percentage ranks ninth. Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, ranks fourth in the league in scoring (18.2 ppg), 10th in blocks (0.7 bpg), 10th in steals (1.2 spg), 14th in field goal percentage (50.0) and 11th in rebounding (5.8 rpg), while Reggie Chamberlain is 11th in steals (1.2 spg), ninth in assists (2.7 apg) and 26th in scoring (10.4 ppg), Bakari Lewis is seventh in free throw percentage (79.7), seventh in assists (2.8 apg), 10th in three-point percentage (41.9) and 24th in scoring (10.4 ppg) and Trinity Hall is fifth in blocks (1.0 bpg).
THREE-POINT DEFENSE
North Dakota State entered its Dec. 28 game against UMKC as the leading three-point shooting team in the nation at 44.6 percent. The 'Roos though, held the Bison to 26.7 percent shooting, limiting NDSU to only four made threes on 15 attempts. South Dakota State, meanwhile, came into the Jan. 27 contest as the nation's second leading three-point shooting team at 42.7 percent, with the 'Roos limiting them to just 25.0 percent from beyond the arc.
PILING UP THE POINTS
In the Jan. 8 win over Southern Utah, senior Jay Couisnard had his most explosive game as a 'Roo, finishing with a career-high 32 points against the Thunderbirds. In the game, the 6-6 forward registered career-highs in field goals made (11) and three-point field goals made (four), while also grabbing five rebounds. Currently, Couisnard has scored 15 or more points in seven straight games and 10 or more in 11 straight.
STEPPING UP
With leading scorer Jay Couisnard in foul trouble and second leading scorer Spencer Johnson being held scoreless, the 'Roos needed a few other guys to step up. Trinity Hall, Michael Gholston, Jr., and Bernard Kamwa did just that. Each of the three players recorded their career-highs in points (Hall-18, Gholston, Jr.-11, Kamwa-11), combining for 40 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and five three-pointers.
BOMBS AWAY
In the back-to-back home games, against Utah Valley and North Dakota, the 'Roos hit 10 threes apiece. Leading the three-point barrage against UVU were seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson. Johnson finished with a career-high tying four three-pointers on seven attempts, while Couisnard also tied his career-high with three three balls on a career-high seven attempts. Against UND, Trinity Hall buried a career-high three, three-pointers, while Couisnard, Bakari Lewis and Michael Gholston, Jr., nailed two.
3-0 AGAINST THE GREAT WEST
With the 73-51 win over Houston Baptist, the 'Roos finished the season with a 3-0 record against teams from the Great West Conference. In the three games, UMKC is out-scoring Utah Valley, North Dakota and Houston Baptist a combined 70.7-58.3, while out-shooting them from three-point range 42.1 percent to 34.7 percent.
DIME MEN
For the four consecutive home games from Dec. 8 through Dec. 28 the 'Roos finished with 11 or more assists, registering a season-high 17 in the win over Houston Baptist. Over that stretch, the squad amassed 57 total dimes, led by Bakari Lewis' 12 and Reggie Chamberlain's 14.
WELCOME BACK REGGIE
Junior Reggie Chamberlain faced a familiar foe on Monday night when the 6-0 guard dropped a career-high 20 points on his former team, Wichita State. Chamberlain, in his first season as a 'Roo, nailed 4-of-9 three pointers against the team he played for during the 2008-09 season.
CAREER NIGHTS
In the Nov. 24 game against SIU Edwardsville, two 'Roo seniors had career nights, highlighted by senior Jay Couisnard. Couisnard posted a new career-high of 26 points, while Spencer Johnson collected 14 rebounds to tie his then career-high and is averaging 10.0 rebounds per game for the season, the second best mark in The Summit League.
MICROWAVE LEWIS
In the Nov. 20 game against Southeast Missouri State, senior guard Bakari Lewis did his best Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson impression, scoring nine points, on 3-3 shooting from three-point range, in a 1:15 stretch off the bench in the first half. Lewis nailed his first three with the 'Roos down 11-5 and his second down 13-8, while his third gave the 'Roos their first lead of the game at 14-13.
CLUTCH DOWN THE STRETCH
Junior Reggie Chamberlain came up huge for the 'Roos down the stretch in the Nov. 16 game with Central Arkansas. In just his second game as a 'Roo, Chamberlain scored eight points in the final 1:42 to help UMKC to the victory. Among his eight points were a pair of three pointers that each gave the 'Roos the lead in the contest.
BAREFOOT FOR SAMARITAN'S FEET
UMKC head coach Matt Brown coached Jan. 20 game against IUPUI in his bare feet to raise awareness for Samaritan's Feet. Samaritan's Feet is an organization that collects and donates shoes to people around the world who can't afford them. IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter began coaching barefoot during the 2007 season and has helped accumulate hundreds of thousands of donations for the organization.
SUCCESSFUL DEBUTS
Three 'Roos made their debuts in the Blue & Gold against Truman State on Nov. 12, and the results were all positive. Freshman Trinity Hall finished second on the team in both points (10) and rebounds (six), while junior transfer Reggie Chamberlain started and recorded six points, three assists and two rebounds. Junior Bernard Kamwa, meanwhile, started at center for the 'Roos and pulled down five boards and chipped in two points on a dunk.
FRESH OFF THE SIGNING BLOCK
On Wednesday, UMKC Head Coach Matt Brown announced that Estan Tyler has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and playing career with the UMKC men's basketball program starting with the 2011-12 season. The 6-1, 175-lb. guard joins the 'Roos out of St. Paul Johnson where he was ranked as the top point guard in Minnesota's senior class of 2011 by MinnesotaPrep.com. As a junior, Tyler led St. Paul Johnson to a perfect 32-0 record and the state championship, while leading the Governors in scoring (14 ppg), assists (4.1 apg) and free throw percentage (78.9). Tyler is the first player to join the 'Roos' 2011 recruiting class, as well as the first player to sign in the early signing period and the first to sign from Minnesota during Brown's tenure as head coach of the squad.
COUISNARD NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
UMKC senior forward Jay Couisnard was named The Summit League Player of the Week on Nov. 22. The Houston, Texas, native earned the honor after averaging 18.5 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game, along with five blocks and four steals in wins over Central Arkansas and Southeast Missouri State.
LAST SEASON
The UMKC men's basketball team made strides forward during the 2009-10 season, as the squad posted a 12-20 record, which were the most victories for the program during the Matt Brown era. The 'Roos also returned to the post season for the 14th time in school history, playing in The Summit League Championship in Sioux Falls as the No. 8 seed. Junior Jay Couisnard was named to The Summit League all-Newcomer and Honorable Mention all-Summit League squads after pacing the squad with 14.0 points per game, while fellow junior Spencer Johnson led the squad on the boards for the second straight season, finishing with 175 rebounds (5.8 rpg.) in 30 games. The Illinois native was the first player since Jimmy Keller (1997-99) to pace the team on the glass in consecutive seasons. Johnson now has 427 career rebounds, which rank seventh in school history. Kirk Korver, meanwhile, placed his name in the UMKC freshmen records, finishing fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.386 (27-70)), ninth in three-point field goals (27), tied for ninth in three-point attempts (70) and 10th in field goal percentage (.413 (45-109)).
SWINNEY GETS A FACE LIFT
The new home of the 'Roos, the Swinney Recreation Center, underwent a major face lift this off-season in time for the 2010-11 season. New chairback-style seating was installed, giving all fans a comfortable environment with a defined seat - no more general admission, and no more bleachers without backs. Parking on campus will continue to be free. All season ticket holders will receive a special pass for the parking lot on the east side of Swinney (bordered by Rockhill Road) and a golf-cart shuttle will run between the parking lots and Swinney to assist any fans in need. Lastly, a new and improved concessions stand will feature an improved selection along with additional staffing.
BACK HOME IN THE HEART OF CAMPUS
The UMKC men's basketball team is making a move back to campus, as 14 of the 15 home games will be played at the newly renovated Swinney Recreation Center. In past seasons, the 'Roos have played their home games at Municipal Auditorium, where they posted a 152-108 record and Kemper Arena, where they posted a 15-15 mark. This season however, only the Jan. 8 contest with Southern Utah will take place at Municipal, while all other games will be held in the heart of campus at the Swinney Recreation Center. The 'Roos posted a 3-3 mark at the SRC last season.
SENIOR CAPTAINS
The three 'Roo seniors, Jay Couisnard, Spencer Johnson and Bakari Lewis, will serve as tri-captains on this season's squad. Last season, the trio combined 30.8 ppg and 13.2 rpg and are the top-three leading scores returning to the 2010-11 team. Couisnard and Johnson return for their second season as captains, while Lewis will be entering his first season as captain.
2010-11 SUMMIT LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL
The UMKC men's basketball team has been picked eighth, tallying 177 points, in The Summit League Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the league coaches, SIDs and media. Defending regular season and tournament champion Oakland garnered 29-of-34 first-place votes and was tabbed as the favorite to win the 2010-11 Summit League Men's Basketball Championship. Oral Roberts was chosen second, followed by IUPUI, NDSU, SDSU, IPFW, Western Illinois, UMKC, Southern Utah and Centenary.
COUISNARD NAMED PRESEASON SECOND TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
Senior Jay Couisnard was selected as a preseason second team all-league honoree by a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and media. Couisnard joins Eric Carlson (NDSU), Leroy Nobles (IUPUI), Clint Sargent (SDSU) and Larry Wright (Oakland) on the second team, while Preseason Player of the Year selection Keith Benson (Oakland) leads the first team that features Ceola Clark (WIU), Michael Craion and Dominique Morrison (ORU), Michael Tveidt (NDSU) and Alex Young (IUPUI).
DEPTH IN THE BACKCOURT
The Kangaroos will look to senior Bakari Lewis to guide the guard position in 2010-11, as he is one of three returnees to the backcourt. Juniors Michael Gholston, Jr. and Dustin Dibble also return in the backcourt to go along with redshirt junior Reggie Chamberlain and walk-on Trevor Mason.
SCORING FROM THE WINGS
The 'Roos will return the most experience on its roster at the forward position where seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson return to the fold. UMKC will also benefit from having sophomore Max Rockmann at its disposal for the entire season, while also welcoming talented freshman Trinity Hall.
SIZE UP FRONT
For the first time in Coach Brown's tenure, the Kangaroos will have depth and experience in the post position heading into the season. UMKC returns two sophomores – Kirk
Korver and Fred Chatmon – to go along with junior college transfer Bernard Kamwa to give the team a wide array of options at the five position.
KC METRO 'ROOS
The 2010-11 roster will feature five players from the Kansas City metro area, including Kansas City, Mo., native and first-year 'Roo Reggie Chamberlain (Kansas City, Mo./Raytown HS). Joining Chamberlain on the squad are juniors Michael Gholston, Jr. (Raytown, Mo./Raytown South HS) and Trevor Mason (Overland Park, Kan./Bishop Miege HS) and freshman Trinity Hall (Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte HS).
STAFF RETURNS INTACT
The UMKC coaching staff will look familiar this season, as all three assistant coaches, as well as the Director of Basketball Operations return to help guide the team.
Martin Unger is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program after serving with Coach Brown on the coaching staff at the University of Richmond from 1997-2001.
Wendell Moore is entering his third season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program. Prior to joining the 'Roos, Moore served as an assistant coach under Rex Walters at Florida Atlantic University from 2006-08.
Stephen Brough is entering his second season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program. Brough joined the 'Roos after serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at Baylor University from 2003-09.
Doug Hall is entering his second season as the Director of Basketball Operations with the UMKC men's basketball program. Hall joined the Kangaroos in June 2009 after serving as the head basketball coach at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., from 2001-09.
Ruben Reyna is entering his first season as a graduate assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program, as he was named to the post in July 2010. Reyna previously served as a manager with the 'Roos for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
COMING FROM CAMEROON
Cameroon native Bernard Kamwa enters his first season in the Blue and Gold after spending his sophomore year at the College of the Sequoia in California. As a freshman, Kamwa was a member of the Cowley County Community College roster, helping the Tigers to a 29-5 record overall. As a prep, the 6-8 forward/center spent time in both Mississippi and California. Kamwa joins Max Rockmann as the only two foreign born players on the UMKC roster.
FRESH FACES ON THE ROSTER
This year's line-up will feature five new 'Roos, made-up of two juniors, one sophomore and a freshman. Junior Reggie Chamberlain will make his UMKC debut after sitting out last season due to transfer rules, while classmate Bernard Kamwa is also new to the squad. Trinity Hall represents the only freshman on this year's team, while sophomore Nate Rogers will redshirt this season after transferring from DePaul.
NEW TV HOME
UMKC basketball will have a new television home during the 2010-11 season, as KSMO will serve as the television home of the 'Roos. A total of nine UMKC home basketball games will be televised in Kansas City during the upcoming 2010-11 season, including games against Southeast Missouri State (Nov. 20), Utah Valley (Dec. 8), Southern Utah (Jan. 8-DH), IUPUI (Jan. 20), Western Illinois (Jan. 22-DH), Oral Roberts (Feb. 10), Centenary (Feb. 12-DH), Oakland (Feb. 24) and IPFW (Feb. 26). Road contest at Kansas State on Dec. 23 (Fox Sports KC), Kansas on Jan. 5 (Jayhawk TV) and Oral Roberts on Jan. 15 (Fox College Sports), meanwhile, will also be televised.
ROGERS TO SIT OUT DUE TO NCAA RULES
Former DePaul player and Maywood, Ill., native Nate Rogers transferred to UMKC in the offseason. The 6-1 guard, who averaged 2.5 points per game for the Blue Demons, will have to sit out the 2010-11 season due to NCAA Division I transfer regulations.
COUISNARD EARNS POST SEASON RECOGNITION
Junior Jay Couisnard was named to The Summit League all-Newcomer and Honorable Mention all-League teams after leading the 'Roos and ranking ninth in the league with a 14.0 scoring average in 2009-10. The forward was the second straight UMKC student-athlete to earn honorable mention all-league honors, as Dane Brumagin received the accolade at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season. He was also the ninth 'Roo to be selected to the all-newcomer squad and the second honoree in the Matt Brown era (Reggie Hamilton - 2007-08).
OLD SWINNEY NEW AGAIN
The renovation transformed the Old Swinney Gymnasium into a modern, collegiate practice facility that provides outstanding training opportunities for 'Roo student-athletes The $500,000 renovation plan included new basketball/volleyball court flooring and basketball standards and volleyball nets to be installed in the existing facility. The skylights in the building were altered, allowing for modified lighting to be put into place. The entire Old Swinney interior was updated and scoreboards were installed.
VOICES OF THE 'ROOS
Steven Davis is entering his third season as the radio voice of UMKC men's basketball program and will be joined by third-year color commentator Steven St. John of 810 AM WHB's “The Border Patrol”, as well as Nick McCabe.
Neil Harwell is entering his 16th season as the TV play-by-play voice of the Kangaroos. Harwell began calling UMKC games during the 1995-96 season and will call all the games broadcast on KCMO.
ROBINSON TO THE HALL
Former men's basketball student-athlete David Robinson was announced as a member of the 2010 Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Jan. 22. Robinson, who was the first four-year letterwinner in the Division I era, posted 20 20-point games and three 30-point contests during his 'Roo career. The seven footer, who led UMKC to wins over the likes of Cincinnati, Creighton and Texas A&M during his playing career, is the school record holder in career field goal percentage (.584), while ranking second in blocks (126) and third in double-doubles (11). Robinson joins former UMKC basketball players Bill Frerking, Ronnie Schmitz and Michael Jackson, as well as former 'Roos coaches Lee Hunt and Bill Ross in the UMKC Hall of Fame.
'ROOS IN THE CLASSROOM
Last season, five 'Roos were named to The Summit League Academic all-Conference team, including current 'Roos Dustin Dibble, Kirk Korver and Bakari Lewis. In order to be named to academic all-League team, each student-athlete must post a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the semester in which they compete. Additionally, Dibble was named a Distinguished Scholar for posting a GPA above 3.6.
Meanwhile, one current player and three total were named to the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence, including Dibble, for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
BATTLING FOR BOARDS
Senior Spencer Johnson paced the squad on the glass for the second straight year, pulling down a team-high 5.8 boards per game. With his efforts, the Champaign, Ill. native led the squad on the glass for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player since Jimmy Keller (1997-99) to do so. This season, Johnson again leads the squad by nearly four rebounds a game.
RAINING THREES
UMKC has made at least one three-point basket in 331 consecutive regular season or tournament games dating back to Jan. 22, 2000.
IT'S A FAMILY THING
UMKC sophomore Kirk Korver is the fourth son of Kevin and Laine Korver to suit up the sneakers to play Division I basketball. Oldest brother Kyle was an all-America selection at Creighton, where he played from 1999-2003, and is currently a member of the NBA's Chicago Bulls. Klayton played at Drake from 2003-08, where he was one of the most prolific three-point shooters in school history, and Kaleb is currently a senior on the Creighton basketball team. Basketball is in the blood for the Korver family as mother, Laine, once scored 73 points in a single game in high school.
FOLLOW UMKC VIA ROO VISION
Fans can follow the UMKC men's basketball team as all home games are streamed live online via ROO Vision at UMKCKangaroos.com. Live statistics are also available at the web site under the Multimedia tab or on the men's basketball schedule page.
The UMKC men's basketball team (15-10, 8-6) will look to make it two wins in a row when they head to Macomb, Ill., to face Western Illinois (7-18, 2-12) at Western Hall. The game between the 'Roos and the Leathernecks is set to tip at 7 p.m.
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LAST TIME OUT
The 'Roos picked up a 91-58 win over Centenary on Saturday night at the Swinney Recreation Center. UMKC dominated the game from the three-point line, knocking down 50.0 percent of its shots (15-30), while limiting Centenary to 18.2 percent (2-11) from beyond the arc.
Senior Jay Couisnard led the 'Roos with a team-high 21 points, while freshman Trinity Hall finished with a new career-high of 21. Senior Bakari Lewis, meanwhile, added 15 points and eight assists, while junior Reggie Chamberlain registered 15 points and senior Spencer Johnson finished with nine points and 15 rebounds.
SCOUTING WESTERN ILLINOIS
Western Illinois enters the game with a 7-18 overall record and a 2-12 mark in Summit League play after losing at North Dakota State and South Dakota State last week. Senior Matt Lander leads the Leathernecks at 16.7 points per game, while also dishing out a team -high 60 assists. Junior Kaimarr Price is the only other WIU player averaging in double figures at 10.5 points per game, while leading the team at 6.7 rebounds per game. As a team, the Leathernecks are out-shooting their opponents from three-point range, 35.8 percent to 34.2 percent.
THE SERIES
UMKC leads the all-time series between the two schools, 24-14, including a 55-46 win on Jan. 22. In the game, UMKC picked up its first Summit League weekend sweep in the Matt Brown era. The 'Roos out-rebounded the Leathernecks in the game 41-31, while committing a season-low nine turnovers in the contest. Senior Spencer Johnson led the 'Roos, as the forward finished with game-highs of 16 points, 18 rebounds and three steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Senior Jay Couisnard and freshman Trinity Hall were next on the UMKC scoring list with 11 points apiece, while junior Michael Gholston, Jr., was the final 'Roo in double figures with 10.
In the first game last season, four players reached double figures to propel the UMKC men's basketball team to a 61-57 victory over Western Illinois on Jan. 21 at Municipal Auditorium. Senior Spencer Johnson finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds to tally his second double-double of the season. Senior Jay Couisnard paced the team in scoring with 14 points. Senior Bakari Lewis and Johnson finished with 10 points apiece, and Lewis dished out a game-high five assists. UMKC finished the game with a .449 (22-49) field goal percentage and a .444 (8-18) mark from long range. WIU, meanwhile, had a .373 (19-51) mark from the floor, despite shooting .500 (8-16) from three-point land. UMKC also won the battle on the boards for the second straight game, 32-28, and had 13 assists.
In the second game, the 'Roos closed out the road portion of their schedule with a tight 64-59 loss at Western Illinois on Feb. 20 at Western Hall. The 'Roos fought back to within three points twice in the final two minutes after trailing by as many as 15 early in the second half. Jay Couisnard netted 15 points to lead the squad, going just 3-of-12 from the field, but 9-of-10 from the free throw stripe. UMKC finished with a .328 (19-58) field goal percentage and a .222 (4-18) mark from long range, while Western Illinois shot .525 (21-40) from the floor and .455 (5-11) from three-point land. The Leathernecks also went 17-of-21 from the free throw stripe, which included making all eight attempts in the final minute. UMKC won the battle on the glass, 35-25.
THE COACHES
UMKC head coach Matt Brown is in his fourth season with the UMKC men's basketball program, where he has compiled an 40-72 overall record and has coached four players to all-Summit League recognition. Former forward Dane Brumagin was a second team all-league honoree and Reggie Hamilton was an all-newcomer team selection in 2007-08, before Brumagin and Jay Couisnard were honorable mention all-league honorees in 2008-09 and 2009-10, respectively. Couisnard was also chosen to The Summit League all-Newcomer team.
Jim Molinari took over the helm of the Western Illinois program at the start of the 2008-09 season. In the 2009-10 season, Molinari led Western Illinois to The Summit League Tournament with sophomore Ceola Clark earning both Summit League Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors. It was the first time in program history that a Western player earned the yearly accolade and the first time in 10 years that the Leathernecks had a first team member.
In his first season (2008-09) he began a rebuilding process of the Fighting Leatherneck program and coached the Fighting Leathernecks to the best conference start since the 1997-98 season. Molinari coached Western's highest leading scorer since the 1996-97 season in senior David DuBois, also a Summit League all-conference selection.
NEW MAN ON TOP
With the first of his 10 rebounds against North Dakota State, senior Spencer Johnson passed Darecko Rawlins for the top spot in the UMKC annals with 683 career rebounds. The forward also moved into the top-10 in scoring with 954 points, while sitting third in games played with 116, sixth with 86 games started, ninth with 2,798 minutes played, 10th with 305 three-point attempts, third with 16 double-doubles and tied for second with 21 double figure rebounding games.
1,000 CAREER POINTS
With his 31 point performance against Oral Roberts, senior Jay Couisnard surpassed the 1,000 career point mark. The forward now has 1,027 career points and needs 125 more to reach 1,000 at UMKC after scoring 152 at Evansville. Senior Spencer Johnson, meanwhile, has 954 points, 46 shy of becoming the 10th 1,000 point scorer in school-history.
LEAGUE GAMES ONLY
In Summit League games only, Spencer Johnson is averaging 11.6 rebounds per game, 2.0 more than the second place person, while sitting third in the league in minutes played (37.2). Reggie Chamberlain, meanwhile, is fifth in assists (3.1), Trinity Hall is third in blocks (1.3) and Jay Couisnard is fifth in scoring (18.9).
HOME/AWAY
This season, the 'Roos have posted an 11-2 record at home, while going only 4-8 on the road. At home, UMKC is out-scoring the opponent 75.0-67.9, limiting the opponents to 44.3 percent shooting. On the road, the 'Roos are getting out-scored 77.1-65.7, while shooting only 40.04 percent from the field.
CLUTCH FREE THROWS
Junior Reggie Chamberlain has made a habit out knocking down clutch free throws this season, making 24-of-28 through the first 23 games of the season. On Jan. 20, against IUPUI, the Kansas City native made 8-of-8 in the final minute of the second overtime. Sophomore Max Rockmann, meanwhile, has made 11-of-14 clutch free throws this season.
OVERTIME GAMES
UMKC has already played in four overtime games, including two double overtime games, for a total of six overtime periods this season. The four games are the most since 2006-07, while the six periods are the most in school history in the Division I era and tied with the 1981-83 season for most all-time. The 'Roos currently sit 1-3 in the four games.
UMKC TOP HOME WIN TOTALS - DIVISION I HISTORY
14 wins (once) - 1991-92
12 wins (once) - 1992-93
11 wins (five times) - 1989-90, 1990-91, 2001-02, 2010-11
UMKC TOP WIN TOTALS - DIVISION I HISTORY
20 wins (once) - 1991-92 (later changed to 21 wins due to NCAA violation by UTPA)
18 wins (once) - 2001-02
16 wins (twice) - 1999-00, 2004-05
15 wins (four times) - 1990-91, 1992-93, 2003-04, 2010-11
IRON MEN
In this season's 25 games, 10 men have totaled all the minutes for the 'Roos, including six that have played in every game, while never playing more than nine in a single game. Among the top nine, none is averaging less than 10 minutes a contest, while senior Spencer Johnson (89) and junior Reggie Chamberlain (90) each played more than 89 minutes combined in consecutive games against Oral Roberts and IUPUI. Chamberlain, Johnson and Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, have started all 25 games for the 'Roos.
NATIONALLY RANKED
A pair of UMKC seniors have posted impressive enough numbers that they rank near the top-100 in the nation in their categories. Spencer Johnson tops the list, as his 10.2 rebounds per game is 16th best in the country, while Jay Cousinard's 18.2 points per game is 54th best and 50.0 field goal percentage ranks 84th. As a team, the 'Roos are 45th in three-point field goals made per game at 7.8.
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Freshman Trinity Hall has made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the 'Roos, averaging 8.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game and just under 1.0 blocks per game. Currently, the 8.3 points per game ranks tied for ninth best average for a freshman in school history, while the 24 blocks are the second most by a freshman, the 3.8 rebounds are ninth most and the 41.3 percent field goal percentage is tied for 10th best. His 57 free throws made and his 86 free throw attempts are each sixth most.
FEELING RIGHT AT HOME
With its 75-73 win over North Dakota State on Dec. 28, the UMKC men's basketball team improved its home record to 7-0 on the season, topping the 4-0 mark by the 2001-02 squad for the best start at home since the team moved to Division I. Overall, the seven game home winning streak ranked as the third longest streak in school history, trailing only the 12 game home winning streak in 1990 and the 11 game winning streak spanning the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons.
MONSTER ON THE GLASS
Three times this season, senior Spencer Johnson set his career-high in rebounds, including the latest when he grabbed the second most in school-history with 21 against North Dakota State on Dec. 28. The mark trails only the 23 by Tony Berg against Baylor on Dec. 3, 1996. Johnson currently sits second in The Summit League with 9.4 rebounds per game.
UNDEFEATED WHEN...
Several scenarios have resulted in perfect records for the 'Roos, including: Finishing with less turnovers (7-0), registering more assists than their opponent (6-0), five players score in double figures (2-0), playing on Tuesday (3-0) and playing on Friday (1-0).
2009-10 'ROO TIDBITS
• Jay Couisnard (49), Spencer Johnson (48), Reggie Chamberlain (48) and Max Rockmann (36) all registered a career-high in minutes played against IUPUI on Jan. 20
• Reggie Chamberlain's 23 points against Houston Baptist, five assists against UCA and four steals at Oakland were new career-highs.
• Max Rockmann's 10 points against SDSU were a new career-high, while his five rebounds in the same game matched his previous career-high.
• Bernard Kamwa's 10 rebounds against Kansas were a new career-high.
• Jay Cousinard's 181 free throw attempts last season rank sixth all-time at UMKC.
• Jay Cousinard's four blocks against SEMO were a new career-high, while his 26 points against SIU Edwardsville were a new career-high.
• Jay Couisnard's junior class ranks include seventh in scoring (420), second in made free throws (108), third in free throws attempted (181), sixth in field goals attempted (333).
• Spencer Johnson's junior class ranks include tied for the third most starts (29) and his 175 rebounds rank eighth.
• Reggie Chamberlain's 82.8 free throw percentage ranks fifth all-time in junior class ranks.
• Jay Couisnard's senior class ranks include fifth in scoring average (18.2), seventh in scoring (455), sixth in field goal percentage (.500), third in free throws attempted (178), sixth in free throws made (113), tied for eighth in field goals (152) and tied for 10th in blocked shots (18).
• Spencer Johnson's senior class ranks include second in rebounding (256), tied for eighth in field goal percentage (48.7), eighth in 3-pt. field goals (50) and tied for fourth in three-point % (.420). Johnson is also tied for 10th all-time with 45 double figure scoring games.
• Jay Couisnard ranks eighth with 16 20-point games, ninth all time with 243 free throws made, seventh with 359 free throws attempted, ninth with 47 double figure scoring games and tied for seventh with two 30-point scoring games.
• Bakari Lewis ranks tied for 18th with 696 career points, while Jay Couisnard is 12th with 875.
• Sophomore Kirk Korver made two or more three pointers in nine games on the season and tied for third on the squad with 26 long balls. The total is the ninth most by a freshman in school history. His .386 three-point percentage, meanwhile, was the fourth best mark by a freshman in the annals.
• In losses this season, UMKC is averaging 66.2 points per game on 81 assists, while allowing 85.4 points per game on 166 assists. Opponents are shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three-point range, while the 'Roos are shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 29.7 percent on three-point attempts.
• In wins, UMKC is out-scoring opponents 73.4 to 63.6, while out-rebounding them by more than three rebounds a contest. In all, the 'Roos are out-shooting opponents from the field and from three-point range, forcing more steals and blocking more shots.
SUMMIT LEAGUE LEADERS
Currently, Senior Spencer Johnson's 10.2 rebounds per game position him as the top rebounder in The Summit League, while his 12.5 points per game rank 15th and his 42.0 percent three-point percentage ranks ninth. Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, ranks fourth in the league in scoring (18.2 ppg), 10th in blocks (0.7 bpg), 10th in steals (1.2 spg), 14th in field goal percentage (50.0) and 11th in rebounding (5.8 rpg), while Reggie Chamberlain is 11th in steals (1.2 spg), ninth in assists (2.7 apg) and 26th in scoring (10.4 ppg), Bakari Lewis is seventh in free throw percentage (79.7), seventh in assists (2.8 apg), 10th in three-point percentage (41.9) and 24th in scoring (10.4 ppg) and Trinity Hall is fifth in blocks (1.0 bpg).
THREE-POINT DEFENSE
North Dakota State entered its Dec. 28 game against UMKC as the leading three-point shooting team in the nation at 44.6 percent. The 'Roos though, held the Bison to 26.7 percent shooting, limiting NDSU to only four made threes on 15 attempts. South Dakota State, meanwhile, came into the Jan. 27 contest as the nation's second leading three-point shooting team at 42.7 percent, with the 'Roos limiting them to just 25.0 percent from beyond the arc.
PILING UP THE POINTS
In the Jan. 8 win over Southern Utah, senior Jay Couisnard had his most explosive game as a 'Roo, finishing with a career-high 32 points against the Thunderbirds. In the game, the 6-6 forward registered career-highs in field goals made (11) and three-point field goals made (four), while also grabbing five rebounds. Currently, Couisnard has scored 15 or more points in seven straight games and 10 or more in 11 straight.
STEPPING UP
With leading scorer Jay Couisnard in foul trouble and second leading scorer Spencer Johnson being held scoreless, the 'Roos needed a few other guys to step up. Trinity Hall, Michael Gholston, Jr., and Bernard Kamwa did just that. Each of the three players recorded their career-highs in points (Hall-18, Gholston, Jr.-11, Kamwa-11), combining for 40 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and five three-pointers.
BOMBS AWAY
In the back-to-back home games, against Utah Valley and North Dakota, the 'Roos hit 10 threes apiece. Leading the three-point barrage against UVU were seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson. Johnson finished with a career-high tying four three-pointers on seven attempts, while Couisnard also tied his career-high with three three balls on a career-high seven attempts. Against UND, Trinity Hall buried a career-high three, three-pointers, while Couisnard, Bakari Lewis and Michael Gholston, Jr., nailed two.
3-0 AGAINST THE GREAT WEST
With the 73-51 win over Houston Baptist, the 'Roos finished the season with a 3-0 record against teams from the Great West Conference. In the three games, UMKC is out-scoring Utah Valley, North Dakota and Houston Baptist a combined 70.7-58.3, while out-shooting them from three-point range 42.1 percent to 34.7 percent.
DIME MEN
For the four consecutive home games from Dec. 8 through Dec. 28 the 'Roos finished with 11 or more assists, registering a season-high 17 in the win over Houston Baptist. Over that stretch, the squad amassed 57 total dimes, led by Bakari Lewis' 12 and Reggie Chamberlain's 14.
WELCOME BACK REGGIE
Junior Reggie Chamberlain faced a familiar foe on Monday night when the 6-0 guard dropped a career-high 20 points on his former team, Wichita State. Chamberlain, in his first season as a 'Roo, nailed 4-of-9 three pointers against the team he played for during the 2008-09 season.
CAREER NIGHTS
In the Nov. 24 game against SIU Edwardsville, two 'Roo seniors had career nights, highlighted by senior Jay Couisnard. Couisnard posted a new career-high of 26 points, while Spencer Johnson collected 14 rebounds to tie his then career-high and is averaging 10.0 rebounds per game for the season, the second best mark in The Summit League.
MICROWAVE LEWIS
In the Nov. 20 game against Southeast Missouri State, senior guard Bakari Lewis did his best Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson impression, scoring nine points, on 3-3 shooting from three-point range, in a 1:15 stretch off the bench in the first half. Lewis nailed his first three with the 'Roos down 11-5 and his second down 13-8, while his third gave the 'Roos their first lead of the game at 14-13.
CLUTCH DOWN THE STRETCH
Junior Reggie Chamberlain came up huge for the 'Roos down the stretch in the Nov. 16 game with Central Arkansas. In just his second game as a 'Roo, Chamberlain scored eight points in the final 1:42 to help UMKC to the victory. Among his eight points were a pair of three pointers that each gave the 'Roos the lead in the contest.
BAREFOOT FOR SAMARITAN'S FEET
UMKC head coach Matt Brown coached Jan. 20 game against IUPUI in his bare feet to raise awareness for Samaritan's Feet. Samaritan's Feet is an organization that collects and donates shoes to people around the world who can't afford them. IUPUI head coach Ron Hunter began coaching barefoot during the 2007 season and has helped accumulate hundreds of thousands of donations for the organization.
SUCCESSFUL DEBUTS
Three 'Roos made their debuts in the Blue & Gold against Truman State on Nov. 12, and the results were all positive. Freshman Trinity Hall finished second on the team in both points (10) and rebounds (six), while junior transfer Reggie Chamberlain started and recorded six points, three assists and two rebounds. Junior Bernard Kamwa, meanwhile, started at center for the 'Roos and pulled down five boards and chipped in two points on a dunk.
FRESH OFF THE SIGNING BLOCK
On Wednesday, UMKC Head Coach Matt Brown announced that Estan Tyler has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and playing career with the UMKC men's basketball program starting with the 2011-12 season. The 6-1, 175-lb. guard joins the 'Roos out of St. Paul Johnson where he was ranked as the top point guard in Minnesota's senior class of 2011 by MinnesotaPrep.com. As a junior, Tyler led St. Paul Johnson to a perfect 32-0 record and the state championship, while leading the Governors in scoring (14 ppg), assists (4.1 apg) and free throw percentage (78.9). Tyler is the first player to join the 'Roos' 2011 recruiting class, as well as the first player to sign in the early signing period and the first to sign from Minnesota during Brown's tenure as head coach of the squad.
COUISNARD NAMED SUMMIT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
UMKC senior forward Jay Couisnard was named The Summit League Player of the Week on Nov. 22. The Houston, Texas, native earned the honor after averaging 18.5 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game, along with five blocks and four steals in wins over Central Arkansas and Southeast Missouri State.
LAST SEASON
The UMKC men's basketball team made strides forward during the 2009-10 season, as the squad posted a 12-20 record, which were the most victories for the program during the Matt Brown era. The 'Roos also returned to the post season for the 14th time in school history, playing in The Summit League Championship in Sioux Falls as the No. 8 seed. Junior Jay Couisnard was named to The Summit League all-Newcomer and Honorable Mention all-Summit League squads after pacing the squad with 14.0 points per game, while fellow junior Spencer Johnson led the squad on the boards for the second straight season, finishing with 175 rebounds (5.8 rpg.) in 30 games. The Illinois native was the first player since Jimmy Keller (1997-99) to pace the team on the glass in consecutive seasons. Johnson now has 427 career rebounds, which rank seventh in school history. Kirk Korver, meanwhile, placed his name in the UMKC freshmen records, finishing fourth in three-point field goal percentage (.386 (27-70)), ninth in three-point field goals (27), tied for ninth in three-point attempts (70) and 10th in field goal percentage (.413 (45-109)).
SWINNEY GETS A FACE LIFT
The new home of the 'Roos, the Swinney Recreation Center, underwent a major face lift this off-season in time for the 2010-11 season. New chairback-style seating was installed, giving all fans a comfortable environment with a defined seat - no more general admission, and no more bleachers without backs. Parking on campus will continue to be free. All season ticket holders will receive a special pass for the parking lot on the east side of Swinney (bordered by Rockhill Road) and a golf-cart shuttle will run between the parking lots and Swinney to assist any fans in need. Lastly, a new and improved concessions stand will feature an improved selection along with additional staffing.
BACK HOME IN THE HEART OF CAMPUS
The UMKC men's basketball team is making a move back to campus, as 14 of the 15 home games will be played at the newly renovated Swinney Recreation Center. In past seasons, the 'Roos have played their home games at Municipal Auditorium, where they posted a 152-108 record and Kemper Arena, where they posted a 15-15 mark. This season however, only the Jan. 8 contest with Southern Utah will take place at Municipal, while all other games will be held in the heart of campus at the Swinney Recreation Center. The 'Roos posted a 3-3 mark at the SRC last season.
SENIOR CAPTAINS
The three 'Roo seniors, Jay Couisnard, Spencer Johnson and Bakari Lewis, will serve as tri-captains on this season's squad. Last season, the trio combined 30.8 ppg and 13.2 rpg and are the top-three leading scores returning to the 2010-11 team. Couisnard and Johnson return for their second season as captains, while Lewis will be entering his first season as captain.
2010-11 SUMMIT LEAGUE PRESEASON POLL
The UMKC men's basketball team has been picked eighth, tallying 177 points, in The Summit League Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the league coaches, SIDs and media. Defending regular season and tournament champion Oakland garnered 29-of-34 first-place votes and was tabbed as the favorite to win the 2010-11 Summit League Men's Basketball Championship. Oral Roberts was chosen second, followed by IUPUI, NDSU, SDSU, IPFW, Western Illinois, UMKC, Southern Utah and Centenary.
COUISNARD NAMED PRESEASON SECOND TEAM ALL-LEAGUE
Senior Jay Couisnard was selected as a preseason second team all-league honoree by a vote of the league's coaches, SIDs and media. Couisnard joins Eric Carlson (NDSU), Leroy Nobles (IUPUI), Clint Sargent (SDSU) and Larry Wright (Oakland) on the second team, while Preseason Player of the Year selection Keith Benson (Oakland) leads the first team that features Ceola Clark (WIU), Michael Craion and Dominique Morrison (ORU), Michael Tveidt (NDSU) and Alex Young (IUPUI).
DEPTH IN THE BACKCOURT
The Kangaroos will look to senior Bakari Lewis to guide the guard position in 2010-11, as he is one of three returnees to the backcourt. Juniors Michael Gholston, Jr. and Dustin Dibble also return in the backcourt to go along with redshirt junior Reggie Chamberlain and walk-on Trevor Mason.
SCORING FROM THE WINGS
The 'Roos will return the most experience on its roster at the forward position where seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson return to the fold. UMKC will also benefit from having sophomore Max Rockmann at its disposal for the entire season, while also welcoming talented freshman Trinity Hall.
SIZE UP FRONT
For the first time in Coach Brown's tenure, the Kangaroos will have depth and experience in the post position heading into the season. UMKC returns two sophomores – Kirk
Korver and Fred Chatmon – to go along with junior college transfer Bernard Kamwa to give the team a wide array of options at the five position.
KC METRO 'ROOS
The 2010-11 roster will feature five players from the Kansas City metro area, including Kansas City, Mo., native and first-year 'Roo Reggie Chamberlain (Kansas City, Mo./Raytown HS). Joining Chamberlain on the squad are juniors Michael Gholston, Jr. (Raytown, Mo./Raytown South HS) and Trevor Mason (Overland Park, Kan./Bishop Miege HS) and freshman Trinity Hall (Kansas City, Kan./Wyandotte HS).
STAFF RETURNS INTACT
The UMKC coaching staff will look familiar this season, as all three assistant coaches, as well as the Director of Basketball Operations return to help guide the team.
Martin Unger is in his fourth season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program after serving with Coach Brown on the coaching staff at the University of Richmond from 1997-2001.
Wendell Moore is entering his third season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program. Prior to joining the 'Roos, Moore served as an assistant coach under Rex Walters at Florida Atlantic University from 2006-08.
Stephen Brough is entering his second season as an assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program. Brough joined the 'Roos after serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at Baylor University from 2003-09.
Doug Hall is entering his second season as the Director of Basketball Operations with the UMKC men's basketball program. Hall joined the Kangaroos in June 2009 after serving as the head basketball coach at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., from 2001-09.
Ruben Reyna is entering his first season as a graduate assistant coach with the UMKC men's basketball program, as he was named to the post in July 2010. Reyna previously served as a manager with the 'Roos for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
COMING FROM CAMEROON
Cameroon native Bernard Kamwa enters his first season in the Blue and Gold after spending his sophomore year at the College of the Sequoia in California. As a freshman, Kamwa was a member of the Cowley County Community College roster, helping the Tigers to a 29-5 record overall. As a prep, the 6-8 forward/center spent time in both Mississippi and California. Kamwa joins Max Rockmann as the only two foreign born players on the UMKC roster.
FRESH FACES ON THE ROSTER
This year's line-up will feature five new 'Roos, made-up of two juniors, one sophomore and a freshman. Junior Reggie Chamberlain will make his UMKC debut after sitting out last season due to transfer rules, while classmate Bernard Kamwa is also new to the squad. Trinity Hall represents the only freshman on this year's team, while sophomore Nate Rogers will redshirt this season after transferring from DePaul.
NEW TV HOME
UMKC basketball will have a new television home during the 2010-11 season, as KSMO will serve as the television home of the 'Roos. A total of nine UMKC home basketball games will be televised in Kansas City during the upcoming 2010-11 season, including games against Southeast Missouri State (Nov. 20), Utah Valley (Dec. 8), Southern Utah (Jan. 8-DH), IUPUI (Jan. 20), Western Illinois (Jan. 22-DH), Oral Roberts (Feb. 10), Centenary (Feb. 12-DH), Oakland (Feb. 24) and IPFW (Feb. 26). Road contest at Kansas State on Dec. 23 (Fox Sports KC), Kansas on Jan. 5 (Jayhawk TV) and Oral Roberts on Jan. 15 (Fox College Sports), meanwhile, will also be televised.
ROGERS TO SIT OUT DUE TO NCAA RULES
Former DePaul player and Maywood, Ill., native Nate Rogers transferred to UMKC in the offseason. The 6-1 guard, who averaged 2.5 points per game for the Blue Demons, will have to sit out the 2010-11 season due to NCAA Division I transfer regulations.
COUISNARD EARNS POST SEASON RECOGNITION
Junior Jay Couisnard was named to The Summit League all-Newcomer and Honorable Mention all-League teams after leading the 'Roos and ranking ninth in the league with a 14.0 scoring average in 2009-10. The forward was the second straight UMKC student-athlete to earn honorable mention all-league honors, as Dane Brumagin received the accolade at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season. He was also the ninth 'Roo to be selected to the all-newcomer squad and the second honoree in the Matt Brown era (Reggie Hamilton - 2007-08).
OLD SWINNEY NEW AGAIN
The renovation transformed the Old Swinney Gymnasium into a modern, collegiate practice facility that provides outstanding training opportunities for 'Roo student-athletes The $500,000 renovation plan included new basketball/volleyball court flooring and basketball standards and volleyball nets to be installed in the existing facility. The skylights in the building were altered, allowing for modified lighting to be put into place. The entire Old Swinney interior was updated and scoreboards were installed.
VOICES OF THE 'ROOS
Steven Davis is entering his third season as the radio voice of UMKC men's basketball program and will be joined by third-year color commentator Steven St. John of 810 AM WHB's “The Border Patrol”, as well as Nick McCabe.
Neil Harwell is entering his 16th season as the TV play-by-play voice of the Kangaroos. Harwell began calling UMKC games during the 1995-96 season and will call all the games broadcast on KCMO.
ROBINSON TO THE HALL
Former men's basketball student-athlete David Robinson was announced as a member of the 2010 Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Jan. 22. Robinson, who was the first four-year letterwinner in the Division I era, posted 20 20-point games and three 30-point contests during his 'Roo career. The seven footer, who led UMKC to wins over the likes of Cincinnati, Creighton and Texas A&M during his playing career, is the school record holder in career field goal percentage (.584), while ranking second in blocks (126) and third in double-doubles (11). Robinson joins former UMKC basketball players Bill Frerking, Ronnie Schmitz and Michael Jackson, as well as former 'Roos coaches Lee Hunt and Bill Ross in the UMKC Hall of Fame.
'ROOS IN THE CLASSROOM
Last season, five 'Roos were named to The Summit League Academic all-Conference team, including current 'Roos Dustin Dibble, Kirk Korver and Bakari Lewis. In order to be named to academic all-League team, each student-athlete must post a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the semester in which they compete. Additionally, Dibble was named a Distinguished Scholar for posting a GPA above 3.6.
Meanwhile, one current player and three total were named to the Commissioner's List of Academic Excellence, including Dibble, for posting a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
BATTLING FOR BOARDS
Senior Spencer Johnson paced the squad on the glass for the second straight year, pulling down a team-high 5.8 boards per game. With his efforts, the Champaign, Ill. native led the squad on the glass for the second consecutive season, becoming the first player since Jimmy Keller (1997-99) to do so. This season, Johnson again leads the squad by nearly four rebounds a game.
RAINING THREES
UMKC has made at least one three-point basket in 331 consecutive regular season or tournament games dating back to Jan. 22, 2000.
IT'S A FAMILY THING
UMKC sophomore Kirk Korver is the fourth son of Kevin and Laine Korver to suit up the sneakers to play Division I basketball. Oldest brother Kyle was an all-America selection at Creighton, where he played from 1999-2003, and is currently a member of the NBA's Chicago Bulls. Klayton played at Drake from 2003-08, where he was one of the most prolific three-point shooters in school history, and Kaleb is currently a senior on the Creighton basketball team. Basketball is in the blood for the Korver family as mother, Laine, once scored 73 points in a single game in high school.
FOLLOW UMKC VIA ROO VISION
Fans can follow the UMKC men's basketball team as all home games are streamed live online via ROO Vision at UMKCKangaroos.com. Live statistics are also available at the web site under the Multimedia tab or on the men's basketball schedule page.
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/ Men's BasketballMBB Highlights vs. #1 Omaha
Thursday, March 06
MBB Highlights vs. #9 Oral Roberts
Wednesday, March 05
MBB Highlights @ St. Thomas
Saturday, March 01
Postgame Interview: Coach Menzies post-St. Thomas
Saturday, March 01