UMKC To Continue Summit League Play On Saturday At Southern Utah
2/4/2011 9:45:00 AM | Men's Basketball
THE SETTING
The UMKC men's basketball team (13-9, 6-5) will continue the back half of its Summit League schedule when it heads to Cedar City, Utah, to take on Southern Utah (6-15, 3-8). The game between the 'Roos and the Thunderbirds is set for an 8:30 p.m. tip.
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LAST TIME OUT
The 'Roos fell in their double overtime contest with North Dakota State (11-10, 5-6), 89-88, after a last second lay-up by the Bison in double overtime. Senior Jay Couisnard led the 'Roos with a team-high 28 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Fellow senior Spencer Johnson finished with eight points and 10 rebounds, the first of which broke the tie at the top of the UMKC career rebounding list, giving the forward 649 caroms in his four year career, a UMKC record. Bakari Lewis and Trinity Hall were the only other 'Roos in double figures, as each finished with 14 points. In the game, the 'Roos out-shot the Bison from three-point range 36.0 percent to 33.3 percent, but converted only 19 of their 34 free throws, while NDSU made 26 of their 34
SCOUTING SOUTHERN UTAH
Southern Utah enters the game with a 6-15 record overall and a 3-8 mark in Summit League action, picking up wins over North Dakota State, Centenary and Western Illinois. Senior Ryan Brimley and junior Matt Massey lead the Thunderbirds in scoring at 10.0 points per game, while freshman Kyle Davis is tops on the team with 5.0 rebounds a game. Ray Jones, Jr., meanwhile, leads the team in assists (69) and steals (35), while Jordan Weirick is the team's top three-point shooter at 48.5 percent (16-33).
THE SERIES
Southern Utah leads the all-time series between the two school 17-14, with the 'Roos winning two of the last three. Earlier this season, UMKC picked up its second Summit League victory of the season, 82-76, on Jan. 8 over Southern Utah (4-11, 1-4) at Municipal Auditorium. The 'Roos shot a season-high 60 percent from three-point range, while limiting the Thunderbirds to just 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Senior Jay Couisnard led the UMKC scoring attack, setting a new career-high with 32 points, while fellow senior Spencer Johnson posted 21 points and a team-high six rebounds.
Last season, in the first game, the 'Roos won an exciting 53-50 decision over Southern Utah in front of a season-high 5,532 fans at Municipal Auditorium. With the score tied at 50, senior Bakari Lewis drained a three-pointer from the top of the key with 17 seconds remaining to propel the 'Roos to the victory. Three UMKC players finished in double digits, including seniors Spencer Johnson and Jay Couisnard with 11 points apiece.
In the second game, the 'Roos fell 69-56 at Southern Utah at Centrum Arena. The Thunderbirds out-scored the 'Roos 38-10 in the paint en route to ending their five-game losing streak. The loss drops UMKC's record to 1-13 all-time in Cedar City. Two Kangaroo players finished in double digits with junior Jay Couisnard pacing the squad with 18 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
THE COACHES
UMKC head coach Matt Brown is in his fourth season with the UMKC men's basketball program, where he has compiled an 39-71 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.
Roger Reid is in his fourth season as SUU's head basketball coach. A 37-year veteran of the coaching ranks, Coach Reid came to Southern Utah in the spring of 2007 from Snow College, where he spent the previous two seasons as head coach.
Last year Coach Reid worked with a very young team that featured seven freshmen, six of whom played significant minutes. With just one senior starter the team took its lumps but the team still had its share of highlights, including an overtime win against defending Summit League regular-season and tournament champion North Dakota State and a season-finale win over Centenary that saw senior Davis Baker conclude his career as one of SUU's all-time leading scorers. In addition to Baker's accomplishments, freshman Matt Hodgson set the SUU single-season blocks record under Coach Reid's tutelage last season.
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 649 career rebounds. The forward also moved into the top-10 in scoring with 919 points, while sitting third in games played with 113, eighth with 83 games started, ninth with 2,688 minutes played, 10th with 290 three-point attempts and third with 15 double-doubles and 20 double figure rebounding games.
SNEAKING UP ON 1,000
Seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson are each approaching the 1,000 career point mark. Couisnard, who registered 152 points in his first two seasons at Evansville, has 953 career points, 47 shy of 1,000. Johnson, meanwhile, has 919 points, 81 shy of becoming the 10th 1,000 point scorer in school-history.
HOME/AWAY
This season, the 'Roos have posted a 10-1 record at home, while going only 3-8 on the road. At home, UMKC is out-scoring the opponent 73.0-65.7, limiting the opponents to 42.6 percent shooting. On the road, the 'Roos are getting out-scored 77.9-65.2, while shooting only 40.0 percent from the field.
CLUTCH FREE THROWS
Junior Reggie Chamberlain has made a habit out knocking down clutch free throws this season, making 22-of-25 through the first 22 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 (four times) - 1989-90, 1990-91, 2001-02
10 wins (twice) - 1993-94, 1999-2000, 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 (three times) - 1990-91, 1992-93, 2003-04
14 wins (twice) - 2000-01, 2005-06
13 wins (twice) - 1989-90, 2010-11
IRON MEN
In this season's 21 games, nine men have totaled all the minutes for the 'Roos, including seven that have played in every game. Among the 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.
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 10.1 rebounds per game is 18th best in the country, while Jay Cousinard's 17.3 points per game is 82nd best and 48.9 field goal percentage ranks just outside the top-100 at 103rd. As a team, the 'Roos are 76th in three-point field goals made per game at 7.3.
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Freshman Trinity Hall has made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the 'Roos, averaging 8.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and just under 1.0 blocks per game. Currently, the 8.1 points per game ranks as the 10th best average for a freshman in school history, while the 21 blocks are the third most by a freshman. His 53 free throws made are sixth and his 80 free throw attempts are sixth.
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 (4-0), playing on KSMO (5-0), five players score in double figures (2-0), four players score in double figures, 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 (130), 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 83.3 free throw percentage ranks fifth all-time in junior class ranks.
• Jay Couisnard's senior class ranks include fifth in scoring average (17.3), tied for seventh in free throws attempted (150), eighth in field goal percentage (48.9) and free throws made (95)
• Spencer Johnson's senior class ranks include third in rebounding (222), eighth in field goal percentage (49.0), tied for eighth in 3-pt. field goals (43) and fifth in three-point % (41.3).
• Jay Couisnard ranks tied for eighth with 14 20-point games, ninth all time with 225 free throws made, 10th with 331 free throws attempted and tied for 10th with 44 double scoring games and one 30-point scoring games.
• Bakari Lewis ranks 21st with 664 career points, while Jay Couisnard is 13th with 801.
• 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 64.6 points per game on 66 assists, while allowing 83.6 points per game on 148 assists. Opponents are shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, while the 'Roos are shooting 39.3 percent and 29.4 percent on three-point attempts.
• In wins, UMKC is out-scoring opponents 72.2 to 63.7, 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 10.1 rebounds per game position him as the top rebounder in The Summit League, while his 12.6 points per game rank 16th, his 41.3 percent three-point percentage ranks ninth and his 49.0 percent from the field is tied for 13th. Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, ranks fifth in the league in scoring (17.3 ppg), eighth in blocks (0.8 bpg), 11th in steals (1.2 spg), 14th in field goal percentage (48.9) and 12th in rebounding (5.7 rpg), while Reggie Chamberlain eighth in steals (1.2 spg), ninth in assists (2.6 apg) and 29th in scoring (9.6 ppg), Bakari Lewis is 10th in free throw percentage (78.0), 12th in assists (2.4 apg) and three-point percentage (39.4) and 22nd in scoring (10.4 ppg) and Trinity Hall is sixth 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.
BK TO THE RESCUE
Senior Bakari Lewis developed a knack for taking and making the big shot, as the guard connected for the game-winner twice last season. On Jan. 2, Lewis drained a three-pointer from the top of the key with 17 seconds remaining to lift the 'Roos to the 53-50 win over Southern Utah.
The Cleveland, Ohio, native had his first late game heroics in the 84-83 road victory at Centenary on Dec. 5 when he scored 10 of his team-high 18 points over the final four minutes of the contest. This included seven straight points over the final 52 seconds, which included the game-winner with 3.3 seconds remaining to lead the 'Roos back from a 10-point deficit for the victory.
RAINING THREES
UMKC has made at least one three-point basket in 327 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 (13-9, 6-5) will continue the back half of its Summit League schedule when it heads to Cedar City, Utah, to take on Southern Utah (6-15, 3-8). The game between the 'Roos and the Thunderbirds is set for an 8:30 p.m. tip.
ON THE AIR
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Live Stats: www.suutbirds.com
Twitter: TheUMKCRoos
LAST TIME OUT
The 'Roos fell in their double overtime contest with North Dakota State (11-10, 5-6), 89-88, after a last second lay-up by the Bison in double overtime. Senior Jay Couisnard led the 'Roos with a team-high 28 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Fellow senior Spencer Johnson finished with eight points and 10 rebounds, the first of which broke the tie at the top of the UMKC career rebounding list, giving the forward 649 caroms in his four year career, a UMKC record. Bakari Lewis and Trinity Hall were the only other 'Roos in double figures, as each finished with 14 points. In the game, the 'Roos out-shot the Bison from three-point range 36.0 percent to 33.3 percent, but converted only 19 of their 34 free throws, while NDSU made 26 of their 34
SCOUTING SOUTHERN UTAH
Southern Utah enters the game with a 6-15 record overall and a 3-8 mark in Summit League action, picking up wins over North Dakota State, Centenary and Western Illinois. Senior Ryan Brimley and junior Matt Massey lead the Thunderbirds in scoring at 10.0 points per game, while freshman Kyle Davis is tops on the team with 5.0 rebounds a game. Ray Jones, Jr., meanwhile, leads the team in assists (69) and steals (35), while Jordan Weirick is the team's top three-point shooter at 48.5 percent (16-33).
THE SERIES
Southern Utah leads the all-time series between the two school 17-14, with the 'Roos winning two of the last three. Earlier this season, UMKC picked up its second Summit League victory of the season, 82-76, on Jan. 8 over Southern Utah (4-11, 1-4) at Municipal Auditorium. The 'Roos shot a season-high 60 percent from three-point range, while limiting the Thunderbirds to just 33.3 percent from beyond the arc. Senior Jay Couisnard led the UMKC scoring attack, setting a new career-high with 32 points, while fellow senior Spencer Johnson posted 21 points and a team-high six rebounds.
Last season, in the first game, the 'Roos won an exciting 53-50 decision over Southern Utah in front of a season-high 5,532 fans at Municipal Auditorium. With the score tied at 50, senior Bakari Lewis drained a three-pointer from the top of the key with 17 seconds remaining to propel the 'Roos to the victory. Three UMKC players finished in double digits, including seniors Spencer Johnson and Jay Couisnard with 11 points apiece.
In the second game, the 'Roos fell 69-56 at Southern Utah at Centrum Arena. The Thunderbirds out-scored the 'Roos 38-10 in the paint en route to ending their five-game losing streak. The loss drops UMKC's record to 1-13 all-time in Cedar City. Two Kangaroo players finished in double digits with junior Jay Couisnard pacing the squad with 18 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
THE COACHES
UMKC head coach Matt Brown is in his fourth season with the UMKC men's basketball program, where he has compiled an 39-71 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.
Roger Reid is in his fourth season as SUU's head basketball coach. A 37-year veteran of the coaching ranks, Coach Reid came to Southern Utah in the spring of 2007 from Snow College, where he spent the previous two seasons as head coach.
Last year Coach Reid worked with a very young team that featured seven freshmen, six of whom played significant minutes. With just one senior starter the team took its lumps but the team still had its share of highlights, including an overtime win against defending Summit League regular-season and tournament champion North Dakota State and a season-finale win over Centenary that saw senior Davis Baker conclude his career as one of SUU's all-time leading scorers. In addition to Baker's accomplishments, freshman Matt Hodgson set the SUU single-season blocks record under Coach Reid's tutelage last season.
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 649 career rebounds. The forward also moved into the top-10 in scoring with 919 points, while sitting third in games played with 113, eighth with 83 games started, ninth with 2,688 minutes played, 10th with 290 three-point attempts and third with 15 double-doubles and 20 double figure rebounding games.
SNEAKING UP ON 1,000
Seniors Jay Couisnard and Spencer Johnson are each approaching the 1,000 career point mark. Couisnard, who registered 152 points in his first two seasons at Evansville, has 953 career points, 47 shy of 1,000. Johnson, meanwhile, has 919 points, 81 shy of becoming the 10th 1,000 point scorer in school-history.
HOME/AWAY
This season, the 'Roos have posted a 10-1 record at home, while going only 3-8 on the road. At home, UMKC is out-scoring the opponent 73.0-65.7, limiting the opponents to 42.6 percent shooting. On the road, the 'Roos are getting out-scored 77.9-65.2, while shooting only 40.0 percent from the field.
CLUTCH FREE THROWS
Junior Reggie Chamberlain has made a habit out knocking down clutch free throws this season, making 22-of-25 through the first 22 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 (four times) - 1989-90, 1990-91, 2001-02
10 wins (twice) - 1993-94, 1999-2000, 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 (three times) - 1990-91, 1992-93, 2003-04
14 wins (twice) - 2000-01, 2005-06
13 wins (twice) - 1989-90, 2010-11
IRON MEN
In this season's 21 games, nine men have totaled all the minutes for the 'Roos, including seven that have played in every game. Among the 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.
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 10.1 rebounds per game is 18th best in the country, while Jay Cousinard's 17.3 points per game is 82nd best and 48.9 field goal percentage ranks just outside the top-100 at 103rd. As a team, the 'Roos are 76th in three-point field goals made per game at 7.3.
FRESHMAN IMPACT
Freshman Trinity Hall has made an immediate impact in his rookie campaign with the 'Roos, averaging 8.1 points per game, 4.0 rebounds per game and just under 1.0 blocks per game. Currently, the 8.1 points per game ranks as the 10th best average for a freshman in school history, while the 21 blocks are the third most by a freshman. His 53 free throws made are sixth and his 80 free throw attempts are sixth.
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 (4-0), playing on KSMO (5-0), five players score in double figures (2-0), four players score in double figures, 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 (130), 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 83.3 free throw percentage ranks fifth all-time in junior class ranks.
• Jay Couisnard's senior class ranks include fifth in scoring average (17.3), tied for seventh in free throws attempted (150), eighth in field goal percentage (48.9) and free throws made (95)
• Spencer Johnson's senior class ranks include third in rebounding (222), eighth in field goal percentage (49.0), tied for eighth in 3-pt. field goals (43) and fifth in three-point % (41.3).
• Jay Couisnard ranks tied for eighth with 14 20-point games, ninth all time with 225 free throws made, 10th with 331 free throws attempted and tied for 10th with 44 double scoring games and one 30-point scoring games.
• Bakari Lewis ranks 21st with 664 career points, while Jay Couisnard is 13th with 801.
• 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 64.6 points per game on 66 assists, while allowing 83.6 points per game on 148 assists. Opponents are shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from three-point range, while the 'Roos are shooting 39.3 percent and 29.4 percent on three-point attempts.
• In wins, UMKC is out-scoring opponents 72.2 to 63.7, 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 10.1 rebounds per game position him as the top rebounder in The Summit League, while his 12.6 points per game rank 16th, his 41.3 percent three-point percentage ranks ninth and his 49.0 percent from the field is tied for 13th. Jay Couisnard, meanwhile, ranks fifth in the league in scoring (17.3 ppg), eighth in blocks (0.8 bpg), 11th in steals (1.2 spg), 14th in field goal percentage (48.9) and 12th in rebounding (5.7 rpg), while Reggie Chamberlain eighth in steals (1.2 spg), ninth in assists (2.6 apg) and 29th in scoring (9.6 ppg), Bakari Lewis is 10th in free throw percentage (78.0), 12th in assists (2.4 apg) and three-point percentage (39.4) and 22nd in scoring (10.4 ppg) and Trinity Hall is sixth 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.
BK TO THE RESCUE
Senior Bakari Lewis developed a knack for taking and making the big shot, as the guard connected for the game-winner twice last season. On Jan. 2, Lewis drained a three-pointer from the top of the key with 17 seconds remaining to lift the 'Roos to the 53-50 win over Southern Utah.
The Cleveland, Ohio, native had his first late game heroics in the 84-83 road victory at Centenary on Dec. 5 when he scored 10 of his team-high 18 points over the final four minutes of the contest. This included seven straight points over the final 52 seconds, which included the game-winner with 3.3 seconds remaining to lead the 'Roos back from a 10-point deficit for the victory.
RAINING THREES
UMKC has made at least one three-point basket in 327 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 BasketballMonday, April 13
Monday, March 09
Monday, March 09
Wednesday, March 04