Wingate University men’s basketball coach
Brian Good is quick to mention the excellent attributes of his 2011-12 team. “I am most pleased with our work ethic,” Good says. “I don’t have to motivate this group to work hard. We can spend more time teaching.”
In 2010-11, Wingate was 19-10 overall and12-6 in the South Atlantic Conference. The Bulldogs finished second in the SAC regular season race. The good news for Wingate fans: Coach Good and his staff return nine letter winners and all five starters from last year’s team.
“We have so many quality players,” Good says. “The challenge for us…is to get every person to buy into his role…so we can put the best player on the court in every situation. This is an unselfish group…we will continue to work hard…this is a challenge, but a good one.”
Junior forward
Odell Turner was named to the All-SAC first team as a sophomore. He averaged team-best totals of 15.5 points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. Turner hit 52.3 percent of his field goals, also first on the Bulldog charts. Last March, Turner averaged 18.3 points per game as Wingate made its run to the Food Lion SAC tournament championship game.
Turner hit double-figure points 25 times in 29 games last year. In addition, he was Wingate’s leading rebounder in 19 games. “We are moving Odell from the five to the four,” Good says. “He’s got a big challenge ahead, but this move makes our front line bigger.”
Senior guard
Jaime Vaughn joined Turner on the All-SAC honor squad last year. Vaughn was second on the team with his 13.9 points per game. He was Wingate’s top three-point (41.8 percent) and free throw (83.3 percent) shooter. Vaughn hit a team-high 51 triples as a junior. “Jaime is vital to our team’s communication,” Good says. “He makes shots and makes others better.”
Good gives senior guard
Chase Smith high praise. “I could not be more pleased with any one (at this point) than I am with Chase,” Good says. “He is dedicated to our team’s principles. Chase has worked hard on his jump shot.” Smith averaged 7.4 points per game as a junior. His 36 three-point field goals were second on the team charts.
Junior forward
Quan Alexander “is Mr. Consistent,” Good says. “Last year, when we had a very successful game…Quan had a solid game for us.” Alexander averaged 9.7 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game as a sophomore.
Junior point guard
Ethan Kincaid returns as Wingate’s floor general. “Every year, Ethan is making progress in his leadership and point guard skills,” Good says. “He is very confident in his role as a leader on the floor. Ethan is our best on-the-ball defender. He has improved his shooting tremendously.” Kincaid led Wingate with 113 assists last year.
Good hopes junior guard
Paidrick Matilus “has a junior year similar to Chase Smith. We need his ability to make shots. He gives us a great physical presence…as a bigger and stronger defender on the perimeter.” Matilus averaged 9.0 points per game as a sophomore.
Sophomore guard
Robert Carpenter “is our gym rat,” Good says. “We do not have anyone on our team who spends more time in the gym than Robert. As a result, he has improved his game in every area.” As a freshman, Carpenter’s 26 three-point field goals were third-best on the team.
Sophomore forward
Jeffrey Parker “gets better every day,” Good says. “The coaching staff has more trust in him. He will score and rebound more (this year). Jeff is a defensive presence in the lane.” Last year, Parker blocked a team-high 50 shots.
Good believes junior guard
Eddie Lewis is one of the hardest-working Bulldogs. “Eddie is a no-frills guy,” Good says. “You know what you are going to get…he works hard. He is developing a very good three-point shot. Eddie has a hunger for a bigger role with our team.”
Wingate’s newcomers will make a contribution as well. “We knew we needed more size in this group,” Good says. “We also needed a point guard. We filled our needs with this group.”
Sophomore center
Deion Turman is the tallest Bulldog at 6-8. Freshman forward
Mike Tyson will add bulk in the post. Freshmen guards
Ryan Daye and
Jimmy Bonds will get an opportunity to learn from a veteran backcourt. “These guys will be terrific players for us,” Good says. “They will contribute and they will help us to be better.”
Wingate will play six teams who participated in the 2011 NCAA Division II tournament, including defending Southeast Region champion Anderson. Lincoln Memorial, Limestone, Queens, Winston-Salem State and UNC Pembroke also dot the Bulldogs’ schedule.
Seven of Wingate’s first eight games are away from the friendly confines of Cuddy Arena, where the Bulldogs won nine contests last year. Wingate’s home opener is Nov. 15 against Armstrong (Ga.). The Bulldogs open SAC play at defending regular season and tournament champion Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
2010-11 Outlook
