On Nov. 12, the Sharks will open their season at home against Columbus State. After finishing with a 13-15 record last season, the team is looking forward to a fresh start.
With ten new players, a new assistant coach and a change in their defensive system, the team hopes to improve from last year.
Teddy Tassy, senior guard, said that in order for the team to have a successful season, they are going to need the support and encouragement of NSU fans. He said if a genie granted him one wish, he would ask for the seats to be filled for every home game.
“It would mean so much. It’d be huge. I mentioned this on the radio show that we were on the other night. To start a legacy of having a huge fan base is big. We want to have a home court advantage. We want people to come to the gym and say, ‘Man, Nova’s a rowdy place to play at,’” said Tassy.
Robert Huntington, senior center, said he has enjoyed practicing with all of his new teammates and said the environment has been really good. Huntington said he has one goal for this season — winning.
“Conference-wise, obviously, we want to win it all,” he said. “But I really want to beat Eckerd at Eckerd. Two years ago, we had a fair loss there in the tournament’s first round. I definitely don’t want that to happen again, that was probably one of the worst losses I ever had.”
Head Coach Gary Tuell said the one area the team must improve on is defense. However, he doesn’t believe effort will ever be an issue with this group
of players.
“I think [NSU fans] will see guys who work hard. We’re kind of an old-school team. We’re a team that will grind it out, pound you inside, be physical and rebound well,” said Tuell.
Tassy said the new players give the team size and versatility. There is only one player on the roster under 6’3”. Huntington said he is looking forward to discussing the games with the NSU community.
“I love it when somebody will just come up and say ‘hi’ and ask me about the basketball [game]. That’s awesome when people do that,” he said.
