THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 26, 1995 TAG: 9511220304
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
CIAA COACHES have their opinion about the upcoming basketball season. Barry Hamler, first-year head coach at Elizabeth City State University, admits the Vikings will have a tough time challenging for the top spot in the conference.
The CIAA men's basketball coaches have voiced their opinion - they say Elizabeth City State University will finish at the bottom of the Northern Division of the league. Hamler, who grew up in the horse country of southwestern Virginia, went back to his days as a child to philosophize about this season.
``It's not where you start out. It's the horse that finishes first that counts,'' Hamler said. ``Nobody starts at the top except for the man who is digging a hole.''
The Vikings will probably start this season trying to climb out of hole with a team and coaches that have little college experience. Just four days before ECSU's first game, Hamler had not selected a starting lineup.
``We determine who starts based on practice,'' said Hamler, a former coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk. ``Every day someone comes in and looks better. So it's been an interesting experience. There really are no returners on this team because of the new coach and the new system.
``Everyone knows they have a shot at starting,'' Hamler added. ``The bad part is everything is new to them. They're a half-step slow. Hopefully, by January and February, they will have gained that half-step.''
Those who have followed the Vikings over the last several years will recognize few names on the current roster. The only returners from last year's starting lineup are point guard Adrian Bell and Bernard Cooper, who has switched from forward to center. Others from last year's roster include guard LaShawn Hill, forward Anthony Harris, and center Albert Battle.
Others listed on the roster include 6-7 Maurice Mincey, 6-1 Dorian Wilson, 6-5 Kenneth Miller, 6-1 Tim Williams, 6-2 Walter Wright, 6-6 Theron Curry, and 6-9 Xavier Wise.
The troops will be tested early as the Vikings head on a southern road trip during December. Stops will include Bethune Cookman, Florida Southern, University of North Florida, and Presbyterian College. Hamler said the trip will be a test of sorts.
``It's a bonding process. In the face of adversity, they will either come together or fall apart,'' he said. ``We will spend a few weeks together, just the players and coaches. We will then improve on those things we need to work on. The road games will develop toughness and get us ready for the CIAA.''
Two weaknesses Hamler sees early are rebounding and defense - two key elements in successful CIAA teams. As strengths, Hamler said he has highly intelligent players who have decent speed and can shoot well.
``We're not the biggest team in the world,'' he said. ``We'll have to work hard on the boards and be patient with shot selection.''
ECSU will have the dubious distinction of playing the preseason number one ranked NCAA Division II school in the country, Virginia Union, on Home Team Sports on Jan. 29. The Vikings have not beaten Virginia Union in nine years.
Hamler views the 1995-96 season as a new start for ECSU basketball.
``We talk about improving. Each day we get a little bit better than yesterday,'' he said. ``That means we've been successful. If we can do that for a couple of years, we'll be knocking at the door.''
The Vikings will play Fayetteville State at home Monday at 7:30 p.m. by CNB