THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 6, 1996 TAG: 9603060680
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
Old Dominion's basketball season will be remembered in some quarters as one that did not live up to expectations.
Coach Jeff Capel contends those expectations were too high, although he helped create them by stating in the preseason the Monarchs' goal was to make the NCAA tournament Sweet 16.
That would have been one step further than ODU went last year after upsetting Villanova in the opening round. Capel said the Monarchs' failure to make this year's NCAA tournament - they lost in their conference tournament semifinals to UNC-Wilmington, likely snapping a four-year run of NCAA tournament or NIT appearances - should not be construed as a step back for the program.
He knows some may see it that way.
``I don't care,'' Capel said. ``For us as coaches, because we've been there since Oct. 15, we've seen the things that happen every day and every minute with this team. For us, we're satisfied with what we were able to accomplish this year.''
The Monarchs (18-13, 12-4) finished second in the Colonial Athletic Association after being picked to win it in the preseason. It was ODU's fourth consecutive winning season, which the program had not accomplished since 1983-86.
The Monarchs only beat two Division I teams that have winning records - St. Joseph's (14-11) and East Carolina (17-11).
``We had an up-and-down season,'' senior guard Duffy Samuels said.
``We came on strong toward the end, we just came up short.''
Samuels, a reserve, is the only member of ODU's rotation that will not be back next year. Senior Mario Mullen was essentially lost for this season because of a back injury, and senior Derrick Parker only played in seven games.
Five freshmen, meanwhile, saw significant playing time and started a combined 70 games. Collectively, they were not very good defensively, which is typical of most freshmen.
``You have to put it in some sort of perspective,'' junior E.J. Sherod said of recapping the season.
``We learned lessons about how to come out and prepare for games. The most important thing is to come out and compete every night. We took some lumps.
``We've got some good players coming back, we just have to come out and play every night.''
ODU's entire starting five and four of the top five reserves return next season.
Among that group are first-team all-CAA players Joe Bunn, a sophomore, and Odell Hodge, a junior. Conference Rookie of the Year Mark Poag and fellow all-rookie team member Mike Byers will also return.
Although Capel said his intent was never to lay the groundwork for future seasons, one benefit of playing the freshmen so much was they will be better equipped to make an impact as sophomores.
``That's the thing that will be the shining light from this season that will be a big help for us next year,'' Capel said.
``We made a decision to get some quality minutes for those kids. They produced.
``They weren't as consistent as they needed to be, but they got the opportunity to be on the court in big games.''
A pair of backcourt players will be added to the mix next year.
Freddie Bryant, 6-foot-3, averaged 27 points, five rebounds and four assists while playing point guard for Live Oak High School in Watson, La.
Michael Williams, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Thomas County Central High in Thomasville, Ga., averaged 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. Williams is still attempting to meet the test score requirement to qualify under the NCAA's freshman eligibility guidelines.
ODU has two more scholarships to give.
Capel said the Monarchs will begin next season ahead of where they began this one, because the majority of the players will have a year of experience with Capel's offensive and defensive systems. He said what took two months to teach the players this season may require just a two-week refresher course next season.
Capel said he expects to press more, and to be a better overall defensive team.
He said the Monarchs also need to become a better outside shooting team, which should be the case if returning players work in the offseason on their skills.
The prospects for the future look bright, as they did heading into this season.
``I thought we had a good year,'' Capel said.
``A lot of people had higher expectations for this team than were realistic. I think we fought through some adversity and really played well.'' by CNB