By Mitch Blankespoor
Coming off an 8-17 season a year ago, the 2013-Kalamazoo College men's basketball team is excited to begin practice Sunday, Oct. 20.
Under the direction of second year head coach Eric Dougal, the Hornets finished with a 5-9 record in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) which put K in sixth place overall. Kalamazoo did, however, win its final three conference games of the season.
"We were one win away from finishing in a tie for fourth place, and gaining a birth into the conference tournament" Dougal said. "The guys have seen what it takes to play in this league."
Kalamazoo graduated just a single senior from last year's team, but Eric Fishman left big shoes to fill. Fishman graduated with the class of 2013 with a degree in business. The Southfield native is one of 21 student-athletes to score 1,000 points in a Kalamazoo uniform.
"Eric [Fishman] started in 23 of 25 games for us at point guard last season," Dougal said. "His experience and leadership will be missed."
This year's squad features three seniors with Mark Ghafari headlining the class. Ghafari started every game last season averaging 19.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories. Ghafari also shot 39 percent from beyond the three point arc and 82 percent from free throw line.
For Ghafari's efforts during his junior campaign, the Grosse Pointe Shores native was named a Preseason All-American by DIII News, a monthly newsletter about NCAA Division III basketball. In addition, the publication named Ghafari the preseason MIAA Most Valuable Player.
"Mark [Ghafari] can put the ball in the basket," said Dougal. "He does all the little things necessary to be successful, and has earned the respect of his peers in the conference. He had a great summer, and we expect him to improve all areas of his game."
Grant Carey started 20 of 25 games last season. Carey averaged five points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season. He also shot 44 percent from the field.
"Grant [Carey] was 'Mr. Everything' last year," Dougal said. "He will be a captain again this season and will be improved scoring the basketball as well as rebounding."
Keaton Adams rounds out the senior class. Adams saw limited time in 2012-13, and will compete for minutes this season.
"Keaton [Adams] is a tremendous three point shooter and will also help the front court rebounding," said Dougal.
The junior class represents six members of the team: Adam Peters, Aaron Schoenfeldt, Carl Ghafari, Carter Goetz, Stephen Oliphant, and Scott Wharam.
Peters averaged 8.1 points and four rebounds per game last season. The Hickory Corners native started in 15 games, and notched his career-high in point (22) and rebounds (9) in K's last game of the season, an 80-68 win over Alma.
"Adam [Peters] played well down the stretch last season," Dougal said. "He has gotten stronger and is playing with much more confidence."
Carter Goetz averaged 5.2 rebounds per game while starting all but one game. According to Dougal, Goetz will be transitioning to a new position for the 2013-14 season.
"Carter [Goetz] will be moving to the wing, a more natural position for him," said Dougal. "He has also gotten stronger over the offseason."
Aaron Schoenfeldt averaged 19 minutes a game in both coming off the bench and starting 10 games. Schoenfeldt averaged 6.8 points per game last season.
"Aaron [Schoenfeldt] has gotten stronger and extended his shooting range," Dougal said. "We expect him to play a bigger offensive role this season."
Carl Ghafari, younger brother of Mark, will step into the role of starting point guard. Stephen Oliphant and Scott Wharam will compete for minutes on the wing.
Mike Oravetz highlights the sophomore class. Oravetz tallied a career-high 22 points and six rebounds in a 78-76 win at Albion. The Pleasant Ridge native averaged 4.2 points and 1.6 rebounds per game last season.
Keith Garber, Jared Weeks, and Cam Schwartz will compete for time on the wing, in the post, and at point guard respectively.
"All of the sophomores have had great summers," said Dougal. "They have all come back to campus bigger, faster, and stronger than last season."
Kalamazoo welcomes five freshmen to the program. According to Dougal, this class brings something Kalamazoo has not had in several years.
"Size," Dougal said. "We have four guys that are 6'5" or taller. They will all compete for time this season."
The non-conference schedule for the Hornets begins with an exhibition against Western Michigan on Nov. 2. Kalamazoo will also play Division I opponent Indiana Purdue-Fort Wayne (IPFW) on Jan. 4.
"These Division I schools will give us a chance to play against great competition," Dougal said.
Kalamazoo hosts the MIAA/HCAC (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference) Challenge Nov. 21 and 22. The Hornets will play Manchester (Ind.) and Earlham (Ind.). The Hornets will also face University Athletic Association (UAA) member Chicago (Ill.) on Dec. 1 as well as Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) member Elmhurst (Ill.) on Dec. 4. K rounds out its non-conference season with Defiance (Ohio), Marygrove, and a trip to Tampa Bay over Christmas Break.
"The rematch with Manchester will be a fun one," said Dougal, who was an assistant coach at Manchester prior to his arrival at Kalamazoo. "The Chicago match-up provides us with an opponent with similar academic standards."
Similar to previous years, Kalamazoo will play a double round robin in the MIAA with the top four teams earning a berth in the MIAA Tournament.
"Our conference is one of the best in the country," Dougal said. "It is getting better from top to bottom every year. Our expectation is to compete for a league championship."
Kalamazoo looks to improve on the court, but Dougal makes it clear that is not the only goal of being a member of the Kalamazoo College men's basketball team.
"Our team last year exhibited a championship-level effort in all areas," said Dougal. "Our guys this year have dedicated time to returning Kalamazoo to a championship-level program on the court while at the same time maintaining academic excellence and community service such as donating time to a local food pantry or raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I am honored to lead a group of young men who exemplify the true meaning of being a student-athlete."