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Often in college basketball the month of December serves as a period of time when a team can collect its breath and prepare for the upcoming rigors of conference competition. For the University of Maine men’s basketball team, things are no different. In fact, this year the Black Bears are getting a lengthy 14 days rest to prepare for their next opponent. In a month when basketball is often overshadowed by finals weeks and the ensuing holiday festivities, Maine has collected an impressive early record. Head coach John Giannini says the record has come mostly due to a core group of six players who have overcome early challenges.
“I am overall really pleased; we have been able to overcome early setbacks and continue to play well” said Giannini.
The Black Bears began a demanding 27-game schedule against an underrated Florida State team that put Maine away with a late run in the second half. Since that early game in November, the Black Bears have yet to see defeat again. Maine was able to pick up strong wins against such opponents as Bethune Cookman, University of New England, Brown and Harvard. While rolling out the four consecutive victories, Maine has relied on key play from six athletes. Giannini cites this group as the reason for Maine’s early 4-1 record. The early weeks of the season have seen the team overcome early injuries that have plagued the roster. Early on, Maine has had to get over the early season losses of key players Jermaine Jackson and Ludmil Hadjisotirov. Giannini credits Maine’s consistent play to the inspired play from bench players like Jon Wallingford.
“Jon came to us as a walk on and has been a great contributor to the team this season” said Giannini.
Another strong reason for Maine’s early accomplishments is the dazzling play of sophomore Kevin Reed. An All-America East Rookie Team selection last season, Reed has been able to trump any thoughts of a sophomore slump. Coming out of the gates hard, the talented guard has managed to average 18.8 points a game. Along the way Reed has collected 19 steals, most notably two steals that helped in a victory against Harvard last Tuesday. More impressive, however, may be his emergence as a leader on the court. Through the first games of the season it has become evident that Reed is asserting his new-found leadership skills on the court, while contributing more minutes than any other Black Bear. Giannini believes Reed is playing great, in part because of what Giannini sees as a harder work ethic and improved ball handling skills. Along with these overriding factors, Reed has trimmed down from the previous season placing him in even better shape.
“Most importantly it is [Reed's] veteran leadership that has lead to his development as an outstanding player,” said Giannini.
The Black Bears will return to action on Dec. 16 against Dartmouth, a team that has struggled during the start of the season. The Big Green picked up their first win of the season on Thursday after falling in several close battles. After the duel during finals week, Maine will hope to pick up strong victories against Morgan State and Massachusetts before Christmas. The games before the holiday will hopefully serve as a form of foreshadowing for the season ahead which promises plenty of adversity with a crowded conference schedule. Giannini believes that the early coaches polls regarding the top conference teams are accurate.
“Vermont, BU and Northeastern are the top three teams in the conference After that there is a group that is trying to crack the top group,” Giannini said.
He believes Maine falls into that second group of teams eager to unseat the perennial powers.
As the season continues to progress, Maine will relish in this much-needed rest, which should prove to be the calm before the storm.
The Black Bears will play a commanding ten games in January, a figure that stands out largely because the games are all against conference foes. The stretch includes key match ups against such powers as Vermont and Boston University, which will help to establish the fate of the rest of the season.
Giannini likes to remain traditional when it comes to looking ahead on the schedule. He believes every game counts. When asked if there is a highlight or a game he circles on the schedule early on the season, he responded quickly with a confident no.
“There is no highlight; we’re pretty old school. We count every game the same,” Giannini said.
