Men's Basketball Outlook for 1999-2000

With only one returning player, this looks like a rebuilding year for KVCC.  Mike Davis, who averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds on the 20-11 98-99 Cougar squad, is back to provide leadership to the proliferation of first-year talent in the program.  Gone are twin-towers, 7'0" Jeff Rabey and 6'9" Kyle Smith.  Rabey finished as the nation's 2nd best rebounder at a school record-setting 12.2 pace last year.  And the record he broke was held by Kyle Smith, who averaged 10.4 caroms per game his freshman season.  Rabey received a scholarship to Bradley University.  Last year's leading scorer, Kevin Darby, transferred to Division I Carl Albert State Community College in Oklahoma, receiving a full room, board, tuition, and books scholarship, something that MCCAA community colleges may not offer.  Scholarships in the Division II dominated MCCAA are limited to tuition and fees, making it difficult to recruit and retain some of the most talented student-athletes.

"While we are happy that Kevin has obtained a place where the financial burdens of college will be significantly lessened, we are also disappointed that he could not find a way to continue at KVCC with the rapid development he began in his freshman year.  His contributions will be sorely missed," remarked Coach Shilts.

Coach Shilts on Mike Davis:  "Mike has worked extremely hard to position himself as a key performer this season.  He is a 1991 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, and as a non-traditional student has overcome many obstacles to obtaining an Associate's Degree and playing college basketball.  He represents much of the best that KVCC is about, and I am pleased that he will be an important part of our program again this season.  His continued improvement will be a big factor in the final success of this year's squad."

However, in the early going this fall, Coach Shilts has been impressed with the chemistry of his new players. "Although we are much smaller and do not have an extremely skilled individual offensive performer, we do, nevertheless, have a solid contingent of fundamentally sound players who seem eager to work together toward the achievement of success.  I am excited about working with our new team," Shilts commented recently.

Leading the newcomers are transfers Randy Seling, Brian Maher, and Jeff Storrs.   Randy averaged 26 points two years ago at Byron High School near Flint.  He played his freshman year of college ball at Glen Oaks, averaging 9 points per game. 

Coach Shilts:  "Randy is a fine perimeter shooter and has the ability to play several positions.  He will be counted upon heavily this season."  

Maher, a 1998 Hopkins High School graduate, has transferred from Hope College.  He suffered a broken foot, missing most of Hope's JV season last year. 

Coach Shilts:  "Brian needs more strength but has been impressive with his team play and his ability to go inside and out."

Storrs played at 21-5 Hastings High School during the 1998-99 season.  His squad advanced to the Class B Final Four before losing to River Rouge at the Breslin Center.   Jeff averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists on his high school team.   He then attended Adrian College where he averaged 13 minutes per game and 4 points for the varsity team in his inaugural year.

Coach Shilts:  "Jeff is a solid fundamental player with unusual determination to succeed.  He will play several positions this year.  He provides leadership with his inspirational team play."

Other newcomers expected to contribute heavily are Linus Thalman, Justin Sherlock, Chris Couch, and Jan Klompen.  Linus transferred from WMU after graduating from Ludington High School in 1997.  He averaged 20 points and 5 assists at Ludington.

Coach Shilts:  "Linus is one of our finest perimeter shooters.  His hard-nosed play make him a solid candidate at both shooting and point guard."

Sherlock was one of the top point guard recruits in the state last year.  Despite his diminutive size, Justin led the state of Michigan in all classes from the FT line with an amazing .918 percentage.  He averaged 22 points and 8 assists at Mt. Pleasant High School.

Coach Shilts:  "Justin knows how to run a team. His dribbling skills coupled with his intelligent play and his soft touch make him a valuable first-year player for the Cougars."

Couch is a Wyoming Lee High School graduate.  He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds in his final high school season.

Coach Shilts:  "Chris is a pleasant surprise to this year's team.  He is our quickest player and possesses explosive moves to the basket.  His development will be a key for the Cougars."

Klompen is the tallest player on this year's squad.  He is from Moers, Germany.   He learned about KVCC through Ron Greenwade, former summer basketball camp counselor, who moved to Germany to play and coach several years ago.  Jan's determination to adjust to the speed and quickness of the college game is perhaps his biggest asset.

Coach Shilts:  "Jan has improved rapidly in his last two years.  He is making his hard work in the weight room pay dividends.  He will need to improve his defense and rebounding to receive big minutes this season.  He is a fine team player and can shoot the perimeter jumper."

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