Tiger men’s basketball team loaded with youthful talent

Returning just three players from last year’s team that finished with a record of 16-16 in Brian Jackson’s first season as head coach, the Cowley College men’s basketball team is expecting a lot from the 12 new players to the team.
The Tiger coaching staff worked long hours and was very selective during the recruiting process as they made sure to bring in the right players to fit in their system.

“Through those efforts we were able to put a team together that is very talented and very coachable,” Jackson said. “Our young kids will have to step in and contribute right away,” Jackson said. “I think the kids we recruited are up to the challenge.”

Sanijay Watts, a 6-foot-4 wing player, that averaged 30 points and 13 rebounds as a prep standout in St. Louis, Mo., leads the heralded freshman class. While, Larry Cox, a 6-foot-7 post player that averaged a double-double all three years at Peach County (Ga.) High School, will also be counted on to make an immediate impact.

The other freshmen on the squad are, Damen Harris (6-foot-2 point guard), Tommy Williams (6-foot-1 guard), Nathan Pope (6-foot-7 guard), Rashad Parker (6-foot-5 forward), Ludovic Dovonou (6-foot-5 forward), and Nikola Grbicic (6-foot-9 forward).

“I like our athleticism and size,” Jackson said. “These guys are also very competitive and do not like to lose.”
Santwon Latunde, a 6-foot-6 sophomore post player highlights the Tigers’ returning players. Latunde averaged 10.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as a freshman.

“He can be one of the better players in the conference if he can learn to give the same effort everyday,” Jackson said. “He must be more consistent and inspire the other four guys to play with him on both ends of the court.”
Matt Muncy (6-foot-5 forward) and Joe Harvey (6-foot-4 guard) gained valuable experience as freshmen and will be counted on heavily during the 2006-07 season.

“Our sophomores will have to provide leadership,” Jackson said. “We are asking a lot out of those guys, but they are good people and I think they can handle those responsibilities.”

Eric Hammond (6-foot-1 guard), Kenny Daniels (6-foot-4 guard) and James Loe (5-foot-11 guard) will also be counted on to provide leadership and make an immediate impact. Hammond (6-foot-2 point guard) redshirted last season after spending his freshman season at Coffeyville Community College and is a talented point guard. Daniels transferred to Cowley from Indian Hills Community College and is an explosive wing player. While, Loe transferred from NCAA Division I Eastern Washington University.

Loe is a lightning quick guard that holds the Hillsboro (Ore.) High School career scoring and assists record. He was named the Metro Conference Player of the Year as a senior.

“Those three guys will be very pivotal to what we are trying to do,” Jackson said.
Cowley finished

Jackson guided Cowley to a 10-8 mark in the Jayhawk Conference in his first season as head coach, including a 66-58 win over Coffeyville that was the Red Ravens only loss in conference play.