The Centurion men’s basketball team is looking forward to next season. With a team of mostly freshmen, the team can only get better and better.
This season was seen as a success, as the team finished the 2015-16 campaign with a record of 13-13, and a playoff berth.
In order to progress further into the playoffs next year, the Centurions will have to decide who the head coach will be. Interim Coach Justin Dunbar is hopeful that he remains coach for next season. “There’s a good chance I’ll be there next year” says Dunbar,“They like me.”
This was an exciting and eventful year for Dunbar, 26. He took over in the midst of a 5-game losing streak, “It was a tough time for us… (we) would like to avoid those things next year.”
Even though this was his first time coaching, he’s already discussing areas where the Centurions can improve, and strengthen areas where they already have talent.
Dunbar believes his team showed great resiliency throughout a somewhat turbulent season. The team’s vigorous mentality was showcased in their playoff loss to Bergen. The team started the game off on the wrong side of a 19-0 lead, and were still able to cut the deficit to just 3 twice in the second half. The Centurions’ tenacity is something Dunbar is looking forward to seeing again next year.
Resiliency can make up for a lot of inefficiencies. The team’s greatest fundamental weaknesses were “rebounding and shot blocking,” according to Dunbar. The Centurions didn’t have a true big-guy to help with these flaws this year. “Our big (guys) are more perimeter players” said Dunbar.
The coach would like to address the issue before next season, but believes the current group of guys can overcome their fundamental disadvantages because of the experience and continuity they will have next season.
With any team, confidence is key. One thing Dunbar would admit to bringing to the table was his ability to “bring positive energy to the team.” The coach believes it is one of his biggest strengths.
This ability was put to the test in the middle of a 5-game losing streak in late January. The Centurions regained their composure just in time for a successful late season playoff push.
Dunbar believes both he and the team can learn from this year.
“It was a learning experience for everybody, especially myself, being my first time (head) coaching,” says Dunbar.
The team will lean on their experiences from this year next season. There’s no question that experience is a valuable asset to the team, and the Centurions will have that on their side next season.
Twelve months ago the Centurions were coming off a disappointing 2-21 season, but there was none of that this year. In just one year the Centurions have made themselves into a real playoff threat.
With an experienced and talented team, the Centurions are poised to do big things next season. Coach Dunbar’s probable return could result in the perfect combination of talent, timing, and continuity.
There’s a bright future for men’s basketball here at Bucks.