Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kramer Soderberg is getting his team right.
The Big Blue beat Concordia University in resounding fashion last night, winning 76-62 in a game that never felt like they were going to lose. Opening the season 2-0 is a huge step in the right direction, but that isn’t even the most exciting part. The most exciting aspect of this team is the depth.
Soderberg used his bench to perfection, with 7 players getting over 19 minutes of playing time, and 4 of those players scored over 10 points and contributed significant minutes when it mattered most.
Senior Tionne Spates Jr. had himself a night, stuffing the stat sheet with 12 points and 13 rebounds and getting his first double-double of the season in the process. Spates was one of many Big Blue players going all out for every rebound and loose ball, something that Soderberg has clearly emphasized throughout the early goings of the season.
Junior Lane Thomann continued his great start to the season, adding another double-double for the Big Blue, as he finished the night with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Thomann was a true workhorse last night, as he played 33 out of 40 minutes in the game. If Soderberg would have asked him to play the full 40, Thomann would have done it with a smile on his face.
Spates Jr. and Thomann are a perfect example for how the Big Blue played last night. They operated quickly and efficiently when they needed to and never let off the gas, regardless of the lead they had at any point throughout the game.
Sophomore Chris Ketchum added a little flair to the Big Blue’s win, electrifying the crowd with two emphatic dunks to keep Concordia at bay. Ketchum finished the game with 14 points. The excitement in the crowd was tangible last night. Millikin students and fans are excited to see what happens next, because any of these players can make an exciting play at any moment.
Every time the Cougars would pull within 7 or 8 points, the Big Blue would respond with a few important baskets of their own, and the scores came from every type of player. The players that Soderberg pulled from consisted of 4 seniors, 3 juniors, 2 sophomores, 2 freshmen, and 1 transfer. To say that this team has gelled in a short time would be an understatement, and to say that his use of these players is impressive would also be an understatement.
After watching last night, it is easy to see that Soderberg’s vision of maximum effort and execution is being carried out fully. It is clear that the players enjoy being around each other, and that is more valuable than assembling talent. The locker room morale is clearly in a very good place.
With the depth that this team has, the Big Blue Men’s Basketball team is looking like a team that could make some noise in the CCIW this year. Be sure to keep an eye on Soderberg’s squad as the season goes on.
