2011-2012 Men's Basketball Season Preview
THE YOUNG RAIDERS READY TO STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD
The 2011-2012 Rivier Raiders Men's Basketball Team will look to take the next step in getting back to the top of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. The Raiders started out strong in the 2010-2011 season before falling late in the season due to various injuries. 2011 graduate, Don Poitras (Bow, NH) will be hard to replace as he was the focus of the Raider Offense and Defense.
The current additions will rely on balance and trust. This team can go very deep and cause match-up problems for their opponents. The young but experienced Raiders will look to get up and down the floor more and score in transition. "We have a great core of returners coming back and I expect them to pick up the new system and execute it right away," said Head Coach David Morissette who is entering his 14th year.
Rivier also added Assistant Coach Chris Giordano to the staff this year. Chris is a Rivier Alum (2007) who helped lead the Raiders to the NCAA Tournamentin 2007. He has been an Assistant Coach at Nashua North HS the past few seasons. Chris replaces longtime Associate Head Coach George Noucas who did a tremendous job at Rivier during his tenure. "The program said good bye last year to a great man in Coach Noucas who will be greatly missed. " Added Morissette," We are lucky to have found someone like Coach Giordano to fill this position. His passion for the game and Rivier College has been contagious throughout the program in his short time here."
SENIOR
The lone senior is Will Snider (PG -Old Bridge, NJ) and he will serve as one of the Captains of this year's team. He has been the starting point guard the last two years and the Raiders will lean on his leadership this season.
Coach Morissette on the Senior Class
"I am real proud of Will's growth through the years and I expect him to have a great senior year. He has really learned how to run the point and his communication skills are much better this year."
JUNIORS
The talented Junior class is lead by Captains Mike Polley (F -Nashua, NH) and Chris Foley (F -Oakham, MA). Both are leaders on and off the floor. Mike and Chris also do a lot of the dirty work under the basket, rebound and both can beat you from the outside.
Cliff Celestin (G - Boston, MA) is and explosive guard who can beat you from inside or out. Cliff has fought through many injuries the last two season and if healthy one of the better guards in the GNAC.
Brian Troy (G - Westmoreland, NH) is a terrific three point shooter. Brian runs the floor well, can run the point if needed and is a good on the ball defender.
Garon Whitney (G/F - Dover, NH)is coming back after a year off. Garon is real athletic, can score and play good solid defense.
Coach Morissette on the Junior Class
"This class features two great and talented leaders along with three athletic and versatile guards who really know how to score the ball. This class has a chance to put their stamp on the program and lead us not only this year but next as well."
SOPHOMORES
Tom Poitras (F - Bow, NH)is coming of a great rookie season where he almost walked away with the GNAC Rookie of the Year award. Tom is a tough forward who is tough to stop on the block but can step out and knock down jump shots.
Emmanuel "Manny" Smith (PG – New York City) has really improved and will have a big impact on this year's team. He runs the point well and is Rivier's best on the ball defender.
Jake Nelson (G – Nashua, NH) joined the Raiders in January last year and had a major impact right away. Jake can score anywhere in the half court and his energy is unmatched.
Nick Walch (F/G - Dedham, MA) probably had the best off season for the Raiders. Nick improved his outside shooting along with his rebounding and will play significant minutes this season with his work ethic.
Shawn Gareau (PG – Hardwick, MA)also had a terrific off season. Shawn really understands the offense and how to run a team. He is a complete team player.
Coach Morissette on the Sophomore Class:
"Very much like the juniors this class has the talent to be special. Understanding that they need to step up now will be real important for us. Real good and explosive group. Hopefully this class, like the juniors, understand their time is now."
FRESHMEN
Mike Colby (G – Londonderry, NH) has the talent to be an impact player right away. Mike can shoot the three, understands the game real well and plays great team basketball.
Cliff Aquino (G – Waterbury, CT) is also a very talented guard. Cliff is a terrific on the ball defender, can rebound and shoot the basketball.
Coach Morissette on the Freshman Class
"These two young men have the talent to be real good at Rivier and put up a lot of points. Coming from two good high school programs they fit in well to our system. The key for these two is patience and learning the college game. I'm really excited about the future of these young men."
Coach Morissette on the Upcoming Season
"This team is different than the last couple of years. We are more versatile and we don't rely on one or two players. We have many athletes who can put the ball in the basket. I feel if the chemistry continues the way it started this year we can have a successful season. Our goal every year is to be playing on the last weekend of the GNAC Tournament and I think that is very attainable for this team."
