Firebird Men's Basketball 2008-09 Season to Start October 24

October 24th marks the start of the University of the District of Columbia Firebirds 2008-09 men's basketball season. UDC Head Men’s Basketball Coach Julius L. Smth, Jr., is upbeat about the new season and his returning and new players.

Smith, who is entering his fourth year as the UDC Head Coach, said “We have a tough schedule this year, and with a team of eight freshmen and four veterans I feel our prospects are very good.”  Although the team has a large contingent of freshman who have never played in a college basketball game, Smith says, “The team’s immediate prospect for success depends on how quickly they mature. They are a young group that must grow up quickly”.

“This year's schedule includes games against Alderson-Broaddus College, who always plays us tough. We split with them last year and we expect them to present quite a challenge for us this year. Also on our schedule is Kutztown University, another tough school to play that is well-coached. Philadelphia University is another and Pitt-Johnstown, who went the NCAA DII Tournament last year, always presents a challenge. We haven’t beaten them in the three years since I have been the UDC head coach. Overall, this is one of the most competitive schedules we have ever played,” said Smith.
 
Fortunately, the Team has a core group of returning players who can provide leadership for their younger teammates. Senior forward Rasheed Coles, who was involved in an automobile accident at the start of the season last year and red-shirted for the remainder of the season, is expected to provide that leadership as team captain. Smith says, “Coles brings maturity and leadership to the Team and I am excitedly looking forward to his returning and providing the lift that it needs at this time.”

“Brian Adams, a senior guard, is another third year student –athlete who is ready to start after coming off the bench the last two years”, said Smith. “I am excited about his starting because as a 6’4” player he is ready to guard any position on the floor. His versatility is truly needed”.

One of the newcomers that Smith expects to make major contributions this year is Kechan Myers, a Division I transfer from New Orleans. “Myers is a skilled and knowledgeable point guard. He has shown all of the leadership skills needed to run a basketball team, and because of his former college experience the kids are looking forward to that leadership. He is also a very good defender”, said Smith.

This year’s team includes senior guard Brian Adams, and sophomore guard Tim Ellison, two players from the metropolitan Washington area who are expected to add another dimension to the program. Newcomers include three quality players from Washington, DC. Chris Leach is a 6’4”  freshman guard from Gonzaga High School; Roman Pakieser, a 6’11” center from Archbishop Carroll High School; and freshman red-shirt Chris Roberson, a 6’9” forward from Roosevelt High School.