Basketball team looks to 2006-2007 season

By Melanie Kirby

As Flagler College’s men’s basketball program wraps up its 2005-2006 season, they seek to prepare themselves for a successful upcoming school year.

Because Flagler is transferring its athletic membership from the NAIA to NCAA Division II, they expect a tougher level of competition within their conference. They will be matched up against established teams such as Florida Southern and Rollins College, who have stronger, faster and more experienced players than the NAIA Florida Sun Conference.

“The games we will play next season will be like playing every match against Embry-Riddle,” coach Bo Clark said.

With the help of an extra scholarship, a benefit of joining the NCAA, the coaches are fervently recruiting both high school and junior college players who can score and players who can consistently rebound.

The coaching staff is looking to find two to three players who can fill the voids of four-year player Bo Gooch and junior college transfer Jonathan Sterling who are graduating this April.

“It’s going to be hard to replace the strong leadership, intense knowledge of the game and respect for the program Gooch and Sterling had,” Clark said.

With Ben De La Cruz, a center from Orlando grabbing the co-freshmen award and Sam Jozenville along with Bryan Borstelmann earning all conference honors in this past season, many talented players are expected to step their game up to the next level.