Head basketball coach Mark Edwards described the ending of the 2004-’05 Washington University men’s hoops season with the simple phrase, “My players were left unfulfilled.” Last year’s Bears ended the season with a 16-9 overall record and posted an 8-6 record in the University Athletic Association (UAA). Despite finishing third in the UAA, Edwards’ squad did not receive a tournament bid.
But this year brings a new season, and the 2005-’06 team dynamics have sparked a rejuvenated ball club combining the excitement of a very talented freshmen class with the enthusiasm and experience of its returning players. The mix is likely to be very successful for the Bears.
“The team’s cohesiveness is very strong this year. Our returnees were very committed in the offseason. They’re excited about this year and it shows,” said Edwards.
The heart of this year’s success will be senior captains and returning starters Scott Stone and Mike Grunst, both of whom are coming off of great junior year seasons. Stone, a shooting guard from St. Louis, averaged 10 points, 4.7 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game as a junior. Stone has had a very successful career at Washington University and has already been entered in the University’s Men’s Hoops Career Record Book, placing eighth overall in three-point field goals made (128).
“Our goal is to get to the tournament,” said Stone, excitedly.
Grunst, a native of Milwaukee, Wis., also had a very impressive junior year. Grunst averaged 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. Joining Stone, Grunst has also been entered into the University’s Men’s Hoops Career Record Book, ranking fifth overall in blocked shots (131). He also set a school record last season with 10 blocks against Wittenberg College. Both Stone and Grunst were named to the UAA All-Academic Team as well.
Other factors adding to the Bears’ potential for success this season will be junior point guard Neil Griffin and sophomore power forward Troy Ruths. Griffin, a native of St. Charles, Mo., appeared in all 25 games last year as the backup point guard and has the experience, quickness and speed to step into this year’s starting position. He is expected be a very significant contributor, as he will be running the show.
Ruths is an invaluable asset for the Red and Green, with his aggressive rebounding and ability to score. Ruths, a 6’6″ native of Sugar Land, Texas, had a notable freshman year, averaging 8.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Ruths is also assumed to fill a starting role.
Senior captain Ian Ashcraft-Williams, a resident of Fayetteville, Ark., will see minutes at the three-guard position. Ashcraft-Williams adds discipline and leadership to the Bears’ squad and truly defines what commitment entails. He is a hard-worker who leads by example.
Team members who will also see some playing time this season are sharp-shooting sophomore Danny O’Boyle, freshman Tyler Nading, and freshman backup point guard Sean Wallis.
The 2005-’06 Bears are ready to bounce back after last year’s disappointing ending. Both talent and team chemistry are already present, and should prove crucial to a productive season. The squad’s new dynamics have created an energetic, competitive and enthusiastic atmosphere beneficial to the coaching staff and to the players. Attitudes are positive, and a tournament appearance is a must for Stone and his senior teammates in their last collegiate season. Coach Edwards has a lot to look forward to this upcoming season, and so do the players.
The Bears tip off their season today at 5 p.m. against fourth-ranked Robert Morris College at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Tournament.