2010-2011 Men's Basketball Preview
NEWTON, MA - The 2010-2011 Lasell College men’s basketball team is forging new territory with a young squad including just five returning players and two starters. After wrapping up the 2009-2010 season with an 11-16 record and an 8-10 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) slate, the Lasers will tip-off this year with featured matchups against four nationally ranked programs, including their season opener against Brandeis University on November 16th at 8:00 p.m.
The 2010-2011 Lasell College men's basketball team is forging new territory with a young squad including just five returning players and two starters. After wrapping up the 2009-2010 season with an 11-16 record and an 8-10 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) slate, the Lasers will tip-off this year with featured matchups against four nationally ranked programs, including their season opener against Brandeis University on November 16th at 8:00 p.m.
Head coach Aaron Galletta is entering his fifth season at the helm of the men's basketball program. Alongside Galletta will be second-year assistant coach David Hoffman in addition to three new assistant coaches, William Naylor, Ben Camobreco, and Andre Johnson, who will join the ranks on the sidelines for Lasell.
GNAC All-Conference first team honoree and captain Javon Williams (Mattapan, MA) will provide the veteran leadership to the team during his junior year. In his second year, the forward had a standout season for the Lasers, being named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star team in addition to the conference honors. He led the Lasers in points (549), rebounds (236), field goal percentage (.535), steals (54), and blocks (28), He also finished third on the team in assists (43). Williams also finished the season ranked 3rd-best in the conference in scoring and rebounding as well as ranked 29th in points per game (20.3) in all of Division III NCAA men's basketball. Williams averaged 34.7 minutes per game last season.
Dominik Orlow (Slupsk, Poland) stepped into the starting line-up a year ago as a major contributor in both the front court and the back-court. As a first-year, Orlow finished fourth-best on the team in points and rebounds, averaging 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
Also returning to the Lasers ranks will be sophomore forward Philip DiMacco (New Orleans, LA), junior guard Richie King (Carver, MA), and sophomore guard John Michael Hodge (Fort Myers, FL). DiMacco looks to have a breakout season after seeing quality time off the bench during his first year. Junior forward Derrick Harper (Boston, MA) will also provide strength to the Lasers down low on the boards.
The Lasers will tip-off this week against two regional powerhouse programs, Brandeis University and Rhode Island College. Lasell opens up on November 16th at home against Brandeis at 8:00 p.m. and will host Rhode Island on Saturday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m.
GNAC play for the Lasers opens on November 23rd when they entertain Suffolk University at 7:00 p.m. in the Lasell Athletic Center.