Longwood University Men’s Basketball team held their first practice in Willet Hall to prepare for a tough season last Friday, Oct. 2. After they surprised the Big South with their appearance in the semi-finals, the team will prepare to get there again, maybe further.
The Lancers will face big named schools like Oklahoma State University, University of Richmond and George Mason University.
These matchups against larger opponents will prepare the Lancer team for the Big South games that they will play later in the season.
“The keys to beating Oklahoma State University and the University of Richmond will be sticking to our game plan of controlling the tempo of the game,” said assistant men’s basketball coach Samba Johnson. “We have to make sure we first get stops on defense and limit them to one shot. Offensively, we have to make sure we don’t take wild and quick shots unless it’s in transition. We must get a good shot in every possession on the half court. This will put us in position to win the basketball game.”
Johnson outlined a few key components in their training that will lay the foundation for a successful season. Before facing any competition, the Lancers will focus in practice, continuing to work from last Friday.
“The main things we are focusing on in practice are: making sure our defensive rotation are on the same page, executing better on offensive and adjusting to the shot clock change from 35 to 30,” said Johnson.
This year in July, the NCAA approved the 30 second shot clock in an effort to increase the scoring in games and speed up the flow of the game. This five second difference from last year has the potential to rush teams into taking quick shots, something that Coach Johnson said could play in the Lancer’s favor.
The Lancers will have a strong base in senior leadership this season. Seniors Shaquille Johnson, Lotanna Nwogbo, Tra’Vaugn White, Jason Pimentel and Leron Fisher will all enter their final year on the court.
“Leadership, making sure our seniors are developing good leadership qualities and are leading our young guys,” said Johnson. This will be the final and perhaps most important factor looking ahead to the season.
In an interview with senior center Lotanna Nwogbo, he explained what he perceived to be the key components for a powerful season.
“I feel like if we stay healthy, we will be fine. Also, we just have to play hard and lock in on defense,” said Nwogbo.
Nwogbo suffered a season-ending thumb injury during 2014-15, leaving the Lancers without a big man mid-season.
With a healthy thumb, the senior is ready to return to the court, stronger than ever. He felt he can lead his team through his experience as a senior and his verbal skills.
“I’ll do my best to lead by example and verbally,” said Nwogbo.
The Lancers will begin their season in a month on Nov. 7 against hometown rival, Hampden-Sydney College.
