HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Following a successful debut in the South Atlantic Conference in 2013, Coker men's basketball coach Dan Schmotzer can only think of one word to describe the 2014 basketball season.
"New. Everything about this year is new," said Schmotzer, who is entering his 28th season at the helm of the men's program, takes the court in Coker's state-of-the-art, 1,908-seat Harris E. and Louise H. DeLoach Center this season. "This new facility has rejuvenated me as a coach. I always look forward to coming into work, but the DeLoach Center gives you that added boost to want to shatter those preseason expectations."
The Cobras finished 2013 with a 15-13 overall record and 11-11 mark in conference play. Coker's season came to an end with a loss to Anderson University in the semifinals of SAC tournament. This season Coker is picked to finish eighth in the 2014 SAC Preseason poll. Lincoln Memorial and Newberry were tabbed as the favorites.
"I don't really look much into preseason rankings," said Schmotzer. "The SAC is probably a top-three basketball conference in the nation, so you cannot allow yourself to get caught up in the hype. I just want this group to go out and play Coker basketball."
The head ball coach's 2014 roster includes 22 players, 12 of which are fresh faces to Coker. Schmotzer lost six seniors, including all five starters, to graduation in 2013, but expects his 10 returners to provide all the leadership needed this season.
"We are a very different team this year," said Schmotzer. "We lost a very solid group from a year ago, but I have no doubt the kids we have coming in and returning will be productive in their new roles. If we bend our knees on defense and find the best shot on offense we will be just fine."
Senior and preseason second team All-SAC selection Larry Felder will be tasked with leading the Cobras this season, along with fellow senior Errick Bethel and junior Trey Marshall.
"Larry is a beast on both ends of the court," said Schmotzer. "I expect him to control the boards on both ends and live at the free throw line with his driving ability. Bethel is someone I expect to hit every shot he takes and with Marshall running the point I expect him to get a lot of open shots."
Other returners expected to contribute more this season are junior forward Howard Davenport and sophomore forward Donte Samuels. The trio of Aubrey Daniel, Deion Craig and Jalen Watson will also be asked to step in right away and contribute to the team's success.
"Each of these players are very talented," said Schmotzer. "It will be getting them used to playing at the right pace and understanding that consistency is the key to success."
The Cobras will have a tough schedule this season with their 22-game conference schedule and exhibitions against Division I opponents Campbell University and University of South Carolina. Schmotzer has accepted the challenge and expects his team to follow suit.
"Our schedule is never easy and we do that on purpose," said Schmotzer. "We have some tough games early and they only get tougher. The point of the schedule is to grow as a team and prepare for a run in the conference tournament."
The Navy and Yellow opens its season on Saturday, Nov. 8 in an exhibition against Campbell University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. at Campbell's Gore Arena.