Men's Basketball: Schmidt year two begins

When Robert Morris, picked to finish third in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, comes to the Reilly Center tonight, Bonnies head coach Mark Schmidt will see a few old faces on the other sideline.Schmidt, the former Colonials coach, is familiar with many of their players because he recruited some of them. However, he does not see his past experience with the players as an advantage.

"We know their talent," he said. They have very good talent. We know how good Jimmy Chappell and Jimmy Langhurst are. We know other guys, but we don't really know the guys they brought in themselves."

Senior guard Chappell was picked as a member of the 2008-09 All-NEC Preseason team. The Colonials also earned an invitation to the NIT last season, where they fell to Donte Green and Syracuse in the first round, 87-81.

"They're athletic, and I think one of the reasons they've been successful is because they have mid-major players playing in a low-level Northeast Conference," Schmidt said.

Schmidt insisted there will be no emotions once the whistle blows and the game begins.

"There's really no emotion. We're just preparing to play Robert Morris," he said. "During the game, I'm coaching my team. It's like playing a pickup game. We might be friends before the game, but during the game you play to win. And then after the game you shake hands."

The Bonnies will begin year two under Schmidt with a new look, as seven new players will take the court this season. Schmidt said the team has been coming along well, but he does not know what to expect with so much inexperience.

"Being inexperienced, from a coach's standpoint, you just never know what to expect, and the unexpected is what a coach doesn't want," he said. "It's going to be interesting to see how we mesh and how we handle a crowd."

In terms of cohesiveness on the court, Schmidt said it is ultimately all up to the players.

"Chemistry is such a unique thing in that sometimes chemistry can be built in three weeks and sometimes it takes six months," he said. "It depends how guys relate to each other and learn how each other plays."

Senior forward Tyler Benson said Schmidt has been helpful in assisting this group of new players get ready for the season.

"Coach is very good at getting us prepared and getting a scouting report," Benson said. "He does a good job of getting everybody in a mindset to do their jobs. In practice, we keep putting in new things to get ready."

As for Benson stepping up as the only four-year senior player on scholarship for the Bonnies, he said knowing the system has been the most helpful part of being a leader.

"I've never really been a real vocal guy, but during practice I try to get guys going a little bit," he said. "Because I know the system, if I see somebody where they're not supposed to be, I'll jump in and say something to them."

Schmidt said Maurice Thomas play in tonight's game. He said the junior forward is healthy, but it is a matter of Thomas getting his wind back after being out of practice for four weeks.

Tonight's game represents more than a reunion for Schmidt; it represents the beginning of building on a foundation he said was laid last season.

For recaps and commentaries on the men's season opener, visit www.thebv.org.