Despite losing back-to-back OAC Player of the Year
Nate Stahl and All-OAC performer
Ryan Wood along with five others to graduation, seniors
Ben McGrath,
DJ Frazier, and
Adam Johns look to continue the winning ways of the Capital men's basketball team.
The Crusaders' followed consecutive OAC regular season titles by recording the most wins in program history for a season last year (26-5 overall) while advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16.
"Our goals remain the same every year. We want to compete for the league championship, the league tournament, and to play in the NCAA tournament," said head Coach Damon Goodwin, who is entering his 16th season at Capital. "We have three proven players in our program, which are Ben, DJ, and Adam. Our season is going to depend on how they compete and lead."
After waiting in the wings for several seasons, Goodwin is anxious to see what McGrath brings to the forefront.
"McGrath is probably the best decision maker on the team," Goodwin said. "Ben needs to be one of our better outside shooters this season."
Frazier, a defensive menace that led the team in steals last season, will look to become more of a force on offense.
"DJ is deceptive and has good anticipation on defense, and is one of our better rebounders. He really drives to the basket, but will have to improve on his outside game," Goodwin said.
Frazier added, "Coach Goodwin has already talked to me about being more of a scoring threat during this past offseason. I'll have the opportunity to show what I can do," Frazier said.
Capital's inside play will depend on Johns and Muskingum transfer Scott Robertson.
"(Johns) can be an explosive scorer for us, but he will have to be a consistent presence in the inside," Goodwin said. "Scott has gotten stronger, and we hope he will be a physical presence for us in the post."
Robertson used last season to as a chance to adapt to the team.
"I learned that you have to put in the time and to be willing to give everything you have every day," Robertson said. "Capital goes all out every practice, and that's why we've won titles and went to the Sweet 16 last year," Robertson said.
Goodwin is confident that his other veterans will provide quality depth for the Crusaders.
"Tyler Munro, Scott Steineman, and Kelly Winter have all paid their dues, and now it's time to see if they can fill some of the voids on this team, "Goodwin said.
While Capital will have to come of age to compete in the OAC, their focus has been on continuing their legacy of success.
"We need to have the right mindset as soon as we come into practice on the first day. Adam, Ben and I need to let the young guys know the expectation level of this program and what Capital basketball is about," Frazier said. "We just have to prove ourselves against those who doubt us."