14 The Voice, For Students, By Students | Novennber 2, 2011 | www.fsuvoice.com | send news tips to the editor; thevoice.fsu@gmail.com
Great Expectations
for men s basketball
by Chamell Harris
Voice Features Editor
“Make sure they bring the noise!” said senior guard, Jarm-
el Baxter.
Thundering down the court this year, is a team full of vet
eran players who hope to have a great time, all awhile bring
ing home a new title. Men’s basketball is set to kick off this
November and with the start of the new season, they hope
to focus on the greatest aspects of the game: perfecting the
fundamentals and having a great time while doing so.
“I have high expectations for our team this year. We really
feel like we can do it this year,” said Mr. Baxtor.
While facing off against teams like Winston-Salem, UNC
Pembroke and Campbell University, the team promises not to
disappoint fans this season and ask that students come out to
the games and have a great time.
Freshmen guard Anthony Shelton feels a roaring home
crowd is just what the team needs to kick up the energy at
the home games. “Big support from the crowd, have fim and
have the school behind us,” is what the guard would like to
see this season.
Last season, the team had great success winning more than
16 games and defeating teams like Barber-Scotia, Living
stone College and Virginia State. Though the stakes are a lot
higher this season for the players who will graduate in the
spring, there is no competition too tough for the Broncos this
go-around.
Although, most would like to compare statistics from the
other teams in the conference, some members on the team
feel that there is no definite top competitor.
“I think everybody is. Everybody is on oiu- backs now. I
think it’s the entire CL\A,” said Mr. Baxtor. “We’re going to
stay motivated, and continue to work hard. The season will
be here in just a week and a half, so we on it!”
And with just a few newcomers on the team, it would
seem freshmen players like Mr. Shelton, Preston Holmes and
Quentin Underwood would feel the pressure from playing
with an older team. However, they view it as a great opportu
nity to enhance their already exceptional skills.
“The level of competition [here], everyone is good.” said
Mr. Shelton. “Just to get better and to learn from the upper
classmen and win the CIAA,” is something he is looking for
ward to.
As for learning from fellow teammates, this could be a
good thing for the team. After have played a few seasons
with each other and becoming more acquainted with one an
other’s playing style is a very valuable trait for professional
teams.
“Anytime you have veterans on your team in any sport,
they have knowledge of the game, so it gives them an edge,”
said Jamel Carpenter whose focus for this season is to have
a successful year “team and individual wise” and using the
skills he will gain from being a Bronco to pursue a profes
sional career in basketball.
With the emphasis always on the fundamentals and having
a good time, this season’s outlook appears to be a good one.
“We have to work harder and stay humble.” “Work hard on
and off the court,” said Mr. Baxtor.
“It’s exciting! I like it. I look forward to playing this year,”
said freshmen point guard Anthony Shelton.
The men’s basketball team’s first home game is Nov. 11
against Barber-Scotia at 7 p.m. in the Capel Arena.
“We have all the pieces. We just need to put it together.
That’s what practice is for,” said Jamel Carpenter.
Voice photos by Chamdll Hams
Far Left, FSU men's basketball
team prepares for a successful
season. Forward, Lenton Donnell,
junior practices a dunk as team
mate Sheldonte Fields prepares
for his turn on Tuesday Oct. 25 in
Capel Arena.
Above, Andre Best, junior, Guard
advances the ball down court on a
fast break during practice.
Left, Lenton Donnell, junior, For
ward passes defender to score
during practice.