WOLFPACK MBB YEAR IN REVIEW
For immediate Release: February 19, 2009
Kamloops—Although it didn’t show in the final standings, the 2008-09 Canada West season was one of growth for the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack men’s basketball team. The WolfPack went 2 and 21, but their success in the community and in the area of development was immeasurable.
Thom Gillespie was hired as the interim coach in early August. Despite not having time to recruit and being away from the Canada West style of play for over 10 years, he was a ‘breath of fresh’ air to the TRU program.
“I thought the season was successful on a number of levels and that we made steps in the right direction for the program to progress forward in a competitive division,” he said recently. “We don't want to learn to accept losing but take on the challenge to become a top level program. Being successful on the court requires a great deal of work and sacrifice which begins now for 2009-10. “
Gillespie is used to rebuilding. He did it with the University of New Brunswick when he first took over. He says there is always a feeling out process with a group of athletes, so not having any prior knowledge of the 08-09 WolfPack wasn’t a major hindrance.
“The most challenging aspect of the season was keeping the young feeling good about their play despite not winning many conference games. Student athletes have to understand that their experience is a special one which should not be taken for granted even if you are not a member of a national championship calibre program.”
The WolfPack were led by two fourth year players. Forward Jeff Friesen (Duncan, BC) and guard Drew Bleth (Ridgefield, Wash) accounted for over 30 per cent of the teams points this season. Says coach Gillespie; “Jeff Friesen did a great job early in establishing himself as a 'go to' player which allowed his team mates greater opportunities to excel. He had a difficult time maintaining the early standards due to injuries but he definitely battled through it during some tough times when it would have been easy to give in. “
The WolfPack had a rookie laden line up: three first year players, one second year and one third year player. “There were a number of positive leaps by the inexperienced players but Hudson Naylor may have been the most improved,” says Gillespie “ Playing Point Guard at this level as a freshman is a huge challenge and he was significantly better in February compared to October.”
TRU picked up both of its victories in the first half of the season. There were seven other games in that part of the campaign that the WolfPack lost by 10 or less points. Again, a lucky bounce here or there and their record would have been better at the end. Gillespie admits the schedule worked against them in the second half of the season where they were on the road for the lions share of the games.
“The biggest factor regarding the record in the second half was the schedule,” he states “ Playing eight games versus Trinity Western, UVIC and UBC would do the same for most teams across the country. University of the Fraser Valley played nearly an identical schedule and also came up empty versus the top teams in the Canada West.”
As Gillespie puts the capper on this season, he is already preparing for next year not knowing if he’ll be the man running things. That decision will be made in the coming months. He does look back at 2008-09, the WolfPack’s fourth in Canada West like this: “It was an enjoyable first year here at TRU. The players and WolfPack coaching and administrative staff were great to work with from day one. Everyone was receptive upon my arrival which made a difficult situation a pleasurable one.
In particular, Brian Smith was a great individual to have on our coaching staff. He provided insight and expertise beyond his basketball years as well as a good link to the team members. His time, effort and passion for WolfPack basketball have not gone unnoticed and hopefully he will continue to coach here at TRU as well as with the area youth. “
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