by By Dallas Rudd
(Lawrence, Kansas) – On November 1st the Haskell Indian Nations University men’s basketball team takes center court against the McPherson Bulldogs at Coffin Sports Complex in Lawrence, Kansas to tip-off the 2014-2015 basketball season.
The Haskell Men’s team is deep this year, more so then years past. They have nine returners from last season’s roster and head coach Chad Kills Crow has brought in nine more recruits and walk-ons as well. These additions to the program haves upped the intensity level in practice and competition is tough as the men compete for the five available starting spots.
Recently head coach Kills Crow was asked what makes this year’s team different from previous teams. “This is my fifth year as head coach. The system I have built in, my returners all understand it and have brought that leadership this year. The guys are more disciplined and more committed to ball then years past. They are more dedicated, and everyone has one common goal and that is to win. Nobody wants to jeopardize that.” Coach goes on to say, “The chemistry and leadership this year really stands out. We are a well-balanced team, we have good guards, good shooters, and good size. The way I have been recruiting we have more role players, great guard play and “big’s” that can bang with the best of them. We match up well with everyone in the conference.”
McPherson College has become one of the Haskell Men’s basketball team’s biggest rivals in recent times. For the past six seasons Haskell has fallen short to the Bulldogs. But the losses are not your typical lose by a dozen or so. Last year’s game at Coffin Complex was decided by a last second shot thrown up by McPherson at the buzzer to win. And then at their place the game went into double overtime, with Haskell falling short again.
The team is eager to get another chance at the bulldogs. I asked Coach Kills Crow what game he was most excited for. “McPherson, I’m the type of coach that doesn’t look too far ahead. All of my focus is on McPherson. Oral Roberts University, who is an NCAA division 1 school, will be an exciting game and will give my guys experience. But the most important game is always the game in front of you.” The same thing is on senior guard Stand Lovato’s mind he says, “I’m most excited to play against McPherson in the home opener. Ever since I’ve been here we have never beat them.”
Much of the Indian’s leadership comes from Stand Lovato. Stand led the conference in points per game averaging 20 points in conference play per outing. He also finished in the top 25 in 3 point percentage and second in the conference in 3 pointers made. Stand has played all three years here at Haskell, and was named Honorable mention All-Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference at the end of the 2013-14 seasons. When asked what he was most looking forward to in his senior season Stand said,” spending time with my teammates in my final year and the memories we will share. Second, I want to go out on the court and give it my all one last year. The team has many goals this year with the main goal of reaching the National Tournament in Point Lookout, Missouri. Stand’s goals for the season are, “ have the team end the season above .500 and making it to the conference tourney.” Stand goes on to say,” Another goal for myself is being an all-conference player and making the 1000 point club.”
The Haskell Indians men’s team is looking forward to this upcoming season and you expect they will have a huge following of alumni wherever they play. Circle December 28th, 2014 on your calendar when they travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma to take on Oral Roberts University as one of those huge following games. Last season the University’s alumni nearly accounted for half the crowd when the Indians played against the University of Tulsa on their home court.
The McPherson game is set for November 1st on campus in Lawrence, Kansas at Coffin Sports Complex. Those not able to attend will be able to watch the livestream of the game online by visiting www.haskellathletics.com.
(Dalls Rudd is a sports writer for the Haskell Indian Leader and member of the Haskell men’s basketball squad.)
