The Appalachian State men's basketball team finished 9-22 (7-13 Sun Belt) under second year head coach Jim Fox. As of last month, the Mountaineers were one of only 32 teams in the NCAA that have had a group of freshmen accumulate over 1,100 minutes this season.
Led by freshman Ronshad Shabazz, the Mountaineers had several new faces on the court this season. Coach Fox is not letting the record define the season, stating that experience is valuable for the future of the basketball program.
“I have seen a lot of growth and they have gained valuable experience in the close games that we have been in,” Fox said. “People can look at the record that we have and say that it was a lost year, but for those guys to gain the experience that they did will be the foundation of the program for the years to come.”
Not only is that experience a confidence builder for the coaches, the student-athletes feel that with each minute logged, comfort and confidence rise. Freshman Bennett Holley appeared in 25 games this season and understands that building a program relies on players being on the court seeing game action.
"Every minute that I've stepped on the court has helped me develop into a better college player,” Holley said. “It's one thing to do things in practice, but once you're on the court, situations are more real and it's your time to show what you can do to help your team win."
Freshman Tyrell Johnson adds, “The season has been a tough course and I struggled early on, but conquering my time management was a big factor in my adjustment. The coaches have been great and they hold me accountable in my books just as much as on the court.”
Johnson continued, “The upperclassmen have also contributed and helped me to balance everything out in my schedule.”
With any college freshman, the transition into college can be a trying experience. For student-athletes this experience can be even harder, but the group of freshmen have been able to adjust into their new roles.
"This year I've grown not only as a basketball player, but a student and a person," said Shabazz. "The coaches have helped me understand the game and helped me gain lots of confidence. Freshman year has been a learning experience and although the season may not have been what we wanted, I can say that I've improved thanks to my teammates and my coaches."
Freshman Emarius Logan echoed Shabazz's sentiments.
"As my freshman year went by, I've matured more as a person and also learned how to compete and fight everyday to become a better basketball player. The confidence my coaches had in me helped me gain the confidence which will continue to grow and help us build something special at App State."
Logan continued, "As a freshman, my teammates helped me get through the rough times in the season and I'm thankful for those guys, as well as, my coaches."
As a student first and athlete second, Holley, like Shabazz and Logan, has transitioned into the role well.
"The season has not gone how we hoped, but I believe we all have improved in so many ways. The transition of becoming a college athlete was a little tough at first but as time went on I became more and more comfortable,” Holley said. “I have learned to balance school and basketball in a healthy and productive way."
For Fox, this summer will be important to improve upon skill and experience in order to be a successful program in the coming years. Fox is confident that the soon to be sophomores will put in the effort because it is a characteristic that he has seen since they arrived in Boone.
“They have to have the work ethic before they come in and all of these guys do. These guys are willing to push themselves, to learn, and to be coached. Because they have this, it has enabled them to improve and hat is why the sky is the limit for them,” Fox said. “It is really important to continue that work ethic into the summer. If they do continue to do that, they have the potential to be special for years to come.”
The foundation of a program is one of the most important aspects and that is what Coach Fox and the freshmen are looking to pave for the future of the program.
