2008 Woodie Awards
Small steps, big gain for Alvin
Jeremy Schuyler Fallis '06
Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: Sports
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Improvement, precision and learning.
Three initiatives Alvin Mofunanya took upon himself this summer to prepare for this upcoming season.
Improving the low post game, his catching skills, and general understanding of the game were top priorities for Mofunanya.
"I expect to get better," Mofunanya said. "I want to get better and get more time."
The 6-8, 245 pound forward appeared sparingly for the Hawks last year, but did show some signs of life here and there.
The game that stands out the most is his first collegiate start at St. Joe's in a 82-51 blowout win over St. Bonaventure. In that game, Mofunanya scored 13 points in 21 minutes replacing injured senior Dave Mallon.
A certain optimism and honesty comes from the youth of this season's team compared to the Stachitas-Dwayne Lee-led teams.
Mofunanya is one of nine freshmen and sophomores comprising one of the best - if not the best - St. Joe's basketball recruiting classes ever. The senior leadership of the 2005-06 squad will no doubt carry over to the youngsters, who are now led by red-shirt junior Rob Ferguson.
"Rob [Ferguson], Dave [Mallon] and Dwayne [Lee] helped me out the most last year," Mofunanya said.
The cast of characters with Mofunanya are familiar ones. The freshmen played against one another in high school and have meshed well with the returning lettermen.
Now Ferguson looks to lead the front court which includes sophomore Ahmad Nivins, a St. Anthony's (N.J.) product from where Lee came. Incidentally, the mood on the team has been more upbeat than last year.
"We have more off-court relations, the locker room is relaxed," said Mofunanya. "I expect to get along better in the locker room."
Another positive sign for Mofunanya and the Hawks have been the new coaches, Doug Overton and Dave Duda, who have added a new dimension to the team in learning and improving.
"They're very cool. They keep us talking on the court," Mofunanya said.
Three initiatives Alvin Mofunanya took upon himself this summer to prepare for this upcoming season.
Improving the low post game, his catching skills, and general understanding of the game were top priorities for Mofunanya.
"I expect to get better," Mofunanya said. "I want to get better and get more time."
The 6-8, 245 pound forward appeared sparingly for the Hawks last year, but did show some signs of life here and there.
The game that stands out the most is his first collegiate start at St. Joe's in a 82-51 blowout win over St. Bonaventure. In that game, Mofunanya scored 13 points in 21 minutes replacing injured senior Dave Mallon.
A certain optimism and honesty comes from the youth of this season's team compared to the Stachitas-Dwayne Lee-led teams.
Mofunanya is one of nine freshmen and sophomores comprising one of the best - if not the best - St. Joe's basketball recruiting classes ever. The senior leadership of the 2005-06 squad will no doubt carry over to the youngsters, who are now led by red-shirt junior Rob Ferguson.
"Rob [Ferguson], Dave [Mallon] and Dwayne [Lee] helped me out the most last year," Mofunanya said.
The cast of characters with Mofunanya are familiar ones. The freshmen played against one another in high school and have meshed well with the returning lettermen.
Now Ferguson looks to lead the front court which includes sophomore Ahmad Nivins, a St. Anthony's (N.J.) product from where Lee came. Incidentally, the mood on the team has been more upbeat than last year.
"We have more off-court relations, the locker room is relaxed," said Mofunanya. "I expect to get along better in the locker room."
Another positive sign for Mofunanya and the Hawks have been the new coaches, Doug Overton and Dave Duda, who have added a new dimension to the team in learning and improving.
"They're very cool. They keep us talking on the court," Mofunanya said.
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