2006-07 Season Preview
A new regime begins for the Clark University men’s basketball team. After two years away from the hardwood, head coach Paul W. Phillips returns for his ninth season and second stint at the Cougar helm. Inheriting a squad that posted a mediocre 11-15 overall record and 4-8 New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) mark last season, Phillips hopes to take the first step in guiding Clark back to regional prominence.
“Our goal has to be realistic,” said Phillips. “We’re going to try and win every game we play, but we have to earn our stripes. You don’t become a private to a five-star general overnight. You have to step up through the ranks, and that’s what we intend to do.”
While adjusting to a new coach and a revamped system may take time, Phillips is excited about the team’s long-term potential. One of the biggest challenges will be replacing departed stars, Tim Dutile (15.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and Cory Szklarz (14.6 ppg), who finished first and second in scoring, respectively, last season. However, a benefactor of a solid recruiting class, plus the return of nine letter-winners, Phillips and Co. look to utilize overall team speed to run away from the competition.
“We have to make a commitment to our style of play,” said Phillips, who led the Cougars to four NEWMAC championships (1999, 2001-03) during his first term. “We need to run the floor, and most importantly, stop teams defensively by doubling and forcing an off-tempo game.”
Aiding in that effort are Clark’s newest floor generals, freshmen Matt McLaughlin and Reed Powell. McLaughlin, a two-year captain at Tabor Academy in Rochester, Mass., has surprised the coaching staff with his work-ethic, while Powell, a Worcester native and first-ever 1,000-point scorer at University Park Campus, is noted for his hard-nosed play. Both players will make offensive contributions with their ability to shoot the trey. Phillips has several options at the off-guard spot, including D.J. Brinn, a returning starter, who has outside range and is one of the most consistent performers on the squad. Back after a two-year respite, senior Gunnar Hagstrom will add veteran presence. Sophomore Byron Roberts will insert quickness to the two-spot. Second-year player Salvatore DeMarco will also be in the rotation.
The list of forward candidates is just as impressive. An unselfish and intense competitor, junior Pat Ochoa is a sure-fire weapon on the wing. His ability to slash to the basket or pull up for the jumper, as well as his defensive prowess, will go a long way in determining the Cougars’ fate. Senior Asher Cowan, a three-point threat, and newcomers Mark “Duda” Alexander, a two-time Most Valuable Player at Marianapolis (R.I.) Prep., and Portsmouth (R.I.) High School’s 2005 County Player of the Year Slader Lyell, will figure prominently in Clark’s plans. First-year player J.P. Phillips, a member of St. John’s (Mass.) 2005 District Quarterfinals team and Coach Phillips’ son, will also be in the mix.
Dominique Beck (9.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), an all-around performer, will be entrusted with the power forward job. In addition to his inside game, Beck’s versatility will allow Phillips to utilize his talents at the off-guard slot depending on game match-ups. Junior Gervais Barger will also see ample playing time at the position. Pat Landers and Peter Normandin will make for a menacing pair in the middle with their contrasting styles. Phillips expects their opposing skill and talent to cause serious concerns for opponents. “It’s great because they are completely different from one another,” he said. “It’s like having a knuckleball and fastball pitcher in your line-up.” While a competitive NEWMAC and non-conference schedule, including two New York tournaments, are in the future, Phillips is optimistic about the season ahead.
“Our goal is to get better with each practice and with each game, and to be playing our best basketball by the end of the year.”
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Haed Coach Paul Phillips Announces Coaching Staff
Clark University welcomes back three assistant coaches and the addition of a volunteer assistant to the men’s basketball staff, Head Coach Paul Phillips announced on Wednesday. John Ginnity ‘01 and Mike Burlas return to Clark after a one and two year hiatus, respectively, while Tyrone Hicks ‘86 enters his 18th season and Bobby Corazzini ’01 makes his inaugural Cougar coaching debut as a volunteer this season.
“When I returned as Clark’s head coach, one of my first goals was to put together an exceptional coaching staff” said Phillips, who begins his second stint with the program after coaching from 1996-2004. “All of these men bring something unique to the table.”
Ginnity, who will act as Associate Head Coach this season, rejoins the Cougar staff after spending the last year as assistant coach at Assumption College. Prior to Assumption, Ginnity served as Clark’s assistant junior varsity men’s basketball coach (2002-03) and assistant varsity coach (2002-2005). The Fitchburg, Mass., native brings his playing experience to the sidelines, as he was a three-year player (1999-2001) who helped lead the Cougars to the NCAA Elite Eight Tournament as a senior in 2001. Described as the “emotional leader” of the squad, Ginnity earned Most Valuable Player and New England Basketball Coaches Association (NEBCA) All-Star honors that year.
“I needed a young, very energetic and knowledgeable guy by my side,” Phillips said. “John is going to be like my right hand man.”
Ginnity, who also has coached at several area camps, will work with the guards, and help out in the areas of recruiting.
Taking time off over the last couple of years, Burlas is ready to pick up where he left off. He and Coach Phillips’ connection extends far beyond coaching, as the two were 1976 Assumption College graduates. Burlas was an assistant for Coach Phillips during his first tenure at Clark, and prior to that, assisted him at Anna Maria College during the 1990-1996 seasons, where he helped lead the AmCats to four Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) New England Tournaments and the NCAA Sweet 16 (1996).
“Mike is a very good recruiter; he’s excellent with people,” said Coach Phillips. “He has a great sense of humor and generally keeps me pretty loose.”
In addition to recruiting, Burlas will also coordinate team travel.
Originally from New Haven, Conn., Hicks started coaching with the Cougars in 1988 and has not looked back. He has “been through it all,” according to Coach Phillips. “Tyrone is close to having our three coaches’, including myself, beat in combined coaching years,” Phillips said. “He just loves to coach. He loves to keep his hands in it and he has a very good rapport with the athletes.”
Hicks, a former four-year (1982-86) standout with the Cougar basketball squad, was the team’s top rebounder (6.1) as a senior in 1986. His highlights included a team-high 16 points in an upset victory over Division I Yale University that same year.
Hicks’ primary responsibility will be to work with Cougar post players, and assist in the areas of scouting and recruiting.
A four-year member (1997-2001) of the Clark squad, Corazzini, originally from Worcester, Mass., joins former teammate Ginnity as an assistant this year. Corazzini and Ginnity shared captain duties their senior year, taking the team to the “Big Dance.”
“Bobby was one of the players that understood what it meant to wear a Clark uniform, and to be very proud of that,” said Phillips. “He was as much a part of the reason we won as anybody.”
Prior to Clark, Corazzini was at the helm of the Grafton High School (2002-05) boy’s basketball team, where he was the youngest head coach in Central Massachusetts. Corazzini will be involved with all aspects of the program, including, recruiting, scouting, and game preparation.
“I’m excited about the dynamics of our coaching staff,” Phillips said. “We fit together like a hand in a glove.”
“Not to mention, we have three Clark grads on the bench,” he added. “That’s pretty special. Not too many people can say that.”
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2006-07 First Semester Results
Select the score to view the box score
Home Games in Bold
* NEWMAC Game
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Men's Basketball Office
Paul Phillips, Head Coach, 508-793-7430
Email: pphillips@clarku.edu
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2006-07 Season Preview
