by Jim Mullins
Assistant Director
Sports Information

UMass Dartmouth returns four starters from last year's LEC championship team

The question facing Brian Baptiste as he enters the 1998-99 season is, "What else can his Corsairs do for an encore after last season?"

Picked to finish fourth by the Little East Conference coaches during the pre-season last year, Baptiste's young team surprised everyone by winning another LEC championship and a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament. An LEC title and NCAA tournament aren't unique for UMass Dartmouth under Baptiste, but given what he had to work with a year ago, even the veteran Corsair coach was surprised.

"My expectations are higher than they were last year because last year's team went beyond my expectations," said Baptiste, who is entering his 16th season with a 306-109 career record. "With nine players back plus we've added some pretty talented freshmen, I'm hoping the combination of additional size and depth, plus our experience, will produce a better basketball team."

The Corsairs didn't lose a senior from last year's 20-8 team and enter the 1998-99 season with only point guard not manned by a returning veteran. The other four starters, plus several other reserves who saw significant time a year ago, are all returning.

Once he gets his game into gear after playing football for UMass Dartmouth this Fall, senior co-captain Jason Antonio (Mattapoisett, MA) will be one of the Corsairs' top players. A three-year starter, Antonio was a First Team All-LEC selection last year and was two votes shy of conference MVP. Antonio was the LEC Tournament MVP and a First-Team All-Tournament selection after leading the Corsairs to their ninth LEC title in the 11-year history of the conference last year.

Antonio finished third in LEC scoring last season with 18.5 points per game and was first in steals (3.3 per game). He was the top free throw shooter in the conference, making 87 of 105 for 82.9% and finished second in three-point shooting (82-194, 42.3%). He led the Corsairs in scoring, steals (91), three pointers, along with 63 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.

In addition to Antonio, UMass Dartmouth returns all three starters from its front line, including seniors Tony Moreira (Pawtucket, RI), Michael Jordan (Jersey City, NJ) and sophomore Nick Cecilio (Centerville, MA).

Moreira led the Corsairs with 7 rebounds per game, tied for fifth in the LEC and averaged 10.5 points per game. His 70 assists were second best on the team and he led the Corsairs with 14 blocked shots.

"Tony Moreira has all the skills you could ever want from a post player, " said Baptiste. "He's got all the moves, can face up and hit the jump shot and is athletic enough to play good defense."
Along side Moreira is Cecilio, last year's LEC co-Rookie of the Year. Cecilio was the Corsairs' second-leading scorer with 11.96 points per game plus 6.07 rebounds per game. Baptiste said Cecilio's performance last season was a pleasant surprise, adding that Cecilio has played very well during pre-season practice.

"Either one of those two (Moreira and Cecilio) can give us the post play we need to score on the inside," said Baptiste. "They have different styles but both can put the ball in the basket and that's something that we need. You can't just have perimeter shooting. You need to have someone establish themselves as a scorer in the post or draw lots of fouls. Both of them can do that."

Jordan, who saved his best basketball for the end of last season, is back for his second season with the Corsairs. In the LEC tournament, Jordan earned First Team All-Tournament honors after averaging 7.9 points and 2.8 rebounds in the regular season. With 18 points, Jordan was the Corsairs' leading scorer in their 86-78 overtime loss in the NCAA tournament at Salem State.

One of the most notable improvements in the Corsairs this season, according to Baptiste, will be UMass Dartmouth's depth and experience coming off the bench. Sophomore forward John Madden (Carver, MA) saw plenty of action last season and will play a valuable roll for the Corsairs this season. Madden averaged only 4 points and 2 rebounds per game, but his scrappy play, especially in the LEC and NCAA tournaments, established him as a key player for this season.

The only question in the Corsair lineup is at point guard where sophomore Jay Norton (Billerica, MA) will move up from his back-up position last year. Baptiste said Norton locked up the starting job during the preseason and will control the UMass Dartmouth offense as a sophomore. Norton averaged 6.4 points per game with 51 assists as freshman. Norton saw plenty of action off the bench last season, including him scoring the buzzer-beating game-winner in the LEC tournament semi-finals against Western Connecticut.

While Antonio is playing his way into the starting lineup after football season, Baptiste said UMass Dartmouth will not miss a beat with senior co-captain Tim Nelson (Reading, MA) at the shooting guard position. Nelson is back for his final season after missing the second half of last year with a knee injury. Nelson averaged 7.4 points per game and connected on 32 of 76 three-pointers before his injury.

"We won't miss a beat with Tim Nelson in that position at the beginning of the season," said Baptiste about his co-captain.

Baptiste is also hoping some of the newcomers can make a contribution during their first season with the Corsairs. Sophomore Matt Carrier (Acushnet, MA) is only 6-2, but Baptiste said he has the ability to play forward and possesses a strong inside game. Freshman Sean Doyle (East Longmeadow, MA) and Carl Stephens (Lynn, MA) may also see some playing time as the Corsairs look to take advantage of their size. Backing up the veteran front line will be freshman Brian Austin (Winchendon, MA) and sophomore transfer Frank Barrows (New Bedford, MA). Freshman Chris Tamburello (Tewksbury, MA) will be Norton's back up at point guard and junior Tim Ladley (Pittsfield, MA) will serve as the back up at shooting guard.

"The difference between this year and last year is that we are very deep this year," said Baptiste. "If we get into foul trouble, I can bring in someone off the bench without a drop off in talent."

The Corsairs will participate in the Colby-Sawyer Tournament November 21-22 before coming back to campus for their home opener on Nov. 24 against Worcester State College. UMass Dartmouth opens its defense of the LEC title on December 12 when the Corsairs host Keene State College at the Tripp Center.

Joining Baptiste on the Corsairs' bench will be seven-year assistant coach Len Desautels and a pair of former UMass Dartmouth players, Stefan Pagios and Mosadi Caldwell.