2009-10 Boys Basketball Preview: Ellison Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 11 2009 05:53 AM By Alex Byington
Killeen Daily Herald

A fter 15 straight playoff appearances, the Ellison boys basketball team is a victim of its own success.

Despite graduating four of last season's starters, the newest incarnation of the Eagles nevertheless enters the 2009-10 season with high expectations for a 16th trip, both from themselves and the outside.

"Nobody cares what type of players you've got or what talent you have, they just want you to go to the playoffs," said Ellison coach Alberto Jones. "It's something that people

expect us to do, but it's something that we expect ourselves to do year-in, and year-out."

Jones enters his second season atop the Eagles perch after succeeding longtime coach David Manley last season following a legendary 14-year career (1994-2008) that included three Sweet 16 appearances, an Elite 8 appearance in 2002 and 12 seasons of at least 20 wins, including 10 straight from 1995-2004.

Playing under Manley for two seasons, and coaching under him for three more, Jones understands the level of excellence that many around the program have come to expect year-in and year-out, and that includes the players themselves.

"Coach Manley has definitely laid the foundation, now it's something that's kind of expected for us to do," Jones said. "It's kind of like the New York Yankees – if the Yankees don't win the World Series, it's a down year. It's the same thing, if Ellison basketball doesn't go to the playoffs, it's a down year."

While high expectations are just part of the game, Jones believes the constant pressure keeps his team playing at their best.

"I think the kids kind of strive off it – none of the kids want to be that first group not to make the playoffs," Jones said. "And each group wants to outdo the group before them."

Among those Jones is looking to replace are graduated starters Marquavius James, Zach Mims, Chris Harpe and Darian Clemens, all of whom were major contributors the last several seasons and led the Eagles to a 27-5 record a year ago.

"The main weakness will be experience," Jones said. "We have a lot guys coming back, but out of my five projected starters, only two played meaningful minutes last year. So the chemistry and experience – I wouldn't say weakness – but right now it's an unknown."

First in line to fill those holes are two of last year's rotation of six including 5-foot-9 senior point guard Cameron Gunter and 6-foot-2 junior combo-guard Devonte Brown, who was the top option off the bench.

"We're basically the leaders that are on the court every morning," Gunter said. "We get the team going, we get everybody going, we get coach going, so we always have a good practice."

Jones said he'll also depend heavily on four juniors, several who saw action as reserves last season, including 6-foot-2 forward Shane Jones and guards David Cobb and Eric West, as well as 6-foot-5 forward Jaleel Williams, who transferred back to Ellison after a one-year hiatus.

But the brunt of the pressure to lead falls on the shoulders of Gunter and Brown, who Jones describes as a basketball player through and through.

"He's one of those kids that eats, sleep and everything is basketball," Jones said of Brown. "Really, even though he's a junior, I think we have a two-headed monster as far as leaders go."

With a strong base, albeit a somewhat inexperienced one, the Eagles know what it'll take to keep the streak going.

"The biggest key without a doubt is having mental toughness," Jones said. "If we can be tough mentally, I think we'll have a pretty good year. If we don't, I believe its going to be a long year."

Contact Alex Byington at alexb@kdhnews.com or at (254) 501-7566.