Men's Basketball

Friday, January 11, 2008

BY MARK JAFFEE

Copyright © 2008 Republican-American

WATERBURY, Conn.-Post University freshman Garvin McAlister was labeled as the long-term point guard to fill the graduation loss of Gary Shick.

Still head coach Mike Donnelly wanted the Norwich Free Academy graduate to adjust to the NCAA Division II college game without any pressure through the preseason and first semester.

That was then, this is now.

The 5-foot-10 McAlister, who turned 19 last week, has started the last six games at the point.

"There were some days after practice, we would say as coaching staff that Garvin was the best player on the floor without scoring a single point," noted Donnelly. "He was orchestrating things on both ends of the court."

Perhaps McAlister's best attribute is his ability to see the court and get all of his teammates involved.

McAlister said the biggest adjustment was handling the speed of the game rather than being force-fed.

"You just have to make sure that you are going hard all of the time and never take a break," he said. "That reflects on what you do in a game. I try to hustle and play smart and take no breaks. I am trying to play solid and feel I am but I am always looking to improve. My teammates have helped me a great deal."

McAlister admitted that he had no idea that he would have the chance to play nearly 30 minutes a game as a freshman, but is cherishing the opportunity.

"I was looking at schools that needed a point guard and Post seemed like the perfect fit for me," said McAlister.

Donnelly agrees.

"After the progress he has made in a short period of time, the ball does deserve to be in Garvin's hands," said Donnelly. "Everyone's rooting for him and he definitely has earn it."

In a recent game at Bryant College, McAlister had his best offensive game with 15 points. Still, he understands his role and creating opportunities for his teammates is his primary responsibility.

A game that he and his teammates would like to forget about is Tuesday's 84-68 loss at Holy Family University in Philadelphia. McAlister had only four points and one assist.

"The bus ride was pretty bad and watching the game-tapes was a lot worse because it was right in our face what happened," said McAlister.

Donnelly is confident the Eagles will respond favorably considering his team has 11 returning players from a year ago.

"It was a good learning experience to let them know that every game away from home with be difficult," said Donnelly. "We arrived home at 2:30 a.m. (Wednesday) and after the loss there is really nothing else you can do but dwell on the outcome of the game. There was not one guy in the lockeroom thought we played well."

One facet of the game that must improve according to Donnelly is rebounding. Holy Family outrebounded Post, 59-44.

"We just unraveled," said Donnelly.