Media Guide 06-07.indd - Redlands Community College

Cougar Basketball 2006-07
Eck’s Season Outlook
Coach Steve Eck returns four sophomores from last season’s 27–6 team. Last year, Redlands had their
33 game Bi-State Western Division record winning streak snapped. Injuries plaqued Eck’s squad in the
last ten regular season games, but the team came on strong and made it to the Region II championship
game for the third time in Redlands’ four years of Division I play. Redlands lost in a tight game by one
point in the final seconds. The Region II Champion went on to win the national title. This was the fifth
consecutive year that Redlands has been ranked in the top ten in the NJCAA poll. The previous year
Redlands finished thrid, first, and first in the final NJCAA poll.
Lost to graduation was top scorer, Chris Brown (Arkansas State); Solomon HorseChief (University of
Pacific); Vaidotas Volkus (University of Missouri); Ty Morrison (Creighton University); Stephen Musa (Lamar
University); Gerrell Thomas (Northwestern State, LA). Every sophomore during Coach Eck’s tenure has
graduated and received scholarships from various colleges.
According to Eck, academics are a high priority for his team, Last year the men’s basketball team led the
Division I schools with the highest grade point average in the nation for the fifth year in a row. The 3.38
GPA came with a lot of work and dedication.
“We will have a tough task ahead of us this season. Redlands is one of the teams on our opponent’s
schedule they look forward to playing. We definitely have a big target on our chest,” said Coach Eck.
Redlands will probably be ranked in the top five in the pre-season poll.
The Cougars return Rodney Alexander, 6’7” small forward; Chris Cooks, 6’4½ “ guard; Tyree Scott, 5’11”
point guard, and Carderro Nwoji, 6’0” shooting guard. Coach Eck also has red-shirts Al Fisher, Chris
Rhymes, and Rod Green returning. Transfer Charles Bronson also will be counted on to help anchor the
inside. There are many freshmen that have a promising future on this year’s squad.
Eck’s teams have always been known for team defense and team unity. Last year, Redlands averaged 82
points per game and led the country, giving up only 54.6 points per game.
The Cougars are looking to return to the NJCAA National Tournament like they did in Eck’s first three
years. Coach Eck stated, “Going to the Nationals during my first three years was quite an accomplishment
for my former players. You need dedicated players and a little bit of luck to win the tough Region II. We
want to enjoy the regular season by practicing hard and playing as a team and then be at our best for
the postseason,” Eck said. Coach Eck’s favorite quote is, “So many play, so few understand.”
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