2006-07 Media Guide - Washington & Lee - Washington and Lee ...

Washington washington and lee
2006-2007 SEASON OUTLOOK
When pondering the coming season,
Head Coach Adam Hutchinson needs only to
peruse his investment portfolio for inspiration.
According to the fourth-year coach,
the top of his quarterly statement usually reads
something like "past results may not be indicative
of future performance".
"That's where we are right now," he
added.
Hutchinson's squad may have won
just six contests over the past two seasons, but
those results have nothing to do with the potential
outcome of the 2006-07 season. Hutchinson is
excited that his basketball stocks are beginning
to mature and that may lead to immediate gains
on the court this season. After spending his first
three seasons recruiting talent and teaching them his philosophy, Hutchinson is ready to
see returns on his investments.
The Generals return three seniors, four juniors, six sophomores and all five starters
from last season. Though W&L won just four contests, it played another seven games
that were decided by six points or less, including a pair of overtime contests. Another
year of experience just might help W&L win a few of those close games this season.
"The practices have certainly been different," noted Hutchinson. "The guys did
everything that we asked of them during the off-season -- they worked on improving and
played together a lot following the season. That shows a real level of commitment and
that will help produce results this season."
Among the keys to the season, according to Hutchinson, will be the play of senior
guard Chris Halkitis (5-foot-10). A team captain, Halkitis has been among the team's top
scoring leaders (760 pts.) each of the past three seasons and enters his senior campaign
ranked third all-time at W&L with 134 career three-pointers. Despite averaging 9.3 points
and 2.1 assists per contest last season, Hutchinson believes that Halkitis' leadership is
the most important aspect of the season.
"We need for Chris to be the leader on the floor," he said. "When he plays good,
smart basketball, he's as good a point guard as there is in the league. When he tries to
do too much, he is dramatically less effective. We need him to be a smart player, shoot
high-percentage shots and continue to be a capable defender."
Halkitis will be joined in the starting backcourt by sophomore guard Isaiah Goodman
(5-foot-11), who can play the point or shooting guard positions. Goodman saw action in
all 23 games with 16 starts a season ago, averaging 8.9 points and 1.7 assists per game,
while shooting nearly 43 percent from three-point range.
"Isaiah had a good freshman season and he quickly applied his skills to the offense
and team concept," said Hutchinson. "He brings some skills to the table -- he's explosive,
tough and smart."
Senior Chris Davis (5-foot-11), sophomores Chris McHugh (6-foot-1) and Craig
Sauers (6-foot-3), and freshman Bena Tshishiku (5-foot-7) will also see plenty of playing
time in relief of Halkitis and Goodman. Davis played in 18 games with seven starts last
winter, but struggled with his shooting and averaged just 0.8 points per game.
"Chris is back shooting the ball well and I'm confident that he can continue to provide
us with tremendous effort, especially defensively,” said Hutchinson.
McHugh averaged 3.5 points per game, but hit his stride late in the season and
contributed 6.4 points per outing over the final eight games of the year. Sauers played
in 11 games and averaged 0.7 points per game.
"Chris started to develop at the end of the season and I'm real excited to see how
he does this year," said Hutchinson. "Craig has also come a long way -- he worked hard
during the off-season and has improved tremendously."
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