The calendar says November – and that means B-CU basketball openers on the road and at home…Cage 'Cats open November 13 at VCU (7:30) and November 15 at Old Dominion (1:00 PM)

Hear all 'Cats games on WELE Radio 1380 AM or on the internet:

www.newsradio1.net

NEW INTERNET HOME FOR WELE RADIO/Ormond Beach, Fla.

B-CU's Home Opener is Tuesday November 17 vs. Edward Waters College

(7:00 PM at Moore Gymnasium)

MEAC OPENER vs. FAMU

(December 5, 4 PM at the Ocean Center) – Women's game at 2 PM

$10 Tickets Are Available by calling the B-CU Ticket Office (386) 481-2465

·         “UNFINISHED BUSINESS”

See the Men's Basketball Guide posted on the B-CU Website-November 10 prior to the season openers at VCU and Old Dominion.

www.bcuathletics.com

Follow the Wildcats 24/7 on B-CU's Award-Winning Athletic Department Website

See the website for the 2009-2010 Men's Basketball Schedule, Roster & Profiles

This Year The B-CU Web Site Features 'Cats All-Access Video

2009-2010 Wildcat Basketball

B-CU Head Coach  Clifford Reed Jr.

Clifford Reed, Jr., Jr., is in his eighth season as the head coach of the Bethune-Cookman University men's basketball program.  Reed has spent twelve years overall with the B-CU program, including four years as an assistant coach under former Bethune-Cookman head coach Horace Broadnax.

 Record-Setting Season in 2008-2009 For Reed's Wildcats

 The 2008-2009 season was a record-breaker for Reed's B-CU program winning the most games-ever in the Division I ranks and the first winning season in Division I for the Wildcats. B-CU was 17-16 overall, and tied for the third in the MEAC, 9-7 last season.  Coach Reed's talented freshman guard and son – C. J. Reed, led the team in scoring, assists, minutes played and earned the MEAC Rookie of the Year and also All-MEAC second team honors.  The upcoming 2009-2010 season looks to continue the improvement of Reed's program.

“Our team plays hard, defense is the core and we guard people and aren't intimidated,” said Coach Reed in early October before pre-season practices were under way.  “Last season we did a lot of good things winning on the road and being competitive throughout the MEAC season. We want to continue to build and our program we want to be at the top of the conference – we have those goals and they can be attained.”

                             Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats

2009-2010 Men's Basketball Outlook – “Unfinished Business” -

 Last season's record-setting campaign for the Wildcats had many firsts with the program at the Division I level. The 17-16 overall record in 2008-2009, was B-CU first-ever winning-season in the Division I ranks dating back 30 years to joining the MEAC Conference.

 Coach Cliff Reed's seventh season as B-CU head coach saw the Cage Cats pick up quality road wins both in non-conference and MEAC play. And lose some heart-breaking games down the stretch – many times playing a lineup of 3 freshman starters and all players under classmen. The future is bright for the Wildcats as they look ahead to the 2009-2010 season with - “Unfinished Business” – of contending for the MEAC Championship and earning the school's first-ever NCAA tournament berth.

 “We did a lot of good things last season as a team and a program. We have a lot more improving to do and our current players want to win championships, win the MEAC regular season and MEAC tournament championship, so we have “Unfinished Business” from last season, “ said Coach Cliff Reed about his 2009-2010 Wildcats.

 C. J. Reed – MEAC “Rookie of the Year” – Leads Team Into Second Year At B-CU

B-CU Coach Cliff Reed's son – C. J., had an outstanding freshman season for the Wildcats and he was named the MEAC's “Rookie of the Year” and earned second team All-MEAC honors in 2008-2009.  Reed led the 'Cats in most offensive categories (15.0 scoring avg., 4.0 assists, .720 free throw percentage, 37.1 minutes played per game, 33 games/starts, 53 three pointers made).  The talented point guard will continue his improvement leading the Wildcats in his sophomore season.

 “C.J.'s first year was a good one,” said Reed. “He wants to get better and improve and he works very hard….we've talked a lot about him becoming a great player and leading this team and university to levels we've never been as a program (MEAC Champions and NCAA bids).

He is stronger, he is still young – a sophomore – but he knows he will be the hunted and needs to be stronger mentally and physically.”

Co-captain (along with C. J. Reed) Alexander Starling, led the Wildcats in rebounding last season with a 7.4 average and was the third leading scorer (7.5). The 6-6 junior forward is coming into his own following extensive off-season workouts and the teams' practices and games in conjunction with the team trip to Costa Rica in August. Starling started all 33 games played last season for B-CU.

 Five Other Returnees Back For Solid Second Seasons With Wildcats

The Wildcats will also rely on five returning players who combined for over 70 starts between them in the 2008-2009 season.  Returning players, 6-3, Jr. G-F Jarrell Thomas (fourth leading scorer last year – 5.5 pts.), 6-9, Sr. C Tyrel Adams (20 starts at center, 2.2 pts., 1.8 rebs.), and Sr. 6-8, C-F Kene Aunusionwu (2.1 pts, 2.3 rebs.).  The trio of players combined with freshmen from last year – Jerry Jones, 6-2 Soph. G (17 starts, 3.9 pts., 1.9 rebs.) for valuable playing time in the 17-win season for Bethune-Cookman.

 New Players Will Be Counted On For Added Scoring – Depth In 2009-2010

 Four new freshmen players recruited by Reed and his coaching staff and a junior college transfer (6-9, Jr. C) – Albert Abrahams will bolster the 2009-2010 Wildcat roster with added talents that makes Coach Reed smile with optimism.

He talked about his new group of players in early October before team practices were underway.

“We have added a group of guys I am very happy with. They are athletic and versatile and good character guys and that is what we want at Bethune-Cookman University,” said Coach Reed. “Albert is a big body and a talented player who will give us the size up front we need.”

 Freshman signees include Aric Miller (6-3, G), Antroine Williford (6-7, F). 

 “Defense is our focal point,” said Reed. “We led the MEAC in points allowed per game last season and were ninth in the nation last year in defense. We are a team that will guard you and play hard and are working hard at being a versatile, transition team on offense to score points as well.”

Challenging Schedule Ahead For Wildcats in 2009-2010

Open Season In November With Games At VCU and Old Dominion

 A quality schedule awaits the Wildcats in 2009-2010 and the non-conference season in November and December includes road games at VCU and Old Dominion in mid-November followed by a road game at SEC Mississippi State University in the San Padre Tournament.  The Texas event continues the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend with games on San Padre Island in Texas vs. Longwood University and another TBA opponent in San Padre.

 “Our schedule has some great teams we play in the non-conference season and we have our work cut out for us,” said Coach Reed. “Opening with VCU and Old Dominion on the road is a challenge.”

www.bcuathletics.com