Nov. 10, 2008

Garden City, NY - November 15, 2008 marks a historical date in Adelphi University Men's Basketball history. On that Saturday evening, the squad of the 2008-2009 season ushers in a new era for Panther hoops, calling the state-of-the-art arena of the Center for Recreation and Sport their home. For the first time since the hoopsters of the '46-'47 team took to the court of Woodruff Hall, Adelphi will take the court of a new, unfamiliar and untested facility.

Despite the court not having any Panther games under its belt, the 2008-2009 crew is a much more experienced team than that of the previous year. Eight veteran players, including five starters, return to wear the Brown and Gold, and each have worked hard to take their play to the next level.

Last season saw both highs and lows, as head coach James Cosgrove, now in his seventh year, navigated the young team to a 20-10 record, and a second seed in the East Coast Conference (ECC) tournament, yet were disappointingly overlooked for the NCAA Tournament. "Last year we were faced with the challenge of a brand new team with only three holdovers and eight or nine new players. This year is the opposite. This group has now been together for two years, which will make a big difference," Cosgrove explained.

Two years ago the program graduated 85 percent of its players including four starters each scoring in double digits. The '08-'09 team has the challenge that includes how to build upon the work of last year, as the Panthers retain now 85 percent of their players with only one graduation loss, Matt Pink. Starters Richard Byrd, Sky Khaleel and Alvin Vivican III returns averaging 10 points or more per game. Byrd was also named ECC Rookie of the Year for his '07-'08 efforts.

Vivican will look to lead this veteran squad

"We're confident going into this year," coach Cosgrove discussed. "We have a very solid incoming freshmen class and one [NCAA] Division I transfer. The players and coaching staff alike are very confident."

The Panthers' defense will still be a trademark of Cosgrove's program. Last season Adelphi picked up numerous accolades for its accomplishments, holding its opponents to an average of 58.0 points per game. "Last year we were number two in field goal percentage, and number four in points per game allowed in Division II. That's a great accomplishment. Hopefully we will have that same intensity and mentality to be one of the top programs again this year," Cosgrove added.

Backcourt The backcourt returns virtually unscathed, with new additions that will surely strengthen the existing squad. Cosgrove is certain that most of the guards' roles will remain the same, and the new talent will compliment and add vigor to the mix. Seniors Alvin Vivican, Chris Diasparra, and sophomore Richard Byrd now have one year of experience working together and should increase their level of play.

"Alvin is a two-year captain that will be a strong leader for us. Count on him to use his good play off the ball and his shooting capabilities. We also need him to use his tenacity on defense," Cosgrove stated about his ECC third-team guard who started in 30 games last season and averaged 10.2 points in 28.1 minutes of play per game.

Second team all-conference selection Richard Byrd, also should pick up right where he left off. "Richard is coming off of a very good year last year. We expect him to be more consistent this year and to be one of our best defenders. Richard has the ability to be a great player and we expect him to get there," coach Cosgrove explained.

Chris Diasparra, who averaged 9.4 ppg and 5.3 boards in his 30 starts, will fortify the three and should continue to come up big in important games. "Chris is the backbone of our team, he is one of our hardest workers and our best defenders," Cosgrove stated. "Chris is one of our main leaders and we expect big things from him this year."

Diasparra averaged 9.4 points per game last season

Veteran returner and senior Arjan Perovic, along with sophomore David Akinyooye will add much needed strength off the bench in the backcourt. "[Arjan] can play the point and shooting guard position with great versatility. We need him to score points for us and handle the ball," coach Cosgrove discussed. "[David] is a versatile player that we expect to contribute at the two guard and three spot. He had injuries last season to his foot, but now that he is fully healed, we expect him to contribute much more."

A transfer from Quinnipiac University, junior Casey Cosgrove is a guard that will make an immediate impact on the program. "Casey is a Division I transfer that started almost every game, and is used to this level of play and expectations. He does a good job of pushing the ball, passing to his teammates, and is a very good shooter. We need him and [Richard Harkins] to apply pressure at the top of the defense and to help establish defensive intensity," Cosgrove said.

Freshman Richard Harkins, a product of Long Island Lutheran and an all-star in the New York state tournament his senior year, will be a key addition on both sides of the ball. "Harkins is a point guard that we are very confident in," Coach Cosgrove said. "He does a great job of seeing the floor and getting the ball to the right people at the right time - a good player for us now and down the line."

Freshman Robert Johnson, a New York all-state selection as a senior at Tuckahoe High School, will round out the Panthers' guards and will help increase the talent of the program. "Robert is a versatile player that can play either wing. He is a good shooter and a solid athlete - potentially another great player in the line of many at Adelphi University," Cosgrove stated.

Frontcourt The frontcourt returns with only the loss of senior Matt Pink, who saw time in 27 games, averaging 2.3 points. A bit different than the graduation complications of 2006-07, three solid scorers return to the program, including the addition of one freshman with a solid resume.

Senior Sky Khaleel continues his success at Adelphi after averaging 10.2 points per game in 29 starts last season. "Sky's game has improved and he is playing at a much higher level. He is very hard to guard and very quick for an inside player. Expect a big year from him on both sides of the floor," Cosgrove stated.

"Expectations are high this year. We had a good year last year, not a great year. But, with the return of most of our veteran players, we're expecting more," Head Coach James Cosgrove

Mike McDuffie saw time in 29 games last season, while starting in 25 at the forward position and averaged just under five points per game. "McDuffie is a versatile player in a different position than he is used too. He is a great defender and rebounder - look for him to expand on his offense, but still anchor on defense and continue to contribute positive emotion day in and day out," coach Cosgrove explained.

Also adding to the mix will be junior Steffon Farley. "This will be a big year for him, having played a limited role in the past. Steffon is a great shot blocker and has really stepped up his game. Expect him to be a solid player in his final two years at Adelphi," Cosgrove said.

Newcomer Norron McDonald, who was a McDonald's All-American nominee his senior year at Benjamin Banneuer Academy, will finalize Adelphi's frontcourt. "[McDonald] is a tough, hard nose player that loves contact and banging inside. He will learn a lot from Steffon and Sky as his role will continue to expand."

Schedule This marks the final season Adelphi men's basketball team will play in the ECC, as the program, along with the school, will make the move to the Northeast-10 Conference (NE-10). To help prepare for the transition Adelphi has scheduled games against Stonehill College (11/21), Pace University (11/22), and Franklin Pierce (1/03) in conjunction with their already difficult ECC schedule. "Not only do we have a very competitive league schedule with C.W. Post, Bridgeport, Dowling and St. Thomas, which are very strong this year, but our non-league schedule is one of the toughest in the region," Coach Cosgrove added.

The Panthers will also welcome the Eagles of Post University (11/15) and the Fighting Knights of Lynn University (12/30) to their schedule, with both teams never played in the history of the program. The Eagles will also serve as the Panthers' home opener in the Adelphi Tip-Off Classic, where the hoopsters will also host Dominican College the second day at the tournament on November 16. In addition, the Brown and Gold will venture out of the conference to play Caldwell University (12/13) and Philadelphia University (1/06).

"Expectations are high this year. We had a good year last year, not a great year. But, with the return of most of our veteran players, we're expecting more," coach Cosgrove stated.