Oct. 7, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

By John Manuszak
Athletic Media Relations

‘What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ is a phrase used commonly throughout the sports world. While somewhat cliché, it couldn’t be more appropriate than for the 2008-09 Colorado State University men’s basketball team.

Despite a turbulent 7-25 season last year, excitement and positive energy is flowing from the Rams’ basketball offices. As Colorado State men’s basketball Head Coach Tim Miles begins his second season at the helm of the Rams, he knows last year is behind him and his team and a bright future is ahead.

“Last year was an anomaly,” declared Miles. “We had a variety of situations occur that were really difficult, but through it all, we hung tough and made improvements as we went along. We are going to continue to get better this season.”

In the offseason, Miles’ leadership and character during the tough times were rewarded by CSU Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk, who extended Miles’ contract through the 2012-13 season.

"This university is committed to Tim and his staff,” said Kowalczyk at the time of the announcement. “His leadership throughout last season convinced us that we have the coach to lead our program to the upper echelon of the Mountain West.”

In order to achieve those goals, Miles and his staff will turn to a unique group of student-athletes that will represent the Rams this season. Leading the way for CSU is returning all-conference performer and last season’s MWC Newcomer of the Year Marcus Walker. The 6-0 senior guard returns this season after ranking second in the conference in scoring at 17.1 points per game in 2007-08. Walker scored in double figures in 25 games, including 11 games with 20 or more points. He became the first CSU player to score 40 points or more in 20 years after tallying 43 on Nov. 17 vs. Tennessee State.

“Marcus is a dynamic scorer who will lead us offensively,” said Miles. “He’s worked hard this offseason on his all-around game and we’ll need him to be a leader for us this season. I have high hopes for Marcus.”

He will be joined in the backcourt by point guard Willis Gardner, who returns to the Rams after playing in 30 games (28 starts) last season. Gardner, who was hampered with shoulder injuries throughout the end of the season, will bring his leadership and experience to a young Rams team. Last season, the 6-1 senior averaged 9.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game.

“I’m proud of Willis,” said Miles. “He is a really tough kid who is a fiery competitor and he represents what we need here at CSU. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”

Andre McFarland, a 6-6 sophomore, will be back in green and gold again this season after averaging 8.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game as a freshman. McFarland was extremely dangerous from beyond the arc in 2007-08 as he shot .426 (40-94) from distance on his way to becoming the second-leading scorer in the conference among freshman.

Division I transfers Andy Ogide (Ole Miss) and Dan Vandervieren (Purdue) will see action this season after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. Both players are expected to make an impact immediately for the Rams. In addition, junior college transfers Mame Bocar Ba (College of Southern Idaho), Travis Franklin (Colby Community College) and Harvey Perry (College of Southern Idaho), along with true freshman Jesse Carr (Ainsworth, Neb.), should be key additions for CSU.

“Entering this season, we’ve added six new pieces to our nucleus,” said Miles. “I expect these new guys to produce for us right away and we expect immediate results.”

One of the main reasons for the excitement surrounding CSU men’s basketball this season is the feeling of togetherness this team has shown. That camaraderie was built in large part by an August trip to Vancouver, which gave the Rams time to learn about themselves, both on and off the floor.

"The Vancouver trip was a great experience for us,” said Miles. “As a coaching staff, we got extra time to evaluate our guys and teach them the basic principles of what we do here, and from a personal standpoint, I thought the trip gave our guys a chance to get to know each other and see a beautiful city in the process.”

As the calendar inches closer toward November and the start of the 105th season in Colorado State men’s basketball history, Rams fans should be looking ahead instead of behind. With a new attitude and outlook for the season, as well as several returning players and an exciting crop of newcomers, things are looking up for CSU basketball.

"I know what this program can become and we know we can achieve it,” stated Miles. “Our entire staff and athletic department are dedicated to the effort of rebuilding this program. We are confident that Rams fans will be proud of the achievements by our team this year and in years to come.”