The Gaucho men’s basketball team comes into the 2003-04 season with a tough act to follow; last year’s squad experienced a banner year, highlighted by a 19-12 record (which included an impressive 12-game winning streak) and a NJCAA Region I, Division II title. But, despite the loss of some key contributors to four-year colleges, the Gauchos still appear to be the team to beat.

“In terms of results, you can expect us to contend for the region championship,” head coach Howard Brown said. “I think we’ll be favored to repeat and everyone will be gunning for us, but that’s alright.”

Even with the departure of all-ACCAC picks Tony Qorri, Curtis Green, and Mike Daye, the Gauchos have a talented nucleus to build around. Sophomore shooting guard Eric Bloom returns to the court after missing most of last season to injury and earning a medical redshirt. Like last season, the 6-4 shooter comes into the season a preseason All-American.

Joining Bloom in a talented backcourt will be Ryan Nelson, a transfer from NCAA Division-One St. Mary’s College of California. Formerly of Avondale’s Westview High School, the 6-0 sophomore will be responsible for pushing the ball down the court and creating offense for the Gauchos.

As talented as their two backcourt mates appear, Coach Brown insists there is no drop off in the rest of the team with regard to talent.

“Bloom and Nelson will probably get the most attention, but we have 15 really good players on this team,” Brown said. “Our depth is going to be what helps us win.”

Along with outstanding depth, the Gauchos will be a dangerous shooting team (evidenced last season in their ACCAC-best .381 three-point shooting percentage) and possess great team speed. While they will likely be at a size disadvantage in many of their games ( 6-8 sophomore Kevin Stevenson is the team’s only player over 6-7), an experience-loaded roster (11 sophomores) will look to compensate in that area with the stifling defensive play that was ranked the best in ACCAC play.

The Gaucho men will open their ACCAC season when they host Eastern Arizona College on November 22.