The Washburn men’s basketball team is heading into preseason training following a 14-15 2022-23 season (11-11 MIAA conference).
The team is made up of 11 returners from last season, along with five new additional players. They are led by head coach Brett Ballard. Key players to watch this season will be juniors Levi Braun, Michael Keegan and Andrew Orr.
As the preseason arrives, the men’s basketball team is actively working to prepare for the upcoming competition season.
Andrew Orr, junior sociology major, plays forward for the Ichabods and recorded 404 points, 171 rebounds and 38 assists last season. In addition to participating in practices, pick-up games, skill work sessions and weight room sessions, Orr claims there is an additional factor of importance for this preseason.
“We are really emphasizing team bonding,” Orr said. “Once you establish a connection with your teammates off the court, the chemistry on the court is able to flow.”
The Ichabods have been conducting this team bonding by hanging out as a team once a week outside of practice.
Jordan Banks, assistant men’s basketball coach, is entering his seventh season as a part of the Washburn coaching staff. Banks shares the aspects of the game that the team is focusing on improving prior to the 2023-24 season.
“I believe there are two things,” Banks said. “Doing all the little things right […] and making every repetition game speed.”
It can be tempting to go through the motions and cut corners in practice when there aren’t always defenders and the pace of play isn’t always equivalent to competition. Making the effort to treat every moment and repetition as if it is a real game situation is how the Ichabods will prepare for future contests.
The team’s goals for the upcoming season are to record 20 plus wins, finish top three in the conference and qualify for the NCAA tournament. Along with buying into the team’s goals, Orr has a personal goal of stepping into a strong leadership role as an upperclassman.
“My goal is to help keep everyone on the team involved,” Orr said. “I don’t want anyone to feel disconnected and I think that I have the ability to prevent that.”
Every team has their own set of strengths that provides them with confidence to reach success. Banks states that the team’s shooting ability will be a strength they carry throughout the season.
“We have the opportunity to be a great shooting team,” Banks said. “This year we will have multiple guys out there who can stretch the court and knock down shots from the three-point line.”
Orr believes that the key to a successful season is longevity in the team’s athletes, both physically and mentally.
The Washburn men’s basketball season will kick off their season Nov. 11 against the University of Sioux Falls in the Municipal Auditorium.
Edited by Larissa Morgan and Aja Carter
