Dennis, men’s hoops team opening eyes in PSAC

The men’s basketball team might be the best in the entire PSAC.

That’s right, KU students—the basketball team is really a contender this year. Get off your lazy asses and get to a game over the next few weeks before it’s too late. This group might be the best ever at this university.

Looking for a specific game to get to? Try Cheyney on Saturday.

One season ago, Cheyney was responsible for knocking off KU in the first round of playoffs right here at Keystone Hall. Led by superstars Dave Ben, Steve Dennis, and Sean McKeon, Kutztown was making their first legitimate run at a playoff victory in years. Unfortunately for them, Cheyney was the better team in 2007.

Now fast forward one year. McKeon is gone, but Dennis is arguably the best player in the conference and Dave Ben is just as good on most days. Andre Woodlin would be a go-to-shooter on several PSAC foes and Ryan Washington is becoming the frontcourt presence KU lost when McKeon hit the road. Toss in possibly the best supporting cast in the business and you have the real deal.

Following some major offseason hype, most people, including myself, were shocked to see the Golden Bears stumble out of the gates back in late November. A 1-3 start coupled with the departure of superstar center McKeon made it look like another year of disappointment for the KU faithful.

That certainly has not been the case.

Enter Stephen Dennis. The sophomore point guard and reigning PSAC East rookie of the year has taken the league by storm, notching 30 points on several occasions and carrying the Golden Bears to a 4-0 start in the PSAC East. Arguably the top player in the PSAC so far this season, Dennis does it all, near the conference leaders in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. That’s right—a point guard who blocks and gets rebounds. He is a phenomenal athlete and, at times, looks untouchable.

But, it’s not just Dennis carrying the load. David Ben is an unbelievable athlete who, when in the zone, is also a top five player in the PSAC. He can score, rebound, create turnovers, and, if you’ve seen a game, you know can he dunk. Andre Woodlin has played in the shadows of Ben and Dennis, but has played his role outstandingly and has proved just as valuable.

Little guy Nate Edwards has taken a beating, missing several games due to injury, but has been stellar when healthy, hitting three balls and making big defensive plays. Jeremy Coombs has been starting in the front court and has formed quite the dynamic duo with fellow big man Ryan Washington.

Washington, a transfer redshirt freshman, has been a pleasant surprise for KU. Since the departure of McKeon, Washington has stepped into the starting lineup and made play after play in the lane. Not only does he score almost every time he shoots, but he has excellent vision when going to the hole and has found teammates, usually Coombs, for easy buckets.

Kevin Hafera, Steve Coffey and Mike Connolly have been stellar in their roles off the bench, hitting big shots and making big plays when KU has needed them.

This team is the real deal, already manhandling reigning PSAC East champ and pre-season favorite Millersville 78-60. Toss in thrashings of Mansfield, West Chester, and Bloomsburg and what are you left with?

A rematch with Cheyney on February 2 at Keystone Hall. Be there.