Emory, Va. - The men's basketball team completed their 2014-15 campaign with four ODAC wins, which surpassed last year's total and was the most since the 2011-12 season. In Coach David Willson's second season, the Wasps underwent a major roster overhaul, starting the season with seven freshmen and no seniors on his roster. The Wasps gained confidence and wins throughout the year, including back-to-back upset victories at Bridgewater and at Eastern Mennonite late in the season. "I am excited about the progress our young team achieved this year," said Coach Willson. "I believe the foundation is in place for a bright future."
The team was led by sophomore guard, Myles Turner. Turner finished the season 4th in the ODAC in scoring, after averaging 16.7 points per game. Turner was second on the team in rebounding with 5.3 and led the squad in assists with 3.6 a game. A career-high 30 point game vs. Montreat was a high point of the season that contributed to Turner's selection to the All-ODAC Third Team. On being named to the third team, Turner said, "It's definitely a big accomplishment and a blessing from God. I would have never been able to get to this point without the man upstairs. Without my teammates giving me great passes and coaches that pushed me every day, I would not have been able to achieve this accomplishment." At the wing, junior Kevin Anzenberger averaged career highs in points (8.8), rebounds (4.1), and assists (1.3). Anzenberger also scored a career-high 22 points in the team's win at Bridgewater. Sophomore Brandon Self also had career-highs in points (8.4), rebounds (5.8), and blocks (1.7). The 6'6" big man's 45 blocks were good for 4th in the ODAC, and included a career-high 7 rejections vs. Southern Virginia. Sophomore Ryan Gravley started all 26 games as a sophomore and averaged 9.6 points on the season, which was third on the team. The sophomore accumulated a career-high 25 points in the team's triple overtime thriller vs. Southern Virginia. Junior Trevor Gilliam added depth to the team as well. He picked up single-game career highs in points and rebounds vs. Randolph and Lynchburg, respectively.
Over the course of the season, the freshmen had to make significant contributions in order for the team to succeed. Freshman John Shelor, who was the second highest scoring freshman in the ODAC with 10 points per game, worked his way into the starting line-up early in the season. The 6'3" wing started in the last 18 games and led the team in 3-point shooting at 37.6%. Noah Walker was a high-flying freshman that dazzled the crowd with athleticism and dunks throughout the year. Starting 7 games, Walker led the team in shooting percentage at 57.3% while averaging 5.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in his first season. Josh Hess played valuable minutes for the Wasps at the guard position. In his rookie season, Hess averaged 4.2 points per game while shooting 37.3% from the three point line. Freshman Chase Branscomb played big for the Wasps after missing the first half of the season with an injury. In his last five games, the 6'7" forward averaged 10.4 points and 4 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field and 47% from 3. Freshmen Shawn McDaniel, Johnny McLean, and Zach Lawson all provided some much needed depth and talent to the roster as well.
Without a senior on the roster, the Wasps will certainly look to have some continuity in their program. According to Willson, "Our ultimate goal is to compete for ODAC Championships. We have the opportunity to take a big step towards that goal next season as long as our coaches and players commit to a great off-season."
Team Leaders
Points – 16.7 – Myles Turner
Rebounds – 5.8 – Brandon Self
Assists – 3.8 – Myles Turner
Steals – 1.3 – Myles Turner
Blocks – 1.7 – Brandon Self
FG% - 57.3% - Noah Walker
3FG% - 37.6% - John Shelor