Bulldogs Backcourt Reloads for Title Run

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Simpson leads reloaded Bulldogs in SWAC

Novermber 11, 2008 - Alabama A&M’s Men’s basketball team ended last season with a bad taste in its mouth, feeling of what might have been. A&M won 11 conference games and were red hot heading into the tournament; having won six in a row and 10 of 12. They then proceeded to lose on the very first day of tourney play.

Things may have been different had the Bulldogs had long range bomber Cornelius Hester. Hester tore a ligament in his knee, an injury that ended his season after just three games and took away the Bulldogs best outside shooter.

“Cornelius never met a shot he didn’t like and can hit from anywhere on the court,” commented Coach Vann Pettaway. “When we lost him it took a lot away from our team and put a lot of pressure on our frontcourt.”

The return of sharpshooter Cornelius Hester could should pay dividends for the Bulldogs. (Photo Courtesy of Sidney Jackson)

Two seasons ago Hester was second on the team in scoring (10.4 ppg.), while leading in attempts from both inside and outside the arc. Playing in just three games a season ago, Hester was on his way to surpassing his previous totals and shot 37% from downtown. His return is vital to the Bulldogs success this season.

Point Guard Trant Simpson (15.5 ppg.) came to “The Hill” two seasons ago with very little fanfare. Locally, the former Buckhorn High (Hunstville, AL) star was well known, having led the Bucks to the 5A Championship game during his senior season. Since arriving on campus however, all the 5’10” speedster has done is led the Bulldogs in scoring two straight years, won SWAC Rookie of the Year and made 1st team all conference in consecutive years. Simpson has been voted to the first team in the pre-season again.

“Trant has done everything we’d asked him to do and then some since he’s been here. He has really become a leader in our program,” said Pettaway.

Evan Hilton, one of only two seniors on the squad, is also back and is the team’s second leading scorer (12 ppg.). Hilton has the skill to play three positions, but is best suited for the shooting guard spot – he just makes plays. Senior leadership is expected from the Chicago native.

The graduation of three year All-SWAC Center Mickell Gladness leaves a hole in the middle of the Bulldogs front court, but Pettaway recruited heavily for post players and may have found some more than capable bodies to fill the void.

Shane Burrell chose Alabama A&M over Oklahoma State after spending two years in prep school at Sound Doctrine Academy in Atlanta. The 6’7”, 260-pound California native combines nimble footwork and adept passing to form a nice post package. Burrell must become a reliable scorer and rebounder on the interior to take up the slack for the departed Gladness. If Burrell isn’t the answer, Pettaway may turn to Junior College big man Keith Jackson (6’9”, 220) or 6’10” freshman Donte’ Roberts from Birmingham.

Returning power forward Jonathan Inman provides experience to a retooled front line. The 6’5”, 225-pound physical specimen spent the summer recovering from an injury that plagued him a season ago, while adding more muscle to his already imposing frame. Though undersized, Inman can bang with the best and has really worked on his offensive game. Jonathan Belt, a 6’6”, 230-pounder, who spelled Gladness a lot last season, is another proven big body who can board and score around the basket.

Pettaway hasn’t had the type of athletes on the wings the last few years that he likes and it has hampered the run-n-gun style he prefers. The additions of Casey Cantey (6’5”, G/F), and Royce Hamilton (6’6”, G/F) will re-energized the A&M transition game and that means the Bulldogs are going to be able to run all day.

“The guys we’ve brought in to compliment the guards we have really excite me. We now have the ability to push it up and down the floor and get out and run,” cheered Pettaway.

Easy baskets were hard to come by last season and far too often A&M had to rely on Simpson to make a play from his lead guard position. The Bulldogs shot an abysmal 29% from the floor during the season; a mark due mostly for having to settle for jump shots. A&M shot below 40% for the second year in a row and just 33% from behind the three-point line.

The 2008-2009 Bulldogs may be Vann Pettaway’s most talented across the board in years. A&M has been picked to finish third in the SWAC’s pre-season rankings after winning 11 conference games last season, even garnering two first place votes. If Hester can return to his sniper-like form and the new additions can mesh quickly with the old veterans, this could be a special season for the Bulldogs.

Men's 2008-09 predicted order of finish

Jackson State (3) - 176 pts
Alabama State (10) - 167
Alabama A&M (2) - 155
Southern (2) - 143
Mississippi Valley State (2) - 89
Grambling State - 88
Texas Southern (1) - 83
Prairie View A&M - 79
Univ. Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 70
Alcorn State - 50