One of the teams top returners, senior point guard Rashad Callaway is already gearing up for a successful season. The Bayonne, N.J. native has already been tabbed as a Division II Bulletin Preseason Honorable Mention All-American. Callaway lead the Sunshine State Conference in scoring last season and ranks among the top 10 in 10 different statistical categories in Tampa's history. Among his accomplishments last season were first team all-SSC, first team NABC all-South Region, and first team Datronics all-South Region. Last season Callaway led the Tampa team in scoring (21.1 ppg), assists (167) and steals (64).
Assistant coach Justin Pecka believes Callaway will continue to be a major weapon in UT's offense. "The leadership factor is better than ever with Rashad. The best thing about Rashad is that his team goals are way ahead of his personal goals," says Pecka. The senior captain will look to be a major contributor on the offensive end and will push to repeat as the SSC leading scorer.
Another returner to the court this year is senior Rudy Jean as he comes back as Callaway's top back-up. The spark off the bench added 30 assists in his 251 minutes last season as a true point guard on the floor. The Gibsonton, Fla. native played in 21 games last year helping the Spartans on the scoreboard in 15 contests. Not only is Jean known for his distributing abilities, but he is also one of the team's top on-ball defenders. Coaches and teammates will look to have Jean as a major provider on both the offensive and defensive end.
When head coach Richard Schmidt is in need of a fundamental presence, he looks for senior forward Glyn Hunter. With five years of experience at UT, the captain is known for doing the "dirty work" on the floor while also being able to knock down the 15-foot jump shot. Coach Pecka refers to Hunter as "Mr. Reliable" because he can always find a way to get the job done. Whether it is boxing out, shutting down a player defensively or setting a big screen, Hunter is the man to get it done. Last year the Liverpool, England native registered 19 starts and recorded the second best field-goal percentage on the team.
"Senior leadership will carry the team- Rashad, Rudy and Glyn have been keeping the intensity up in practice and it is clear that they are willing to do what it takes to win," notes Pecka.
Another senior that will be back on the hardwood this season is senior Pete Bryne. The Syracuse, N.Y. native returns to the lineup as a true shooter that knows the Tampa system. The senior leadership and experience that Bryne possesses is essential to the success of the team both on the court and off. The six-foot guard will push for minutes on the perimeter and look to make an impact in the back-court.
The last senior that will appear on the roster this season is forward Fred Woods. As a junior, Woods played in 21 games while scoring double figure points in 13. The six-foot-seven forward is deadly both in the paint and from behind the arc. Woods makes it extremely difficult for defenders as he is fully equipped with both speed and talent. The senior will look to add to Tampa's depth as he will be eligible to play in December.
Another Tampa letterman that will return to the court this season is junior Ashton Graham. Last year the Toronto, Ontario native made an immediate impact on the team helping the Spartans on the scoreboard in 21 games. The six-foot-four guard brings an explosive fire power to the perimeter as a strong guard that can take contact going to the basket. Graham will be a key factor in the success of the team this season as coaches and teammates will look to him to add a spark in the rotation.
Sophomores Jerrel Harris and Ted Amendola come back to Tampa with heightened expectations. Harris, a six-foot-six forward is a long player that possesses a dagger inside the 3-line. Although a forward, the Grand Prairie, Texas native plays much like a guard. Amendola revisits Tampa's court as the tallest player on the roster this year. Known for his physical presence, the six-foot-eight forward is looked to for his defensive presence and rebounding means.
Osby Kelly and Dylan Defeo return to Tampa as key reserves. Already with two years under their belt, the juniors will push for minutes on the wing. The experience and leadership that each player gives is crucial in the development and success of the team.
Looking to return in the paint this season are junior forwards Corey Pelot and Ben Tumas. Last season Pelot saw action in all 27 games and recorded double figure minutes in 14. The six-foot-five forward is known for his offensive and defensive rebounding capabilities. Tumas returns to Tampa as a dominant asset in the paint as well. The Brielle, N.J. native is a quick forward that brings a powerful presence to the court. The duo will fight for minutes in the paint and will be expected to lead the Spartans front-court.
This season Tampa will return freshman team all-SSC player Callum Townsend. The sophomore ranked third on the team in scoring last season while seeing playing time in all 26 contests. A local athlete, Townsend gained valuable experience as a freshman last year helping the Spartans on the scoreboard in almost every game. The starting forward will look to capitalize on his freshman year as he will climb the ladder in program marks.
A new addition to this year's lineup is junior college transfer Anthony Griffis. The junior comes to UT from Lincoln Trail College where he averaged 13 ppg. Coach Pecka believes that Griffis will be another big time player in Tampa's rotation this year. With long arms and incredible speed, the small forward will look to bring a high intensity defensive presence both in the paint and on the perimeter this season.
Another newcomer to the squad this season is junior transfer Dane Rawlins. The shooting guard comes to Tampa from Missouri Baptist University as arguably one of the most athletic players on the team. The six-foot-six Conaree Village, Virgin Islands native is the only international player on Tampa's lineup and will look to be an immediate impact to the squad.
New to the court this season and waiting to play in their first collegiate game is Tariq Mackey, Irving Fayman and Stefon Barfield.
Redshirting his freshman year, Fayman has already seen how Tampa's system works while working on his individual game. Fayman will look to steal minutes at the guard position and add to the Spartans perimeter game.
Tampa welcomes Tariq Mackey to the 2010-11 recruiting class as the Spartans will look to develop its team for years to come. The Orlando, Fla. native caught the coaching staff's eye as a quick player that possesses a lot of heart. Mackey will push for minutes at the guard position as he will try to make a name for himself in Tampa's rotation.
Already turning heads of the UT coaching staff, assistant Coach Pecka believes Barfield will be a surprise player. "As long as he is healthy he will be a contributor. He brings a big body, good hands and impressive rebounding skills," says Pecka.
With leadership and experience on the Spartans side, the future looks bright for the 2010-11 squad. Fully equipped with a deep roster that comes abundantly packed with talent, both UT players and coaches are eager to catch the attention doubters. Beginning the season with nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Spartans like its chances to contend for an SSC title.
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