The thrill of college basketball is always exciting, and one team that has been making waves in the NCAA Division III scene is the Neumann University Knights. With a rich history of athletic excellence, Neumann University's basketball team has been a force to be reckoned with in the Atlantic East Conference. In this article, we'll delve into the team's overview, recent performance, and what makes them a compelling watch.
Team History and Overview
Neumann University, located in Aston, Pennsylvania, has a strong athletic tradition that dates back to 1965. The university's basketball team, the Knights, has been competing at the NCAA Division III level since 1989. With a total of 11 conference championships under their belt, the Knights have established themselves as a dominant force in the Atlantic East Conference.
The team is led by Head Coach Jim Rullo, who has been at the helm since 2008. Coach Rullo has led the Knights to five conference championships and has a reputation for developing talented players who excel both on and off the court.
Recent Performance
The Neumann University Knights have been on a tear in recent years, with a string of successful seasons that have propelled them to the top of the Atlantic East Conference standings. Here are some highlights from their recent performance:
- In the 2019-2020 season, the Knights finished with a 22-6 overall record and a 16-2 conference record, earning them the number one seed in the Atlantic East Conference tournament.
- In the 2020-2021 season, the team finished with a 20-5 overall record and a 14-4 conference record, good for second place in the Atlantic East Conference.
- The Knights have also had success in the NCAA Division III tournament, advancing to the second round in 2019 and the first round in 2020.
Key Players and Coaching Staff
The Neumann University Knights have a talented roster that features a mix of experienced veterans and young up-and-comers. Some key players to watch include:
- Senior guard, Mark Reid, who averaged 17.5 points per game in the 2020-2021 season.
- Junior forward, Tyler Cochran, who averaged 12.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 season.
- Sophomore guard, Chris Barnes, who averaged 10.5 points and 4.2 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season.
The coaching staff, led by Head Coach Jim Rullo, has a wealth of experience and expertise. Coach Rullo is assisted by Associate Head Coach, Chris Bieber, and Assistant Coaches, Tom Clarke and Mike Ziegler.
Championships and Awards
The Neumann University Knights have won several championships and awards in recent years, including:
- 5 Atlantic East Conference championships (2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2019)
- 2 NCAA Division III tournament appearances (2019 and 2020)
- 3 ECAC Tournament championships (2011, 2013, and 2016)
Home Court and Facilities
The Neumann University Knights play their home games at the Mirenda Center, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 1,200 fans. The Mirenda Center features a regulation-sized basketball court, a weight room, and a training room.
The Knights also have access to the university's athletic training facilities, which include a sports medicine room, a strength and conditioning room, and a athletic training room.
Recruiting and Scholarships
The Neumann University Knights offer a variety of scholarships and grants to prospective student-athletes. The team recruits talented players from all over the country, with a focus on finding players who are not only skilled on the court but also excel in the classroom.
Prospective student-athletes can visit the university's athletic website to learn more about the recruiting process and to submit their information to the coaching staff.
Alumni and Community Engagement
The Neumann University Knights have a strong alumni network, with many former players going on to successful careers in coaching, sports management, and other fields.
The team is also committed to community engagement, with players and coaches regularly participating in local charity events and youth basketball clinics.
Game Day Experience
Attending a Neumann University Knights basketball game is an exciting experience that offers something for everyone. The Mirenda Center is electric on game day, with a lively atmosphere that features music, cheerleaders, and a live band.
Fans can purchase tickets online or at the door, and concessions are available throughout the game.
Conclusion
The Neumann University Knights basketball team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division III scene. With a rich history of athletic excellence, a talented roster, and a commitment to community engagement, the Knights are a compelling watch for fans of all ages.
Whether you're a prospective student-athlete, a current student, or just a basketball enthusiast, the Neumann University Knights offer an exciting and entertaining experience that is not to be missed.
What is the Neumann University Knights' conference affiliation?
+The Neumann University Knights are members of the Atlantic East Conference.
Who is the head coach of the Neumann University Knights?
+The head coach of the Neumann University Knights is Jim Rullo.
What is the seating capacity of the Mirenda Center?
+The seating capacity of the Mirenda Center is over 1,200 fans.