2004-05 Program Notes

The Bates College men's basketball team gives student-athletes an opportunity to compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference, one of the nation's most competitive NCAA Division III conferences. The Bates system emphasizes intense defensive pressure and a quick-paced offensive transition attack. Student-athletes with positive attitudes, tireless work ethics and exceptional basketball skills should consider applying to Bates.

The regular season comprises a 24-game schedule, including nine games against NESCAC opponents. The top eight teams in the regular season qualify for the NESCAC Championship, with the winner earning an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship. For several years, the runner-up in the tournament has also earned an at-large NCAA bid, and in 2004, three NESCAC teams were invited to the NCAA tournament.

2003-04 Recap and 2004-05 Outlook

Elliot Linsley was an Academic All-NESCAC honoree in 2004.

Bates tied the program record for victories in 2003-04, finishing the season 18-8 and capturing the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin title. The Bobcats advanced to the NESCAC Championship semifinals for the first time, falling to conference champion and NCAA runner-up Williams. The season was a special triumph for the senior class, which was the first group of Bates men's basketball players since 1961 to graduate with four consecutive winning seasons.

After earning the Mr. Maine Basketball award as a high school senior, Zak Ray '07 (Bangor, Maine) made an immediate impact for the Bobcats off the bench in his rookie season, earning one of 10 spots on the D-III News All-Freshman Team and NESCAC Co-Rookie of the Year honors. Brian Gerrity '05 (Augusta, Maine) and Ramon Garcia '04 (Haverhill, Mass.) earned second-team All-NESCAC honors, and the duo was joined by Jon Furbush '05 (South Portland, Maine) as NCAA 3-point shooting leaders. The Bobcats ranked seventh nationally in 3-pointers per game and 22nd in 3-point shooting percentage.

The Bobcats return four of five starters for the 2004-05 season and will contend for one of the top spots in the NESCAC standings. The team will look to repeat as CBB champions and advance to the NESCAC Championship final for the first time in program history.