[BasketballAlum] Newsletter

[gary holquist]

Bulldog Basketball Alumni and Friends:

We just completed our first week of practice.  It has been the type of 
week the coaching staff was looking for, filled with aggressive play 
and athletes competing for playing time.  A distinct group has emerged 
that really has separated themselves from the pack in their ability and 
knowledge of the game.  The senior core of lead guard Ryan Breidenbach 
(6-1, 205 lbs.), small forward Bryan Foss (6-7, 210 lbs.), and power 
forward Matt Rawley (6-8, 220 lbs.) have been solid.  Junior lane 
player John Vaudreuil (6-8, 260 lbs.) and junior off guard Jordan 
Nuness (6-3, 210 lbs.) have continued to develop and compete at a high 
level daily.  Senior Matt Hockett (6-5, 225 lbs.) has picked up where 
he left off last season-making plays through hustle, intensity, and 
desire.  A pleasant surprise has been freshman Steve Duncan (6-5, 215 
lbs) from Hopkins High School in the Twin Cities.  He brings an element 
of athleticism defensively as well as creating second chance 
opportunities on the offensive glass.  We originally thought he would 
be a redshirt this season, but he has earned the right so far to play 
this season.  If his play continues to improve, he will be in the 
rotation.  We are still waiting for a few other players to emerge.  In 
our style of play, we need to have nine or ten in the rotation that 
give us consistent play in our defensive and offensive schemes.  The 
last two or three players need to understand their roles and how they 
will help us on the floor.  The next two weeks will be crucial for 
these players to emerge.  We are confidant that they are in the 
program, now they need to step forward by distinguishing themselves 
through play in practice.

I asked the team yesterday what they wanted their opponents or fans to 
say about the Bulldog program after watching games or practices.  The 
team listed five areas that I thought were excellent observations: 
#1-that they played hard, #2-that they were good defenders and always 
had tough pressure on the ball, #3-a great rebounding team, #4-took 
great percentage shots through inside/outside action, and #5-played as 
a TEAM.  As all coaches tell their teams, players can ALWAYS rebound, 
defend, have great shot selection, and play hard.  These facets of the 
game teams can be good at ALWAYS.  It simply is indicative of being 
mentally tough.

The Coaches Basketball Clinic we sponsored this past weekend was 
excellent and well attended.  Over 60 coaches took part in the day 
event.  We scrimmage this coming Saturday at Romano Gymnasium.  Sunday 
is the 6th annual "Midnight Jam" which introduces the Team to the UMD 
student body and community.  The program starts at 10:00pm and is 
really an interactive evening to generate support from the Student 
body.  The event is sponsored by a fraternity organization on campus 
and has been well attended over the years.  We anticipate over two 
thousand fans to be in Romano Gymnasium.

Have a great week-I'll let you know how we are progressing next Monday. 


Go Bulldogs,

Coach Gary Holquist


Gary W. Holquist
University of Minnesota Duluth
Head Men's Basketball Coach
218-726-6185