Kangaroos report: Notes, quotes

March 25, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Strategy and personnel · Getting inside

FINAL RECORD
11-21 overall, 6-12 in the Summit League, eighth place.

WHAT WENT RIGHT
Most of UMKC's recruits were asked to step in right away, and responded with solid performances. Leading the way was freshman Reggie Hamilton, who has a chance to become one of the Summit's top point guards. Guard Dane Brumagin stepped up to lead the team both on and off the court. His 17.1 points a game topped the Kangaroos, as did Brumagin's 79 three-pointers. The team's outside shooting was impressive at times, as UMKC set a school record with 283 three-pointers during the season.

WHAT WENT WRONG
Injuries claimed two key players, forward Brent Stephens (shoulder) and center Alex Pledger (foot). Stephens was averaging 10 points a game before having to undergo career-ending surgery in February, while Pledger, a starter for most of the 2006-07 season, played only one game this season. UMKC really struggled to find its overall offensive identity, finishing eighth in the Summit League at 68.8 points per game and last in field goal percentage (40.6).

QUOTE TO NOTE
"We are the leaders in the making. That plays a big part. By the time of our sophomore season we will have that bond and the will to win." -- Forward Spencer Johnson to the Kansas City Star on UMKC's group of freshmen that will be expected to carry the team next season.