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Austin Peay

Ohio Valley Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
March 12, 2000

In the Paint

At times, Austin Peay was brilliant. Other times, the Govs could stink up the gym. The team had plenty of talent, led by All-OVC swingman Trenton Hassell, but as the Govs found out, it takes more than talent to win.

For the second consecutive season, the Govs finished in a tie for third place. Several close losses cost Austin Peay a 20-win season, so the Govs settled for 18-10 and tied Eastern Illinois and Tennessee Tech for third, each with 11-7 records.

The Govs played well down the stretch, winning eight of their last nine regular-season games, and seemed poised for a run at the OVC Tournament title. Then the inconsistency reared its ugly head, and the Govs suffered a disappointing107-100 double-overtime loss to fifth-seeded Eastern Illinois in the OVC quarterfinals.

A Glance at 2001

With four starters returning, the Govs should make a run at the OVC title. If they don't, there will be some unhappy fans in Clarksville, Tenn. Hassell was touted as an NBA prospect all season, and he considered passing up his senior year at Austin Peay. Hassell plans to return, along with junior point guard Nick Stapleton, an explosive scorer. Folks thought the Govs would win several titles with Hassell on board, but it hasn't happened yet. Hopes are high for Hassell and Co. next year.

The Coach

Some Austin Peay fans weren't exactly thrilled when the Govs failed to reach the OVC semifinals in Nashville. Coach Dave Loos, who is 139-145 in 10 seasons as the Govs' coach, was criticized by some fans for not taking the Govs to the promised land, but he's on safe ground at Austin Peay. During the season, Loos received a contract extension through the 2003-04 season. Loos, who doubles as the program's athletics director, probably felt some pressure to win this season. If he felt pressure this season, wait till next year. With the Govs' nucleus returning and Trenton Hassell back for his senior year, Loos will be expected to guide the team to the top of the OVC.

Who'll Be Back

Returning for the Govs will be four starters: point guard Nick Stapleton, shooting guard Matt Jakeway, small forward Trenton Hassell and center Joe Williams. Also returning will be small forward James Stewart, who started his first two years but sat out last season with a knee injury. Theanthony Haymon, a junior post and part-time starter, also returns. Hassell was a first-team All-OVC player after ranking fourth in the league in scoring (18.1), second in assists (5.16) and fifth in rebounds (7.4).

Who's Gone

Power forward Mike Head is the only starter lost. Head was actually more of a fit at small forward, but Hassell occupied that spot. Also gone are point guard J.J. Halliburton and shooting guard Joey Tuck, who was plagued by inconsistency all season.