The world of college basketball is filled with exciting teams and talented players, but few teams have the rich history and dedicated fan base of the McKendree University Bearcats. Located in Lebanon, Illinois, McKendree University has a long tradition of producing successful basketball teams, and the Bearcats are no exception.
As a member of the Great American Conference (GAC) in the NCAA Division II, the Bearcats have consistently competed at a high level, producing numerous conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. But what sets the Bearcats apart from other teams? Let's take a closer look at the team's profile to find out.
Team History
The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team has a rich history that spans over 100 years. The team was first established in 1919 and has since become a staple of the university's athletic program. Over the years, the Bearcats have produced numerous conference championships, including several NAIA Division I championships in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In 2013, the Bearcats made the transition to the NCAA Division II, joining the Great American Conference (GAC). Since then, the team has continued to compete at a high level, producing several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
Conference Championships
- 1999: NAIA Division I Championship
- 2000: NAIA Division I Championship
- 2011: American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship
- 2015: Great American Conference (GAC) Championship
- 2019: Great American Conference (GAC) Championship
Team Roster
The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team roster is filled with talented players from all over the country. The team is led by head coach, Harry Statham, who has been at the helm of the program since 1967. Coach Statham is one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history, with over 1,100 wins to his credit.
Some of the key players on the Bearcats roster include:
- Senior guard, Nate Michael
- Junior forward, Logan Kohrmann
- Sophomore center, Trevor Lukas
- Freshman guard, Tyler Meents
Player Profiles
- Nate Michael: Senior guard from St. Louis, MO. Averaging 15 points and 5 assists per game.
- Logan Kohrmann: Junior forward from Quincy, IL. Averaging 12 points and 7 rebounds per game.
- Trevor Lukas: Sophomore center from Belleville, IL. Averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.
- Tyler Meents: Freshman guard from Edwardsville, IL. Averaging 8 points and 3 assists per game.
Home Arena
The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team plays their home games at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center, located on the university's campus in Lebanon, IL. The arena has a seating capacity of over 2,000 and features a state-of-the-art court and locker rooms.
The Sports Center is named after Coach Harry Statham, who has been the head coach of the Bearcats since 1967. Coach Statham is one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history, with over 1,100 wins to his credit.
Championships and Awards
The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team has won several championships and awards over the years, including:
- 1999: NAIA Division I Championship
- 2000: NAIA Division I Championship
- 2011: American Midwest Conference (AMC) Championship
- 2015: Great American Conference (GAC) Championship
- 2019: Great American Conference (GAC) Championship
Some of the individual awards won by Bearcats players and coaches include:
- Coach Harry Statham: 2015 GAC Coach of the Year
- Nate Michael: 2020 GAC Player of the Year
- Logan Kohrmann: 2020 GAC Defensive Player of the Year
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Bearcats are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
The team will look to build on their success from last season, when they won the GAC championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament. With several key players returning, including Nate Michael and Logan Kohrmann, the Bearcats have the talent and experience to compete with anyone in the country.
Recruiting Class
The Bearcats have a strong recruiting class coming in next season, with several talented players from around the country. Some of the top recruits include:
- Guard, Tyler Jones from St. Louis, MO
- Forward, Jake Smith from Quincy, IL
- Center, Michael Johnson from Belleville, IL
Conclusion
The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team is a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Division II. With a rich history, talented roster, and experienced coaching staff, the Bearcats are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Whether you're a die-hard Bearcats fan or just a casual observer, the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team is definitely worth watching. With their exciting brand of basketball and dedicated fan base, the Bearcats are sure to provide plenty of thrills and excitement in the years to come.
Gallery of McKendree University Bearcats Basketball
FAQ
What conference does the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team play in?
+The McKendree University Bearcats basketball team plays in the Great American Conference (GAC) in the NCAA Division II.
Who is the head coach of the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team?
+The head coach of the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team is Harry Statham.
What is the name of the home arena of the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team?
+The home arena of the McKendree University Bearcats basketball team is the Harry M. Statham Sports Center.