Ken Mathias - Underrated Redman
By Mark Vogler, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian Staff, February 26, 1971
Most university sports enthusiasts picture him strikingly as a collegian hoopster who bears slight resemblance to Cleveland's Hawk Harrelson. And at the same time these fans fail to equate his true image with the valuable role he has rendered the UMass basketball scheme this year and the two prior.
Such is the paradox which unknowingly confronts Ken Mathias, underrated co-captain of the defending New England Titlists. True, he's no full fledged star as players go. He doesn’t possess exceptional shooting skill from comer to corner, nor does he have extraordinary speed and agility that set him apart from the rest.
But in a span that has produced such good ones as Ray Ellerbrook, Peter Gayeska, Joey DiSarcina, and now Julius Erving among others, Mathias has been a credit to the team in his own quiet and unselfish way. Through hard work and determination he has established a reputation which should stand him a good stead long after he's left the university.
Freshman Coach Peter Broaca, who had coached at Pascack High in New Jersey before his travels brought him to UMass, should perhaps take a pat on the back for having cited Mathias as college ball material. It was Broaca who scouted, recruited, and later coached the schoolboy sensation from nearby Lodi (N.J.).
Having been introduced to the hardwood for the first time as a freshman in high school, it was two years before he developed into a starter. But as a senior, the high scoring center enveloped just about all the honors – all county, even a piece of the all-state within his own division. And it was Broaca’s contention that Mathias was one of the top prospects in the area that year.
It seems that Broaca made a sound investment, for not only did Mathias help the UMass freshmen secure a 12-7 mark, but he also was the clubs number one scorer and leading rebounder, averaging 17.6 and 11 respectively. The following winter he immediately slipped into the starting five and performed masterfully – for a sophomore that is - caging 10.5 points per outing and lugging down an average of nearly nine rebounds. He had definitely been a key contributor to the Redmen's 17-7 record and No. 2 ranking in New England.
But in an otherwise prosperous career marked by its ups and downs, Ken experienced his share of disappointments last year. Only the NE crown, an NIT berth, and an 18-7 slate made the low point in his playing days a time to remember Not only did he slack off in his overall play, but his amount of service was nearly slashed in half by strong competition from Dick Samuelson who has since graduated. A battle with the flu didn't help matters either.
After a slow start this season, Mathias came around gradually and was at his peak during the Hall of Fame Tournament where he averaged over 17 points through a three game spread, including 24 against Colgate. In recognition of his consistent efforts he was voted to the All Tourney team, receiving second highest number of votes to guess who – Julius Erving.
But Mathias, who claims that he has always been quite susceptible to the flu, was hit by his nemesis again. Sidelined for the Northeastern encounter, he proved totally ineffective for the following three games.
Asked if he felt his starting job was jeopardized since Tom McLaughlin was doing a pretty respectable job at forward, the veteran center replied: “The thought did cross my mind because it was pretty much the same situation a year ago. But I felt if I just worked hard I could get myself back in form.”
And that he did. Mathias rebounded back into a good playing groove with outstanding efforts against B.C. (16) and UConn (24), he shrugged off a poor showing in the Springfield shocker with a good night against Syracuse earlier this week. He gunned in 11 of his 13 points in the second half siege of the Orangemen. But there are still three more games on the calendar. If Mathias and his mates can continue their headsup play, who knows what's next, NIT or NCAA maybe.
Coach Jack Leaman recalls that Ken played extremely well as a sophomore, probably took a big letdown last year, but the added responsibility of co-captain has really made a difference this season.
“I tell you he's just been a terrific kid all along. His being elected co-captain this year has really matured him. It has changed his whole outlook to the game and life in general. Ken has developed into a real leader. Recently he kept to himself, but now he’s come to the forefront and is active in the total picture.“
As far as the big changes in his playing style Leaman points out: I think the big improvement is due to the fact that he has learned his limitations. He's adjusted to them and now tries to play his strength, he tries to do only the things he can do well.”
Coach Broaca brands Mathias as “one of the hardest working members of the squad.”
“He probably gets more out of his natural ability than most any other player on the court. This is a kid who is no doubt in the shadow, but has performed quite well. I think he might be one of the most underrated players in New England and I think he deserves a certain amount of credit. Everybody knows how great a basketball player Julius Erving is. But too often many people look at UMass as a one man team. This is certainly not true.“
Broaca further expressed Mathias’ pro possibilities: “Quite frankly, I'll be a bit surprised and disappointed if some team doesn't draft or at least take a look at Ken. I think he's worthy of it. It would be a smart move for any team to draft him and take a look at him in rookie camp to see if they can fit him into their program.”
In response to his plans upon graduation Mathias commented. “Some way or another I'm going to have to take care of my military obligation first. Probably after that's out of the way I'd like to pursue two goals.
“First I'd like to go into the business world, then maybe later I'd try to enter teaching or coaching.”
The notion of playing pro ball didn't even pop into his head. And when posed with the question his response was modest. “I don't think that it's entirely up to me. I think I'd have to be super lucky to get drafted anyway. Since Julius draws scouts from all over, my chances would be favorable if I played well on a particular night. But, that in itself would be purely by accident. However, if the opportunity did knock I'd go wherever I could play. Again it would depend upon what situation arises. But my draft status (he's 53 in the lottery) would be my first priority to attend to.”