Leaman Feels UM Can Be “A Very Good Hoop Team”
By John Sullivan, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian Sports Editor, December 1, 1970

Between answering dozens of telephone calls in his office yesterday, head coach Jack Leaman of the UMass basketball team was able to find enough breathing room to answer several questions about the 1970-71 Redman hoopsters, who open defense of their New England championship tonight with a home game against St. Anselm's College at 8.

Leaman was a man in demand on the day before the big Cage opener. His phone spent most of its time off the hook, but when things calmed down a bit, the head coach was able to sit back a little and give some serious answers about this UMass team.

He was first asked how the squad shapes up right now, at the culmination of six hard weeks of practice in preparation for this season. “I don't think we're playing as well right now as I thought we would be playing,” he answered.

He explained this view by pointing out that the Redmen had to go through all those practice sessions without the benefit of a scrimmage against another school, because of an N.C.A.A. rule that allows a team to play a maximum of 26 games over the span of pre-season and regular season. Since UMass added contests with George Washington and Syracuse, it boosted its regular load to 26 tilts.

Leaman feels that this lack of pre-season scrimmages has left the cagers a little flat, but he asserted his faith in the team when he said, “I do think we're a good basketball team. As soon as we get a little maturity, I feel we're going to be a very good basketball team.”

Switching to another topic, the coach was asked if he and the team had set any goals for themselves as they embark on a new campaign. Leaman replied that there were no real specific goals, just a few general ones, shared by all the members of the team.

“We want to win more games than we did last year and we'd like to win a game in a national tournament,” Leaman offered as one goal. He added that, of course, the squad would be shooting to defend its Yankee Conference championship; he slipped in a clincher to this, “And, most important to our kids, we're going to try to defend that New England championship.”

Coach Leaman pointed out the advantages of the Redmen playing this season as defending champions of N.E. basketball, commenting, “It has to give us a great deal of confidence in our own ability… And this will allow us to play up to our potential.”

He knows that every opponent UMass will play will be aiming to upset the Redmen, and he enjoys every bit of it. He quipped, “I think everybody will be trying to beat us. It's a tremendous feeling to sit back and have everyone aiming at you.”

When considering the teams that would be mostly likely to knock UMass on its crown, Leaman picked out UConn, Rhode Island and New Hampshire from the YanCon crop his team must face and, among the out-of-league squads, he cited Holy Cross (“That Holy Cross is going to be an exceptional basketball team.”), Boston College, Providence College (“Providence College has the potential…. offensively the most explosive team in New England.”), Syracuse (“Syracuse will be excellent.”) and Fordham (“Fordham will be tough.”).

Who will the Redmen be starting in an effort to assert dominance against their high-hoping opponents? The coach was decided on four positions, relating that Ken Mathias and Julius Erving would be two starting forwards, and that John Betancourt and Mike Pagliara would be the starting guards.

The third starter up front will be chosen sometime between now and gametime; and the candidates are Chris Coffin, Rich Vogeley, Tom Austin and Bill Kesgen. “All four seem to excel in one part of the game, but we're looking for a consistent performer, one who will give us the same game day in and day out,” Leaman informed. Presently, both Coffin and Vogeley are being pestered by minor leg injuries.

Whomever should start, the abundance of fine performers in this area makes the forecourt a Redman strong point, one with talent and depth. Backing up the starting guards will be hard-working Bill Greeley. Should the situation call for a shooter after Greeley, Sam Provo or Chris Nichols will get the nod. Bob Dempsey will come in should the need exist for a good ballhandler.

Leaman took a few moments to talk about his star cager, Erving. In reference to what UMass fans should expect from No. 32 this year, the coach said, “I think you can expect an awful lot from Julius Erving.”

Leaman cautioned that Erving may not match his statistics of last winter, but his overall play should be better. He elaborated, “I personally believe that he is a better basketball player than last year… but, I think, overall, that he will perform better for us this year.”

The coach went a step further and commented, “I think he is going to be the best, the very best player in New England, bar none.”

Leaman was then requested to compare Erving on a national level, up there with the best basketball players in the land, and Leaman was more than willing to answer, “I think he could play anywhere. There is no doubt in my mind that he is among the best five or ten players in the country.”

In assessing Erving's tremendous knack at controlling a whole ballgame from any area on the floor, Leaman asserted, “I don't know if there are any players in the country who are better total players than Erving.” That's Julius Erving, No. 32.

As far as team spirit on this Redman contingent, the head coach could remark, “I think it's been excellent.” He made it clear that this group has had to muddle through six long weeks of practice without a scrimmage to break up the routine, but they have seen it through because they want very badly to repeat their feats of last winter. “They do realize what it takes to be a winner,” Leaman said.

UMass should have its best running basketball team ever this year assures the coach. “I think we should run more or better than we ever have,” he enthused, “There's a lot more freedom on offense than ever before.”

After talking about his aspirations for a running offense, the subject of defense, a Leaman favorite, was brought up and the coach was asked what role defense plays on a championship team. His answer: “Oh, I think its separates the good from the great. I don't think you can be a championship team in any sport without practicing defense.”

Praising the healthy aspects of what defense can mean to a hard-working team brought the meeting with Coach Leaman to a significant close as he ended up by saying, “I think, if we can play good defense, it can pull us together. I think this is integral part in our championship.”

SIDEBAR: Cage Doors
Curry Hicks Cage will be open to UMass students wishing to see tonight's basketball games at 5:30 p.m. The freshman game starts a half hour later at 6 p.m. and the varsity contest will get under way at 8 p.m. If enough students show a desire to enter the Cage in orderly fashion, then the doors will be opened at a slightly earlier time, between 5 and 5:15 p.m. Students will be admitted only if they have their UMass student identification cards with them. To facilitate matters, all are advised to have their ID's in their hands upon arriving at the doors so that the line can more easily flow into the building. Courtesy is at all times urged, especially as far as making room for someone else to have a seat by the moving of one's coat.

Each Cager Contributes To The Team’s Success
From The Massachusetts Daily Collegian, December 1, 1970

Although great teams must be made of great players, it is the working together of these players that eventually determines the success or failure of any team. Blessed with some tremendous individual talent, the success or failure of the 1970-71 Redman basketballers will depend upon how well they work together. That, truly, is the mark of any real super team. With that in mind, let us take a brief look at the individuals who make up the UMass basketball team.

JULIUS ERVING, No. 32, Junior

After setting twelve new UMass records and being named New England’s best college basketball player in his first varsity season one wonders what is in store for the multitalented junior.

The 6'5 co-captain averaged 25.7 points and 20.9 rebounds, second in the nation, in his unbelievable sophomore year. In his first varsity start, Erving pulled down 28 rebounds, a school record, as well as scoring 27 points against a powerful Providence College team.

Erving also pulled down 28 caroms against Maine as well as 27 against both Boston University and Northeastern. His biggest scoring nights were 37 against Fordham and New Hampshire and 34 against Boston University.

During the past summer, Erving led the Olympic Development team to a 103 record in Finland, Poland, Russia and Estonia and was chosen on several occasions as the game's top player. He was also named to the All-Tourney team in Estonia.

His long arms and fingers and his fantastic jumping ability make Erving one of the most exciting basketball players in the nation.

KEN MATHIAS, No. 42, Senior

After a solid sophomore season in which he averaged 10.5 points and 8.9 rebounds a game, the senior co-captain’s statistics fell off a bit last season as he hit for 7.5 points and collected six rebounds. However, the drop in statistics is probably due to the fact that Mathias was called upon to play an unfamiliar center position. This season, he will be able to move back to a forward and both he and the team should benefit.

Mathias is an aggressive rebounder and defensive player and should team with Erving to provide the Redmen with one of the finest forecourts in New England. His biggest games in '69-70 were 16 points versus both URI and UConn and 15 against Penn and AIC.

JOHN BETANCOURT, No. 10, Junior

Coach Leaman described Betancourt as “possibly the second best sophomore in New England” in '69-70 and few UMass fans are likely to disagree. After a fantastic freshman year in which he helped lead the frosh to a 15-0 mark, Betancourt stepped right into a starting berth on the varsity.

Although only 5' 10, he possesses fine ball-handling ability and proved himself to be an exceptional clutch player last season. His biggest scoring nights came in two of UMass' toughest contests (25 vs. BC and 19 vs. Holy Cross). He was the team's third leading scorer last season, averaging 8.8 and will be counted upon to pick up some of the scoring slack left by the departure of Ray Ellerbrook. An excellent defensive player, his finest effort came against All-American Dean Meminger in the NIT against Marquette.

MIKE PAGLIARA, No. 14, Junior

Another member of the 15-0 frosh unit, Pagliara got a late start in '69-70 due to an injury but came on late in the year to prove that he is ready to move into a starting role this season.

Pagliara is an excellent shooter (47% in '69-70), especially from the charity stripe where he was second on the team last season with 74%. Like Betancourt, Pagliara is a fine ball-handler and the two team up to give UMass a well-balanced backcourt.

RICH VOGELEY, No. 44, Junior

One of the team's best shooters, Vogeley is battling for the fifth starting spot. Although he saw action in only fourteen games, Vogeley led the team in both field goal percentage (57%) and free throw accuracy (86%).

With a year of experience behind him, Vogeley may be ready, and if he can continue his accurate shooting, he could prove to be the key to UMass' success.

BOB DEMPSEY, No. 22, Senior

One of the squad's best ball-handlers, Dempsey will prove a valuable relief man for the starting backcourt. He has acquired a good deal of experience over the last two years, playing in 18 games in '69-70, and this should come in handy in clutch situations.

In his sophomore year, he was called into action due to an injury to Joe Disarcina and responded beautifully by leading the Redmen to six straight wins.

BILL GREELEY, No. 20, Senior

Like Dempsey, Greeley has had two years experience and will serve also as a backup guard. Although only 5'9, he runs the team exceptionally well and is regarded as a fine defensive player

CHRIS COFFIN, No. 24, Junior

Also fighting for a starting berth up front, Coffin's forte is defense. He is exceptionally quick and mobile and will probably play much the same role as Jack Gallagher did in '69-70 by guarding the opponent's leading scorer.

SAM PROVO, No. 34, Junior

Possibly the team's best shooting guard, Provo could see action if the backcourt is having problems scoring. He also is fighting for the third guard spot and if shooting is necessary, Provo will likely get the call.

TOM AUSTIN, No. 30

Austin was red-shirted last year and seems ready this season to help fill up the hole in the middle. He played center on the 15-0 frosh team and is very quick for his size. Although a good defensive player, Austin is also a talented shooter for a big man and could help take some pressure off of Mathias and Erving up front.

BILL KESGEN, No. 50, Junior

Adding depth up front, Kesgen uses his size well underneath the boards. He could prove to be a valuable reserve and should add rebounding strength to an already strong forecourt.

CHRIS NICHOLS, No. 12, Junior

Another player battling for the third guard spot, Nichols is probably the most aggressive of the bunch. He was the third guard on the 15-0 frosh team and is returning to UMass basketball after a year's layoff.

TOM MCLAUGHLIN, No. 40, Junior

A transfer from Tennessee where he was the top performer on the Vols frosh team, McLaughlin should prove a valuable asset to the Redmen. Although ineligible until second semester, he can play both guard and forward and his size could make him a key man in the Redmen's somewhat short backcourt.

CHARLIE PETERS, No. 54, Sophomore

One of only two sophomores on the club, Peters will add depth to the somewhat weak pivot position. He proved to be an excellent rebounder late in his freshman season and if he can improve his offense a bit, he should see a lot of action this season.

CHUCK OLSEN, No. 52, Sophomore

Though not even a starter at the outset of his freshman season, Olsen has proved himself through hard work and determination. He will provide more depth to an already strong UMass forecourt.

A Cavalcade Of Coaches For The Frosty Season
By Mark Vogler, The Massachusetts Daily Collegian Staff Reporter, December 1, 1970

The original article featured men’s basketball and hockey coaches. We only kept the basketball content for this site.

Jack Leaman . . . Basketball

In just four years at the helm head coach Jack Leaman has brought basketball to its best on the UMass hardwood. The climax came last season when the Redmen registered a club record-breaking high of 18-7, smashing the previous peak set a campaign earlier. On top of that the Yankee Conference titleists roared to a top-seeded ranking in New England and later attained their premiere entry to the NIT.

His overall career credentials of 60-38 (32-8 in Yan Con tilts) is indicative of Leaman's well-tutored teams which have landed three consecutive conference crowns.

UMass has put together some solid squads over the past two decades, but basketball is definitely in its prime now and Leaman credits it to the coaching staff's approach.

“Our biggest alteration has been a change to a positive attitude. We no longer think negative. We think in terms of what can be done rather than the impossible. And it certainly has been reflected in our success.

“I think that any time you find success you find a great deal of effort put into it. Coach Broaca has put long and lonely hours in on the road recruiting student athletes to UMass. Once they're here we spend lengthy hours teaching them that winning is all right, that they can win, and that the Massachusetts' way is the way to play.

“The coaching staff spends a while studying opponents and preparing game plans that will best suit our club to play and to win the game. Coaching is a continuous occupation, not a 9-5 job. Many of the decisions are made after midnight as to how or why we play a team a particular way.”

A graduate of Cambridge Latin High School, Leaman later went on to star for Boston University in basketball, captaining the Terrier team (1958-59) which got as far as the Eastern N.C.A.A. Regional finals, only to bow to Jerry West and West Virginia, 86-82.

Upon graduation he coached the Terrier Freshman unit and piloted Mills High School to one of it finer finishes the following winter. In 1961 Leaman entered the UMass basketball picture tending to the frosh dive. And during that four-year tenure he relished reasonable success, racking up 43 victories against 14 setbacks. His link from freshman coaching to the big time was sandwiched around a year of scouting and recruiting for the varsity.

With the resignation of head UMass coach Johnny Orr in 1966, Leaman became a sound shoe-in for the vacancy and has done an admirable job since his entrance.

“Too many people put the image of a coach at the win-at-all-costs level,” stated Leaman, adding, “I think it's a bum rap. In most cases performance is what we look for. But we want each one of our kids to think like a winner, accept winning graciously, and defeat not as a loss but as setback-as something we build on towards success.”

Ray Wilson . . . Basketball

Julius Erving was certainly a boom to the basketball club last year, but he wasn't the only fringe benefit that UMass has received from Roosevelt High (N.Y.) in the past. Erving's former coach, Ray Wilson, joined the varsity coaching ranks in 1969 as an assistant. He supplemented Peter Broaca 's scouting and recruiting work nicely, proving to be a valuable boost to the Redmen on the road to their first NIT berth.

“Basically my philosophy is to simulate coaches Leaman and Broaca,”' states Wilson, “If it wasn't we'd have difficulty in operating.”

Wilson, like Leaman and Broaca, is a graduate of Boston University and also lettered in basketball just as his coaching mates did.

In seven years at Roosevelt (Long Island, N.Y.) High, Wilson's teams sported an enviable 86-37 mark. Having coached schoolboy ball for a sizeable duration, and presently getting a taste of the varsity brand, Wilson elaborates on some slight adjustments he had to make:

“As a coach the big difference is being able to deal with the type of athlete which will fit into your system. In high school you have to work with the best 15 players who come out for the team, whereas in college you recruit your material from a highly-talented selection.

“A common situation that I've dealt with in high school is that basketball for many of them is a means to get into college. And it becomes necessary for them to acquire the proper exposure.

“In college you go three or four times a week and each tilt is a big one. On the high school level things aren't quite the same. You normally play twice a week and the team can usually anticipate its rough encounters ahead of time.

“Probably one thing that I've overlooked in terms of the high school situation is that the majority of players that we recruited this year haven't played in front of 4,000 screaming students. I think that this is a big adjustment in itself and I as the coach must be prepared to cope with the problem.”

Coach Jack Leaman regards Wilson highly and had this to say: “Ray joined us last year and is presently working with Coach Broaca in recruiting students, scouting opponents and preparation of game plans. Before it was just Peter and myself. Ray has been a valuable asset to both of us.”

Peter Broaca . . . Basketball

Now that the soccer season is over and done with, coach Peter Broaca finds more time on his hands. But as one of the busiest members of the UMass athletic department, the freshman basketball mentor must set his energy afresh to the upcoming season.

This past fall the Redman soccer skipper piloted his booters to a dandy 7-2-2 finish and the school's first Yankee Conference championship in the sport. But even with the soccer season is full swing, Broaca awaited the quick transition to basketball and was equally prepared to prime his hoopsters for a lengthy winter campaign.

Broaca originated his coaching career in 1960 at Castleton (Vt.) College while serving a stint as head baseball coach and basketball assistant. Switching his sights to the schoolboy scene from 1962-65, he was an assistant skipper in baseball, basketball and soccer for Northern Valley Regional High School in Demarest, New Jersey.

In one year as head mentor for the Pascack Hills High hoopsters (Montvale, N.J.), the native from Hyannis tempered a 12-11 mark and a state tournament berth out of a club which salvaged just one game out of 20 a season before.

Broaca is approaching his fifth year as freshman basketball coach at UMass. In a four year span, his teams have amassed a record of 39-29, including a perfect 15-0 slate in 1968-69.

In 1968 he took over the soccer helm on an interim basis with the club compiling a 4-6-1 log. But last year the Redmen rolled up an impressive 6-4 mark to secure runnerup honors in the conference.

“My job as freshman basketball coach,” asserts Broaca, “is to get the newcomers ready to play college varsity ball and hopefully as sophomores they'll bet set to go. I generally strive to prepare a sophomore to step into a starting role.”

Ray Ellerbrook . . . Basketball

A mighty fine high school athlete and a phenomenal success on the collegiate scene, Ray Ellerbrook likes trying his hand in the coaching circle this time around as an assistant to freshman coach Peter Broaca.

In his senior year at Hawthorne High (New Jersey), the unforeseen college prospect put on some nifty performances for his school's basketball and baseball teams which established mediocre showings of 5-17 and 7-11 respectively.

He gunned in 25 points per outing with the hoop squad and was immense on the diamond with a robust .400 average and a 3-1 pitching slate. Although these figures were impressive, in the shadow of defeat, attaining stature with a loser was tough. It appeared that no big name colleges were interested in Ellerbrook.

Meanwhile Peter Broaca, who at the time was coaching Pascak Hills High, had a fondness in this guy's talent. And upon his appointment as freshman basketball coach in 1966, he approached Ellerbrook and attempted to interest him in UMass. The star-to-be was set on attending Bridgeport (Conn.) at the time. But a visit and frequent chats with the athletic staff made such an impression on Ellerbrook that he reconsidered his choice.

In a breath of confidence head hoop coach Jack Leaman complimented the newest addition to the basket bailer's brain trust: “Ray was one of the finest basketball players that ever played at Massachusetts. Due to a change in major in his junior year he has an extra semester. We're happy to have him in our program to pass on to the incoming freshmen some of the ideas of our program and philosophy. It's effective to have the freshmen see someone who has been successful and know an idea of what success is.”