By Aaron Thomas
The UAF men’s basketball team opened its season with back-to-back victories over Northwest Indiana college, scoring more than 100 points in both games at the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium. After competing in a Blue vs. Gold scrimmage and an alumni game during the previous two weeks, the Nanooks took on Northwest Indian College.
“Our guys are just really excited to be, you know, playing against guys that are wearing a different color uniform moving forward,” said Frank Ostanik, the Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball team.
Following months of pre-season training, the team entered the regular season competing against other schools in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. This year, the team had a unique opportunity to do training in Costa Rica.
Photo courtesy of Kinley Erikson
Joel Amaro shoots a three-pointer in the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium on Nov. 7.
“We met together going back to like August 10th because we took a trip collectively as a team. We went to Costa Rica. So we had the opportunity to start before everybody else,” said Ostanik.
According to Ostanik, for the first time in a couple years the team has a relatively steady line up.
“We have three starters returning in Tariq Weiser, Davis Crilly, and Tyriq Luke. So that's nice to not have to completely start all over like we did the year before. Last year we had five new starters,” Ostanik said.
The team also has more height on its roster this season, with three players standing between 6 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 9 inches tall.
“For the first time, we have three guys who are 6'8", 6'9". So we actually have some size on the roster. I don't think we'll be confused as a soccer team in the airport anymore,” Ostanik said.
Photo courtesy of Kinley Erikson
Jett McCullough shoots on Friday’s game in the Alaska Airlines Gymnasium on Nov. 6.
In Friday's season opener against Northwest Indian College, the Nanooks scored 122 points, securing a 122-65 victory after building a 49-point lead in the first half. The teams met again Saturday, the Nanooks had another game with Northwest Indian College that broke the 100 point mark. The game ended with a 108-64 victory. Davis Crilly was named player of the week for his game performances and point totals last week, which according to Ostanik was “only the second time in the two plus seasons that I've been back here that we've had that happen. It's a pretty nice honor to be received. Davis Crilly was tremendous all weekend,”Ostanik said.
The men’s basketball team will travel to Honolulu, Hawaii this Wednesday in preparation for its games with Hawaii Pacific and Chaminade University.
