CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
2012-2013 Media Guide
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
2012-2013 Caldwell College Quick Facts
General
Address: 120 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ
Founded: 1939
Enrollment: 1,031
Nickname: Cougars
Colors: Scarlet, White and Gold
Affiliations: NCAA Division II, ECAC
Conference: Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
(CACC)
Web Site: www.caldwell.edu
Home Arena: George R. Newman Center (1,800)
Administration
President: Dr. Nancy H. Blattner OPA
VP of Enrollment: Joseph J. Posillico
Executive Director of Athletics: Mark A. Corino
Associate Athletic Director: Dean Johnson
Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s
Administrator: Linda Cimino
Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student
Welfare: Megan Bratkovich
Administrative Assistant: Maria Massoni
Athletic Trainers: Julia Panko, Josh Lee
Athletic Phone Number: (973) 618-3260
Athletic Fax Number: (973) 618-3370
Coaches Directory
Baseball: Jay Messina
Men’s Basketball: Mark A. Corino
Women’s Basketball: Linda Cimino
Cross Country/Track: Patrick Sullivan
Women’s Lacrosse: Amy Rizzo
Men’s Soccer: Asgeir Ofstad
Women’s Soccer: Nate Guagliardi
Softball: Dean Johnson
Men’s and Women’s Tennis: Brian DaSilva
Volleyball: John Titus
Sports Information Office
Director of Sports Information: Matt McLagan
Phone: (973) 618-3567
Fax: (973) 618-3370
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.caldwellathletics.com
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
Men’s Basketball Quick Facts
Head Coach: Mark Corino (25th year at Caldwell)
Career Record: 481-357 (29 years)
Record at Caldwell: 386-309 (24 years)
Assistant Coaches:
Joe Scott (11th year)
Ed Ryan (2nd year)
Frank Carmody (1st year)
2011-12 Review
Record: 14-12
CACC/Place: 8-10/5th CACC North
2012-13 Preview
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 6/6
Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3
Returning Starters:
Arthur Morrison (F, 6-6, Sr., 9.9 ppg., 5.5 rpg.)
Kevin Walker (G, 5-11, So., 9.7 ppg., 4.0 apg.)
Other Returning Players:
Cameron Badger (G, 5-9, Jr., 17 GP)
Michael Balkovic (F, 6-6, So., 10.9 ppg., 6.0 rpg.)
Wyatt Polk (G, 6-4, So., 6.4 ppg., 2.5 rpg.)
Karel Thuwis (F, 6-6, Sr., 3.9 ppg., 2.8 rpg.)
Newcomers: 7
Aqeel Dallas (G, 5-7, Fr., Spring Valley, NY)
Brian Kenny (G, 6-4, Fr., Howell, NJ)
Dawan Lighty (G, 6-2, Fr., Paterson, NJ)
Nikola Lucic (G, 6-6, Jr., Belgrade, Serbia)
Billy McDonald (F, 6-6, Fr., North Haven, CT)
Vin O’Beirne (F, 6-8, Fr., Wood-Ridge, NJ)
Kairo Rochford (F, 6-6, Sr., Brooklyn, NY)
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
SEASON PREVIEW
2012-13
The Caldwell College men’s basketball team took a major step forward
in 2011-12, turning in a record of 14-12 for the most wins since the
2006-07 campaign. Although the team’s leading scorer from a year
ago has graduated, a talented core of returnees has the Cougars
optimistic for the upcoming 2012-13 season. After missing the Central
Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament by one game, Caldwell is
determined to do what is necessary to take the next step.
“We’ve been able to make some progress the last few seasons,” said
head coach Mark A. Corino, who begins the year with 481 career victories. “We’ve added some players and improved each year, and hopefully we’ll continue to get better and keep working towards becoming a
successful team.”
ARTHUR
MORRISON
Sophomore guard Kevin Walker ran the point for the Cougars last
season, starting every game despite being only a freshman. His exceptional decision-making gained him the confidence of his coaches and
teammates, and allowed him to rank among the conference leaders in
assists and field goal percentage. Junior guard Cameron Badger, who
has recovered from an injury that cost him the 2010-11 season, will
see time at the point as well.
Another sophomore, guard Wyatt Polk, showed promise in the backcourt as an effective scorer. Polk, who has three-point range and the
ability to drive to the basket, exploded for 33 points in a victory over
Nyack. With improved consistency as a scorer, he has the potential
to replace all-CACC guard Nik Otovic as the Cougars’ main perimeter
scoring option.
KAREL
THUWIS
Junior Nikola Lucic, a transfer from Florida Tech, is a good passer who
brings experience to the lineup. Freshman Dawan Lighty, who made
the all-Group 4 first team at Paterson Kennedy High School, has the
potential to develop into a solid scorer in the back court. Freshman
Brian Kenny, who earned all-Shore Conference honors at Jackson Memorial High School, is capable of contributing at either guard position.
Fellow frosh Aqeel Dallas also will add depth to the backcourt.
All three seniors on this year’s squad are experienced and physical forwards. Arthur Morrison turned in another strong season as a
junior, averaging 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. He also adds
athleticism and high energy at both ends of the court. Karel Thuwis
provided important minutes off the bench, contributing as a rebounder
and solid defender. Newcomer Kairo Rochford is a 6-6 transfer from
Western State Colorado University who will add a physical presence
and depth to the Cougars’ front court.
KEVIN
WALKER
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
SEASON PREVIEW
2012-13
Sophomore forward Michael Balkovic looks to move into the starting
lineup after leading the Cougars in rebounding as a freshman while
coming off the bench. His ability to score down low and on the perimeter, combined with his rebounding presence, make him a valuable
front court player for Caldwell.
The Cougars also add a pair of freshman forwards with good potential.
Billy McDonald is an all-state forward from North Haven, Conn., who
possesses three-point range and a deft scoring touch around the rim.
Vin O’Beirne is a two-time all-Group 1 honoree from Wood-Ridge, N.J.,
with good offensive skills.
MICHAEL
BALKOVIC
“I’ve enjoyed working with this group so far,” Corino said. “They have
been receptive to learning what we are trying to do, and they have
been working very hard. It’s still a young group, but as the new players
become more experienced, we think we can be competitive and successful this season.”
The non-conference portion of the schedule is difficult, with Bentley,
Merrimack, Assumption and St. Michael’s from the Northeast-10 Conference, and Mercy, Bridgeport, NYIT, Dowling, Queens and St. Thomas
Aquinas from the East Coast Conference. The Cougars were picked
to finish fourth in the CACC North Division, which is as tough as it has
ever been. Two-time defending CACC champion Bloomfield was picked
to repeat in the North, while Dominican, Post and Concordia return
several key performers from last season. Philadelphia was predicted to
finish first in the South Division.
“The conference seems to get better from top to bottom every year,”
Corino said. “It just means that we need to do whatever is necessary to
improve as a team and as individuals in order to be successful.”
WYATT
POLK
CAMERON
BADGER
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
COACH MARK A. CORINO
Mark Corino is on the cusp of achieving some significant milestones as he begins
his 25th season as the head men’s basketball coach at Caldwell College. One of the
most successful college coaches in the state of New Jersey, Corino needs 19 wins to
become just the third men’s college basketball coach in New Jersey to win 500 games.
He also is 14 wins shy of 400 for his career at Caldwell. Through 29 years, his overall
record is 481-357, including a 386-309 mark in 24 seasons at Caldwell.
“I’ve been fortunate to have been able to coach a number of outstanding student-athletes over the years, and certainly they deserve a lot of credit,” said Corino,
who has coached eight All-Americans and numerous all-CACC players while at Caldwell.
“Also, in order to win a lot of games, you need to be around long enough to have the
opportunity to do so. That wouldn’t be possible without the support of my family, as
well as the administration at Caldwell College.”
The list of Corino’s accomplishments is impressive: Five trips to the NAIA national
tournament; one appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament; seven CACC regularseason championships; five CACC Tournament titles and a District 31 crown.
Corino also has developed and recruited several talented players at Caldwell. In fact, in 11 of 12 seasons from
1990 to 2002, the NAIA All-America teams included a player from Caldwell College. Fourteen players, including all-time
leading scorer and first team All-American Matt Stuart, have reached the 1,000-point milestone. In 2009, Manny Perez
became the first Caldwell player to be selected to participate in the NABC/NCAA Division II All-Star Game.
Corino himself has received several honors, including four CACC Coach of the Year awards. In 1992, Corino was
named the Jersey 9 and District 31 Coach of the Year. He was selected by the All-Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association as its Coach of the Year in 1998.
What makes all of these achievements even more impressive is that Corino had virtually no foundation on which
to build such a successful program when he came to Caldwell College in 1988, as the program was established one
year before his arrival. Similarly, with Corino as the College’s first full-time athletic director, the athletic department has
made significant strides in its short existence. In his first year, Corino headed a department that had three programs
and no conference affiliation. Today, Caldwell has 11 intercollegiate athletic programs that compete in the CACC. Corino
also oversaw the College’s transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II, which was completed in 2002.
Along with the jump to NCAA Division II status came an upgrade in facilities with the opening of the state-of-theart George R. Newman Center, home of the Caldwell College basketball and volleyball teams.
Corino also played a role in the creation of the CACC, which has grown to 14 members. Corino, who has served
as the conference’s president during two separate stints, was named the CACC and NAIA Region X Administrator of the
Year in 2000. He also was among 14 finalists for the NAIA National Athletic Administrator of the Year. In 2010, Corino
was named the Jostens ECAC Administrator of the Year.
Corino remains actively involved in the intercollegiate athletics community. He has served on the Board of the
Directors for the ECAC since 2007, and is the CACC’s representative on the Division II Athletic Directors Association
Board of Directors. Also, Corino is in his third year serving on the East Region’s Regional Advisory Committee for men’s
basketball, and is on the NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules Committee for all divisions.
A native of Belleville, N.J., Corino attended Kean University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in industrial
arts. He later received a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Caldwell in 1997. Corino began his collegiate coaching career in 1982 at Bloomfield College, where he compiled a record of 95-48 in five seasons.
Corino is the youngest of three brothers who have combined for more than 1,000 coaching victories at the collegiate and high school levels. Oldest brother Jimmy was a high school basketball coach, while Carl is one of the all-time
winningest high school softball coaches in New Jersey.
Corino, 57, resides in Cedar Grove, N.J., with his wife Susan, and daughter Michele. “My family has been tremendously supportive and without their understanding we would not have been able to accomplish all that we have here at
Caldwell,” Corino said. “They’ve played an important part in our success as well.”
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
ASSISTANT COACHES
Joe Scott
Union College ‘89 (11th season)
Joe Scott begins his 11th season as an assistant coach for the Cougars. Scott, who was an assistant coach at Caldwell from 1998 to 2005, returned to Caldwell in 2009 after spending four seasons as the head coach at Union County College in Cranford, N.J. Scott had a record of 48-70 at Union,
including a 42-53 mark against fellow Division 3 junior colleges. During his tenure, six players received
all-Garden State Athletic Conference honors and one player received the 2008 Robert Zifchak Award as
the outstanding male scholar-athlete in the National Junior College Athletic Association Region 19. Two
of his players moved on to play at four-year colleges.
During Scott’s time at Caldwell the Cougars experienced some of their best seasons, including the
2001-02 campaign in which Caldwell went 25-6, captured the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
title and won its first-round game in the NAIA national tournament. The Cougars also won a CACC crown and advanced to the
national tournament in 1999, Scott’s first year with the team. He then spent the 2000-01 season as the head coach at Union
Catholic High School before returning to Caldwell in 2001. Scott also was instrumental in recruiting Jean Georges, an all-CACC
first team guard on Caldwell’s 2007 squad that won the CACC Tournament, and Manny Perez, the program’s second-leading
scorer and a four-time all-CACC forward.
Prior to coming to Caldwell, Scott was an assistant coach at Rutgers-Newark in 1998 and at Stevens Institute of Technology from 1993-97. He graduated from Union College in 1989 and earned a Master’s in Counseling Education from SUNYOneonta in 1990. Along with his duties at Caldwell, Scott is a career counselor at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. He
resides in Iselin, N.J., with his wife Kate.
Ed Ryan
Misericordia University ’06 (Second season)
Ed Ryan returns to Caldwell for his second season as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the Cougars’ staff, Ryan spent three seasons as an assistant at Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J. While
at Centenary, Ryan was responsible for film exchange, recruiting, advanced scouting and coaching the
guards, among other duties. The Cyclones won 33 games and qualified for the Colonial States Athletic
Conference Tournament twice with Ryan on head coach Enrico Mastroianni’s staff.
Before his stint at Centenary, Ryan was an assistant coach at Rutherford High School for two years
under Brian Gaccione, a 1995 graduate of Caldwell College and the Cougars’ all-time leader in assists.
He has also served as a camp instructor at various basketball camps, including Hoop Group and the
Villanova Basketball Camp.
Ryan attended Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., and graduated in 2006 with a degree in History/Pre-Law after making the Dean’s List all four years. As a member of the basketball team, he earned a spot on the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference All-Academic Team four times and was named Misericordia’s ECAC Scholar Athlete of the Year as a senior. Ryan also
received his team’s Coach’s Award in 2006.
A native and current resident of Rutherford, N.J., Ryan attended St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford.
Frank Carmody
Hartwick College ’79 (First season)
Frank Carmody joins the Caldwell coaching staff after serving as a volunteer assistant coach at
Northwestern University last season. At Northwestern, Carmody assisted his brother, head coach Bill
Carmody, with scouting, video and general operations related to the men’s basketball program. The
Wildcats finished the 2011-12 season with a record of 19-14 and advanced to the NIT.
Prior to his stint at Northwestern, Carmody was an assistant coach at Pope John Paul II High
School in Boca Raton, Fla., for two years, and served as an assistant at St. Rose High School in Belmar,
N.J., for eight years. His college coaching experience also includes two years at Colgate University and
two years at Davis and Elkins College.
A former standout player at St. Rose High School, Carmody attended Hartwick College and helped
the Hawks qualify for four NCAA Division II tournaments. He was the team captain as a senior and received the Barry Lewis
Award following his senior season.
Carmody currently resides in Spring Lake, N.J.
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
2012-13 ROSTER
NO.
3
5
10
12
13
23
24
33
34
43
50
53
55
NAME
Kevin Walker
Brian Kenny
Cameron Badger
Dawan Lighty
Aqeel Dallas
Nikola Lucic
Arthur Morrison
Billy McDonald
Wyatt Polk
Vin O’Beirne
Kairo Rochford
Karel Thuwis
Michael Balkovic
YEAR
So.
Fr.
Jr.
Fr.
Fr.
Jr.
Sr.
Fr.
So.
Fr.
Sr.
Sr.
So.
HT.
5-10
6-4
5-9
6-2
5-7
6-6
6-6
6-6
6-4
6-8
6-6
6-6
6-6
WT.
175
190
175
160
170
205
210
210
200
200
240
220
230
POS.HOMETOWN/HIGH SCHOOL
MAJOR
G Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep
Accounting
G Howell, NJ/Jackson Memorial
Financial Econ.
G Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Christian English
G Paterson, NJ/Kennedy
Business Admin.
G Spring Valley, NY/Ramapo
Biology
F Belgrade, Serbia/Partiz. Belgrade Financial Econ.
F Bridgewater, NJ/Bridge.-Raritan Communications
F North Haven, CT/North Haven Education
G Haddonfield, NJ/Haddonfield
Education/History
F Wood-Ridge, NJ/Wood-Ridge
Criminal Justice
F Brooklyn, NY/James Madison
Criminal Justice
F Zonhoven, Belgium/Brehm Prep Global Business
F Neptune, NJ/St. John Vianney
Management
Head Coach: Mark Corino, 25th season at Caldwell
Assistant Coaches: Joe Scott, 11th season; Ed Ryan, 2nd season; Frank Carmody, 1st season
Athletic Trainers: Julia Panko, Joshua Lee
Pronunciation Guide
#12 Dah-WAHN Lighty
#13 Ah-KEEL Dallas
#23 Nikola LOOCH-itch
#53 Carl THOO-wis (rhymes with Lewis)
Roster Breakdown
By Class
Seniors (3)
Arthur Morrison
Kairo Rochford
Karel Thuwis
Juniors (2)
Cameron Badger
Nikola Lucic
By Position
Sophomores (3)
Michael Balkovic
Wyatt Polk
Kevin Walker
Freshmen (5)
Aqeel Dallas
Brian Kenny
Dawan Lighty
Billy McDonald
Vin O’Beirne
Guards (6)
Cameron Badger
Aqeel Dallas
Brian Kenny
Dawan Lighty
Wyatt Polk
Kevin Walker
Forwards (7)
Michael Balkovic
Nikola Lucic
Billy McDonald
Arthur Morrison
Vin O’Beirne
Kairo Rochford
Karel Thuwis
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#24 Arthur Morrison
6-6, 210 Senior Forward
Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan
Major: Communications
General: Good defender and rebounder who runs the floor well. 2011-12/Junior:
Started 25 games and averaged 9.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game… Scored
a career-high 24 points vs. Goldey-Beacom Feb. 11… Also tallied 23 points in a
win over Felician Jan. 9… Had double-doubles at Queens Dec. 19 and at Bloomfield Jan. 18. 2010-11/Sophomore: Started 11 games and averaged 9.0 points
and 4.6 rebounds in his first season… Registered 12 points and 12 rebounds in
his first collegiate game vs. Stonehill Nov. 12… Scored a career-high 19 points in
a win over Concordia Feb. 15… Named CACC Rookie of the Week after scoring 17
points in a double-overtime victory over Chestnut Hill Feb. 25. Prior to Caldwell:
Was a member of Bridgewater-Raritan’s county championship team in 2007.
Career Statistics
YEAR
2010-11
2011-12
Totals
GP-GS
26-11
25-25
51-36
FG-FGA PCT
86-183 .470
88-183 .481
174-366 .475
3FG-FGA PCT
0-2
.000
5-19
.263
5-21
.238
Career Highs
Points: 24, vs. Goldey-Beacom 2/11/12
Rebounds: 12, at Stonehill 11/12/10
FT-FTA
62-79
67-88
129-167
PCT
.785
.761
.772
ORB
52
37
89
DRB
67
100
167
TR RPG
119 4.6
137 5.5
256 5.0
Assists: 4, three times
Steals: 4, vs. Dominican 12/11/10
PF
81
66
147
AST
21
37
58
TO
61
59
120
BS
18
12
30
ST
17
19
36
PTS
234
248
482
PPG
9.0
9.9
9.5
Blocks: 3, twice
#53 Karel Thuwis
6-6, 195 Senior Forward
Zonhoven, Belgium/Brehm Prep
Major: Global Business
General: Versatile forward who can play near the basket and on the perimeter. 2011-12/
Junior: Played in all 26 games, averaging career highs of 3.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per
game…Registered season highs of 11 points and eight rebounds against Palm Beach
Atlantic Nov. 18… Had three assists in a win over Nyack Jan. 24. 2010-11/Sophomore:
Saw action in 23 games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per contest… Tallied
a career-high 13 points and 10 rebounds vs. Bloomfield Feb. 17… Grabbed 13 boards
to go with 11 points in a double-overtime victory over Chestnut Hill Feb. 25. 2009-10/
Freshman: Started four times in 20 games, averaging 2.4 points and 1.8 boards per
game. Prior to Caldwell: Played the 2008-09 season at Brehm Preparatory School in
Carbondale, Ill…. Was a member of a Belgian all-star team that toured the U.S. in 2008.
Career Statistics
YEAR
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Totals
GP-GS
20-4
23-0
26-0
69-4
Career Highs
FG-FGA
20-41
28-48
36-63
84-152
PCT
.488
.583
.571
.553
3FG-FGA PCT
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
0-0
.000
Points: 13, vs. Bloomfield 2/17/11
Rebounds: 13, vs. Chestnut Hill 2/25/11
FT-FTA
8-16
19-32
30-48
57-96
PCT
.500
.594
.625
.594
ORB
22
24
25
71
DRB
14
37
47
98
Assists: 3, vs. Nyack 1/24/12
Steals: 2, three times
TR RPG
36 1.8
61 2.7
72 2.8
169 2.4
PF
29
39
42
110
AST
8
4
14
26
TO
16
13
15
44
BS
5
6
6
17
ST
5
5
9
19
PTS
48
75
102
225
PPG
2.4
3.3
3.9
3.3
Blocks: 2, vs. Chestnut Hill 2/25/11
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#50 Kairo Rochford
6-6, 235 Senior Forward
Brooklyn, NY/James Madison
Major: Criminal Justice
General: Experienced post player who provides depth to the Cougars’ frontcourt. Prior
to Caldwell: Transferred from Western State Colorado University, where he averaged
5.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season… Had a season-high 14 points
and seven rebounds against New Mexico Highlands 12/9… Ranked among the top 50
scorers in New York City as a senior at James Madison High School in Brooklyn, N.Y.
#10 Cameron Badger
5-9, 165 Junior Guard
Trenton, NJ/Living Faith Academy
Major: English
General: Strong and athletic point guard who missed the 2010-11 season due
to injury. 2011-12/Sophomore: Saw action in 17 games in his first season back
from injury… Had three assists vs. Dowling Dec. 28. 2010-11: Did not play due to
injury. 2009-10/Freshman: Played in all 27 games while starting nine times…
Contributed 2.6 points and 1.6 assists per game. Prior to Caldwell: Averaged
14 points, nine assists and two steals per game as a senior at Living Faith Christian Academy… Also attended Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, N.J.
Career Statistics
YEAR
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
Totals
GP-GS
27-9
injured
17-0
44-9
Career Highs
FG-FGA PCT 3FG-FGA PCT FT-FTA
24-81 .296 6-20
.300 16-23
PCT ORB DRB TR RPG PF
.696 11 31 42 1.6 38
AST TO
44 58
BS ST
0 19
PTS PPG
70 2.6
1-6
25-87
.714 2
.700 13
6 9
50 67
0
0
7
77
.167 0-4
.287 6-24
Points: 10, at Holy Family 1/30/10
Rebounds: 6, at Bloomfield 12/8/09
.000 5-7
.250 21-30
Assists: 5, twice
Steals: 4, at Post 1/5/10
10
41
12 0.7
44 1.0
6
44
1
20
0.4
1.8
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#55 Michael Balkovic
6-6, 220 Sophomore Forward
Neptune, NJ/St. John Vianney
Major: Management
Career Statistics
YEAR
GP-GS
2011-12 26-1
Totals
26-1
General: Athletic forward who can score inside the paint and from the perimeter.
2011-12/Freshman: Had a strong freshman campaign, averaging 10.9 points and
a team-best 6.0 rebounds per game… Ranked third in the CACC in field goal percentage (.567)… Tallied career highs of 25 points and 13 rebounds at Eckerd Nov. 19…
Was a perfect 7-of-7 from the field and 4-of-4 from the line en route to 18 points at
Dominican Nov. 30… Scored 22 points in a win at Concordia Dec. 8… Had 18 points
and 11 boards at Chestnut Hill Dec. 10… Named CACC Rookie of the Week Dec.
12… Scored in double figures in the Cougars’ last seven games. Prior to Caldwell:
Led the Shore Conference in scoring as a senior at St. John Vianney High School…
Named second team all-Shore Conference and first team all-Class A Central… Helped
St. John Vianney qualify for the state and Shore Conference tournaments four times.
FG-FGA PCT 3FG-FGA PCT FT-FTA
110-194 .567 5-16
.313 59-83
110-194.567 5-16
.313 59-83
Career Highs
Points: 25, at Eckerd 11/19/11
Rebounds: 13, at Eckerd 11/19/11
PCT ORB DRB TR RPG PF
.711 72 84 156 6.0 55
.711 72 84 156 6.0 55
Assists: 3,at Felician 12/6/11
Steals: 2, at NYIT 11/22/11
AST TO
24 27
24 27
BS ST
15 8
15 8
PTS PPG
284 10.9
284 10.9
Blocks: 3, at Dominican 11/30/11
#34 Wyatt Polk
6-4, 200 Sophomore Guard
Haddonfield, NJ/Haddonfield Memorial
Major: History/Education
General: Talented wing player with explosive scoring ability. 2011-12/Freshman: Played in 24 games with one start, averaging 6.4 points per game… Poured
in 33 points on 15-of-21 shooting from the field in a victory over Nyack 1/24…
Scored 18 points in 19 minutes at Holy Family Feb. 4… Swiped four steals at
Chestnut Hill Dec. 10. Prior to Caldwell: Three-time all-Group 2 and all-conference honoree at Haddonfield High School… Scored 1,801 points in his career at
Haddonfield… Helped Haddonfield win a conference championship as a senior.
Career Statistics
YEAR
GP-GS
2011-12 24-1
Totals
24-1
Career Highs
FG-FGA PCT 3FG-FGA PCT FT-FTA
63-127 .496 17-45
.378 11-21
63-127 .496 17-45
.378 11-21
Points: 33, vs. Nyack 1/24/12
Rebounds: 6, four times
PCT ORB DRB TR RPG PF
.524 22 37 59 2.5 19
.524 22 37 59 2.5 19
Assists: 2, three times
Steals: 4, at Chestnut Hill 12/10/11
AST TO
12 22
12 22
BS ST
1 16
1 16
PTS PPG
154 6.4
154 6.4
Blocks: 1, vs. STAC 2/18/12
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#3 Kevin Walker
5-10, 175 Sophomore Guard
Bayonne, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep
Major: Accounting
Career Statistics
YEAR
GP-GS
2011-12 26-26
Totals
26-26
Career Highs
General: Skilled point guard who made an impact as a freshman. 2011-12/Freshman: Started all 26 games, averaging 9.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per
game… Ranked sixth in the CACC in steals (1.6 per game), seventh in assists and
12th in field goal percentage (.500)… Scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting from
the field against Palm Beach Atlantic Nov. 18… Had a career-high five steals vs. St.
Michael’s Dec. 17… Tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists at Queens
Dec. 19… Named the CACC Rookie of the Week Dec. 20… Dished out a career-best
eight assists at Holy Family Feb. 4… Averaged 5.7 assists per game over the last six
games of the season. Prior to Caldwell: Four-year starter at point guard for St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, N.J…. Scored over 1,000 career points… Helped St. Peter’s
win four county championships and one Non-Public Group A state championship.
FG-FGA PCT 3FG-FGA PCT FT-FTA
92-184 .500 30-77
.390 39-47
92-184 .500 30-77
.390 39-47
Points: 19, vs. Palm Beach Atl. 11/18/11
Rebounds: 7, three times
PCT ORB DRB TR RPG PF
.830 11 96 107 4.1 40
.830 11 96 107 4.1 40
AST TO
104 58
104 58
BS ST
0 42
0 42
PTS PPG
253 9.7
253 9.7
Assists: 8, at Holy Family 2/4/12
Steals: 5, vs. St. Michael’s 12/17/11
#23 Nikola Lucic
6-6, 200 Junior Forward
Belgrade, Serbia/Partizan Belgrade
Major: Financial Economics
General: Hard-working guard who is an excellent passer. Prior to Caldwell: Played two
seasons at Florida Tech, seeing action in 30 games… Helped Florida Tech win the Sunshine State Conference regular-season championship and advance to the second round
of the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament… Led his BC Partizan club team in assists, free throw percentage and steals while averaging 15.1 points and 8.0 rebounds
per game in Belgrade, Serbia… A member of Montenegro’s U20 national team in 2009.
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#13 Aqeel Dallas
5-7, 170 Freshman Guard
Spring Valley, NY/Ramapo
Major: Biology
General: Athletic guard who will add depth to the Cougars’ backcourt. Prior to Caldwell: Four-year varsity player at Ramapo High School... Helped
Ramapo qualify for the sectional tournament as a freshman and senior.
#5 Brian Kenny
6-4, 190 Freshman Guard
Howell, NJ/Jackson Memorial
Major: Financial Economics
General: Intelligent guard who will contribute at both guard positions. Prior to Caldwell:
A two-time all-Division player and four-year varsity starter at Jackson Memorial High
School… Earned all-Shore Conference honors as a senior… Helped Jackson Memorial
to a school-record 25-4 mark and an undefeated A-South championship as a senior.
#12 Dawan Lighty
6-2, 160 Freshman Guard
Paterson, NJ/Kennedy
Major: Business Administration
General: Steady all-around player who provides another shooter to the backcourt. Prior to Caldwell: Named to the all-Group 4 first team by the Star-Ledger as a senior after averaging 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game at Paterson Kennedy High School… Also earned a spot on the all-Passaic County
first team… Scored over 1,000 points in his high school career at Kennedy.
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
MEET THE COUGARS
#33 Billy McDonald
6-6, 210 Freshman Forward
North Haven, CT/North Haven
Major: Education
General: Solid offensive player who can score inside and on the perimeter. Prior to Caldwell:
Named to the Class L all-State team as a senior at North Haven High School… Also earned
all-conference honors three times… Helped North Haven win a Southern Connecticut Conference championship… Scored a school-record 43 points against West Haven as a senior.
#43 Vin O’Beirne
6-8, 200 Freshman Forward
Wood-Ridge, NJ/Wood-Ridge
Major: Criminal Justice
General: Developing post player with good offensive skills. Prior to Caldwell: Led
Wood-Ridge High School to a pair of league championships and the 2011 section title… A two-time all-Group 1 selection… Also made the all-Bergen County second team as a junior and senior, and was all-league three times… Set the school
records for rebounds (1,107) and blocks (304) while scoring 1,640 points in
his career at Wood-Ridge… Grabbed a county-record 25 rebounds in one game.
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
2011-2012 RESULTS
RECORD:
ALL GAMES
CONFERENCE
NON-CONFERENCE
OVERALL
14-12
8-10
6-2
HOME
7-6
4-5
3-1
AWAY
6-6
4-5
2-1
NEUTRAL
1-0
0-0
1-0
DATE
OPPONENT
SCORE RECORD (CACC) HIGH POINTS
11/16/11 MERCY COLLEGE
W, 81-70 1-0
20-Otovic
11/18/11 ^vs. Palm Beach Atlantic W, 87-71 2-0
19-Walker
11/19/11 ^at Eckerd College
L, 70-91 2-1
25-Balkovic
11/22/11 at NYIT
W, 82-81 3-1
27-Gill
11/30/11 *at Dominican College NY W, 76-69 4-1 (1-0)
34-Otovic
12/3/11
*BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE W, 73-70 5-1 (2-0)
16-Otovic, Gill
12/06/11 *at Felician College
L, 71-76 5-2 (2-1)
22-Otovic
12/08/11 *at Concordia College
W, 80-78 6-2 (3-1)
22-Balkovic
12/10/11 *at Chestnut Hill College L, 84-86 6-3 (3-2)
18-Balkovic, Otovic
12/17/11 ST. MICHAEL’S COLL.
L, 58-63 6-4 (3-2)
18-Otovic
12/19/11 at Queens College
W, 82-68 7-4 (3-2)
23-Otovic
12/28/11 DOWLING COLLEGE
W, 92-56 8-4 (3-2)
16-Otovic
1/5/12
*CONCORDIA COLLEGE
L, 74-75 8-5 (3-3)
19-Otovic
1/7/12
*WILMINGTON UNIV.
L, 78-83 8-6 (3-4)
21-Otovic, Morrison
1/9/12
*FELICIAN COLLEGE
W, 76-57 9-6 (4-4)
23-Morrison
1/18/12
*at Bloomfield College
L, 61-86 9-7 (4-5)
14-Otovic
1/21/12
*at Univ. of the Sciences L, 56-58 9-8 (4-6)
10-Gill
1/24/12
*NYACK COLLEGE
W, 94-69 10-8 (5-6)
33-Polk
1/26/12
*at Post University
L, 64-91 10-9 (5-7)
9-Otovic, Diffley
1/28/12
*PHILADELPHIA UNIV.
W, 62-61 11-9 (6-7)
14-Balkovic
2/4/12
*at Holy Family Univ
W, 85-55 12-9 (7-7)
18-Polk
2/9/12
*POST UNIVERSITY
L, 61-69 12-10 (7-8)
14-Otovic
2/11/12
*GOLDEY-BEACOM COLL. L, 74-84 12-11 (7-9)
24-Morrison
2/14/12
*at Nyack College
W, 95-76 13-11 (8-9)
20-Morrison
2/16/12
*DOMINICAN COLLEGE
L, 57-79 13-12 (8-10)
18-Balkovic
2/18/12
ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
W, 74-66 14-12 (8-10)
16-Gill
Home games in CAPS; * - CACC game; ^ - Eckerd Tournament, St. Petersburg, FL
HIGH REBOUNDS
7-Morrison
8-Thuwis
13-Balkovic
10-Diffley
7-Otovic
9-Balkovic
10-Balkovic
7-Balkovic
11-Balkovic
6-Otovic
10-Morrison
10-Balkovic
12-Gill
8-Balkovic
7-Gill
11-Morrison
5-Balkovic
6-Morrison, Polk
7-Diffley
10-Morrison
10-Balkovic
9-Balkovic
8-Morrison, Balkovic
9-Morrison
4-Diffley, Walker, Otovic
8-Morrison
2011-2012 STATISTICS
Player
GP-GS Min-Avg FG-FGA Pct 3FG-FGA Pct FT-FTA Pct
Nik Otovic
25-25 782-31.3 126-300 .420 40-126 .317 89-115 .774
Michael Balkovic 26-1 566-21.8 110-194 .567 5-16
.313 59-83
.711
Anthony Gill
25-22 645-25.8 93-209
.445 28-81
.346 37-63
.587
Arthur Morrison 25-25 605-24.2 88-183
.481 5-19
.263 67-88
.761
Kevin Walker
26-26 850-32.7 92-184
.500 30-77
.390 39-47
.830
Wyatt Polk
24-1 309-12.9 63-127
.496 17-45
.378 11-21
.524
Peter Diffley
26-26 546-21.0 61-120
.508 0-0
.000 31-45
.689
Karel Thuwis
26-0 329-12.7 36-63
.571 0-0
.000 30-48
.625
Derrick Ross
13-0 127-9.8 14-43
.326 5-12
.417 9-12
.750
Don Trifari
25-4 285-11.4 19-45
.422 11-25
.440 8-9
.889
P.J. Page
15-0 87-5.8
5-12
.417 1-1
1.000 4-10
.400
Cameron Badger 17-0 69-4.1
1-6
.167 0-4
.000 5-7
.714
TEAM
Total
26
708-1486 .476 142-406 .350 389-548 .710
Opponents
26
684-1615 .424 186-564 .330 334-479 .697
REBOUNDS
Off-Def Tot Avg PF-FO A
14-72 86 3.4 57-1
88
72-84 156 6.0 55-0 24
10-81 91 3.6 57-1
66
37-100 137 5.5 66-2 37
11-96 107 4.1 40-1 104
22-37 59 2.5 19-0
12
29-63 92 3.5 57-0
38
25-47 72 2.8 42-0 14
8-17
25 1.9 20-1 7
7-28
35 1.4 20-0 7
6-14
20 1.3 12-0 5
2-10
12 0.7 6-0
6
42-37 79 3.0 1
285-686 971 37.3 452-6 408
323-584 907 34.9 480-13 364
TO Blk Stl Pts Avg
73 3 33 381 15.2
27 15 8 284 10.9
72 5 26 251 10.0
59 12 19 248 9.9
58 0 42 253 9.7
22 1 16 154 6.4
30 21 11 153 5.9
15 6 9 102 3.9
11 1 3 42 3.2
9 0 6 57 2.3
3 8 4 15 1.0
9 0 1 7
0.4
0
388 72 178 1947 74.9
347 80 195 1888 72.6
CALDWELL COLLEGE
MEN’S BASKETBALL
MEDIA GUIDE
2012-2013
ALL-TIME RECORDS
Points
1. Matt Stuart
1,888
2. Manny Perez
1,859
3. Brian Tonkovich
1,855
4. Derek Bailey
1,643
5. Tom Tonkovich
1,489
6. Jean Georges
1,447
7. B.J. Suchy
1,245
8. Ryan Tremblay
1,241
9. Ed Elam
1,197
10. Paul Tonkovich
1,183
11. Sulaiman Muhammad 1,147
12. Shawn McCray
1,059
13. Michael Pero
1,046
14. Robert Hairs
1,034
15. Quabir Nickerson
980
16. Nik Otovic
970
17. John McPartland
968
18. Ted Sochaski
875
19. Robbie Williams
864
20. Chris Doneski
853
21. Ron Harris
794
22. Bob Costello
710
23. Joe Kerr
709
24. Brian Gaccione
688
25. Peter Diffley
682
1989-94
2004-09
1994-98
1992-96
1996-2000
2003-07
2004-08
1995-99
1992-96
1999-2003
1999-2003
1987-89
1999-2003
1991-95
1995-99
2008-12
1996-2000
1990-92
1987-89
1988-90
2003-05
1987-91
1991-94
1991-95
2008-12
Rebounds
1. Tom Tonkovich
2. Brian Tonkovich
3. Paul Tonkovich
4. Matt Stuart
5. Derek Bailey
DR-OR-Total
683-366-1049
558-485-1043
631-306-937
538-305-843
481-343-824
Free Throws Made
1. Manny Perez
2. Brian Tonkovich
3. Matt Stuart
4. Tom Tonkovich
5. Jean Georges
567
487
452
425
398
Free Throw Percentage FTM-FTA
1. Chris Doneski
162-202
2. Michael Pero
197-255
3. Arthur Morrison 129-167
4. Carl Augustin
162-212
5. Nik Otovic
133-176
1996-2000
1994-98
1999-2003
1989-94
1992-96
2004-09
1994-98
1989-94
1996-2000
2003-07
.802
.773
.772
.764
.763
1988-90
1999-03
2010-present
2005-09
2008-12
Field Goals Made
1. Matt Stuart
2. Brian Tonkovich
3. Manny Perez
4. Derek Bailey
5. Tom Tonkovich
716
688
639
607
532
Field Goal Percentage
FGM-FGA
1. Tom Tonkovich
532-800
2. Sulaiman Muhammad 500-856
3. Paul Tonkovich
436-764
4. Lee Turner
264-464
5. Brian Tonkovich
688-1211
Three-Point Field Goals
1. Ryan Tremblay
2. Michael Pero
3. Jean Georges
4. Joe Kerr
5. Mark Kelly
1989-94
1994-98
2004-09
1992-96
1996-2000
.665 1996-2000
.584 1999-2003
.571 1999-2003
.569 1990-94
.568 1994-98
261
177
173
149
131
1995-99
1999-2003
2003-07
1991-94
2003-06
Three-Point Field Goal Percentage
1. Bob Costello
(128-297) .431
2. Tre Gardener (100-234) .427
3. Michael Pero (177-417) .424
4. Ryan Tremblay (261-637) .410
5. Mark Kelly
(131-328) .399
1987-91
2000-03
1999-2003
1995-99
2003-06
Steals
1. Ed Elam
2. Quabir Nickerson
3. Ryan Tremblay
4. Ron Harris
5. Robert Hairs
1992-96
1995-99
1995-99
2003-05
1991-95
238
233
219
183
158
Blocked Shots
1. Sulaiman Muhammad 191
2. Matt Stuart
156
3. Eric Weston
103
4. Paul Tonkovich
88
5. Manny Perez
60
1999-2003
1989-94
1987-91
1999-2003
2004-09
Assists
1. Brian Gaccione
2. Ryan Tremblay
3. Bob Costello
4. Tre Gardener
5. Ed Elam
1991-95
1995-99
1987-91
2000-03
1992-96
803
424
403
367
350
DATE
Nov. 9
Nov. 10
Nov. 14
Nov. 17
Nov. 18
Nov. 20
Nov. 25
Nov. 28
Dec. 4
Dec. 8
Dec. 15
Dec. 17
Dec. 19
Dec. 30
Jan. 5
Jan. 9
Jan. 12
Jan. 23
Jan. 26
Jan. 29
Feb. 2
Feb. 6
Feb. 9
Feb. 12
Feb. 16
Feb. 19
Feb. 23
Feb. 26
Mar. 2
Mar. 8-9
CALDWELL COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL - 2012-2013 SCHEDULE
TEAM
^Bentley University
^Merrimack College
Mercy College
#Assumption College
#University of Bridgeport
New York Inst. Tech.
Dowling College
*Dominican College
*Post University
*Goldey-Beacom College
*Felician College
Queens College
*Bloomfield College
St. Michael’s College
*Holy Family University
*Felician College
*Post University
*Nyack College
*Philadelphia University
*Dominican College
*University of Sciences
*Nyack College
*Chestnut Hill College
*Concordia College
*Wilmington University
*Bloomfield College
*Concordia College
St. Thomas Aquinas College
CACC First Round
CACC Semifinals/Finals
H/A
A
A
A
A
A
H
A
A
A
A
H
H
H
A
H
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
H
H
A
A
A
A
TBA
TBA
TIME
8:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:30 PM
6:00 PM
2:00 PM
7:00 PM
5:00 PM
8:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
7:00 PM
8:00 PM
1:00 PM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM
4:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
8:00 PM
3:00 PM
7:30 PM
TBA
TBA
SITE
Waltham, MA
Waltham, MA
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Orangeburg, NY
Orangeburg, NY
Caldwell, NJ
Oakdale, NY
Orangeburg, NY
Waterbury, CT
Wilmington, DE
Caldwell, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
Colchester, VT
Caldwell, NJ
Rutherford, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Caldwell, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
Nyack, NY
Caldwell, NJ
Caldwell, NJ
New Castle, DE
Bloomfield, NJ
Bronxville, NY
Sparkill, NY
Higher Seed
USciences, Philadelphia, PA
* Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game; ^ Bentley Tip-Off Conference Challenge, Waltham, MA; # Dominican Tournament, Orangeburg, NY