Oct 30, 2009

Video: Jeff Jones and Matt Wilson Take Part in Patriot League Media Day

American University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Jones and senior Matthew Wilson took part in the Patriot League Media Day on Thursday at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore, Md., where they fielded questions about their expectations for the upcoming season.

"Our focus from the start has been trying to get better each day," Jones commented during his opening statement. "I do think that we are getting better and the question for our basketball team is not if but when we are going to round into shape and be a competitive member of the Patriot League this season. I'm excited about the young men that we've got on the team and I think there will be some developments and suprises as the season moves on."

American opens its regular season schedule on Friday, November 13 at St. Francis (Pa.) before beginning a five-game homestand on Monday, November 16 against Albany. The Eagles will play a total of 16 home dates in Bender Arena this season, including two exhibition games. American will also visit members of the BIG EAST, Big Ten and Southeastern Conference, highlighting the team's road schedule.

American returns junior guard Nick Hendra and sophomore forward Stephen Lumpkins, who each saw significant time on the floor last season. Hendra is the team’s leading returning scorer and rebounder (6.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg) while Lumpkins will be looked upon to provide solid play under the basket after averaging 3.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg a year ago. Junior forward Vlad Moldoveanu will be eligible to begin playing on December 16 at DePaul after transferring from George Mason midway through last season. The 6’9” forward possesses the ability to shoot from the outside and also has the size and strength to be effective in the post.

Also returning in the backcourt for the Eagles are Wilson, junior Steve Luptak and sophomores Joe Hill and Simon McCormack. Sophomore forward Riley Grafft will join Lumpkins and Moldoveanu in the frontcourt. American has added seven freshman to this season’s squad who will each compete for playing time immediately.

American, coming off its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance and Patriot League Championship, was picked sixth in the conference’s preseason poll released at Media Day.

Season Tickets and individual tickets for the 2009-10 season are on-sale now. Season tickets guarantee you the same great seat for all of American's 16 home contests plus priority seating for all post-season games played in Bender Arena. Season ticket packages are priced at just $180 for sideline reserved chairback seats and $130 for endzone reserved seats. Single-game tickets are also available and are priced from $7 to $15. Click here to order your tickets today.