On Sunday, January 6, the University of Redlands men's
basketball team tips off against Grinnell College (IA) in a
non-conference game in Currier Gym. Besides facing each other
for the first time, these two Division III teams share other
factors of familiarity. The visiting Pioneers play the
up-tempo offensive style known as the "system" that former head
coach Gary Smith instigated at the University of Redlands.
Secondly, Smith now serves as a volunteer assistant at Grinnell and
will coach against the Bulldogs on the court appropriately named
for him.
After Grinnell won 11 consecutive Division III national scoring
titles from 1994-2004, Redlands broke that string in 2005 with a
still record of 132.4 points per game. Grinnell regained the
scoring title the next season, only to have Redlands win it in
2007.
Following Smith's departure from Redlands, Jim Ducey took over
the Bulldog men's program and has created his own style by
supplying a diversified attack, deliberate execution, and defensive
focus. The Bulldogs currently hold a 4-5 record and took
second place in Redlands' 60th Annual Lee Fulmer
Memorial Tournament.
Grinnell is 7-1 while averaging 115.2 points per game this
season. Pioneer point-guard David Arseneault recently
shattered the NCAA record for single-game assists when he dished
out 34 against North Central University (MN) on December 8.
This broke the previous mark of 26 established in 1989 by Robert
James of NCAA Division III Kean on March 11, 1989.
The Bulldogs tip off against the Pioneers at 3 p.m. on January
6.
For more information about the "system" and Smith's involvement
at Grinnell College, please log onto their web site at http://www.grinnell.edu/athletics/mbasketball/.
