Go Hawks » Men’s Basketball

A Trip to Europe

nelsond — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:50:11 +0000

Coach Nelson and Harris Wichard (NP ‘12) travel to Italy, Bosnia, and Croatia with USA Athletes

Coach Nelson coaching US Team against Italians

June 2009 – Venice, Italy

As an incoming freshman last year, I had very high expectations for Suny New Paltz as a basketball player and as a student. This past year I had a great time doing both of those things. I learned a lot in a very short period of time, and grew up fast. I felt I really matured as a person both on and off the basketball court.

After the basketball year was over, Coach Nelson asked me to be a part of a basketball team that would play overseas. He was selected to coach a United States Athletes international team for college players. Our team consisted of division two and three players from throughout the country.

Team USA and Italian Team after US Victory

I was very excited that I was going to get the opportunity that very few get, representing your country and your school. We played games in Bosnia, Croatia, and Italy. Not only was the competition very good, (we played some professional players) but also the cultural experience is something I will not forget. Everyone should get the opportunity to experience something like this. I was excited to do something that I was not used to doing. It really helped broaden my horizon and help me grow as a person.

The trip was an overall success. The team went 4-2 against some of the top teams in their respected countries. Coach Nelson is going to take a team to Spain next year and I am certainly interested in going. As an incoming freshman you never know what kind of opportunities may arise as a basketball player at Suny New Paltz. This year we are playing an exhibition game against a division one program in Norfolk State. And in the future an overseas trip is possible for the New Paltz program. I had high expectations as a player at New Paltz and right now my after year one the expectations have been exceeded.

Harris Wichard Class of 2012

Coach Nelson and Harris in Venice

Coming out for the 2nd half against the Italians

Gondola Ride for Team USA

Freshman Perspective from Harris

nelsond — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:58:52 +0000

Being a college basketball player at SUNY New Paltz, and competing in the SUNYAC was a privilege. Although we did not reach our goal from a wins and losses stand point, our team did a great job overcoming adversity and competing every night. I could not be more excited for the 2009-2010 season. We have a very talented group of players ready for competition next season. November 2009 could not come soon enough. The 2008-2009 season just ended and I’m already looking for ways to make myself a more complete player for next season. Great players are made during the summer. The amount of work you put in during your off-season training often shows during the season. I will be spending a lot of my time this off-season in the weight room and on the basketball courts. Also in June, I will be making a trip overseas to Italy to represent the United States in an international basketball tournament. Coach Nelson will coach the team. This is an experience I am defiantly looking forward to.

Next season is right around the corner. Our basketball team is ready to take the next step and contend for the SUNYAC title.

Harris Wichard Class of 2012

Test

nelsond — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:26:47 +0000

for testing