Better Balance Leading To Better Results

One-on-One with Casey Alexander

(St. Louis, MO) – Belmont’s historic 10-1 start to the season is being sparked by better balance leading to better results. The Bruins are known nationally for their explosive scoring, precision offensive passing and cutting and winning twenty games every year. This year’s Belmont team is also stingy on defense, determined to rebound and much taller than recent teams.

To no one’s surprise, Coach Casey Alexander’s team leads the Missouri Valley Conference in field goal percentage and three-point percentage. The surprising part of this year’s team is their league-leading rebounding margin and their ability to stop other teams from scoring. Belmont is allowing eight fewer points per game than last season.

Alexander says his deep roster and better rebounding and defense give his team better balance leading to better results.

Part of that better balance is is the play of point guard Nic McClain and freshman guard Jack Smiley. McClain is averaging double digits in scoring (12.1)and leads the Valley in assists (6.6). Smiley is the only ‘true’ freshman on this year’s team and his role on this veteran-led team continues to grow.

Smiley has scored 58 points over Belmont’s last six games.

Alexander says each of those guards continue to grow into their valuable roles.

Better Balance Better Bigs

Belmont is experiencing its best post play since the historic Nick Muszynski-era. ‘Moose’ dominated the Ohio Valley Conference (2018-2022) and Alexander’s team is getting similar production, but from two different post players. Drew Scharnowski and Brigham Rogers combine to average 19.2 points and & 9.6 rebounds per game. Each is converting better than 70 percent of their field goal attempts.

Alexander says his two talented ‘bigs’ have different strengths and and personalities, but each are ‘everyday guys’.

The ‘twin towers’ bring better balance leading to better results for Belmont’s ‘four out’ offense. The team’s ‘pick & roll’ game is elevated this season. It is helping open up shooting avenues for the Bruin sharp shooters.

Belmont’s outstanding guard oriented offense is greatly helped by these two productive post players. Leading scorer Tyler Lundblade (15.9) led the nation in three-point percentage last year and leads the MVC in triples made. Alexander states that his team doesn’t run offensive sets for the post players, those numbers come from within the actions of the offense.

Conference Season and Broader Perspective

While Belmont leads the Valley with a 55 NET ranking and is its leading contender as a possible at-large bid nominee, Alexander believes in a broader perspective on the season long grind of the season. Player development, relationships deepened and overcoming obstacles are important portions of each season.

Noting that winning a regular season title is a more accurate measuring stick than a three-day, end-of-the-season tournament, he says the journey of the season is what success really looks like. However, he knows the pressures of fan bases that measure ‘success’ by NCAA Tournament appearances.

Alexander says the tension between regular season and post season success is legitimate. He loves the balance and competitive nature of the Missouri Valley Conference.

To watch our full conversation with Belmont’s Casey Alexander head to YouTube. An audio only version is available at Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.

The Bruins travel to Evansville on Tuesday for their second Valley contest and then to California for a weekend date with UC Irvine. Belmont split its two games with the Purple Aces last season and lost to the Anteaters in Nashville.

Better balance leading to better results is what Alexander will be looking for this week.

Do Good

 

Editor: Cover photo of Casey Alexander, courtesy of belmontbruins.com.