The 2010-11 Davenport men's basketball team is more eager than ever to get back to the hardwood. After a 2009-2010 season in which the Panthers won a school record 23 games, and punched their first ever ticket to Branson, Missouri for the NAIA DII National Tournament, their expectations of themselves remain as high as ever. It is everyone else's perceptions about Davenport basketball that has changed since Head Coach Burt Paddock took over the program in 2008-2009, leading the program to 43 wins in just two seasons. The Panthers finished last season second overall in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC, and has gained the respect of fellow members of the WHAC by being selected second in the Preseason Coach's Poll. This team has one common goal: Win Championships.

Although the Panthers lost 48% of their total offense, they return eight veterans along with seven newcomers. “This team has some big shoes to fill with the loss of those talented players, but I feel very confident with the combination of our strong newcomers and seasoned veterans, said Paddock. The difference this year is that we have established a strong chemistry on and off the court before the season has even begun,”

Senior Darryl Nobles (Detroit, Mich.) returns for his final year and will be accountable in providing his share of senior leadership. Junior Lonnie Fairfax (Detroit, Mich.) provides the team with his court vision, featured by a team-leading 2.8 assists per game last season as a sophomore as well as his defensive pressure in opposing guards. Junior James Nelson (New Haven, Mich.) brings experience to Davenport's guard position on both sides of the ball. He averaged 11.9 PPG, along with 1.5 SPG, and shot 82% from the charity stripe. Sophomore Gabe VanderJagt (Rockford, Mich.) saw action in all 33 games last season, and is counted on to bring an unmatchable level of aggressiveness on the defensive end. Looking to step up and increase his role from last year's season is local product Ben Herrema (Caledonia, Mich.).

Back for his senior year is DU's All-Time leading scorer Nathan Cox (Flushing, Mich.) Nate averaged 13.8 PPG and tallied an average of 6.0 boards per game as a junior and ranked second on the squad with an .813 free throw percentage. Two forwards that will look for significant playing time this year and the chance to increase their impact on the squad are senior Kakha Urigashvilli (Moscow, Russia) and sophomore Jon Prins (Rockford, Mich.).

Davenport has added to its corps of veterans with key players that will add depth and quality to the cause. “I am very excited to be coaching such a talented group of players, added Paddock. I truly believe that our new additions give us an opportunity to be competitive in every game this season. “On paper we are a tough matchup, but what excites me about this team is their eagerness to get on the hardwood and put the time in day in and day out.”

Adding length to the roster is something Coach Paddock can check off, especially with newcomers Jamie Canty (Chicago, Ill.) standing at 7'0, James Humphrey (Fort Wayne, Ind.) at 6'8, Luke Sorenson (Clio, Mich.) at 6'11, and DeArmond Davis (Indianapolis, Ind.) at 6'7. Adding quickness to Panther s squad are freshmen Zach Yeagy (Alexandria, Ind.) and JaVontae Ford (Grand Rapids, Mich.)

Canty is a junior college transfer from South Suburban and is expected to have two stellar seasons with the Panthers. Alongside Canty in the front court, Humphrey, a Division I transfer from the University of Missouri-Kansas City will add not only size, but tremendous athleticism at the forward spot. Sorenson and Davis will look to compete for quality minutes on this deep Panther roster, as well. With the addition of Yeagy, Davenport will be able to stretch defenses with his ability to shoot the basketball. The aggressiveness, competitiveness, and quickness of Ford brings a level of energy to the lineup that is difficult to match.

Joining Davenport for his third season, after sitting out the 2009-10 season, is 6'7 South Haven, Mich. product Kale Waaso. In 2008-2009 as a sophomore, Waaso was the second leading scorer for the Panthers with 12.2 PPG and was honored with 3^rd Team All-WHAC honors. Waaso has compiled 693 points in just two seasons for the Panthers and is back to contribute more.

Joining Coach Paddock in his third season at Davenport will be top assistant Alex Briggs. Briggs will spend his third season on the bench with Paddock, and will be responsible for the Panther defense and guard development.

Also assisting Paddock is Taylor Langley and Craig Heatherly. Langley comes from nearby Eaton Rapids High School, where he was a two year varsity assistant. The previous two years Langley coached at Webberville High School.   His primary responsibilities are the offense along with developing the Panther's frontcourt. Coach Langley will also be in charge of the strength and conditioning for the panthers. Heatherly joins the staff after completing his undergraduate career at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. At UMass Lowell, Heatherly played four years for the River Hawks under Ken Barer (2006-08) and Greg Herenda (2008-10). At UML, he helped lead the Riverhawks to two consecutive NCAA DII Tournament appearances along with the Northeast 10 Conference Championship in 2010.