SYRACUSE, NY (November 2, 2010) – Kutztown University senior guard Steve Coffey (Reading, PA/Wilson) was blessed for the opportunity to step onto the floor of Syracuse University's Carrier Dome Tuesday night. (PHOTO GALLERY)
The education major was not only thankful for the chance to play against one of America's elite programs, but he was just happy to be playing the game he loves after missing most of last year with a broken foot.
Coffey contributed team highs of 15 points and seven rebounds during the Golden Bears' 96-60 setback to Syracuse in an exhibition contest before 7,371 fans. Kutztown played hard and made the Orange earn this victory. Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area) also reached double figures for KU with 12 points on four 3-pointers. BOXSCORE
“For me, it's not about the stats,” Coffey said. “I am always focused on doing anything during the game that will help us win. It's just a blessing to be able to be back on the court and playing. This was an amazing experience playing here. Even though we wanted to win, I thought we played hard and did some good things.”
Coffey had a key role as Kutztown started last year by winning its first 14 games and soaring to a No. 2 national ranking, the highest in program history. Then, his season changed when he fractured his foot during practice last season. Instead of helping the team with his savvy decisions and timely shot making, Coffey was reduced to cheering on his teammates while being propped up by crutches.
He never once missed a practice or a game though as he was able to provide valuable insight during games that helped the Golden Bears return to the NCAA tournament for the second straight season. While he was anxious to return to the floor, Coffey kept a positive attitude and rehabbed religiously. Coffey was sure to credit the doctors and Kutztown sports medicine staff for getting him healthy.
“Steve loves the game of basketball,” Kutztown head men's basketball coach Bernie Driscoll said. “This was a venue for him to do well and I am glad he was able to do some good things tonight. He always plays hard and with all of his heart every time he steps on the court.”
Coffey was strong early. His second field goal in the opening five minutes tied the game, 10-10 with 15 minutes, 39 seconds remaining. Syracuse's Scoop Jardine scored to give the Orange the lead for good, 12-10. Despite the result, the Golden Bears provided plenty of promise that this could be another memorable season.
Newcomers Eric Brennan (Chester, PA/West Catholic) and Jermaine Jackson (Blandon, PA/Reading) blended with veterans Gray, Coffey and Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter). Nate Edwards (Philadelphia, PA/North Catholic) had a solid effort as his 3-pointer early in the first half tied the game, 8-8. Once men's basketball coach Bernie Driscoll blends everybody together and the players get comfortable with each other as well adjust to their roles, the Golden Bears expect to be a handful once conference play begins.
“I thought overall we played well and hard,” Driscoll said. “I think they wore us down especially in the last three minutes of the first half. We were able to run some nice sets and got some good shots.”
Fortunately for the Golden Bears, they won't face a team in the conference with the height of Syracuse. The Orange resembled the Manhattan skyline with several players standing 6 feet, 10 inches or taller. Syracuse blocked 11 shots and placed five players in double figures led by Kris Joseph and C.J. Fair, who scored 14 points each.
For Coffey, he will cherish the experience of having the chance to do what several players who wore the maroon-and-gold were not able to. With a respect to the job Driscoll has done of building Kutztown hoops into a regional force, the past players were in the forefront of Coffey's mind following the game.
“I am grateful for the players who came before us because they're the ones who have provided us with this chance to play here tonight,” Coffey said. “People like Jeff Brickus, Ty Brickus, Dave Ben and Bilal Salaam didn't get the chance to play against Villanova or Syracuse, but they laid the foundation for us and I am appreciative of what they've done for this program. This is a reward for us from the hard work and sweat they poured into the program in helping us become successful.”
Hall of Fame Syracuse Jim Boehim was impressed with the Golden Bears.
“Kutztown is a very well coached team," Boeheim said. "They have always had success; they have guys that can really shoot it. They move the ball very well and are very smart at what they do. They do a lot of things that we will see during the year and I think that really helped us out."
NOTES: The Golden Bears begin their 2010-11 season next Saturday afternoon against Philadelphia University on the road beginning at 2:00 p.m.
--KU--
