A Few Setbacks, Plenty of Changes for Patriots

This season the Patriots, a pre-ranked, top-25 team, start another hopeful championship run with a new leader, a handful of returning star players and a few setbacks. 

spent the past 11 years coaching at Georgia Tech. He led the Yellow Jackets to five NCAA appearances and to the national championship game in 2004. Hewitt, with a 14-year overall record of 256-189, is known for his player development skills. Eleven of his former players have reached the NBA, including first-round draftees Chris Bosh and Javaris Crittenton.  

“Coach Hewitt brings a different voice, different opinions, and a different mentality to this year’s team,” said sophomore guard Sherrod Wright. “We are all willing to listen and learn to improve our chances of becoming a great team.” Wright will be back on the court after sitting out last year because of a shoulder injury. 

The Patriots have nine returning players; the most noteworthy are senior forwards Ryan Pearson and Mike Morrison. Pearson, who was named preseason All-CAA first team this week, was Mason's top scorer last season, averaging 14.2 points per game. Morrison served as the team leader in blocks and was the top field goal shooter at 56.2 percent. 

Four new additions grace the roster this year: freshmen Erik Copes, Corey Edwards and Vaughn Gray. Copes is one of the top-10 recruits in the country. New player Anali Okoloji, a sophomore transfer student from Seton Hall, will sit out this year due to NCAA transfer regulations. 

“We have developed a cohesive energy that carries us. We play with a great deal of determination,” Hewitt said. “We have great depth and good leadership, especially in Pearson and Morrison. “ 

This season’s team is young, consisting of only four upperclassmen.

“We just need to do the little things consistently well because, they can really make the difference,” Hewitt said. “As we get more experienced with playing with each other, we will come out better as a team.”   

Mason finished the 2010-2011 season first the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and undefeated at home. The Patriots finished 27-7 overall and 16-2 in the CAA.  

Then the unexpected happened. Seemingly without warning former head coach Jim Larranaga accepted an offer . In his 14 years coaching at Mason, to five NCAA tournaments, including a run to the Final Four in 2006.  

“As a player you can not control coaching changes; you just need to play the game,” Pearson said. “Coach L was a good coach. I am just looking to move forward with Coach Hewitt and keep progressing.”  

Then, more bad news for Mason basketball. Forward Johnny Williams suffered a shoulder injury that will sit him out this season. Forward Luke Hancock, who scored the three-point, game winning shot in the second round of the NCAA Tournament victory over Villanova last year, transferred to the University of Louisville.  

Senior guard Andre Cornelius has been suspended from the team after being arrested in September on charges of credit card fraud and larceny. Cornelius led the team in three-pointers made and free throw percentage. The suspension will remain in place pending his court date on November 15.  

The Patriots are staying focused on the game despite the setbacks.

“We have a group that can be a good team. We have no control of what unfolds with Andre,” Hewitt said. “We have to control what we can and that’s our efforts at every practice and at every game.” 

With the new coaching staff and players Mason has the opportunity to go farther than ever before.

“Change can be a very positive thing, and it has been for me so far,” said Hewitt.

So far the players seem to agree. “I have a good feeling about this upcoming year and I feel like we are going to be a special team,” said Wright.  

Student and community fans packed the Patriot Center on Oct. 14 for the school's .

“It was a thrill to be a part of Mason Madness, the fans and the students made it a great event.” Hewitt said. “If that was an indication of how the fans are, the Patriot Center is going to be a really tough place to play for our opponents.” 

The Patriots will open the 2011-2012 season at home on Nov. 11 against Rhode Island. At least 18 Mason games will be televised throughout the season.