Freshmen ballers with serious skills

By Kurt Wagner

The men's basketball freshman record book is getting a makeover.

In a season where the Broncos have had their share of tough losses, some of which seem just plain cruel, one thing gives hope for years to come: the Broncos' freshman class.

Guard Kevin Foster already broke the single-season record for 3-pointers made by a freshman with seven games to go.

James Rahon has the highest 3-point percentage of any freshman ever to come through Santa Clara.

Big man Marc Trasolini leads all West Coast Conference freshmen in field-goal percentage.

Trasolini, who played for the Canadian Junior National Team during the offseason, is also on pace to pass teammate John Bryant's record for most blocks in a season by a freshman.

Santa Clara's own "four horsemen," make Santa Clara one of the youngest teams in the NCAA.

Just don't tell them that.

"We went through a lot of learning experiences," said Trasolini. "But now, we have a lot of confidence and we're going strong. We try not to think of ourselves as freshmen anymore."

And they shouldn't.

Including injured point guard Troy Alexander, the four freshmen have started a combined 47 games for the Broncos this season, and have provided the bulk of the offensive production along with Bryant.

"What I want to do is get them as much experience as possible," said head coach Kerry Keating. "Next year they're going to have to be guys to lead by example for us, and they're starting to make some changes."

The experience is paying off. As of last week, Foster and Rahon are averaging around 10 points per game, ranked second and fourth respectively among all WCC freshmen in scoring.

Foster also leads all freshmen in assists per game in WCC games this season with 3.2.

"All of us have grown up pretty fast, just because we've had to play so much," said Alexander, whose season was cut short after he fractured his wrist in early January.

"We're trying to take on some of the responsibility of the team, and some of us have tried to step into some leadership roles," he added.

Growing up quickly is a necessity for these young players, as Santa Clara looks to add four more freshmen to its roster next season, quite possibly making the Broncos the youngest team in the nation.

One of the keys to the group's success thus far has been their ability to accept their role among the team and learn the offensive and defensive game plans.

All four freshmen came from schools where they were leaders and playmakers on the court, which can sometimes lead to conflict when they are no longer the go-to guy.

That hasn't been the case for the Broncos this season.

"It took a while to learn the little things about the offense," said Foster, who has moved from the wing to play point guard for the injured Alexander. "But practice paid off, and now I'm getting used to just playing in the system."

The transition has been a little easier for Rahon, who played in a college-style offense throughout his high school career.

"Definitely, the most important thing is winning," he said. "Whatever we can do to just help out the team, that's what we'll do."

This team mentality starts every morning in McLaughlin Hall, where Alexander and Trasolini live right next door to Rahon and Foster.

Just like any other freshman, these players are adjusting to college life, dealing with hectic practice and game schedules on top of the usual stress of classes and homework.

Trying to find time to do simple things like laundry can even be difficult, said Alexander.

Ultimately, living with a teammate really does make a world of difference.

"It's easier to get along with somebody that you can relate to. Since we both play basketball, we have something to talk about if we don't have anything to talk about," Foster said with a laugh.

Alexander said, "It's nice too because you might be sleeping in or something and you won't miss a practice because your teammate will wake you up and tell you you need to go. Marc's got my back."

Teammates living together is something that Keating strongly believes in, and will continue to make happen in the future.

Next season, every member of the team will be living on campus, taking advantage of the university's facilities and resources, said Keating.

"They want to be responsible for each other on the floor, but they should be responsible for each other off the floor too," said Keating. "I want to make sure that they are viewed, not just as the basketball players, but as leaders."

Part of being responsible means completing school work as well, and with the Broncos playing 13 of their first 20 games on the road this season, finding time for homework was a real struggle.

"It's busier on the road than it is here at home," said Alexander. "Whether you're watching film or shooting free throws or going through the scouting report, you're just always constantly doing something."

Missing classes also takes a toll on the players, causing them to seek out extra help from classmates or professors.

"I missed one class and I was totally lost," said Foster of his statistics class. "I don't think I should miss any more classes. Or I should bring the teacher with me, one of the two."

When the foursome finally do find free time, they often use it to catch up on sleep or compete against one another at another passion: video games.

Take a stroll down the third floor hall of McLaughlin, and you'll more than likely hear the yells of both triumph and defeat as the group plays Halo 3.

They all claim to be the best, and trash talk seems to fuel their competitive fire.

"James is for sure the worst. Usually the worst talks the most trash," said Alexander, who has had to stop playing for the time being while his wrist sits in a cast.

Trasolini agreed. "The funny thing is, he can't back it up either," he said laughingly.

However, these freshmen have been dealing with the struggles and pressures of their first year in college.

According to Keating, the expectations for the next three years couldn't be higher as this freshman class continues to excel on the court.

"The biggest change you make as a college basketball player is in between your freshman and sophomore year, in that summer," said Keating. "I think these guys are poised for a huge summer."

The Broncos play at San Diego tonight and against St. Mary's Saturday at 8 p.m. at Leavey Center.

Contact Kurt Wagner at jwagner@scu.edu.