The Garden City Telegram
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Coaches predict Busters to be third
Published 10/27/2009 in Sports
By MIKE KESSINGER
mkessinger@gctelegram.com
WICHITA -- Kris Baumann is used to the Jayhawk Conference media day routine. But as the fourth-year Garden City Community College men's head basketball coach stood at the lectern Monday morning in the conference room at the Airport Best Western there was a different feel to it.
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Brad Nading/Telegram Garden City Community College's Martell Jackson, left, battles for control of a rebound with Dodge City's Christian Salazar last season.
Instead of being a coach hoping to lead his program to the NJCAA national tournament for the first time, he is the coach wanting to get this team back to that postseason experience that ended with a No. 6 finish in the nation. With just two returners expected to play, though, the challenge ahead won't make it any easier.
"We have so many questions," Baumann said. "I like the character of our team this year. I think it's the best character from the kids since I've been here. We've got some kids red-shirting, and we haven't made all of the decisions who's going to make it, who's not right now."
What Baumann does know right now is that his inexperienced group enters this season with a rather large target on their back. It goes with being the defending Region 6 champions. Monday, the Broncbusters were picked third in the Western Division by the coaches vote. Seward County was picked to win the Division. The Saints return five of their six leading players from a year ago. Hutchinson, under the guidance of new coach Steve Eck, was picked second. Defending Jayhawk Conference Western Division champion Barton County was tabbed fourth behind the Busters.
"I think the conference is going to be the toughest on our side it's ever been," Baumann said. "I think the coaches are the best that have ever been in our league and I think are probably as good as ever since I've been here."
Baumann soaked in the compliments and congratulations he received from conference coaches on both the East and West side, then acknowledged them each when it was his turn at the podium.
"I received several text messages and phone calls congratulating us when we went to the national tournament," Baumann told the group of coaches and media. "That meant a lot to me."
The Busters will lean on returning starting point guard Bobby Wesley to guide the young and inexperienced team this season. Martel Jackson, a 6-foot-8 center from Denver who came on strong at the end of last season as a reserve, is the only other returner. Jackson has already committed to play for Campbell University next year. Travis Burley, who was a reserve last season, will red-shirt this year.
Overall, Baumann likes what he has seen out of this group that will have four red-shirt freshmen, four new freshmen and three sophomore transfers to join Wesley and Jackson.
"It's nice to have Bobby back who started 37 games for us and who has an understanding of that," Baumann said. "We need to get some other guys on that level. If we grow up a little I think we have a chance."
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Jayhawk Conference Coaches Poll
Men Western Division
Seward County
Hutchinson
Garden City
Barton County
Butler
Cloud County
Pratt
Dodge City
Colby
Eastern Division
Coffeyville
Cowley College
Neosho County
Independence
Johnson County
Allen County
Kansas City Kansas
Fort Scott
Highland
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