With men’s basketball team coming off its first NCAA National Championship, the Sharks look forward to maintaining its Division II powerhouse success.
Nationally ranked as the No. 1 Division II basketball team for two consecutive years, the Sharks engage in a unique style of play on the court, providing the student body of NSU an exciting season of which to look forward.
With a primarily new roster and the pressure of a previous national championship on the team’s shoulders, Jim Crutchfield, men’s basketball head coach, has confidence in his players’ athletic abilities and future performances.
“Bringing in 10 new players this year leaves my expectations wide open as our goal is putting a team together in our style of basketball,” Crutchfield said, as only six players are returners.
Even with so many new players, Crutchfield is excited to instill NSU’s winning culture into his team.
“Nobody is coming into the team blind, as they know who we are, they know our style of basketball and they know the
COURTESY OF NSU ATHLETICS Jim Crutchfield, head-coach, implements his unique coaching style.
expectations,” Crutchfield said. “It’s going to be exciting to see if we can take a whole bunch of new faces and new names along with the few guys coming back and turn them into a great basketball team.”
Mike Moore, returning redshirt senior, also holds much confidence in himself and his new teammates, believing the team’s mindset is crucial to its success.
“With a mix of new players and returners, most of us are experienced in tournament play, making it possible to win another national championship,” Moore said. “Last season, we were able to persevere through many challenges and every game by having a winning mindset, regardless of who we play up against.”
In addition to the Shark’s confidence in its new roster, the team remains unique among basketball teams in the country.
“When other teams in the country score 70 points a game, we score 100, leading the country in scoring,” Crutchfield said.
This achievement leaves the Sharks with an impressive reputation to uphold.
“The one thing that separates our program and my coaching style is the responsibility and freedom I give players on the court,” Crutchfield said. “I have to teach the game of basketball but on game day, I don’t have the same control stick that other coaches do since our players are free to make decisions both offensively and defensively.”
Crutchfield’s unique coaching style has caught the eye of the pro game. Recently, Joe Mazzulla, head coach of the Boston Celtics, discussed the Sharks’ relentless, dominant and pressing brand of basketball in an interview on former NBA star JJ Redick’s podcast.
While Crutchfield plays a major role in the Sharks’ success, the fans and student body also motivate the team.
“The fans are what push us through with their energy and atmosphere as it keeps us motivated to go hard on the court,” Moore said. “I’m excited for the first home game and conference play where we need the fans the most.”
The coaches hope that students will support this year’s team as they defend their national championship.
“We provide a style of full court pressure that is very fan friendly, giving students a game where once you watch us play, you may not want to go back to watching normal basketball,” Crutchfield said.
The Sharks begin its championship defense on Nov. 10 against the University of Montevallo.
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To keep up with the Sharks, follow them on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, @nsu_mbasketball.
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