After just missing an NCAA Tournament berth last season falling to Pacific 64-55 in the championship game, the Anteaters made their first postseason appearance in 11 years since the 2001-2002 team participated in the NIT. For the first time in 12 years, fourth-year head coach Russell Turner’s 2013-2014 squad has been slated to win the Big West Conference in the league’s preseason media poll and my multiple publications. Coming off of a 21-win season last year, the Anteaters return key trio Will Davis II, Alex Young, the reigning Big West Co-Freshman of the Year and senior Chris McNealy while welcoming four freshman, including 7”6’ Mamadou Ndiaye. Noted for its depth this season, Irvine looks to make school history with an NCAA Tournament berth.
While the UC Irvine women went 9-21 last season, the squad lost 10 games by 10 points or less. Second team All-Big West honoree Camille Buckley returns to lead the Anteaters and one of the most veteran-squads that returns nine letter winners this year. The seven seniors have combined for 170 career starts, 89 which came in 2012-2013. The Anteaters were chosen to finish eighth in the conference as UCI looks to improve upon the 2012-2013 outing.
CAMILLE BUCKLEY
Camille Buckley led the Big West in rebounding at 9.9 per contest and was 12th overall in scoring at 12.1 points per game overall in the 2012-2013 season. In conference games only, Buckley was the only player to average a double-double with an 11.9 and 11.5 rebound average. As one of the seniors in 2013-2014, the Loyola Marymount transfer looks forward to her last go-around with UC Irvine.
Q: What do you remember about your first time stepping on the court wearing your school’s jersey? Why will it be different now, than the first time you wore it?
A: I remember being nervous but excited at the same time. What’s different this time is that I wear my jersey knowing it’s my last season.
Q: What challenges have your team overcome this offseason?
A: We’ve overcome trying to get used to the pace that Coach Oliver wants us to play at.
Q: How have you and your team prepared for the 2013 season?
A: We’ve practiced hard so we can play hard. (And we’ve done A LOT of conditioning)
Q: Who in your life has inspired you to get to this point?
A: My parents have been my biggest inspiration. They’ve always supported me and pushed me to be better. If it wasn’t for their continued encouragement and prayer I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Q: What is something people wouldn’t expect to know about you and/or your
team?
A: I LOVE playing video games.
CHRIS MCNEALY
As UC Irvine’s lone senior, the Anteaters look to guard Chris McNealy for leadership both on and off the court and after averaging 9.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the 2012-2013 season, the ’Eaters are also counting on McNealy’s ability to rack up some points. The senior scored in double figures 20 times last season and ranks 16th all-time at UCI with 94 career three pointers. With 821 points in 100 career games at Irvine, the Anteaters’ best dancer looks to break the 1,000-point mark on his way to the Big West Tournament.
Q: The Anteaters have received a lot of preseason recognition. How is that affecting the team? Where do you see your team come March?
A: The team is very thankful of the recognition but we are staying humble and aware that preseason rankings are not as important as where you finish so we are continuing to work hard in practice to live up to the expectations.
Q: It’s been said that you’re the best dancer on the team. What will your victory dance look like this year? What’s your go-to dance move? How did you earn this title?
A: I’ll probably hit the Ray Lewis dance for my victory dance. My go to dance is my dougie or the harlem shake. I’m always dancing no matter where we are. I love to dance.
Q: As a senior, you know your team like the back of your hand. What’s going to make the difference this year with the squad you have now?
A: Perseverance and chemistry. The season is very long and there are going to be many ups and downs so we just have to stay positive and keep encouraging one another. Also chemistry will be a huge factor. We all get along and are able to give constructive criticism, which will help us on the court.
Q: How will your team surprise people this season?
A: We will continue to be an up tempo team. People assume since we have gotten taller that we will slow our pace but we will continue to run and push the ball. Obviously there will be some times when we have to slow down for the bigs but our overall style of play will continue to be fast.
Q: Does your team have a motto for the upcoming season? And if so, what is it?
A: Being undefeated. When we say being undefeated we talk about having a mentality of never giving up and always fighting no matter the situation. To improve every day whether it’s in the weight room or on the court.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: There is not one thing that will stand out for me this season because I am going to enjoy every second of this season. This is my last year playing collegiate basketball so I am looking forward to everything and going to cherish every moment.