On October 24th, Augustana College Club Basketball hosted its highly anticipated Media Day, offering a preview of a team ready to bounce back after a 12-21 season. With a new head coach, senior leaders, and a standout freshman, the Vikings have high hopes for the 2024-25 campaign. Throughout the morning, key players and Coach Brad Anderson addressed the media, revealing their mindset and strategies for the season ahead.
8:30 AM – Captains Ben Statz and Kade Ariano: "We’re Taking Ownership"
Senior captains Ben Statz (6'2) and Kade Ariano (6'5) opened Media Day with a strong message about leadership and responsibility. Statz, known for his consistent shooting and defense, emphasized that the team’s veteran players are stepping up to guide the group after last season’s struggles.
“Last year didn’t go as planned, but we’ve put in the work this offseason,” said Statz. “We’ve built strong chemistry, and we’re holding each other accountable. As captains, we’re setting the standard, and we expect everyone to follow.”
Ariano, a dominant rebounder and defensive anchor, echoed Statz’s sentiments and praised the energy that new head coach Brad Anderson has brought to the program.
“Coach Anderson has been a breath of fresh air. He’s really focused on getting us back to basics, building a strong foundation. I think we’ve got a solid group, and the new guys are fitting in well,” Ariano said.
Both captains highlighted the potential of freshman Conor McCaffrey, who has already earned the starting point guard spot. “Conor’s a true playmaker,” Statz added. “He’s going to open things up for the rest of us, and I think people are going to see pretty quickly why he’s special.”
8:50 AM – Head Coach Brad Anderson: "This is a Fresh Start"
First-year head coach Brad Anderson then took the stage, ready to answer questions about his vision for the program. Anderson didn’t shy away from acknowledging last season’s struggles but expressed optimism about the future.
“This season is about turning the page,” Anderson said. “We’ve retooled our offense and defense, and the guys are buying into the system. I’m really proud of the work they’ve put in.”
Anderson praised the leadership of Statz and Ariano and spoke excitedly about Conor McCaffrey’s role as the team’s starting point guard. “Conor’s a natural leader,” he said. “He’s got great court vision, he’s an excellent distributor, and his basketball IQ is off the charts. I think he’s going to make a huge impact right away.”
When asked about the team’s readiness for the season opener against Butler Club on November 3rd, Anderson replied, “We’re not where we want to be yet, but we’re on the right track. I’m confident that we’ll be ready to compete.”
9:20 AM – Conor McCaffrey Faces Tough Question: "I'm Here to Playmaker and Distribute"
Freshman Conor McCaffrey took the stage next, and all eyes were on the highly-touted newcomer from Springfield Our Savior’s and Springfield Lutheran. McCaffrey, who holds LSA all-time records for assists and 3-pointers, has already earned the starting point guard spot, but that didn’t shield him from tough questions.
One reporter addressed both the preseason poll, which slated Augustana to finish 9th, and McCaffrey’s underwhelming senior season in high school. “Conor, with Augustana being ranked last in the conference and some people saying your senior season wasn’t up to par, how do you respond?”
McCaffrey remained composed and confident. “I’m a point guard. I’m here to make plays and distribute the ball,” McCaffrey said. “That’s what I’ve always done, and that’s what I’m going to keep doing. My job is to make the players around me better, and I’ll continue to do that here.”
As for the ranking, McCaffrey brushed it off. “I’m not worried about it,” he said. “People can say what they want, but we’ve got a good group here. We’re focused on the work we’re putting in, not on where people think we’ll finish. We’ll show them on the court.”
McCaffrey emphasized the strong relationships he’s built with the team’s senior leaders and his excitement for the upcoming season. “Ben and Kade have been great in helping me adjust, and I think we’ve got the pieces to surprise some people.”
Looking Ahead
With the season opener against Butler Club on November 3rd, the Vikings are ready to put last season behind them and make a statement in the CCIW. Media Day showed a team united under new leadership, with experienced senior captains and a talented freshman point guard leading the charge. As they prepare for the season ahead, Augustana is poised to make waves under Coach Brad Anderson’s guidance.