“Our goal is to win the league outright and then make the national tournament.”
Jake Bullock, a redshirt sophomore and team captain of the Aquinas Saints men’s basketball team, is not bashful about the faith he holds in his team.
“I expect a first place finish [in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference}. If you don’t think you’re team can be the best than you shouldn’t be out there competing,” said the 6’0 combo guard and former Lansing Catholic High School star.
Coach Hammer’s Aquinas teams of the past have been known for their defense, toughness, and don’t-shoot-until-you-have-a-great-shot motion offense that relies on efficiency, screening, and ball movement rather than shake and bake one-on-one play. This season’s team should be no different.
Coach Hammer has his guys prepared to play his style of ball year after year, and his Captain can’t help but notice.
“Coach wants to get you better and he will get you better. He will do what it takes to get his team to win games. I love playing for him,” said Bullock.
What excites Bullock even more is what he sees in his teammates for the upcoming 2014-2015 college basketball season.
“We finished strong last year with late season wins against Madonna and Cornerstone. And we should be faster and even more athletic this year, so naturally, I’m excited,” he said.
Aquinas finished 12-10 in their respective conference last season, finishing fifth out of twelve teams. While Bullock and the Saints remain confident, they are not the popular choice to finish atop the league in 2015. Aquinas was crowned conference champions in 2009, but the WHAC has been domi
nated by Cornerstone (CU) and Davenport (DU) ever since, as they are the only two schools to win the league in the last five seasons. To no surprise, CU and DU are the sexy picks to finish atop the WHAC again come next March. Don’t tell Aquinas that.
nated by Cornerstone (CU) and Davenport (DU) ever since, as they are the only two schools to win the league in the last five seasons. To no surprise, CU and DU are the sexy picks to finish atop the WHAC again come next March. Don’t tell Aquinas that.
“We love to play Cornerstone and Davenport because they’re our rivals,” Bullock admitted.
Despite his confidence, Bullock knows both match-ups will be a challenge.
“I know I’ll have to lead and do whatever it takes to get a W. I don’t care about my stats in those games or any games for that matter, but I just want to win,” said the humble guard.
Cornerstone and Davenport won’t be the only circled games on the schedule, as AQ also takes on Division 1 opponents Detroit Mercy and Western Michigan in December.
Fortunately for the Saints, they’ve got one month to prepare for the big boys. Their season tips off at home on November 4th, and if there is one thing we can learn from Jake Bullock’s confidence, it’s that the WHAC is anyone’s league in 2015.
DON’T count out the Saints.
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