Zuidema Ready For College Ball

SPRING ABROR, MI — Drew Zuidema, a NorthPointe Christian High School grad, is not only bringing his talents to Spring Arbor University (SAU), but his confidence too. Just days ago the 6’3 sharpshooter made the move from West Michigan to SAU, where he’ll be one of four freshman on this season’s young basketball team. 

Zuidema, who scored more than 18 points per game in high school, exudes one trait vital for immediate success, especially
 as a freshman, and that is confidence. #3 is more than ready to make a difference.

“I believe in my abilities. I know I can help this team not only with my shooting, but also with my passing and my basketball IQ, which sometimes gets overlooked,” said Zuidema.  

Despite setting high standards for himself, Zuidema’s focus is directed not just toward his play, but toward his team’s goals as well.

“We want to finish in the top four [of the Crossroads League] and then make it to Branson. We’ve got some lofty yet reachable goals that will take a lot of hard work to obtain. I just want to do whatever I can to help my team reach them,” he added.

SAU failed to make the tournament last season, but has a reshaped roster for the 2014-2015 campaign. If this year’s clan of Cougars expects to turn a trip to Branson into reality, they’ll have to compete with the likes of Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). There’s no better team to serve as a measuring stick for Coach Cottingham’s Cougars team, as IWU tips of this season as defending national champions.

“I can’t wait to play IWU,” said Zuidema. “I respect their staff. They recruited me. And they’re the .champs. So you could say I’m excited to play those guys.”

Zuidema will have to wait until January 17th before fulfilling this craving against the Wildcats. Fortunately for Zuidema, he’s just excited to play anyone.

“I’m pumped to play at this level, with competition [consisting of] teams full of guys who were the best players on their high school teams. I’m excited to see how I will compete,” he said.

He doesn’t have to wait much longer. SAU opens up their season in exhibition format at Lake Superior State University on October 25th

“It can’t come soon enough. I’m ready for college ball,” said Zuidema.

Smith finds new beginning at SAU

SPRING ARBOR, MI -- Lansing Community College transfer Montel Smith is the newest member of the Spring Arbor University (SAU) men’s basketball team. For Smith, playing under head coach Ryan Cottingham comes as no surprise.  “I came to SAU a couple years ago for work, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I could see myself playing basketball here. Clearly, that was no coincidence,” said Smith.         The 6’4 wing from Lansing maintains that he is already feeling comfortable on SAU’s small campus. After Growing up near Michigan State University, home to one of the nation’s largest campuses, Smith finds relief in the idea that getting lost won’t be an issue now that he’s found solace in small college America. “I love the people here. I love the small college atmosphere. And thank God I can go from class to class without getting lost.” Though not the biggest of universities, SAU certainly does not lack in athletic prestige. The Cougars play in the Crossroads League, which is consistently among the most competitive basketball conferences in NAIA division II. The parity of the Crossroads League is undeniable. Whether facing the team in first or in tenth, blowouts are a rarity, which has Smith excited. “I know the teams in this league are real competitive and I love that. We’re going to have to compete every time we step on the floor, and I can’t wait.”  If the Cougars are to make it to Branson, which Smith acknowledges is the goal, they’ll certainly have to.  Smith’s on-court role on the team is yet to be seen, but he believes he is prepared to do whatever it takes to get W’s. “I’m not exactly sure what my stats will look like this year. While it would be ideal to average double figures, I know Coach Cotts will first and foremost want me to play hard-nosed defense and rebound the ball. If the other team can’t score they can’t win, so defense, without a doubt, comes first.” “Offensively I’m just preparing myself to be able to do whatever coach asks of me. If he wants points, I’ll look to score. If he wants assists, I’ll pass the rock. Really, I’m just looking forward to my fresh, new start.” Now in Spring Arbor, a fresh start is exactly what Smith has been granted. We’ll see what he makes of it in 44 days, when the Cougars open up the season at home against the Tigers of Grace Bible College.