Coach Tom Satran ’94 steers team’s success

Christian Mosley ’08

The Connecticut College men’s basketball team is off to its fastest start since the 2000 season. Under the direction of Tom Satran ’94, the Camels have opened the season with a 6-3 record and the team’s perimeter shooting has been a key factor in the early going.

“Our freshmen have greatly improved our ability to score the ball from the perimeter, which allows us to offer our opponents the most diversified scoring attack we’ve had in the past four years,” Satran said.

As a team, the Camels are shooting 44 percent from three-point range, knocking down nearly 10 triples per game. Freshman Billy Karis and sophomore Christian Mosley are leading the team in long-distance scoring.

Billy Karis ’09

While the Camels are making their share of outside shots, the inside play of Charles Stone ’08 has been equally impressive. Stone, the 2005 NESCAC Co-Rookie of the Year, is serving as a team captain in his second season with the program. The 6-foot-6 big-man has been rock solid in the low-post, averaging 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds a game. He is shooting 55 percent from the field, and has proved to be one of the top front court players in the region.

“Charles is the focal point of our offensive and defensive strategy and he doesn’t shy away from that responsibility,” Satran said.

The team has a nucleus of six juniors with a strong work ethic, which has played a critical role in the development of their selfless style of play, according to Satran. He has high expectations for the program and understands that patience and the team’s consistent work ethic will pay dividends in the long run.

Charles Stone ’08

“Our long-term goal is to return to the NCAA tournament so while it is nice to win some games, we talk a lot about staying hungry and humble in the face of this modest early success,” he said.

Satran enjoyed an exceptional career as a student-athlete at CC. As a senior, he was team captain and set a school record for three pointers made in a season.

As an assistant at CC, he helped recruit and develop one of the most successful teams in recent Division III basketball history. In 1998, CC finished 22-4, earned its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance and advanced to the NCAA Division III “Sweet Sixteen.” In 1999, CC reached the NCAA Division III Final Four, posted an undefeated regular season record and earned a number one national ranking and a number one New England ranking.

The Camels will play four games at Luce Field House in January. The first is on Saturday, Jan. 7 against RPI at 7 p.m. On Monday, Jan. 16. CC will host the Coast Guard at 7 p.m. in a game that annually determines local bragging rights.