It’s easy to see why Arkansas-Monticello head basketball coach Mike Newell is excited about the 2004-05 basketball season.  With junior forwards Billy McDaniel and Brandon Mayweather returning, along with sophomore sharpshooter Nate Newell, the fourth-year head coach easily has his most experienced and talented
squad since coming to Monticello three years ago.  “This year for the first time, we have talent and we have experience,” Newell said. “We’ve had talent in the past, but it’s been young. So now our talent is another year older.  I am as excited about this year as any year I can remember.”  For the last two seasons, McDaniel a 6-7, 225-pound junior from Hearne, Tex., has been not only UAM’s best player but one of the top players in the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II.

  McDaniel became the first player in school history to earn first team All-America recognition when he was named to the 2004 NABC All-America Team. He was also a 2004 Daktronics First Team All-South Region and All-GSC selection. In 2002-03, McDaniel earned All-South Region and All-GSC honors, was the GSC Freshman
of the Year, and was College Hoops Illustrated’s 2003 Division II Preseason Player of the Year. 

  McDaniel has already been named to Street and Smith’s 2004-05 Preseason Division II All-America Team and is a candidate for national player of the year honors. 

  McDaniel earned his accolades after leading the Gulf South Conference in both scoring and rebounding (20.0 ppg / 10.9 rpg) as a sophomore.  He led the league in rebounding and was second in scoring two years ago as a freshman. 

  “Billy gives us a legitimate Player of the Year candidate this year,” Newell said. “Just think about that, Player of the Year. That means that you are the best basketball player in Division II in the entire country. I’ve had three or four professional scouts call about him and they’ll be in this year to see him play. He stayed here all summer and he’s gotten stronger.”

  At times the last two seasons, particularly as a freshman, McDaniel has been a one-man show.  But helped arrived last year and more is one the way.

  The Weevils return athletic power forward Brandon Mayweather, sharpshooting guard Nate Newell, wing guard Benas Matkevicius, point guard Mike Reese, guards Damon Harris and Jaston Carter and forward DeMarcus Wilson.  Mayweather and Newell combined to start 52 games last season while Reese started 15 and
Matkevicius started nine.

  Mayweather (6-4, 225) may not post the eyecatching statistics of McDaniel, but in two seasons has become a human highlight reel known for his rim-rattling dunks. A two-sport star who was also a starting outside linebacker on the UAM football team in 2004, Mayweather led the GSC in field goal percentage last year, shooting a blistering .627 from the floor while averaging 6.4 rebounds a game.

  “What we want Brandon to do,” Newell said, “is to be the physical force, the intimidator and defensive stopper. Brandon is a very intelligent player and I know what we can expect from him.  He’s going to be very close to a double-double every night. He’s going to get you nine, 10 or 11 points and seven or eight rebounds every time.”

  McDaniel and Mayweather will get help inside from the imposing presence of JUCO transfer Johnathan Holland, an agile 6-11, 290-pound junior from Los Angeles who gives Newell his first true low post player. Holland was All-California JUCO last seaosn at Antelope Valley Community College and could develop into one of the top big men in the GSC.

  The Weevils’ outside scoring threat will come from sophomore guard Nate Newell, the coach’s son who plays like one on the floor. Newell (6-4, 175) lit up opponents last season for 71 threepointers while averaging 16.7 points a game. He also handed out a team-high 77 assists. 

  “Nate has got to make a big jump,” Newell said.  “His skill and intelligence level, particularly his intelligence level about basketball, is that of a senior. What hurt Nate last season was his strength. He’s worked hard this summer on the weights and it should pay off in the long haul.”

  Veteran guards Mike Reese (5-10, 165), and Benas Matkevicius (6-4, 190) could figure into the starting five. Reese is a protypical point guard – small, quick and a deft ball handler. Matkevicius has had a hard-luck career at UAM, suffering injuries as a freshman and sophomore. Now finally fully recovered, the Vilnius, Lithuania native gives UAM another dangerous outside shooting threat at either the “two” guard or small forward spot.

  Junior forward DeMarcus Wilson (6-4, 190) and junior guard Damon Harris (62, 190) are experienced
players who should also see playing time.

  Newcomers Tim Payne (6-6, 215) and Kendrick Morris (5-10, 155) are promising players who will push the veterans for playing time.

  That mix of talent, experience and promising young players makes Newell sees a possible 20-win season on the horizon for the Boll Weevils. 

  “I don’t like to make predictions,” Newell said, “but this group could win between 17 to 22 games. With our schedule and with our players grasping the system, we’ll be exciting to watch.”