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The Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins seek to make a big splash as contenders
Mount Saint Vincent is coming off a 9-16 record this past season, posting their second best record during James Mooney’s tenure. (Photo: College of Mount Saint Vincent Athletics)

The Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins seek to make a big splash as contenders

BRONX, N.Y. (BVM) — The College of Mount Saint Vincent Men’s basketball team is gearing up for a strong push this season. After James Mooney’s first two seasons as head coach with the team, it is evident there have been major enhancements made to the team strategy since the loss of several key players. 

Although Mooney’s record his first three seasons might not show it, the team has had to account for returning and departing students who have had a major impact on the Dolphins play. Despite the roster turnover, it’s the statistics that draw the most attention. 

Coaching in the NCAA on any level is no easy task. The 2017-18 season seemed like a simulation for the then first time coach, as the Dolphins were led by a senior heavy roster. With the lowest assist to turnover ratio and highest rebounding numbers, the 2017-18 Dolphins were one of the best in the Skyline Conference’s South Division. Aside from posting some of the conference’s best assist and rebounding numbers, the Dolphins shot 41% from the field and 32% from the 3-point-line. 

Led by first team All-Conference player Ammad Alkhulaidi, the Dolphins were good, but their success stemmed from a familiar source. Former player and newly appointed head coach, James Mooney would lead the Dolphins to a second place 13-7 record with an opportunity to play in the semifinals, all while coveting the conference’s coach of the year title.

Much has changed since that 2017-18 season, especially the roster. The 2018-19 season would be an expected rebuilding season, as Mooney had to accustom himself to a much younger roster. In 2018, the Dolphins posted a 7-18 record after being unable to pull out wins in many close games.

The 2018 season showed the teams competency under their new coach and competitiveness amidst adversity. In 2017, the team played in one triple overtime game, but in 2018, CMSV played in two overtime games and one double-overtime game. 

For a team that was expected to have seen a minor decrease in most statistical stats, the Dolphins still managed to keep games close. Out of the 18 games they lost in the 2018-19 season, eight of them were within two scores. After a tough, yet optimistic 2018-19 season, the Dolphins were looking to build on an updated playbook and a familiar roster. Once again, Mount Saint Vincent started the 2019 season off to a slow 3-6 start before January. 

In the 2019-20 season, the team posted a record of 9-16 on 42% shooting from the field and 36% from the 3-point-line. Six of those losses were within two scores and if those close games were won, the team would have been 15-10. 

The team seems to have transitioned into a more guard heavy play style which could explain the decrease in rebounds and free throw attempts, and increase in assists and steals in their past season. 

The Dolphins have a lot to look forward to as they aim to continue their fast paced small ball style of play in the Skyline Conference. No one was named to a conference team in 2019, but that did not stop several players from setting school records. 

Now senior guard Raquis Harris, joined the 1000-point club for Mount Saint Vincent, as well as, recording impressive steal numbers during the season. With a solid starting lineup and new blood waiting on the bench, look for Coach Mooney to complete the transformation of a rebuilding team to the championship contender it once was.