BASKETBALL Rollercoaster Type of Season for the Bisons In a year filled with ups and downs, the 1982-83 Harding basketball season seemed much like a roller coaster ride. A fine perfor~ mance in the early non~conference schedule shed much optimism for the upcoming Ark~ ansas Intercollegiate Conference race. But in the end, the AIC was too strong for the Bisons, thus producing a disappointing 11~17 record overall and a 4~14 conference mark. Coach Jess Bucy and the rest of the squad entered the year with high anticipation of a successful output. "We feel very good about our prospects," Bucy said, prior to the season. "We have good talent coming back and believe we'll be much improved." His words stemmed from the fact that three start~ ers returned from the previous season, and a corps of freshmen and transfers bolstered the depth of the squad. Lone senior Hubie Smith, a three~year starter at guard, captained the team, and he looked for leadership assistance from juniors Allen Gibbons and Lawrence McNutt. Gibbons was considered by many as the best improved player in the AIC in 1981~82 as he increased his scoring average from 1.2 to 13.6 points per game. McNutt was a physical player who had a knack for the big plays. His presence would not be felt until later in the season, however. Smith was the floor leader, the general, and a good night for him usually meant a good night for the Bisons. The schedule opened at home as the Bisons hosted School of the Ozarks, Union University, and Culver~Stockton College in the Harding Basketball Classic. Consecutive victories over Culver~Stoekton and Union gave Harding its own tournament trophy and boosted the team into a 7~3 non~eonference record before Christmas break. Tragedy struck the team, however, as Me· ~utt did not return to school f?r the spring 156/Basketball semester due to personal reasons, and a void in the starting lineup had to be filled. McNutt had been scoring 13 points a game in addition to grabbing six rebounds, so the loss threatened Harding's offense as well as defensive output. Freshman Kenny Coli lngs and transfer guards, brothers Floyd and Lloyd Smith, were depended upon more than ever for point production. Gibbons and Hubie Smith tried to increase their performances, but the Ale schedule came too hard too fast. With incredible strength and balance from top to (con;t. on page 157) 1. Buddy Gilbert skies high to lay in a soft two points. 2. Lloyd Smith gets ready to pick his way past an Arkansas College opponent. 3. 1982-83 Bison Basketball" Team. Front row: Horton, Ross, Sweeney, F. Smith, Gilbert, H. Smith, Wade, L. Smith, Berning, Hudson-trainer. Back row: Gardnerasst. coach, Pearson, Stripling, AI/umbaugh, Wil· Iiams, Sanstra, Gibbons, Collins, Calvert, McNutt, Owen, Bucy·coach. 4. Bisons discuss some strategy during a time our. 5. While attempting a shot, Alan Gibbons is fouled by a Christian Brother's defender. - John /. Radelilfe
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