Rebuilding a Strong Team Men Experience Pivotal Season As the 1993-94 season approached, a new era for basketball was being ushered in at Harding. The year was pivotal in every respect, with new coaches, new players and new ideas for student involvement. It was a time of change and achievement for those on the team and on the sidelines. JeffMorgan, the Bisons ' new head coach, came from NCAA Division II 's West Texas State University with novel ideas for activating the student fans. The "Bison Badlands, " the "Taco Bell Shoot-out" and concert ticket giveaways sparked attendance and created school spirit and excitement. "The home crowd's support breeds enthusiasm," Morgan said. As the team fought back from a difficult season in 1992-93 and from lack of experience playing together, they started well and entered the Christmas break with a 7-5 record. However, they began 1994 with a seven-game losing streak and were never able to bounce back. "Our greatest achievement was not in winning, but in learning the importance of hard work and dedication together, as a team," Scott Webb, a sophomore transfer said. The year was one of adjustment for the coaches and for the players , who made up a squad with lots of ability but little consistency on the scoreboard. Three of the five seniors were new to the squad. Tony Marion, who averaged 10 rebounds and 17 points per game, transferred from Southwest Texas for his last year of eligibility. Fabian Mina, a 6'7" transfer from West Texas State, contributed to the Bison defense. Tim Lewis , a returning letterman, directed the team as point guard, and Allen Bishop and Brian Bequette were called on add spark to the offense. Through the majority of the season, the Bisons led the conference in defense , holding their opponents to an average of 73 points per game. Since most of their losses came from less than a 10 point deficit, the coaches have high hopes for the future. "We hope the fans and students have seen a glimpse of what our future will be like for Bison basketball ," Coach Morgan said. And, as the last sounds of squeaking shoes cleared the court, the Bison fans knew the best was yet to come. - Clint Henslee SEASON AT A GLANCE UAM 76-79 AC 99-77 ]BU 71-74 ATU 60-81 SAU 112-117 OBU 87-67 Ozarks 67-84 UAM 95-105 AC 92-89 JBU 63-74 ATU 81-89 SAU 73-82 OBU 78-86 Ozarks 93-86 Despite his opponent 's attempts to block, Darren Gowen fires the ball through the !10ops. Gowen wasoneqftwofreshmen on the squad. Photo byJason Bu rt. Tom Garnerslaps down his opponent s shot. The Bisons beat Williams Baptist by two points. Photo by j ason BUJ1. Men's Basketball -----~ 265 Sports
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