A fresh-faced Hope College men's basketball team is relying on three experienced co-captains to lead the Flying Dutchmen to success in the 2017-18 season.
Senior guards Luke Dreyer of Zeeland, Michigan (West HS) and Dante Hawkins of Holland, Michigan (Holland), and junior guard Jason Beckman of Shelby, Michigan (Shelby), bring talent, leadership, and veteran savvy to the court, head coach Greg Mitchell said.
Hope tips off the 2017-18 season this weekend at the Great Lakes Invitational hosted by Marietta College in Ohio.
2017-18 Schedule
2017-18 Roster
"Especially with the youngest roster, we're looking to get significant contributions from them both on the court and off the court," said Mitchell, who is entering his fourth season. He has a career record of 65-20.
"It's imperative they not just focus on themselves, but focus on their team," Mitchell said. "We've got to bring these young guys along. All three are definitely quality leaders. They've done a great job so far."
The 5-10 Hawkins is a returning All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association guard. He averaged a career-high 16.5 points per game last season while helping the Flying Dutchmen claim a 23-7 overall record, a regular-season MIAA title, and an NCAA Division III Tournament appearance.
Hawkins is on the verge of joining the 1,000-point club at Hope. He has 818 career points.
The 6-2 Dreyer played in 29 games last season, including two as a starter and 27 as a reserve.
The 5-11 Beckman joins the Flying Dutchmen after sitting out last season due to injury. He transferred from Alma College, where we played for two seasons and averaged 10.6 points per game in 57 games.
Hawkins is the only returning starter on a roster that includes two seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and six freshmen.
Mitchell is relying on his backcourt to incorporate post players who are either new to starting roles or new to college basketball.
"We have guys with experience and high-skill levels and are used to playing in big environments," Mitchell said of Beckman, Dreyer, and Hawkins "Their goal is to simplify the game, slow the game down for our posts. That's all within their personalities. They want the team to succeed and see the younger players develop."
