Central men’s basketball team returns for a challenging and exciting season
PELLA- With a talented roster returning, the Central College men’s basketball team is gearing up for another season.
“We have a mix of experience and young men, and this is the deepest team we have had in my time here. We also have more shooting than past years” said coach Joe Steinkamp.
Steinkamp returns for his third season as coach of the Central College men’s basketball team.
Leading the team is D3hoops.com preseason All-American center Joshua Van Gorp (5th-year, Pella, Pella Christian HS). After averaging 23.4 points per game and 10.3 rebounds he was selected as the American Rivers Conference MVP last season.
“Van Gorp has elevated his game from the last two years and doing a great job leading this team,” Steinkamp said.
Also returning is second team all-conference guard Kaleb Brand (5th-year, Mount Vernon). Brand averaged 14.9 points, 2.1 assists and 3.4 rebounds. He also collected 18 blocks and 32 steals.
“Brand is a great all-around player and one of the best two-way wings,” said Steinkamp. “He is great in transition and most nights he will guard the opposing team’s best player.”
The Dutch also return team Newcomer of the Year guard Bradley Curren (sophomore, Harlan). He averaged 6.6 points and collected 39 assists. Curran also shot 41.9% from behind the three-point line.
“Curran has moved into a starting role and was one of the top three-point shooters in the conference last year,” said Steinkamp.
Steinkamp is excited for the schedule this season
“It’s a great schedule,” said Steinkamp. “We open the season against Saint John’s University (Minn.) who is ranked in the top 15 as well as the University of Wisconsin Platteville who is ranked as the No. 2 team in Division III. Along with the ranked teams we have also play high-level teams from some great conferences.”
After sending four teams to the national tournament the American Rivers Conference is back and just as strong.
“It is as strong as ever, and a lot of teams have returning players,” Steinkamp said. “The parody is much greater this season and every night should be competitive.”
The Dutch open its schedule Nov. 15 when they host Saint Johns at 7 p.m. in the P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. The team also hosts Augsburg (Minn.) Nov. 16 at 3 p.m.
