Chris Cohen ’12, a member of the Emory Men’s Basketball team, told me that “defense and swagger win championships,” a feat they were so close to accomplishing this year. This season, five of the guys (Austin Claunch ’12, Jake Davis ’14, Alex Greven ’13, Julien Williams ’11, and Alex Gulotta ’12) were selected to the All-University Athletic Association Team. In addition, Davis was named the league’s Rookie of the Year, and Claunch was selected to be on the first-team for the second consecutive time.
Her Campus Emory spoke with co-captain Austin Claunch to learn more about their season.
Her Campus Emory (HCE): What was your season record?
Austin Claunch (AC): 20-5 (UAA 11-3)
HCE: What is your practice schedule like?
AC: Well a normal practice schedule at the beginning of the season would be 2 to 2 1/2 hours 6 days a week. Once we get into the season and start playing a lot of games, though, the practices get a bit shorter. We do every drill you can think of in practice, it’s usually pretty intense.
HCE: Who would you say Emory’s biggest rival is within our division and why?
AC: I wouldn’t say we have a definite rival, but this year I thought Rochester kind of played that role because we battled with them all year for first place in conference – so I guess I would say them.
HCE: There seemed to be more fans this season than last year. How do you feel about all the support?
AC: The fans were incredible this year and a big part of why we went 13-1 at home. Hopefully support keeps growing as we keep getting better.
HCE: Name a few of the best game moments this season.
AC: Coming back and beating Oglethorpe in the first game of the season after being down 14, beating Wash U for the first time in my career, and beating Rochester in the last game.
HCE: What is the team dynamic like?
AC: The dynamic is great, it really helps us on the court. We all hang with each other and I see everybody when I go out. Our team chemistry was vital to our success this year.
HCE: Were you disappointed or surprised to learn you wouldn’t advance to the NCAA tournament?
AC: Both, I thought for sure once we beat Rochester we were in because we were 20-5 and had just beat the 14th ranked team in the country. It didn’t really make much sense, but that’s life—charge it to the game.
HCE: Ollie Carleton was already named Campus Cutie, but who would you select as the next Campus Cutie from your team?
AC: Well I would pick myself. But if I can’t choose me, I would have to choose Freshmen Jake Davis. At the Chicago airport, a lady approached us (just me and Jake) and we proceeded to have this conversation:
HER: “Are you two brothers?”
ME: “No. Why do we look alike?”
HER: “No, but you both have beautiful eyes…”
I think that says it all…
HCE: What are your goals for next season? How will the team be affected by the seniors leaving? Has Coach Zimmerman already recruited new freshmen?
AC: Our goals next season are to win the conference and then win the national championship. We lose two crucial seniors that helped set the foundation for the program, but with the guys we have coming back and the guys coach is bringing in, it’s very possible for us to accomplish these goals.
Sources:
Emory Athletic Website
Austin Claunch