In a significant first-ever for Emmanuel College (EC), the 2008 Men’s Basketball Team has earned an ‘At-Large’ bid to the NAIA National Tournament. This is the first time that any EC intercollegiate team has earned an NAIA tournament invitation. There are two very significant aspects to this invitation. First, T.J. Rosene is in his ‘freshman year’ at the helm of the EC Lions. Second, this team has only one senior, with only three players returning from last season

Prior to coming to EC, Coach Rosene earned recognition as the Georgia-Alabama-Carolina-Conference (GACC) 2003-2004 Coach of the Year while leading Reinhardt Women’s Basketball program. TJ brings a positive attitude about leadership and a passion for the people aspect of basketball to the EC community.  His desire is ‘To be a positive and influential leader in the lives of student athletes while emphasizing academics and a commitment to excellence with a consistent and competitive basketball program.

When asked for his impressions about the team’s success this season, Coach Rosene noted, “I am just really excited about the heart this team showed.  We only have one senior and 6 freshman.  I knew that we had the heart of a champion I just didn’t know if we had enough experience yet.  We lost a lot of close games early.  It very easily could have broken their spirit, but it didn’t.  I am so proud of how these young men have carried themselves.  It is a lot of fun to coach this group.  They are good people with special hearts.  The word quit is not in their vocabulary.  With all the young players my goal was to build and have a shot at going to the National Tournament in a couple of years.  Next thing I know we are there.  I feel blessed to be along for the ride.” Coach Rosene knew that he was going to be building a team around three returning players: Ray Anthony Raines, II, Micah Hayes, and Ronny Weihmann.

The Lions have continued to improve throughout the season. At season mid-point the Lions were 6-9 overall and 1-5 in the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC). While dropping a couple of close games, the Lions finished the regular season at 14-16 overall and 6-12 in the SSAC. The Lions picked up the pace during the recent SSAC tournament. The #7 seeded EC Lions stunned the #2 seeded Senators from Auburn University @ Montgomery (81-71) and then upset the #3 seeded Eagles from Faulkner University (65-62). In the SSAC title game the Lions came up short against the #1 seed Flames from Lee University (92-79). The Flames are ranked #2 in the country in the NAIA.

During the recent SSAC tournament three EC Lions were recognized for their exceptional contributions. Senior Ray Anthony Raines, II, was named to the SSAC 2008 All Conference Team. Freshman Jeremy Tate was named to the SSAC 2008 All Freshman Team and Tedrick Hudson was named as the 2008 SSAC Freshman of the Year, and was named to the All Freshman Team.

The NAIA tournament is being hosted at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, MO, starting on Wednesday, March 19^th. The Championship game is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, with tipoff set for 8:30 PM (cdt).

Please visit the NAIA 2008 Basketball Tournament official web link at http://naia.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/103106aab.html for overall and game-by-game details.