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An old saying tells us that if you are a good listener, everywhere you go people will like you; and after a while, you’ll learn something. Listening also is considered a skill that takes practice because it requires concentration and focus to do it well. So why does Coach Hammer place such great emphasis on listening among his players? Undoubtedly, those who practice active listening skills tend to accomplish the most — not only in basketball, but in life — because they never miss an opportunity that a more passive listener might not even be aware of. Even with seven returning letter winners, three of whom were starters on last year’s Saints squad, Hammer knows that his coaching philosophy hinges on recruiting players who “understand” how to play in his system. Call it whatever you want: “basketball IQ” ... “instinct” ... “a feel for the game” — what it essentially means is that players must be eager to learn, willing to comply, and take pride in improving their mental approach to the game as well as the physical aspects of being an athlete.

Clearly, the challenge for Coach Hammer in recent years has been attracting and retaining “a certain type” of player — one who will make a commitment to being taught how to perform on the basketball court. Each year, Hammer looks to recruit a “core” cohort of freshmen who will join the program, accept all the challenges along the way, and graduate with an Aquinas degree and a championship on their athletic résumé.

“We are recruiting the best people, with talent academically and athletically, that we can get,” Hammer said. “We are constantly working on the Aquinas College tradition to sell future student-athletes on the value of coming to Grand Rapids. Our next objective is to balance our classes, so we have five-to-six players available in each class to develop.”

Hammer’s model for developing the players in the program includes adding a JV program. “Our JV team helps strengthen our system with players who already have a working knowledge of how we like to play,” Hammer said. “Another thing we have done this past summer was to bring in as many freshmen who were available for workouts and open gyms to get ready for the upcoming season, as well as getting familiar with the experienced returners. This can only help us this season as we face an overall rise of talent among all the teams in the WHAC conference.”

Hammer noted that he sees “a lot of enthusiasm, their willingness to listen and, most importantly, learn how to fit in to a culture of what has made us successful. Our seniors have been exceptional about leading this new group. The incoming players have been told about the expectations and the quality of talent in our conference. Just look at the last three years: one national champion (Cornerstone), and two years where our conference was represented in the national semifinals.”

The loss of two seniors (Jake Shockey and Joe Powers) who contributed valuable minutes, experience and late-game playing time means, Hammer said, that the “new guys will have to step in and be ready to contribute. As with all freshmen, they will go through adjustment periods and experience different challenges throughout their first year. We will be looking forward to their development, enthusiasm and how they bounce back from adverse and unpredictable moments.” And, of course, how well they listen to their coach/teacher.

SENIORS & REDSHIRT JUNIORS

The senior class is led by 6-6 power forward Zach Eddy (#20), who is the Saints’ most experienced returning post player. “Zach played exceptionally well for us in the last half of the season a year ago,” Hammer said. “He’s added the jump shot to his low-post game, and we’re expecting a lot from him this year, including scoring, rebounding, and leadership on the floor and in the locker room.” Anchoring the backcourt will be senior point guard Kenny Gordon (#11), who Hammer describes as an example of a player that is developing into a solid floor leader. “It has taken Kenny a full year, after transferring to Aquinas from junior college, to learn how we wanted him to play and we’re pleased to see that he’s starting to demonstrate that.” Joining Gordon in the Saints’ back court is redshirt junior Brett Pfahler (#3), a 6-3 shooter with range. “Brett works very hard on improving his individual game and has done a remarkable job on increasing his physical strength through weight training.”

Another redshirt junior whom Hammer expects to make a greater contribution this season is 6-5 forward/center Jon Hornak (#35), who has recovered from a late-season shoulder injury. “Jon made a big improvement in his conditioning over the summer, and it really hurt our team when he went down last year with an injured shoulder. He understands and excels at his role in the post, and we expect him to make valuable contributions to our success this year.”

JUNIORS & REDSHIRT SOPHOMORES

Hammer said newcomer Austin Semple (#22), a transfer from Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Ohio), “adds a lot of qualities to our attack. He’s long at 6-6, runs well and finishes in transition, is a good 3-point and free throw shooter, and helps our chemistry by being a great teammate.”

Backing up Gordon at the point guard slot is Cedar Springs product Jason Gust (#4), who took a medical redshirt last season to rehabilitate an injured shoulder. “Since his freshman year, Jason has put on 16 pounds of muscle. We will need him to play smart basketball; being a facilitator will be his number one priority.” Also joining the Saints after gaining college basketball experience at the junior college level is Devon Elder (#15). “Devon’s previous collegiate experience will help him as he catches up on how to play in our system,” said Hammer.

SOPHOMORES & REDSHIRT FRESHMEN

Among the second-year Saints are two inside players who are learning to contribute minutes at the post position. Nick Gregory (#33), at 6-5 and 230 pounds, has the ability to run the floor, beating slower opponents to the offensive end where he has developed a reliable hook shot. “Nick played on the JV team last year, which gave him valuable game time; he’s among our hardest working post players who is focused on improving each year.” Also looking to earn playing time on the inside is 6-5 forward Bryan Mitzner (#14), from Warren De La Salle Collegiate High School. “A knee injury sustained in high school has hindered Bryan’s participation, which understandably has affected his conditioning. As he works to get back to game shape, we like his skills at the offensive end, including a jumper that he can hit from 15-18 feet.” Combo guard Connor McCane (#5) provides depth at the point and wing. “Connor loves the game and is still learning how to make better decisions with the ball. His versatility will help us by having a player who can fill a need at both guard spots,” Hammer said.

FRESHMEN

The Class of 2017 includes the following newcomers:

              Jake Bullock (#10) – a quick guard with a stop-and-pop jumper

              Zac VanBeek (#21) – an athletic wing with 3-point range

              Charles Hayden (#23) – quick with a nice mid-range game

              Brandon Walker (#12) – good size on the perimeter matched with a 3-point shooting touch

              Drazen Frankovitch (#24) – strong and learning to play the post

              Joe Ferrici (#2) – excellent physical presence at power forward

              Brad Law (#13) – high energy player who can score

              Jordan Daniels (#1) – quickness enables him to penetrate at will