USD Men's Basketball 2000-2001

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Coverin1 the whole court, as well as the classroom, is somethin1 the Blazers have ~ecome accustomed to.

programs, they are able to get new talent, as well. Durbin and his staff recruit players from smaller communities in Minnesota, rather than going to the big-time high school pro–

Michelle Barlau isas sharp in the classroom as on the hardwood.

grams where the girls may be looking to play at a higher level. But, don't think St. Ben's hasn't had its share of upper echelon tal- ent come through its hallowed halls. "We've had some players that would be role players at the Division I level," said Durbin. ''.And, we've had quite a few that could have been successful at the Division II level. " Despite the fact that Division II schools can offer scholarships and St. Ben's cannot, the Blazers still strike gold every once in awhile. In 1998-99, they had two women turn down Division II scholarships from St. Joseph's. That caliber of player made things a lot easier on Durbin and his staff as the Blazers enjoyed one of their most successful seasons. They were the unanimous presea– son No. 1 pick, the MIAC Champions and the runner-up to Washington University in the 1999 NCAAs. That's a lot for subse– quent teams to live up to, but Durbin knows that with his team's style of play, they are capable of doing it. "We're going to run every chance we get, but the strength of our team the last few years has been the post play," he said. "So we start from the inside out, and if you can't press, obviously you need to play good comer-to-corner defense. We 've been able to do that." Covering the whole court, as well as the classroom, is some– thing the Blazers have become accustomed to. The team has never posted a grade point average under 3.15 and academics are very important to everyone involved in the St. Ben's program. "Their academic goals are the top priority," said Durbin. "We rearrange our practice schedule, so that they have enough time for everything. If there 's an academic concern, it takes top priority." Durbin has instilled success in academics as the top priority for the Blazers, but make no mistake, piling up wins year after year also has its advantages. "Even when we lose, the team still works hard in the classroom. No one ever quits ," said Durbin. ''.And when we win, that excitement fuels their academic drive." And while win totals and grade point averages keep rising, St. Ben's continues to build on a reputation of excellence in Minnesota and in women's basketball that garners more attention with every 20-win season and NCAA appearance. •

Head coach Mike Durbin's intensity has carried over to the Blazers, who have averaged an impressive 22 wins a season over his 14 years at the helm.

Damian Vega is a sportswriter for the MetroWest Daily News in Framingham, Mass.

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