Hopkins directs a new cast of Hawks

In his second season as head men's basketball coach at Hagerstown Community College, Bernard Hopkins was hoping for some continuity from year one to two. But after injuries, defections and other trials and tribulations, Hopkins is back to starting from scratch with a mostly new cast of characters.

Such is life in JUCO basketball.

So on Saturday when HCC opens against Mercyhurst North East in the Community College of Beaver County Tournament, the Hawks' 12 freshmen and three sophomores will try to find some instant chemistry.

"The biggest thing I want to see is them playing as a team," said Hopkins.

Last year, after being hired in September, Hopkins had little time to recruit. The team did well to finish 11-14 overall and 7-7 in the Maryland JUCO. With more time to assemble this year's team, Hopkins has found players from far and wide, grabbing recruits from as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Florida.

"I'm happy with the guys we got," Hopkins said. "We're well ahead of where we were at this point last season."

Hopkins points to a tryout he held in March — in conjunction with a school open house — which drew nearly 40 players.

One of the more intriguing newcomers is Ke'Sean Robinson, a sophomore who started for a Class 4A state runner-up team at John Handley High in Winchester in 2015. After stints at Division II Washington Adventist and Division I Coastal Carolina, where he was a redshirt walk-on, Robinson wanted to return home.  

"I've moved around a little bit so I'm used to having a new group of guys coming together," said Robinson, a 6-foot-5 point guard.

Robinson didn't join the team until Oct. 21, when he was finally cleared to play following a car crash last spring which left him with back, neck and hip flexor issues.

In practice Wednesday night, Robinson showed no ill effects. Flashing quickness, a slick handle and great vision, he repeatedly found teammates with deft passes that produced layups and open jumpers.

"He makes that extra pass, which is something that could really help us gel as a team," said sophomore Chris Leao, one of two returning players — both reserves — from last season. "That was one of the issues last year. There were so many times when there was a better pass to be made and it didn't happen."

Another potential standout is 6-5 Malcolm Moye from Windsor, Conn.

"I took a visit here in March, liked what I saw and here I am," said Moye. "We got a good group of guys. I think we're gonna be special this year."

Moye has wowed his new teammates with his athleticism. On Wednesday he also showed plenty of polish as an inside scoring threat.

"He can fly in the air. He can run like a deer and he's very calm," Leao said. "His vertical is wow. He barely hops and he's looking down at the rim. It's like, 'How are you doing that? Can I get some of that?'"

Hopkins was counting on another player from Connecticut, DaRon Hughey, for backcourt help. But the 6-3 freshman suffered a torn ACL two weeks ago and will be redshirted. 

Bryant Willis of Palmyra, Pa., is a 6-4 wing who appears to be the team's top 3-point threat.

"I fell in love with Coach Hop, his philosophy around the game and what his future holds for the program," said Willis, who also had offers from D-II and D-III schools. 

Jamichael Smart, a 6-4 swingman from Gainesville, Fla., will play a big role as well. Left-handers Theo Braddy Jr., a 6-5 wing player from Harrisburg, Pa., and James Moore, a 6-4 wing from Dunbar, W.Va., bring plenty of length and quickness.

Hopkins spotted Moore last year when he was scouting a different player during a holiday tournament at Musselman.

"I came here because I was looking for something new," Moore said. "We're all young and learning together."

There are only three players from Washington County on the roster — Marquil Nelson (Williamsport), Chris Wagner (Broadfording) and DeAundre Gonzales (Broadfording), who will be redshirted.

"There were so many people here for the tryout I thought my chances were pretty limited, to be honest," said Nelson. "But Coach said to come back. I guess he saw something in me."

There's no mystery about how 6-3 guard Kenneth Sinkler arrived at HCC. He played at Overlea High in Baltimore, the same school that produced Hopkins. 

The HCC coach often refers to his own path when recruiting players, showing them what a successful year or two at the JUCO level can do for their basketball careers. 

After playing at HCC under Jim Brown, the 6-6 Hopkins went on to Virginia Commonwealth, where he led the Rams to the NCAA Tournament and was named Colonial Athletic Association tournament MVP and player of the year as a senior. Hopkins had a 15-year professional career in Spain, going up against players such as Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Tony Parker and Ricky Rubio.

"I share my story, but the first thing I tell them is, 'The opportunity is there, but you have to put in the work,'" Hopkins said. "I always gave it 110 percent, so I retired at age 39."

Credit to Herald Mail