The talker, the tall one and the social butterfly – those are who to look for on the Eagles’ basketball court in the 2015-2016 season.
Men’s Basketball Head Coach Dan Hays named juniors Luis Lopez, John Moon and Jordan Rutherford as the upcoming season’s team captains. These men are to be the “heart and soul” of the team.
Lopez – the talker – is the team’s number one leader, according to Hays.
“Something I really pride myself on is my vocal skills – communication,” Lopez said. “Sometimes when we’re having a slow practice I try to pick it up, whether that’s extra clapping or extra yelling and I think that jump starts us when we’re lackadaisical.”
The Edmond-native started with the Eagles in 2013 and played a total of 10 games before moving up in the ranks and playing 23 games the next season. He averaged three steals per game in 2014.
Lopez dons the No. 3 jersey and will be seen in the point guard position.
Moon is easily identifiable on the court with his 7-foot frame – “the tall one.”
He works to lead by example, “By playing hard, trying hard to encourage the guys … you have to be calm, not let stuff get to you and be the rock of the team,” Moon said.
Moon, decked out in jersey No. 25, started in all 26 games in the 2014 season and recorded an average of 17.8 points, seven rebounds and 33 minutes of playing time per game as well as 52 total blocks.
Hays said Moon is the top player among the 13 returning from the 2014 roster.
Rutherford is the balance of the trio – a combination of Lopez’s communication abilities and Moon’s athletic talent – and a self-proclaimed social butterfly.
Described as “personable” by Moon, Rutherford looks to “bring everyone together because I like communicating with people,” Rutherford said.
The marketing and management major from Houston plays the forward position on the court. He started in only two games his freshman year and then jumped up in 2014 to start in 25 of the 26 games.
Averaging 6.8 points, 16 steals, nearly 28 minutes and four rebounds per game in the previous season, Rutherford sports the No. 5 jersey and said the team as a whole is looking to have a successful season this year.
“This year isn’t going to be easier but with experience you know what to expect and pretty much with everybody coming back we have a rhythm, we know how to play with each other,” Rutherford said.
Lopez said he feels blessed to be in the captain category with Moon and Rutherford.
“We bring a little of everything,” Lopez said. “We each have our own unique qualities that we are known for … a good balance of communication, effort, John’s calm and level-headed, so I think we’re a good diverse group that works together.”
The Eagles begin the basketball season on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Nest as a part of Oklahoma Christian University’s homecoming weekend.
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