Master’s Should Keep Winning With New Coach, Faster Pace

NEWHALL —  The Master’s College men’s basketball program has undergone changes over the past few months, but one thing should remain constant during the 1993-94 season: winning.

Mel Hankinson, who guided the Mustangs to a 99-68 record from 1988-93 before accepting an assistant coaching position at West Virginia in August, has been replaced by Bill Oates.

Oates coached Menlo College in Atherton to a 79-51 record from 1988-93 after stints with St. Mary’s (1979-86), Athletes In Action (1974-79), and Santa Ana--now Rancho Santiago--College (1968-74).

Although the Mustangs were successful using a deliberate offense and zone defense during Hankinson’s tenure, Oates says the team will feature more up-tempo offense and man-to-man defense when it opens the season tonight against L.I.F.E. Bible College in the first round of The Master’s tournament at Bross Gymnasium.

“I think we have the personnel to be successful playing that type of a game,” Oates said. “I think we’re going to be fun to watch.”

Emeka Okenwa, a powerful 6-foot-7, 230-pound senior from Owerri, Nigeria, is the lone returning starter from a team that posted a 20-12 record.

Okenwa led the Mustangs in scoring (17.7) and rebounding (10.5), but Oates is wary of making him the focus.

“We’re going to try and have as much balance as possible,” Oates said.

“I’ve never been the type of coach who likes to have one dominant player on a team. I think you’re too easy to defend when you depend too heavily on one player.”

Sophomore James Mosley (6-4) and junior Colin Lubsey (6-7), an Australian who transferred from Creighton, will round out the Mustangs’ starting front line. Senior Andy Thompson (5-10) is the point guard, and 6-1 junior Doug Leaman will play off-guard.

Mosley (4.2 points per game), Thompson (11.2) and Leaman (6.1) logged extensive playing time last season.

Mike Penberthy, a freshman from Fresno Hoover High, will back up Thompson at the point, and junior Rogerio Soares (6-6) and freshman Leo Gorauskas (6-9) give the Mustangs added depth on the front line.

Soares, a native of Brazil, averaged 8.5 points and 4.1 rebounds.

“There is still an adjusting process going on between (the players and coach),” Oates said.

“I’m still learning about some of their strengths and weaknesses and they’re still adjusting to me as a person and a coach. But I think we’ll be successful this season.”