TCNJ coach Goldsmith reflects on outstanding championship season
As spring sports wait and hope for a season amid the terrible pandemic that has gripped the country, let’s take a look back at a remarkable season by The College of New Jersey’s men’s basketball team.
The Lions hit some high marks with a 20-win season, a New Jersey Athletic Conference championships and an NCAA Tournament win.
The NJAC crown was their first since the 199798 season as was the NCAA berth. When TCNJ (20-9) defeated Marietta in the first round, it was the first since NCAA tournament win since the 1988-89 season.
“Looking back, I think that it is easy to say the NJAC championship, the 20-win season, the first NCAA win since 1989 were the most satisfying,” said fifth-year coach Matt
Goldsmith. “But honestly, we had 16 players who all completely bought in. We had guys sacrifice and give their best efforts. Every day was enjoyable. It was a team and a season I will never forget.”
Yes, it was an unforgettable season as TCNJ started the first 10 games with a 4-6 mark and it didn’t resemble the team that was the second choice in the conference preseason poll.
When the calendar turned to 2020, the Lions flipped the switch and were the one of the top Division III teams in the region. TCNJ went 16-2 heading into the NCAA tournament and here are some of the reasons why:
• It averaged 80.2 points a game
• Led the league in scoring margin with a 9.7 average
• Connected on 312 tries from beyond the arc
• The Lions were first in the conference in assists with 73 more than the second place team.
The Lions had five seniors led by All-America player Randy Walko. He was joined by Mike Walley, Ryan Jensen, Michael Chapman and Tommy Egan.
This was Goldsmith’s first true recruiting class and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
“I want our seniors to always remember that if you work your tail off and create a team with a great culture and complete buy-in, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to,” said Goldsmith. “I know they will all be successful moving forward and I think that they will all end up in leadership roles in whatever field they choose longterm.”
Walko was the NJAC Player of the Year averaging a conference best 21.9 points a game.
Jensen, who was a workhorse under the boards, averaged 13.4 points and was second in the league with 7.9 rebounds. He led in defensive rebounds with 6.9.
Walley, Chapman and Egan all contributed in many ways throughout the season.
Two starters that played a key role were Travis Jocelyn and P. J. Ringel. Jocelyn was fourth in the NJAC in scoring with 17.2 points and Ringel led in assists with 5.3.
Those two juniors, along with freshman Anthony DiCaro and sophomore Danny Bodine, will keep the Lions hovering around the top next year.
DiCaro was the NJAC Rookie of the Week after his play in the NJAC playoffs and the NCAA tourney.
While it was a great season for the players, it was just as memorable for
Goldsmith and the coaching staff.
“We, as a staff, did not take a practice or game off and stayed disciplined in our approach,” said Goldsmith. “I think this year taught me to trust my intuition more and stay positive even in the low moments. I am just so proud of this group and everything we accomplished.”