Forward Mike Housman doesn?t provide the University of Maryland, Baltimore County basketball team with highlight-reel dunks or push the team during fast-break opportunities.
What the 6-foot-7 senior does provide is a steadying force in the low post for a young Retrievers squad looking to develop into a serious contender for the America East Conference title.
Housman, a native of Great Falls, Va., goes into UMBC?s game Friday at William & Mary averaging career highs in points (9.1) and rebounds (6.8) to complement a career-best .786 free-throw percentage. He currently ranks third in the conference in rebounding and field-goal percentage (.520).
For UMBC coach Randy Monroe, Housman, along with fellow senior Chris Pugh, are vital players on a roster that includes eight players who are either freshmen or sophomores. Housman has led UMBC (4-7) in rebounding eight times this season.
“Both Mike and Chris lead by example,” Monroe said. “Mike is a typical blue-collar player that isn?t afraid to go after a rebound and will comeup with a high-percentage shot when we need one in a game. I?m also excited about Chris, who is constantly defending the other team?s best player.”
Housman, who became a full-time starter last season after starting just once his first two seasons, feels that this year?s UMBC squad offers him the best chance yet to reach the postseason. He points to the team?s three road wins (last year?s team had none in the regular season) and overall depth.
“This is probably the best team we?ve had since I?ve been here,” said Housman, who averaged 7.9 points and five rebounds a game as a junior. “We have a nice mix on our roster and we?ve stepped it up on defense. Our offense isn?t where it needs to be, but I think it will be there by the time we get into conference play.”
THE HOUSMAN FILE
» Age: 22
» Height/weight: 6-7, 230
» Major: Information systems
» Did you know? Housman finished last year third in the America East Conference in field goal percentage at .568 ? He scored a career-high 24 points last season against Boston College (Jan. 5) ? His best game this season came Nov. 14 when he had 16 points and eight rebounds in a 69-56 loss to Loyola.
