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This had been expected to be a rebuilding year, of sorts. Hampden-Sydney College wrapped up last season with a final overall record of 31-3, a new school record for wins, while claiming its record 11th ODAC Tournament Championship. It was the Garnet & Grey’s finest season in 25 years, marking both  their first 30-win season and only the sixth 25-win season in program history.

But that historic run happened with a veteran team, which means it was time for a reset due to graduations and transfers. Recruits came in and started learning the system. A couple transfers got used to the Hampden-Sydney style of doing things. But then, something happened when the lights went on. This year’s squad started to jell a lot quicker than anyone hoped.

More than that, they were outsourcing the opposition and playing solid defense. As of Monday, Jan. 13, what had been projected as a middle of the pack rebuilding group was instead ranked No. 8 in the country. The scariest thing for Hampden-Sydney’s opponents should be the fact the team still hasn’t figured out its identity yet, Tigers head coach Craig Kimbrough said. 

“Fundamental core values don’t change,” Kimbrough said. “When you first come into the program, it may take you a little time to commit. We had guys (last year) who had been here four or five years. They knew what Tiger basketball was, what was expected. But with this group, we’re still in a season of growth, still improving in the way we defend and rebound.”

Finding a spark for Hampden-Sydney

The most impressive thing might be how much this younger squad, while still growing, has almost kept track with the pace set by last year’s Tigers. As of Monday, the team was at 11-3 overall, 5-1 in ODAC (Old Dominion Athletic Conference) play. At this point last season, the Tigers were at 14-1. 

“It’s been really fun to see how offensively talented we are,” Kimbrough said of the current team. “I really think the sky’s the limit. This team can achieve what we want to achieve.” 

In order to take that next step, the Tigers just need to continue growing. That means breaking down walls, helping guys develop trust, both in the system and in each other. It’s not something that a coach can snap his fingers and make happen.

“Obviously we want to win every game, but we want to clearly define our identity,” Kimbrough said. “Our guys are doing a great job of that. The season is long, it’s a different environment. It’s about focusing on the work, doing what we need to do to achieve our goals.”
And a familiar face is at the heart of that work. Point guard Adam Brazil returned for his final season as a Tiger, taking on some new roles. In years past, he was the one listening to the older guys on the team, while also struggling to pick up the system. Now he’s not just taken on the role of a leader, but also improved his game to the point he’s a leading scorer as well. 

“Last year, Adam really started to come on strong,” Kimbrough said. “I think this year’s been no different. He just continues to work on his game. We’ve asked him to be really aggressive and he’s responded. His shot making is pretty incredible. He’s developed in the way he defends as well. He’s learned to read the flow of the game.” 

‘You’re not freshmen anymore’ 

And then there are the young guys and transfers, players who are stepping up as the season goes on. Kimbrough singled out junior transfer guard Colin Radcliffe, who has already earned a team captain spot. There’s also forward and team captain Shane Fernald, who is in his third year at Hampden-Sydney. Both have established themselves as reliable scorers and also key pieces of the defensive rotation. For other, younger players, Kimbrough said it’s been exciting to see players develop so quickly. Part of that’s been through necessity, as injuries required a couple younger guys to take the court sooner than expected. At this point, it’s time to remove the freshman label from some of them, Kimbrough said. 

“You’re not freshmen anymore, you’re halfway through the year,” he said. 

And that halfway point brings the team to ODAC conference play. In what might have seemed impossible or at least challenging at the beginning of the season, Kimbrough has the team sitting at No. 8 in the nation, at the top of the conference and ready to make another national run. And he’s done this all with a team that was supposed to be rebuilding and developing. 

“We feel as though we really challenged ourselves (in the first half of the season),” Kimbrough said. “We’re not the biggest team in the world, but we’ve got guys that are tough. We’re going to give 100%” 

What’s next for Hampden-Sydney? 

The Tigers go on the road this week, taking on ODAC member Washington and Lee University Wednesday, Jan. 15. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. in Lexington.