• In his sixth year on the Albany staff after spending
four seasons at America East rival Vermont.
• Responsible for the strength training program and
player development at Albany, the Great Danes have won two
conference championships and advanced to the field of 65 twice in
Filien's short time on the bench.
• A two-year starter at the College of Saint Rose during his
playing days, Filien captured All-ECAC South second team honors
while leading the Golden Knights to a 25-6 record and appearance in
the NCAA Division II Tournament.
NCDS: Pat Filien, Asst. Coach - Albany
Hello again college hoop fans! As one year is in our rear view
mirror, 2011 and the month of January is nearly over. That can only
mean one thing: conference play! All of us in every league across
the country regardless of level, are trying to make our players
understand how much every game played in the next two months
count. As much as you may learn about your team during the non
conference portion of your schedule, these games are what its all
about. Everybody knows everybody else extremely well, so it will
come down to all the little things. Loose balls, paying close
attention to the scouting report, and what is often times
overlooked, passion and energy.
With that said, we are almost halfway into the America East season.
We have always prided ourselves with our detail and stressed to our
players that preparation is the key to success. Having always been
a man to man defensive team, the implementation of a matchup zone
that we play most of the time, the focus level has to be that much
higher. As we have gotten better at recognizing certain patterns
with each opponent, the premium has been for them to communicate at
a high level. That truly has been the focus from the start of the
season. Although we have improved a bit in that area, we have so
much room to grow. Practice has been concentrating on that aspect,
as well as transition defense. The bottom line, no matter what
happens during those 40 minutes, is to limit your mistakes, talk to
your teammates and adjust, defend, rebound and compete at a high
level. Along with making a few shots along the way, that is the
recipe for victory.
We are excited about this team because we see the potential for
what we are capable of doing. Every conference game is a battle,
but we are learning and working to improve everyday. I believe we
are making strides and moving in that direction. Case in point: in
a conference road victory on January 17, we scored our last field
goal at the 9:46 mark yet managed to win the game. This shows, and
I believe, if you defend, rebound and compete, you have a chance.
We are excited and looking forward to the stretch run of the
marathon of this college basketball season!
Go Danes!
