Video Feature: Segura Dobjanschi Helps Keep CMS Men's Basketball in SCIAC Title Hunt

CLAREMONT, Calif. - After graduating four senior starters from last year's SCIAC champions, including All-American guard Michael Scarlett, the CMS men's basketball team had to look for some new faces to step into the big void in order to stay in the postseason picture. Fortunately, they didn't have to look very far.

The bench guys who helped support last year's seniors to the title while waiting for their turn have taken advantage of the opportunity for expanded roles, led by senior forward Nicolas Segura Dobjanschi (16.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg), a strong candidate for first-team All-SCIAC honors. Segura Dobjanschi began his career as a walk-on for Division I Northwestern, and a year ago, his role was to be part of the "grey team", the designated defenders and scout team players in practice. Their job was to work hard every day, push the starters in practice, and be ready if they were called on. 

This year, though, the 6-7 forward is the go-to guy in the Stags offense, as he and last year's "grey team" are now seeing extended floor time in games, helping CMS to second place in the SCIAC (7-1), one game behind Pomona-Pitzer, who it plays tomorrow with a chance to move in a tie for the lead. While last year's primary playmakers could be found in the senior backcourt, this year, the ball often finds its way into Segura Dobjanschi's hands on the wing when CMS needs to create something. With a forward's size and a guard's ballhandling ability, he has proven to be a match-up nightmare, with his ability to make baskets or set up his teammates. 

The theme of the Stags this year could be "Stepping Up" as a whole crew of juniors and seniors are thriving in new roles. Senior Mark Sui saw limited minutes last year, but has stepped into the starting point guard spot and is averaging 6.4 points this year, including 18 against Pomona-Pitzer. Junior Jeremy Horn averaged 3.4 points last year as a reserve forward, but is an All-SCIAC candidate this year with 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

Off this year's bench, junior forward George Walker had seven rebounds in his first two years combined, but had 11 in a single game recently against La Verne, and is averaging 4.7 boards as a consistent sparkplug. Junior JD Levine only played in 11 games last year, but has seen action in every game as a back-up point guard this year and has provided steady ballhandling (2.1 assist-to-turnover ratio) and timely shooting.  

Click below to see a video feature on Nicolas Segura Dobjanschi, as the team prepares for its showdown with Pomona-Pitzer tomorrow, or visit our YouTube page: