By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications, (503) 370-6110
SALEM, Ore. -- The Willamette University men's basketball season will open the 2020-21 season with a game at George Fox University on Thursday, April 1. The Bearcats and the Bruins will meet in Newberg, Oregon, at 7 p.m. (PDT). The Bearcats will be playing a five-game abbreviated schedule due to COVID-19 protocols that have impacted competition in the State of Oregon. Willamette will take on George Fox twice and Linfield University twice in addition to an exhibition game at Lane Community College.
Willamette may be facing a short schedule, but it's a tremendous relief for Head Coach Kip Ioane and the Bearcats to have the opportunity to play even a few games.
"Just a few months ago, it looked like we weren't going to have even live practice, much less games," Ioane said. "So for us to be in a position now to be playing real competition is a blessing."
Among other things that are inspiring for Ioane and the team about returning to game action is the chance for senior Ryan Peterson to complete his athletic eligibility by playing against opponents.
"Similarly, Ryan was for all intents and purposes retired as recently as January," Ioane commented. "I'm excited for him to get these five games to be able to hang the shoes up on his terms."
The schedule of five games will also provide tremendous experience for Willamette's four first-year players as well as a chance to brush up on game skills for the returning players. The last game Willamette played was against Pacific University on Feb. 22, 2020 in Salem, Oregon. It's been more than 13 months since that game.
"Four first-years playing alongside one senior," Ioane noted. "This is a wide eyed, energetic young team, so we will have to live with the usual ups and downs that come with learning on the fly."
Two of Willamette's games will be played at Gordie James Court inside Cone Field House. The Bearcats will host Linfield on Friday, April 16 at 7 p.m. (PDT) and will take on George Fox in Salem on Saturday, April 24 at 3 p.m.
Due to safety and health concerns, no spectators will be allowed to attend any of Willamette's basketball games this spring. Live streaming will be provided for most home events with links listed at wubearcats.com.
Daniel Plumer (So., PG, North Las Vegas, NV/Democracy Preparatory Academy) led Willamette in scoring last season as a first-year player. He averaged 15.7 points per game and scored 10 or more points 22 times. Plumer hit 43 three-point shots during the season and ranked first on the team with 62 assists and 63 steals. His 2.52 steals per game placed him 14th in the nation in NCAA Division II and moved him into second place all-time on WU's single season list. Plumer also averaged 4.4 rebounds per game.
Ryan Peterson (Sr., P, Edmonds, WA/Edmonds-Woodway HS) competed in 24 games of 25 games in 2019-20. He shot 56.8% from the field and averaged 2.3 rebounds per game. He blocked 12 shots to ranked second on the team. He has played in 54 games in his career, including 46 games the past two seasons.
Last year, Jack Boydell (So., F, Sonoma, CA/Sonoma Valley HS) averaged 8.2 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. He scored the team's single-game high of the season with 32 points at Pacific University on January 24, 2020. He also grabbed 13 rebounds against the Boxers. He finished the season strong for the Bearcats, as he reached double-digit scoring in nine of Willamette's final 12 games.
