Strength in numbers: a saying that suggests that group solidarity equals increased strength. Dillard University’s 2003-2004 men’s basketball team welcomes back 11 players and four of its primary starters from last season, promising a team with a strong foundation.

Statistically speaking, the returning team produces promising figures. The squad returns 76.7 percent (1822 of 2377) of its scoring, 84.6 percent (857 of 1013) of its rebounds, 88.4 percent of its assist (334 of 378), and 84.9 percent of its steals (242 of 285) from a last years team which advanced to the NAIA “Sweet-Sixteen.”

In the upcoming season, Dillard will field one of its most talented and deepest teams in recent years. “It is a good feeling to have a decent size group with experience. We are a more mature and athletic team this year,” said Borne, who enters his third season at Dillard.

Orin Mohan, 6'1" - Senior Guard (#5)
St. Stanislaus - Georgetown, Guyana

Orin Mohan is a tough, hardnosed player who can control the traffic on the court. Orin possesses a quick first step and an aggressive defensive mentality that can be very disruptive to opposing guards. He has good shooting range and has proven that he can perform well in clutch situations. Last season, Orin played a season high forty minutes in leading Dillard to a conference victory over opponent Loyola University. With his ability to play the one and the two positions, Borne likes the flexibility that Orin brings.

Eric Bell, 6'6" - Senior Guard (#13)
McDonogh #35 High School - New Orleans, LA

After one year as a key reserve, Eric instantly became a team leader in 2002-2003. Often the “X factor” last season during Dillard’s run to the Gulf Coast tournament championship game and the NAIA “Sweet-Sixteen,” this year’s squad will need his contributions to ensure the team’s continued success. A very versatile player, Eric’s mid-range game and play around the basket, makes him a tough match up for opposing coaches. He is expected to contend for a spot on the GCAC All-Conference Team.

Jaamal Jones, 6'3" - Senior Guard (#14)
McDonogh #35 High School - New Orleans, LA

“Explosive” and “athletic” are two adjectives frequently used to describe Jaamal Jones. One of the top scorers on the roster, Jaamal possesses an accurate jumper and can “light it up” from any spot in the gym. The guard has shown that he has the strength, quickness and jumping ability to be effective as a defender and rebounder, as evident by his 100 rebounds last season. In a battle against conference rival the University of Mobile, Jaamal had a career high of 29 points.

Evan Cleaver, 6'0" - Senior Guard (#3)
Center High School - Kansas City, MO

Dillard’s starting point guard last season, Evan possesses above average quickness with good ball-handing and passing skills. Last season, Evan posted a career high of 18 points vs. the University of Mobile and led the team in 87 assists. Evan possesses the intelligence and basketball savvy that it takes to be a good floor leader. His contribution will be critical if Dillard is to make its fourth straight return to the National tournament in Evan’s hometown of Kansas City, Mo.

Eric Mercier, 6'7" - Senior Guard (#55)
McDonogh # 35 High School - New Orleans, LA

Eric Mercier will be a key contributor on both ends of the court this season. The most skilled post player on the team, Eric brings a strong defensive presence and consistently blocks or alters opposing players’ shots. An aggressive player in the paint, Eric has the ability to face the basket and drive to the hoop. He is very active on the glass. His solid post moves and the ability to finish makes him one of Dillard’s top scoring threats. Eric had a career high 23 points, including seven offensive rebounds at fourth ranked Martin Methodist. As Dillard fights to remain in the national spotlight, Eric’s play in the paint will be a major factor in keeping them there.

Elijah Jasmine, 6'2" - Senior Guard (#15)
West St. John High School - Edgard, LA

Elijah Jasmine is a senior who returns as one of the top defenders on the team. Elijah has the ability to play three positions and is the best athletic guard on the roster. An excellent slasher and finisher, Elijah has worked hard. Borne says the Elijah is the hardest worker on the team and hopes that his attitude and work ethic will be contagious as this year’s team tries to regain the Gulf Coast Conference title.

Keydrick Williams, 6'6" - Senior Forward (#50)
Peabody High School - Alexandria, LA

After getting his feet wet last season, Keydrick Williams enters this season ready to make further contributions. Last season Keydrick took over the starting center position midway through the season. An obvious wide body that can be hard to handle in the post, Keydrick brings a nice shooting touch that is seldom seen for a player of his size. Although Keydrick plays center he still leads the team in free-throw percentage, another rarity in today’s game. Last February, Keydrick posted a career high of 20 points at conference with William Carey. Aggressive going to the glass, Keydrick will be another important piece as Dillard tries to regain its Gulf Coast Conference title.

Alfredo Ott, 6’3” - Junior Guard (#21)
St. Augustine High School - New Orleans, LA

Arguably the best all-around player in the Gulf Coast Conference, Alfredo Ott was the only player in the conference to rank among the league leaders in scoring (seventh, 14.9), rebounding (twelfth, 5.0), field goal percentage (third, 45%), and three point percentage (second, 40%). With such impressive offensive numbers, this All-Gulf Coast performer also played on the defensive end. He led the team in blocks (17) and steals (70). A clutch performer, decision-maker and competitor, Alfredo is the team’s leader and catalyst. He has great instincts when it comes to putting the ball in the hole and is not only explosive but also smooth as a penetrator.

Matthew Barnes, 5'1" - Junior Guard (#24)
Murrah High School - Jackson, MS

Borne says that Matthew Barnes is a necessity when building a championship caliber team. A walk-on last season, Matt brings a great attitude that is contagious in the locker room. Matt has great quickness, added to a good shooting range, which helps keep the defense honest. An in-your-face defender and good leaper Matthew plays well above his height. With his work habits and outstanding attitude, expect Matthew to really push for playing time this season.

Calvin Spellman, 6'5" - Sophomore Forward (#30)
Eisenhower High School - Houston, TX

Calvin Spellman is a very athletic individual who has established himself in Dillard’s family. A walk-on who joined the team last January, Calvin has worked this off-season to improve his overall play and body strength. Calvin will add depth to the front court and with continued improvement could be a major factor in the future.

Anthony Lynn, 6'8" - Sophomore Forward (#40)
Englewood High School - Jacksonville, FL

Anthony Lynn is a physical competitor that has barely scratched the surface with his abilities. This season Anthony will be red-shirted to perfect his skills on both end of the court. With his great potential and willingness to improve, Anthony places Dillard’s future in good hands.

Dwayne Bastian, 6'8" - Sophomore Forward (#54)
West St. John High School - Edgard, LA

Dwayne Bastian is the prototype of the dominating big, athletic center. His size enables him to establish a presence in the lane at both ends of the court and complement that with great leaping ability. Additionally, he has great hands and has the ability to score in a number of ways around the basket. In limited action as a freshman, Dwayne was second on the team in blocks and posted two double doubles against Auburn Montgomery and Warner Southern. Borne expects this year to be Dwayne’s breakout season as his play will be a major factor in Dillard’s quest for another Gulf Coast Conference championship.

Ivory Clark, 6'7" - Freshperson Forward (#33)
Edna Karr High School - New Orleans, LA

Ivory Clark is Dillard’s big man of the future, though some feel that future may be now! Ivory possesses excellent all-around athletic skills. His quickness and exceptional leaping ability should enable him to rebound and block shots effectively in the rigorous Gulf Coast Conference. A tremendous physical specimen with skills well beyond his years, Ivory is a determined athlete who brings a strong presence to Dillard’s front court. Ivory was The Times Picayune 2003 Metro Male Athletic of The Year at Edna Karr. He also was a member of the Orleans Parish All-Star team, Orleans All-Metro team, named to the All West Bank team and All District performer. While at Karr Ivory average 18 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists during his senior year.

Marco Borne - Men’s Head Basketball Coach

Marco Borne anticipates his third season (51-26) as the Head Basketball Coach at Dillard University. The program has encountered great success during Borne’s stint including three straight NAIA National Tournament Appearances, one National Tournament “Sweet Sixteen” finish, and one conference championship.

Borne coached a two-time first-team All-American, six NAIA All-Americans, one Gulf Coast Conference Player of the Year and nine All-Gulf Coast Conference players. However, if you ask Borne, he will tell you that past success is yesterday’s news. “We have enjoyed our fair share of success in this program, but that is in the past. This is a new season, with new players and new goals. It is always our goal to be the best team that we can be and focus on the season in front of us,” Borne said.

Along with the success on the court, every senior that has suited up for Borne, eight in total, has graduated. Included in that group is a NAIA Academic All-American. “I am very proud of the success that we have displayed on the court, but I am prouder of my student-athletes’ success in the classroom,” Borne said.

Borne has been a longtime member of the Dillard University family and athletics department. He played basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1997. Since his returning as a member of the coaching staff, his success in representing the University through basketball has been steady. “As a professional, my teams’ success is great, but when adding the fact that I am an alumnus of Dillard University, it brings a special feeling that my University has achieved so much.”