Morgan's New Day

Photo: Boubacar Coly had been named Defender of the Week in the MEAC for six consecutive weeks.

Morgan State basketball coach Todd Bozeman admits he is a staunch advocate of the power of positive thinking and the man-to-man defense. Those two components have helped pave the way for the Bears' scintillating run to the top of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings.

It also helps to have a shot-blocking, rebounding machine named Boubacar Coly prowling the back line.

"I believe you can have success if you put your mind to it," said Bozeman, who in only his second season has Morgan rolling along at a 15-8 (10-1 MEAC) clip that has generated enthusiasm not seen on Hillen Road in many a year.

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The Bears have not had a big man of Coly's considerable talent since the legendary Marvin "The Human Eraser" Webster, a 7-1/225 center who posted unbelievable statistics at Morgan. In 1975, Webster averaged a double double with 17.5 points and an astounding 19.9 rebounds per contest. The former Baltimore’s Edmondson High School star was known for his incredible blocking ability and instinct.

Webster was blocking shots before they became an NCAA recorded statistic. His 1974 Bears squad won the NCAA College Division National Championship. How many of you remembered that Morgan State University accomplishment?

Webster was named the Associated Press National College Division Player of the Year in 1976. He was the second player drafted in the 1975-76 American Basketball Association (ABA) draft, before the league was merged with the NBA, by the Denver Nuggets. He had a noteworthy 10 year NBA career and still holds the Seattle Supersonics record with 21 rebounds in a half. Webster also played in the NBA Championship series with the Settle Supersonics against the Baltimore Bullets, i.e., Washington Wizzards.

The Bullets won the 1978 NBA Championship over Webster's team in game seven for the Bullets first NBA championship.

Like Webster, Coly is averaging nearly double/double with 10.5 rebounds per game, 9.5points and 2.5 blocks per game. He has already earned his Bachelor's degree in International Business prior to transferring to Morgan State from Xavier University. Coly should have his Master's completed prior to being drafted/signed by the NBA as he is extremely smart and a tremendous hard worker on both the court and the classroom.

Coach Bozeman and Morgan State will surprise a few teams when they face the Bears in the NCAA Tournament as Coly is a superior defender. It's taken three decades, but the Bears are once again a powerhouse in the East. Be aware of the Bears!

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