Luther Takes Over at Armstrong Atlantic State

A few blogs ago, I mentioned the almost immediate impact that Head Men's Basketball Coach Jeremy Luther had on the Newberry College Basketball Program. Newberry had been mired in the mud of mediocrity, but in two years, the tandem led the Indians to one of their best seasons ever at an overall record of 21-8.

This Afternoon, they officially took over a Div. 11 program that is currently enjoying success. Luther was named the new Head Men's Basketball Coach at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA and it is probable that his assistant, Travis Dotterer, will join him in the same capacity at AASU.

Luther replaces Jeff Burkhamer, who resigned to take the position of Head Men's Basketball Coach at Lander University. This past season, Burkhamer led the Pirates to a 23-7 overall record and a 15-5 finish in the Peach Belt Conference and an appearance in the NCAA Div. 11 Tournament. Luther has proven he can get results. The Pirates lose 5 Seniors and some players are transferring, but he should be able to get the Pirates back to the high level of play they're use to.

If he isn't one of the players transferring, Sr. Guard Patrick Shokpeka should be a key factor in the upcoming 2009-10 season. As a Junior, Shokpeka played in all 26 games averaging 4.8 points per game, 20 assists, 13 offensive and 18 defensive rebounds. Shokpeka transferred to AASU last year from Atlanta Metro Jr. College, where he averaged 13 points per game, 6 rebounds and 4 assists a game. He comes from an area of Atlanta loaded with athletic talent; Gwinnett County. While at Berkmar High School,Shokpeka averaged 20 points and 6 rebounds per game his Senior year. He earned All-Gwinnett County honors and was named the team's MVP. He also is the only player in Berkmar H.S. history to score 40 points and grab 20 rebounds in one game.

Should Shokpeka return for his Senior season, and if Coach Luther can bring in some quality recruits, the Pirates may be able to have a decent season in spite of the losses to graduation and transfers. If the 2009-10 season turns out to be sub-par, it won't stay that way for long. Luther will soon have the Pirate program back at the upper tier of the Peach Belt Conference. He may also have AASU making serious noise nationally as well.