Slocum showing no signs of slowing down with Penguins' newcomers

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – With nine new players in the program, the Youngstown State Penguins are solidly in rebuilding mode.

And teaching nine new players the ins-and-outs of a Division I system can be hazardous to one’s health. But after four decades of patrolling the sidelines, Jerry Slocum still feels invigorated when fall rolls around and he gets the chance to pass on his knowledge to a new group of players.

Even if it means ducking an occasional errant pass or two.

“I’m trying to teach nine new guys how to play basketball at this level. It’s incredibly tough,” Slocum said at the Horizon League men’s basketball media day.

“There has been a learning curve that has put my life in jeopardy.”

A good-natured jab at his team shows just how comfortable Slocum is in his role. With 688 career NCAA wins, Slocum is just 12 victories away from joining a group of a few dozen to win 700 games as a head coach. Through such a successful career, does retirement even cross his mind?

“Every day,” Slocum said with a laugh. “I love what I do. The one time of the year that’s my favorite time is right now, when I get a chance to teach and to be on the floor with the guys. I enjoy our players, they keep me young and excited.”

Entering his 40th season as a head coach and his 10th at the helm of the Penguins, Slocum has many reasons to be excited. He’s got a talented group that he believes can be special – once that learning curve is overcome.

“I think it’s a little bit unique in that we’ve got nine new guys,” Slocum said. “It’s a group that has a lot of ability. I’m excited about them.

“We’re going to have to cut our teeth on the road to start the year, but I think it’s a group that has the potential to, before the year’s over, play really good basketball.”

Bringing nine new guys into a program means a lot of conflicting personalities. Luckily for Slocum, his team has meshed despite their differences. The returners like the way the team operates, both on and off the court.

“I think it’s funny that everybody’s different,” senior guard Shawn Amiker said. “Everyone gets along in their own unique way.”

The cohesion of the group becomes especially important since this year’s team will be tasked with replacing three-time first team All-Horizon League player Kendrick Perry, whose absence leaves holes on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor.

“You don’t do it with one person. I think you need a collective effort from everyone,” Slocum said. “That kind of balance is only going to be taken care of by working collectively, and I think we’ve got the guys to do it.”

To replace Perry’s leadership, Slocum will look to Amiker, junior forward Bobby Hain – a second-team preseason All-Horizon League selection – and senior point guard DJ Cole. Unselfishness among the returners is a key for the success of the newcomers, and Cole is ready to lead both by words and example.

“I think I’ve grown every year to now, it’s second nature to me,” Cole said “Obviously, I still make mistakes. But I know where I’m supposed to be, what I’m supposed to do. So now I can tell other guys where they’re supposed to be and what they need to do. If they have questions, they can come talk to me. I’m just excited to help them out.”

Meanwhile, Hain’s success – and the Horizon League’s positive reputation – have been a recruiting boon for Youngstown State in Florida. Hain is a Jupiter native, and this year’s freshman class includes Bryan Nickels, of Tampa, and Sidney Umude, a Texas native who played at Florida’s St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

“Florida has been great to us,” Slocum said. “You walk into the South, you walk into that Florida area and you say ‘Horizon League’ and they see us as what we are: a top-10 or 11 league year in and year out.”

This season, that league has given Slocum another reason to be excited. Despite an eight-place selection for the Penguins in the preseason poll, the coach believes any outcome is possible.

“I don’t think since I’ve been in the league that I’ve ever seen the league so equal,” Slocum said. “I think the league is as up for grabs as any other time since I’ve been in the league. I think the league is going to be more open, more balanced that at any time since I’ve been in the league.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not disrespecting anybody. I think [these] teams are good. But I think everybody’s got some holes. I think it’s a toss-up.”