Top player dismissed from men’s basketball

Brandenburg removed for pending DUI charge and academic record

By Ryan Hickey

The men’s basketball team will be making some changes to its line up this season.

The Green Terror will be missing veteran player and last year’s leading scorer, Ryan Brandenburg, who was recently charged with Driving Under the Influence on Saturday, October 27 in Westminster and was dismissed from the team the following Monday.

Men’s head basketball Coach Kevin Curley, who was hesitant to discuss the issue, said, “It’s an unfortunate situation but all we can do now is move on and continue with our season.”

Brandenburg, who according to Curley had also been “under scrutiny” for struggling academically, was not living up to the team’s standards, and this was another major reason for his dismissal from the squad.

As quoted in the Carroll County Times article, “McDaniel dismisses Brandenburg,” published on November 1, Curley said, “Brandenburg was disappointed after being informed of the decision, but admitted he expected it.”

According to the same story, Brandenburg commented that though he was disappointed he, “understood why the decision had been made.”

Brandenburg, a junior, had an exceptional season last year. He was named All-Centennial Conference honorable mention and averaged nearly 15 points a game. He also set a program record with 70 3-point field goals.

Brandenburg will be able to rejoin the team next season if he improves academically and takes care of his situation. He told the Free Press, “At the moment I’m really just trying to do what’s best for me and focus on school. I haven’t really considered next season yet. I’ll deal with it when the time comes but for now I’m trying to do what’s best for me.”

Athletic Director Jamie Smith said he would “absolutely support Ryan returning to the team next season.” But he did admit that Brandenburg would, “First have to take care of everything he needs to and make sure he feels up to it, [but] we’d love to have him back.”

When asked about the team’s conduct in the future regarding alcohol Curley declined to comment, only saying that he wants his players to “be responsible” and said that he hopes they will, “Conduct themselves in a respectful manner.” The men’s basketball team does not have a current drinking policy at this time.

Smith, who was also hesitant to comment on the issue, toldthe Free Press, “I’m not sure why the basketball team doesn’t have a drinking policy. It may be something that Coach Curley and I may have to discuss.”

Though the team lost its leading scorer the Green Terror will not be lacking in the backcourt. They have a strong line up of players such as sophomore Miguel Jones, junior Ryan Finch, junior transfer T.J. Oduniami, and two solid freshmen, Mike Jarboe and Kevin Henry.

Curley said, “The team has some strong players and were all real excited to begin the season. It’s a strong group of guys and I don’t want this situation to take from our players.”

The men’s basketball team hits the floor to begin its 2007-2008 season on November 10 against Villa Julie here at home.