Senior Day Profile: Dan Mccue

No one has a story quite like Dan Mccue's. The whiz kid from a farm in Maine joined the MIT squad back in the 2007-2008 season, and his impact on the team was immediate. His freshman season was highlighted by an 18-point, 5-rebound performance versus Springfield College while earning Team Rookie of the Year honors.

It was then learned that Mccue had been playing his entire freshman campaign in complete pain. A hip disorder caused his bones to grind against each constantly, forcing him to undergo two hip surgeries. Mccue would have to sit out his sophomore season. After providing support on the sidelines during the 2008-2009 year, and putting in countless hours of rehabilitation every day, Mccue was told his hips did not heal properly. Another season missed and three hip surgeries later, doctors told Mccue he would never be able to play basketball again.

But this wouldn't stop Mccue. After even more rehabilitation, the 6'3" guard returned to the court last year, helping lead the team to a NEWMAC Championship and the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament. He was most well-known to fans for his two-point bank-shot in the last minute versus Ithaca College of the 1st Round of the NCAA Tournament, a shot that put the Engineers ahead for the win.

This year, Mccue was voted team captain, and has been an invaluable leader on the floor and in the locker room. The shooting guard is also 7th in the conference in A/TO ratio (1.5). Off the court, Mccue is an Economics major with concentrations in Political Science and Finance and has applied to MIT's Graduate School. If admitted, Mccue will return for his final year of eligibility.

Senior Day Profile: Arni Lehto

Arni Lehto came to MIT from Helsinki, Finland, with a wealth of basketball experience playing on club teams in his homeland. Lehto's hard work, skill, and passion for the game earned him a spot on the squad, and ever since, the "Finnish Fury" has been an incredible leader during MIT Basketball's most successful era in history.

Lehto, a two-time Academic All-Conference selection, has helped lead the Engineers to four 20-win seasons, three NCAA Tournament Appearances, two Conference Tournament Championships, one Conference Regular Season championship, and a number of team records. Lehto will join Bender as MIT Basketball's all-time winningest class with a record of 83-24.

Off the court, Lehto was recently featured on the blog for his work with HelmetHub, an award-winning idea that has received much publicity. Lehto, a mechanical engineering major and economics minor, has been accepted to Stanford's Graduate School.

Senior Day Profile: Billy Bender

Bender in his Sophomore year drives past current New York Knick Jeremy Lin (Pic: Tom Gearty)

Billy Bender came to MIT from Woodlands, Texas as a freshman on the famed 2008-2009 squad, and his quirky knack to find the ball and get it in the hoop was discovered immediately. The 6'5" guard/forward possessed all the skills a utility player needs; Bender could do everything.

Bender is considered one of the top defenders in the NEWMAC (Pic: Tom Gearty)

Billy Bender started off his career with a bang. In fact, the current success of the MIT Basketball can be traced back to "The Shot" by Bender his freshman year. Down two with seconds left in the quarterfinals of the 2009 NEWMAC Tournament versus Coast Guard, the quiet but deadly freshman nailed a baseline jumper to send the game into overtime. MIT would go on to win the game and eventually the program's first conference championship. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Bender's heroics were needed again as he sunk all four of his free-throws in the final seconds of the overtime upset of #17 Rhode Island College. "Big Shot Bender" had emerged.

Bender comes into Senior night with 702 career points, 389 rebounds, and 183 assists (Pic: Tom Gearty)

Since then, Billy Bender has quietly been a force for the Engineers, and has turned into not only the most efficient offensive player in the conference, but one of the premiere defenders as well. Bender is currently ranked in the top 15 in more categories (12 out of a possible 13) than any other player in the conference, reflecting his overall impact on the game. He currently leads the NEWMAC in field goal percentage (57.9) and three-point field goal percentage (47.3). He is also 4th in FT% (76.6), 4th in defensive rebounds (4.6), 8th in steals (1.4), 8th in rebounds (5.8), 8th in A/TO (1.4), 9th in 3FGM (1.2), 11th in minutes (29.2), 12th in assists (2.0), 13th in blocks (0.4), 15th in scoring (10.2). More importantly, Bender consistently guards the opposing team's best player.

Off the court, Bender is a Chemical Engineering major, and has offers from a number of different chemical manufacturing firms for next year.

The Mitchell Kates Factor

It's been a remarkable year for the MIT men's basketball program. Little was expected of the team entering the 2009-10 campaign. Although the team celebrated its first conference title and NCAA appearance, the loss of starting point guard Bradley Gampel and D3Hoops National Player of the Year Jimmy Bartolotta chased away any thoughts that MIT could come anywhere near replicating last season's success. However, as the Engineers prepare for their final game of the regular season, MIT has managed to assemble the winningest season in 109 years, and is gunning for its first regular-season conference title when it travels to Springfield on Saturday. Four new faces have paved the way for the Engineers' success. Will Tashman, who may have the best long-term potential, has been solid at both ends, Jimmy Burke has been one of the league's top threats on the perimiter, and Noel Hollingsworth's incredible work ethic and deft touch around the basket have been instrumental in guiding MIT through unchartered waters. But make no mistake, MIT has been one of the best teams in Division III all season primarily because there has never been another Mitchell Kates.

Point guard is the most important position in basketball. Not because the best players always play at that spot, but because the position is so specialized. The PG is responsible for running a team's offense, controlling the ball, and making sure the right players get the right touches at the right time. Across every level of play, championship teams nearly always benefit from great play at the point. Such has been the case for an overachieving MIT squad.

"I feel that I thrive in transition and in the open court," said Kates. "As a point guard, I understand the strengths and weaknesses of my teammates and try to put them in positions where they can be successful. I try to be the link between the coaching staff and my team on the floor."

It's highly unusual for a young player to understand their role so early into their college career, especially when considering the difficult transition high school players need to make in terms of physicality and speed of the game. But Mitch's proven ability is also why head coach Larry Anderson has remarked that Mitch may be the most college-ready freshman the coach has ever had.

"It's hard to describe what Mitch means to our basketball team," noted Anderson. "He keeps us under control. He is completely unselfish with the basketball, and he has unique athletic gifts that make him a very special player for us."

Although Mitch is averaging over 13 points per game and is leading the NEWMAC in assists and steals, his numbers don't necessarily relay his value. He began his career by picking up MVP honors at the Resselaer Tip-Off Tournament (he scored a game-best 22 in a one-point win over RPI); scored a career-high 28 and added an Institute record eight steals in a win against Curry; clinched an overtime win against Gordon with a driving lay-up; scored on three straight possessions in overtime to lift MIT past Salem State; and added a team-best 14 as he comfortably held his own against Harvard. Earlier in the season at Clark, with the team trailing by 14 late in the first half, Kates scored the last six points of the period, before MIT finished the rally after intermission. Even in Wednesday's loss at Wheaton, Kates was arguably the best player on the floor as he dished out eight assists, while adding six rebounds, two steals, and a game-high 24 points to lead a ferocious comeback that unfortunately fell just short. His confidence in his teammates as well as his own abilities is palpable, but what may be even more impressive is his understanding of the game and what it will take to lead MIT to heights never before achieved.

"Our team is capable of accomplishing anything," added Kates. "I see no reason why we can’t set our goals at a national championship, but we need to make big strides between now and then to even consider such a lofty goal. Our team struggles to bring great intensity to every play, every game. In order to win big games in the playoffs, we will need to bring more energy throughout the course of the game and execute better in the half court both offensively and defensively as well as in transition."

Kates is a basketball player mature beyond his years, but he's also quick to point out the luxury of having a dominant big man like Hollingsworth, and shooters like Burke and Billy Johnson who can fill it up. And beyond the talent, he recognizes the benefit of having teammates that all enjoy playing together.

"I am lucky to be part of a great recruiting class, so I will get to develop a great relationship with my teammates over the next couple of years. I feel that the closer you grow with your teammates outside of basketball, the easier it becomes to communicate with them on the court."

If nothing else, Kates understands his role, and that much of the team's success hinges on him doing the right things. MIT will experience success and defeat as a team, but if MIT is still playing basketball in March, don't be surprised if Kates is the factor that propels this group over the top.

Senior Day Profile: Patrick Sissman

Patrick Sissman enters his final regular-season game at Rockwell Cage as the epitomy of the true MIT student-athlete. A relentless worker both on and off the court, Sissman has worked hard through his four years helping to bring the program to where it is now. His contributions to the team go far beyond the stats he has put up, as he can regularly be found sharing his knowledge of the game with the younger guards on the team, and has been instrumental in the team's success in recent years.

Patrick Sissman hails from the Baltimore, Maryland area and entered MIT in the 2006 season. In that year, MIT was in rebuilding mode after losing seven seniors the previous season and Sissman was one of the players that stepped up to carry the team. In his freshman year, he averaged 24 minutes per game, including six starts. He would have one of the best games of his career against WPI on February 24, 2007, scoring 10 points (a career-high) on 4-7 shooting, with 4 assists and 3 steals. He had several big games statistically for the Engineers that season. In his sophomore season, Sissman played exceptionally in his role as back-up point guard, giving MIT strong minutes with great defensive intensity. As a junior, Sissman would set a career high with 7 assists on November 25, 2008 versus Curry. He followed that up later in the season with a 6 assist and 0 turnover performance against UMass-Boston on February 2, 2009. Entering his senior season, Sissman has been elected captain for the Engineers. He has been instrumental in tutoring the crop of talented young guards on the squad and getting them up to speed with the college game. To date, he has scored 120 career points, has 154 assists, and has grabbed 138 rebounds in 96 career appearances.

Coach Larry Anderson on Sissman:
“Patrick represents the true MIT student-athlete. Patrick, who has lettered all four years he has played, is one of true leaders of this team and has been one of the most dedicated and intelligent players I have ever coached. We appreciate the service he has given this basketball program on the court, classroom, and in the community. People don’t understand how great a person he is and that he will really be missed by our team and the MIT community as a whole. Patrick has been unwavering in his commitment to the MIT basketball program. Without his leadership we would not be where we are right now.”

Senior Day Profile: Billy Johnson

In coming back for his final year of eligibility, 5th-year senior Billy Johnson has secured his position in the history of MIT basketball. Johnson will leave the program as the all-time wins leader as a player in MIT basketball history. Including this season, Johnson has been a part of three 20 win seasons.

As a freshman out of Kamiak High School in Everett, Washington, Willard "Billy" Johnson entered as a part of the prized 2005 MIT recruiting class that included other future stars such as Bradley Gampel and Jimmy Bartolotta. Although the team that year was heavily senior dominated, Johnson still managed 13 starts in 23 appearances. The future looked bright for Johnson, but an injury six games into his sophomore season kept him out the rest of the year. As a junior, Johnson started all 24 games he appeared in, averaging 10 points per game and 5 rebounds per game. He had one of his biggest performances on opening day of that season, scoring 26 points and hauling in 7 rebounds against Western Connecticut. Entering his true senior season, Johnson entered a completely different player than three years prior, having added many pounds in muscle and polishing his all-around game. This paid off on the court as he would set career marks in every category, starting all 26 games he appeared in, averaging 17 ppg and 6 rpg. That season, he set career highs in points, scoring 40 in last year's senior day against Clark, and rebounds, with 14 against Springfield on February 4, 2009. He was named 2nd-team All-NEWMAC last season for his efforts. Now returning for his second senior season, Johnson has played an instrumental role in shaping the young group of talented newcomers this year. He currently sits at 1000 career points and 460 career rebounds.

Coach Larry Anderson on Johnson:
“Bill, as a 5th senior, has been the ultimate champion for this team. Whether it is hosting recruits or scoring 40 points on the court. He has been a consummate leader for this team for five years and really leads by example. From day one when Bill stepped on this campus at 6’8” you knew he was a basketball player, but his commitment to changing the stereotype of MIT basketball players and MIT athletes as a whole has been relentless. I can’t put into words what Bill has meant to this program. Coming back for a 5th year has really helped the continuity of our program and you can really see the results on the court in how the young players are responding to his, and the other captains’, leadership.“