Abi Wegner—Staff Writer

The Dordt University Men’s Basketball team currently has 16 wins and 4 losses, with an approximate 15 percent increase in game winning percentage according to NAIA 2021-2022 statistics.

Head Coach Brian Van Haaften has coached the team the last four seasons. He attributes the team’s success this season to their scoring ability.

“This team has the ability to score at all levels,” Van Haaften said. “We shoot the three well, we shoot the pull-up well, we score the post, we get to the foul line.”

The men’s basketball team is up about an average of 16 baskets per game to last season.

Van Haaften enjoys coaching this team, especially with the “close knit crew” they have. He explains that the relationship among the players is the “best part about this team, [that] they enjoy being around each other.”

Another great thing about the players this season, Van Haaften said, is their commitment to following the Dordt Athletics Mission Statement.

“We want to have guys that put others above themselves, glorify God with how they play and communicate with each other,” Van Haaften said.

These players do that in ways such as passing off the shot to their teammates rather than taking a risky shot themselves, something noticed in their most recent game against Midland.

The coach’s goal this season is to place better than last year and be one of the top teams in their conference. Van Haaften emphasizes that while they are winning games, they are ultimately having fun.

Junior Bryce Coppock is a starter for the team. He plays shooting guard and started all 31 games last season. He agrees that the team has a great time when they are together.

“[The environment] is very positive, we have a really great community,” Coppock said. “It makes for a really fun atmosphere and somewhere where everyone can have a great time.”

Coppock also said that it is the team’s ability to shoot the ball that has bettered their statistics so far this season.

“We have a very special group,” Coppock said.

Coppock’s main goal this season isn’t for himself, but rather for the team to make it far as they can and end high in the standings.