Head Coach Hill Says Defense and Fan Support are Key to CIAA Success

Anyone who has been to a Shaw University athletic game has most likely heard the familiar school chant, "Shaw U; we are number one yea and you can't take that".

Shaw University's Men's basketball team is riding high entering into the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament games this year. The Shaw University Boy's Basketball team finished the season at second place in the division and will be seeded fourth at the start of the CIAA Tournament. Shaw is a division two team and finished the season with an 18-8 record. Head Coach Cleo Hill Jr. believes, "this year's team posses some unique qualities, and excels on its defensive strategy."

Coach Hill said, " My boy's are number three in the entire conference for scoring defense and number four in field goal percentage defense. Teams that play against us only make 41% of their shots." Coach Hill and his staff are optimistic that his team can continue this defensive prowess during the tournament in Charlotte. According to coach Hill, tough defense is what "Shaw will need" in order to win the CIAA Championship.

Shaw University last won the CIAA conference in 2002; when Coach Hill was Assistant Coach. Hill has currently been Head Coach at Shaw University for three years; having previously served for five years at Cheney University. Hill has 45 wins under his belt since he began his tenure as Head Coach at Shaw University. Hill credits his coaching staff; who he considers the "best assistant coaching staff in the country" and his player's hard work and dedication on and off the court as the key to the team's success this year.

Hill wants Alumni to know that the Shaw University Boy's Basketball team is well rounded in their basketball expertise, academia and community service. Under the leadership of Coach Hill the team has been increasing their community service efforts in the Raleigh area, recently working with Helping Hands Mission. The team also has plans to work with Habitat for Humanity in the Spring.

Coach Hill recommends that fans, keep a lookout on Senior Shooting Guard Raheem Smith and Junior Point Guard Tony Smith during this year's CIAA Conference.