Coach Bill Chambers led the Greensboro College men’s basketball to 12 wins this season, the most by a Pride team since 1994-95. GC finished 7-5 in the Dixie Conference and alone in third place. 

“We turned the corner this season,” said fifth-year Greensboro Head Coach Bill Chambers. “The high notes we reached at mid-season are an example of what’s to come.”

Chambers was speaking of the packed Hanes Gymnasium and all the fans who watched an exciting Pride team. The GC faithful were led by the Couch Crazies, a rowdy group of students that sit on a couch at mid-court.

And no  player was more electrifying than senior guard-forward Shannon Scales. 

Scales averaged 19 points per game with this year’s club. Whether finishing fast-breaks with high-flying dunk shots or nailing three-pointers, Scales delivered many highlights for Pride supporters. The Winston-Salem, NC native ended his Pride career eleventh on the all-time list with 1263 points. Perhaps more impressive are his assist numbers. Scales dished off  247 assists in his time in the green and white—a total that puts him fourth on the all-time chart. 

The cupboard, however, certainly isn’t bare for next season. GC had seven juniors on the 1999-2000 squad. Returning starters Wes Linzy, Lee Tucker, Khalid Greenaway and Phil Tensley will lead the way for next year’s veteran Pride team.

Linzy was the second leading scorer for The Pride. The transfer from Winston-Salem State averaged 10.8 points and 6 rebounds per game. A power forward,  Linzy   plans    to commit to weight training in preparation for his final college season.

Tucker recovered from broken bones in both hands this year. The point guard led the GC offense and showed the shooting touch that caught Coach Chambers’ eye four years ago. Tucker sank 38 three pointers in ’99-00. He also averaged 11.7 points in DIAC games.
 
Greenaway looks to contribute more from his forward position next year. Tensley, on the other hand, was perhaps the most improved player on the team. Greensboro’s best defender also led the club in rebounding (7.0)...from the guard position. He also tallied eight points per game.

Chambers and his two assistants—Jake Moore and Jeff Smith—won’t just turn it over to upperclassmen next season. The staff is recruiting diligently, and expects to improve on its victory total next season. The Pride coaches believe they are just one or two players away from being a Dixie Conference contender and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.