ST. GEORGE — Unique is the position Dixie State head coach Jon Judkins finds himself in as the Rebels transition from a two-year junior college to a four-year Division II program.
Judkins just completed his first season at the helm of Dixie State, a year in which he found himself trying to win, while also trying to recruit his own players and the players of his opponents.
"It was very different," Judkins said. "My biggest job is to try and keep as many of the players here from last year's team as we can. We finished the season very strong. If we could have the whole team back, we'd be very good. But that's probably not going to happen."
The bottom line is the Rebels will, for the first time ever, have juniors (and maybe a couple of seniors) on their roster next season. And considering the level of play Dixie State was experiencing at the end of this past season, that's a good thing.
But keeping the team together could be a real challenge.
"You're fighting all kinds of outside influences," Judkins said. "Some of these guys have been told that they should play at another junior college so they have a chance to go D-I. But I am trying to let them know that they had it pretty good here."
The Rebels won five of their final six games and were one controversial charging call away from the NJCAA tournament in Hutchinson, Kan. Dixie State was eliminated by Southern Idaho when Ben Murdock was called for a charge as the winning basket was going through the hoop in the Region 18 tournament's final three seconds.
Murdock, a Bountiful native, was the biggest star this season, and the 6-foot-2 sophomore is getting a lot of interest from Division I programs. He may also be the biggest recruit Judkins needs to commit if the Rebels are going to be successful in the future. Murdock, at point guard, was second on the team in scoring (11.7 points a game) and led the team in assists (4.4 apg), steals (1.2 spg), 3-pointers (53), free-throw percent (84) and minutes played (30 mpg).
Another key part of Dixie's 21-12 season was Moleni Taukiuvea. The 6-5 Salt Lake native combined a big, strong body with a killer crossover and floor game to average a team-best 13.1 points a game. He was also second on the team in steals (1.0 spg) and third in rebounds (6.1 rpg).
American Fork's Rick Shoff (10.1 ppg), who started all 33 games, and Heber City's Logan Magnusson (8.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg) are both leaving on LDS Church missions, while Beaver's Travis Bunker (9.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and Magna's Rawley Loutensock (8.1 ppg) should be back.
Bunker, though only 6-6, rebounded the ball well. He was also second on the team in 3-point shooting. His game is perfectly suited to Judkins' style of play.
Loutensock, at 6-11, 335 pounds, may end up playing football for Dixie State next season. Judkins said basketball is there for him if he decides to stick with hoops.
Dixie State's two foreign-born players, Milan Stanojevic from Serbia and Luis Augusto from Brazil, began to show progress late in the season. Stanojevic, a guard, averaged 5.4 ppg and had 16 steals in 18 games. Augusto, a post player, averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg.
"We have a real good chance at getting Milan back," Judkins said. "He was a joy to coach. (Augusto) is probably gone. We'd love to have him back, but they're telling him he can go D-I if he plays another year of (junior college) somewhere.
The Rebels look toward next year with an ambitious and wary eye. Instead of squaring off with the likes of Southern Idaho and Eastern Utah, Dixie State will be playing UNLV and as tough a season-opener as you can find — at Gonzaga.
Dixie State leaders
Points: Moleni Taukiuvea, 13.1 per game
Rebounds: Travis Bunker, 7.1 per game
Assists: Ben Murdock, 4.4 per game