Matt Cain – Contributor
Last year, the Owls basketball team went to the NE10 Tournament but was knocked out of the running by the University of New Haven. That year’s team was led by two seniors: Zack Penn and Uylen Colemen. With those two graduates, the team is now led by guard Marty Silvera, a junior.
Silvera has been on a winning streak lately as he earned Conference Player of the Week and Honor Roll Athlete of the Week. He is averaging a career-high in almost every category and making an impact by being durable, efficient and effective on the court.
This season, Silvera and the Owls look to provide an identity for the team.
“He’s played at the Division 1 level. He knows what it takes to be great,” Head Coach Scott Burrell said.
In the last NE10 matchup against Assumption University, Silvera put up a respectable 10 assists and seven rebounds, which are also season highs for him.
With the Owls on a hot start led by Silvera, team chemistry has been at an all-time high. Guard Sean James, a junior, has been the perfect player to complement Marty’s game.
“They have a great relationship off the court which translates onto the court,” Burrell said.
Silvera’s assists have increased to an average of 7.2 assists per game. With his unselfish play style, the team now benefits from more shots and an increased game tempo.
Silvera is not just competing on the offensive end of the ball; he plays great defense as well. He averages 3.0 steals a game this season.
The defense was what the Owls were lacking in seasons prior. Now, Silvera has stepped up in the defense category as well.
“He can do anything: score, play defense and pass. He is great to have,” Burrell said.
Marty knows his role on the team and knows how good he is. With the rapid start to the season, every day is a lesson to improve with.
There has been another new addition to the Owls’ roster: forward Josh McGettigan, a graduate student. McGettigan transferred to the university this fall and has been connecting well with his new teammates, including Silvera.
“Marty is a great teammate and has great IQ on the court as well,” McGettigan said.
When Silvera plays well, everybody plays well and complements the tone he sets.
The Owls are on a hot start and do not look like they will slow down anytime soon. The goal for the Owls this season is to have a great regular season and be a top contender in the conference.
With the leadership of Silvera, the team has a great mentality going into each game.
“I know my role on the team, but it’s about getting the win at the end of the day,” Silvera said.
The Owls leave it all out on the floor every night, and now with improved team chemistry, they can perform at a high level every game, thanks in part to Silvera.
