About the Program
At Middlebury, men's basketball is part of the tradition of excellence based on the scholar-athlete model. Competitors generally appearing on the Panthers' schedule include NESCAC opponents Amherst, Bates, Bowdoin, Colby, Connecticut College, Hamilton, Trinity, Tufts, Wesleyan, and Williams. In addition, the team competes with other New England and eastern New York Division III schools, such as Brandeis, Norwich, Springfield and Union. The team usually plays in one post-holiday tournament. Middlebury has enjoyed some post-season success in recent years, appearing in the NESCAC Tournament during four of the last six seasons, hosting a game in '07.
Up-tempo is the key when describing the Middlebury basketball team. Coach Brown's basketball style of play emphasizes the fast-break and the three-point shot. With such a fast-paced style, the Panthers will rely on conditioning and depth.
Middlebury's team carries between 12 and 15 players, who appear in as many as 24 games during the regular season. Practice begins November 1 and is held daily, with players expected to attend unless there is an academic conflict. Players are generally on the floor for two hours; combined with preparation and post-practice activity, the total commitment is about three hours a day.