by Dave Kinworthy
staff editor

As the first step in revamping the Rivermen basketball program, Head Coach Mark Bernsen has hired Ben Kandlbinder, a 1998 graduate of Southwest Missouri State University, as his assistant coach.

Kandlbinder, was a standout player for SMSU from 1994-1998 as he finished his career as the seventh leading scorer in the school's history with 1, 429 points.

When asked about his interest in UM-St. Louis, Kandlbinder was quick to point out Coach Bernsen as the main reason.

"I played one year under Coach Bernsen and then with Steve Alford, but it feels good to be back with Coach Bernsen," Kandlbinder said. "I have always respected him in basketball and also as a person."

With only three returnees coming back to play for the Rivermen, it could be a transition year for the Rivermen, but Kandlbinder thinks otherwise.

"Coach Bernsen did a lot of recruiting and has been on the road all summer," Kandlbinder said. "These kids that he has recruited are not only great basketball players, but great people. They have great personalities and are easy to work with. When you have guys you want to be here, these guys will make good decisions on and off the court."

Although Kandlbinder is the new assistant under Bernsen, some skeptics believe he is too young at the age of 23 for the job.

"You get use to things and to the atmosphere," Kandlbinder said. "Being young, I have some ideas that the guys will like since I am in such a close age with them. I know about the game and I think that Coach Bernsen and myself are a good fit for each other. We can bounce ideas off of each other."

The approach that Kandlbinder is taking may result in a dramatic turnaround for the Rivermen.

"One thing is that we have guys coming in who want to win," Kandlbinder said. "We want to win and produce good players who graduate. We are going to be upbeat. You will see some enthusiasm from these players. They are new and come from winning traditions and don't know any other way. We are not worried about the past, but only the future of this program."

Although former Head Coach Rich Meckfessel has departed, the winning ways and new attitude that Bernsen and Kandlbinder have brought to UM-St. Louis will only strive towards great things in the years to come.