Shaun Lawton and Till Gloger have experienced their share of ups and downs during four seasons with the University of Maine men’s basketball team.
And though they have been through some of the most challenging years in program history (28-88 record), the seniors have made an impact on the Black Bears’ return to respectability.
Gloger and Lawton will be recognized prior to UMaine’s America East game against Hartford at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
“I’m really proud of their commitment to the school and to the program, their dedication and their loyalty and they’ve both had a significant impact,” said UMaine head coach Bob Walsh. “Hopefully they feel like they’re part of us turning this around and a culture that leads to a championship-level program.”
Wednesday is “Beach Night” as UMaine hopes to get a large turnout of students and other fans to dress up in their beach attire. UMaine will award $1,000 in prizes for the best outfits and all students will receive a free T-shirt.
Lawton, a 6-foot-5 guard from Harlem, New York, has been a versatile contributor for four seasons. This winter, he is averaging 8.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.7 steals in 21 games.
Lawton is shooting a team-leading 42 percent (18-for-43) from the 3-point arc but is perhaps best known for his quick hands and energy at the defensive end in helping to initiate UMaine’s transition attack.
“He’s had a really big impact on the youth in our program and setting the tone for how we go about things in a positive way and I’m really proud of that,” said Walsh, who praised Lawton’s unselfishness.
“(He’s) willing to do whatever we need him to do to try and win. He’s played every position on the floor in one game for us,” he added.
Among his career statistics covering 103 games are 761 points, 318 rebounds, 295 assists and 178 steals.
Gloger, a 6-8 forward from Bochum, Germany, has excelled with his polished offensive skills. In 26 games this season, he is averaging 9.3 points and 2.6 rebounds in only 16 minutes per contest.
Gloger is more of a half-court player whose skills are not as well-suited to UMaine’s uptempo approach. He features an assortment of jump hooks that make him strong near the basket, while he also has an excellent shooting touch out to 16 feet. In 114 career games, he has registered 896 points and 397 rebounds.
“Till’s a good player and he’s a great person and that fits my style all day long,” Walsh said. “We’ve played probably a little faster than he’s used to, but he’s been extremely productive in the low post for us, been a high-percentage scorer for us, which is really valuable.”
Gloger is a 54 percent shooter (370-for-680) and has connected on 72 percent of his free throws (156-for-217).