By Kyle Zamiara
Promotions Editor
After losing his starting duties to Eric Mosley last season, senior Charlon Kloof returns as the only player with significant minutes and experience at point guard.
The returning assist leader fell off in almost all categories last season, averaging five points, two rebounds and 21 minutes per contest, compared to six points, two rebounds and 25 minutes as a sophomore.
The Paramaribo, Suriname native got straight to the point on his objective this season.
“Lead my team to a successful season, that’s the main priority,” Kloof said.
After starting the first 16 games last season, Kloof’s role was drastically decreased as Mosley went on a tear that eventually landed him second on the team in points per game.
Kloof said he’s up to the task of manning the point, but wants to make sure his teammates understand what they’re trying to accomplish on the floor.
“I definitely (want to) make sure the new guys know the system, know the style we play and know the identity we want to have,” Kloof said. “That’s the main focus because once everybody is on one page, you don’t have to direct as much. Everything just flows into one.”
Kloof also admitted his job of teaching the younger players has since eased up due to the work they did during the offseason.
“Luckily everybody was here for the summer, so my job is not that difficult anymore,” Kloof said.
If Kloof wants to keep the starting point guard job this season, he’ll need to be a more consistent scorer. Kloof started last season by not reaching double-digits in the first four contests of the season, averaging four points per game. Kloof responded the next five games by scoring double-digits in four of them and averaging 10 points.
After that short streak, Kloof had two more double-digit scoring games all season, and just one against an Atlantic 10 opponent.
One thing Kloof can be counted on to do is play defense. He’s the returning leader in steals for the Bonnies with 23 last season, four down from his sophomore year total of 27.
Kloof shut out star Florida State point guard Michael Snaer in the second round of the NCAA Tournament during the 2011-’12 season.
Although he defends well, Kloof also has to be careful not to foul out as he did twice last season. Kloof placed third on the team in fouls with 74, a high mark for a point guard.
With a young cast behind him, there’s no doubt Kloof will be a huge factor in determining the success of the Brown and White’s season.
