By: Gabe Taylor '12
Click here for a Spring 2012 With Captains Raymond Cowels III and Marc Trasolini
Marc Trasolini didn't see it coming.
After radically impacting Santa Clara's CIT title run two seasons ago, Trasolini didn't plan on viewing the game from the bench in what was supposed to be his senior year in 2011-12.
But the setback wasn't all-negative. Accepting that his role had to change, Trasolini worked with the youthful team, often mimicking a coach.
"I definitely got a different perspective, seeing how it is to coach," said Trasolini, who suffered a torn ACL during Santa Clara's preseason tour in Vancouver, Canada in Sept. 2011. "It was a different angle watching from the bench."
Without the ability to contribute on the court, Trasolini did whatever he could off the court to still be a factor. Having young post players helped him find his niche. Bronco head coach Kerry Keating and Trasolini worked with Robert Garrett, John McArthur, Yannick Atanga and Niyi Harrison throughout the season to develop their presence in the paint both on offense and defense.
"I think they learned a lot this year and will be ready to go for us next year," said Trasolini.
That didn't stop him from gathering tidbits along the way as well.
"I picked up on the little things and I think those are going to pay huge dividends for me next year," said Trasolini, commenting on what he noticed during plays and situations.
Within two-to-three months of the injury, Trasolini took to the court to shoot around and regain his feel for the game.
But his time with the ball in his hands often capped out after free throws.
When spring quarter came around the bend, and the six-month marker past, Trasolini was cleared for workouts. Conditioning lines his schedule twice a week, with lifting, individual workouts and shooting to add to his preparation for the 2012-'13 season.
He has yet to be cleared for full-contact workouts, which include pickup games, but he expects that to
"It's over six months until the season starts, so there's no rush," said Trasolini.
Trasolini, who averaged 12.8 ppg and 6.1 rpg in the Broncos' championship campaign, is continuing to focus on improving his outside shooting and inside game, making his versatility a significant threat to opponents.
Recognizing the need for an additional leader while sitting out for the season, Trasolini is aiming to step into that role.
"I think we're all expecting a lot out of each other," said Trasolini. "We want results."
With summer steadily approaching, he is in a familiar situation.
"It's kind of bittersweet," said Trasolini. "I was in that position last year; I thought I had one more year left. But I got it extended and I'm happy about that because I love playing here."
Trasolini finished his Finance degree last quarter, graduating with a 3.621 and has already started his MBA at Santa Clara with hopes of just about finishing it by this time next year. "It will be a nice thing to take with me," added Trasolini.
He will end his collegiate basketball career the way he started it: with sharpshooter and fellow Bronco star, Kevin Foster.
"I'm really excited for this [coming] year," said Trasolini. "I know that time's running out so I'm just trying to take advantage of it and make the most of it."