The Collegian

Issue date: 2/28/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Melanie Linney Senior Daniel Kickert will end his career at Saint Mary's as the leading scorer in school history.

Last night, seniors Daniel Kickert, Reda Rhalimi, and Erik Bond were honored before the game against Loyola Marymount in their last game at McKeon Pavilion.

Kickert said of playing his last home game as a Gael, "It was exciting but I also felt a bit melancholy."

Kickert has been an instrumental part of the ascension of the Saint Mary's basketball program. In his four years at Saint Mary's, the program has gone from a 9-20 team to a 25-9 team last year. "[Kickert] is one of those guys that will affect us winning games after he leaves," said head coach Randy Bennett.

Saint Mary's all-time leading scorer, Kickert has 1842 career points, which is 11th all-time in West Coast Conference history (all statistics as of February 25). Kickert is also seventh all-time in WCC history in three-point shooting percentage at 45.1 percent.

The effects of his influence can be seen in the signings of quality freshmen recruits.

"He has set a standard here," said Bennett. "I'll miss coaching him."

Rhalimi in his first two years at Saint Mary's averaged 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 3.7 minutes per game. This season, Rhalimi has started 16 games and averaged 4.8 points per game including an 18 point, eight rebound effort against Portland on January 9.

After transferring from Cal, Erik Bond brought leadership and experience to the Gaels. He missed the first nine games of the 2004-2005 season due to NCAA transfer rules but came back to provide support off the bench.

GaelForce has also had an impact on the seniors. "The support base has been great," said Kickert. "This has got to be one of the best student sections in the conference, if not the best."

Even though he has played his last home game as a Gael, expectations are high for Kickert. "I want to play professionally," said Kickert, "Set myself up for life."

"I expect him to play professionally," said Bennett. "It really depends on his play over the next few weeks. He's scheduled to be in Portsmouth (NBA scouting camp). I'd say 15-30 NBA teams will give him tryouts."

Kickert's scoring average has gone up every year and in his career at Saint Mary's he has averaged 15.5 points per game. He is also the NCAA's all-time leading scorer for an Australian-born player, passing Luc Longley.

His last game as a Gael could occur this weekend at the WCC Tournament. At last year's WCC Tournament, Kickert averaged 22 points per game.

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