Nov. 7, 2012

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The men's basketball season tips off on Friday and three Torero seniors will be entering their last season at USD.

Guard Cameron Miles and forwards Ken Rancifer and Chris Manresa are determined to end their USD careers on a high note.

"We've been working hard all summer," Miles said. "We are trying to make it the best season we have had here, and right now it's looking good."

The Toreros ended with a 13-18 record last year, but finished the season strong, winning five of their last seven games against conference opponents. The Toreros advanced to the quarterfinals of the WCC Tournament and nearly knocked off BYU, who would go on to the NCAA Tournament.

The Toreros lost only one player from last season's squad and the team is committed to build off their late season success.

"The whole team was here [all summer] taking classes, lifting weights, trying to get stronger and in better shape," Manresa said.

"This was the most players we have had stick around since I've been here," Rancifer said.

As the career of Miles, Manresa, and Rancifer are winding down, the Toreros have plenty of fresh faces this season with six newcomers (four freshmen and two transfers). The Torero coaching staff will look to the seniors to take on a leadership role.

"I want to set an example for the all the younger guys at all times and show them what needs to be done to be good in this conference," Miles said. "I want to show them how to make USD a known name."

Rancifer also stressed the importance of preparing USD for future success. "I feel like I'm not much of a vocal leader so I just want to lead by example and play as hard as I can," Rancifer said. "I want to leave the program on a positive vibe so that for the next coming years USD will be set to be a good team."

When asked what advice the three seniors had for the new guys, they all gave similar responses.

"Your four years go by fast. They go by real fast, so you have to make the most of every opportunity," Rancifer said. "Every time you step on the floor at practices, play like it's your last."

"You can't take games or practices for granted," Manresa chimed in.

Miles has high hopes for one newcomer in particular.

"I think Jito Kok (a 6'9" freshman forward from the Netherlands) is going to make a big impact with his athleticism and ability to change shots," Miles said. "He helps out a lot in the paint with his size and jumping ability."

Coach Grier and the Toreros were pleasantly surprised by the play of their freshmen starting guards Christopher Anderson and Johnny Dee last season, and will look for them to build off their impressive freshmen campaigns.

"Those guys made a big impact last season. I felt they were under the radar, and they brought a lot of energy to the team and uplifted us in a way," Rancifer said. "They have been focused all summer and I think they are going to do it again this year."

For the seniors, the season will have a different feeling to it as it will be filled with bittersweet moments, but the goal remains the same.

"We haven't got to the postseason yet, and this is our last year," Manresa said. "So we definitely want to get to the postseason."

"If we can just keep it going in the direction we are going right now," Miles said, "It's going to be a good senior year."

The Toreros kick off the season November 9th at home against San Diego Christian at 7:00 p.m.

For the full transcript of the interview with Miles, Rancifer, and Manresa, click here