Jimmies to meet up with Trumbauer

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Jeff Trumbauer

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Augustana College won’t ever have a more detailed scouting report of an opponent as they do for Saturday night’s game.

Jamestown College, off to a 3-1 start, heads to Sioux Falls, S.D., on Saturday for an exhibition game against the Vikings and Jeff Trumbauer, who at this time last year was coaching the Jimmies.

Trumbauer, who left JC to become coach Tom Billeter’s top assistant last spring, says he has been following his former team from afar.

“I’ve kept a close eye on what they’re doing,” said Trumbauer, who went 94-84 with a pair of appearances in the national tournament from 2004-10. “I have a lot of affection for that program and the community. It’s definitely been fun to see them have the success they’ve had so far.”

Trumbauer scheduled the game with Augie last season and had no idea how things would eventually turn out.

“I really felt exhibition games against good teams were a good thing for us at Jamestown,” he said. “It was a situation where you could gain some confidence against a quality opponent, or see some things that we needed to work on.”

Trumbauer’s transition back to Augie has gone smoothly, although much has changed on the campus since his first stint as an assistant from 2003-04 before coming to Jamestown.

On the court, the Division II Vikings are picked to finish fourth in the NSIC. Last Sunday they played an exhibition game against the University of Arizona — picked to finish second this season in the PAC-10. They hung around and lost by just 11 (70-59).

“One of the things you realize is how similar it is. It’s still basketball, even when you’re playing a team like Arizona,” he said. “A good shot is a good shot. A good play is a good play. The basics of what you’re trying to teach don’t change a whole lot regardless of where you’re at.”

There are differences, of course. Augie has four players 6-foot-7 or taller, while the Jimmies feature a smaller, although athletic rotation.

“The main difference you typically see is the size and depth of the roster,” Trumbauer said. “That’s taking nothing away from Jamestown’s players. You can tell they’re getting better every game and adjusting to coach (Matt) Murken’s system.”

Trumbauer admitted it will be a little strange competing against several players he recruited to Jamestown College, but looks forward to keeping an eye on his former players in the future.

“I don’t want to intrude in any way, but the guys know I’m really rooting for them,” he said. “I know they’re in good hands with coach Murken and coach (Ryan) Thompson.”

Sun sports editor Dave Selvig can be reached at (701) 952-8460 or by e-mail at daves@jamestownsun.com

Tags: sports, basketball, men, jimmies, trumbauer