Confidence grows with Navy center

Mark Veazey started at center for the Navy basketball team as a freshman somewhat by default.

Veazey was the tallest, most-skilled big man on the roster and the Midshipmen needed his interior presence for defensive, rebounding and shot-blocking purposes.

Going into this season, head coach Billy Lange challenged Veazey to "take ownership" of the fact he was the starter at the five spot. "Last year you started games. This year you need to become a starter," Lange told Veazey, explaining that an attitude change was crucial to making that subtle transition.

Veazey seems to have taken those words to heart....