Anyone who ever watched Alex Burt play basketball at both Dover high school and Plymouth State knows he isn’t the type ease into anything.

 As an all-state guard and later an all-conference selection for the Panthers Burt was about getting down the floor and the ball in the basket as quickly as possible. If you were walking the ball up…he was at the other end waiting for you to hurry up.

 In his new role as the head men’s coach at Great Bay Community College, well let’s just say he’s not inclined to change that mentality.

 “We’re a new program in the conference so I understand how people look at us and wonder if we’ll be able to compete night to night,” said Burt. “ I have goals for this team beyond just competing. I expect us to compete with the best teams on a nightly basis.”

 Burt takes over a 15-man roster made up entirely of a recruiting class he put together last winter.

 As someone who is in a high school gym every Tuesday and Friday night, I can tell you Alex Burt felt like my shadow at times a year ago.

“That’s the kind of work it takes to find the right players,” said Burt of his initial group of Herons. “It’s such a fun group to coach and they’re coming to every practice looking to get better as a team.”

 Great Bay’s roster is a mix of familiar names to New Hampshire basketball fans and players who may have gotten overlooked the first time around, but have their opportunity now. “We’re right where we need to be heading into the season (Great Bay opens the season tonight against defending conference champion NHTI),” said Burt. “I like the mix of players we have and the possibilities going forward as we get ready for opening night.”

 2019 NHsportspage Division IV Player of the Year Hunter Bullock will start the season as the team’s floor general after winning a championship at Epping a year ago. “I think Hunter is going to be an outstanding point guard in our conference,” said his head coach. “I’m excited about how he has played.”

 Former Epping all-state guard Dylan Derosier is back after playing for Great Bay three years ago.

 Derosier is a very good athlete who can get to the rim but Burt is counting on him to be one of his best defenders. “Dylan can guard multiple positions and obviously that is huge in the college game. He needs to get used to the speed of the college game just like most of the players on our team but I see it coming together quickly for him.”

 Ethan May was an all-state forward a year ago and helped Londonderry to the Final Four. Burt says May will contribute right away and in 2019, there were few players tougher and more willing to get after it on both ends of the floor in the state.

  Great Bay Community College Team Page & Schedule

 Max DesRosiers is another Londonderry product who had a breakout game in last years semifinal against Exeter while Erick Rodriguez of Manchester Central was one of the best defenders in Division I for a Final Four team in 2018. “Max gives us size and he can really stroke it, while Erick is just a bulldog on defense,” said Burt. “He’s going to help us right away.”

 Sean Murphy might be the surprise of the team, a player who didn’t play for Exeter but at 6’4 can score from the perimeter.  Sinciere Davis of Berlin gives the Herons a very good defender who is a tenacious rebounder at the guard spot while Chris Bennett of Prospect Mountain will compete for minutes as well.

 Craig Hounam was a very good rebounder at Newmarket and will battle for playing time in the frontcourt along with Wes Falzarano of Winnacunnet.

 Jordan Williams is a Baltimore product that Burt is excited about as well. “We have good depth and the chemistry on the floor is starting to really come along.”

 27-year old George Mortimer returns to the school to continue his education and will be a big factor from Day 1. “He obviously gives us a veteran presence but he is also a terrific scorer as well.”

 Hassan Hussein was one of Burt’s best ‘gets’ as a recruiter. A scorer out of Lewiston, Maine who will be a factor right away.

 Luke Duffley is another Manchester product (Trinity) who can shoot it very well and spread the floor for the Herons. “The players are really buying into my concepts as a coach and I think it’s a style really suited for their skill sets.”

 Burt has coached in Europe (where he was formerly a pro player) and in the college ranks, serving as a top assistant for Southern Vermont College. Having his own program was the inevitable next step and being the new team on the block means it’s going to be about the slow build.

 “It’s about setting a culture and gaining a reputation that we are going to compete for 40 minutes every game we play. I expect us to compete right away.”

 Like we told you……….Alex Burt and his Great Bay team don't plan to ease into anything.