Jon Bain

Jonathon Bain (1985-) is an American born basketball player from Austin, MN. Originally a member of the Austin Packers varsity squad, Bain's career ultimately landed him at Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN--a member of the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Although undersized at 6'5, Bain is widely regarded as one of the top five post players from St. Olaf in the last decade.

2003-2004

Bain saw limited time in his freshman campaign, as the struggling Oles looked to slasher Jon Butala to lead the team. [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb03-04/STO.HTM Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] As the team floundered, Bain contributed off the court as a timekeeper for the women's team [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb03-04/STO.HTM Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] , while continuing to work at a grueling pace in practice. His potential was apparent on 28 January, 2004, when the struggling Oles matched up against nationally ranked Gustavus Adolphus College. On this occasion, Bain saw increased minutes, and led the Oles in scoring, with 12 points. Additionally, the Oles narrow, 11 point loss marked considerable improvement over their earlier, 38 point loss to the Golden Gusties. The success of the Oles in the second meeting can be almost wholly credited to Bain's efforts.

2004-2005

During his sophomore season, Bain's statistics ballooned as he solidified his position in the pantheon of great MIAC big men. After a disappointing performance in an overtime victory over the Norse of Luther College, Bain assumed his leadership role with a career-high 14 points against Crown College in the Oles second game of the season. Following a solid performance in the Oles non-conference schedule, the MIAC portion of the Oles schedule would prove most fruitful for the 6'5 sophomore. On December 1st, Bain exploded for 22 points [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb04-05/STO.HTM#tgbg.res Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] , and followed the performance by leading the team in rebounds for six of the Oles next seven games [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb04-05/STO.HTM#tgbg.res Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] Following 20 and 12 point outings, respectively, Bain posted perhaps the biggest game of any Ole big man in recent history against the Royals of Bethel University.

26-12

Perhaps the word "masterful" can best describe Bain's performance against the "run and gun" Royals. To Oles fans in the crowd, however, his effort is often regarded as "Herculean". The Royals entered the Skoglund Center with one one loss, dominating their opponents while cresting the 100-point mark on three occasions. On 5 January, 2005, however, the Royals were given all they could handle. Bain's full arsenal was on display as the Oles hung with the MIAC contenders. Unleashing a combination of hook shots, leaners, and fadeaways, Bain nearly singlehandedly kept the Oles in the game. When the final buzzer sounded, the Royals emerged the victors, 92-77. [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb04-05/STO.HTM#tgbg.res Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] However, a glance at the stat book reveals that Bain himself was the most significant force, leading all scorers with a career (and game) high 26 points, and well as a career-high 12 rebounds. After the unbelievable effort, Ole faithful tagged the 6'5 center with the moniker "Insane" Jon Bain.

2004-2005 (cont'd)

In spite of Bain's efforts, the Oles limped to 7-18 finish [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb04-05/STO.HTM#tgbg.res Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] under the leadership of coach Dan Kosmoski. The talent of the 04-05 Oles squad far exceeded their performance, and many point to "Coach Koz" as the reason for this underachievement. Current Minnesota Twins minor league outfielder and Stillwater High School all-time assist leader Andrew Schmiesing sepeculates that Koz's inneffectiveness was due to his "automatic substitutions", as well as his failure to consider specific situations. Although the Ole's suffered, Bain's season was anything but mediocre. His 11.7 points per game led the Oles, as did his 7.0 rebounds, and his 1.0 steals. [ [http://www.miac-online.org/sports/mbball/mbb04-05/STO.HTM#tgbg.res Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conf. - St. Olaf College ] ] Additionally, he posted 4 double-doubles, along with three 20+ point performances. The results? Bain was the only Ole to receive postseason honors, as he was named "Honorable Mention All-Conference" in the MIAC--a reward that Bain would garner in each of his next two seasons. [ [http://www.miac-online.org/Sports/mbball/2007/mbbawards200405.asp Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Association - 2004-05 MIAC Men's Basketball Awards ] ]

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