HL previews

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 1: Cleveland State

Oct. 30, 2006

Gary Waters knows the challenge that lies ahead of him.

After all, it was only a decade ago when he faced a similar situation when he began his head coaching career at Kent State. The ensuing success that he had with the Golden Flashes, and in a subsequent rebuilding effort at Rutgers, has fully prepared him for the road ahead.

As part of the plan, Waters brought the Viking returners together over the summer and used Hall of Fame coach John Wooden's book on the Pyramid of Success to teach the CSU players about success.

"Success class", as it was tagged, continued on during the preseason with the Vikings ultimately putting together their own pyramid, identifying the traits and characteristics needed to attain success.

Waters knows that the success of the Vikings in 2006-07 is fully on the shoulders of the nine returning players and that how well they take the system to heart and implement the up-tempo, full-court style of play that has become a trademark of Waters-coached teams.

"The foundation of the program was already here when I arrived," Waters told the media during the preseason. "Our returning players -- and especially our four seniors -- have really stepped up and accepted what we are trying to do. They have totally bought into our philosophy.

"I've never had a group of players respond as well as this group has. We have a good core group of players who are hungry for success. That hunger will help us to get better."

The Vikings will feature a good balance of youth and experience this year with the nine returning players -- four of whom were starters last season -- being joined by four newcomers, each of whom will add an extra dimension to the lineup.

"This transition is going to take time because this system is like nothing they've done before," Waters said. "We are changing a style. They talked about running last year but in reality, if the opportunity was there, they would run. We want to really push it at people and it takes time to learn how to do that correctly."

Waters will have a dozen players to build his rotation from with many of the Vikings being capable of playing multiple spots.


Newcomers Energize Veteran Backcourt

The Vikings will feature a deep rotation at the perimeter spots this year with as many as a half dozen players -- four returners and two newcomers -- capable of playing the three positions.

"The positive thing about this year's team is the balance that exists between the returners and the new guys, especially at guard," Waters said. "Our new players are pretty talented and they are pushing the returners every day and both groups are getting better."

Senior Carlos English is the leading candidate to start at point guard this year while senior Victor Morris and sophomore Bahaadar Russell are also candidates for the spot.

English, who started 24 of CSU's 28 games last year, is one of the quickest players on the team. The most-experienced of the point guards, he led the team in both steals (48) and assists (130), ranking second and fourth, respectively, in the Horizon League.

Morris has been a fixture in the Viking lineup in each of the last three seasons, leading all returners in games (81) and minutes played (2,047). He will most likely see action at both of the guard positions.

Russell is the wild card at the point after being slowed during his freshman year by a leg injury that ultimately kept him from a place in the playing rotation. Now healthy, his play-making skills have benefited from the change in system and he could see more playing time this season.

A pair of newcomers -- freshman Joe Davis and junior Breyohn Watson -- are the leading candidates to challenge both Morris and Raheem Moss for playing time at the off-guard position.

Davis, a first team all-state choice last year after averaging 28.1 points a game at Warrensville High, possesses the natural scoring ability that the Vikings lacked from the perimeter last year. He was the first player signed by CSU last spring, an indication that Waters was serious about building the Vikings around Cleveland-area talent. He is also capable of playing point guard though Waters may elect to focus his time at one position to make his transition to college basketball easier.

Watson, a junior who played last season at Mott Community College, was a surprising find during the summer for CSU. Added to the roster late in the summer, he has impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and work ethic and could also see playing time on the wing.

Junior Greg Vlosich, who sat out all of last season following surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, will provide depth at both guard spots once his knee returns to full strength.


Vikings Feature Depth On The Wing

The biggest question that Waters has to answer as CSU enters the season is how to split up the playing time on the wing, where senior Raheem Moss will be challenged by newcomers Tristan Crawford and Breyohn Watson for playing time. giving Waters three scorers to call upon at the position.

Moss, a second team preseason all-league choice a year ago, has averaged in double figures in scoring in each of his two seasons at CSU. He ranks eighth all-time in three-point percentage (.389) and ninth with 119 career three-pointers.

"Moving Raheem to the wing will allow him to take advantage of his size and shooting ability without creating a speed problem for him on defense when he has to defend against a quicker guard," Waters said.

Crawford, the Pennsylvania Class AAA Player of the Year as a senior after averaging 23.0 points a game, sat out the 2005-06 season to concentrate on his academics. The year away from basketball slowed his transition to the college level but once he adapts, he will have an impact on the lineup.


Lack Of Big Man Won't Slow Inside Play

The Vikings have a dilemma inside this year as the roster features four players 6-7 or taller but none big enough to be considered a true center, so Waters will need to improvise a bit to turn the shortage into a positive.

"I don't have any big guys," Waters told the media early in the fall. " I really have a bunch of forwards who are pretty mobile. They run as well as the guards and when you have forwards who run like that, then that is pretty good. I have to find a way to incorporate that into what we do."

Fortunately for Waters, he knew early in the summer that the Vikings would lack a big man so he planned ahead, scouting several programs that were successful playing without a center.

"I spent two days visiting the Phoenix Suns to see what they did when Amare Stoudemare was out of the lineup last year and they were forced to play with a similar makeup (three guards, two forwards)."

The forward rotation will consist of senior Patrick Tatham, juniors Luke Murphy and Kevin Francis and sophomores J'Nathan Bullock and Renard Fields.

One thing that became certain during preseason was that Bullock is going to see the lion's share of minutes on the court this year, most likely at the power forward spot.

A preseason All-Horizon League second team choice this year, Bullock became only the fifth freshman in Viking history to lead the team in scoring (11.3 ppg). His strength and quickness allow him to excel at driving to the basket.

"J'Nathan played out of position last year," Waters said. "He is 6-5 but he played two feet from the basket where it was hard for him to score against the 6-8 and 6-9 guys. He needs to be able to get away from the basket so that he can use that athleticism. We're going to allow him to spread out a bit and see what he can do."

Tatham, a three-year regular who leads all active players with 57 career starts, was first on the team and ninth in the Horizon League last year averaging 6.0 rebounds a game. His strength and quick hands have allowed him to excel as a defender, a skill that is very important in the Waters system.

At 6-9, 220 pounds, Murphy combines the size and shot blocking ability of a post player with the ball-handling and shooting skills of a guard to become a very difficult player to defend. He made six of his nine three-point attempts last year, a figure that should lead to more opportunities this season.

Fields, who is the player with the most experience playing with his back to the basket, played well in limited action as a freshman. He averaged 6.5 minutes a game off the bench, shooting .600 from the field with seven blocked shots.

Francis, the lone newcomer among the post players, may have the biggest impact among the Viking newcomers this year. A member of the Canadian Junior National team in each the last two years, he has impressed the coaching staff with his maturity and production during the preseason.


Scout Team To Provide A Punch. . . Next Year

One area that will help the Vikings get better as a unit is in practice where the CSU regulars will face on a daily basis three of the best players on the team when they square off against the scout team.

In an attempt to build for the future -- most specifically when the current group of four seniors leave after this season -- Waters has added three transfers to the squad from Division I schools who will have to sit out this season to meet NCAA transfer guidelines.

When eligible next season, the trio of guard Cedric Jackson (St. John's) and forwards Chris Moore (UC-Santa Barbara) and George Tandy (Eastern Illinois) will each play a significant role in the rotation.

"At this level, transfers are good for this program," Waters said. "You may not get the top player in recruiting right away, but they might come back to you. That's what we've done here and when these three players are eligible, they will impact the lineup. They'll use this year as an chance to learn about our program so that next year, they will be able to contribute right away."


Schedule Creates Challenges

A change in the NCAA rules has impacted the Viking schedule in two ways this year. The Nov. 11 game against George Mason is the earliest season opener in the 75-year history of the program.

In addition, CSU will play at least 31 games this year, a figure surpassed only three times in school history (CSU played 33 games in both 1985-86 and 1986-87 and 32 contests in 2000-01).

"The schedule is a tough one, but it is going to tell us a lot," Waters said. "I wanted to put a bunch of challenges in there along with some games where we might achieve some success.

"By the time we play our 10th game, we will know where we are as a team."

The front third of the schedule is loaded as the Vikings will play five of their first 10 contests against teams that advanced to the post-season.

The season opener couldn't be much tougher as 2006 Final Four participant George Mason comes to Cleveland to tip off the year. CSU also begins the year with games against 2006 NCAA teams Ohio State (Dec. 9), which begins the year ranked fourth in the CNN/USA Today poll, and Kent State (Nov. 29) while squaring off with NIT teams Miami, Fla. (Nov. 19) and Butler (Dec. 2). Add to the mix a Dec. 5 game at Kansas State and CSU has few breathers in the first four weeks of the year.

"Our non-conference schedule is built so that it will get us ready for the conference schedule," Waters said. "By playing the best teams possible early in the year, we will be ready when league play gets going."

The Dec. 2 game at Butler is the earliest league opener in school history and it will begin a challenging 16-game slate with the Vikings being tabbed to finish ninth in the preseason poll.

"I don't believe that where we have been picked is reflective of where we are as a program," Waters said. "It is based upon where we have been.

"The Horizon League will be a challenge this year. I think that Loyola, with three all-league players back, is the team to beat. But after them, spots 2-9 will be a battle because there isn't much that separates the other eight teams."

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/103006aaa.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 2: Youngstown State

Oct. 31, 2006

Quin Humphrey.

One of the most talented players since the YSU program joined the Division I ranks 25 years ago is again the center piece of the team. Though in 2006-07 Humphrey will have help from a group of talented players eager to step forward and be successful.

Humphrey, who scored in double figures in 27 of 28 games last year, was the Penguins' most reliable performer throughout last season en route to leading the Horizon League in scoring and rebounding.

Now, with a coaching staff entering its second year, Youngstown State seems to be a team on the rise.

Brought in to contribute this past off-season are junior Greg Mayes, freshman Alek Mrozik and junior-college transfers Chris Booth and George Cotal.

Another player who will be counted on to step in immediately is point guard Byron Davis. Davis, a junior, sat out last year after transferring from New Mexico State.

Back from last year's squad are guards Keston Roberts and Mikko Niemi and forwards John Barber, Dwight Holmes, Jack Liles and Colin LaForme. Together, that group of six players started a total of 69 contests in 2005-06.

Humphrey and Roberts finished as the team's top two scorers, while Humphrey and Barber were the top two rebounders.

For the year, Humphrey averaged 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He became just the second YSU player since the Division I jump was made in 1981-82 to score over 500 points (538) and grab at least 200 rebounds (233) in the same year.

Overall, he is just the sixth player at YSU since 1960-61 to record such standards in both categories in the same year. He also became the fifth individual in school history to score at least 30 points in three straight games (33 at UIC, 31 at Loyola and 31 versus UW-Green Bay).

Roberts scored 391 points in his first year back while making 42 3-pointers. A player with unlimited range, he attempted 148 treys in 2005-06, the fifth most in school history.

Behind Humphrey, Barber was second on the squad with 122 total rebounds, averaging 4.4 per contest. Barber scored 195 points for the year, averaging 7.0 per contest.

Overall, Barber, Humphrey and Roberts were three of the four individuals to play in every game last season.

Returning to help improve the post efforts are LaForme and Liles.

As a true freshman, Liles started 16 games finishing with 88 points and 75 rebounds. He stood out defensively posting a team-high 19 blocked shots.

LaForme started a career-high 12 games and finished with 80 points and 72 rebounds. He also finished with 18 steals and 14 assists. LaForme has worked hard in the offseason and will play center this year.

Holmes saw time in the starting lineup as well on 13 occasions. He scored 35 points, grabbed 30 rebounds and had eight assists for the year.

Niemi saw increased playing time as the season wore on. The freshman played in 24 games scoring 24 points, grabbing 20 rebounds and finishing with 11 assists.

Davis spent last year participating in practices after transferring from New Mexico State. In his two years with the Aggie program, he played in 57 contests, starting 35. He scored 334 points, grabbed 154 rebounds and dished out 105 assists.

He will be counted on to step in for Derrick Harris who led the Horizon League in assists per game as a senior last year.

Booth started all 31 games at Lincoln Land Community College in 2005-06 as a sophomore. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game leading the Loggers to a 20-11 mark.

Cotal had a great run as a sophomore at Hostos Community College winning the NJCAA Division III National Championship. He was named to the all-tournament team at both regionals and at the championship tournament. He spent last year with the team as a student coach while working to earn his degree.

Mrozik, a native of Lublin, Poland, was part of a successful high school program at Community Christian School in Georgia. His team won 40 games during his senior campaign and won the National Elite Athletic Association Championship.

Overall, YSU has improved its experience - both on and off the court - and the Guins will be carried by their strong and deep backcourt.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/103106aac.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 3: UW-Milwaukee
Nov. 1, 2006

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball team will have a new look in the 2006-07 season.

In fact, that's a huge understatement. UWM's roster includes 15 players in their first or second years in Milwaukee, with a number of newcomers on the brink of cracking into the starting lineup. Plus, with all five starters from last season having graduated, the Panthers are assured of having an entirely new starting five this year.

All of those facts lead to the conventional wisdom the Panthers are poised for a step back in the Horizon League. But, a closer look at the group assembled in Milwaukee points toward a great opportunity to exceed those expectations. And, don't for a moment think the Panthers aren't setting their own expectations high and doing everything they can to defend their three-straight Horizon League regular season titles.

UWM believes it has assembled an extremely talented group of players, combining four returnees with a high-level collection of newcomers. The returnees include two seniors and two juniors, with Avery Smith and Allan Hanson appearing in every game last season. The impact newcomers are highlighted by Northern Illinois transfer Paige Paulsen, 2005 Milwaukee City Conference Player of the Year Ricky Franklin and junior-college transfer Marcus Skinner.

It should all add up to an intriguing year for the Panthers, who are trying to turn their new look into the same old success the program has enjoyed.

UWM's group of returnees start with the two-member senior class. Kevin Massiah is in his second season at UWM after stints at Western Kentucky and Schoolcraft CC. Nick Hansen, meanwhile, has earned a scholarship this season after playing his first three years at UWM as a walk-on.

"One thing you can't measure is tradition. With tradition comes expectation, and with expectations you always have that next class coming out wanting to continue the program in the direction it has been heading. You want to keep it going," UWM head coach Rob Jeter said. "When I look at Nick and Kevin, I see two young men totally dedicated to getting themselves ready physically. Both have come back ready to go and I really see them being more vocal with some of the younger guys. They are going to be a big part of our success this year because of their work on and off the court."

The story of Hansen, who has made contributions in each of the last two years, is a happy one for Jeter. He truly sees that Hansen has earned his scholarship and the chance for playing time this year.

"Nick really went into this summer and dedicated himself to becoming a better basketball player no matter what," Jeter said. "Even if he didn't have a scholarship, he was going to get himself ready to help this team. That kind of attitude is a special attitude, knowing he was paying for his school and it was his last year and yet he was still willing to get himself in the best shape possible and be ready to compete."

Massiah, meanwhile, will be looked at to provide depth inside. Jeter is hopeful he will develop by spending a second-consecutive year in Milwaukee.

"Kevin has finally had a chance to settle in somewhere," Jeter said. "He's bounced around a little bit and with him coming back and being a leader, this is exactly what he needs to get comfortable and call someplace home. I think he's ready."

UWM's other two scholarship returnees are backcourt mates Hanson and Smith. The two were part of the regular rotation a season ago, with Smith averaging 4.7 points per game and Hanson shooting 46.7 percent from three-point range. While the two are definitely in battles to earn a spot in the starting lineup, Jeter sees the pair doing the right things to claim prominent spots in the Panther rotation.

"I see it in the maturity with which they are handling the preseason workouts. You can see them really pushing themselves and pushing the younger players to work even harder, so that is a good sign," Jeter said. "On the basketball court, it is all about decision-making and doing the right things, and they are making better decisions than they were last year. It is their time because they are veteran returning players. Now, it is about getting them settled into their roles. I really like the fact they are really pushing themselves and their maturity is showing up in the preseason. That is only going to carry over into the rest of the year."

Clearly, though, UWM will be counting heavily upon a highly-touted group of newcomers to make a major difference in 2006-07. The leader of that newcomer group is Paulsen, who played two seasons at Northern Illinois before sitting out last season in Milwaukee. His Division I collegiate experience, as well as his experience in the program, makes the former South Dakota Mr. Basketball a key component in the mix for this season.

"It is so important that he has college experience, both at Northern Illinois and with us in practice last year, because we are going to need his experience," Jeter said. "We have returning players, but not all of them were on scholarship and not all of them saw a lot of minutes, so we need some veteran leadership. Although Paige will be a first-year player for us, he is still a veteran."

Jeter is also excited about the talent and style Paulsen will bring to the floor.

"He is talented because he is so versatile," Jeter said. "At 6-7, he can definitely play an inside position, but with his ball skills on the perimeter he can play on the outside. He should be a difficult matchup for an inside player. I think the fact that he's played two years of college basketball should allow him to step in and play, and we're going to expect a lot out of him."

UWM's other interior newcomers bring junior-college experience with them to Milwaukee. Skinner played the last two seasons at Mott Community College and has been extremely impressive in preseason workouts. Sam Mauldin, meanwhile, played at Shelton State in Alabama before sitting out last season at Birmingham Southern with an injury. If healthy, he'll be another important addition to the mix in Milwaukee.

"Both Marcus and Sam have junior-college experience, so they should be able to provide more of the experience this team needs," Jeter said. "Both young men are very athletic and both are very strong. Sam at 6-9, 240 really gives us that bulk - he has very nice size. Marcus at 6-6, 230 is very fast and can really move. For us, it is always about matchups, and those two guys are going to be difficult to guard because of their versatility. Even Sam, at his size, is not bad out on the perimeter and can create some matchup problems there. I like those two guys."

The bulk of UWM's newcomers are expected to make their presence known in the backcourt. Franklin, an all-state performer in high school who was ranked as the third-best player in Wisconsin as a senior, is eligible this season and appears destined for a spot in the starting lineup. Other additions include Charlie Swiggett, who played this past season at Notre Dame Prep, and Roman Gentry, the Iowa Class 4A Player of the Year. The talents of this group, in addition to the return of Smith and Hanson, have the Panthers likely to field a number of three-guard lineups.

"If you take a look at college basketball, guards really dominate the play. I think we're going to be able to use it to our advantage because we're really going to be able to put pressure on people," Jeter said. "In a full-court press, we're really going to be able to get out and extend and really get after people because we're going to have a lot of bodies. We also play an offense that puts four guys on the perimeter, so now we're going to have three or four guys on the perimeter at all times that can all make decisions, handle the ball and attack from the wing. It will make us much more difficult to guard."

In addition to all of the players noted above, junior Michael Bendall and freshmen Kaylan Anderson and Ryan Thornton are also poised to make a push for time in the rotation. It means Jeter has plenty of choices in making up his rotation, and it has provided for plenty of competition in practice.

"Right now, I probably could pick four or five guys who have started to separate themselves, but we're going to need at least eight or nine. I would also say I could probably pick 11 that have a chance to be in that group and that we're really looking at, so there is no question we have a lot of talented options," Jeter said. "Opportunities are available for everyone, and everyone has a chance this year. I thought last year people kind of settled in and knew the seven seniors were going to play and that it was their time. This year, I think everyone sees an opportunity to play and that's why it has been so competitive."

The large number of choices for the playing rotation also means the Panthers could use a variety of starting lineups, especially early in the season.

"This year is going to be a little different than most. Right now guys are starting to position themselves in front of other guys, but there are guys right behind them every day. For us, we're going to put the best five guys on the floor to start the year, and then it is up to those guys to continue to stay there or to have other guys push past them," Jeter said. "If everyone is giving us exactly what we want, there will be plenty of opportunities for all of them to play. Last year, we didn't change the starting lineup until there was an injury. This year, I think that starting lineup could change a little more throughout the year."

Mixing in a large number of new players can be challenging, but that process actually started this summer, with most of UWM's newcomers already on campus. It gave them a chance to spend time with the returnees and those that sat out last season, meaning a relationship was formed long before preseason conditioning began in September.

"This is where you really start to see the development of a program, when you have guys that have already been through what we are asking them to do," Jeter said. "You can see the returning players take more of an active role in teaching the newer players about how things are done here - how drills are done and how we want things done. Last year was difficult because we were teaching everyone. This year, you can see the older guys really taking the younger guys under their wing and teaching them."

One thing Jeter and the coaches have worked hard at this preseason is helping the new players understand the rigors will face in Division I college basketball.

"With last year's team, we didn't have to worry about really making sure the guys would be mentally and physically prepared for the season. Because of their maturity and their age, they knew what to expect and they knew how to get their bodies ready for the season," Jeter said. "With a younger group, we have to do more with the mental part of it and really get them to understand why it's important to work as hard as you can work all the time. Because they are young players, and because of their lack of experience, they don't completely understand that."

UWM's young troops will be challenged by what is likely the most difficult non-league schedule in the Horizon League. The Panthers start the year by hosting the John Thompson Foundation Classic, which includes Washington State and UAB. UWM also has games at Michigan, Wisconsin, Northern Iowa and Missouri State - all postseason teams from a year ago, plus the usual Horizon League slate.

"It obviously is one of the most challenging schedules this program has ever faced. But, with what this program has accomplished, it is also the high-level schedule we should be playing," Jeter said. "Young or not, we are aiming to prepare our team to defend its conference championship. There's no question our focus is on the league, and the league is very strong this year. Expectations won't be quite as high for us, but we need to prepare this team to play at a championship level."

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110106aac.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 4: Butler
Nov. 2, 2006

Bulldogs Seek Continued Success In 2006-07

If Butler's Todd Lickliter were the type of coach who worried about things that he didn't have, he'd have plenty of reason to fret in 2006-07.

Gone from last year's 20-13 team, which advanced to the second round of the NIT, are Horizon League Player of the Year Brandon Polk, three-year starting point guard Avery Sheets and Butler's all-time leader in three-point field goals, Bruce Horan.

But the Butler coach prefers to focus on what his team does have.

"We have four seniors who have a lot of experience to draw upon, and they're eager to improve upon what we've done," said Lickliter, who's entering his sixth season with 102 career wins. "We have two two-year starters back, and injury-wise, we're healed. And we also have two guys who were redshirts and have been in the program for a year, and that's beneficial."

The loss of last year's seniors does create some gaping holes for the Bulldogs. Polk had the ninth-highest single season scoring total in Butler history with 593 points, while Sheets and Horan both finished as career 1,000-point scorers. Sheets led the league in assist/turnover ratio, while Horan led the circuit in 3-point field goals.

Lickliter admits that replacing the talented trio won't be easy.

"We may have to do it by committee. I don't know that you can take one player and say `OK, I want you to lead the league in assist/turnover ratio' or take another player and say `I want you to lead the league in 3-point field goals.' I don't think we can expect someone deliver inside the way that Brandon (Polk) did," said Butler's coach.

"We have to look at it as a total team, and we may have to do it in a different way. But we have to have these constants - we have to take care of the basketball, we have to share the basketball offensively, and we have to commit to guarding as a team."

The chairmen of Lickliter's committee may well be senior Brandon Crone and sophomore A. J. Graves, both two-year starters for the Bulldogs. Crone started all 33 games last season and finished as the Bulldogs' leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer. He also led the team in steals and ranked third on the squad in assists. Graves, a starter in 56 consecutive games, was Butler's second-leading scorer with a 13.4 average. He finished second on the team in assists and steals, and he'll enter the 2006-07 season as Butler's third all-time leading free throw shooter.

Lickliter can call on two other players who saw action in all 33 games last season. Senior Brian Ligon rebounded from two knee surgeries to provide a solid inside presence for the Bulldogs. He finished as the team's third-leading rebounder and added a strong inside defender to the Bulldogs' lineup. Senior Julian Betko also rebounded from a knee surgery, and he wound up sixth on the team in scoring and minutes played while finishing fourth in assists.

Three other letterwinners round out Butler's returning corps. Senior Marcus Nellems played in 24 games last season after transferring from Marshalltown Community College, while junior Drew Streicher saw action in 25 games as a top front court reserve. Sophomore Ben Slaton, who made the squad as a walk-on, played in eight games.

Among Lickliter's five newcomers are two transfers, who sat out last season as redshirts. Junior guard Mike Green joined the Bulldogs after spending two seasons at Towson, where he started 56 of 58 games and finished as the team's second-leading scorer for two straight seasons. Sophomore Pete Campbell, a 6-7 forward, was the second-leading scorer at IPFW in 2004-05, when he was named NCAA Division I All-Independent Newcomer of the Year.

The remaining newcomers are all true freshmen. Grant Leiendecker, a 6-4 guard from Fort Wayne Homestead, earned a spot on the Indiana All Star Team for the annual 2006 Indiana-Kentucky All-Star series. Willie Veasley, a 6-3 guard-forward from Freeport, Ill., was named conference Player of the Year and second team All-State in 2005-06, while Elliot Engelmann, a 6-7 forward from Downers Grove South in Illinois, was an all-area performer in the Chicago suburbs.

The Bulldogs have won 20 or more games in eight of the past ten seasons, and Butler has made eight post-season tournament appearances (five NCAA, three NIT) over the past decade! In five seasons under Lickliter, the Bulldogs have averaged better than 20 wins per season and made three post-season tournament appearances.

BULLDOG BITS: The last time Butler lost three senior starters, including a Horizon League Player of the Year, was following the 2001-02 season. The Bulldogs responded the following season with a school-record 27 wins and a trip to the "Sweet 16" of the NCAA Tournament.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110206aab.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 5: Wright State

Nov. 4, 2006

When new coach Brad Brownell took over the reigns of the Wright State University men's basketball program last March, he saw potential--potential not only to win, but potential to win continuously and do it the right way. The Indiana native saw the support staff and facilities were in place; he saw a University and a great community that was hungry for a winner.

The Raiders will have their top four scorers and top four rebounders return from last year's team which includes Horizon League first teamer DaShaun Wood and fifth-year senior Drew Burleson.

Wood, a 5-11 guard, averaged nearly 18 points a game and led the League in steals while being the first Raider to ever be named to the Horizon's All-Defensive Team. The Detroit native currently sits as the 16th all-time scorer and seventh in assists. Burleson, a 6-5 forward, ranked second on the squad in points and rebounds at 12.5 and 5.1 respectively.

Also returning will be 6-8, junior center Jordan Pleiman. Pleiman, a crowd favorite, led the Green and Gold in rebounding last year at 6.7 per game but also broke the double-digit barrier in points at 10.5 per contest. The Ohio native can point to several positive games last year, including 18 points at Bowling Green and a couple 11-rebounds efforts.

Joining these three with experience wearing the Raider colors will be four players, all of whom started games throughout last season. The back court players back include seniors Reinaldo Smith and Tyrone Scott and sophomore William Graham. Graham started 18 contests, averaging more than 21 minutes a game for the year along with a 2.7 points per game average and 59 assists. Smith, an early-season starter who had injury problems, started three game while playing in just 14 tilts overall. Scott, a 6-3 junior college transfer, started six games mid-season, averaged nearly 23 minutes a game overall while hitting 31 threes--second best on the team.

The final returning player will be 6-7 Scottie Wilson, who showed flashes of brilliance starting five games. The junior collected his career high 14 points against Detroit and nine rebounds with eight made free throws against league-leader UW-Milwaukee.

Like the new coach, the Raiders will also have three new players to lean on this year: Vaughn Duggins, Todd Brown and Eric Stevenson. Duggins, a 6-3 guard from Indiana, played in several All-Star games after averaging a state-high 26.5 points and 6.9 rebounds a game. Brown played last year with Canton-McKinley High School and helped them to their second straight division I state title, averaging nearly ten points a game. Stevenson, a late bloomer from North Carolina, averaged 17 points a game while being named his league's Player of the Year.

As for the schedule, the new WSU coaching staff came in last Spring with many holes to fill and came up with one of the best slate of games for the Raiders. Familiar names such as Miami (OH), Bowling Green and IFPW will now be mixed with new foes like Coastal Carolina, Bradley, St. Bonaventure, Marshall and Marist. Also, there will be a trip to preseason national favorite LSU for a tournament that includes the Tigers, Samford and Mississippi Valley. Al always, the schedule includes home-and-home contests with the competitive Horizon League, that has sent teams to the Sweet 16 twice in the last four years.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110406aaa.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 6: UIC

Nov. 6, 2006

There is an air of excitement building on the city's near-west side with its epicenter at the corner of Racine and Harrison on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

That's where you will find the UIC Pavilion, home of the UIC men's basketball team, a squad poised to build off of five straight winning seasons.

Under the direction of head coach Jimmy Collins, the school's all-time winningest coach and the longest tenured Division I men's basketball coach in the state of Illinois, the Flames return four starters, a crop of seasoned reserves and welcome a talented and tall crop of newcomers who are all looking to help UIC celebrate 25 years of success at the Division I level by claiming the Horizon League title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

All in all, the Flames return six of their eight top scorers and with the new additions UIC now features a lineup with nine players measuring in at 6-foot-4 or taller.

"Now we have got size, quickness and experience," Collins said. "We are going to be an exciting team from the standpoint of scoring, rebounding and defense.

"I expect us to compete and I expect us to compete at a high level, and if we do that I expect us to finish at the top of this conference."

THE TEAM

Anchoring the UIC attack is a pair of second-year performers who dazzled in their rookie campaigns in junior Othyus Jeffers and sophomore Josh Mayo.

Jeffers, the reigning Horizon League Newcomer of the Year, is the team's top returnee in scoring (11.6 ppg), rebounding (7.6 rpg) and assists (3.0 apg). Coach Collins has high hopes for a breakout campaign from the Chicago product who once starred at Hubbard High School.

"We are expecting him to take his game to another level this season," Collins said. "And if you watched him last year you know that that level was already pretty high.

"His jump shot has surfaced and he is shooting very well," Collins continued. "He has always been a very good driver, but now he is in more control of what he does."

Mayo, a Horizon League All-Newcomer Team honoree, averaged 10.1 points and 2.5 assists per outing last year, and connected on a team-best 51 three-pointers. He showed right away he was the Flames' point guard of the future last season, scoring 21 points in his first collegiate start as he led UIC to its first-ever win over an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent at Georgia Tech.

"We are expecting more of Josh this season," Collins said. "He is a year older and is a guy we threw in the lion's den last year and he came out of it.

"If it is at all possible he is shooting the ball better right now than he did last year."

A pair of 6-foot-9 Serbia natives also return to the Flames' lineup. Senior Jovan Stefanov is a versatile performer that can play four different positions for UIC and averaged 8.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last season. Senior Danijel Zoric is a post presence for the Flames who blossomed at the end of last year, totaling 11.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per outing in the team's final 12 contests.

"We are just really happy to have (Jovan) back for his fifth year," Collins said. "He has worked hard. He has played all summer and his leadership is something we probably can't do without.

"Danijel is playing to a degree at which we almost didn't think he could do," Collins said. "He is shooting from the outside and he is a beast inside. We think those things are going to help us to be a team that is going to surface at the top by year's end."

Added to a reserve arsenal that includes juniors Karl White, Kevin Bond and Robert Bush are five talented newcomers who could all make an immediate impact on the Flames in 2006-07.

Sophomore Scott VanderMeer (6-11, C) and junior T.J. Gray (5-9, G) bring Division I experience to the table having transferred from Bowling Green and Western Illinois respectively.

VanderMeer ranked fifth in the Mid-American Conference in blocked shots as a freshman for the Falcons back in 2005 and along with Zoric will give UIC an imposing frontline for opponents to handle.

"Scott VanderMeer is a player we have been waiting a year for," Collins said. "He plays like a 7-footer and shoots the ball very well.

"We are excited about having him here."

Gray was a two-year letterwinner for the Leathernecks, averaging over 10 points per game and shooting over 40% from three-point range during his tenure in Macomb, Ill. His sharp-shooting ability will prove to be a much-needed asset for the Flames in 2006-07.

Spencer Stewart, a 6-foot-4 point guard, joins the Flames as a true freshman after a decorated prep career at Edwardsville High School, where he was an All-State selection. Junior college forward Jermaine Dailey will provide depth in the interior both offensively and defensively at 6-foot-7, as will redshirt freshman Jovan Ignjatovic at 6-foot-9.

THE SCHEDULE

UIC's 2006-07 schedule is arguably its most aggressive in school history with seven contests versus NCAA Tournament teams from last season, including in-state showdowns with Illinois and Bradley, highlighting a rigorous 31-game regular-season slate for the Flames.

All in all, the Flames will play 12 regular-season home games this season with the team also playing an additional exhibition tilt at the Pavilion on November 7 versus Lewis.

The contest with the Flyers is a prelude to what will be an Illinois intensive schedule for UIC, which will take on six in-state opponents, including Illinois, Bradley, Northern Illinois, Illinois State and Chicago State, before a pair of league games with Loyola.

Season tickets, including a limited number of VIP floor seats at the Pavilion, are on sale now. Fans can call 312-413-UIC1 for more information. Season ticket packages include a lower level seat for the Dec. 9 game versus Illinois at the United Center.

The Flames open the year at home on Saturday, November 11 at 1 p.m. versus St. Edward's, a Division II school out of Texas, before embarking on a five-game road trip.

The Flames return home on Nov. 28 for another contest versus an NCAA Tournament team in Murray State, a return game from last year's Bracketbusters showdown won by the Racers, 72-68. UIC opens Horizon League play at home on Dec. 2 versus Youngstown State.

The Flames get back into non-conference action the following week with a pair of in-state games. UIC travels to meet Northern Illinois on Dec. 5 and then heads two miles west of campus to the United Center on Dec. 9 to take on Illinois at the United Center. UIC is back in the Pavilion on Dec. 16 to take on Akron. The contest with the Zips starts a grueling stretch of four games in seven days with trips to Mississippi (Dec. 19) and Penn (Dec. 21) slated for mid-week before the Flames welcome Illinois State to the Pavilion on Saturday, Dec. 23.

The Flames' quest for the Horizon League regular-season title begins in earnest in January with Butler (Jan. 10), Loyola (Jan. 13), Detroit (Jan. 20) and Cleveland State (Jan. 27) all venturing into the Pavilion.

UIC welcomes Wright State on February 7 prior to the Flames' longest homestand of the year, a three-game stretch which sandwiches tilts with UW-Green Bay (Feb. 14) and UW-Milwaukee (Feb. 21) around the annual Bracketbusters event on Feb. 17.

The Horizon League Tournament kicks off on Feb. 27 with campus sites hosting first-round games. The tournament runs through March 6.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110606aab.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 7: Detroit

Nov. 7, 2006

Pardon Detroit Titans coach Perry Watson if he pauses now and then to knock on wood. Or cross a street if he sees a black cat coming. Or dodge quickly if a ladder is in his direct path.

That's all part of the plan for 2007. The bad luck which haunted his team in 2006, he hopes, is long gone, leaving a better future ahead.

Last year's Titan team was riddled with injuries. The kind that are season-ending, the kind that are debilitating, the kind that are nagging. Detroit had 'em all. And now, with most of the wounded back ready for action, so is coach Watson.

The Titans lost 46% of their scoring and 58% of their rebounding through graduation, but Watson can still build around one of the Horizon League's best guard tandems, juniors Brandon Cotton - a two-time second-team all-conference selection - and Jon Goode. They stood 1-2 in scoring among the Titans, Cotton at 17.5, which placed him fifth in the league after finishing second the year before, and Goode at 10.9. And, yes, both played hurt last season.

Cotton's injury was the result of a scary car accident early last summer, one which left him with a damaged left (non-shooting) hand. He played much of the year with pins in his fingers, in fact missing three January games due to a re-injury, and he earned his coach's admiration for the job he did under the circumstances.

"Brandon fought through a lot," Watson recalled. "Brandon is a gifted scorer because he has the ability to take, and make, tough shots. He has a great attitude towards the game and he loves to play. The team has tremendous confidence in Brandon because he can get you points in a hurry. He's the kind of player who can rattle off eight or nine straight points to get his team going."

Goode, meanwhile, was one of those pleasant surprises that happen every year in college basketball. He might have expected to come off the bench most of last season once Marquette transfer Brandon Bell was eligible to take over at point guard but, after Bell was forced to undergo Achilles tendon surgery, it left Goode a much larger load to carry. Despite tweaking an ankle late in the season, he ended up leading the team in assists and three-point shooting while trailing only Cotton in point production.

No longer flying under the radar screen, Goode blossomed a year ago and is expected to have a big season in 2007.

"There weren't many Division I schools recruiting him out of high school but he's come a long way. He's still got to prove to me and everybody else that it's not the end of the road yet," Watson said. "He should go out there and play every game like he's got a chip on his shoulder, like he's still got something to prove. He can get better. I know he can keep getting better."

The Titans will miss third guard Ben Green, who graduated after starting 23 games a year ago, but Bell is back to claim some playing time now that he's healthy again. The brother of Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell is a good ball handler and strong defensive player who will fit in well with coach Watson's scheme of things. And he'll join a solid perimeter cast.

Besides Cotton and Goode, also back in action for Detroit are senior Muhammad Abdur-Rahim - whose brother Shareef plays for the Sacramento Kings - and junior Zach Everingham, whose 3.1 ppg a year ago makes him Detroit's third-leading returning scorer from 2006.

Additionally, the Titans have added a pair of All-State recruits to the perimeter in 5-10 Woody Payne and 6-4 Eulis Stephens. Payne is a point guard who was regarded last winter as one of the state's best high school defenders, while Stephens is a slasher who can score in bunches from the wing. Both will have a chance to help.

Up front, there's some uncertainty after the graduation of starting forwards Torvoris Baker - a member of the Horizon League coaches' All-Defensive Team in 2006 - and Chuck Bailey and key reserve Ethan Shaw. Between them, the threesome provided Detroit with 22.6 points and 16.9 rebounds a game last winter.

That's the bad news. But there's good news, too, beginning with the return of 6-9 center Ryvon Covile from, yes, an injury. A two-year starter and one of the Horizon League's best big men, Covile suffered a knee injury in summer league play and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Without Covile, Detroit's staunch defense suffered a mortal blow.

"Ryvon is like our Ben Wallace. He's the key to our defense. He's the backbone that everybody counts on," Watson said. "Without him, Chuck and Torvoris had to play different roles on defense and do things they might not have had to with Ryvon on the court. Getting Ryvon back will be important for us." Covile averaged 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds as a junior in 2004-05. He led the team in blocked shots for a third straight season.

The Titans also return two youngsters to the front court. One, 6-8 sophomore Chris Hayes, saw action in 26 games and figures to improve on his rookie averages of 1.6 points and 1.4 rebounds. Hayes is a high-energy player who often lit a fire under the 2006 Titans when he came in as a reserve. Another possibility up front is 6-9 Justin Sample, who played just one game last winter before going to the sidelines with an ankle injury.

Watson added three newcomers to the frontcourt in 6-6 junior college transfer Theron Washington - whose Cincinnati State Technical & Community College squad claimed fifth place at the NJCAA Division II championships - and a pair of freshmen in 6-8 Russell Allen and 6-6 Serbian Nemanja Jokic, the 14th-year head coach's first recruit from outside the U.S. Each, like holdovers Hayes and Sample, will get long looks in the pre-season.

In both of the last two years, the Titans have either owned or shared third place in the final Horizon League standings. Overall, though, they haven't topped .500 after posting nine consecutive winning campaigns, and one of their goals this year is to climb back on the high side of break-even. They do have scoring punch, led by Cotton and Goode this season, but they come off a year where they averaged just 63.6 points a game as a team, last in the Horizon League, and they look to improve in that area.

More importantly, though, the Titans have a core group of players who hit the glass hard - UDM was second in the league last winter in rebound margin (+4.1) - and play the tough-as-nails defense that remains a Perry Watson trademark. The Titans were third in the league in scoring defense (65.1) a year ago.

And maybe most importantly of all, Detroit figures to enter the 2006-07 season in better health.

Knock on wood.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110706aab.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 8: UW-Green Bay
Nov. 8, 2006

Call it overachieving or call it exceeding expectations, but in each of Tod Kowalczyk's first four seasons as head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay basketball team his squads have finished higher in the final Horizon League standings than they were predicted to in the preseason poll. Picked to finish second this year, another season of going beyond expectations would mean the squad's first league title since the 1995-96 season.

Phoenix fans have plenty to be optimistic about in 2006-07 with every significant contributor, including all five starters, returning from last season's team that finished third in the Horizon League. A talented freshman class that saw three individuals break into the starting lineup a year ago is back for its sophomore campaign. In addition, an experienced senior class, a deep bench and a pair of talented newcomers give UW-Green Bay every reason to believe that it can make a return to the NCAA tournament.

RETURNING STARTERS

The Phoenix returns one of the top guards in the conference and a potential player of the year candidate in senior preseason first-team all-league pick Ryan Evanochko (Beaver Falls, Pa.). A year ago, the point guard put together one of the most productive seasons by a UW-Green Bay player in recent history. In just his first season as a regular starter, he averaged a team-best 15.8 points per game while dishing out a norm of 5.2 assists per contest.

Also returning for UW-Green Bay in the backcourt is sophomore Ryan Tillema (Randolph, Wis.), a deadly three-point shooter who is developing into a solid all-around player. During his first year with the Phoenix, Tillema topped Tony Bennett's school freshman record by knocking down 56 shots from behind the arc.

On the wing, UW-Green Bay has one of its most athletic players in school history in sophomore Terry Evans (St. Louis, Mo.). A Horizon League all-defensive team selection last season, Evans set school records for blocked shots and steals by a freshman.

Senior Josh Lawrence (Ashton, Ill.) is back for his fourth season as a starter in the frontcourt. A physical presence both defensively and offensively in the post, Lawrence also has a feathery touch from the outside on the offensive end as evidenced by his league-leading .446 three-point field goal percentage a year ago.

Rounding out the list of returnees is sophomore forward Mike Schachtner (Somerset, Wis.) who was named to the league's all-newcomer team in 2005-06. Though just a freshman last year, Schachtner proved to be one of the Phoenix's most consistent players, scoring in double figures in 16 of the team's last 21 games.

THE RESERVES

The Phoenix boasts a talented and experienced bench which will provide the team with the depth necessary to make a push for the league title. A pair of newcomers on the perimeter will also push for playing time in a drive to make UW-Green Bay lethal up and down the roster.

Aswan Minatee (Newark, N.J.) made an impact in his first season in a Phoenix uniform as he averaged a team-high 16.7 minutes per game off the bench as the team's first sub in the post. Last season as a junior, he averaged 6.0 points per game while his .484 field goal percentage ranked first on the team among all regulars.

Also providing size and strength in the frontcourt is junior Tevah Morris (Oliver Springs, Tenn.). The largest player on the Phoenix roster at 6-9 and 250 pounds, Morris has seen his game continually grow throughout his career.

New to the post in 2006-07 is freshman Randy Berry (Plover, Wis.) who is coming off a redshirt season. An excellent defender and rebounder, Berry will push for minutes with his physical, aggressive play.

Sophomore Cordero Barkley (Racine, Wis.) provides a great deal of versatility to the UW-Green Bay lineup with the ability to play a number of positions. An outstanding defender, Barkley has also seen his play on the offensive end continually develop.

In the backcourt, the Phoenix returns a three-point specialist in junior Ryan Werch (Ripon, Wis.). During his sophomore season, Werch connected on 41.5 percent of his attempts from behind the arc, second only to teammate Josh Lawrence in the Horizon League.

Tim Dearlove (Martinsville, Ind.) is also back for UW-Green Bay. As a freshman a year ago, the walk-on appeared in 12 games for the Phoenix and knocked down each of his two field goal attempts on the season, both from three-point range.

UW-Green Bay welcomes in a pair of newcomers to the backcourt who the team hopes will provide immediate contributions.

Chase Sukut (Billings, Mont.), a junior transfer from Sheridan (Wyo.) College, will provide depth at the point guard position in an attempt to take some pressure off of Evanochko.

The Phoenix is also high on true freshman Troy Cotton (Milwaukee, Wis.) a sharp-shooter who enjoyed a solid career at Rufus King High School, one of the top programs in the state of Wisconsin.

THE SCHEDULE

The Phoenix will once again be challenged by a difficult schedule, including a pair of road games at perennial Big Ten powers. Following exhibition games against cross-town foe St. Norbert College and UW-La Crosse, UW-Green Bay opens up the regular season with the daunting task of playing six of its first seven games on the road. Following the season opener at Oakland (Mich.) Nov. 12, the Phoenix makes the trek south to Madison to take on a Wisconsin squad that is expected to challenge for the Big Ten title.

The home season opens Nov. 17 as UW-Green Bay welcomes in Northern Michigan to the Resch Center. Horizon League play gets started Dec. 2 with a marquee matchup, as the top two teams in the preseason poll square off when the Phoenix travels to Loyola.

The second game against a Big Ten opponent takes place Dec. 23 when UW-Green Bay heads to Michigan State to face the Spartans for the third consecutive season.

The Oneida Casino Holiday Classic returns this year under a new format as all four teams will play one another with the tournament being played on three dates over a four-day span. Bowling Green, Michigan Tech and Jacksonville State comprise this year's field.

The Horizon League home schedule opens with a Jan. 2 game against fellow league contender Detroit. A Jan. 6 game against Cleveland State caps a stretch during which the Phoenix plays eight out of nine games at home.

The Phoenix will find itself on national television for the second consecutive year as UW-Green Bay and UW-Milwaukee will once again face off on ESPN2 Jan. 27.

UW-Green Bay will compete in the annual BracketBusters event for the fourth consecutive year, including playing on the road for the first time against an opponent to be determined.

The Phoenix wraps up the regular season with a pair of home games, taking on Butler Feb. 19 before facing in-state rival UW-Milwaukee Feb. 24 in the regular season finale.

The Horizon League tournament gets underway Feb. 27 with first round games on campus sites. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be held March 2-3 at the site of the No. 1 seed, with the championship game on tap for March 6 at the site of the highest remaining seed.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110806aaa.html

[Class of '83]

Men's Basketball Preview - Part 9: Loyola
Nov. 9, 2006

With all but one player returning from a team that finished 19-11, the best mark since 1984-85, optimism is at its highest point in decades as Loyola University Chicago looks toward the 2006-07 season. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Whitesell, the Ramblers have undergone a revitalization in just two short seasons as Loyola has improved by 10 games in that span.

"This is the most experience we have had back since I have been here," Whitesell said. "The Horizon League will be very balanced this year, as there are a lot of underclassmen returning. We have a good nucleus of players back and are very excited about our new recruits. They have a great chance of playing as freshmen."

A major part of the optimism stems from the return of Honorable Mention All-America and First Team All-Horizon League guard Blake Schilb. The versatile 6-foot-7 senior tested the waters by participating in the NBA predraft camp over the summer, but opted to return for his final season. A serious contender for Horizon League Player of the Year honors, Schilb posted 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game as a junior and climbed to 15th place on the Loyola career scoring chart with 1,351 points. He showcased his versatility by recording over 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists for the second straight year last season.

"Blake has improved as a player the last few years and we hope he makes the same jump again this season," Whitesell said. "He needs to work on some little things to become a better all-around player. He should be a preseason player of the year candidate in the league, which is exciting both for him and our program."

Schilb isn't the only weapon on this talented squad, however. Also returning in the backcourt is senior guard Majak Kou. The slender 6-foot-5 defensive stalwart can also put the ball in the basket, as evidenced by his 12.8 ppg average a year ago. Kou ranked among the top five in the Horizon League in both steals (1.6 spg) and blocked shots (1.5 bpg) and also pulled down 4.7 rpg en route to Horizon League All-Defensive Team accolades. A player who can take the ball to the basket and shoot the three, Kou has improved his shot selection, which in turn, has aided his scoring average.

"Majak has made a lot of strides defensively and seems to have made the adjustment to being a starter," Whitesell said. "He gives us some nice length on the floor."

A pair of sophomores who burst onto the scene a year ago return and both have their eyes on spots in the starting lineup. Guard J.R. Blount, who started 22 contests a year ago, despite missing six games with a foot injury, averaged 11.3 ppg and is fully recovered from the injury. He should assume a starting role again this season and with his penetrating and shooting ability, should lighten the scoring load on Schilb and Kou.

Forward Leon Young, who is also Blount's roommate, tallied 10.4 ppg and a team-best 7.2 rpg a year ago, while also leading the Horizon League with a .837 free-throw percentage. The 6-foot-6 Young, who idolizes Charles Barkley, has a game that resembles that of the legendary NBA star. A tenacious rebounder who has a nose for the ball, Young recorded five double-doubles a year ago and teamed with Blount to become the first true-freshman duo in Loyola history to average double figures in scoring.

A host of other veteran returnees should vie for a spot in the starting lineup in the frontcourt. Seniors Brandon Woods and Kye Pattrick, along with junior Tom Levin, will be key contributors in the frontcourt after all three battled injuries in 2005-06. All three enter the 2006-07 campaign fully recovered from last season's ailments.

The 6-foot-8 Woods missed the first seven games of the year after rehabbing from knee surgery but showed flashes of brilliance upon his return. He scored a season-high 16 points in the Ramblers' victory over Detroit at the Horizon League Championship last season and finished the year with 4.3 ppg and 2.0 rpg. Pattrick, who battled knee problems all year, was plagued by inconsistency, but also showed signs of being a solid contributor. The 6-foot-9 Australian swatted 22 shots and hauled in 2.1 rpg in his first season of Division I basketball. Levin, who started the first 20 games of the season, began the year in fine fashion at both ends of the floor before injuries took a toll. The steady forward chipped in 3.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg last season.

Junior forward Tracy Robinson is versatile like Schilb in that he is able to play on the perimeter and handle the ball, despite his 6-foot-7 frame. After playing sparingly as a freshman, Robinson saw a substantial increase in playing time a year ago and wound up as the team's top three-point shooter, connecting on 47 percent (15 for 32) of his attempts from beyond the arc. Fellow junior Dave Telander, who started 19 games as a freshman, provides depth and a perimeter-shooting threat from the backcourt, while forward Darrin Williams looks to continue to develop and recover from multiple knee surgeries that have plagued him in his career. Telander and Williams both were impressive in Loyola's summer trip to Central America as the entire squad sharpened its skills, experienced new cultures and formed a strong team bond.

A pair of newcomers has the ability to step in and contribute right away, highlighted by highly touted freshman forward Andy Polka. The bruising, 6-foot-7 Polka, who averaged 4.6 ppg and 6.6 rpg for the United States at the Global Games this summer, led Oshkosh West High School to an undefeated season and the Wisconsin state title last season, en route to Mr. Basketball honors. The skilled power forward contributed 14.9 ppg and 11.2 rpg as a senior last season at Oshkosh West. Junior college transfer Cortney Horton will look to step in and fill the shoes of the departed Chris Logan. Horton tallied 13.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg a year ago at Southeastern Community College in Iowa.

Redshirt freshman Matt Adler, who stands 6-foot-11, is a wildcard in the mix since his status is uncertain following off-season knee surgery. Adler is an adept shot blocker and because of his size provides an intimidating presence in the paint.

"We need to improve defensively and our depth needs to improve," Whitesell said. "We will have more competition in the perimeter than we had last year. The trip to Costa Rica gave us a chance to play some guys some minutes and gave us an opportunity to get better with what we do as a group."

With all the optimism comes expectations, something that Whitesell does not feel is a deterrent for this team.

"It's good to have expectations, but expectations don't mean anything," Whitesell said. "Our guys know the Horizon League is a tough conference and they understand that each game is important. The expectations are good because they increase awareness of our program, but our guys know they better work hard because people will be ready to play you each night."

The Ramblers will have a chance to compete against some quality competition this season, as they host Northern Iowa, Saint Louis, San Diego and UC Irvine, among others, while traveling to Purdue, Bradley and the BCA Classic hosted by Ohio State. Loyola will jump into Horizon League action early, when it faces a UW-Green Bay team expected to finish among the top three in the circuit, the first week in December. That game should provide the Ramblers a good barometer of where they stand early in the year.

horizonleague.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/110906aab.html