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A look at the upcoming season

2000-01 season

Albright
With the loss of one of the most prolific scoring backcourts in school history of Shawn Swavely and James Drewry, one might think Albright is in the midst of a rebuilding season. Think again. That assumption could be a "big" mistake.

The Lions return three frontcourt players, including two starters, from last season's 20-7 (11-3 MAC Commonwealth) playoff team.  With an average height of 6-8 in the frontcourt, the focus now shifts to the big men.

Unquestionably, the focus of this Lion team will be in the paint.  Albright led all of Division III in rebound margin last year and held their opponents to 39% shooting, one of the top efforts in the MAC.  The battle on the boards and a solid defensive effort will once again be key for the Lions.

"On offense, we will be looking to get the ball inside on almost every possession," explains sixth-year head coach Ken Tyler. 

Senior 6-10 power forward and co-captain Terence Skyrm (Solebury, Pa./Salisbury), perhaps the most feared shot blocker in the MAC, returns after averaging 2.8 blocks per game in 1999-2000, good for seventh in the nation.  Skyrm is also the Lions' returning leading scorer at 10 points per game.  He, along with 6-8, 240 pound senior center Mark Moritz (Philadelphia, Pa./St. John Neumann), should be the go-to players in the paint. 

Moritz, a three-year starter, is the Lions' leading returning rebounder averaging 7.6 per game last season, and is within reach of the school's all-time rebound record.  He also brings a career 9.1 points per game average and strong defensive presence to the floor.  Senior back-up power forward, 6-8 Matt Clair (Aston, Pa./Salesianum) found an increase in playing time last season and averaged five points per game off the bench.  Clair, a three-year letter winner, should provide valuable leadership and have a more prominent role this season behind Moritz and Skyrm.  All three co-captains will be relied on heavily.

Coach Tyler believes that the Lions "will need more offensive production out of our post players.  Each of our captains must increase their scoring output."

Rounding out the Lions' play in the post are 6-7 senior Geoff Weitzel (Sinking Spring, Pa./Wilson) and 6-9 freshman Steve Pidhirsky (Philadelphia/Father Judge).  Both will provide solid depth up front.

Training camp opened with the small forward position and the two guard positions somewhat open. 

With 6-8 junior small forward Brendan Ferns (Philadelphia/Father Judge) out indefinitely due to injury, it appears the Lions will need to turn to 6-8 freshman Jarrad Gruber (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg) to play the small forward position.  Gruber is third on the all-time scoring list in Berks County history, totaling 2,014 points in his four years at Hamburg High School.  Freshman Jason Rivlin (Germantown, Md./Watkins Mill) may also be called upon to play the three spot, as could freshman Kevin Driscoll (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg). 

Coach Tyler likes the competition at the guard positions and feels it could benefit the team as a whole.   "I think the guys will be excited to step out of the shadows of two great players," said coach Tyler.  "The fierce competition at both guard spots brings out the best in everyone's game."

Scoring will be more spread out and balance will be paramount.  "Swavely and Drewry will be tough to replace," said Coach Ken Tyler,  "however, we have good depth and balance this season and it could be tougher for our opponents to defend us."

Sophomores Jimmy Fox (Waldwick, N.J./Don Bosco), Colin Donohoe (Turnersville, N.J./Bishop Eustace) and Phil White (Reading, Pa./Reading) will battle for the two-spot, occupied for the past four years by the Commonwealth Player of the Year, Swavely.  Fox is considered to be the best pure shooter on the team and the best on-the-ball defender.  He shot 33.3% (14-for-42) from behind the arc last season.  Donohoe, a back-up at both the point and shooting guards last season, is a crisp passer as well as a good shooter.  Coach Tyler will look to keep him at the two spot this season.  White, who may also play some small forward, is a slasher to the hoop with a nice shot outside the arc.  His defensive prowess can cause havoc in the passing lanes.  Senior Tim Redding (Hanover, Pa./Southwestern) will provide depth at the guard position. 

Looking to replace Drewry at the point are junior Erick Hardwick (Jamaica, N.Y./Nazareth) and freshman Terron Buchanon (Reading, Pa./Reading).  Buchanon has a diverse repertoire, averaging 14 points per game his senior year in high school and brings quickness and explosiveness to the point position.  Hardwick has been a reliable backup for the past two seasons and could be ready to step out of the shadows of his predecessors.  He is an experienced floor leader and should find his role greatly increased this season.  Freshman Bob Broderick (Waldwick, N.J./Waldwick) may also see some time at the point.

The Lions will look to take their ever-growing success a step further this season.  Six years ago coach Tyler inherited a sub-.500 team, and has since shaped and molded the Lions into the NCAA tournament contenders they are today.  The program has progressively improved, going from 9-14 his first season as head coach to 11-13, 15-11, 16-10, to last year's 20-7 record.  The 20-win season was the first in 20 years, and only the fourth in school history. 

Coach Tyler explains that "having a 20-win season was great for our program, but our main focus continues to be qualifying for the NCAA tournament."  The Lions narrowly missed achieving the national tournament in 2000, spending much of the year ranked in regional and national polls.  However, close defeats at the end of the season proved costly.

Albright will be tested early and often this year.  They open the season squaring off against five national tournament participants in their first seven games.  After opening against crosstown rival and Division III tournament participant Alvernia, the Lions will travel to Easton to face Division I Patriot League champion, Lafayette.  Other tests will come from NCAA participants Widener, Franklin and Marshall, and Marymount.  Traditional Commonwealth rivals Lebanon Valley, Susquehanna and Elizabethtown will supply stiff competition.  Coach Tyler explains that "our plan is to take it one game at a time and, hopefully, be playing our best basketball in late February in the Commonwealth Conference tournament."

High expectations have become the norm at Albright.  Leadership up front and development on the perimeter will determine how far this team goes.  If all goes well, the mixture of size, teamwork, and balance could produce results for the Lions in the 2000-01 season.

Alvernia
Defend The Title.  That is what tops the list of preseason goals for the 2000-01 Alvernia Crusaders.  The Title is theirs.  The Title is the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) crown, and these Crusaders know that its defense will not come easily.

Consider that last year's PAC Champions lost once during the regular season to a team that collected just three conference wins and the conference final was a game played between the third and fourth seeds. This conference is competitive from top to bottom.  If one expects to succeed in the PAC, one had better bring a complete arsenal to every conference game.

Topping the Crusaders' list for replenishing that arsenal is finding a replacement for the 13.5 points per game and 170 rebounds provided by center Chad Kratzer.  Senior forward Deotis Carolina (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dogherty) will shoulder the bulk of the team's rebounding needs.  He pulled down a team-leading 8.5 per game a season ago.  Carolina is a three-year starter who returns for his senior season in the best shape of his career.  He is the team's ultimate leader on the court, unselfish and an extremely hard worker. 

Joining Carolina on the front line will be fellow senior Dwayne Walker (Trenton, N.J./Hamilton West) and local product, sophomore Tillman Sims (Reading, Pa./Reading).  Walker, who contributed just short of four points per game last season, has returned with an improved offensive repertoire and will step in to collect much-needed rebounding at both ends of the court.

Sims should continue to build upon a solid freshman season.  He was by far the leading shot blocker on the team denying 44 shots last season.  No other Crusader collected more than 13 blocks.  In addition to his shot-blocking prowess, Sims showed ability to work the glass, pulling down 6.2 rebounds per game last year.  With Kratzer gone, Sims' ability to build on that number will be paramount to the Crusader's success.

Another key to a successful season for Alvernia will be the play of their guards, who abound in youth and exuberance.  Chris Alba (Jr., Holland, Pa./Council Rock) returns to run the point, and brings with him a career 5.7 assists per game.  Alba shows an uncanny ability to find the open man.  His 6.1 assists per game last season led the conference and ranked him 18th in the nation.  Cut from the mold of a true point guard, he plays with a pass first, shoot later mentality.  

Joining Alba in the backcourt will be freshman Byu-Deen Twyman (Fr., Sharon Hill, Pa./Academy Park). An explosive guard, the Crusaders will look to Twyman for additional scoring.  Both guards are excellent defensive players and should provide plenty of excitement from the Alvernia backcourt.

A big plus for head coach Jack McCloskey as he prepares for defense of the PAC title is his team's depth.  Will Craig (Jr., Philadelphia/West Catholic) and Derrick Blount (Fr., Phoenixville, Pa./Phoenixville) will spell Alba and Twyman off the bench.  Craig is a smart, unselfish player that makes those around him better.  Blount is very quick at the guard spot with great shooting ability.

Ray Strickland (Fr., Chester, Pa./Chester) can play four positions for McCloskey.  He is a good ball-handler who defends well and has an improving jump shot.  Joe Cooke (Jr., East Windsor, N.J./Notre Dame) transfers into the mix from Ocean County College.  His primary responsibility will be to provide solid minutes off the bench at both forward spots.  Cooke possesses a nice touch both inside and out. Also at McCloskey's disposal will be senior guard Kevin Quimby (Wyomissing, Pa./Wilson), who returns in great shape to play either guard position, and sophomore Brad Merriweather (Reading, Pa./Reading) who added 20 pounds of muscle to last year's frame and should be a shot-blocking and rebounding force inside.

The 2000-01 Crusaders know the task won't be easy, but they eagerly anticipate the challenge of defending their PAC crown and with that, the opportunity to advance, once again, to the NCAA Tournament.

Cabrini
The 1999-2000 season marked the 13th time in 20 years head basketball coach John Dzik reached the 20-win plateau.  However, the campaign did not conclude with a Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (PAC) crown for the second season in a row.  Dzik's team enters the new season searching for that little extra to get back on top.

Cabrini returns 13 players from last year's team, which finished 20-6, 15-1 PAC.  Trying to determine how many starters return is not as easy, as last year's Cavaliers saw 13 different players appear in the starting lineup at one time or another.  The depth and experience of the team should prove to be one of its main strengths again this season.

One of the main hurdles Cabrini must overcome this season is finding a player to go to in crunch time.  Last year that player was Tim Anderlonis, who finished his stellar career third on the College's all-time scoring list.  This year, Cabrini will be searching for a player to step into that role, and there are several candidates who may emerge. 

One of the candidates is sophomore swingman Kareem Brunson (Roxborough/Philadelphia).  Brunson averaged 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game last season, and he should see the ball more often this season. Fellow sophomore Laval Pinckney (Academy Park/Sharon Hill) is another option.  Pinckney, a forward, scored 5.8 points per contest before his rookie season was cut short by a foot injury.

The strength of this year's team should be its backcourt, where Dzik has three very experienced and talented point guards.  Junior Tyquine Wilson (Middle Township/Rio Grande, N.J.) returns this season after being a medical redshirt last year.  Wilson was the team's assist leader in each of the previous two years, and he is very capable of knocking down a three-pointer.  Senior Mark Hentosh (Pennsbury/Yardley) ran the show in Wilson's absence last season and proved to be very capable of handling the job.  Hentosh scored 6.0 points per game and had a team-high 50 assists, but it is the defensive aspect of his game which is his strong point. Sophomore Kris Pittman might be the quickest player on the team, and he will see time at the point as well.

In the middle, Cabrini will rely on a pair of seniors, beginning with transfer Nate Harrell.  Harrell (Plymouth-Whitemarsh/Norristown) played at Division II West Chester University prior to sitting out last season, and he will be counted on to provide Cabrini with an inside game. Joining Harrell in the paint is Gabe Hargrove (Glen Mills/West Chicago, Ill.).  Hargrove emerged as the starting center last season, averaging 5.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while blocking a team-high 20 shots.

Cabrini's bench strength has been its calling card since the early days of the PAC.  This year, it should be no different, with any number of players coming off the pine to fill different roles.

If an additional inside force is required, sophomores Brian Wood (Bristol/Bristol) and Kyle Esterbrook (Ridley/Ridley Park), or freshman Zdrvkov Markov  (Cheltenham/Bulgaria) will be the ones to fill the role. Wood and Esterbrook saw sporadic time with the varsity last year, with Wood appearing in 16 games and Esterbrook in eight.  At 6-9 Markov is the tallest member of the team, and the Bulgarian import might be counted on early in his rookie season to lend a hand.

On the wings, the Cavaliers can turn to junior Tim Gordon and sophomore Bill Rookstool, each of whom can shoot the three.  Gordon (Council Rock/Holland) averaged 6.0 points per game last season, while appearing in 25 games, while Rookstool (Central Bucks West/Doylestown) shot 40% from behind the arc in 12 appearances.

Last season's Cavaliers saw just one player reach double figures in scoring, but 10 different players averaged better than five points per game.  That may be the case again this season, as Dzik's troops look to re-claim the PAC crown they won every year from 1993-98.  It will take a complete team effort to achieve that goal this season.

“We are looking forward to remaining among the nation's elite,” said Coach Mike Lonergan, who has led the Cardinals to the NCAA Tournament five times in his eight years at CUA. “I am confident that our players are up to the challenge.”

Senior 6-foot-2 point guard Pat Maloney, a first-team All-Capital Athletic Conference selection last season, is one of three returning starters. Maloney, who has 1,132 career points, posted career-highs in points (15.4 ppg) and assists (4.2 apg) and led the CAC in steals (2.3 spg) and free throw percentage (85.0). The passmaster was named  honorable mention All-American by D3hoops.com and enters 2000-01 as an honorable mention All-American by Street & Smith’s.

Maloney is joined in the backcourt by 6-0 senior Tim Judge, who averaged a career-high 10.1 points last year and led the team in 3-point percentage (39.6).

Seniors Andy Rice and Mike Hartman and 6-4 sophomore Kevin Wise will vie for time at the third guard/small forward position. The 6-0 Rice averaged 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds and succeeded on 88.5 percent of his free throws, while the 6-3 Hartman averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds, while Wise tallied 1.6 points per game in limited action.

Rookie guards Kevin Cullen, Adam Dickman and Ben Gibson will provide depth in the backcourt.

Matt Hilleary, a 6-6 sophomore, returns at power forward after averaging 7.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and a team-leading 1.5 blocks. The most athletic player on the team, Hilleary has the potential to dominate a game. Last year at St. Mary’s, he registered 13 points, a career-high 11 rebounds and five blocks.

Senior Kurt Zeisler and 6-6 sophomore transfer Brian Meyer will compete for the starting role at the other post position. The 6-5 Zeisler started 10 games in 1999-2000 and averaged 3.9 rebounds and 3.3 points. Meyer averaged 3.7 points and 3.7 rebounds as a freshman at Kings Point in 1998-99. Will Morley and Blair Mills, a pair of 6-4 freshmen forwards, will push for playing time with 6-6 sophomore Ryan Sheehy.

The Cardinals, who once again play one of the most demanding schedules in the country, begin their season in the Mohegan Sun Classic in New Britain, Conn. Hosted by Central Connecticut State, which advanced to the NCAA Division I Tournament last year, the tournament also includes Albany (N.Y.) and CUA’s first-round opponent, Columbia. The Cardinals are the only Division III team in the event and will be playing at least one Division I opponent for a sixth consecutive season.

CUA continues on the road with games at Haverford and perennial power Scranton. CAC play begins with the Cardinals welcoming York (Pa.) to DuFour Center on Nov. 29.

CUA will play host to two tournaments this year: the inaugural D3Hoops.com Classic with Hobart, Plymouth State and Roger Williams and the 14th annual CUA Pepsi Classic. The latter will bring Delaware Valley, Wheaton (Mass.) and Curry to the nation’s capital.

 “Once again we play one of the most exciting and challenging schedules in the country,” Lonergan said. “I like to play strong nonconference teams because I think it prepares us well for the rigors of the CAC and the postseason.”

Delaware Valley
Delaware Valley and new head coach Bob Simmons has its sights set on not only improving on last year's 10-14 mark (5-9 MAC Freedom) but also reaching the conference playoffs for the first time since 1969.

The Aggies were 10-10 and 5-5 late last season but dropped four in a row, including a last-second defeat to NCAA qualifier Scranton (63-60) and a double-overtime loss to King's (89-84).

Four starters return from last year, including MAC-Freedom second team All-Star Tyree Jones. The senior center/forward led the Aggies in a number of categories including scoring (13.5 avg), rebounding (8.7 avg), field goal percentage (.531), steals (40) and blocks (38).

Delaware Valley also has the 2000 MAC Freedom Rookie of the Year back in sharpshooter Tom Kochanski. He averaged 13.5 points per game (one less point than Jones) and connected on 68 three-pointers. He also led the squad with 62 assists.

Senior guard Jameel Hawthorne is the team's all-time leader in three-pointers with 163. Last season, he hit 34 shots from downtown and averaged 7.9 points per contest.

Jason Radic is back after starting as a rookie in 1999-2000. The guard/forward was third on the team in both scoring (9.6 avg) and rebounding (3.5 avg) while shooting 39.8% from three-point land.

The Aggies' lineup will be bolstered by the return of senior center Sam Brown. Brown did not suit up last year but was second on the team in 1998-99 in scoring (11.5 avg) as well as on the boards (5.3 avg).

Elizabethtown
In 1999-2000, a resilient Elizabethtown squad clawed its way from a 4-7 start to make its fifth consecutive MAC playoff appearance and its eighth in the past ten years. The Blue Jays have the postseason well within their sights again, as Etown returns a team with remarkable depth and speed. Ten letterwinners and three starters are returning from last year's team.

Among those returning are two of last year's top three scorers in MAC all-star Bob Porambo (16.1 ppg), who has a remarkable outside touch by any standards, let alone for someone who is 6-6, and co-captain Ross Unruh (10.8 ppg). Both are dangerous from downtown: Unruh led the team with 94 three-point shots last year and made 36.2% of them, while Porambo canned 35 of 65 attempted treys for 53.8% accuracy and finished the season just a few attempts short of qualifying to rank among the national leaders.

Despite the strong backcourt, Elizabethtown has a noticeable lack of size, and there are no centers on the roster. The Blue Jays hope to make up for this with their speed and their experience; the fact that the team is returning ten players with many quality varsity minutes under their belts will prove an important strength under the pressures of a playoff race. Look for Porambo to help alleviate the crunch under the net by working more from the frontcourt this season; despite spending much of his time in the backcourt last year, he still managed to finish second on the team in rebounding. Also, 6-5 co-captain Matt Nikoloff, who scored 7.0 points per game and grabbed 4.3 rebounds per game while coming off the bench in 1999-00, will see a great deal of playing time under the net.

Other players to watch for include junior point guard Rocky Parise, who started for the majority of last season and averaged 3.3 assists per game. Sophomore Brian Loftus, who over the course of 1999-00 gradually worked his way toward greater playing time and ultimately started the final four games of the season, could also be a key contributor for Elizabethtown. Loftus shot 14 for 28 from behind the three-point line last year.

Franklin & Marshall
Winning and Franklin & Marshall College have become synonymous over the years that head coach Glenn Robinson has been at the helm. One of the winningest teams in the 1990s, the Diplomats compiled a record of 256-58 from 1990-2000, for an .815 winning percentage.  During Robinson's F&M career, his teams have been in the conference playoffs 23 of the last 27 years, the NCAA playoffs 18 of the last 26 years and have been nationally ranked 23 of the last 25 years.  The Diplomats have posted at least 20 wins in 12 of the last 14 years and have advanced to the Division III Sweet 16 11 times in the last 15 years, to the Elite Eight six of the last 12 years and made their fourth trip to the Division III championship weekend last year finishing fourth with a 25-7 record.  It has gotten to the point where Lancaster is becoming Pennsylvania's equivalent of Salem, Va.'s, Championship City.

Now the question for Robinson and his blue and white Diplomats is how to top another Final Four season?  For Robinson, the question is an easy one. Add in the presence of D3hoops.com Team of the Yea member Alex Kraft (Jr., Lansdale, Pa./Lansdale Catholic), the 2000 Centennial Conference Player of the Year and a legitimate contender to garner All-American status again after averaging 16.2 points in 31 minutes per game, and the Diplomats chances of advancing deep into the NCAA tourney look good.

Kraft, who was a second team Centennial all-star in 1998-99, became the first sophomore and third Diplomat to win the "Player of the Year" award in the seven-year history of the conference last year.  He joined a prestigious list which includes All-American guards Dave Janetta '95 (1994 & 1995) and Jeremiah Henry '96 (1996).

However, Robinson will have to replace several players who will not be returning this year.  Guards Mark Sadowski, Jerome Maiatico and Mike Ritacco and forward Dave Manzo completed their eligibility last year and must be replaced.

Yet, the most damaging losses may be Maiatico and Ritacco, who were named second team Centennial all-stars last year.  Maiatico finished 14th on F&M's career scoring list (1,218) and third in three point goals (138). Ritacco finished 19th in career scoring (1,080), fifth in blocked shots (54) and tenth in three point goals (71).

Overall, the quartet combined for 1,175 points, 47.3% of the teams total offensive output, and a 72-36 career record (66.7%).  Factor in that the seniors totaled 120 three pointers, 68.6% of the total long distance threat from the Diplomats and the offensive load looks to shift to Kraft and whomever steps up to the challenge.

The most telling fact of last year's graduation is what it means in terms of starting players.  Of the team that took the court during F&M's loss to eventual national champion Calvin in the opening game of the Final Four, only Kraft and guard/forward Casimer Thomas (Jr., Neshaminy, Pa./Neshaminy) will return.

Thomas, who has 425 points for his career, led the team in rebounding with 168 boards, edging Kraft who finished with 157.  Most importantly, of Thomas' rebounds, 61, or approximately one-third, came on the offensive glass an area in which F&M was outdone 385 to 322.

If the rest of the F&M team can step up, then the college's tradition of winning may take it from one Championship City and back with an NCAA plaque to prove the tradition continues.

Gettysburg
Heading into his 12th season as head coach of the Gettysburg men's basketball team, George Petrie has a simple goal for the 2000-01 campaign -- two more wins than last season.

Not literally, of course.  And not just any two.  Simply translated, Petrie is hoping that his team can move from its all-too-familiar position just outside the conference postseason to the Centennial Conference playoffs and a shot at bigger things.

Having finished third for three straight years in a division that offers only two playoff spots, the Bullets begin the quest for their first CC playoff appearance since 1996 when they tip off against Washington & Lee on Nov. 17 in Hen Bream Gymnasium.

Petrie's 2000-01 squad returns two starters and plenty of experience from last year's team that went 15-9 and finished -- you guessed it -- one game behind second-place Johns Hopkins in the CC West division.

"I'm optimistic and I'm looking forward to it," said Petrie of the upcoming campaign.  "I don't think anyone is going to run away with the conference this year -- it's going to be neck-and-neck.  Our goal is to win two more games and stay out of that third-place spot."

In order to achieve those goals, Gettysburg will have to replace departed 1,000-point scorer Bill Davidson, who led the CC with 18.2 points per game in 1999-2000, as well as lunch-pail forward Richie Pfeil and 3-point specialist Ryan Napp, all starters on last season's team.

"We're losing an all-conference player and the leading scorer on the team -- all those elements will have to be replaced this year," said Petrie. "We're looking for the younger players to step into those roles and I don't think we'll have any problems finding those people."

Chief among those tabbed to step into the spotlight this season is post player Greg Schreiber (Mechanicsburg, Pa./East Pennsboro), a senior co-captain and three-year starter.  Schreiber finished second on the squad in both scoring (11.0 points per game) and rebounding (4.9 rebounds per game) last season and showed his versatility and court vision by ranking third in the Centennial Conference with 3.1 assists per game.

In addition, Schreiber scored in double figures in 15 out of 24 games last season and will be expected to pick up the scoring slack from Davidson and Napp.  Petrie is confident that his senior captain will be up to the challenge.

"I've always felt he has the potential to be an all-conference player," said Petrie.  "I think he is going to have an excellent season.  He played extremely well in Europe, he is very hungry, he's a senior and he's off to a really good start.

"The stats that make you an all-conference player aren't the stats he gives our team, but he makes the offense work, which gives a lot of other people their stats," he added.

Junior Kevin Boyle (Dublin, Pa./Lansdale Catholic) and sophomore Brad Billmeier (Pennington, N.J./Hopewell Valley) will back up Schreiber in the post.  Boyle (2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game last season) appeared in all but one game last year, breaking out in the season finale against Dickinson with 16 points and eight rebounds, both career highs.

Billmeier averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in 12 games last year while giving the Bullets valuable minutes off the bench in the second half of the season.  The emergence of either one would give Petrie more flexibility in the frontcourt.

"If Billmeier and Boyle can run the post, maybe we'll be better off playing Schreiber as a forward," Petrie speculated.  "We could have (Mike) Monroe and Schreiber (at the forwards) and play a bigger lineup."

No fewer than five juniors will compete for time at the guard spots in 2000-01 with Curtis McNeil (Alexandria, Va./St. Stephen's & St. Agnes) and Jim Natale (Washington Crossing, Pa./Council Rock) getting the first look in the starting roles.

McNeil, who reached double figures in scoring 13 times last season, brings the most starting experience to the floor after averaging 9.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in 23 games last season, including 12 starts.  Playing in a reserve role, Natale appeared in all but one game last season, scoring a career-high 11 points against Haverford and hitting the game-winning 3-pointer in Gettysburg's memorable 83-82 overtime win against Dickinson on Jan. 26.

"We don't really have a point guard," said Petrie.  "We have two guards in the backcourt, but we don't delineate between point guard and two guard. We just have two guards back there who are capable of doing the same thing.  I think they (McNeil and Natale) are pretty equal."

Despite seeing limited action during his first two seasons, smooth-shooting Cody Bowers (Indiana, Pa./Indiana) has worked his way to the third spot in the team's guard rotation and should push McNeil and Natale for minutes.  Bowers has averaged 1.8 points per game during his collegiate career and is a .538 career shooter from the field.

Antoine Gaither (Laurel, Md./Laurel) and Keith Wang (Gaithersburg,
Md./Bullis Prep.) will also push for time in the Bullet backcourt this season.  Gaither emerged in December and January of last season to average 2.9 points per game while making six starts while Wang gives Petrie another 3-point shooting option off the bench.  Freshman Kyle Cuneo (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) could also see time after graduating from Cherokee High as that program's all-time leader in career 3-point percentage.

The most interesting battles for minutes could take place at the forward spot, where senior co-captain Mike Monroe (Alexandria, Va./Bishop Ireton) will be joined by converted guard Terence Callahan (Bay Shore, N.Y./St. Anthony's) and sophomore John Schnebly (Hagerstown, Md./South Hagerstown).

Following two years in the regular rotation, Monroe will see his first consistent starting action in 2000-01.  The three-year letterwinner averaged 3.8 points and 1.5 rebounds per game last season and also shot 15 of 33 (45.5%) from three-point range, the top percentage on the team.

Callahan, who entered the 1999-2000 season as the team's starting point guard, will give the Bullets more quickness as well as a play-making mentality in the frontcourt.  Already a strong rebounder as a guard, the junior averaged 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while dishing out 47 assists in 24 games last year.

"I think he'll play better up there," said Petrie of Callahan's move to forward.  "I think it will be advantageous for him with his abilities and we can always swing him back to play guard -- he won't necessarily be stuck there."

Petrie also has high hopes for Schnebly, who appeared in six games last season and flashed his potential with a career-best nine points in his collegiate debut against Division I Lafayette on December 21.  Fellow sophomore Ryan Horan (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Twp.) should also be in the mix after scoring nine points in four varsity games last year.

"Horan's gotten bigger, a little stronger and more knowledgeable of the game.  Billmeier's gotten stronger and so has Schnebly," said Petrie of his sophomore trio.  "They have a year under their belts and the more we can get them to play like juniors the better off we will be.  That's always the push we make.  Don't wait to be good -- be good now."

Among the Bullets' crop of freshman forwards, Kevin Hogan (Annadale, Va./Bishop Ireton), Dami Oloruntoba (Glenn Dale, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt) and Chris Foley (Mendham, N.J./Mendham) could also contribute in the early going.

"They look very good in practice, but you never know," said Petrie of his first look at the program's new faces.  "They're doing a lot of learning right now.  When the transfer from learning to playing takes place, that's where the contribution might come.  It's going to take some time for that, but we're very pleased with what they have done so far."

As in years past, the Bullets' offense will feature the deliberate system of precision backdoor cuts and 3-point sharpshooting made famous by Princeton.

"It's the same pass-and-shoot," said Petrie of the offense.  "We'll take our opportunities in transition, shoot a lot of threes and take care of the ball."

Gettysburg opens its season by hosting the annual Days Inn Tip-Off Tournament on Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18 in Bream Gym. Marietta  takes on the University of the Sciences in the first semfinal at 6 p.m. on Friday before the Bullets open the 2000-01 campaign against Washington & Lee at 8 p.m.

King's
The King's men's basketball team is optimistic the 2000-2001 campaign will be the year the Monarchs gain their first MAC playoff berth since the 1994 season when King's win the very first MAC Freedom League title. 

A year ago, King's finished the season with a 13-11 overall record and were locked in a tie for third-place with Wilkes and Lycoming.  Due to an MAC tiebreaking procedure, the Monarchs were relegated to fifth place based on the conference criteria and missed the MAC playoffs.

This season, the Monarchs will field a veteran squad which has tasted the disappointment of failing to take advantage of a playoff opportunity last season and will use that as a motivational tool for the upcoming season.  With all five starters back from last season, the Monarchs possess the experience necessary to compete with the top teams in the MAC.

King's will led by returning MAC Freedom most valuable player Corey Dickerson (Philadelphia/Masterman) who was a second-team Mid-Atlantic Regional choice a year ago.  Dickerson led the MAC with a 23.3 ppg average and with 1,368 points, is 303 points shy of breaking King's all-time scoring record of 1,670 set by Jeff Thomas from 1989-92.

The Monarchs will also benefit from the healthy return of 60-5, 220-pound junior power forward Dennis Hobbs (Philadelphia/Germantown) who averaged 10.6 points and 6.7 boards but missed five games with a stress fracture in his foot.

Kasim Holloman (Philadelphia/St. Joseph Prep), a 6'3", 230-pound sophomore forward, added 10.2 points and 5.0 rebounds as a freshman and is looking to make an even greater impact this season.

Senior 6-7, 210-pound center Kevin Vincavage (Exeter/Wyoming Area) added 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds; while sophomore 6-6, 200-pound center-forward Steve Hite (Philadelphia/Masterman) chipped in with 4.8 points and 7.0 rebounds as a rookie.  Junior Emmet Donnelly (Dublin, Ireland/Stroudsburg, Pa.), a 6-1, 185-pound point guard, is also a returning starter who averaged 4.1 points and 3.2 assists per game. 

King's will be hurt by the loss of junior guard Kevin Kromko (Waymart/Western Wayne) who will miss the season with a knee injury after averaging 8.6 points with 45 three-pointers as a sophomore.

Senior guard Scott Speed (Philadelphia/Central), sophomore small forward Travis Eisenberger (Holtwood/Solanco), and sophomore power forward Dave Peters (Canadensis/Pocono Mountain) are also veteran performers expected to figure into the team's success.

Freshmen to watch include 6-4 swingman Brian Horgan (North Wales/LaSalle), a Philadelphia Catholic league first-team choice who brings a world of ability to the program.  Point-guard Dan Williams (Holland/Council Rock) could also be a major factor once he returns to full strength after off-season knee surgery.

Fellow rookie guards Jamar Stokes (Philadelphia/St. Joseph's Prep) and Dannie Evans (Norristown/Norristown) as well as 6-6 post player Dave Marks (Elwood, N.J./St. Augustine Prep) are also expected to contribute.  Freshman small forward Jonathan Veet (Freeland/Hazleton Area) and guard Brandon Abney (Philadelphia/Masterman) are also looking to make an impact for the Monarchs.

Misericordia
The expectations will be as high as ever for the Misericordia men's basketball team.

The Cougars were 16-11 a year ago and made their second consecutive appearance in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference championship game. With the return of sophomore standouts Willie Chandler and Jason Perry, all eyes will be on the Cougars to see if they can finally claim that elusive PAC championship.

"We may have surprised some people the last two years," said Misericordia head coach Dave Martin.  "We won't surprise anybody this year."

Chandler became the first freshman in more than 20 years to lead the NCAA Division III in scoring last season with 26.1 points per game.

In addition, he was named Player of the Year in the PAC and by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Basketball Media.

"Willie is a great player and certainly played an important role in our success last season," said Martin.  "He is a hard worker and a tremendous competitor."

Perry made an immediate impact at center as a freshman and earned second-team All-PAC honors after averaging 13.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

"Jason had a great season as a freshman," said Martin.  "He is stronger now and has a year of experience under his belt.  We expect big things from him this season." 

Also returning for the Cougars is senior point guard Neil Burdis who finished 20th in the nation with 6.0 assists per game a year ago.

"Neil provides us with solid leadership and experience," said Martin.  "He does all the little things that help us win."

Other returnees include seniors Mark Mazak and Steve Horensky at guard along with forward Jamie Marko. Mazak should see increased time at shooting guard while Marko will be used in the rotation up front.

Junior forward Jason Skovronski returns along with sophomores Albie Biggs and Brian Coyle. Skovronski will be looked to for rebounding while Coyle provides depth at the point. Biggs should see increased playing time after a year of experience.

A group of 12 freshmen along with junior college transfer Efrain Solis provide Martin with the most talented group of newcomers in years.

"We have some outstanding young players," said Martin.  "As they adjust to the college game, they will be able to help us."

Matt Hopple, Kyle Watkins and Mark Williams will provide additional depth at guard.

Freshmen Javen Ferguson, Lucas McClintock and Shawn Hayes could all contribute in the front court this season. The Cougars will need some of these newcomers to make an immediate impact if they hope to seriously challenge for the PAC championship.

"Our goal is to win the PAC," said Martin.  "We've got some outstanding returning players and we've gained a lot of experience by reaching the PAC finals the last two years."

"However, if we want to attain our goal, some of our new players have to step up," said Martin.  "If we can do that, we will be very competitive."

Moravian
After finishing one game out of the playoffs last winter, the Moravian College men's basketball team is determined to make the MAC Commonwealth playoffs this season and have a chance at the automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Tournament that goes along with the Commonwealth title.  The Greyhounds would also like to win their fifth Nike Greyhound Classic title in the last six seasons.

Head coach Jim Walker, who is entering his 20th season at Moravian and his 21st overall, does have a few holes to fill this season but a trip to Italy in August game Walker and the coaching staff to see the upperclassmen play.

"We are excited and optimistic about the season and we are working hard in the preseason to try and reach the Commonwealth Conference playoffs," Walker said.  "Our trip to Italy in August helped bring the team together while giving the players a chance to compete overseas."

Senior guard David Jordan (Point Pleasant, N.J./Point Pleasant HS) comes into the season with a chance to become the next Greyhound to score 1,000 points in a career, needing 327 points to reach the plateau.  Last season, Jordan led the Greyhounds with a 14.2 point per game average and 48 three-pointers.  He also contributed 99 rebounds, 46 assists and 35 steals.  Jordan, who has scored in double figures in 35 times in his career, tossed in a career best 27 points at Albright last season.

Senior forward Chris Hayn (Whitehall/Whitehall HS) was second on the Greyhounds in scoring last year at 11.7 points per contest and he was also second in rebounding at 4.7 rebounds a night.  Hayn had the best night of his career last winter at Susquehanna with 25 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Junior guard Doug Spadt (Emmaus/Emmaus HS) contributed 8.5 points per game last season as a starter and he also had 85 rebounds, 27 assists and 43 steals.  Sophomore forward Ken Greb (Mount Holly, N.J./Rancocas Valley Regional HS) tossed in 6.8 points and grabbed 4.6 rebounds per night in his debut season.  Sophomore guard Kevin Hall (Mountain Top/Pocono Mountain HS) can have a hot hand and he averaged 5.1 points per game last winter off the bench.  Hall along with Jordan, Hayn and Spadt is a threat behind the three-point line.  Greb and Hall each reached double figures in points five times last season while Spadt has been in double figures eight times in his career.

Greb might be a starter this season if Walker goes with a smaller lineup.  Walker does need to find replacements for guards Rich Whalen and Justin Potts and center Jim O'Rourke, who all have graduated.  Potts will serve as an assistant coach this winter.

Senior center Jason Greiger (Ottsville/Palisades HS), who transferred to Moravian last season will get a chance at center after contributing 26 rebounds and 23 points in limited action last season.  Junior guard Bruce DeLauder (Reading/Reading Central Catholic) will also get a chance to be the starting point guard after two seasons on the junior varsity team.  Sophomore Willie Reynolds (Bethlehem/Liberty HS), who came to Moravian last January, will add depth at shooting guard.

Six freshmen are slated to be on Walker's varsity roster this season.  Forward John Cartegna (Greentown/Wallenpaupack HS) was an All-League player as a senior while guard Lucas Malishchak (Wanamie/Nanticoke HS) was a four-year player in high school.  Twin guards Jay Leader and Jon Leader (Halifax/Halifax) will help handle the ball this season.  Jay was his high school league's MVP last year and Jon was a three-time All-League player.  Guards Stephen Weiler (Edgewater Park, N.J./Burlington City HS) and Kevin Wyers (Hamilton Square, N.J./Notre Dame) were both All-League honorees last season.

"We will be a small, quick team this season and hope to make that work to our advantage in some games," Walker stated.

The team's trip to Italy in August helped the squad bond and Walker hopes that will help the team prepare for the season.  Moravian will open the 2000-01 regular season at the Roanoke College Tip-Off Tournament in Salem, Va., Nov. 18-19 with Trinity (Texas) and Clark. The Greyhounds will also host the annual Greyhound Classic in January with another tough field of Centenary, Grove City and Muhlenberg.

Pitt-Greensburg
The UPG Bobcats will take the court in Winchester, Va., beginning the season in a familiar position. They will, once again, be trying to win a tournament on the road. The Bobcats are the two-time defending Allegheny Mountain College Conference champions, having won both titles on the road. Last season, in the first ever postseason appearance, UPG advanced to the ECAC South Region final. Playing once again on the road. The season ended with a disappointing loss to Lebanon Valley, but not before knocking off Johns Hopkins in the ECAC semis and winning 21 games.

Susquehanna
After missing the Middle Atlantic Conference playoffs for two years in a row, the 2000-2001 Susquehanna University men's basketball team will rely on the versatility of its top players and its frontcourt size to make its way back to postseason play.

Head coach Frank Marcinek begins his 12th season on the Crusader bench with what he calls the deepest frontcourt of his tenure. Nine letterwinners are back in orange and maroon this season, including three starters and two of last year's top reserves.

With the graduation of 1,000-point scorer Rob Makarewicz, the Crusaders will turn to the duo of 6-4 junior forward Corey Green (Roselle, N.J./Roselle Catholic H.S.) and 6-3 senior guard Mike Witcoskie (Annville, Pa./Palmyra H.S.) to shoulder the scoring load.

Green started 22 games and was the team's second-leading scorer behind Makarewicz at 11.0 points per contest. He shot 40.1% from the field and ranked third on the team with 15 three-pointers. Witcoskie was the top offensive threat off the bench as he averaged 9.0 points per game and shot 49-for-112 (43.8%) from three-point range.

One of the most versatile players on the squad is 6-5 senior forward Brad Rausch (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South H.S.), who can play anywhere from power forward to point guard. He poured home 8.4 points and pulled a team-best 7.0 rebounds per game last season while starting all 24 contests. Rausch also ranked among the team leaders in field goal percentage as he hit on 49.7% from the floor.

In the middle, 6-8 sophomore Zigmas Kaknevicius (Bethpage, N.Y./Long Island Lutheran H.S.) emerged as one of the Crusaders' top big men in years before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. He averaged 5.0 points and nearly one block per game while shooting a sizzling 59.3% from the field.

Off the bench, 6-6 sophomore forward Jose Arrieta (Susquehanna, Pa./Susquehanna Community H.S.) is considered to be the team's most natural scorer among post players. He saw time in 10 games last season with three starts and averaged 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in limited action.

Also slated to be part of Marcinek's rotation are 6-2 sophomore guard Tim Hurd (Montvale, N.J./Pascack Hills H.S.), who played JV ball last season but scored eight points in five varsity contests, and 6-1 junior guard Matt Fatz (Emmaus, Pa./Emmaus H.S.), who appeared in nine games as a sophomore.

Hurd is yet another of Marcinek's utility players who can contribute from any number of spots on the court, while Fatz is a threat from behind the three-point arc -- a trait that may come in handy for a team that needs to replace half (67 of 133) of its three-point production from last season.

Should Marcinek need a true point guard to run the offense, his primary option is 6-0 freshman Lafayette Melton (Greenbelt, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.). Other newcomers that might contribute at the varsity level are 6-7 sophomore center Kevin McLaughlin (Pottstown, Pa./St. Pius X H.S.) and a pair of freshman guards in 5-11 John Goodman (Chadds Ford, Pa./Kennett H.S.) and Daren Lake (Reston, Va./South Lakes H.S.).

Washington College
On paper, the 2000-2001 Washington College men's basketball team should be able to make a strong push toward the Centennial Conference playoffs. With all of last years leading scorers back, 2000-2001 could be another magical season.

Washington College's men's basketball team returns to the court this season without the leadership of 30-year head coach Tom Finnegan, who resigned on the advice of his cardiologist. Long-time assistant coach Mike Hart takes over.

The 2000-2001 Shoremen have three returning starters including first-team Centennial Conference all-star and team MVP, senior guard Greg Adams (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North). 

Senior guard Greg Adams (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North) led the Shoremen last year.  He was first on the team in scoring (18.2 ppg) and tied for first in steals (1.5 spg), was third in assists (2.4 apg), and seventh in rebounding (2.5 rpg).  Adams led the team in scoring in 19 games, and scored double-digit points in 21 games.  He had career highs of 36 points against St. Mary's and seven assists against Swarthmore. Adams became the 28th player in the history of the men's basketball program to score his 1,000th career point.  He achieved the milestone by scoring a game-high 24 points in an exciting 82-76 double overtime victory on the road against Haverford College. His current career points total stands at 1,212, which is ranked 13th all-time on the Washington scoring list.  

In a game against St. Mary's in December, Adams tied the Washington record for foul shots made in a game, shooting 19-for-20 at the line. At the end of the season, Adams was named a first-team Centennial Conference all-star.  He was the Centennial Player of the Week once this year, and was on the conference Weekly Honor Roll three times. Adams was named the team's Most Valuable Player at the end of the year. 

Also returning for the Shoremen are seniors Earl Piner (Elkton, Md./Elkton) and Alhamisi Simms (Annapolis, Md./Severn).  Piner averaged 11.5 points per game and grabbed 5.3 rebounds per game while Simms scored 10.5 points per game and pulled down 5.8 rebounds.

Senior forward Earl Piner (Elkton, Md./Elkton) continued to develop his game last He was second on the team in scoring (11.5 ppg) and rebounding (5.3 rpg), first in blocked shots (16 total), tied for first in steals (1.5 spg), and was fourth in assists (2.2 apg).  Piner led the Shoremen in scoring in two games and rebounding in five games.  He had double-figure points in 15 games and pulled down double-digit rebounds twice.  Piner had two double-doubles in points and rebounds.  He had career-highs of 23 points against Franklin & Marshall and 16 rebounds against Haverford.  Piner was named to the Centennial Conference Weekly Honor Roll twice during the season.  He was named the team's Most Improved Player at the end of the year.

Senior guard Alhamisi Simms (Annapolis, Md./Severn School) was a transfer on the team last year, and made an immediate impact.  He was third in scoring (10.5 ppg), first in rebounding (5.8 rpg), second in assists (2.6 apg), tied for second in steals (1.3 spg), and was third in blocked shots (nine total).  Simms led the squad in scoring in three games and rebounding in 10 games.  He scored in double digits in 13 games and had double-figure rebounds in three games.  Simms had one double-double in points and rebounds last season.  His season-highs included 21 points in two games, 11 rebounds against Western Maryland, seven assists against Ursinus, and four steals against Salisbury State.  Simms was on the Centennial Conference Weekly Honor Roll for his efforts.

Senior Antoinne Bellin (Pembroke Pines, Fla./University School), a 6-7 forward/center, saw quality minutes off the bench last season and looks to step into a starting role.  Last season he averaged 5.1 points per game and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Junior Ryan Plews (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) will get the start at the other forward spot. He saw limited time last season off the bench, only playing 15 games.

Wilkes
The injury bug hit the Wilkes University men's basketball team last season.  Senior All-American Dave Jannuzzi went down with a season-ending foot injury during the fourth game of the season, and his backup, John Boylan, was out for seven games with a knee injury.  Not that the Colonels are healthy again, they should return to the upper echelon of the Middle Atlantic Region.

Jannuzzi has fully healed from the injury which occurred in the team's fourth game of the campaign, a 78-61 win over Delaware Valley College.  Prior to the injury, Jannuzzi and the Colonels fashioned a perfect 4-0 mark.  Without their senior playmaker the team struggled to post a 12-9 record the rest of the way.

Ten letterwinners, including eight players who started at one time or another last season, return for head coach Jerry Rickrode.  Jannuzzi averaged 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game during his junior season and was named the Freedom League Player of the Year for the second straight year.  Jannuzzi was a member of the 1998 Final Four All-Tournament team.

"Jannuzzi is a two-time league Player of the Year and an All-American," commented Rickrode.  "Obviously, getting him back is a major plus for us this season.  We feel that he may be not only the best player in Division III, but the best leader.  We missed his leadership a great deal last season and are looking forward to having him back this year."

Three other holdovers started at a guard position a year ago.  Boylan averaged 9.9 points, three rebounds and 3.4 assists per game despite being hampered by his injury. Junior Greg Barrouk returns after starting 23 games and tossing in 7.5 points, four rebounds and 2.4 assists. Sophomore Roman McLaughlin started six games for the Colonels as a rookie and contributed 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds.

Two newcomers will make Wilkes even more formidable at the guard position this season.  Junior Tom Stambaugh, a 6-5 swing man, joins the Colonels after playing two seasons at Lackawanna Junior College.  Stambaugh led Lackawanna to a 27-5 record last season and a berth in the NJCAA Division II National Championships.  The All-Region 19 selection averaged 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots per game for the Falcons.  The other rookie is 6-2 freshman Dave Plisko, who averaged 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, six assists and three steals per game at Hanover Area High School.

"Tom Stambaugh could be one of the most talented players that we have ever had at Wilkes," said Rickrode.  "He is not only big, but athletic.  He can score from anywhere on the floor, inside or outside.  Tom turned down a number of Division I scholarships and decided to come to Wilkes, and obviously we are thrilled with his decision."

The Colonels' inside game is deep thanks to the return of 6-6 junior Ron McIntyre, 6-6 junior Kevin Walsh, 6-5 junior Brad Sechler and 6-7 junior Wes Kovach, along with 6-4 sophomore Alex Hairston and 6-7 sophomore Joe Stein. All but Stein saw time as a starter last season.  McIntyre was a second team Freedom League all-star after averaging 12.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.  He also blocked a team-high 55 shots and connected on a team-leading 61% of his field goal attempts.  Walsh averaged 7.9 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting an impressive 57.3% from the field.  Sechler contributed 5.5 points and 3.2 rebounds, and ranked second on the team with 33 three-point field goals, while Kovach added 5.4 points and 3.4 rebounds.  Hairston played in 22 games as a rookie and averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 rebounds, and Stein, who had his season cut short by a shoulder injury, averaged 1.2 points in limited time.

"Our size should be a big advantage for us this season," stated Rickrode.  "With the return of McIntyre and some other experienced players, this could be the best inside game that we have had at Wilkes in years.  We just need to be more consistent and do the little things well.  If that happens, we could have a very good season."

Ursinus
The Kevin Small era of Ursinus basketball begins with high expectations.  While there is a new face at the forefront of the program, the Bears return four starters and 12 letterwinners from last year's team, which finished 16-9.

"I'm in a position which very few first-year coaches find themselves," said Small.  "We've got tremendous talent and very high expectations.  I want those expectations."

A pair of first-team All-Centennial Conference selections, seniors Richie Barrett and Luther Owens, return to anchor a team filled with talent and promise. 

Last season, Barrett led the Bears in scoring for the third straight year, averaging 17.3 points and adding 8.4 rebounds per game.  He enters this season with 1,390 career points and needs just 72 points to become Ursinus' all-time leading scorer.  Barrett is 231 points shy of the Centennial Conference career-scoring mark of 1,620 held by Western Maryland's Will Marshall.

"Richie personifies much of what Ursinus basketball is all about -- character, love of the game, talent, selflessness, and an enduring respect for his teammates and the game of basketball," said Small.  "He will need to stretch himself as a leader this year to take us to the next level." 

Owens returns for his fourth year as the quarterback of the Bears offense.  Last season, he led the Bears and the Centennial Conference with 155 assists, averaging 4.6 per game.   He finished third on the team in scoring, averaging 11.8 points per game and ranked second in the conference in steals, swiping 2.24 per game.

"Luther is one of those special players who sees and plays the game at a different speed," assessed Small.  "He understands the game far better than his peers.  Luther will be leaned on this year as both a leader and a scorer."

Joining Barrett and Owens as captain of the 2000-2001 squad is junior guard Alan Karafin.  Karafin averaged 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season.  His aggressive defense and physical style of play will add spark to the Bears' lineup. 

Sophomore forward Dan Luciano returns after starting all 25 games as a freshman last season.  He led the team in rebounding (8.9 rpg) and was second in scoring (12.8 ppg).  He topped the Centennial Conference in offensive rebounding (3.24 per game) and was second in total rebounding.  He ranked sixth in the conference in scoring and fifth with a .544 field goal percentage.  Luciano scored in double figures in 20 of 25 games, including eight double-doubles.

Junior forward Brian Walsh also returns after starting 24 games in 1999-2000.  He averaged 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds.  His fiery attitude and tenacious defense are contagious on the court.  Sophomore forward Steve Erfle is back after averaging 6.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game a year ago.  Erfle is a banger who, along with Luciano and Walsh, will provide the Bears will a very intimidating frontcourt.

Junior Rory Young and sophomores Colin Burkhart and Steve Corrado also return and will provide depth at the forward position. 

Junior Matt Tuzman joins Owens, Barrett, and Karafin in the Ursinus backcourt.  Tuzman appeared in 23 games last season, and averaged 2.3 points and added 26 assists.

Assessing the team's overall style of play, Small explained: "We'll be disciplined.  We'll play with a healthy respect for the game and the opponent.  But, we'll also play with the kind of intensity that separates great teams from good teams.  Ursinus will be one of those great teams."

Ursinus appears poised for a return to postseason play for the first time since an ECAC playoff appearance in 1990.

"We have an opportunity to do something very special this season," concluded Small. "We can build a program that is successful for many seasons to come."

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