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A look at the upcoming season

1998-99

Brockport Looks to Repeat SUNYAC West Title
Can you say high expectations? That's what Brockport first-year head men's basketball coach Nelson Whitmore has to deal with as he prepares his team for the season. The Golden Eagles, coming off their third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five years, return all five starters from a 17-10 club that won its first SUNYAC West title since the '70s.

Whitmore will look to a lineup that returns nine veterans, including six who played major roles in last year's run. Brockport was picked second in the SUNYAC preseason poll behind Plattsburgh (105 points). The Golden Eagles, who have won 18 consecutive regular-season home games, will be playing a new SUNYAC schedule that has all 11 conference teams playing each other twice.

Senior Jim Panek was a first-team All-SUNYAC selection and led all Brockport players with a 14.6 scoring average, 78 steals, 47 three-pointers, and 120-of-150 free throw attempts. Junior Jeff Cheevers starts at point guard again, after a strong sophomore year when he averaged 6.4 points and 4.4 assists and made 42 of 49 free throw attempts (.857).

Senior Jeff Weaver, junior Mark Wadams, and junior Rob Ward create an interesting mix up front. Weaver has been a steady inside scorer in his career, shooting a school-record 60.1% from the field his first three years. Slowed last year by a broken collarbone, he took off down the stretch. Wadams is an athletic banger at 6-5, 210 pounds. He averaged a team-best 6.3 rebounds last year and, like Weaver, was at 9.4 points per game. Ward is a slasher who also can hit the outside shot (41.9% from three-point range). He is expected to score consistently this year after averaging 10.1 ppg last winter. Senior Jeremy Breeden, nicknamed "Tree", is a 6-11, 265-pound center who has only been playing basketball since entering college four years ago at Niagara County C.C. He is still raw.

This is Whitmore's first head coaching job at any level, so the Golden Eagles expect some growing pains. But the 28-year-old has been around winning programs his whole life, including as a four-year player and assistant coach for Bob Ward at St. John Fisher; then as an assistant to Mike Daley at Nazareth; and most recently as an assistant with the Golden Eagles last year.

Brandeis Starting Over
Coach Ken Still's Brandeis University team returns a pair of backcourt starters, but loses the entire front line as graduation took six seniors from last year's team. A key loss is forward Matt Landry, who topped the team in scoring (14.3) and rebounding (8.4) and was a second-team All-UAA selection. Senior guard Jeff Adams is the team's top returning scorer after averaging 13.4 points per game last year. Adams also hit a team-high 45 three-point field goals, and was second on the team in assists (57) and steals (31). Joining him in the backcourt is Josh Mahan, a junior point guard. Mahan topped the team in assists with 88 and led in steals with 32. He averaged eight points per game and hit a team-high 83.1 percent from the free throw line. Junior forward Marc Corliss was the team's sixth man last season. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Junior guard Casey Green appeared in 21 games last season, averaging 3.5 points per game and handing out 35 assists. Sophomore forward Matthew Sieger will see increased playing time. Brandeis will be bolstered by the return of junior guard Corey Hunter, who sat out last season. Two years ago, Hunter was a spark off the bench, hitting 51 three-point field goals and 44.3% from three-point land while averaging nine points per game. He hit for a career-high 27 points at Washington U. Several newcomers will vie for playing time.

Carnegie Mellon as Young as it Gets
With 10 freshmen on the preseason roster, the 1998 Tartans will be the youngest ever for head coach Tony Wingen, who enters his ninth year at Carnegie Mellon. However, the Tartans return three starters and two key reserves from a team that went 10-15 overall and 4-10 in the UAA. Wingen is hoping that the blend of old and new will lead to something special in 1998-99. Senior guard Tommy Praesel returns to lead the backcourt. Praesel, who scored more than 20 points per game in the Tartans' final three games, led the Tartans in scoring last year with 13.1 ppg, and averaged 4.1 rpg. Joining Praesel is sharp-shooting sophomore David Burns. Burns aver aged just 2.8 ppg and 1.3 rpg as a freshman, but he steadily improved and will likely step into a starting role this season. The small forward slot will be occupied by senior Chris Butsko. Butsko averaged 7.1 ppg, including a 17-point performance against Washington University. He is the team's leading returning rebounder at 4.9 rpg. In the frontcourt, center Dan Bowersox, returns after averaging 7.0 ppg and 4.7 rpg. Junior forward Brad McNutt averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg last year in his first year of collegiate basketball. He must be a force on the blocks for the Tartans this year. Wingen expects several freshmen to get playing time this year and play a meaningful role on this year's squad.

Case Western Looks to Improved Size and Speed
The Spartan men's basketball squad will be bigger and faster than last season's 8-17 squad. Three starters are lost from last season, most notably two of the top three rebounders. However, with a solid backcourt of twins Chris Duncan and Pat Duncan, plus the anticipated return of Bryan Moloney, CWRU looks to step up its offense. Moloney, a former starter, who missed last season to allow his surgically repaired knees to heal, appears strong and ready to play. Experienced sophomores Bob Rosol, Zach Brenner and Mike Brunetti provide the team with plenty of depth outside. The front line is inexperienced and the ability of newcomers to step in from the start will be key to the Spartans' success this season. Returning are juniors Doug Downey and Malcolm Taylor, as well as sophomores Benedikt vonDohnanyi and Keith Von Handorf. Taylor and vonDohnanyi had fine seasons off the bench last year and will be counted on to lead the team's rebounding efforts. Freshman Troy Seller is perhaps the best freshman coming in and he will likely join the rotation up front. Also, watch for freshman forward s Travis Franck and Craig Austin to challenge for playing time. Coach Bill Sudeck anticipates using a 10-man rotation that worked well for him in past years. With eight of the top 11 players back, the team has more experience and better shooting than last season's squad, and that should mean more wins for the Spartans.

Nazareth Gears up for EAA Title Defense
What exactly will the Golden Flyers be missing from their team in 1998-99? How about a little bit of everything. When you lose your top two all-time scorers, the rebuilding mountain becomes that much steeper. On the interior, the Golden Flyers will try to get by without center Chris Pegan, who amassed 1,805 points and 946 rebounds, both Nazareth career bests. All he did in 1997-98 was average 19.8 points per game and was among the nation's leaders with 10.6 rebounds per game. On the exterior, the search is on for the candidate to replace guard Zach Wein, the leading scorer the past two seasons and No. 2 on the all-time scoring list (1,791). Wein averaged 21.7 points per game, shot 55% from the field and 83% from the line.

The graduation of their two best players will force the Golden Flyers to look for leadership in other areas. A good place to start is 6-4 senior guard Greg Dunne, who finished the '97-98 season as the Golden Flyers' all-time assist leader with 480 and ranked sixth in D-III with 7.0 per game. He also contributed 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He continued to be a shooting threat from beyond the three-point arc, where he made 50 baskets and ranks second all-time in that category with 138. Nazareth also expects leadership from senior captain Alex Osborne, a rugged, 6-3 forward known for taking charges and playing defense. He delivered 4.0 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

Junior Tom Keenan, a 5-foot-11 guard, also is an offensive threat. He appeared in all 27 games last season after transferring from Catholic, including 16 as a starter. He was second behind Dunne in three-point baskets with 34 and averaged 8.3 points per game. Promising sophomore guard John Miller is expected to miss the entire '98-99 season following knee surgery, so the Golden Flyers will need more production from sophomores Chris Amesbury, Aaron Eleby and Mike Redick as well as junior Matt Hoak.

Topping the group of newcomers are two transfers in sophomores Ross Comerford and Mark Renkas, each of whom should contribute immediately. Comerford, a 6-foot guard, played at SUNY-Potsdam last season. Renkas, a 6-3 forward, spent a year at RIT. "It'll be interesting to see who steps up," said coach Mike Daley.

NYU Will Look to Veteran Backcourt
Head coach Joe Nesci returns 11 letterwinners from last year's 17-9 team, including four starters. Leading the way will be a potent backcourt featuring 1997-98 second team All-UAA performer Gunner Winston and Chris Wiebke. Last season they combined to connect on 85 three-point field goals and 553 points. Other key returnees include co-captain Doug Trani, who can play either the guard or forward position and averaged 9.2 points and 3.6 rebounds last season. At the forward slot, junior Broc Armbruster returns after providing the Violets with 8.8 points per game off the bench last season. Also returning is center Mark Mamakos, who spent last year studying abroad. In 1996-97, Mamakos averaged 11.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per contest en route to a second team All-UAA selection. With such a strong returning core, Nesci will look to guide NYU into the NCAA Division III Basketball Championships for the eighth consecutive season. 

Rochester Awaits Leone's Return
There are point guards to lead, but points could be at a premium in the early going for the men's basketball team. Rochester lost one of the most-well-rounded players in the UAA with the graduation of David Sickler who finished in the top 20 at Rochester in career scoring (4th), rebounding (20th), and assists (14th). The Yellowjackets (12-13, 5-9 UAA) have the Association scoring champion in 6-3 guard Jason Leone, but Leone will miss the early going while a summertime ACL injury heals. Leone (17.4 ppg.) was accurate from long range (72 three-point goals) as well as the foul line (80.5%). His early season absence could mean more playing time for 6-1 sophomore Ron Cole or 6-2 junior John Griesmer (limited to 58 minutes as a sophomore due to injuries). Two experienced point guards run the attack f or a third straight year: 5-11 Randie Torgalski, who had 137 assists last year, the fifth-highest single-season total in school history, and 5-9 Brian Thomas (4.3 ppg., 16 assists in nine games before an ACL tear). Jon Witmer, a 5-10 sophomore, will add experience to the backcourt. Some needed size in the freshman class could mean two returning frontcourt starters could move to other roles. Six-foot-four senior Chuck Graham (7.2 ppg., 5.3 rpg.) played every game at power forward last year, but could excel at small forward. 6-4 junior Ben Keegan started the final 20 games at center (5.6 ppg., 4.4 rpg.). Keegan's full year of starting experience could pay handsome dividends, especially if he can convert to power forward. Tim Salmon, a 6-4 sophomore, shot 46.2% over 17 games last year.

Cortland Might Have Some Rebuilding Ahead
The Red Dragons lose six of their top seven scorers from last year’s 13-13 squad which qualified for the ECAC Upstate New York playoffs, the program’s fourth straight postseason berth. Key returning players and a talented group of newcomers, however, hope to keep the playoff string alive for fourth-year head coach Tom Spanbauer.

With eight freshmen, four sophomores and no seniors on the team, the leadership role on the team is handed to junior forward and captain Steve Crews. Crews started 14 games last year, averaging 5.6 points and 4.5 points per game. Sophomore guard Adam Blauweiss drew 10 starting assignments last season, averaging 3.6 points per game and shooting 37% from three-point range.

Freshman 6-8 center Jon DeHay played seven games last year before red-shirting due to illness. In his short amount of playing time he averaged 5.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and is expected to be a prime contributor to this year’s club. Also back are sophomore swingmen Kevin St. Pierre and Kenneth Rodriguez, whom each saw limited playing time as freshmen.

A group of nine newcomers is led by freshman point guard Kevin Burns and sophomore guard Tom Williams, a transfer from Division II Concordia College (N.Y.).

St. John Fisher Returns Four Starters from 22-4 Team
Four out of five starters return from the most successful season in the 34-year history of the men's basketball program, as well as two key reserves. "I think with the success we had last year and the players we have coming back, it's hard not to be optimistic," says Fisher head coach Bob Ward, who'll enter his 12th season this fall with an impressive 203-87 overall record. Fisher finished the season with an overall record of 22-4, tying the school record for wins in a season and the four losses were the fewest in 27 seasons.

The Cardinals advanced into the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive season and the sixth time in seven years, earning a first-round bye as the No. 2 seed in the East Region. Fisher finished the season ranked nationally in several categories including field goal percentage defense (12th, 38.9%), scoring margin (15th, +14.3 points per game), rebounding margin (21st, +7.3 rebounds per game) and scoring offense (23rd, 85.5 points per game). Senior forwards Michael Zarzycki and Chris Violante earned figure to lead Fisher into yet another successful season.

Zarzycki averaged a team-high 13.3 points per game and tallied 6.7 rebounds per contest, while Violante led the Cardinals with 7.4 rebounds per game and chipped in 12.3 points per game. Multi-faceted point guard Robaire Johnson is running the show for the second straight season, after shooting over 42% from three-point range and leading the Cardinals in assists. Senior center Matt Jones is back after tallying 51 blocks and making 58.1% of his shots from the floor.

Vassar Looks to Improve on Best Finish
The Vassar College Brewers are coming off their best season in school history. Going 15-12 last year, and a semifinalist in the ECAC postseason tounament, the Brewers look to set sight on bettering both of these marks. Vassar returns 4 starters, led by senior forward Joe Slotnick, in top five in country with 86 blocked shots, and 8.6 boards per contest, junior guard Josh Beauregard with 10.5 ppg and 5.5 apg, and Tirek Gayle with 12.1 ppg and, 283 rebounds which was good enough for top 10 honors nationally.

"This is a program that has come a long way under Mike (head coach Mike Dutton), he has done a magnificent job. Although we are looking for a great year ahead it all depends on the teams level of commitment to take that next step. To go out everyday in practice or game and learn how to win, not just play."

Wentworth Ready To Defend CCC Crown Again
Over the course of the past three seasons, Wentworth has posted a 61-23 record, appeared in three consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference championship games, won the last two CCC championships and appeared in one NCAA Tournament (1997). Fifth-year head coach Harry McShane welcomes seven letterwinners, including three starters, back from last season's 22-7 squad. With the solid nucleus back as well as some welcome additions, the Leopards should once again be one of the teams in contention for the CCC crown and yet another postseason bid.

Leading the charge for Wentworth will be junior forward Sterling Marshall (Brockton, Mass.), who was an All-CCC selection a year ago. Last season, Marshall averaged 15.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 51 percent from the floor. Marshall, a tri-captain this season, needs 149 points to become the 10th member of the 1,000 point club. Marshall will be joined up front by senior tri-captain Brandyn Boone (Manhattan, N.Y.). Boone, who has been a steady contributor throughout his first three seasons, averaged 6.3 ppg a year ago.

The Leopards return, for the third year in a row, the backcourt tandem of Kevin Hanlon and Kenny Bascomb. Hanlon, a junior tri-captain, averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.5 assists and was second on the team in three pointers. Bascomb, also a junior, averaged 9.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 4.8 assists. Also returning to the mix this year will be senior forward Corey Sassaman, junior guard/forward Kareem Quow, sophomore guard Frank Cruz and redshirt sophomore Jamie Grasso.

Williams Loses Three Starters From Final Four Team
Given the fact that the graduated Michael Nogelo, D-III Basketball Online Team of the Year first-teamer, is someone who cannot be replaced, the school's second top assist man Grant Farmer and center Brendan McGuire (97 games played) also graduated, things are changing at Williams. Head coach Harry Sheehy will enter his 16th season at his alma mater needing just 17 wins to become the all-time winningest coach at Williams. Though Nogelo, Farmer and McGuire are gone, the good news for Ephs fans is Sheehy isn't. Sheehy turned down the Colgate job in late spring and will continue his quest to be the all-time leader in wins in men's basketball.

The cupboard is far from bare in Williamstown as senior co-captains Jim Frew and Matt Hunt return as do several who played key roles the past two seasons. Frew has played point guard and the two spot and is renowned for his all-out hustle and defense. Frew posted team highs in assists (130) and steals (56) while averaging 10.4 ppg and 4.2 rpg. Hunt is a 6-5 forward with a stroke as pure as honey. He has now developed an inside game to go with his picture-perfect outside shot. A second team All-NESCAC choice in 1998, Hunt stood out in the national semifinals and third place game as he tallied 20 vs. Wisconsin-Platteville and 24 vs. Wilkes. A year ago Hunt averaged 17.7 ppg.

Up front the Ephs will look to start Mike Holland at center. The 6-7 senior has been a solid replacement off the bench the past two years and should be ready to handle the job in the front court. Holland averaged 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. Opposite Hunt at forward will be one of two sophomores -- Dan Dickens or Emmanuel Benjamin. Dickens is a 6-7 lefty out of the D.C. area while Benjamin is a 6-6 jumping jack from Zimbabwe. Early in the 1997-98 season Dickens saw more time than Benjamin, but at the end it was Benjamin getting the look.

Junior Jim Sheehy (no relation) was the backup point guard the last two years and appears ready to run the Eph attack. Sheehy played 10 minutes but only averaged 1.3 points.

Brock Takes Over at Springfield
With three returning starters, Springfield hopes to receive an invitation to its fourth straight NCAA Tournament this season. The Pride will compete in the inaugural season of the NEWMAC with Babson, Clark, Coast Guard, MIT, Wheaton and WPI. All except Wheaton formerly competed in the Constitution Athletic Conference.

Charlie Brock, a 1976 Springfield graduate, takes over from Mike Theulen who led the Pride to a 26-2 record. Brock was the head coach at Trinity University (Texas) for nine years, leading the Tigers to a 21-6 record, the SCAC title, and an appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament last season. Springfield has three of the region's top players in 6-3 guard Randy Alexander, 6-2 guard Chris Agoglia, and 6-6 center Benjamin Otis, who will serve as tri-captains this season. Alexander is a junior while Agoglia and Otis are both graduate students.

Alexander led the Pride in scoring (14.6 points per game), three-pointers (77), and three-point percentage (50.0%, fifth in D-III). Otis averaged 10.1 points and a team-high 7.9 rebounds while Agoglia averaged 8.5 points and was among the region's top defenders. The Pride also has depth with 6-1 senior guard Bobby Henderson (8.5 ppg, 52 three-pointers); 6-2 sophomore forward Lydell Capers (2.8 ppg) and 6-6 sophomore forward/center Mike Shaughnessy (2.8 ppg), among others challenging for additional playing time.

"We have a solid team returning who had a great season last year, and I'm looking forward to coaching this squad," said Brock. "In each of my last three positions, I had to build the foundation for winning. Springfield College has always had the foundation for winning and this team has a challenge to continue from where it left off last year."

Springfield's all-time record (89 seasons since 1906) is 1,165-751 for a .608 winning percentage. Since joining the Division III ranks in 1995, the Pride has a 70-13 mark for an .843 winning percentage.

Flynn Looks to Turn Rutgers-Camden Around
In the mid-90's Rutgers-Camden's men's program gained national recognition for the wrong reasons. A record 117-game losing streak lasted until the 1996-97 season. But new head coach Jim Flynn is looking toward the future. "I dont want to hear anything about the past of this program," Flynn said. "The past begins today. I want to establish a new history." As a former assistant coach with NJAC rival College of New Jersey, however, Flynn knows the road ahead is difficult. "I believe our conference is the best Division III conference in the nation," Flynn said. "I believe the players in South Jersey now have another option for their college education. South Jersey basketball is among the best in the state and the best in the area." Flynn has a proven track record in that area. He coached the Holy Cross High School boys varsity team from 1992-97, taking over a sub-.500 program and building it into a powerhouse. By the end of his tenure, the Lancers had reached the South Jersey Parochial A finals in 1997, and earned three trips to the semifinals.

Roger Williams Aims at Ending CCC Drought
The Tom Sienkiewicz era is entering year four at Roger Williams and the program is looking to climb to the top in the Commonwealth Coast Conference. Sienkiewicz has brought in another solid recruiting class that should blend in nicely with the veteran players. The squad has four starters returning from last season. The team will be led by junior Liam Carr who has had two very solid seasons. He was named to the All-CCC Second Team a year ago after averaging 14.3 points a game. Classmate Robert Sewell has also had two solid seasons at guard and last season led the way in three-point percentage, assists, and minutes played. Senior Greg Driesch had another solid season at forward and led the team in field-goal percentage.

The shooting guard spot will be manned by sophomore Chris Venino who started all 27 games last year and averaged 12.6 points while leading the team in three-pointers. Forward Michael Lynch also had a solid rookie campaign, leading in blocked shots and averaging 7.3 points a game. Sophomore guard Kenny Nappi played in all 27 games and showed signs he will be a solid player for the Hawks. The Hawks have the potential to seriously challenge for the CCC title, a crown the Hawks have not won since the 1986-87 season. Sienkiewicz is excited and thinks this team truly has a chance to have one of the best seasons in school history.

Hamilton Hopes to Move Up From Down Under
Hamilton's men took a 10-day, seven-game tour of Australia in August and hope to put that experience to good use. The Continentals are led by 1998 Team of the Year third-team forward Mike Schantz, who paced Hamilton down under averaging 33.5 points and 12.1 rebounds. Hamilton hopes that the trip will help them to improve on their 17-10 record of last year, including a turnaround after an 0-4 start, their worst in 25 years. The Continentals return four of five starters including Schantz who averaged 24.1 points and 11.9 rebounds last season. He was the only player in the country in the Top 12 in both categories. Joining Schantz up front is fellow senior Jon Schmiegel, who averaged 14.4 points and led the team with 12.2 rebounds. Seniors Max Stroman and Lamar Johnson along with sophomore point guard Jimmy Driggs round out this veteran starting five.

Alvernia Reloading for Another PAC Run
Head coach Jack McCloskey and his Alvernia team will be in pursuit of their seventh straight winning season in 1998-99. McCloskey will look to three returning starters and eight returning letterwinners from last year's 17-10 team to lead the way for the Crusader squad. Gone is two-time PAC Player of the Year Daimen Hunter, who averaged 23.2 points per game last season.

Although losing those two players to graduation, the cupboard isn't bare. Senior Team of the Year candidate Lonnie Walker returns to lead Alvernia in the middle. Walker led the nation in field-goal percentage a year ago, after topping the country in rebounding the previous year. Walker averaged 15.9 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting an astonishing 69.6% from the floor.

Joining Walker in the frontcourt will be transfer Chad Kratzer, who at 6-7, 210 will be another strong force inside. Sophomore Deotis Carolina returns after averaging 6.0 points and 3.9 boards a game last season. Carolina always seems to find himself around the ball and can bang down low with anybody. He possesses a great attitude and strong work ethic, which make him a perfect fit in the Crusaders system. Fellow sophomores Joe Grey and Dwayne Walker also return to the Crusaders frontcourt. Grey is another big body who averaged 2.7 points in limited action last season. He has a soft touch from the outside and can play both the four and the five spots. Walker is a great athlete who isn't afraid to work hard.

Sophomore Gil Concepcion returns to lead a strong corps of Crusader guards. Concepcion averaged 9.6 points a year ago and brings excellent quickness, outstanding defensive skills, and an innate ability to score the Crusaders lineup. Senior Drew Gosseaux averaged 7.3 points while shooting 38.7 % from three-point land. He is an intelligent, hard-nosed player who will be an added outside threat for Alvernia. Sophomore Torre Harrison rounds out the returners at guard. Harrison appeared in 26 games last year, averaging 4.0 points a game. His athleticism and defensive skills make him a perfect fit in McCloskey's system. Freshman Justin Armstrong will likely start at the point for Crusaders. He is a smart player who possesses extraordinary ball-handling skills.

If the Crusaders are to repeat their recent success, including a trip to the NCAA Final Four in 1996 and two consecutive appearances in the PAC title game, they will have to do it with a different style. McCloskey's philosophy of developing his program and its players through the day-in-day-out efforts of the coaching staff and the players and his focus on strict fundamental skills have the Crusaders poised for another successful season.

Haverford Trying to Get Back to Centennial Playoffs
The 1997-98 Haverford season witnessed the emergence of Mukul Kanabar as a slashing, shot-draining star. Ranked in virtually every category of the Centennial Conference final statistics, swingman Kanabar led the Fords in scoring (15.0), rebounding (5.4), three-point shooting (50.2%), assists (43), steals (40) and minutes played (34.0 per game). The lanky Texan was also second in field-goal percentage (48.9%), free throw shooting (78.3%) and blocked shots (15) on the team, and recorded HC single-game highs of 35 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.

After doubling their '97 win total and staying alive in the Centennial playoff race until the final week of the '98 regular season, Kanabar and senior co-captain Will McCulloch seek to lead Haverford back into the conference playoffs in 1999 after a two-year absence. McCulloch, who provided a spark off the bench until earning a starting spot midway through his junior season, will provide consistency in the backcourt along with three-point shooter Tim Mulvaney and talented yet oft-injured playmaker Bobby Weinert, both juniors. Junior Gavin McCarthy and sophomores Alec Evans and Kevin Gregory will again see action on the perimeter this season. Solid junior pivot Mark Maggiotto is expected to make an even greater contribution up front this season, while sophomore big men Colston Jones and Navid Sadri are anxious to get into the fray.

Washington College Returns Two Starters
After two consecutive appearances in the Centennial Conference playoffs, the Washington College men's basketball team will look to step up to the next level in 1998-99. Two starters return from last year's squad plus several key reserves who came off the bench to contribute significantly. Washington finished 14-11 overall and 7-6 in the Centennial, good for second place in the East Division. Co-captains Corey Davis, a senior guard, and Steve DeVore, a junior guard, will be counted on this year for leadership of a team made up of mostly sophomores and freshmen. Davis, who has started since the end of his sophomore season, led the team in assists (2.9) and steals (2.1). He also averaged 8.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He scored in double figures eight times, and led Washington in scoring once and rebounding once.

DeVore, who started the final 10 games last year, was the team's fourth-leading scorer at 8.6 points per game, and was second in blocks with 10. He pulled down 3.2 rebounds per game as well. Sophomore guard Greg Adams is the team's leading returning scorer after averaging 9.2 points per game last year off the bench. He was the Shoremen's top three-point threat, making 24-of-65 from behind the arc (36.9%). Two other sophomores who saw lots of action last year are guard Earl Piner and center Antoine Bellin. Back after taking a year off is sophomore forward Shawn Peterson. Peterson played in all 25 games in 1996-97, averaging 3.4 rebounds and 2.8 points per game.

A talented group of newcomers will push the returnees for playing time while adding depth to the Washington lineup at every position. The Shoremen's schedule includes a road trip to North Carolina to take on Division I Davidson College.

Catholic Cracks Preseason Top 10
Prospects for the Catholic University men’s basketball team look bright with four starters returning to a team that won a school-record 25 games last season and posted the program’s first NCAA playoff victory. But seventh-year Coach Mike Lonergan hopes Cardinal fans aren’t expecting a repeat performance. "I think we will have another great season, although the expectations might be a little unrealistic," said Lonergan, who led Catholic to a final ranking of No. 8 in the nation and turned down the head coaching job at Division I Colgate in April. "It will be extremely difficult for us to duplicate the success we enjoyed last year." Catholic is ranked No. 10 in Division III in The Sporting News preseason poll.

Returning starters include First-Team All-CAC senior guards Jim McNiff and Sean Tuohey, senior forward Mike Gallagher and sophomore point guard Pat Maloney. Kris Zeisler, a junior transfer from Division II University at Albany (N.Y.), looks to start at center. McNiff, who averaged a team-high 15.9 points last year, paced the club in field-goal percentage (51.3%). How well he recovers from offseason surgery on his right knee will play a key role in the team’s fortunes. Tuohey averaged 15.3 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Maloney, who led the nation in three-point percentage (51.8%), paced the Cards in assists (100) and steals (50). The CAC Rookie of the Year averaged 12.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. Reserve guards include senior Shawn Kane, junior Dan Harrington and sophomores Tim Judge and Andy Rice. Kane averaged 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Harrington chipped in 6.7 points and 2.2 rebounds. Judge played a reserve role in all 29 games, averaging 3.9 points. Gallagher led the team in rebounding (6.3 rpg) and was second in blocks with 35. He and Zeisler will be counted on defensively to make up for the loss of Jason Alexander, Catholic's all-time leader in blocked shots. Zeisler, at 6-6, 230-pounds, should give the Cards a strong, physical presence in the paint.

Catholic, which opens at Division I American, faces a tough early season schedule with four of its first five games on the road. The lone home game will be a battle with perennial power Roanoke. The Cards, who are looking to defend their CAC regular-season and tournament championships, open league play Dec. 2 at Mary Washington.

Gallaudet Ready to Run
The Gallaudet men’s basketball team is up and running. Literally. Under the direction of second-year head coach John Becker, the Bison have added speed and quickness, not to mention height, and perhaps most impressively, depth. Last year, the team finished a 3-22 season with only 10 active players. This season, 15 players will suit up as the Bison do battle with a competitive CAC schedule including a game in Washington, D.C.’s sparkling MCI Center.

Paramount among team objectives is to improve defensively. "We’ve given up way too many points the past few years, and we’ve turned the ball over too much," says Becker. "We’re going to press more on defense, and hopefully that will also create opportunities for us on the offensive end."

When Gallaudet has the ball, it will be handled principally by senior Darnell Woods. Gallaudet’s leading scorer with 14.2 points per game last season, Woods has the respect and attention of the entire roster. Woods will be joined in the backcourt by junior Marcus Washington. A defensive specialist last season, Washington has added a reliable jump shot to his repertoire. Sophomore shooting guard Brandon Janky is a proven scorer, having finished sixth in the conference in three-point shooting last year. Freshman Abron Pouncy-Mitchell brings his quickness and confidence to the Bison backcourt, where he will try to establish himself at the college level. Some of the returning post players who hope to be on the receiving end are sophomore center Ben DeMario, sophomore forward, of Harrisburg, Pa., junior forward DeAngelo Brown and senior forward Nick Lalanne. DeMario, who averaged 11.2 points per game last year, returns with his array of post moves and some newfound muscle. Prather, who blossomed in the season’s second half, moves to power forward where his defensive skills will be highlighted. The athletic Lalanne, who led the team with 5.5 rebounds per game last year, will attempt to become a more consistent scoring threat. The dazzling Brown, a junior who returns after a one-year absence, will try to regain the form which won him the 1996 NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Rookie of the Year award. Also returning after a year off is junior Chad Ivar Margason, who brings his impressive intensity and work ethic.

Some of the freshmen may have an immediate impact. Forward Leonardo Gutierrez and guard Matt Klusza are already two of the team’s most reliable shooters. "So far, the players have impressed me with their effort and willingness to learn," says Becker. "If this group stays together, we’ll have a successful year and a promising future."

Goucher Looks to Eliminate Close Calls
In the course of 28 hours the Goucher men’s basketball team lost a one-point game to a Top 10 team in the country, closed off a 20-7 season, and was denied a bid to the NCAA tournament. What does a player think about for 238 days prior to the opening practice of the next season? Winning.

The team has won championships and visited the tournament twice in those five seasons. Coach Leonard Trevino says he has the players to take Goucher into the tournament again, but says his team will need to be more focused this season to continue the winning trend. "I think they felt slighted at the end of last year," Trevino said. "I think we realize we can’t leave things in the hands of other people, but need to take care of them ourselves."

Goucher returns four starters from last year's near-miss squad. The three senior captains should lead the charge. Bakari Ward, the 1997-98 CAC Player of the Year, highlights the trio. Ward took his play to another level during his junior year. He averaged 21.5 points per game, shot 50% from the field, and 48% beyond the three-point arc. He led the CAC in scoring, was third in three-point field goal percentage and sixth in steals (2.4 spg). Not a bad resume for a young man that had started four games in his first two years at Goucher.

Vince Williams led the defensive effort for Goucher and held his own on the offensive end. Mike Doyle finished at 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Among other returners, Bernard Threatt started 12 of his 17 games, shooting 57% from the field, averaging 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. Gone from the mix will be starter Tavar Witherspoon (second team All-CAC), who did not rejoin the team this season, along with graduated seniors Clay Nunley and Damian Pitts.

Mary Washington Suits Up a Bunch of Seniors
The 1998-99 season has already been a momentous one for Mary Washington. Rod Wood, interim coach for the past two seasons, has had the interim label removed from his title, and All-America candidate George Bunch (20.1 points, 10.9 rebounds per game). In all the Eagles return three senior starters from last year's 9-16 team that finished sixth in the CAC. Those three seniors (Bunch, and guards David Love and Burt Burroughs) will be the nucleus of this year's team, which hopes to return to the upper echelon of the conference, where they sat after Wood's rookie campaign in 1996-97. Newcomers include freshman Anthony Edwards, and transfers James Brown and Philip Klaus.

Johns Hopkins Hopes Veterans Lead to NCAA Return
Coming off of a season in which it reached the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1993-94, the 1998-99 Johns Hopkins expects no less this season. An experienced squad returns 12 players to the roster, six of which saw at least 200 minutes of action. As is typical, Hopkins' key to success this season will be defense. A year ago, the Blue Jays parlayed the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation into a school-record 21 wins. For the Blue Jays to approach that level of success, the defense must be strong early in the season while the offense matures.

"Our defense comes first," says head coach Bill Nelson. "We want to continue our strong defensive effort from last season. We are just as strong inside on the defensive end of the court, but we have gained some quickness which will help us tremendously." With the ability to hold the opposition to under 60 points, which the Blue Jays did 17 times last year, replacing Greg Roehrig (15.4 ppg) and Kamau Coar (7.1 ppg) is the focus as the season approaches. The Blue Jays have just one senior on this year's team, 6-3 guard Matt Geschke. Nelson will depend on Geschke to lead the team both on and off the floor. An emotional leader, he is Hopkins' top returning scorer after averaging 7.4 points per game last season. A co-captain, Geschke will be used primarily as a perimeter player.

Hopkins will have a new floor general this season, as Jake Stroman takes over the point guard position. The junior co-captain has earned respect from his teammates. One of the top defensive players in the Centennial and UAA, Stroman can defend anyone. Last season he was second on the club with 34 steals, while also recording the best assist-to-turnover ratio on the team. Joining Geschke and Stroman in the backcourt this season will be a cast of veterans. Among these players will be Antoine Peoples. The strongest player on the team going to the basket, Peoples will provide the Blue Jay offense with a spark by taking the ball to the hoop. Peoples uses his 6-1, 200-pound frame to his advantage, and will be used to post up smaller guards. Last season, the sophomore averaged 4.9 points in just an average of 11 minutes of action.

A deep frontcourt will be paced by junior center Jon Olson. Olson will see a great deal of minutes at the low post for the Blue Jays this season. One of the most physical players on the roster, Olson is relentless on defense, using his size to push around the opposition. He has worked hard on his back-to-the-basket moves in the offseason, looking to improve his finishing abilities.

Muskingum Hopes to Get Back Over .500
The 1998-99 Muskingum men's team believes it can have a successful season because it is strong in the middle. The Muskies have eight returning lettermen from last year's 12-13 team, including point guard Chester Mullet and post players Mike Caldwell, Chris Garber, and Christian Toombs.

"We're really strong in the post and at the point," Muskie Head Coach Dr. Jim Burson said. "If you're strong in the middle, you'll usually be OK. Mullet gained confidence in the second half of last season. The 5-7 junior dished out 112 assists and led the Muskies in free throw attempts with 104. His ability to penetrate could make him one of the best point guards in the OAC. The question is who will play at the shooting guard position? One candidate is 6-1 sophomore John Maleski-Ferguson, who lettered as a freshman but redshirted last season with a back injury. Don't forget 6-2 sophomore Scott Lamonica, who scored in double-figures three times last season.

Candidates to play forward include 6-3 senior Brian Davis, 6-4 senior Jeremy Sims, and 6-3 sophomore Randy Endsley. Davis received the most playing time last season as one of the Muskies' most valuable reserves. Sims checked in 12 games, while Endsley had to sit out after transferring from Malone College. Three players will compete for playing time in the paint.

Defensively, Muskingum is looking to stop opponents from scoring in critical situations and to challenge individuals. Despite allowing the fewest points of any team in the OAC, Burson said the Muskies would have been even better last season if they could have denied their opponents late in the game. Burson also said that the Muskies need to "keep tight on great perimeter shooters" like Ohio Northern's Jeremy Thompson and Otterbein's Kevin Weakley.

Marietta Looking to Keep Pace
In almost any other season, Marietta would be considered an OAC favorite. However, nearly every other team in the conference returned its top players, so the Pioneers are not sure how they compare. Marietta's main offensive threat is 6-3 senior Zach Pauley, who averaged 14.9 points and 1.3 steals per game last year. He is also one of the top free-throw shooters in the nation (88.1%). The Pioneers will also count heavily on 5-11 junior point guard Brent Cahill to lead the offensive attack. Cahill averaged 12.0 points and 4.4 assists per game last year. Helping the Pioneers on the perimeter and in the paint will be junior forward Rich de Senglau (6-4), who averaged 11.6 points and 3.3 rebounds a game.

Marietta's other returning starter is 6-8 junior center Corey Hosfeld. Hosfeld averaged 8.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last year. Marietta is expecting a lot from senior Josh Alexander, juniors Greg James, Nick Evanich and Thad Smith; sophomores Mike Warden, Wade Krause, Jim Lallathin and Chad Spence; and transfer Adam Means. Evanich and James provided the Pioneers with plenty of defensive spark last year off the bench, while Warden and Krause both had big outings late in the season. Spence sat out last season after transferring from Muskingum and head coach Doug Foote sees him backing up Pauley at the shooting guard.

Defense is where the Pioneers need to improve immediately to compete in the OAC this season. "We are going to be a very good offensive team," Foote said. "The key to our season is whether we can play some defense. We need to guard somebody this year if we want to avoid going 5-20."

Mehaffey in Final Year at Ohio Wesleyan
Veteran head coach Gene Mehaffey opens his 20th and final season at the Ohio Wesleyan helm with perhaps the biggest challenge of his coaching career ahead of him. The Battling Bishops return one starter and 4 lettermen from last year’s squad, which compiled a 9-16 record. Mehaffey, who will retire after the 1998-99 season, hopes to infuse the scrap and grit displayed by last year’s experienced squad into this year’s team and develop the youthful Bishops into a NCAC contender. Senior wing Josh Stanek is the Bishops’ lone returning starter. Stanek moved into the starting lineup last seson and went on to rank second on the team in scoring with 11.0 points per game. He shared the team lead in steals and ranked second on the team in three-point percentage and third in field goal and free throw percentage.

Flanking Stanek at the other wing position is junior Chad Van Sickle, who was the Bishops’ top wing off the bench last season. Van Sickle was the Bishops’ most accurate shooter from beyond the arc, connecting at a 40% clip. He averaged 5.1 points per game last season. Sophomore Scott Spriggs, a reserve baseline last season, moves to a wing spot this year, while sophomore Brett Auerbach looks to move up from the junior varsity squad.

Sophomore Jimmy Francis lettered as the backup point guard last season, seeing action in all 25 games. A fine shooter both from three-point range and the free throw line, Francis will be the favorite to take over the starting nod this season. Up on the front line, Mehaffey has one of the taller baseline corps he has coached in recent years. The downside is that it is also one of the most inexperienced groups he has had. The Bishops’ success will hinge upon how well -- and how quickly -- the front line becomes integrated into Mehaffey’s offense. Junior Brian Nash (Delta) is the sole returning frontcourt letterwinner. He was the Bishops‘ most accurate shooter from the field last season, hitting 54.4% of his attempts, and averaged 5.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in a reserve role.

Wooster Men Look to Continue NCAA Run
With the entire starting lineup returning, this shapes up to be a promising season for Wooster men's basketball. The Scots, who have averaged 22 wins per season in the 90's, are coming off a year in which they posted a 22-6 record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the eight years. "We have a very good nucleus," said 11-year head coach Steve Moore. Atop the Scots' veteran roster are two of the top big men in the NCAC - senior Ryan Gorman and junior John Ellenwood. Gorman, who averaged 12.7 points and led the conference with 10.1 rebounds, and Ellenwood, who led the team with 13.3 points per game and was second in rebounding at 7.1 per game, were each named first-team All-NCAC. Joining this duo is senior guard Chris Gardner, who was outstanding despite not earning a full-time starting job until midway through last season. Gardner led the team in three-point percentage (41.3%). If there is a question mark entering the season, it would in the area of depth. The Scots lost Matt Sprang and Chad Roberts to graduation as well as senior Rick Hochstetler, who has decided not to play.

Wilkes Men Still Among MAC Favorites
Some things probably won't change in Wilkes-Barre this season. You can firmly expect that Wilkes will be one of the frontrunners to cop both MAC Freedom League and overall titles this season. The Colonels should also have enough talent returning to be in the battle again for a berth in their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament. Three starters and 11 letter-winners return from their Final Four team, including 6-0 junior guard Dave Jannuzzi (18.2 points, 3.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds per game), a deadly 42.6% shooter from three-point range. Also returning are 6-4 senior forward Brian Gryboski (13.6 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and 6-7 junior center Jason Sheakoski (3.5 points, 3.2 rebounds). A pair of transfers are expected to have an impact: 6-5 forward T.J. Ziolkowski (24.2 points and 10.1 rebounds at Luzerne Community College) and Mike Ferkler (11.8 points at King's in 1996-97). Add in one of the best recruiting classes in Head Coach Jerry Rickrode's career and Wilkes could find itself back in the hunt in the Middle Atlantic region.

New Head Coach to Lead Delaware Valley
Last year, the Delaware Valley College men’s basketball team burst onto the scene and changed the fortunes of the program thanks to one of the most talented freshmen classes in the country. Eight letterwinners, including four starters are back from the 12-12 squad and they will be led by new head coach Bill Dooley, who brings 13 years of Division I coaching experience (four as head coach) to the Aggies.

Among the returnees is sophomore guard Jimmy Garrett, who was the MAC Freedom League Rookie of the Year and a Second Team All-Star. Garrett led the Aggies and broke the school’s freshman scoring record with 479 points (19.5 avg) while ranking in the top 10 in the MAC in steals (7th), scoring (8th) and assists (10th).

Center Tyree Jones and guard Jameel Hawthorne joined Garrett on the MAC Freedom League All-Rookie Team and are back for their sophomore seasons. Jones broke the school and conference record while placing sixth in the country with a .652 field goal percentage. He was second on the team in scoring (15.0 avg) and rebounding (7.8 avg).Hawthorne was instant offense off the bench as he averaged 11.0 points per game and led the MAC with 71 three-pointers (3.0 avg).

Senior forward Kevin Burton led the Aggies and finished fourth in the conference with an average of nine rebounds per game while junior guard Jim Greenberg recorded more than 100 assists (104) for the second straight season.

New-Look Lycoming Hopes to Continue Winning Ways
Lycoming is hopeful of continuing its winning ways in the 1998-99 season. The Warriors graduated seven seniors from last year’s 14-10 team. It was the program’s third consecutive winning season, all under head coach Joe Bressi.

"I still think we can be a playoff team," Bressi said, "and that’s the goal we’ve set. I think that’s realistic, but we won’t know how good we are going to be until we start playing games. A lot will depend on how fast our younger kids develop."

His team’s strengths for the ‘98-99 season begin in the paint with the return of senior center Kevin Rutherford. He played in 17 games a year ago and averaged 6.1 points and a team-high 5.9 rebounds. The duo that should see time in reserve roles at center are sophomore David Stark and freshman Scott Harris. Stark played in eight games last year for the Warriors, averaging 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game.

Two other key veterans -- senior Lenny Weisbrod and junior guard Rasheed Campbell -- will anchor the two-guard spot. Weisbrod played in all 24 games last season, averaging 5.7 points per game and leading the team with 41 three-pointers. Campbell missed last season but played in 25 games in the ‘96-97 campaign when he averaged 9.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

Junior John Tompkins returns to contend for playing time at the three position. He saw action in 20 games last season and averaged 2.3 points a contest.

Two top newcomers will play key roles at the one and four positions. Freshman Jason Black will be one of the top players at point guard, and sophomore Brian Lindsay will likely anchor a spot down low. Black is expected to be the starter at the point for the Warriors. He scored 764 points (25.5 per game), dished out 141 assists, and recorded 95 steals last season for Susquenita High School. Sophomore Chris McLaughlin also made great strides in the offseason and should contend for playing time at the point. He played in nine games last year and averaged 1.1 points a contest.

Lindsay, a transfer, played in 27 games for Division II Indiana (Pa.) two years ago. He started eight of those contests and averaged 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds for the Indians. He was a 1,400-point scorer in Gettysburg High School.

Albright Men Look to Keep Pace in MAC
Albright's men's basketball team won the MAC Commonwealth League and reached the conference semifinals, and with five starters returning the Lions are looking to improve on their 15-11 overall mark. Junior Shawn Swavely, who was 24th in the nation in scoring at 22.5 points per game as a sophomore, has already reached 1,000 careeer points, with two teammates in range this season. To bolster the returning core, Albright brings in two stars of Philadelphia's Catholic League, Brendan Fern (6-7, 15 ppg and 12 rpg for Fr. Judge) and Dustin Sutton (6-2, 21 ppg at Bishop McDevitt). Each could see significant playing time from the start. The team is battling several injuries in the preseason, including losing junior James Drewry to a broken foot until January and senior Summer Hemphill to a herniated disc. The Lions will know right away if they still have the guns to compete, with games Nov. 20 at Dixie Conference power Christopher Newport and Nov. 21 at Div. I William & Mary.

Everyone's Back for Susquehanna
When you return all five starters from a team which went 15-10 there's reason to be optimistic. That's the scenario for Susquehanna and 10th-year head coach Frank Marcinek, who fell at eventual MAC champion and Final Four team Wilkes, 80-78, on a buzzer-beater in last year's final game. And if that's not enough, Marcinek has two Division I transfers along with some talented freshmen among his 13 recruits.

"Since the end of the season to now, I believe we've improved ourselves dramatically in the areas that we were weak," said Marcinek, the most successful coach in program history. "We are a little bit bigger and more athletic because of some of the people we've added since last season."

Topping the returnees are a pair of juniors who were both MAC Commonwealth League Second Teamers last season in post Mike Barrette and shooting guard Rob Makarewicz. Sophomore forward Brad Rausch also made the league's All-Rookie team last season. The 6-5, 200-pound Barrette led the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), field goal percentage (53.2%), rebounding (5.2), and blocked shots (18). Makarewicz (6-2) was the outside complement, second in scoring (13.7 p) while leading the team in three-point percentage (40.8%). Rausch posted solid numbers (5.9 p, 4.8 r, 50.7 FG%) as a rookie. Other returners include the team's senior backcourt of Sean Breckley (11.3 p) and point Jarrod O'Neill (9.7 ppg, 3.0 apg).

Both 6-0 freshman guard Tim Boblick and 6-2 sophomore swingman Garrett Thompson give the team some added talent after transferring from Division I Loyola (Md.) and the University of Delaware. The return of sophomore post Erik McKinney, who sat out last year after playing in 12 varsity games as a freshman, should also help the middle.

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