Macalester men's basketball season preview
Macalester begins its third season under head coach Tim Whittle when the Scots open the campaign Nov. 18 against Wisconsin-Stout. The Scots showed some progress throughout last season and are now looking for that advancement to show up in the form of MIAC wins and a move forward in the conference standings.
"I am anxious to see year three unfold for this team," said Coach Whittle. "They have worked extremely hard to improve in the offseason, and I know it will show on the court. We finally have some experience and as anyone with familiarity with the MIAC knows, you must have experience to compete in this conference. The seven returners, along with the six new faces, are focused on taking a big step with this program."
Leading the way for the young Macalester squad is All-MIAC
honorable mention forward Pierce Peters (Jr., Glenwood, Minn. /
Minnewaska Area), who heads into his junior campaign with 659
career points. Peters led the Scots in scoring in 16 out of
25 games in 2010-11 and finished with a 16.2 scoring average. In 20
MIAC games, Peters ranked fourth overall in scoring (15.9 ppg.),
10th in rebounding (6.1), 12th in free throw percentage (.780),
11th in steals (1.2), fifth in three-point shooting (.431) and
sixth in blocked shots (1.2).
MIAC All-Newcomer pick Justin Wasik (So., Park Ridge, Ill. / Maine
South) was the team's top outside shooter and was third on
Macalester with a 10.5 scoring mark. He drained a team-best 38
three-pointers. Wasik ranked ninth in the MIAC in three-points made
per game (1.6) and 11th in three-point percentage (.408).
Point guard Chris Quinn (So., Medford, Mass. / Beaver Country Day) returns to run the offense after contributing 5.5 points and 3.3 assists a night. Quinn ranked third in the MIAC in assists as a frosh.
Veterans Andy Bowman (Jr., Perry, Kan. / Perry-Lecompton), Patrick Piepkorn (Sr., Sauk Rapids, Minn. / Sauk Rapids-Rice) and Lamont Diggs (So., Fridley, Minn.) return to the front court with Peters. Bowman averaged 3.7 boards a game. Williams College transfer Sam Marshall (Jr., Sun Prairie, Wis.), the starting tight end on Macalester's football squad, will play a big role in the front court.
Macalester will look to its freshmen for immediate contributions to help add depth and competition at every position.
