2011 Men's Basketball Preview

The University News Celebrating 90 Years as a Student Voice of Saint Louis University

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SHOW-ME SEASON

MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011-2012

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Table of Contents

The Gateway Guide

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Will the Billikens dance?

After last year’s disastrous season, SLU may be on the cusp of its first NCAA Tourament in more than 10 years.

The Midtown Maestro It’s taken Head Coach Rick Majerus four seasons to get it right. For his Billikens, is it NCAA or bust?

The leaders of the pack For Kyle Cassity and Brian Conklin, three years of hard work and oh-so-close seasons culminate in one last chance.

Season of redemption Kwamain Mitchell was dismissed from his team - and school a year ago. This year, he has a lot to prove.

The SLU Ensemble From Dallas to Chicago, Canada to D.C., see which players will be crucial to SLU’s success - or failure.

The invisible players Three walk-ons live the lives of their scholarship brethren without the recogntion. Introducing Brian Daly, Grant Gehlen and Jimmy Remke.

This is the year - right?

Much is being said locally and nationally about the Billikens moving to the next level, making this the season of “Great Expecations.”

Scouting the Atlantic 10 Richmond stunned Xavier last year by taking the conference crown. Where does SLU stand in the running for king of the A-10?

The University News unewsonline.com Contact us: Busch Student Center, Suite 354 facebook.com/theunews twitter.com/theunews Advertising: (314) 977-2813 advertising@unewsonline.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JONATHAN ERNST (314) 977-1590 eic@unewsonline.com SPORTS EDITOR MICHAEL JOHNSON

ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR DERRICK NEUNER sports@unewsonline.com

DESIGN DIRECTOR BRIANNA RADICI design@unewsonline.com PHOTOS BY: SHAH (YUQING XIA) CURTIS WANG RYAN DOAN photos@unewsonline.com COPY EDITORS ANDREA ROYALS MARY KATE MURRAY copy@unewsonline.com

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2011-2012 Schedule

2011-2012 Schedule Nov. 11 vs. Tennessee State Nov. 15 @ Southern Illinois Nov. 20 vs. Washington Nov. 24 @ Boston College Nov. 25 @ Villanova/UC Riverside Nov. 27 @ TBA Nov. 29 @ Loyola Marymount Dec. 3 vs. Portland Dec. 7 vs. Vermont Dec. 10 vs. Illinois-Springfield Dec. 17 vs. Alabama State Dec. 22 vs. Arkansas State Dec. 27 vs. Texas Southern Dec. 31 @ New Mexico Jan. 4 @ Dayton* Jan. 7 vs. George Washington* Jan. 11 vs. Temple* Jan. 14 @ Charlotte* Jan. 21 vs. Duquesne* Jan. 25 @ Xavier* Jan. 28 @ UMass* Feb. 1 vs. St. Bonaventure* Feb. 4 vs. Dayton* Feb. 8 @ Saint Joseph’s* Feb. 11 @ La Salle* Feb. 15 vs. Richmond* Feb. 18 vs. Fordham* Feb. 25 @ Rhode Island* Feb. 28 vs. Xavier* March 3 @ Duquesne*

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BLUE games are played at Chaifetz Arena

*Atlantic 10 Conference Game ®

Games to Watch University of Washington Huskies Sunday, Nov. 20

The Huskies invade Chaifetz Arena for what will be an interesting matchup both on the court and on the sidelines. University of Washington is coming off a season that included a run to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. This game also marks Washington Head Coach Lorenzo Romar’s unofficial homecoming to Saint Louis University. Romar served as the Billikens head coach from 19992001 and was the last coach to guide the Bills to an NCAA Tournament berth (2000). The Huskies are a young squad. Their roster features seven first-year players, yet they have received votes in both the AP and ESPN/USA Today Top 25 polls. This tilt will be the first major test of the season for both schools.

Boston College Eagles Thursday, Nov. 24 76 Classic - Anaheim, Calif.

The Eagles are the opening round opponent for the 76 Classic Thanksgiving holiday weekend tournament. Boston College is widely considered to be entering a rebuilding season, but with a trip to Disneyland on the weekend agenda, the Eagles have “trap game” written all over them. A win here gives the Billikens a chance to pick up valuable RPI points against an ACC opponent and an opportunity to take on perennial Big East contender Villanova in the second round of tournament action. Be sure to pile an extra serving of Grandma’s yams onto the plate, park it in front of the television and enjoy this battle to see which Jesuit university reigns supreme.

New Mexico University Lobos Saturday, Dec. 31 Rick Majerus revisits his Mountain West Conference roots when he brings his team into University Arena, more commonly known as “The Pit,” which Sports Illustrated tabbed as a Top 20 Sporting Venue of the 20th Century. The Lobos hold an all-time .813 winning percentage when playing in front of their home fans. Drew Gordon, a 6-foot-9-inch senior power forward and 2011-2012 Wooden Award Watch List member, is New Mexico’s marquee player and will fill out every column of the stat sheet for the Lobos. This New Years Eve, take a pass on the annual black-tie gala and watch Cory Remekun, Brian Conklin and Rob Loe attempt to neutralize the bruising Gordon.

St. Bonaventure University Bonnies Wednesday, Feb. 1 While St. Louis is not home to an NBA franchise, professional-caliber talent will be on display in the Gateway City when St. Bonaventure steps into town. Projected NBA first-round draft pick and Bonnie senior power forward Andrew Nicholson will generate plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, with his graceful blend of fundamentals and explosive post moves. SBU’s date at Chaifetz Arena comes in the thick of the Atlantic 10 schedule and at a time both teams will be jockeying for prime position in the conference standings. The Bills could not ask for a better way to kick off February than with a victory over the Bonnies.

Xavier University Musketeers Tuesday, Feb. 28 This matchup is circled on every Atlantic 10 basketball fan’s calendar. The Musketeers are the odds-on favorite in the A-10 and consensus preseason top-15 team, but expect an emotional effort from the Billikens as seniors Kyle Cassity and Conklin are making their final appearance on their home hardwood in this contest. This will be the team’s second meeting of the season, and guards Kwamain Mitchell and Mike McCall will have the enjoyable duty of defending preseason AP Third Team All-American Tu Holloway. The SLUnatics will be roaring at maximum volume all evening for this mid-week affair.

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Billiken Basketball

Arch Madness

Saint Louis hasn’t been to the NCAAs since 2000.

After 10 years, and a lot of hype, 2011 has become...

By DERRICK NEUNER Associate Sports Editor

Missourians are famously known for their stubbornness and their over-reliance on common sense. Promises and posturing get you nowhere–you must prove yourself. People in Missouri aren’t easily convinced.

When Rick Majerus was brought to Saint Louis University in 2007 to head the Billikens men’s basketball team, he was charged with one duty: play to the NCAA Tournament. For a man who has taken 11 teams to The Big Dance, the job seemed simple: build the program, win the games, win some more games and go dancing.

Five years into the Majerus era, SLU, 69-61 in that time, has

played in the post-season only once.

This is the Show-Me State.

For Majerus and his Billikens, this is the Show-Me Season.

Chaifetz Arena was not the only jewel SLU President Lawrence J. Biondi, S.J. wanted to build in Midtown. Majerus was hired in April 2007, signing a six-year, multi-million dollar contract. But he was given the keys to former Head Coach Brad Sodenberg’s program, not his own, delaying the rebirth of basketball at SLU. There was always an excuse – the players were not Majerus’, the team was young, the schedule was weak, the expectations were too high.

Five years later, the excuses have run out. For the first time, Majerus has all 13 scholarships filled–with players his

THE

staff recruited–and freshmen no longer will be running the team.

This is the year Biondi dreamed of when he brought Majerus aboard. He’s about to find out if his dreams were based in reality.

For the Billikens, improvement over last year should come easy. The team won just 12 games and finished last in the A-10 in scoring offense. As is typical for a Majerus team, the defense was solid, allowing fewer than 2,000 points, and when discussing what needs to improve this year, the head coach focused mostly on that side of the ball.

“Last year, we’d play a great defensive possession, and one guy would let us down. He wouldn’t know his assignment, or he wouldn’t get his hand up on the shot, or he wouldn’t know his rotation,” Majerus said. “We have to be tighter on our defensive rotations and our coverage. We have to talk like a veteran, mature team. We have to really, really rebound the ball, on both ends. Last year, again, we’d get down to the end of the shot clock, we’d play great defense, and the guy would get his shot off anyway, or we wouldn’t block out.”

And perhaps the biggest questions going into the 201112 season lie with how the SLU big

SHOWME

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MEN’S BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2011-2012

men wilperform. While senior Brian Conklin (8.7, 6.5 rpg) had a stand-out junior year and sophomore Dwayne Evans surprised with his quick maturation in the front court, the rest of the bigs have been largely untested and criticized for their lack of toughness.

The most important forward this season may be Cody Ellis. Ellis, highly touted out of Australia, has struggled to find his place on the court: He missed a semester his freshman year to the NCAA clearinghouse, part of summer shoot-arounds last year because of third-degree burns, and 10 games last season after dislocating his shoulder.

When he’s playing regularly, though, Ellis is a difficult matchup because of his ability to shoot threes. Majerus also wants him to be a difficult match-up on the defensive end and backboards.

“For Ellis, defense has been a suggestion in the past,” Majerus said. “Now he’s got to step up, man up and rebound.”

Adding to the front court, and the unknowns, are the two freshmen – Grandy Glaze and John Manning. Glaze, according to Majerus, is struggling to adjust to the Billiken’s game plan, though Majerus constantly talks about his enthusiasm, athleticism and heart. Manning, on the other hand, may be a diamond in the rough. Majerus says he may be a “legit center,” though he may have to compete for minutes among an eight-man rotation.

Because there are 12 eligible players – freshman Emmanuel Tselentakis will redshirt–players will be forced to compete with each other in practice to prove they deserve time on the court, an intangible that should make the team better. “In practice, it’s more us going against each other instead of going against some of the walk-ons and coaches,” Senior Kyle Cassity said.

“This is the most talented team I’ve played with. We’ve got just about anything you could ask for. We got a lot more play-

ers, we can run people in and out, and we can try and try to wear people out, and I think that will be one of our advantages throughout the year.”

But perhaps the single most important piece to the Billikens’ success in 2011 will be the return of Kwamain Mitchell.

Mitchell, who’s started every game of his career and averaged 15.9 points his sophomore year, including a team-leading 64 three-pointers, is on his way to earning All-A-10 second-team honors. This year, he was picked pre-season Second Team AllConference.

If he can shake off the rust and ignite the offense, SLU may be lethal inside and outside the arc. His presence is also a boon for sophomore guard Mike McCall, Jr.“[Kwamain]’s been pushing us all year, and coach has been matching us up in practice to make each other better,” McCall said. “He pushes me to see my weaknesses. If I make a mistake, he comes up to me and tells me what to do” The other factor playing into SLU’s hands is the schedule.The Bills will play at least 17 matchups against teams that advanced to the postseason last year. In addition, SLU will play up to 18 games against teams that posted a winning record a season ago. Among the highlights are a home-tilt against Washington, a New Year’s Eve match-up at New Mexico, and oh, conference play – featuring Xavier and Temple.

“We’ve got a tough schedule,” Majerus said. “It’s a terrific non-conference schedule.

We also have the highest RPI in league play. I like playing a tough schedule, and I think it’s important to.”

It’s hard to be excited about a team that finished 12th in a 14-team league. Regardless of how SLU does, the road to the NCAAs comes through St. Louis in 2012.

The question this year is: Can Majerus and the Billikens show they deserve a trip, too?

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Billiken Basketball

BILLIKEN ROSTER

“ For the first time since I’ve been here, we have a full complement of scholarships. It’s good for us.

It’s really a blessing.”

- Head Coach Rick Majerus

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Kwamain Mitchell

#3

(RS) Junior Guard

#5

Jordair Jett Sophomore Guard

Mike McCall, Jr.

#11

Sophomore Guard

#14

Brian Conklin Senior Forward

Dwayne Evans

#21

Sophomore Forward

#23

Kyle Cassity Senior Guard

Cody Ellis

#24

Junior Forward

#30

Jake Barnett (RS) Sophomore Forward

Cory Remekun

#32

Junior Forward

#51

Rob Loe Sophomore Forward

John Manning Freshman Center

#55

Grandy Glaze Freshman Forward

#54

500 Head Coach

MR.

unewsonline.com Photos courtesy of Marquette University

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Marquette•Ball State•Utah•SLU Rick Majerus was brought to SLU to win. He’s done it before.

By DERRICK NEUNER Associate Sports Editor

Only a handful of coaches will take the court this season with more than 500 career victories.

Krzyzewski. Calhoun. Williams.

Patino.

And some time in the middle of December, another name will be added.

Rick Majerus.

But it’s Majerus’ road to 500 wins that makes him unique.

After all, how is it that one of the most celebrated coaches in the game never actually played?

Majerus will often laugh about his try-out attempt at Marquette in 1967, but that’s where his journey began.

While still a student at Marquette, Majerus earned his first coaching position as an assistant coach at St. Sebastian Junior High School in Milwaukee, and he was named head coach of the freshman team at Marquette University High School in 1969.

After graduating from Marquette in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in history, Majerus was hired by Al McGuire as a full-time assistant in 1971. He was named head coach 12 years later.

Fast forward to March 30, 1998. Majerus has coached the

Utah Utes to a 30-win season.

The team is ranked No. 2 in the nation and has steam-rolled through the NCAA Tournament.

There’s only one win left, and it’s the most important – the national championship. On the other bench sits Tubby Smith and his “Comeback” K e n t u c k y Wildcats. At half, Majerus’ Utes had a 12-point lead. It vanished into a 78-69 loss.

It’s the third season in a row that Majerus’ season has been ended by Kentucky.

After ward, a repor ter hands him a box score he dropped on the floor. “That’s okay,” the coach says, “I don’t think I want that. It’s not going to be in my scrapbook.”

Fast forward to March 8, 2011. Perhaps the most disastrous season he can remember is coming to a close. For the first time, Majerus is staring down a losing season - the first in his career.

His Billikens finished 12-19.

Rhode Island throttled them

in the opening round of the Atlantic 10 Tournament. What he doesn’t know is that within seven months, he will lose his top two assistant coaches-- one a day before the 2011-12 season starts.

But his focus now is not on

Times have pondered and predicted the return of Majerus to the NCAA Tournament – where he’s taken 11 different teams.

Majerus, though, dispels the hype and focuses instead on his team.

“I don’t know if everybody is talking about it,” he said. “When I came in here, there were a lot of issues.

We’ve upgraded “I don’t think anythe program in many ways. None one would doubt my of those issues are here anymore. commitment here.”

These are great kids, great students, who are members of the -Rick Majerus University community. And they will play hard for their community.”

He also waves any of that. Rick Majerus’ sole off the notion that, in year five focus is on Friday, Nov. 11, 2011. of six of his contract, he is in the “I said, ‘I can’t look back any- hot seat with SLU administramore,”’ Majerus said. “We can’t tors. have what happened last year …

“I would [sign a new conI’m back, and I’m energized, and tract], but they haven’t put anyI feel good.” thing on the line,” Majerus said.

The Billikens’ head coach Laughing he added, “I don’t has been the center of national worry about it. Listen, if they attention going into the season. don’t want me, then that’s fine.”

Writers from ESPN to Sports But the coach turns livid Illustrated to The New York when talking about his traumatic

summer.

On Aug. 1, SLU announced that Majerus, 63, had undergone a procedure to have a stent implanted in his heart. Five days later, his mother, Alyce, passed away after a long fight with cancer.

The coach missed the summer recruiting period. caring for his ailing mother, and was not cleared to coach the team in Canda.

“Last summer was not pleasant for me. You only have one mom in life,” Majerus said. “I was with her when she died, and then I had to have a stent put in. Nothing is more important to me than my family and the people I love.

“I missed the whole summer [of recruiting] to be with my mom. There were some guys [rival coaches he alleges] who said, ‘He wasn’t out looking out for you [recruits] this summer.’ All I have to say is [screw] them.”

But despite it all, Rick Majerus is back on the road. The journey to 500 continues.

“I’m renewed and refreshed,” he said. “I don’t think anyone would doubt my commitment here.

“It might not translate all the time, but we’re all dedicated.”

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Seniors

THEIR LAST HOO-RAH Seniors play for final chance to visit NCAAs

By CHRIS ACKELS Staff Writer

Brian Conklin

The Saint Louis University men’s basketball team has played 99 games over the past three seasons.

Those games include 53 wins, 46 losses and more than 6,000 points for the Billikens. They include 54 games at Chaifetz Arena, three games in Cancun and one in Cameron Indoor Arena.

The Bills have seen a six-game losing streak, a seven-game winning streak and a trip to the finals of the College Basketball Invitational.

And there is one thing that all 99 games have in common: Brian Conklin has played in every one of them.

Conklin has played in every game since the 2008-2009 season, and he has the stats to show for it. Last season, he was second on the team in points (8.7 per game) and rebounds (4.3 per game), and he led the Billikens in shooting percentage (52.6%).

But Conklin also understands that since he’s been here for three years under Head Coach Rick Majerus, it is now his turn to lead. On a roster with just two seniors, Conklin knows that his role is just as important off the court as it is on.

“I embrace that role,” Conklin said. “We’ve been a young team for three years, so I feel almost like I’ve been in a leadership role for three years now. I really feel comfortable with it.”

Conklin, who checks in at 6-foot-6, has never been known for flashy play. He may not be the one to throw up the alley-oop or throw down the dunk, but he could very well get that timely rebound. He may not be pumping up the crowd or jawing with referees, but he’s the guy Majerus counts on to speak up in the locker room when the time is right.

His performance in Saturday’s exhibition game is a great example.

He didn’t lead the team in points, but he was a perfect 4-4 from the stripe. He didn’t have the most rebounds, but he was a large part of SLU’s offensive rebounding advantage. And when St. Ambrose pulled within three points late in the game, Conklin provided two consecutive assists to help the Billikens pull away.

“He’s just a hard worker,” Kyle Cassity, the only other senior on SLU’s roster and one of Conklin’s closest friends, said. “You can see it on the court, and you can see it in everything he does. He works his tail off day in and day out.”

Cassity has been with Conklin every step of the way. In those 99 games, Cassity has played in 97 of them, and he was the only Billiken to start every game last season.

For each of the past two years, Cassity has led the team in assists. Last year, he also led the team in three-point field goals (42) and was second in steals (31). The senior guard from southern Illinois is often a voice for the team, both in the locker room and in post-game press conferences. Conklin enjoys the leadership role that he and Cassity share.

“Kyle and I, being the only seniors, we’ve got the four years of experience, and we try to impart our knowledge onto the younger guys,” Conklin said.

The two have been large parts of the SLU basketball program ever since they stepped foot on campus. Even as freshmen, they each made their presence known as they became acquainted with the Majerus system.

As a senior, Cassity is still the team-first, all-effort player he was growing up. His two consecutive years leading the team in assists show that, and his leadership role fits that personality perfectly.

Friday’s game will be Cassity’s 98th in a Billikens uniform. Conklin will reach the century mark. And both of them would say that this year, their chances are better than ever to go dancing in March.

Kyle Cassity

Career Totals:

Career Totals:

688 Points 383 Rebounds 2,136 Minutes

525 Points 255 Assists 2,650 Minutes

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Player Profiles

The Comeback Kid After a year off the court, can Kwamain Mitchell replicate his sophomore season magic? to play around with the guys.”

Mitchell’s Canadian exhibition tour was cut short after he was taken to the hospital Kwamain Mitchell is back. after falling into metal bleachers during the After a year clouded with controversy and fourth Canadian exhibition game, but he has unwanted attention, Mitchell is set to return since made a complete recovery. to a team with high expectations for the In their time spent north of the border, his upcoming basketball season. The guard is teammates got a chance to bond in the wildermentally and physically prepared to return to ness when they went whitewater rafting and the court and be a leader. cliff jumping.

“We all make mistakes. There are two “It was so scary to jump off a cliff,” things that I have to do now, which are Mitchell said. “At first, I did not want to do earning my degree and playing basketball,” it, but my teammates kept telling me to do it, Mitchell said. and I did.”

Mitchell returned to Saint Louis University Although it took some egging on to get in the spring 2011 semester after being sus- him to jump off the cliff, Mitchell, the team’s pended for the fall 2010 semester for a viola- captain, is the man doing the encouraging tion of school policy. when it comes to basketball. Mitchell said After returning to campus in January, that good leadership is the only way for the Mitchell opted to redshirt his junior season basketball team to get to the “next level.” and sit on the bench for the remainder of “One of the major things for me is my leadthe 2010-2011 season. The time on the bench ership,” Mitchell said. “This plays a key role affected the Milwaukee native greatly. in our success as the season goes on.”

“It hurt the team, but they learned some The leadership-oriented guard has already good and bad things,” racked up one accolade this Mitchell said. “I learned season. Mitchell was recentthat life is short and I needly named to the Second Team ed to move on and not I want our team to be All-Atlantic 10. Mitchell let the past stop you from number one and do well takes the honor lightly, as he what you are trying to do wants to focus on the team this season. in life.” for the upcoming basketball The family atmosphere —Kwamain Mitchell season. around basketball kept #3’s “I don’t want to get caught spirit up throughout the up in my individual accomtough times spent on the sidelines. Mitchell plishments. I want our team to be number had opportunities to go to other schools, one and do well this season,” Mitchell said. but he decided he wanted to remain in St. That does not mean he doesn’t have a few Louis—a place he calls “home.” Mitchell and fond memories stored away in a special place. his teammates talked over the phone and His freshman year of playing in newlykept in touch while he was away from the minted Chaifetz Arena was “special” because team, and he referred to his fellow players as the arena had just opened. Another memorahis “brothers.” ble moment was his game-tying shot against “While I was at home, they called me, and Dayton his sophomore year.

I called them after a game. I also wanted to The captain has a few elders he turns to make sure that the guys were doing well in for advice and encouragement. He cites Head school and talk to them about other stuff Coach Rick Majerus, Majerus’ coaching staff going on at school,” Mitchell said. and Athletic Director Chris May as his role During his redshirt season, Mitchell models. gained a new perspective of the game. While “Coach was there supporting when the on the bench, he played the role of mentor incident occurred, and his coaching staff has for current sophomore point guard Mike helped me along the way,” Mitchell said.

McCall, during McCall’s freshman year.

“Kwamain’s going to have to work extra “I am mentoring a guy that is in my posi- hard to make up for the loss of conditioning, tion,” Mitchell said. “It is good to let him and of timing, and of shooting,” Majerus said. know the expectations to take my place once Mitchell said that there is “a lot of support” I leave.” behind him.

Mitchell made his competitive return to He recognizes that he has made mistakes, the court in August during the team’s exhi- but he is ready to leave the past behind and bition tour in Canada. “It was good to get a look forward to the highly anticipated and feel with some of the guys from last year,” upcoming basketball season for himself and Mitchell said. “It was tough, but it was good his team.

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

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Player Profiles

Taste of Chicago

Two sophomores from the Windy City aim to take the Gateway City by storm

Dwayne Evans Cubs or Sox? Favorite Chicago Landmark?

Favorite Food?

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

The Second City has never had a shortage of first-rate high school basketball talent. Dallas dominates the prep football scene, while the diamonds of Southern California traditionally produce the premier baseball prospects of the nation. But no metropolitan area identifies with a high school sport quite like Chicago and basketball.

Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Garnett and Derrick Rose all earned their stripes on the high school hardwoods of Chicago. And while other cities can lay claim to generating hoops superstars of their own, the pure passion for the game found in players hailing from “Chi-town” is irreplaceable anywhere else in the nation.

When basketball fans hear the name Dwayne Wade, another Chicago-native, images of the guard exhibiting his altruistic love affair with the sport immediately come to their mind.

The toughness and spirit for the

Mike McCall, Jr.

White Sox North Shore Mongolian Barbeque

game commonly associated with Chicago players are no better highlighted than in Converse’s “Fall down 7, get up 8” advertising campaign, which featured Wade.

The ad includes video of a high school-aged Wade taking contact on an acrobatic dunk and making a grotesquely hard landing on the ground, only to bounce back to his feet for yet another trip to the other end of the court.

According to Billiken sophomore wingman and Chicagoland hoops product Dwayne Evans, this fervor for the orange leather ball is a byproduct of growing up in the city’s cultural landscape.

“You learn to love the game quickly,” Evans said of growing up in the competitive environment. “It takes a real, pure love for the game to get to this level, and you always see the guys from Chicago lay their heart on the line when they play.”

Fellow sophomore backcourt member Mike McCall, Jr. calls Chicago home, as well.

The point guard proudly

Cubs or Sox? Favorite Chicago Landmark?

Favorite Food?

sports the script “Saint Louis University” on the front of his jersey and his family name “McCall Jr.” on the back. And although it’s not written anywhere on his uniform, he plays for the pride of one more entity.

“Every time I step on the court, I feel like I represent Chicago and the historical basketball tradition there,” McCall said.

Evans’ father served as the principal at Chicago prep basketball powerhouse Proviso East at a time when future collegiate stars Dee Brown and Shannon Brown were shredding their opponents on the school’s court.

Dwayne attended their games and idolized the pair of lightning-quick guards.

“Watching them and seeing how they carried themselves up close was really cool and something that helped motivate me as a kid,” Evans said.

McCall plays the same position as Rose but prefers to model his game after Wade. “I don’t quite have the same level of explosiveness and quickness as

him, but I think I have a little bit of his clutch in my game,” he said Despite the prevalence of talented and tough players coming out of Chicago, the rosters of the 13 other Atlantic 10 Conference teams feature only five players with roots in the great Midwest city.

The metropolises of Charlotte, Philadelphia and New York litter the rosters of the predominately East Coast- flavored league, and Evans is fine with that.

“Growing up with the Chicago lifestyle and attitude toward the game brings a whole new element to the A-10,” Evans said. “I enjoy going out there and competing against guys from out there.”

Majerus’ tapping of the Chicagoland hoops hotbed paid dividends for his team last year, and Evans and McCall figure to be cornerstones for the Billikens future success. Walk-on guard Brian Daly is also a Chicagoan and has made his presence felt in practice.

Evans led the team in rebound-

White Sox Skyline Mom’s fried chicken ing (6.4 rpg) and poured in the third most points (8.5 ppg) on the squad in his first season. His freshman campaign landed him on the A-10 All-Rookie Team.

Last season, McCall became the first freshman to lead the Billikens in scoring (10.4 ppg) since Larry Hughes did so in the 1997-98 season.

“There is always room for improvement,” McCall said.

This offseason, Evans drilled his ball handling and worked on coming off ball screens in an attempt to knock down more set shots this season.

Over the summer, McCall focused on hitting the gym to live up to his hometown’s billing as “The City of Big Shoulders” and packed on an extra few pounds of muscle over the summer.

The pair have three seasons to grow as individuals at SLU, but they are confident the Bills have all the components to win now.

“All the pieces are in place for us to be a contender this season,” Evans said.

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Player Profiles

X-Factor craves competition

Cory Remekun has put in the hard work. Will production follow?

He gets hyped when he plays against the best players in the Atlantic 10 Conference, and his favorite player to compete against is St. Bonaventure’s Andrew Nicholson.

Nicholson, although only a sophomore, is already projected to be a lottery pick in the next NBA draft and figures to be a tough defensive assignment for all A-10 teams.

“I mean when you play against a sure, future NBA player, it should always get you pumped,” Remekun said. “But there are a lot of great players in the A-10 to compete against.”

When Remekun is put in the game to battle the star players of other teams, he does not get caught up in trying to outplay them every play. Instead, he just wants to do what is needed of him to help the team win.

“If I can go out there and rebound and play defense a lot of time, that’s exactly what my team needs from me,” Remekun said. That kind of commitment to winning

Time For a study break.

is what Coach Majerus and the Billikens will be looking for in order to meet the lofty expectations of the team, and Remekun plans to hold up his end of the bargain. He sets the standard for himself and the team pretty high. “My expectations for myself are that I play as hard as I can all the time and help the team win,” Remekun said.

And as far as expectations for the team?

“A-10 Championship. We’re good enough to win it this year, and it’s up to us to go out there and make it happen,” he said.

When Remekun was asked to characterize the team in one word, he responded with “promising.”

But to him, statistics and preseason rankings are not the types of things that get him excited. It is all about hard work and hustle because those are the types of things that lead to winning games.

And to the 6-foot-9 inch junior big man, winning is all that really matters.

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SLU

WAS HING TON

OL IVE ST.

LIND ELL B LVD

BLVD

N. CH ANN ING AVE.

Cory Remekun is entering his third year as a Saint Louis University basketball player, and the goals for the team and for Remekun every year have been identical: Get better every season.

Now on a young and gifted team with a lot of potential, Remekun wants to do whatever he can to help the team win.

It is fitting that Remekun’s iPod has been busy playing Lil’ Wayne’s recent mixtape “Sorry for the Wait” because Remekun, as well as plenty of Billiken fans, has been eagerly awaiting this upcoming season.

In the offseason, Remekun has been in the gym working on a variety of low-post moves. “I really have been working on my conditioning and staying in good shape,” he said.

He claims not to have spent too much time on any one move, but “all sorts of low-post moves to become more of an

offensive threat.”

That conditioning could very well come in handy this year because Remekun may receive an increase in playing time.

Not only is he one of the team’s few post players, but he is also one of the few upperclassmen on a young Billiken team.

Remekun acknowledges the importance of leadership for the team’s success.

“Yeah, I think it’s important that I’m a little more vocal on the floor because there might be things that I can see out there that the younger guys might not be looking for,” he said.

Remekun also feels that his hard work will have the biggest impact on the freshmen and sophomores on the team.

“I think the biggest thing is that I try to lead by example,” he said. “In order for us to be successful, we all have to put in the work.”

For a guy like Remekun, it’s all about going out there and competing. Statistics and minutes do not matter nearly as much to him as winning basketball games.

N. TH ERES A AV E.

Staff Writer

N. GR AN DB LVD

By JONATHAN AUPING

LOCU ST ST .

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11

The Freshmen

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Class of 2015 boasts size, intensity and toughness

By EMILY McDERMOTT Staff Writer

Emmanuel Tselentakis

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Emmanuel Tselentakis comes to Saint Louis University from Antolia College in Thessaloniki, Greece. The 6 foot 4 inch guard played with Greece when he took part in the U16 Championships in 2009, in which he averaged 8.5 points per game. The Billikens have big hopes for Tselentakis, as he assimilates with his new team and into a new country. Head Coach Rick Majerus opted to redshirt Tselentakis for his freshman year. With a full year under Majerus’ tutelage, Tselentakis will be more than prepared to contribute in 2012.

John Manning

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Center John Manning attended Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Va. The 6-foot-11-inch Manning averaged 12 points per game and shot 68 percent from the field during his senior year. Other accolades include a McDonald’s AllAmerican nomination, an All-Metro fourth team selection by The Washington Post, a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and a ranking as the 40th best center in the country by ESPN.com for the class of 2015. Majerus described Manning as dedicated and well-rounded. “John is an outstanding student-athlete,” he said. “We are really looking forward to John joining the Billikens…because of the person as well as the player he is both on and off the court.”

Grandy Glaze

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Power forward Grandy Glaze calls Toronto, Ontario, home, but he comes to SLU’s program from Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass.

Teammate Jordair Jett is also an alumnus of Notre Dame Prep. At 6 feet 6 inches, Glaze put up 41 points in his final appearance for his high school team. “What he lacks in basketball acumen, he makes up for in tenacity,” Rick Majerus said of the freshman. Glaze played for the newly-founded AAU squad Team Takeover during the spring and summer before coming to SLU. Last December, Glaze also participated in the DTLR National High School Hoops Festival. Glaze will provide much-needed depth to the low-post. Be prepared for the occasional hustle play to charge up the Billikens.

12

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The Walk-Ons

Walk This Way Majerus’ unsung players exemplify team-first attitude

last year, it made me think a lot about my future because he recruited me,” Daly said. “I was Because the NCAA places a thinking about following him to limit on the number of schol- Loyola, but I ultimately decided arships an institution can give to stay at SLU because it is a out for athletics, some players great academic school and I love choose to walk-on and play pure- the guys on the team and think ly “for the love of the game.” that we can do something speFor the Saint Louis University cial this year.” men’s basketball team, Brian Gehlen was put in the same Daly, Grant Gehlen and Jimmy situation with the sudden deparRemke are those players. Daly, a ture of Coach Alex Johnson this sophomore guard from Chicago, fall, who was hired as the head played in five games last year for coach of the Canton Charge, the Billikens, making his first the D-league affiliate of the collegiate appearance against Cleveland Cavaliers. “Al was a then-No. 1 Duke University. big part of my basketball expeGehlen, a for ward from rience at SLU,” Gehlen said. “I Minnesota, red shirted his fresh- thought he had a tough decision man year. to make, and I’m sure he knew Even though they do not see about the exciting potential that much of the court during games, this year’s team brings, but it’s both Daly and Gehlen expressed not every day that a head coachmuch enthusiasm for this year’s ing job comes along, especially team and what it could bring for one with a path to the NBA.” them and their He also fans. a d d e d Daly is that the I love the guys on the happy that he is transition past the fresh- team, and I think we can b e t w e e n man learning do something special. assistant curve and feels coaches has that team play —Brian Daly been ver y has improved smooth and because of this. that Coach “Practices have been going Majerus did a great job getwell. We have been able to see ting well-qualified men to fill the a difference in the now-sopho- vacant positions. mores from the end of last year Between classes, practices to now,” Daly said. “Practices are and the mandatory study hours, moving along at a better rate this it is hard for a Division I college year, and we’re working more athlete to find time in their busy on plays and different defenses schedules for any other activithan we did last year.” ties, but both Daly and Gehlen ”Because the team was so are still able to make time for young last year, coach had to their faith as members of the stop practice a lot to explain Fellowship of Christian Athletes. plays or defenses. This year, if The Fellowship of Christian coach stops practice and you Athletes is an organization that don’t know the play, he doesn’t challenges athletes and coaches explain it--you run,” Gehlen said. alike to use athletics to make a While both are eager to get difference for Christ. the year started and play a larger Beyond that however, basketrole on the team, their enthusi- ball takes up the majority of asm has been slightly tempered their time. by the departures of the coaches Whether it is through pushthat recruited them. ing the starters hard in practice When Porter Moser left to or by playing in the games, both take the head coaching position Daly and Gehlen will have a at Loyola University Chicago, measurable impact on this year’s Daly had to think long and hard Billiken’s basketball team and whether to follow Moser to the success that it can achieve— Loyola or to stay at SLU. “With you don’t need to look at the Porter leaving at the end of the statistics for proof.

By ALEX KOZICH Staff Writer

“

,,

Grant Gehlen

Brian Daly

Jimmy Remke

(RS) Freshman Edina, Minn.

Sophomore Evanston, Ill.

Freshman St. Paul, Minn.

6’3” 160 lbs.

6’3” 160 lbs.

6’4” 200 lbs.

Forward

Guard

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High Hopes

Picture Perfect?

Fans think 2011-2012 could be a season to remember

By TONY TRAINA Staff Writer

There were hushed whispers down West Pine in the heat of August.

Over homecoming and family weekend, the whispers became audible voices, but they still carried an air of uncertainty.

Finally, mid-October drew near, and the whispers became cheers as Saint Louis University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Majerus rolled out his 2011 Billiken squad at FanFest in Chafietz Arena.

Even before their five-game tour of Canada in August, excitement about this year’s Billiken squad had been building. SLU immediately impressed, jumping out of the gate by blowing out a Windsor team (scoring 98 points, nonetheless) that had proven apt at competing with Division I opponents Oakland University and Virginia Tech.

Excitement about the team steadily gained momentum, and by homecoming weekend, this year’s Billiken squad was creating noticeable buzz. Alumni could be frequently overheard sharing exaltations of excitement about “Majerus’ boys.”

Local alumni and business owners have all expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming basketball season.

“I’ve heard a lot of people talking about it. Everyone’s really excited for the season,” a Humphrey’s bartender said. “We always get really busy during the season, and this year should be even better.”

Most notably of course, is the anticipation building among the student body. “I just love the atmosphere of the games and the unification I feel among students,” sophomore Zoe Myers said.

SLU students will have more than one reason to show up on game days this year. On the heels of a Student Government Association decision to add $15 to student tuition to give students the ability to attend home basketball games for free, Chafietz should be louder than ever, and the Billikens better than ever. SGA made this move to address “student concerns that basketball games were not adequately attended.”

“We went about trying to figure out how we could get students to

attend basketball games, and this was the option that was favored,” Vidur Sharma, a former SGA member and member of the taskforce that decided to implement the fee, said. The move will no doubt garner more support for the basketball team, creating a home atmosphere that opponents come to fear.

Atlantic 10 head coaches and media members started to take notice too, picking the Billikens to finish third in the always-competitive conference behind perennial powerhouses Xavier and Temple. In addition, the panel named Kwamain Mitchell to the preseason all-conference second team.

“The Billikens will be just the latest team to take a turn trying to catch the [Xavier] Musketeers,” ESPN analyst Andy Katz wrote as

“

,,

We’re thrilled with the position of the team; we have high expectations.

—Chris May

SLU wrapped up its Canadian tour.

While the Atlantic 10 has become Xavier’s kingdom, there is no denying the room for multiple teams on top of the hill. Historically, the A-10 has sent multiple teams to the A-10 tournament, sending three teams last season.

“Saint Louis, with Kwamain Mitchell and Mike McCall leading the way, as well as Temple…are the two likely challengers to Xavier,” Katz said.

All these expectations seem to be a bit daunting for a team that went just 12-19 last season. The Billikens, while experienced, boast a roster with only two seniors, neither of whom has experienced this type of preseason hype.

“Everything bad that could have happened last year happened,” Majerus said, referring to the loss of Mitchell and the recently-transferred Willie Reed, as well as his top assistant coach.

While last year’s team underachieved, the Billikens’ 2009-10 campaign was more successful, as they reached the finals of the College Basketball Invitational, a sort of

consolation tournament for teams not invited to the NCAA tournament. There are many holdovers from this team, Kwamain Mitchell being the most obvious, but senior Kyle Cassity and junior Cody Ellis were also instrumental to the success of that group. And of course, Coach Majerus. “[SLU] has guys who have been head coaches at big programs--won and lost, and they know how to deal with that stuff,” Bob Ramsey, ESPN Radio host and Billiken play-by-play announcer said. “And having Kawain Mitchell back, who’s 22 now, he’s dealt with adversity. He is so tough and he’s a leader.”

Ramsey is as excited as he’s ever been for a Billiken season, and he’s not alone. Athletic Director Chris May is excited to see the progress the basketball program has made in his three years at the helm of the department.

“We’re thrilled with the position of the team; we have high expectations from a lot of different people,” May said. No doubt Majerus expects a lot from his team as well, scheduling big-time foes Washington, New Mexico and a potential matchup with Villanova before the A-10 season begins. Come March, this will be a well-tested team, ready for postseason competition.

Maybe Ramsey said it best, drawing a comparison to this year’s baseball postseason. “Look at the Milwaukee Brewers-they couldn’t really handle some stuff down the stretch. They got too high and too low.”

Expect Coach Majerus and veterans Mitchell, Ellis, Cassity and Brian Conklin to manage the emotions that come with every college basketball season. Expect the Billikens to take a page from their cross-town comrades, the Cardinals, keeping their emotions in check when they do experience success.

If Ramsey is right, everyone knows how this story will end: a Saint Louis team not only meeting expectations, but defying all expectations and creating a season of memories along the way.

SPIRIT

PAGEANTRY

TRADITION

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14

Atlantic 10 Preview

Gateway to the NCAA Rankings, as voted by coaches of the Atlantic 10

1. XAVIER

The Musketeers enter the season with a giant bullseye on their back. Head Coach Chris Mack’s teams have had at least a share of each of the past five Atlantic 10 regular season championships. Mack fields yet another star-studded team that will contend not only for a regular season crown but also potentially for a berth at the NCAA Final Four. The Musketeers’ expected dominance all starts at the point guard position. Senior All-American candidate Tu Holloway (19.7 ppg, 5.4 apg) has flourished in his role as the court general. Banging in the painted part of the court will be girthy senior center Kenny Freese and redshirt junior power forward Travis Taylor. Freshman small forward Dezmine Wells, a four-star recruit ranked 48th by the ESPNU Top 100, is expected to contribute right out of the gate for Xavier. It looks as if Xavier will continue its stranglehold on the A-10 Championship in 2012 and beyond.

2. TEMPLE

Two teams have dominated the Atlantic 10 in the last five years–Xavier and Temple. Both teams are set to repeat and are predicted to finish No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, ahead of SLU. Temple loses just one starter, but it’s a big one–Lavoy Allen. Head Coach Fran Dunphy is concerned with replacing Allen’s production, as he should be. But the Owls should evolve into a different team, led by their backcourt, which in terms of depth is the best in the A-10. Leading the way is 6-foot-4 fifth-year senior Ramone Moore, who last year averaged 15 ppg. Playing opposite Moore will be 6-foot-4 senior Juan Fernandez (11.2 ppg) and Anthony Lee, a 6-foot-9 redshirt freshman center, who, despite not having played last year, will be one of the Owls’ keys to success this season. Adding depth to the frontcourt will be 6-foot-10 redshirt freshman Jimmy McDonnell, who averaged 13.9 points and 6.5 rebounds his senior year.

3. SAINT LOUIS

With four of the five starters returning from last year’s team, the Billikens are a surprising pick, and potential dark horse, in the Atlantic 10. The team finished with just 12 wins last season, the worst record since Rick Majerus came to SLU, and there are several unknown factors going into the 2011-12 season. Among them is the return of Kwamain Mitchell. Though Mitchell starred his sophomore year, he has not played competitively for more than a year. But one thing is certain -- the perimeter should be the Billikens’ strength. Sophomore Mike McCall, Jr., lead the team in scoring last year, and he is complemented in the back court by the team’s leading rebounder and fellow sophomore Dwayne Evans. Majerus adds fire-power on the offense as redshirt sophomore Jake Barnett, a transfer, becomes eligible this season. Senior Brian Conklin and junior Cory Remekun should clean up off the glass, but it’s junior Cody Ellis who will have to shoot better to be a threat.

4. ST. BONAVENTURE

The Bonnies are on the move. Yes, you read that right. After finishing just 16-15 last season, St. Bonaventure is expected to make a leap into the top five of the Atlantic 10 this season. Head Coach Mark Schmidt returns just four players but lost only one starter. Although the Bonnies certainly weren’t the best team in the conference last year, they were one of the most consistent. They never won more than three in a row, but they also never lost more than three in a row. There will be a competition for minutes at the point, and whoever wins that role will have to mesh well with senior Michael Davenport, Schmidt’s go-to guy. But perhaps the biggest factor for the Bonnies will be Andrew Nicholson. Nicholson led the A-10 in scoring, finished eighth in blocked shots, with 1.5 per game and placed ninth in rebounding, on his way to being chosen first-team All-A-10.

5. RICHMOND

After going to the Sweet 16 in 2011, Richmond is back to the drawing board. Five seniors, four of them starters, graduated from the program, leaving Head Coach Chris Mooney with a young, yet talented, squad. Six of Richmond’s nine returning players played in at least 27 of the team’s 37 games last year, but only one of them, 6-foot-3 junior guard Darien Brothers (7.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg), averaged more than 20 minutes per game. Joining Brothers in the backcourt is 6-foot-1 sophomore guard Cedrick Lindsay, who appeared in all 37 games but disappointed late in the season. The most experienced Spider will be 6-foot-6 senior forward Francis-Cedric Martel. The only returning starter, Martel will need to be consistent on both sides of the ball for the Spiders to avoid finishing in the bottom of the league. Bringing the potential will be 6-foot-11 redshirt senior Josh Duinker (1.8 ppg, 1.1 rpg) and 6-foot-6 sophomore Derrick Williams (1.7 ppg, 1.0 rpg).

6. DAYTON

The Flyers are undergoing a regime change after the previous coach, Brian Gregory, departed for the head coaching gig at Georgia Tech.

New Head Coach Archie Miller is at the helm for Dayton in 2011 and will look to continue their run of four-straight, 20-plus win seasons.

All-Atlantic 10 honorable mention Chris Johnson returns for his senior campaign after ranking second on the team in scoring (11.7 ppg) and rebounds (6 rpg). Transfer guard Kevin Dillard is now eligible to play after sitting out the year, following his departure from Southern Illinois University. The 6-foot junior should make an instant impact in the backcourt and ensure Miller’s tenure gets off to a solid start.

7. SAINT JOSEPH’S

If the Hawks are going to compete in the Atlantic 10, it will be because of their guard play. Last year, Saint Joe’s gelled together late, putting together a surprising run in the conference tournament. The Hawks, 11-22 last season, started three freshmen last year, and the growing pains were evident. The Hawks finished last out of 14 teams in the conference in rebounding and 12th in scoring. The good news is that those four freshmen will be sophomores this season; the jump in experience should move Saint Joe’s up from the basement of the league. Head Coach Phil Martelli will call on Carl Jones and Langston Galloway to lead the team. The duo accounted for 45 percent of the team’s scoring last year, and Jones led the team with 17.0 ppg, had 20 double-doubles and was named to the conference All-Rookie team.

The backcourt will be strengthened with the arrival of Chris Wilson, a 6-foot-3 point guard from North Carolina. Wilson, a two-time AP All-State selection, averaged 18.4 points and 5.7 assists as a senior.

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15

Atlantic 10 Preview

Last year, three teams from the A-10 made the trip to the NCAA Tournament- Richmond, Xavier and Temple. With the Billikens picked to finish third, the easiest - and most certain - road to March Madness is through the A-10 Tournament. Can SLU be the dark horse in the league?

8. GEORGE WASHINGTON

Colonials fans are preparing for the Mike Lonergan era. Lonergan inherits a talented team that racked up 10 conference victories last year. Four out of five starters, including six of the top seven scorers from last season, are returning to the court. Preseason First Team All-Atlantic 10 guard Tony Taylor started all 31 of last season’s contests at guard for the Colonials. Taylor, one of the premier players at his position in a guard-heavy conference, finished third in the league, with 4.6 assists per game. While Taylor commands the perimeter, Dwayne Smith will protect the paint for the Colonials. Smith snatched an average of five rebounds per game and is the returning leader in the blocks (26) category as well. This duo makes George Washington a contender game-in and game-out.

9. DUQUESNE

Coming off their fourth straight season finishing .500 or above, the Dukes have a tough road ahead of them after losing leaders Damian Saunders (11.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 277 career steals) and Bill Clark (16.3 ppg, 31 min. per game in 2011) to graduation. Returning for the Dukes is last year’s Atlantic 10 Rookie of the year T.J. McConnell. Senior B.J. Monteiro (11.4 ppg) will be expected to replace Clark’s scoring load, along with Sean Johnson, who picked his game up late last season, scoring in double digits six times and averaging 14.4 ppg over the last eight games. The defensive slack from the loss of Saunders will be picked up by 6-foot-9 Derrick Martin, who missed last season as an academic partial qualifier, and 6-foot-7 Andre Marhold, who averaged only 8.1 minutes per game last season. No A-10 team will be foolish enough to overlook this talented squad.

10. RHODE ISLAND

Jamal Wilson excelled after earning his way into the starting lineup at the end of last season and is primed for a breakout year. The 6-foot 5-inch Wilson averaged 8.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2 assists per game after relinquishing the starting guard position midway through last season. Power forward Nikola Malesevic collected just over four rebounds per game last year. The 6-foot-7 inch Serbian also has a nice shooting touch; he drained 54 three pointers last season to go along with his big frame. Head Coach Jim Baron, entering his 11th year patrolling the sidelines for the Rams, will look to take advantage of Wilson’s and Malesevic’s skill sets to produce another solid season for the Rams.

11. CHARLOTTE

The 49ers’ quest for golden conference hardware came up empty last season after registering a 10-20 record. It was an off year for the perennial contender--only two of those wins came in A-10 play. Four starters return for Head Coach Alan Major’s lineup as he enters his second year on the bench for Charlotte. Double-double machine Chris Braswell will make his presence felt again in the post this year for Charlotte, and 6 foot 7 inch swingman Javarris Barnett will be a tough defensive assignment for any opponent. Major reloaded by signing a five-man recurring class ranked as a top-10 class for non-BCS schools by ESPN’s Dave Telep. With this blend of old and young, team chemistry will be essential if Charlotte wishes to climb back into the elite ranks of the A-10.

12. MASSACHUSETTS

For the second year in a row, Head Coach Derek Kellogg will have the task of replacing his leading scorer, Anthony Gurley (18.7 ppg).

A quartet of juniors--Javorn Farrell (8.5 ppg), Freddie Riley (8.0 ppg), Sampson Carter (7.0 ppg) and Terrell Vinson (6.5 ppg)--will have to continue their balanced attack to make up for Gurley’s departure. Redshirt senior Sean Carter anchors this team. The power forward has started 51 games over the last two seasons, pitching in roughly six rebounds per game over that span. After posting a .500 record overall last season, Kellogg, in his fourth year with the program, looks to steer this steady team around the corner.

13. LA SALLE

The Explorers are searching for players to fill out three newly- opened spots in the starting five. Point guard Tyreek Duren, an A-10 All-Rookie team member, and senior off-guard Earl Pettis already have their spots secured, but who will step up and perform in the front court for La Salle? If Head Coach Dr. John Giannini can piece together a lineup to compliment the likes of Pettis and Duren, the Explorers may find their way to Atlantic 10 prominence. And 7-foot redshirt freshman Matt Lopez and true freshman Steve Zack will duke it out for starting honors in the middle, while junior Devon White and freshman Jerrell Wright will compete for starting positions in the post. La Salle appears to be only a few elements away from challenging for the conference title this season

14. FORDHAM

The traditional bottom dwellers of the A-10 managed only one conference victory last year, but expect team handyman Chris Gaston to scrap out a few more victories for the Rams this season. Gaston returns from a dominating individual season in which he led the team in both scoring (15.9 ppg) and rebounding (11.3 rpg). Brenton Butler, Branden Frazier and Alberto Estwick round out the group of returning starters. Despite poor outcomes in the win and loss column, second-year Head Coach Tom Pecora is building a pipeline to the talent-rich boroughs of New York City. Three of the five incoming players hail from the Big Apple, including Bronx-native Jeffrey Short and Brooklyn residents Bryan Smith and Devon McMillan. Fordham may experience some growing pains at the early stages of the year, but look for a late competitive push from the Rams.