1999-00 Season
Previews
Carthage
After coach Bosko Djurickovic's 1998 team put together a
spectacular year, that level of success didn't come as easily in
1999. The 1998 Redmen (17-8, 10-4, 2nd place CCIW) won 11 of
their final 14 games and made a serious run at Carthage's
first-ever berth in the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball
Championship. That team graduated six key seniors.
The 1999 Redmen (14-11, 6-8 CCIW) opened the year with a six-game winning streak and took an 8-3 record into the start of CCIW play in early January, but a five-game midseason losing streak cost them a shot at the title. One member of Djurickovic's freshman class had a sensational debut. Forward Jason Wiertel was named first-team All-CCIW, Carthage's first-ever freshman to be named to the first team. Jack Lutz, who was named second-team All-CCIW in 1966, is the only other Carthage freshman to ever be named all-conference.
Carthage fans found out on opening night how good Wiertel was, as the left-handed forward scored 26 points and collected 10 rebounds against Kendall College. He went on to lead the Redmen in scoring (18.6 points), and field-goal percentage (.545), was second on the team in free-throw percentage (.721) and shared the team rebounding lead with Bill Garner at 6.6 per game. In Carthage's February 13 win against Wheaton, Wiertel scored 43 points, which tied Johnie Butler for the Redmen's third-highest individual scoring effort
"Jason Wiertel was as ready to play as any freshman that's come into the league in a long, long time," declared Djurickovic early in the season. "He's a very good all-around player. He rebounds, he scores, he can run the floor, play defense, block shots, and he has an excellent shooting touch. He's going to get nothing but better."
The Redmen graduated three seniors last year: Guard Jake Olson put together a very good season, averaging 14.4 points and leading the team in free-throw percentage (.823), assists (5.0) and steals (1.9). Forward Tom Schaer averaged 9.3 points with a team-leading .404 three-point percentage. Schaer wound up his career as the Redmen's all-time leading three-point shooter (184 three-point field goals).
Forward Tanner Mitchell (Sr., Orland Park, Ill/Sandburg) averaged 7.7 points and 4.1 rebounds, while center Garner averaged 7.4 points and shared the team lead in rebounding with Wiertel (6.6). Guards Todd Brincks (Jr., Harvard, Ill) and Brett Nishibayashi (Jr., Chicago, Ill./Taft) were two of the first players off the bench. Another member of Wiertel's freshman class, forward/center Jim Oboikowitch (So., Libertyville, Ill.) played in 23 games and averaged 10 minutes a game.
Djurickovic welcomes two transfer students and 11 freshmen this year. "I think this is the best freshmen class in our league, and maybe the best freshmen class that I've ever had," says Djurickovic. "We had an excellent freshmen class last year, and I think this one is even better."
The leading transfer is point guard Greg Ktistou (Jr., Downers Grove, Ill./South), who played the last two seasons at Eastern Illinois University. Guard Bart Fabian (Des Plaines, Ill./Maine West, 20.0 ppg, 6.4 rebounds), forward Rob Garnes (Rolling Meadows, Ill., Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-state, 25.1 ppg, 10.8 rebounds), guard Antoine McDaniel (Schaumburg, Ill., IBCA All-State, 15.7 ppg), guard Tim Shorts (Chicago, Ill./Gordon Tech) and forward T.J. Sportsman (Elgin, Ill./Burlington Central, IBCA All-State, 19.1 ppg, 8.2 rebounds) head up the freshmen.
"In retrospect, we may have set ourselves up to fail last year, and that was my fault," says Djurickovic. "We put the cart ahead of the horse, because we wanted to continue the kind of success that we enjoyed the year before.Realistically, we weren't anywhere near as good as the way we started the season. We played well in our non-conference games, but teams didn't prepare for us the same way as they did in the conference schedule. As a result, we went through a tough period in the middle of the year where we lost five in a row.
"I'm going to be a little more cautious this year. We may have eight freshmen or sophomores among our first 12 players this year, which means we're going to be a very inexperienced basketball team this year. Having said that, we've now had back-to-back outstanding recruiting classes, and we should start seeing the benefits of that. We may end up this year with 15 wins, and we might end up with 20 wins, but we're going to have a very good year, and the future looks even better."
University of Chicago
Chicago tips off a new era in 1999-2000 as Mike McGrath assumes
the reins as the 11th head coach in the program's 96-year
history. Although new to his position, McGrath is no stranger to
the Chicago program. From 1992-99, he served as an assistant to
former coach Pat Cunningham and was instrumental in leading the
Maroons to University Athletic Association titles and Sweet 16
appearances in 1996-97 and 1997-98. Under Cunningham and McGrath,
Chicago has compiled a record of 82-23 during the past four
seasons, and McGrath expects that success to continue.
"We have an outstanding group of returning players who have been working extremely hard, and the team expects to have another terrific year in 1999-2000," said McGrath. "Most coaches are not lucky enough to step into such a great setting in their head coaching debut.
"My role has changed, but the program remains the same," McGrath continued. "It is the same thing that happens to the players as their roles change each year as seniors leave the program."
Several players will need to fill new roles this season as the Maroons look to replace four seniors from last year's 17-8 club, including the 1998-99 UAA co-Player of the Year, Andy Strommen and four-time All-UAA pick, Craig Kelleher. Despite the loss of these key players, Chicago is well-stocked with the talent necessary to compete for the UAA title and an NCAA postseason berth.
In the frontcourt, 6-7 junior Mike Agema and 6-6 sophomore Jon Poyer return after enjoying solid seasons a year ago. Agema started 14 games and led the Maroons with a .632 field goal percentage. He averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game as a mainstay in the post. Poyer emerged as a starter late in the season and provided Chicago with strong inside and outside play.
"Mike Agema has worked hard to become a fundamentally sound player, who has the potential and strength to become one of the better centers in the UAA," said McGrath. "Jon Poyer came on faster than we expected last year and should continue to make strides this season."
Chicago's frontcourt also includes a pair of freshmen in 6-7 Derek Reich and 6-5 Matt Bochenek. McGrath believes that Reich is one of the most talented offensive players to arrive at Chicago in several years and that both players are capable of making an immediate impact. 6-7 junior Ben Hoffart adds depth on an imposing front line.
At the wing position, Chicago features five players who all gained significant playing time last year. Kurt Riemer, a 6'5" senior captain, is the most experienced player on the wing. In 1999-2000, he shot 44.8% from three-point distance and provided offensive spark in big wins against regional foes Illinois Wesleyan, Benedictine, and UAA nemesis Washington. As the most experienced senior on the club, Riemer will be looked upon to provide valuable leadership.
Other returnees at the wing include 6-8 junior Brad Henderson, 6-3 junior Jim Waichulis, 6-2 senior Eric Nelson, and 6-0 senior Steve Murphy. Each player brings experience and unique ability to their respective roles.
"Brad Henderson is our most talented all-around player and we need a big year out of him if we are going to reach the next level. Jim Waichulis provides us with an excellent spot-up shooter as does Kurt Riemer. With Eric Nelson, we have an explosive offensive player and good penetrator, while with Steve Murphy, we have our best athlete and defensive player," commented McGrath.
Last season, Waichulis and Henderson averaged 6.5 and 6.4 points per game, respectively, and both shot 37% from three-point range. In addition, both players shot better than 84% from the foul line. Nelson started 11 games in 1998-99 and was the team's second-leading assist man with 55. Murphy joined Waichulis and Henderson as accurate foul shooter, connecting on 85% of his attempts.
After getting off to a sluggish 6-4 start last season, the Maroons rallied to win 11 of their last 15 games. Much of the reason for that second-half improvement was the play of sophomore point guard Justin Slaughter, who started nine games. After seeing only limited action early on, Slaughter emerged as a key contributor during the final two months of the season and finished the year with a stellar .485 three-point field goal percentage and a positive assist-turnover ratio. Along with sophomore Tyler Smithson and junior Mark Allen, the point guard position should be one of the team's strengths as Chicago pursues its fifth straight winning campaign.
"Point guard was a huge question mark for us going into last season. This year, though, we are confident that Justin Slaughter and Tyler Smithson will provide stability at that position," said McGrath.
Chicago faces a daunting schedule which includes non-conference games with several regional powers as well as the always-competitive UAA clubs. "Our schedule is brutal. We play the three best teams in Illinois – Illinois Wesleyan, Wheaton, and Aurora – all on the road. We also travel to a tournament which features three postseason contenders in Albion, Allegheny, and Anderson. In the UAA, I think the league will be stronger top to bottom than it has the past three or four years, so we have our work cut out for us."
Franklin
Coaches talk a lot about building on success. The only thing is, that building usually has to start anew back down at the foundation.
In 1998-99, the Grizzlies earned their second consecutive berth in the NCAA tournament, but improved on the previous season's accomplishments, winning their first conference tournament and earning a No. 1 seed in the Division III version of the "Big Dance."
But after posting a 23-6 overall record for the second consecutive year and placing second in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season standings at 10-4, then winning the Heartland tournament at Manchester and reaching the Sweet 16, it was back to the offseason work toward new aspirations.
"This is a season intended not to be as good, but a season intended to be better," said Coach Kerry Prather, who looks forward to his 17th year at the helm.
"I think overall we've had a real good off-season. When it kicked in, it really kicked in," added Prather, who stressed each season has a life of its own. "One of things we have a chance to see is what games these other guys have. It is evident we have some potentially dominant players in the post."
Prather, who owns a 257-173 overall coaching record, expects junior Joe Hougland, senior Billy Scott and sophomore Jed Zarse to be the centers of attention for the Grizzlies. Hougland, according to Prather, has had an exceptional offseason.
"Joe has reached a new level of awareness of what kind of contribution he can make at this level. He had a productive spring and summer, putting in lots and lots of hours. He knows 'I can be a real good player and that's what I'm going to do.' That's got to be complemented by the same level of confidence and productivity from Billy Scott. It's what makes our post position unique."
It's a grand understatement that the most conspicuous absence will be at the point guard position, which was vacated by Jason Sibley ‘99 -- the lone regular lost to graduation. Sibley, a D3hoops.com Team of the Year second-teamer and two-time conference MVP raised the production level at his spot to almost unprecedented heights. Compounding Sibley's graduation was the decision of heir apparent Casey Hovermale to not to return to Franklin. The question then became: Who will take over?
"There are two answers to the question," said Prather. "One is (junior) Mark Pitcher, who transferred last January and played JV ball here last season. The other is (junior) Jovan Bonns, who transferred from Vincennes University.
"Obviously that makes us untested from a varsity standpoint at that position, but that doesn't concern us as much as that might appear. The job description at that position will change. We're not going to have an All-American, so our expectations of that position have changed. We will adjust and good people will fill that spot."
The Grizzlies also have a core of six seniors to lead the way. They include three returning starters in senior forward Paul Buening, who led Franklin in rebounding (6.9 rebounds per game), was second in scoring average (14.2 points per game) was named to the all-Heartland Conference team last season, along with senior forward Jim Sigler and senior guard Bart Hunter. Scott and senior guard Kyle Hobbs ‘00 round out the senior class.
Prather's other top newcomer is freshman forward Jake Holder, who was a Trester Award (mental attitude award) recipient for Tecumseh High School last winter.
Highlights on the 1999-2000 schedule include: opening the season Nov. 22 at Webber College (Fla.), hosting the Coca-Cola/Kroger Classic (Dec. 3-4), hosting the Goaltenders-Bankers (Dec. 10-11) and facing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Butler's historic Hinkle Fieldhouse on Dec. 19.
Illinois College
With only two lettermen gone from last year's 12-11 team, IC is primed to make a charge at the program's first-ever Midwest Conference crown.
The Blueboys, now in their fourth season under head coach Mike Worrell, are trying to build on last season's success and establish themselves as a presence in both the conference and the region. They took a major step toward prominence a season ago by posting a third-place finish in the Midwest Conference with just two seniors and no juniors.
This season, IC returns a talented nucleus that was responsible for most of the team's production a year ago. Junior guard Justin Six heads up the offense, having led the Blueboys in scoring at over 14 points per game last season. In his first two seasons, he has become one of the most respected players in the conference, as proven by his selection to the All-MWC First Team last year. He and sophomore Chad Tobin have furthered their high school partnership to become one of the league's most potent starting backcourts. Tobin finished the 98-99 season second on the team in scoring (11.9 ppg) along with leading the team in assists.
Sophomore Matt Petefish heads up the next wave of guards, and given his bench production a season ago (8.4 ppg), could find a spot in the starting lineup. Junior Jeff Hurie, who has spent his first two seasons, backing up the point, and sophomore Drew Petefish will back up Tobin at the point guard spot, while sophomores Corey Abraham and Adam Wenger give IC a couple of solid reserves at the off-guard position.
At the wing, junior Matt Espenschied (9.2 ppg) gives the Blueboys a versatile inside-outside scorer. He and sophomore Brad Kassing give IC a pair of big wings who can play both on the perimeter and in the post. Both players will figure heavily into the team's rotation at both the three and four spots.
With a deep contingent of guards, post play could be the key to the Blueboys' success in the upcoming season, and IC returns three players that anchored their post rotation last year. Sophomore Garrett Ingram (6-8), who battled injury and foul trouble much of last season, has returned healthy and looks to be IC's top offensive post threat. Juniors Mark Winland (6-5), who started all 23 games a season ago, and Charles Diveley (6-7) are both strong post defenders who have improved considerably on offense during their first two years.
As has been true over the past two seasons, IC will once again play a rigorous non-league schedule. Their third annual Bill Merris Tipoff will feature Simpson and Benedictine. Other contests include road games at Rhodes and D-I Eastern Illinois, and Millikin at home.
Lake Forest
In 1998, Head Coach Chris Conger took Lake Forest to the Midwest Conference championship tournament for the first time in school history. With that taste of success still in their mouths, the Foresters feel they are ready for even more unprecedented success. "We've made a commitment as a coaching staff and a team to not just get back to the conference tournament, but to win it and earn an NCAA bid," Conger explains. "We're committed to putting Lake Forest College on the basketball map."
The return of 87% of the scoring, over 91% of the rebounds, and 80% of the assists from last year's team is a big step towards reaching the team's goals. Second-year co-captain Joe Wysocki, a 6-3 senior guard/forward from New Berlin, WI (Waukesha Catholic Memorial H.S.), made tremendous strides last season during his transition from sixth man to primary scoring option for the Foresters. He led last year's team in scoring at 17.0 points per game and has been in the conference's top seven for three-point shooting accuracy each of his first three seasons. In 1997-98 he helped the Foresters to the sixth highest three-point percentage in the nation by hitting 43.6% of his shots from beyond the three-point arc. Wysocki was named Honorable Mention All-MWC last year. "Joe is a tremendous example of what hard work and dedication can produce," Conger added. "His work ethic is remarkable."
The Foresters will also rely heavily on the broad shoulders of 6-7, 225 pound junior center J.R. Jurecko, a local product of Libertyville, IL (Libertyville H.S.). Jurecko was an Honorable Mention All-MWC pick last year, as well as, a Conference Player of the Week and Division III Basketball Online Team of the Week selection. Joining the team at midseason didn't prevent Jurecko from leading the league in rebounding by nearly two boards per game. He notched double-doubles for points and rebounds in seven of the Foresters' final eight games and averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds over that stretch. "J.R. gives us one of the best low post threats in the nation and his size is unmatched," comments Conger. "The truly exciting aspect of having J.R. on the court is his unselfishness. He sees the court and finds the open man."
Despite his small stature (standing just 5-10), Brian Bruha (Hillsboro, WI/Hillsboro H.S.) put up big numbers in his rookie season. This 'stat stuffer' finished fourth in the conference for assists, sixth for rebounds and also added 10 points per game and a team-high 29 steals. "Brian is one of the most athletic players I've coached at Lake Forest," Conger adds. "His athletic ability enables him to make plays that others can't even think about making."
In Jurecko, Wysocki, and Bruha, the Foresters have two of the top five returning conference leaders for scoring and rebounding, as well as, one returning leader for three-point shooting percentage, assists, and free-throw percentage.
"I feel really good about the nucleus of our team," Conger adds. "They're mentally tough and extremely talented. But we'll need to have some other players step up and fill holes around them in order for us to meet our goals in the conference and on the national scene. There are a lot of intangibles not only on our team, but within the league that should make it an exiting 1999-2000 season."
Senior co-captain Mike Maloney, a 5-10 guard from Chicago, IL (Loyola Academy), will give the Lake Forest back court experience and toughness, while a pair of sophomores -- Bryan Bertola (Green Bay, WI/Bay Port H.S) and Tyler Tofson (Wisconsin Dell, WI/Wisconsin Dells H.S.) -- are returnees looking for break-out seasons. Bertola joined the team for the second semester last year after tranferring from Washington U. and appearred in all 15 games in which he was eligible. Tofson played in 21 of the Foresters' 22 games last season as a guard, but will make the move into the post for the 1999-2000 season.
The coaching staff will also look to a talented and deep group of newcomers for depth on this year's team. "This is easily the best freshman class we've brought in here at Lake Forest," Conger explains. "They're not only talented, but have a strong work ethic. They will give us quality minutes at every position and will be special to watch."
This year's freshmen and the entire Forester team will enter a Midwest Conference in which three of last year's four conference tournament teams graduate at least four of their starters. The Foresters will be looking for not only a return trip to the conference tournament, but according to Coach Conger, much bigger accomplishments, "After going to the conference tournament, our goals have changed. We won't be satisfied to just be playing for a conference title, we're driven to win the whole thing and go to the NCAA Tournament."
Marian
For Marian, a team with four starters back and seven seniors on the 1999-2000 roster, the time is now.
And the time couldn’t be better for the Sabres as for the first time in history the Lake Michigan Conference tournament champion will receive an automatic bid to the 2000 NCAA tournament. Marian has not won an LMC title since 1991.
"This team definitely feels a sense of urgency," stated head coach Mark Boyle. "They know what it takes to get there and they are hungry; that is a good combination."
Leading Boyle’s group of returners from last season’s 15-11 squad are two 1st-team All-LMC performers in senior post player Jason Hovland (Durand, Wis./Durand) and sophomore guard Scott Jaeger (North Fond du Lac, Wis./North Fond du Lac). The 6-5 Hovland led the team in rebounding (7.2 rpg) and was the team’s second leading scorer (11.5 ppg). Jaeger was the man out front for the Sabres scoring 9.1 ppg and leading the team in assists (4.4 apg) and steals (1.8 spg).
Following Hovland and Jaeger is senior Jamie Ten Pas (Oostburg, Wis./Oostburg) and junior Eric Muench (Mt. Calvary, Wis./Campbellsport). Ten Pas started 22 games a season ago scoring 8.6 ppg, and Muench scored 7.7 per game starting 16 games last year. Also back is Sabres sixth man, Mark McHorney (Eau Claire, Wis./Regis), who scored 7.5 ppg, playing in all 26 games last year.
"These guys provide us with an experienced, balanced attack," commented Boyle. "All of these players have the potential to step up and lead this squad."
The rest of the senior class includes guards Travis Ernst (Fond du Lac, Wis./Goodrich) and Keith Larson (Chicago/Notre Dame) with swingmen Matt Logan (Sun Praire, Wis./North Fond du Lac) and Stephen Matz (Chicago/Notre Dame).
Freshmen Paul Atkinson (North Fond du Lac, Wis./North Fond du Lac), Jeremy Credyt (Fond du Lac, Wis./Goodrich), Brian Crowe (Oshkosh, Wis./Oshkosh West), Eric Henry (Montello, Wis./Pioneer Westfield), and Jake Jensen (Green Lake, Wis./Green Lake) make up a talented crop of newcomers that join this veteran lineup.
Washington U.
Returning letterwinners. Starters. Key returnees. Key losses. Depth. Recruits. Question marks.
All of those factors play into predicting the fortunes of an upcoming basketball season. But, just how often are those projections fulfilled? As anyone in athletics will tell you, numbers, statistics and potential do not guarantee success or ensure wins. There is, however, an undeniable excitement surrounding Washington University’s men’s basketball team in 1999-2000. But, like the dawn of the new millennium, the success of the Bears depends on blending the "old" with "new."
Returning letterwinners? There are nine. Starters? Three -- all of them all-conference performers.
Depth. The unit is one of the deepest in years. Recruits. How about one of the best recruiting classes in head coach Mark Edwards’ 19-year coaching tenture.
Question marks. Will Washington be able to improve on last year’s squad that won the University Athletic Association championship and captured an NCAA postseason bid? "I think we will be a bigger team and a faster team this season, and there will be a lot of weapons to watch on the floor," says Edwards. "We need to tap into the experience of the veterans and the abilities of our incoming players. Hopefully by the time we reach the conference season in January, we can be a very good basketball team."
Before looking ahead, it is imperative to see what remains. Washington U. stumbled out of the gate at 1-4 last season, but finished a strong 16-10 and captured the University Athletic Association championship for the fifth time in 12 years. The Bears advanced to the NCAA playoffs, where only a last-second blocked shot prevented their advancement.
Three starters return from last season, and two are earning acclaim from the regional and national coaches and media. Junior forward Chris Alexander returns after garnering 1999 UAA Co-Player of the Year honors. Along with fellow UAA first-teamer Ryan Patton, the duo has earned honorable mention preseason All-America acclaim.
Relatively new to the system after only one year in the fold, senior Dave DeGreeff gave last season’s squad an immense presence on the glass. Edwards called him one of the top rebounders he has coached at Washington U. No small praise considering DeGreeff muscled the single-game rebounding record (22) away from his coach last season. All three players are back in 1999-2000 and form the core of a squad ranked No. 13 nationally in one preseason poll and a co-favorite in the UAA race.
"Not only were those three successful statistically last year, they also each grew up another year, which is very critical for us," says Edwards, who counts 17 underclassmen on a roster of 22. "They will make us a veteran team that also has a considerable amount of youth."
Alexander has emerged as a reliable scorer during his two years. He more than doubled his scoring average last season (17.7 ppg) and has also improved his rebounding (5.7 rpg) and free-throw accuracy (.694).
"Chris has matured to the point he understands how to use his great talent within our system," says Edwards. "The first year he struggled to learn it; last year he was able to grow in it; and this year I think he is going to excel in it. We are counting on him, along with the other captains, giving us leadership to help bring along the freshmen and make this team into a contender."
Patton has shown the ability to control games two different ways during his career. A promising point guard in 1998, Patton led all Division III freshmen in assists while guiding a veteran squad. Last year, he pushed his career scoring average to 11.2 ppg while taking over some of the scoring load. Edwards, who has sent Patton out to lead the offense every game during his career, hopes to see both sides of that ability this season.
"We needed two different things from Ryan those first two years, and he has benefited from that," says Edwards. "Now, he is experienced and can make decisions about which to use at any given moment. He can be a scorer when he wants to, or he can get the ball to other players in a position to score."
DeGreeff had a defined role in 1999 and should be counted on to deliver the same this season -- rebounds. Playing on a squad void of a true center, he muscled up for 9.4 rebounds per game. DeGreeff also led the UAA in rebounding (11.4 rpg) and had his shining moment Feb. 12, 1999. In that contest, he grabbed a WU-record 22 rebounds, bettering Edwards’ 30-year-old mark. Not a one-dimensional player, DeGreeff almost averaged a "double-double" with 9.4 ppg to go with his carom load.
The final captain, while not contributing the same level of points or rebounds as the aforementioned trio, but equally important to the success of this year’s squad, is senior off-guard Ryan Moss. Moss came through in perhaps the biggest weekend of the 1998 season when he connected on a first career three-point field goal with one second left to send the NYU game into overtime in New York. The Bears won that contest, as well as the previous outing at Brandeis -- where Moss hit another big three -- to take control of the UAA race.
Also back from last season’s championship squad are several players who have assumed key roles in the program. Junior guard Derek Laur is a strong defender who can score. Sophomore Ben Wanger showed great athleticism in bolstering the Bears’ backcourt. Fellow sophomore Chris Carroll prepped at point guard under Patton and, standing 6-foot-3, adds a different dimension to the point spot. Ryan Pawling, the team’s final returning sophomore, had his rookie season ended prematurely by a knee injury. Edwards has been pleased with Pawling’s ability to bounce back from the injury and maintain his competitiveness.
While most freshmen take a back seat to their teammates during their first year on campus, Washington U.’s 13-member freshman class will no doubt help drive the team’s fortunes in 1999-2000. Edwards does not bat an eye when calling the group the best he has recruited since resurrecting the Bear program in 1981. "We brought in at least one impact player at every position, and that is something we set out to do for this year," says Edwards.
Among the standouts are St. Louis-area all-metro honorees Jarriott Rook, Matt Tabash and Dustin Tylka. Rook also garnered a pair of all-state awards. Joel Parrott, from suburban Detroit, is a pure three-point threat. Michael Kriss, (6-foot-8) and Nick Geurts (6-8) bolster a solid Washington U. frontline.
Edwards cautions of too high expectations, however. After all, the Bears did lose a reliable two-guard in Brian Panek (9.6 ppg) and a solid post presence in David Cerven (9.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg). The duo did account for 26% of the team’s points and rebounds a year ago. But, with only two seniors in the fold, Edwards has the chance to build this unit over the next two seasons. During preseason drills, he praised their defensive intensity and ability to run the ball on the fast break. Last season, Washington U. led the conference in scoring (75.9 ppg), but was also third in opponents’ field-goal percentage (.408). "The nature of the competition is such that there is going to be more than five players at a time who can contribute to the success of the program," says Edwards. "There are going to be some good players on the bench who could have played on last year’s team. But, hopefully it will be a championship bench."’
The Bears get a chance to see that development early with a trip to the Illinois Wesleyan University Tip-Off Tournament and West Coast jaunt to face NCAA Tournament team Pomona-Pitzer, as well as Claremont-Mudd-Scripps. Throw in games versus St. Louis rivals Maryville University and Division II University of Missouri-St. Louis and Edwards should get an early read on his expectations.
Wheaton (Ill.)
After a 1998-99 season that saw Wheaton College win its second College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin title in the last four years the Crusaders look to defend that crown in the 1999-2000 season. The Crusaders have lost some key ingredients from last season’s team, however, they return three starters and have some new faces that will likely make an impact.
Head coach Bill Harris says, "we have graduated so much. The players we lost were successful and had great careers." He continued, "I think we are going to be a good team this year".
Gone are conference co-player of the year Rob Hamann and his 15.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Also gone due to graduation is Second Team All-CCIW selection Charles Ridley. Last season Ridley was the team’s leading scorer with 19.4 points a game and a 43.9% (68-155) three-point field goal percentage. Also departed is valuable sixth-man, guard Bryan Walker.
However, Harris’ Crusader squad returns a great deal of talent and experience. Leading the list are CCIW Third Team selections Michael Collins and Travis Senik, both of whom are team captains this season. Collins, who transferred to Wheaton after his sophomore season from Division I Bradley, is a six-foot-seven-inch forward who averaged 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds a game last year. Harris says of Collins, "Michael is very versatile on the basketball court. He can score inside and outside, he can post up or handle the ball. The fact that he was as All-Conference selection in his first season with the program attests to the contribution he has made to our program. He has the opportunity for a truly outstanding senior season." Senik started every game for Wheaton at the point guard spot last season, leading the team with an average of four assists per game. Senik also added 9.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Harris says of Senik, "Travis Senik is a winner, it is that simple. He does everything that helps us win Championships. He handles the ball effectively, regardless of pressure. He knows who to get the ball to and when. He is also without a doubt our best and most versatile defender."
Junior forward Luke Moo shot 58.1% from the field last season , while averaging 12.6 points and six rebounds a game. Harris says of his six-foot-six-inch forward, "Luke has unlimited skills and talent. He has been a starter since his freshman year. He has an outstanding physical presence on the court and is very difficult to guard." Senior forward Nick Otten shot 52.4-percent from the floor last season and averaged 4.9 points a game. When it comes to Otten Harris comments, "Nick has made himself into a solid CCIW player. He is the strongest player in our program and is difficult to defend inside." Harris continues, "his performance this season is one of the key factors in determining the level of success our team will experience."
Sophomore guard John Helm returns after a freshman season that saw him play in 17 games. Helm showed his promising future in a 77-71 win at Millikin that saw him score 17 points off of the bench against the Big Blue last year. Coach Harris says of Helm, "John is an excellent shooter, has a good handle and should become an outstanding defender. His continued development will have a large bearing on the degree of this season’s success." Junior guard Brian Adams is a hard worker for the Crusaders and provides solid leadership. Last season Adams appeared in 12 contests and posted a career-high nine points in the Crusaders’ win at Puget Sound Christian. Harris says of Adams, "Brian will compete for quality minutes in the backcourt this season. His personality and leadership skills provide glue for our entire program."
The most intriguing of Wheaton’s newcomers is senior Jermaine Ellis, a transfer from Division I St. Bonaventure. Ellis is a local high school product from Illinois’ Proviso West High School. Last season for the Bonnies he averaged 2.1 points per game with 2.1 rebounds a game in 10 contests. Harris says of Ellis, "Jermaine will be one of the top athletes in the conference. He can shoot the basketball from the perimeter or get to the basket with a drive. The measure of his contribution will largely be determined by how quickly he adjusts to a new environment and a new program, his potential and ability is almost unlimited."
Among Wheaton’s freshman class is 6-4 Kent Creasman, a versatile player on the floor. Nate Collard is the son of a Washington-state high school coach. Jacob Street is a versatile athlete who comes to Wheaton from Liberty, Missouri. Harris comment on Street, Rookie Mickey Anderle is an athletic player with solid potential.
Wilmington
This season's Wilmington College team is anxious to get back on
the floor and improve upon last season's 3-22 record. The Quakers
struggled through the 98-99 campaign with new faces and a new
conference. The team bounced Bluffton twice during the regular season and
ended up with a 2-12 record in their first year of play in the Heartland
Conference.
The other WC win came against Pace College in the fourth game of the season. Head coach Scott Stemple returns for his sixth year to try to direct the Green and White back to their winning ways. Stemple, who has an overall record of 44-81 over his first five seasons, will be joined on the bench by assistants Ken Platt and Chad Leach. Platt has been by Stemple's side since he arrived at WC, while Leach will be starting his first year at WC after coaching for two seasons at Miamisburg High School.
Stemple's coaching philosophy has always been for his players to think as a team and not as an individuals. That philosophy shows up in the stats, as no one player stands out. Last season, forwards Dan Shardo (Versailles/Versailles) and Matt Vehorn (Wapakoneta/Botkins) put up the biggest numbers. Shardo led the team with a scoring average of 10.4, while Vehorn led the team with a rebounding average of 5.1. Shardo will return as a junior this season, but Vehorn is out because of a hip injury.
Joining that duo on the front line will be Kevin Long (London/London), a junior center. Long played in all 25 games last season and averaged 7.1 points and 3.1 rebounds per contest. Jason Phipps (Clarsksville/Clinton-Massie), who played mainly off the bench last year, could work his way into a starting role this year. After a slow start, he warmed up late in the season and finished with averages of 7.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Phipps, along with Jason Hennekes, was named as an All-Conference honorable mention in the 1998-99 season. Hennekes was the Quakers' main outside threat last year, but he won't be returning this year. He connected on 48 three-pointers and averaged 10.0 points per game. His absence, along with that of Kris Rios', is cause for some worry in the WC backcourt.
Stemple will probably rely on James Mason (Ft. Washington, Md./Bishop McNamara) to bring some stability to the Quakers' perimeter game. Mason, a sophomore, worked his way into the starting lineup last year and put in 12 starts. He averaged 4.3 points and 2.5 assists per game. Stemple could also go with freshmen Adam Weber (Peebles/Peebles) who has been impressive in practices.
