Beginning Monday, June 21st, 2004 CHN began unveiling 144 Team previews in 144 Days. CHN ranked the nations top 144 teams, and is unveiling one per day leading up until the opening day of the 2004-05 Season.

Bookmark the 144 Teams in 144 Days home page, and check back each day to see which team is previewed next.

#42 Toledo Rockets

MAC

2003-04: 20-11, 12-6, 3^rd

 2003-04 postseason: NIT

By Joel Welser

The Rockets return all five starters, highlighted by All-Conference selection Keith Triplett.  Toledo had a successful season in 2003-04 going 20-10 before bowing out to Marquette in the first round of the NIT.  The return of all five starters should get head coach Stan Joplin’s Rockets to the big dance for the first time since 1980. 

Who’s Out: The frontcourt losses some depth with the absence of roleplayers A.J. Shellabarger and Ricardo Thomas.  Shellabarger, a 6-9 center, started nine games and averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 rebounds.  Thomas averaged 5.7 points and 3.9 rebounds during his senior campaign.  Little used forward Phil Alexander has also run out of eligibility.  Plenty of returning players gained valuable experience last year to move up on the frontcourt depth chart.  Florentino Valencia, Allen Pinson, Anton Currie, Keonta Howell and Kareem Milson all played in at least 28 games last year.  Guard Chauncey Shelton has decided to transfer after his sophomore year.  Shelton averaged just 1.8 points per outing.

Who’s In: Haris Charalambous will provide some more depth in the frontcourt.  The 6-10, 260-pounder from England is a low post threat and a big body under the basket.  Charalambous missed most of his senior year in high school with an ankle injury, but should see some minutes for the Rockets.  Speedy point guard Kashif Payne will back up the guard trio of Keith Triplett, Sammy Villegas and Justin Ingram.  With his speed, Payne can take anybody to the basket and get some easy points.  Even at 5-9 and 160 pounds, Payne is a tough little player who doesn’t fear driving the lane.

Who to Watch: Keith Triplett is the guy to watch if you want to see a great basketball player.  Triplett will be solid and should put up around 20 points per game this year as well.  For the team, the important players are in the frontcourt.  The entire returning frontcourt needs to play better with another year of experience under their belt.  Sophomore Florentino Valencia may be the player expected to do the most.  As a freshman last year, Valencia averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 rebounds.  He’s undersized at 6-5, but should be able to put up more points this year.  The Rockets didn’t rebound well last year and Valencia will have to be able to attack the glass if he wants to see more minutes. 

Projected Conference Rank: The Rockets shouldn’t have much trouble in the MAC West, but getting first overall in the MAC will be tougher.  Toledo is the most talented team in the conference and should be able to slip by teams like Miami, Kent State and Buffalo to make the NCAA Tournament.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

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Email Joel Welser: jwelser_chn@ameritech.net

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