Northeastern would have been a clear favorite to win the
America East this year, but the Colonial will provide more of a
challenge and Jose Juan Barea and Coach Ron Everhart won’t back
down from a good challenge.
Who’s Out:
Marcus Barnes was a nice backcourt mate to Jose Juan Barea.
Barnes was second on the team last year averaging 15.9 points
per contest. The 6-2 Miami product didn’t shy away from shooting
from behind the arc, putting up 7.4 shots per game from long
range. He made nearly 36% of those and somebody will have to
step up and be a threat from three point land.
Who’s In: It
is difficult to project if Benson Egemonye will be ready to play
immediately or not. The 6-9 Nigerian product is a great
rebounder and defensive player, but his offensive skills still
need quite a bit of work. He could, however, end up to be a
difference maker in Boston before the season is over. Matt
Smith, a 6-6 wing, has a decent outside shot, and could see a
few minutes off the bench as a freshman. Chris Brickley has the
ability to add a major scoring threat right away. The shooting
guard could upend returnees Bobby Kelly or Aaron Davis for a
starting job.
Who to Watch:
It doesn’t get much more exciting than Jose
Juan Barea. Last year he averaged 22.2 points and 7.3 assists
per contest, ranking in the top ten in each category nationally,
however it will be the frontcourt that is the key to a
successful season for the Huskies. Sophomore Shawn James had a
solid freshman campaign proving he can score, rebound and
especially block shots. Bennet Davis is now an upperclassman and
will be ready to be a floor leader and senior Janon Cole has
plenty of experience to fill in nicely off the bench. If those
three can maintain the frontcourt and continue to improve, and
newcomer Benson Egemonye is half as good as advertised on the
boards, it will go a long way to helping out Barea run the show,
especially in the frontcourt heavy CAA.
Projected Conference Rank:
A 2nd place finish in the Colonial
will put Northeastern on the NCAA bubble. Bobby Kelly and Aaron
Davis, who averaged 4.3 and 6.9 points, respectively, will need
to step up the scoring in the absence of Marcus Barnes. The duo
has the experience and skills to do so, but in the end it will
be tough for the CAA to get two teams dancing, barring an upset
in the conference tournament.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected Starting Five:
Jose Juan Barea, Senior, Guard, 22.2 points per game
Bobby Kelly, Junior, Guard, 4.3 points per game
Aaron Davis, Senior, Guard, 6.9 points per game
Bennet Davis, Junior, Forward, 8.0 points per game
Shawn James, Sophomore, Forward, 10.3 points per game
