Western Kentucky has some big losses and
some quality newcomers, but the Hilltoppers will thrive by the
time the conference schedule rolls around. WKU will need to
continue the momentum created from last years NIT berth while
the key newcomers adjust. There will be some bumps in the road,
but it will be another successful season in Bowling Green,
Kentucky.
Who’s Out:
The tragic death of Danny Rumph shocked the Hilltopper
community. Rumph, who averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.0
assists last year as a junior, was named the teams most improved
player two years in a row. The graduation of Antonio Haynes
leaves even a bigger hole in the backcourt. Haynes averaged 13.9
points and a team high 4.1 assists. Josh Higgins transferred to
Santa Clara after his sophomore campaign. The 7-0 center
averaged 2.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 27 appearances last year
for WKU. Seldom used Kalin Holland and Teco Dickson have also
run out of eligibility.
Who’s In:
The point guard spot needs some help and it will arrive with
Joemal Campbell and Orlando Mendez. Campbell, a junior college
transfer, is a pass first point guard whose experience could
earn him the starting role. Mendez has some solid skills, but as
a freshman will need some time to adjust. Benson Callier, a
transfer from Florida State, has the ability to be a big time
scorer for Western Kentucky. The 6-6 shooting guard will compete
for a starting job, but might end up being a very dangerous
sixth man. Butch Jointer is a tough junior college transfer who
will use his versatility to see plenty of minutes. Forwards Mike
Walker, Daniel Emerson and Matt Maresca round out Coach Darrin
Horn’s group of newcomers. Walker will need some time to get
back into the swing of things after missing last season. Emerson
is a hard working forward who should see a fair share of minutes
as a freshman. Maresca isn’t expected to receive too much
playing time, but has some potential to play a role off the
bench during the 2005-2006 campaign.
Who to Watch:
Courtney Lee had a tremendous freshman season
averaging 14.9 points per game, but this is still Anthony
Winchester’s team. As a senior, the 6-4 guard will have the ball
in his hands when the game is on the line. Last year the Austin,
Indiana product averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds, both team
highs. Winchester shot over 50% from the floor and 45% from
behind the arc and another season like that will have the
Hilltoppers looking to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Conference Rank:
The main issue is at point guard, and that’s
not a good place to have issues. The frontcourt won’t be deep
early in the year with only Elgrace Wilborn and Boris Saikam
having any starting experience; however, it won’t take too long
for newcomers Mike Walker and Daniel Emerson to fill in plenty
of those minutes. With the help of the home crowd at Diddle
Arena, the Hilltoppers should coast through the Sun Belt and
earn a 1st place finish and another trip the NCAA
Tournament.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Joemal Campbell, Junior, Guard, DNP last season
Anthony Winchester, Senior, Guard, 18.2 points per game
Courtney Lee, Sophomore, Guard, 14.9 points per game
Boris Siakam, Sophomore, Forward, 3.9 points per game
Elgrace Wilborn, Senior, Center, 9.1 points per game
