Two years ago it was a nice run in the
NCAAs for Saint Joseph’s. Last year it was a run to the NIT
Finals. This year it might be another step down for Phil Martelli and his Hawks. Three starters return, as do two key
contributors off the bench. The newcomers will have to fill in
the depleted bench immediately or the Hawks will wear down too
easily and quickly.
Who’s Out:
Pat Carroll started 35 games, averaging a team high 18.3 points
per contest, but the bigger loss is Dwayne Jones, who spent the
summer in and out of the Hawks program. The center averaged 10.1
points and a stellar 11.6 rebounds as a junior last year and
will try his luck in the NBA. John Bryant got nine starts under
the basket alongside Jones. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.9
rebounds during his senior campaign.
Who’s In:
Jordan Fowler has the ability to put up some big numbers in the
scoring column. The shooting guard once put up 52 points in high
school. Fellow shooting guard Edwin Lashley will provide some
quality depth off the bench. The 6-4 Maryland native can extend
opposing defenses with his stellar shooting from beyond the arc.
The frontcourt needs some depth too and Ahmad Nivins and Alvin
Mofunanya are the answers. Nivins, a 6-9, 220 pound forward
averaged 15.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.0 blocks and 5.0 assists
per game as a senior at St. Anthony High School in Jersey City,
New Jersey. Nivins is still raw, but has tons of potential. A
couple years in the program and Nivins will thrive in the A10,
but the Hawks could use some quality minutes from him this
season. Mofunanya has been improving greatly over the last few
years and if that continues the 6-8 forward will get the
opportunity to make an early impact.
Who to Watch:
Two years ago it was Jameer Nelson, last year
it was Pat Carroll and this year it is Chet Stachitas. While
nowhere near as talented as Nelson and not as good from long
range as Carroll, Stachitas isn’t a bad player to base a team
around. The 6-5 wing averaged 10.8 points per game a year ago
and that number should be much higher for his senior campaign
when he will be the go to scorer. If he steps up and has a
season like Carroll did last year, St. Joe’s will be alright. If
not, it might be a long winter in Philly.
Projected Conference Rank:
Dwayne Lee is a solid point guard, Chet
Stachitas is ready for a big season, Dave Mallon has starting
experience, Abdulai Jalloh had a decent freshman campaign and
Rob Ferguson has the potential to help replace Dwayne Jones.
That returning five is decent, but no other returning players
averaged over nine minutes per game. The shooting guard spot is
up for grabs between newcomers Edwin Lashley and Jordan Fowler.
Jalloh, although a point guard, could enter that battle if
neither newcomer is ready to start. A 6th place
overall finish in the A10 and just missing out on the NIT will
be a disappointment after five straight years of postseason play
for the Hawks, but there is too much talent leaving and too many
question marks returning.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected Starting Five:
Dwayne Lee, Senior, Guard, 9.4 points per game
Edwin Lashley, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
Chet Stachitas, Senior, Forward, 10.8 points per game
Dave Mallon, Senior, Forward, 3.5 points per game
Rob Ferguson, Sophomore, Forward, 3.8 points per game
