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July 16th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Murray
State Racers
Overall Rank:
#119
Conference
Rank: #1 Ohio Valley
2005-06:
24-7, 17-3, 1st
2005-06
postseason: NCAA
 It’s easy to
always back a winner, and Murray State is a program that has
consistently won in the OVC. However, things are a little
different this year. Coach Mick Cronin is gone and Coach Billy
Kennedy has taken over the reigns. Six contributors have either
run out of eligibility or left the team and just about
everything will be different in Murray, Kentucky, except the
whole winning thing.
Who’s Out:
As if losing Issian Redding, Pearson Griffith and Chuck Johnson
wasn’t enough, the frontline took a huge hit when Justin Orr
opted to transfer. The departure of those four players leaves
nobody over 6-5 returning who started a game last year. The
backcourt will have to adjust without part-time starters Darnell
Hopkins and Keith Jenifer.
Who’s In:
When
Birmingham Southern opted to move down to Division III, the
Racers benefited. Dwayne Paul and Ed Horton are eligible to
transfer and play immediately and will do so for Murray State
for the 2006-2007 campaign. Paul, a 6-5 forward, averaged 11.1
points and 5.7 rebounds for the Panthers last season and will
battle for a starting gig right away. Horton, a 6-3 guard, is a
decent outside shooter and will be a good option off the bench
for Coach Kennedy. Big men Tony Easley, Curtis Parker, Daniel
Ard and George Fotso will all look for minutes in the
frontcourt. Easley has the advantage of redshirting last season
and has gained some strength and experience practicing with the
team. Parker already has some strength and experience after
playing at Shelton State Community College. At 6-6, Ard is
undersized for a post player, but he does have the tools
necessary to make an impact over his career. Fotso pulled down
13.1 boards per game as a senior last year at Piney Woods School
in Mississippi. Fotso is a hard worker, but is a raw player who
will need more time to develop. Bruce Carter and Dannero Thomas
will add depth to the wings and it is hoped that Kevin Thomas
can immediately fill in at the point guard spot. Kevin Thomas,
a transfer from Compton Community College, averaged 18.0 points
and 7.5 assists per game last season. He is a true point guard
and, if he can start from day one, will prove to be a huge
pickup for the Racers.
Who to Watch:
There
may be a lot of losses, but the top two scorers return in
forward Shawn Witherspoon and guard Trey Pearson. Witherspoon
led the squad with 10.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. He’s only 6-5,
but Witherspoon may be asked to spend some time at the five
spot. Pearson might have to do a little position adjusting of
his own. He is better suited as a two guard, but Pearson may
play some point if Kevin Thomas isn’t up for the job.
Final
Projection:
Murray State probably
won’t be running away with the league title this year.
Tennessee Tech, Austin Peay and Samford all sport quality squads
that compete with MSU. Keep an eye on guard Tyler Holloway and
big man Rob Kennedy. With a year of experience, that sophomore
duo is ready to make an impact. And it would be extremely
helpful if Kennedy developed into a player who could give the
Racers 20 to 25 minutes a game.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected
Starting Five:
Kevin Thomas,
Junior, Guard, DNP last season
Trey Pearson,
Senior, Guard, 10.3 points per game
Tyler Holloway,
Sophomore, Guard, 5.9 points per game
Dwayne Paul, Senior,
Forward, 11.3 ppg (Birmingham Southern)
Shawn
Witherspoon, Senior, Forward, 10.6 points per game
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