|
June 28th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Robert
Morris Colonials
Overall Rank:
#133
Conference
Rank: #1 NEC
2005-06:
15-14, 10-8, 5th
2005-06
postseason: none
 Don’t let the
fifth place finish last year fool you. Six of
Robert Morris’
eight conference losses were by six points or less. The
Colonials also lost starting center Freddie Harris after five
games due to an injury and were forced to go small. With Harris
back, Mark Schmidt’s squad is ready to bring success back to
Moon Township, Pennsylvania.
Who’s Out:
While RMU has no graduating seniors, four players are not
returning to the program. Cori Boston started 20 games on the
wing last year and is the most significant loss. Boston
averaged 8.8 points and 3.3 rebounds as a sophomore. Guard
Steve Lancaster saw action in 26 games, averaging 3.5 points per
game. Seldom used Donnie Palmer and Jonathan Clark have also
opted not to play for RMU next season.
Who’s In:
Big men
Aaron Agnew and Bas Rozendaal highlight a solid group of
newcomers for RMU. Agnew, a former player at Iowa State, will
bring a big 6-10, 350 pound body to Moon Township. Agnew saw
very limited playing time in Ames and transferred to Highland
College in Illinois prior to last season. This season Agnew
should see his fair share of minutes for the Colonials. I’m not
sure if flying would be the best way to describe this Dutchmen,
but at 7-0, Rozendaal doesn’t even need to jump to make a big
impact in the NEC. Rozendaal has a solid mid-range game and is
a decent passer for a big man. He doesn’t have the presence of
an Edgar Davids (that’s bad and an aged soccer reference) or the
finishing ability of Dennis Bergkamp (also bad), but with a
little work Rozendaal will develop his skills and become a
better rebounder. Until then, he is still a nice option off the
bench who can push away opposing shots just like Edwin Van Der
Sar (that’s good). Guard Jimmy Langhurst found a nice fit with
Robert Morris’ up-tempo style of play. The 5-10 point guard
averaged 32.3 points and 4.5 assists as a senior at Willard High
School in Ohio. Redshirt freshman Kelvin Bright will see his
first action for the Colonials and add more depth to the
backcourt. The Colonials picked up Dallas Green, a 6-8 forward
with a nice outside shot, late in the process and are still
planning to add one more newcomer before the 2006-2007 campaign
kicks off.
Who to Watch:
The
backcourt is solid with Derek Coleman, Tony Lee and Jeremy
Chappell. Coleman, the point guard, averaged 11.9 points and
4.7 assists. He has the experience and the talent to lead RMU
to the NCAAs. I say it a lot, but Lee might actually be the
best rebounding guard in the nation. The 6-footer averaged an
incredible 7.1 boards per game. He’s no slouch on the scoring
end either, averaging 12.6. Chappell tacked on 14.1 points and
5.7 boards as a freshman. The Cincinatti, Ohio native should
continue to improve and become a star in the NEC.
Final
Projection:
Despite all the
talent in the backcourt, the frontcourt shouldn’t be
overlooked. Alongside Harris stands A.J. Jackson, the team
leader in points and rebounds last season. Jackson, who
transferred from East Tennessee State two years ago, averaged
17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds last season. The numbers might not
be that lofty this season, due to the return of Harris and the
plethora of other scoring options, but his importance to the
team remains the same. Monmouth, Central Connecticut State and
Fairleigh Dickinson aren’t too far behind, but look for Robert
Morris to make the NCAAs for the first time since 1992.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected
Starting Five:
Derek Coleman,
Senior, Guard, 11.9 points per game
Tony Lee,
Junior, Guard, 12.6 points per game
Jeremy Chappell,
Sophomore, Guard, 14.1 points per game
A.J. Jackson,
Senior, Forward, 17.0 points per game
Freddie Harris,
Junior, Center, 6.2 points per game
|
