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September
8th, 2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Saint Louis
Billikens
Overall Rank:
#66
Conference
Rank: #5 A-10
2005-06:
16-13, 10-6, 3rd (t)
2005-06
postseason: none
 Saint Louis may
sneak up on people on a national level, but followers of the
Atlantic 10 know that the Billikens will be a force to be
reckoned with. Coach Brad Soderberg has garnered higher
expectations after a surprising 10-6 campaign last year and with
four starters returning, anything but a trip to the postseason
would be very disappointing.
Who’s Out:
Anthony Drejaj started 24 contests as a senior, averaging 7.8
points per game. The 6-2 guard was a solid shooter from behind
the arc, which leaves some questions as to who will step up and
be a second long range threat. Vas’shun Newborne, a 6-6
forward, was a nice option off of the bench during his senior
season and averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.
Who’s In:
The power
forward spot will prove to be very important for the Billikens
and most of the minutes will fall on freshmen. Returning senior
Justin Johnson might get the starting nod in November, but
redshirt freshman Obi Ikeakor isn’t expected to wait on the
bench for long. Ikeakor, a 6-8 240 pound Houston, Texas native,
missed last season with a knee injury. If he can return to his
prior form, Ikeakor could quickly become a dominate force in the
A-10. The tough and versatile Adam Knollmeyer and the super
athletic Horace Dixon will provide some depth up front and are
expected to contribute right away. Shooting guard Dustin
Maguire is a decent outside shooter and could help fill the role
of finding a consistent long range shooter off the bench.
Who to Watch:
The
fun is in the frontcourt. Ian Vouyoukas averaged a team high
13.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.9 blocks as a junior. The 6-10,
270 pounder is a great scorer in the paint, can hit the
mid-range jumper and is a good passer out of the double team.
Soon, we’ll all know how to pronounce Vouyoukas. The spot next
to Vouyoukas is where it gets interesting. Johnson, a 6-8
senior, has starting experience, but tends to lose his starting
gig by the time the season is over. That may happen again with
the talented newcomers itching for minutes.
Final
Projection:
The depth is in
the backcourt with Tommie Liddell, Kevin Lisch, Danny Brown,
Luke Meyer and Dwayne Polk all deserving of a starting role. A
pass first point guard, Liddell will run the show. Lisch is a
dangerous shooter and should improve on his 11.1 points per game
performance as a freshman. The later three on the list should
battle for the starting small forward spot. Meyer has the most
potential for a breakout season after battling injuries and
playing much of last year at the four spot. With the depth
coming in up front, Meyer will be able to flourish on the wing.
Everything is there for the Bills to have a great season. They
probably won’t win their first conference crown since the
Missouri Valley days, but if the cards fall right, a trip to the
NCAAs for the first time in seven years isn’t totally wishful
thinking.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected
Starting Five:
Tommie Liddell,
Sophomore, Guard, 10.3 points per game
Kevin Lisch,
Sophomore, Guard, 11.1 points per game
Danny Brown,
Junior, Guard, 4.7 points per game
Justin Johnson,
Senior, Forward, 2.9 points per game
Ian Vouyoukas,
Senior, Center, 13.9 points per game
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