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August 17th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Toledo
Rockets
Overall Rank:
#84
Conference
Rank: #3 MAC
2005-06:
20-11, 10-8, 2nd (t) West
2005-06
postseason: none
 Toledo
started to turn things back around last season, but still lacked
consistency. With a group of upperclassmen leading the way, the
Rockets should compete
with anybody in the conference. However, the Rockets have had
disappointing seasons in the not too distant past. Toledo won
seven of their last eight regular season games and made a great
run in the MAC Tournament before bowing out to Kent State in the
finals. With much of the team returning, Toledo is hoping to
keep that momentum going.
Who’s Out:
Forward Anton Currie started 23 contests and averaged 3.7 points
and 3.0 rebounds as a senior. Part-time starter Sammy Villegas,
who averaged 6.0 points in a disappointing senior season, has
also run out of eligibility.
Who’s In:
Shane Ross
can provide some depth up front right away. He has plenty of
room to improve but the 6-7 power forward will battle inside and
can step out and hit the short jumper. Depth in the front will
be an issue with little experience behind Florentino Valencia
and Jerrah Young.
Who to Watch:
Kashif Payne, Justin Ingram and Keonta Howell are an experienced
group in the backcourt. Payne, a 5-9 junior, is a quality
ballhandler and can use his speed to create opportunities for
his teammates. On the defensive end, Payne is a nuisance to the
opposition. Ingram, who led the squad with 14.6 points per game
last season, will take the big shots for Coach Stan Joplin. His
long range shooting was inconsistent last season, and any
improvement in that department will be quite helpful. Howell, a
6-4 wing, has the strength to muscle people on the inside and
the touch to hit the three-ball. If the Jackson, Michigan
product continues to improve, his senior season could be a big
one.
Final
Projection:
At times last
year the rebounding was non-existent. Of course the guards can
get in on that, but mot of the blame has to be placed on
Valencia and Young up front. Valencia, who averaged 12.0 points
and a team high 4.4 rebounds, needs to use his toughness to get
on the glass. Young averaged less than 16 minutes per game his
first season at Toledo after transferring from West Virginia.
He is known for his rebounding, and with increased playing time,
the 6-7 forward should answer most of the questions on the
glass. Keep an eye on sophomore guards Jonathan Amos, Tyrone
Kent and Ridley Johnson. All three showed potential during
their freshmen campaigns and if they all continue to improve,
the backcourt depth will be second to none in the MAC.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NIT
Projected
Starting Five:
Kashif Payne,
Junior, Guard, 8.4 points per game
Justin Ingram,
Senior, Guard, 14.6 points per game
Keonta Howell,
Senior, Guard, 11.3 points per game
Florentino
Valencia, Senior, Forward, 12.0 points per game
Jerrah Young,
Junior, Forward, 3.6 points per game
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