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August 14th,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Holy Cross
Crusaders
Overall Rank:
#91
Conference
Rank: #2 Patriot
2005-06:
20-12, 11-3, 2nd (t)
2005-06
postseason: none
 Holy Cross
returns over 60 percent of their production in every major
statistical category and have plenty of new and developing
players ready to pick up the rest of the slack. Coach Ralph
Willard has averaged nearly 20 wins per season during his seven
seasons at the helm of the Crusaders. His eighth season should
be no different.
Who’s Out:
Kevin
Hamilton did a little of everything, or a lot of everything
actually, averaging 17.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and
3.3 steals. While the absence of Hamilton is a big loss, the
Crusaders have plenty of options in the backcourt to replace his
production. Kevin Hyland started 18 games up front during his
senior campaign. He didn’t put up big numbers, averaging 3.3
points and 2.2 boards, but the frontcourt depth will take a hit.
Who’s In:
Power
forwards Eric Meister and Andrew Keister will battle for minutes
in the paint. Meister, a 6-7, 220 pounder is an intense player
who can play both post spots. Keister is quite athletic for a
6-9, 215 pound big man and he can battle in the paint and step
outside to hit the short jumper. Shooting guards Adam May and
Zach Paterick aren’t expected to see too many minutes as
freshman but both have the ability to contribute in the near
future. Pat Doherty missed most of last season due to an injury
after receiving Patriot League Rookie of the Year accolades the
prior season. Doherty may start at the point, and at the least,
will see plenty of minutes off of the bench.
Who to Watch:
Despite the loss of Hamitlon, the backcourt is still a dynamic
group. Torey Thomas averaged 11.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8
assists and should be returning to the starting point guard
spot. Thomas isn’t a consistent scorer, but he can step outside
and hit the long ball. Keith Simmons returns to the shooting
guard spot where he knocked down nearly 48% of his shots from
beyond the arc last year. The other wing spot is up for grabs
between sophomores Colin Cunningham and Lawrence Dixon.
Cunningham, at 6-6, will add some more size to the perimeter,
while Dixon would be more beneficial on the defensive end.
Final
Projection:
The backcourt
will get all the press and accolades, but it is the experience
of the frontcourt which will allow Holy Cross to compete for a
Patriot League title. Alex Vander Baan started 30 contests as a
freshman and will once again start as the power forward. Vander
Baan is a solid rebounder, especially on the offensive end. On
the offensive end, the 6-8 Uxbridge, Massachusetts product has
range all the way out to the three-point line. He won’t connect
on many of the long balls, but he can keep the opposition
honest. Tim Clifford, a 6-10 center, started 15 games as a
sophomore a season ago. Clifford is a solid rebounder and
already ranks 10th all-time on Holy Cross’ blocked
shots list. He’s no slouch on the offensive end either,
averaging 7.8 points per game in the 2005-2006 campaign.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected
Starting Five:
Torey Thomas,
Senior, Guard, 11.0 points per game
Keith Simmons,
Senior, Guard, 14.2 points per game
Colin
Cunningham, Sophomore, Forward, 3.7 points per game
Alex Vander
Baan, Sophomore, Forward, 6.2 points per game
Tim Clifford,
Junior, Center, 7.8 points per game
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