Mules Men's Basketball Preview: Experience leads the way
Matt Katz
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Sports
Experience. When senior captain Tim Murray was asked what the Mules biggest strength will be this year, he was quick to answer with experience. The Mules return all but one player from last year's squad, which finished 10-15 overall and 8-10 in the Centennial, missing the playoffs by only one game. The Mules are hoping their experience will provide the biggest missing aspect from last year's team: consistency. Last year's season was a compilation of ups and downs, of winning streaks and losing streaks. "We need to have a shorter memory" said Murray, and senior captain Darrel Roth agreed, saying the Mules need to "persevere and never get down on themselves." If the Mules can avoid the losing streaks that plagued them last year, this years squad should be in the mix for a playoff spot in an extremely competitive Centennial Conference.
Leading the Mules will be one of the Conferences, perhaps one of the nations, most experienced backcourts. Running the show will be senior captain Chris MacIntosh, who in his fourth year as a starter should be one of the Conferences top assist-men and one of the areas elite point guards. At off-guard, the Mules return their top scorer from last year in senior Mike Bernardini, who averaged 13.6 points a game. Roth will also see starting minutes at the wing position, as his three-point shooting ability should help spread opposing defenses. Junior Brian Frankoski should see plenty of action as well in the backcourt, and with his length and ability in the open-court. Frankowski is one of the "X" factors heading into the season for the Mules. Rounding out the backcourt will most likely be sophomore Dave Gwyn and freshman Justin Greenstone.
Along the frontline, the Mules will boast one of the biggest, baddest, and most talented groups in the conference. Leading the way up front will be junior Pete Barnes, who at 6'9 should be one of the premier post players in the Conference. Last season Barnes averaged about 6 points and 6 rebounds per game, and the Mules need Barnes to develop into a dominant presence down low. Supporting Barnes in the front court will be the combination of Junior Obi Nwizugo and freshman Spenser Liddic. Nwizugo presents match up problems for many teams, which allowed him to average 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last year. Liddic, a 6'5 smooth playing southpaw is reminiscent of NBA player Troy Murphy and should be an immediate contributor for the Mules around the basket. Starting at small forward will be Junior Ryan Foster, who was second on the team last year with 11.8 points per game. At 6'5, Foster possesses the ability to shoot over smaller defenders, which he will see virtually every game, and he led the Mules last season with 41 three-pointers. Off the bench, the Mules will look towards senior captain Tim Murray for a vital post defender, rebounding presence, and hustle inside. Sophomore Even Tozer, whose smooth and smart play earned him a start last season, should also see significant time for the Mules.
Leading the Mules will be one of the Conferences, perhaps one of the nations, most experienced backcourts. Running the show will be senior captain Chris MacIntosh, who in his fourth year as a starter should be one of the Conferences top assist-men and one of the areas elite point guards. At off-guard, the Mules return their top scorer from last year in senior Mike Bernardini, who averaged 13.6 points a game. Roth will also see starting minutes at the wing position, as his three-point shooting ability should help spread opposing defenses. Junior Brian Frankoski should see plenty of action as well in the backcourt, and with his length and ability in the open-court. Frankowski is one of the "X" factors heading into the season for the Mules. Rounding out the backcourt will most likely be sophomore Dave Gwyn and freshman Justin Greenstone.
Along the frontline, the Mules will boast one of the biggest, baddest, and most talented groups in the conference. Leading the way up front will be junior Pete Barnes, who at 6'9 should be one of the premier post players in the Conference. Last season Barnes averaged about 6 points and 6 rebounds per game, and the Mules need Barnes to develop into a dominant presence down low. Supporting Barnes in the front court will be the combination of Junior Obi Nwizugo and freshman Spenser Liddic. Nwizugo presents match up problems for many teams, which allowed him to average 9 points and 5 rebounds per game last year. Liddic, a 6'5 smooth playing southpaw is reminiscent of NBA player Troy Murphy and should be an immediate contributor for the Mules around the basket. Starting at small forward will be Junior Ryan Foster, who was second on the team last year with 11.8 points per game. At 6'5, Foster possesses the ability to shoot over smaller defenders, which he will see virtually every game, and he led the Mules last season with 41 three-pointers. Off the bench, the Mules will look towards senior captain Tim Murray for a vital post defender, rebounding presence, and hustle inside. Sophomore Even Tozer, whose smooth and smart play earned him a start last season, should also see significant time for the Mules.