Evaluative Capsules of the Non-conference Opponents
Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI. 2008-09 Record: 25-10 Postseason: NCAA 2nd Rd
Marquette is reloading. Having graduated/lost 4 starters will hurt. PG Acker has decided to graduate in Dec. 09 – will not play. Hayward is the only returner with significant PT. The Warriors (GE‘s) bring in a top recruiting class and do retain some experienced players. Their system will remain the same as the new coach is a longtime assistant at the university, but the learning curve for the new arrivals will be steep. Several of the new recruits can expect to see PT, of those Jerone Maymon, Buycks, and Junior Cadougan may impact. The Warriors (GE‘s) will take a step back from the Top 25 this year.
Returning Players: PF Lazar Hayward, PG Cubilan, Ctr Chris Otule, SF Joe Fulce, and Juco (Sr.) SG Jimmy Butler, Ctr 7′ Liam McMorrow.
New Recruits: 7 recruits – Three 4-stars PG Cadougan, PF Maymon, & SF Erik Wms. 7′ Ctr Mbao, PF Bret Roseboro, Jucos AA PG Dwight Buycks and SG Darius Odom-Johnson.
The Bluejays will probably be seeded 6th or 7th in the OSC. The 6th seed being most likely so as not to be paired against Xavier in the 1st Round. For Jays fans who love to think we can still ‘sneak up’ on folks – here’s your opportunity to ‘sneak’. Losses – Sr Gds Woodfox & Sitzman graduated, So PF Walker transferred. Impact Recruits: Runnels, Ashford, Bock.
Probable matchups – 1st Round: Baylor; 2nd Round: #18 Michigan; Finals: FSU or # 21 Xavier.
Returnees: C–Lawson, Fds–Millard, Harriman, Carter, Gds–P’Allen, Vel, KK, AY, JJ, & 2 w/o Fds.
New Recruits: Cali PGs 4-star Andrew Bock and Greg Allen, Tx Juco SG 3-star Darryl Ashford, SF Ethan Wragge, and OK Juco AA PF Wayne Runnels. Add 2 walk-on Gds.
Iona University, Iona, NY. 2008-09 Record: 12-19 Postseason: None
The Gaels are by default the hosts of the OSC. They are in the midst of rebuilding and although will compete, do not have the horses to contend for the tourney crown. The Gaels play 10-12 players deep, with 8 having 14 or more minutes per game. Gary Springer (MAAC 3rd Team) & Devon Clarke graduated. This will be a great learning experience for their team. Pelcher & McGill will impact team.
Returning Players: Scott Machado – MAAC Rookie of the Year.
New Recruits: Ctr 6′ 9” Chris Pelcher (#45 ESPN), SF Rashard McGill, and SG Ben Mockford.
Well that’s it for the 2009 Old Spice Classic field. Now…Who will win it?
My best guess is the University of Alabama team. However, this isn’t the UA blog…
The Creighton University Bluejays will win this event, as they truly ‘sneak’ up on the field, play their normal sterling complete games on neutral courts, and surprise the experts, pundits, and the naysayers. Creighton wins the 2009 Disney/ESPN Old Spice Classic.
Whaaaa, you were thinkin’ Bellevue College, College of St Marys’, Doane? C’mon…git (mo) with the program.
Luv,
gtmo
Bluenotes 