CINCINNATI (OH) – St Joseph Hawks Preview

Previous Record (Conf)
17-14 (9-7)

Key Non-Conference Games
Villanova (9 Dec), at Minnesota (12 Dec), at Siena (29 Dec)
BostonCollege in the Paradise Jam (20 Nov) and potentially Purdue in game two

Projected Conference Record (Finish)
5-11 (11th)

Conference Home-and-Home Partners
Temple, St Bonaventure, Massachusetts

Outlook
Head coach Phil Martelli has been in a four-year recruiting slump. While he has certainly been able to identify and develop all-conference players, recently he has struggled to surround those players with enough talent to make and do some damage in the NCAA Tournament.

During the last four seasons Martelli has had to rely on a seven-player rotation with his starters playing 30+ minutes. This lack of depth is a major concern and has caused the Hawks to struggle at the end of the year.

Season Last 10 Post-season
2005-06 (6-4) NIT
2006-07 (5-5) none
2007-08 (4-6) NIT
2008-09 (4-6) none

Whether Martelli can round out his rotation will largely determine how well the Hawks do this year. This year would appear to be an ideal situation for Martelli to develop that bench with only two seniors and 10 underclassmen. If not, look for another “Phil Fade” and for the Hawks to potentially miss the conference tournament.

Spotlight On
Senior guard Garrett Williamson has had to play out of position at point guard for the last two years, but has done a remarkable job. He was honored as an all-league defender and filled up the box score everywhere but in the scoring column. Williamson logged a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio, averaged nearly four rebounds per game, routinely shot down the opposing team’s best guard, blocked 38 shots and had 46 steals. If he can develop into a more consistent perimeter threat to complement his slashing ability, Williamson could be an all-league candidate.

Best Case Scenario
Somebody other than Williamson proves they can handle the point allowing him to slide over to shooting guard. Sophomores Todd O’Brien (a Bucknell transfer) and Bryant Irvin win the starting front court positions allowing Idris Hiliard to play his natural small forward position. Senior Darrin Govens thrives in his role as sixth man delivering instant offense off the bench. The Hawks finish 9-7 for the fourth straight season and Martelli develops enough depth they are able to make a run in the A10 tournament.

Worst Case Scenario
Willamson is stuck at the point for the third straight year without a reliable back-up. Hilliard is forced to again play out of position and battles foul trouble all season. Martelli never gives the youngsters a chance to develop and runs his top six into the ground by February.