On the Rise
Since inheriting the Manhattan College men's basketball team three years ago, Barry Rohrssen has the Jaspers on the rise back to the prominence the 103 year old has enjoyed throughout its storied history. Coming off the best finish since his arrival in Riverdale, the 2009-10 Jaspers feature a more experienced roster.
Manhattan looks to build on a fourth place MAAC finish and 16 wins, including seven non-conference the most since 2003-04. Of course, the Jaspers have to replace the production of the program's 19th all-time scorer in Devon Austin (1,177 points), but the Brooklyn-born Rohrssen would like his first recruiting class- now seniors -to be up for the challenge.
"It's good to see progress is being made and things are pointed in the right direction," Rohrssen stated. "Without question, leadership is one of the most important things in a program and it is a key to any team's success. It would be nice for our present group of upperclassmen to take another step forward and build on their experience here at Manhattan."
Enlightened by goodwill missions with the USO, which most recently included visiting military personnel stationed in Afghanistan in June, Rohrssen's goal is to instill the admirable characteristics of our brave troops into the Jaspers' credo for the campaign. Hard work, leadership and competitiveness are key principles on this agenda and Rohrssen believes with these core items the program will have the potential to return to the top of the conference and bring the title back to Riverdale.
"To see firsthand the incredible dedication, focus and teamwork of the brave men and women who protect our country was inspiring," Rohrssen explained. "We should never take anything for granted and remember that we live a blessed life. Basketball is a game, not combat or war, but our team can still learn from the values of the United States service people who allow us the freedom to do things in our lives, which we enjoy and are privileged to do, such as play Division I basketball."
The 2009-10 Jaspers feature a strong back court and developing talent up front. Leading the way is one of the top players in the metropolitan area in Preseason All-MAAC Third Team recipient Darryl Crawford.
The Backcourt
Guard play is expected to be a strength in Riverdale this season. The Jaspers return a skilled backcourt led by Crawford and classmates Antoine Pearson and Patrick Bouli. Manhattan also welcomes an explosive junior transfer to the guard mix in Rico Pickett.
"The perimeter could be the strength of our team. These guys are experienced and talented players who have a lot of athleticism," stated Rohrssen.
Crawford enters his final campaign coming off a career season where he led the Jaspers in scoring (14.4 ppg), steals (1.4 spg) and free-throw shooting (74.1%). The 6-4 silky smooth swingman from Harlem was strong in the final 10 games, recording 19.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 steals during his hot stretch. He started in nine of the 10 contests after serving as a spark off the bench for Manhattan's first portion of the season. Tabbed one of the top performers in the region, Crawford was selected to the All-Metropolitan Second Team.
Crawford's prolific scoring ability can again help anchor the Jaspers' offensive efforts. He is a slashing guard who penetrates the lane well to either take it to the rim or kick it out. A 42% career field goal shooter, he has 973 points over his first three years putting him on the verge of becoming the 31st player in program history to reach the 1,000 point plateau.
"Darryl is an accomplished scorer, but his best talent may be making plays and finding open teammates," said Rohrssen.
Pearson is another solid option for the Jaspers in the backcourt. He brings passion and excitement to the floor, which compliments his pure jump shot and ability to get to the rim. His craftiness with the ball adds a different dimension to the offense.
A former All-MAAC Third Team (2008) and MAAC All-Rookie Team selection (2007), Pearson averaged 7.5 points, while leading the Jaspers with 2.3 assists and a 40% mark from 3-point territory last season. He is a career 41% field goal and 71% free-throw shooter.
Pearson has developed a reputation as one of the Jaspers' clutch performers. In 2008-09, he managed to lift Manhattan to wins over Morgan State and MAAC rival Saint Peter's with his last second scoring heroics. The Bronx native will be used as a combo guard this season, he has significant experience at the point, but can also be used at the off guard position.
"Antoine provides our team with quickness. He has also shown an ability to make game-winning shots," stated Rohrssen
Pickett could be the X factor for Manhattan this season. He has been classified as the conference's Preseason Newcomer of the Year as noted in several publications. He is an electrifying guard with a good handle and he can get to the rim. Pickett began his collegiate career in the Southeastern Conference at Alabama. Ranked 48th on SI.com's Hot 100 High School seniors, Pickett immediately displayed his potential as a freshman when he started 20 of 29 games for the Crimson Tide and averaged 5.9 points and 3.3 assists.
Pickett shined at Miami-Dade Community College last season. The Decatur, Ala. native posted 17.3 points per game, 4.6 assists and two steals as he helped the Sharks to a conference championship. His ability to pass, score and help run a Division I offense makes him a lead candidate at the point.
"Rico brings with him all the qualities of a good basketball player. He can score, he makes plays for others and he is athletic," explained Rohrssen.
Bouli, a fundamentally sound guard, offers the Jaspers a different dimension in the backcourt. The hard-nosed defender from Cameroon has good court sense and keeps the offense churning. He is an unselfish player who helps spread the floor and gets his teammates involved.
Bouli started at the point in 15 of his 21 appearances last year, including the final nine games of the season where he averaged 30.2 minutes. He is an option for the Jaspers at the point as he protects the ball well, which is reflected in his career 1.3:1 assist:turnover ratio.
"Pat can provide a defensive presence and stability at the point guard spot. He also distributes the ball well," said Rohrssen.
Junior Nick Walsh returns as the Jaspers' main threat from downtown. The local product who attended All Hallows, the same high school as Crawford, is a career 43.6% 3-point shooter and has notched 10 multi 3-point performances. In 2008-09 Walsh appeared in 20 games and averaged 5.3 minutes off the bench, with most of his minutes coming in special situations. A model student-athlete, Walsh was named to the 2009 MAAC All-Academic Team.
"Nick is our designated shooter," Rohrssen stated. "He has good range and a quick release."
Freshman George Beamon could also be in the mix this season as he comes to Riverdale after a decorated playing career at Roslyn High School. A pure offensive threat, Beamon led all of Long Island in scoring as a senior averaging 34.2 points per game. He logged eight 40-point games and poured in a school record 56. Beamon earned All-New York State honors after leading Roslyn to the 2008-09 Class A Championship. A high flying swingman, Beamon has great speed.
"George has a strong ability to score the basketball," said Rohrssen. "He provides us with depth on the perimeter. We enjoy the energy he brings us each day."
Senior Victor Jackson and newcomer Liam McCabe-Moran round out the Manhattan guards and bring energy and enthusiasm to the locker room. Jackson has appeared in 15 games over his career, including a start at Siena in 2006-07. He uses his strong work ethic to set an example on and off the court.
McCabe-Moran is a sophomore walk-on who played in 20 games and averaged 2.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists, despite battling injuries all of last season at Harcum College. McCabe-Moran enjoyed a successful high school career nearby at Rye. He was named All-New York State twice and set a school record with over 1,400-career points.
The Front Court
The Jaspers can be flexible up front as Rohrssen will be operating with a talented mix of size, strength and finesse. Although, he believes there is room for growth.
"Our returning front court players need to step up this year and make greater contributions," explained Rohrssen. "We will be looking for more productivity and consistency."
Junior power forward Andrew Gabriel returns as the most experienced member of the front court unit after starting 29 of 30 games last season. He averaged 5.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. A skilled inside player from national power Christ the King, he will compete again for significant minutes.
Gabriel is a double-double threat who is crafty around the hoop. Last year he posted two double-doubles, which included an 11 point and career-high 12 rebound performance in a victory at Canisius. Gabriel is also an agile shot blocker who finished the 2008-09 campaign with just under one block per game, it ranked in the top-10 of the MAAC.
The Jaspers may also look to Laurence Jolicoeur to contribute quality minutes up front. The junior from Queens, N.Y. averaged. 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds over 13.4 minutes last year. His game rapidly developed midway through the season, in turn his playing time and production increased. Jolicoeur had his breakout game at Loyola when he torched the nets for a season-high 17 points en route to the road victory. He converted all 15 of his free-throw attempts in the contest.
Jolicoeur adds versatility to the Jaspers' lineup. The 6-9 center is strong when facing up at the basket and consistently knocks down the midrange jump shot. He is 44.3% from the field and 75.3% from the line over his career.
"The juniors (Gabriel and Jolicoeur) need to draw upon past playing time and experiences to raise their level of productivity," stated Rohrssen.
After coming off the bench in 28 of 29 games last season, the 6-6 225-pound Brandon Adams is an option to go with for a smaller unit. Adams is a wide bodied, physical big man who can contribute consistent minutes. As a junior he shot 49.2% from the field and 71% from the free-throw line. One of the top shot blockers on the roster, Adams had 17 rejections last season. A potential double-double threat, he recorded the second of his career logging 10 points and 12 rebounds versus Hofstra. Adams brings experience and heart to the front line.
"Brandon needs to help provide our team with leadership and stability," expressed Rohrssen.
Despite seeing limited time due to numerous injuries during his freshman campaign, Djibril Coulibaly is an option at center. The 6-9 sophomore from Mali has a long athletic frame and runs the floor well.
"After completing his first year at the Division I level, it would be nice to see Djibril improve and see time in the rotation," Rohrssen explained.
Freshman Kevin Laue is the tallest member on the roster at 6-11. A center from Pleasanton, Calif., Laue is a true shot blocker and has the ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his length in the middle of the paint. He joins the Jaspers' roster after playing a post graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy where he led the team in rebounding and blocks.
"Kevin brings a great work ethic and spirited attitude each day," Rohrssen stated. "He rounds out our frontcourt by providing us with depth at the center position."
Marty Higgins returns for his junior campaign after joining the team last year as a walk-on. He is a hard working power forward who adds great passion and work ethic to the hardwood. Higgins saw limited action last season, but he offers Rohrssen another option off the bench.
Schedule
The Jaspers schedule features a 29-game lineup with 14 home contests at Draddy Gymnasium. Manhattan will appear on national television at least three times, and all non-televised home contests will be broadcast live and on-demand exclusively at GoJaspers.com.
Manhattan's challenging non-conference slate features 2009 NCAA Tournament participants American (Nov. 25) and Morgan State (Dec. 12), along with SEC power Vanderbilt (Dec. 30). The Jaspers open the season at home on Nov. 14 against NJIT. Manhattan will also host Colonial Athletic Association member William & Mary (Nov. 21), Florida Atlantic (Nov. 23) and Fordham (Nov. 28) for the 102nd "Battle of the Bronx". The Jaspers will travel to local rivals Princeton (Nov. 18), Hofstra (Dec. 9) and Long Island (Dec. 19).
The Jaspers begin their conference schedule the first weekend of December in Western New York at Niagara (Dec. 4) and Canisius (Dec. 6), marking the start of a seven game road stint which spans over 35 days. The Jaspers conclude the road series on Jan. 2 at Marist.
Manhattan has five MAAC home games in January beginning with Rider on Jan. 4. The Jaspers match up with local conference rival Iona on Jan. 22 at Draddy Gymnasium, and will return the game on Feb. 12 in New Rochelle, N.Y. Manhattan will play two-time defending MAAC champion Siena twice in a six day span in January.
The Jaspers wrap up the regular-season close to home as six of their final seven games are in the New York Metropolitan area, including five games in Riverdale. For the sixth straight year, Manhattan will participate in the annual Bracketbusters series, this time as the home team with the date set for either Feb. 19 or 20. This year 98 mid-major programs from 14 conferences will participate in the event. Teams will be matched up a few weeks prior to the contest and 11 games will be televised on ESPN2 or ESPNU.
The 2010 MAAC Basketball Championships return to the Times Union Center in Albany, N.Y for the third straight year. The tournament will run from March 4 - 8.
