 |
Seton Hill Men's Basketball
 Last season's Men's Basketball team competed in the WVIAC Conference for the first time and recorded a 7-13 record in West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. Under the leadership of Head Coach Tony Morocco, the Seton Hill Men's Basketball program has compiled a record of 92-68 in the program's six year existence. The 2009-2010 version of the Seton Hill Men’s basketball team will look to improve on last season’s 10 win season, especially since last year's Griffin club had an unusual collection of injuries and adversaries to overcome. This will mark the second year in which they will be able to compete as a full fledged member of the NCAA Division II WVIAC, known to be one of the upper tier conferences in the nation.
Joining Morocco on the Griffin bench will be energetic second year assistant Luke Crump considered a dynamic and relentless recruiter with a keen eye for talent. Former Griffin great Jordan Thomas will make the move from the team’s starting point guard and team leader to a valuable position on the bench and as a teaching coach.. Thomas finished his stellar career last season and became just the second player in school history to record 1,000 career points. To further compliment his staff, Coach Morocco has added new volunteer assistant Dan Durose. Durose is expected to bring passion, experience, and a great work ethic to the basketball program.
This year’s squad returns three starters from last season and two Griffins who started during the 2007-08 season. Cody Boone, who last year was set back with some injuries, will be expected to be one of the premier big men in the always tough WVIAC. Chris Giles, who had a stellar freshman season, averaged 12.4 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. Giles was particularly consistent and effective in the latter half of the season. Chris was also a 73% free throw shooter. Ivan Cosovic, a native of Serbia was a strong contributor and should benefit from his indoctrination in to the WVIAC's rugged competition in during junior season.
Career threatening injuries plagued the aforementioned two contributors from the 2007-08 season. It is anticipated that this group will give the Griffins a very solid nucleus of experienced returnees. Emmanuel Jackson was the leading scorer during the previous season and although missing last year will be expected to pick up where he left off.....as the Griffin's go-to guy down the stretch in tight games. During the second half of his last season he was said to be one of the Conferences best layers. Kellen Holmes started 16 games as a first year player in 2007-08 and averaged 6.9 points per game besides having a solid floor game. Versatile Connor Tilow will return for his sophomore season after being thrust into challenging situations as a freshman. His valuable experience and added maturity should provide added depth at the guard/wing position for the Griffins.
The Griffin coaching staff feels confident regarding the array of newcomers in the 2009-2010 recruiting class which includes players from Western Pennsylvania, guard Tonio Fulena from New Castle and forward Henry Pwono from North Catholic HS. They come from winning programs and hope to challenge the veterans for playing time. The class also includes transfers point guard Justin McCoy from Coppin State, guard Octavius Burnett from Wheeling Jesuit and forward Ozren Bjelorglic from State Fair Community College, any one of whom could make the coaching staff happy by winning a starting berth. Rounding out the recruiting class are guard Chris Laverty from Greenville, PA, guard Floyd Showers from Youngstown, OH and forward Josh Jonaitis from Hudson, OH.
Coach Morocco's schedule includes Pitt Greensburg, Clarion and Penn State-McKeesport in NCAA permitted scrimmages. The Griffins will open the season on November 16th at home against Juniata. Eight days later the Griffins will open WVIAC play on the road at Ohio Valley. SHU also plays non-conference games against Slippery Rock and Indiana (PA). In late December SHU will take part in the highly regarded annual Porreco Cup in Erie hosted by Gannon University. Seton Hill concludes conference play with two road games at Shepherd and Fairmont State before beginning WVIAC Tournament play the first week in March. |
|
|
