Men's Basketball Preview

2012-2013 record: 13-18 (4-6 MCCC, 5th)
Starters returning/lost: 2/3


Notable returners:
Jordan Marshall, Jr., Birdsboro, Pa.
(3.9 points/game, 4.2 assists/game, 1.0 steals/game)
Eric Young, Jr., Eyota, Mn.
(3.7 points/game, 5.9 rebounds/game, 2.9 assists/game, 1.2 steals/game)
Cooper Rodman, Jr., Des Moines, Ia.
(3.9 points/game, 2.6 rebounds/game, 2.1 assists/game)
Timothy O'Tool, Sr., Carroll, Ia.
(2011-2012 - 3.5 points/game, 3.0 rebounds/game)
Chris Peterson, Sr., Des Moines, Ia.
(2011-2012 - 2.4 points/game, 1.7 rebounds/game, 1.4 assists/game)

Notable losses:
Tyler Betz
(First-Team All-American, 29.1 points/game, 12.5 rebounds/game)
Dillon Gingerich
(2nd Team All Region, 12.5 points/game)
Josh Whitlow
(8.0 points/game)


Notable newcomers:
Aaron Leistikow, Fr., St. Charles, Mn.
Jon Luke Talton, Fr., Des Moines, Ia.
Cody Chaffin, Fr., Tomball, Tx.

A new era of basketball will begin November 5th when the Eagles tip off with Grand View University. Gone is three time 1st Team All American Tyler Betz, and his 29 points per game, the foundation of the Eagles' past four years of success. In fact, the Eagles return only six from last year's squad, and just two starters, as shooting guard Josh Whitlow and forward Dillon Gingerich do not return.

With 73% of their scoring not back the Eagles will look to a new group of exciting young players  to fill the void. "We were blessed to have Tyler (Betz) for the past four year, but now it's time for Eric (Young), Jordan (Marshall), and Cooper (Rodman) to step up and lead. They've had the opportunity to be a part of some very good teams the past three years, and I expect them to lean on that experience as they help bring along our newcomers," noted coach Fincham.

Point Guard

Marshall, a career 3.3 assist/game point guard will be leaned on heavily to lead the team early in the year. With Rodman and Young both involved in fall sports and unable to practice or participate until those seasons are completed, Marshall has the most game experience of the returning upperclassmen. "Jordan did a tremendous job for us last year coming in at semester and really taking that on the court leadership role, we're going to need him to do that from the beginning this year. He's worked hard on improving offensively in the off season, and I'm hopeful he can provide a nice dual threat option for us," noted Fincham.

Newcomer Ryan Koch will most likely be the primary backup to Marshall. Koch, who played his high school days at Stillwater Christian in Montana won't be joining the team until the soccer season is over, but once he joins, he should be a nice addition for the Eagles at the point.

Wing

Newcomers Aaron Leistikow, Cody Chaffin, and Jon Luke Talton will battle for minutes at the wing for the Eagles. All three should add an immediate scoring punch to the Eagle's lineup. With returners Rodman, Young, and Peterson not available until their fall sport seasons are over, the Eagles will lean on their trio of freshman from the start of the season. "Aaron is just a tough matchup, he can beat you inside and out and is really crafty. Cody is incredibly athletic and has a great quick release. Jon Luke has a great knack for getting to the basket and finishes well. I'm excited to see how quickly this group can contribute," noted Fincham. "Once we get our upperclassmen back, we'll be deeper at the wing than we've been in awhile. I'm excited to see what we can do on both ends of the court with an up tempo style that we haven't been able to play the past couple years."

Post

With no true center, the Eagles will be playing small ball this year. Returner Timothy O'Tool will anchor the Eagles limited insided game. After getting married, O'Tool sat out last year, but was an important part of the Eagle's first ever trip to the NCCAA National Tournament in 2011. "Tim brings all the intangibles. He works hard on every play, crashes the boards well, and isn't afraid to mix it up inside. His emotion and competitive drive are a great addition to the team. That along with his experience on our past successfull teams will compliment the group of newcomers we have nicely."

Returners Jon Rocha and Jason Scheps, along with newcomer John Acree will also battle for minutes at the post. As a captain on this year's team, Rocha has done an excellent job early on of taking the team under his wing and guiding them on and off the court as they prepare for the season. Acree is an All Conference player from Utah, with a good strong body and a nice outside touch. Scheps will return to the court once his soccer season is complete. "While we don't have a lot of height, all of our posts play with a lot of heart. Being outsized in nearly every game we play this year, they already understand how hard their going to have to work. I like their work ethic and competitive spirit," remarked Fincham.

Schedule

The Eagles first semester schedule is punishing. Ten of their sixteen games are against NAIA, NCAA II, NCAA III, or NCCAA Top 20 teams. If the Eagles can survive their first semester gauntlet, they should be poised to make a run at the Midwest Christian College Conference tournament championship.

Conference

Last year the Eagle's finished the regular season in 5th place in the conference and 6th at the conference tournament. With national tournament qualifiers Ozark Christian College and Manhattan Christian College headlining the group, the Eagles will have a tough road ahead of them if they want to make a run at the regular season and tournament championships. Early season games with Manhattan and last year's regular season runner up Barclay College should give an early indication of how far the Eagles can go this year.