Men's Basketball Season Outlook
The St. Thomas Aquinas men's basketball team was picked to finish fourth in the East Coast Conference Pre-Season Poll. The Spartans finished the 2007-08 season with an overall record of 17-12 and 12-8 in the ECC. The Spartans won five out of their last six conference games earning them a home court advantage going into the ECC tournament where they topped the University of Bridgeport 66-55 to advance them to the semi-final round. The Spartans fell to CW Post who went on to win the tournament and advance to the NCAA regionals. The Spartans will look upon a large senior class to advance them even further into post season play this season.
Head Coach Dennis O'Donnell, who enters his 18th season, is hopeful that his experienced team consisting of eight seniors as well as a competitive non-conference schedule will help prepare his team to play deep into March. The Spartans will be put to the test early on as they open their season on the road against Northeast-10 opponents UMass Lowell and Merrimack College on November 15th and 16th. The Spartans will play five road games in eight days before they take the court at Aquinas Hall on December 1st against Philadelphia University. The Spartans, who were 12-3 at home last season, will only play eleven home games this season, the second of which will be their conference opener against Dowling College on December 3rd. Rounding out their home games in December will be Assumption College on the 20th.
In the frontcourt:
The Spartans return leading scorer senior Akeem Comas who was an ECC All-Conference Second Team and All-Tournament Team selection in 2007-08. The forward who averaged 13.8 points per game knocking down 45 three's, will be looked to as a major offensive contributor this season. Senior Jelani Winfield has proven to be a versatile player who brings an inside presence to the Spartans lineup. Sophomore Jamie Blanchard who gained valuable experience last season as a freshman, is an athletic post player who is strong on the boards. Adding depth in the frontcourt are senior Tony Mills, a solid shot blocker standing at 6'7", along with junior Linton Brown who worked hard to improve his game in the off season. The Spartans return Pierre Gaspard and Ahmed Allen who did not compete in the 07-08 season and also welcome junior transfer Shaun Weaver who comes to STAC from Marist College. Senior Terrance Portis will see minutes off the bench for the Spartans.
In the backcourt:
The Spartans will rely on senior guard Chris Williams, who was the third leading scorer on last years squad averaging 10.3 points per game while dishing out 82 assists, to provide leadership in the backcourt. Williams has the ability to distribute the ball as well as shoot and can play at both guard spots. Senior Brian Harnischfeger, another strong point guard who sees the floor well will be vying for a starting position. Junior guard Chad Williams will see minutes off the bench as a back-up point guard who can also shoot the ball well. Junior Vincent Johnson a hard working shooting guard has become a quiet leader for the Spartans. Senior Robert Payne and sophomore Kadeem King are strong defenders who add depth to the Spartans backcourt. Newcomer Ra'Shad James, a freshma n out of White Plains, NY will be expected to contribute early in the guard position.
