Drexel Dragons (21-10, 11-7)
Projected starting five:
So. G Frantz Massenat
Jr. G Chris Fouch (out until December due to injury)
Jr. G Derrick Thomas
Sr. F Samme Givens
So. F Dartaye Ruffin
Important departures:
G Gerald Colds (9.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 apg) is the only starter gone from last season’s team.
Returning:
83.9 percent of scoring and 89.9 percent of rebounding
Additions:
Fr. F Kazembe Abif
Fr. G-F Tavon Allen
Fr. F Casey Carroll
Fr. G-F Damion Lee
Fr. G Aquil Younger
Schedule highlights:
While not an overwhelming nonconference slate, the Dragons will be challenged with their season opener at Rider in a 6 a.m. tip as part of ESPN’s 24-hour marathon, and they could play Virginia in the Paradise Jam. They also head across town to play Saint Joseph’s and host Ivy League contender Princeton and MAAC contender Fairfield. In CAA play, they get George Mason and VCU only at home.
Projected finish and outlook:
The Dragons were picked first in a vote of the conference’s coaches, sports information directors and media, and it’s a selection that makes sense. Colds is the only significant departure from last season’s team, and they welcome an excellent recruiting class that will add depth and play good minutes right away. Massenat settled the point guard spot last season after it was a question mark, while Fouch will give them a proven scorer once he comes back from an injury that will keep him out past the start of the season. Thomas is one of the best players no one knows about mainly because he earns his keep defensively, while Givens and Ruffin will lead the way as this team beats up opponents on the backboards once again, something junior Daryl McCoy and Abif, the latter of whom has a great motor, will also help right away. Don’t be surprised if Lee and Allen make an impact right away as well, especially while Fouch is out of action. The Dragons will remain a tough team to score on, and that should get to another level with this group, while the offense should be better as Massenat improves and other players become scoring threats before Fouch comes back.
