PC returns four starters from last year and Randall Hanke who started in 2005-6 but missed last year. Replacing 1st team All BigEast performer Herbert Hill at center will be difficult but the Friars should be very competitive this season.

Frontcourt - Hill was the main man for PC last year and he will be missed. Jonathan Kale (7.0ppg, 4.2rpg) returns at PF and Hanke (13.0ppg, 5.0rpg in 2005-6) will man the center position. Hanke will not give PC the tenacity that Hill did, but he is a more than capable replacement. Ray Hall (2.5ppg, 1.9rpg) will back up Hanke and Freshman Jamine Peterson will spell Kale. GRADE - C+

Backcourt - Geoff McDermott can play either PF or SF. His 9.5ppg and 9.1 rpg allows him to get down with the big boys and he is a tremendous passer for a big man. Weyinmi Efejuku (14.1ppg, 4.3rpg) has shown the ability to take over games. Along with McDermott, he supplies adequate points from outside and is a real slasher. Point guard Sharaud Curry (1.5ppg, 4.4apg) has a tendency to turn the ball  over at crucial times but is a better than average PG. Dwain Williams (7.5ppg, 1.7apg) can back up at either guard position and is a scorer off the bench. Brian McKenzie (3.7ppg, 1.8rpg) provides depth outside. Jeff Xavier, a transfer from Manhattan averaged 16.6 points a game two years ago and set a Manhattan record for three pointers. Freshmen Marshon Brooks and Alex Kellogg don’t figure to see much time this season. GRADE - B+

Depth - The Friars have depth at almost every position. Williams, Burch and McKenzie in the backcourt and Hall down low. GRADE - B

Outlook - Tim Welsh has a lot to work with this year. Explosiveness with McDermott and Efejuku, and good depth. If there is a weakness it might be rustiness down low with Hanke not playing for two years. PC should finish in the top half of the conference and with consistency might move up to challenge for a bye at the tourney in March. GRADE - B

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