The Ramblers return 2 starters from a squad that posted a 14-18 overall record, including 6-12 mark in league play, in 2008-09. The Ramblers were projected to finish towards the bottom of the Horizon League standings but they did upset conference favorite Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse last season.
The Ramblers are lead by F Andy Polka, G Aric Van Weelden and G Marcus Thomas. Polka, a 6-7, 240-pound senior, lead the team in points a year ago when he averaged 8 points/game. His low averages could be attributed to injuries because last season he played in only 11 games before an ankle injury sidelined him. Van Weelden, 3 points/game and 3 rebounds/game a year ago, is best described as a utility man. Van Weelden isn't a huge contributor when it comes to scoring but he did lead the team in minutes last season (21.8 minutes/game). Thomas, the team's "sixth man", got off to a slow start last season after joining the team from the JUCO ranks. He finished the season shooting 32% from three point range (32% overall) but he did lead the team with 44 three pointers.
The Ramblers have alot of new players and are relying on Polka to be their leader this season. They're also looking for good things from G/F Jordan Hicks and F Ben Averkamp. Given the lack of experience from this team it's hard to think that they'll finish anywhere but at the bottom of the Horizon League standings but if you catch them on a night when everything is clicking for them, see the game at Butler last season, they could surprise you. That being said I expect a solid win for our Cats.
