The Leathernecks are 0-1 after a 52 point loss to Arizona State last night and return 3 starters from a squad that posted a 9-20 overall record, including a 6-12 mark in league play, in 2008-09. The Leathernecks are projected to finish at the bottom of the Summit League and near the bottom of all Division I basketball programs this season.
The Leathernecks are lead by G Matt Lander. Lander had 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss to Arizona State. Other than Lander, the Leathernecks roster consists of G David Nurse (8 points/game last season), who had 50 3 pointers last season and shot 87% from the FT line, G Ceola Clark (who lead WIU in steals and was third in assists a year ago), G Tommie Tyler is athletic and attacks the basket, G Quenton Kirby is a slasher and C James Granstra had 15 blocks in 17 games for the Leathernecks last season. Other newcomers include F Emeka Okafor Jr., a cousin of NBA player Emeka Okafor and there's also G Billy Molinari (son of Head Coach Jim Molinari).
The Leathernecks return just 5 players from one of the worst teams in the country a year ago which could be both a good thing and a bad thing. The Leathernecks are on a long journey to respectability as they continue to build their program. Hopefully the Cats not only blow this game out but look alot better than they did on Friday in the process.
