Men’s Basketball Preview 2004-05 - “Making of a Champion”

With six players retunring from last year’s team, the Tigers are excited about the possibilities of the upcoming season. The Tigers advanced to last year’s CACC conference semi-finals by winning six of their last eight games last season, and will look to build on that success to become a conference power in 2004-05.

The Tigers return starting senior center and co-captain Bob Presner (Newtown, PA / Council Rock), and junior guard co-captains Ryan Haigh (Philadelphia, PA / Father Judge) and Chris Kozole (Philadelphia, PA / Archbishop Ryan) along with junior forward Dan Welch (Philadelphia, PA / Father Judge). This group of returning players form a tremendous nucleus to build around. Each of them had fine personal seasons last season and will be expected to continue their growth as the team matures into a championship caliber unit. Assisting them will be sophomore guard Andrew Presner (Southhampton, PA / William Tennent) and junior guard Charlie Hook (Philadelphia, PA / North Catholic). Presner and Hook will be counted on to provide depth off the bench and to assist with the blending of a group of newcomers.

Johnson went out and brought in a very talented group of newcomers to help lead this team to another conference playoff berth. Heading the list of newcomers is a Division I Transfer from Delaware State, junior forward Rasheed Oliver (Los Angeles, CA. Oliver will provide the Tigers with an athletic body at the three spot. Freshmen guards, Ryan Lancaster and Dominique Brown will provide backcourt depth. Freshmen center Tom McKeown and Will Lockard will be counted on to help defensively in the low post.

Coach Johnson has reiterated to his players a philosophy of doing the “little things.” “From day one we have talked about the little things that great teams do in order to win. It is our daily chore as a coaching staff, that we prepare these young men on a daily basis in practice.” states Coach Johnson. “This team is determined to lay the foundation as we build a champion caliber program.” "

Johnson feels that the succces of this year’s team will rely heavily upon the shoulders of senior co-captain Bob Presner. Presner experience and leadership will be crucial if this team is to position themselves as one of the better programs in Division II. “Bob is without a doubt our leader. As a returning all-conference selection, we are counting on Bob to again lead us in scoring and rebounding.” commented Johnson.

Johnson is excited about the upcoming season “I am excited about the players we have. We certainly have guys who before their careers are over, will have a chance for a great deal of success as a student-athlete.”