Drake Bulldogs (13-18, 7-11)
Projected starting five:
So. G Rayvonte Rice
Jr. F Ben Simons
Sr. G Kurt Alexander
Jr. F Jordan Clarke
Sr. F Kraidon Woods
* Jr. C Seth Vandeest should start after returning from shoulder surgery, and he is expected to be out at least one month.
Important departures:
Ryan Wedel: 10.9 ppg
Percent returning:
Starts: 73.5 percent
Minutes: 80.7 percent
Scoring: 80.6 percent
Rebounding: 88.3 percent
Additions:
Judd Welfringer joins the roster after being named first team all-state for Waukee High School, Iowa.
Toughest nonconference match ups:
Nov. 18 vs. Mississippi
Nov. 30 at Boise State
Outlook:
Drake returns the most experience, points and rebounds of any team in the MVC. However, how quickly Seth Vandeest returns from his injury will determine how far the Bulldogs climb the ladder in 2011-12. The expectation is that the junior center will miss the first month. This squad will definitely be dangerous as February rolls around. And even better news: only two seniors occupy the roster this season.
