Northern Iowa Panthers (20-14, 10-8)
Projected starting five:
Jr. G Anthony James
Jr. F Jake Koch
Sr. G Johnny Moran
Jr. G Marc Sonnen
Jr. C Austin Pehl
Important departures:
Kwadzo Ahelegbe: 14.1 ppg
Lucas O’ Rear: 6.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg
Percent returning:
Starts: 64.7 percent
Minutes: 68.7 percent
Scoring: 64.7 percent
Rebounding: 66.1 percent
Additions:
Northern Iowa is bringing in a freshman class that looks like it will have a bright future. Matt Bohannon, a 6’4” guard, led his high school to a perfect record and the Iowa class 4-A title as a senior. Forward Seth Tuttle was a three-time all-state selection at West Fork High School, Iowa, and basically rewrote the season and all-time record book at his school for points, rebounds, blocks and assists. From Hopkins High School in Minnesota, 6’6” forward Marvin Singleton was named the State Tournament MVP two years in a row, as Hopkins won three consecutive state titles. He averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds per game as a senior.
Toughest nonconference match ups:
Nov. 12 at Old Dominion
Nov. 14 at St. Mary’s
Outlook:
On paper, the Panthers return three starters and a lot of depth. However, one of those players not returning is Lucas O’ Rear, and it was clear how much of an impact he had on the team. Before O’ Rear went down with a season-ending injury in the beginning of February last season, UNI was in the hunt for the conference title. After the injury, the Panthers dropped six of their final seven regular season contests. The Panthers also must account for the loss of Kwadzo Ahelegbe, the team’s top scorer and fifth-best in the MVC. The talent and experience are there to compete for a conference crown. How Northern Iowa responds to the loss of those two players will make the difference between an MVC title or a second middle-of-the-pack finish in as many seasons.
