Towson Tigers (18-13 overall, 13-5 conference)
Projected starting five:
So. G Jerome Hairston
So. G Four McGlynn
Sr. G Mike Burwell
Sr. F Marcus Damas
Sr. F Jerrelle Benimon
Important departures:
C Bilal Dixon (6.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.2 bpg) is the only starter who has departed, joined by key reserve G Kris Walden (3.1 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.3 apg) (transferred to Delaware State).
Returning:
85.1 percent of scoring and 77.6 percent of rebounding
Additions:
Fr. F Barrington Alston (redshirted)
Fr. F John Davis
Fr. F Walter Foster
Fr. F Marquis Marshall (redshirted)
So. G Four McGlynn (transferred from Vermont)
Schedule Highlights:
The Tigers open SECU Arena in style with eight non-conference home games, headlined by a visit from Temple. The road slate has plenty of challenges for a team that should contend, as they travel to Villanova, Kansas, Oregon State and North Dakota State, while also playing two games in the Lumberjack E-Tech Classic. In CAA play, they will get tested right away, as three of their first five games are on the road against fellow contenders: Drexel, College of Charleston and Delaware. They start February with three straight at home and end the month with three straight on the road.
Projected finish and outlook:
It hasn’t taken long for Pat Skerry to turn Towson into a contender. They return four starters from the best defensive team in the conference, including the reigning Player of the Year in Benimon. There’s plenty to help him out, and they will have a lot of depth both on the perimeter and up front. Damas could be an all-conference player, Burwell is a solid complement and Hairston should continue to grow with a full season now under his belt. McGlynn should help right away on a team that didn’t shoot well from long range last year, as should all of the new frontcourt players, with Alston and Davis adding toughness and sophomore Timajh Parker-Rivera ready to play a bigger role. The Tigers could also go with a traditional lineup or essentially play three or four guards with all of the parts they have. The biggest challenges will be shooting better, taking better care of the ball and dealing with being the hunted after being the hunter. The non-conference slate will prepare them well with several challenges, and they get eight home games at their brand new arena.
