Army Black Knights (16-15 overall, 8-6 league)
Projected starting five:
So. G Dylan Cox
So. G-F Kyle Wilson
Sr. G Josh Herbeck
So. F Larry Toomey
So. C Kevin Ferguson
Important departures:
Three starters – F Ella Ellis (17.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.4 apg), F Jordan Springer (3.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and G Kyle Toth (8.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg) – are all gone from last season’s team.
Returning:
54.6 percent of scoring and 55 percent of rebounding
Additions:
Fr. G-F Richard Brown
Fr. F Kennedy Edwards
Fr. G David Hellstrom
Fr. F Mac Hoffman
Fr. F Zach Johnson
Fr. C Kiefer Jordan
Fr. G Scott Mammel
Fr. G-F Tanner Omlid
Fr. G Shane Smith
Fr. F Austin Williamson
Schedule Highlights:
The Black Knights have five home games in non-league play, including a visit from CAA contender Delaware. They also open the season in the All-Military Classic in Lexington, Virginia against Air Force and either VMI or the Citadel in the second game. Road games of note are at Notre Dame and Rutgers. Three of the first four Patriot League games are on the road, but they close with three of four at home.
Projected finish and outlook:
While the Black Knights lost a lot from last season’s team, they have plenty of talent. The biggest adjustment will be to new roles and a concern will be a relative lack of experience as this season could be one of growing pains or a leap into contention. The promising group is led by Wilson, the league’s Rookie of the Year last season who should take over for Ellis in the role of go-to guy. Cox is poised to be one of the best point guards in the league before his career is over, while Herbeck figures to join them in the starting lineup as their most experienced player. They have good depth there as well, allowing them to really get after it at both ends. Toomey and Ferguson have to take steps forward, with Ferguson showing potential as a shot-blocker inside, and there is more depth here as well. They helped Army post the second-best rebounding margin in the league last season. The Black Knights led the league in turnovers by a wide margin last season, making that the biggest area for improvement.
