Hofstra Pride (10-23 overall, 5-11 conference)
Projected starting five:
Sr. G Dion Nesmith
Jr. G Juan’ya Green
So. G-F Jamall Robinson
Jr. F Ameen Tanksley
Sr. F-C Moussa Kone
Important departures:
G Zeke Upshaw, G-F Jordan Allen (transferred) and F Stephen Nwaukoni are gone from last season’s team.
Returning:
41.9 percent of scoring and 42.5 percent of rebounding
Additions:
So. G Brian Bernardi (transfer from SMU)
Fr. G Eliel Gonzalez (redshirted)
Jr. G Juan’ya Green (transfer from Niagara)
Fr. F Rokas Gustys
Jr. G-F Ameen Tanksley (transfer from Niagara)
Fr. F-C Andre Walker
Schedule Highlights:
The Pride won’t play a loaded non-conference schedule, though it’s not going to be a breeze, either. Five home games, including visits from America East favorite Stony Brook, Northeast Conference contender Wagner, MEAC contender Norfolk State and La Salle. The tough road games will be at NC State and South Florida, though Ivy League contender Columbia won’t be an easy cross-town visit, either. CAA play challenges them right out of the gate as four of the first five games are on the road. Five of the next seven are at home once they get through that stretch.
Projected finish and outlook:
Ever since the three transfers announced their intentions before last season, there was much anticipation about year two under Joe Mihalich. That time is here, and the Pride look ready to make a big jump in the standings. With long-time friends Green and Tanksley in the fold, Nesmith’s job is much easier, while Robinson showed last season that he’s a terrific competitor. He’ll be too good not to have a prime role with this team, while Bernardi gives them a shooter with some other skills. The staff was high on Gonzalez, and he should help at the point. Kone came along last season when pressed into a bigger role. The Pride have a lot more talent and depth this time around, and they won’t sneak up on anyone.
