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The 2008-09 Mitchell College men's basketball team will look to improve upon last season's performance with five returning starters and seven total returning players. The team is anxious to begin competition in the newly-formed New England Collegiate Conference (NECC).
Leading the way for the Mariners will be a solid core of returning players led by junior forward Eric Murray (Bridgeport, CT / Bassick High School). Murray was one of the top scorers in the nation last season, as he averaged 23.3 points per game and also contributed heavily with 6.7 rebounds per game and 58 assists. Mike DePaolo (Asbury, NJ / North Hunterdon High School) a junior guard is coming off a season in which he averaged 9.0 points per game. Also contributing from the guard position will be Josh Witt (New London, CT / Joel Barlow High School) who averaged 8.6 points per game and dished out 58 assists. Matt Bindner (Milford, CT / Jonathan Law High School) and Tyler Blier (Wolcott, CT / Bristol Eastern High School) return in the post position, and will compliment the play of Murray in the paint. The remaining returners include sophomore forward Pat Nielsen (Norwalk, CT / The Winchendon School) and senior guard Brian Marciniak (East Hampton, NY / East Hampton High School).
The incoming class of Jenel Russell (East Hampton, NY / East Hampton High School), Alex Vess (Middletown, CT / Xavier High School), Rodney DeLeaver (Mattapan, MA / Beaver Country Day School), and Joe Charles (Stratford, CT / Stratford High School) should complement the returners to provide the team with more talent and depth than last season.
The Mariners open the season at Regis College on Tuesday, November 18, 2008.
