Men's Basketball 2009-10 Season Preview
In 10 years as head coach of the Mitchell men's basketball team, Todd Peretz can't remember
having a problem like the one he faces heading into the 2009-10
season. He returns one of the top scorers in school history in
senior guard Eric
Murray, and he welcomes a host of talented newcomers who are
looking to make an impact for the Mariners.
His problem may be finding enough shots-and minutes-to go
around.
"This is the most talent we've had since Mitchell went to the
four-year model," said Peretz. "It's just a matter of putting the
pieces together and getting them to fit."
Leading the way will be Murray, who could become the school's first
2,000-point scorer with another solid season. Last year he led the
conference in scoring and ranked fifth in rebounding, averaging
21.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while earning NECC
All-Conference Second Team honors.
Returning starters Mike DePaolo and Jenel Russell
will give the Mariners experience in both the frontcourt and
backcourt. DePaolo, a senior guard, averaged 12.0 points per game
last year and ranked among the conference leaders in three-point
shooting. Russell gives the Mariners a presence at the center
position, where he averaged 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds as a
sophomore and earned NECC All-Conference Honorable Mention
accolades.
Three transfers figure to earn significant playing time for the
Mariners. Julio
Contreras, a point guard from Boca Raton, Fla., is a good floor
leader who understands the game. A 6-6 power forward from
Narragansett, R.I., John Patterson will
give Mitchell some depth in the paint and should help out on the
glass. And Drew
Norris, a fiery competitor from Wilson, N.C., will give Peretz
scoring and athleticism at the wing position.
Peretz has several other players who will look to contribute.
Senior Brian
Marciniak, a scrappy guard who is the team's hardest worker,
returns after missing the majority of last season with an injury.
Junior forward Tyler Blier started 22
games last season and, as someone who plays bigger than his size,
gives the Mariners another option down low. Sophomore Jeff Gomez made huge
strides in the offseason, improving both his game and his strength.
Freshman Shadayne
Philbert, another newcomer who will fight for minutes, is a
lightning-quick guard who can play at either backcourt spot.
Mitchell will once again face an extremely competitive league
schedule, but Peretz feels his team should be right in the mix.
While the Mariners will still be a perimeter oriented team, they
will now have the athleticism and quickness to push the tempo on
both ends of the floor. And with added depth on his bench, Peretz
won't be afraid to turn his team loose-which could end up causing
problems for opposing head coaches, as well.
