EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY

2001-2002 Men's Basketball Outlook

 

With one proven winner and another rising star, the 2001-2002 East Stroudsburg University men’s basketball team has the potential to take another step on the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference ladder.

And it’s no surprise that the key ingredient is senior guard Juwan Justice.

Justice has been the team’s backbone last season and he’ll be counted on for that leadership stability once again. Justice, entering his third season as team captain, hit for over 20 points eight times last year, including a 34-point outburst against Cheyney.

"Coming out of high school, they laughed," said coach Mike Power of his star player. "He’s worked extremely hard on becoming a good shooter." His shooting touch began to blossom two years ago when as a sophomore he set the school’s single season three-point mark with 67 makes. Last year he was chosen to the All-PSAC Eastern Division first team, averaging 16.5 points and six rebounds per game for the 11-15 Warriors. "Last year he didn’t have as many (3-pointers), but he got to the foul line quite a bit," said Power. "He needs to continue that balance, scoring inside out."

Joining Justice on the leadership front is senior Gabe Crowley. Crowley, a 5-10 guard, missed much of last season with an injury. He finished the year scoring double figures in 10 of his 14 games. Power will need more from Crowley if the Warriors are to be successful. "Gabe got hurt in the second game and never recovered," said Power. "He never played to the potential that we’ve seen him perform, so that’s the kind of thing we’re looking forward to."

Power’s biggest test may be getting his talented sophomore class to raise their game around Crowley and Justice. He’s seen the flashes in the offseason of a unit coming together, but the question remains if those flashes will turn into victories. "The guys came back in excellent condition," said Power. "The guys have gotten stronger and they’re in shape. The area of concern is we haven’t carried that over to the wars and battles of the league, which is one of the best Division II leagues in the country."

Jon Kelley made several starts last year and will most likely be penciled in as a starter this season. The 6-7 sophomore’s biggest asset a year ago was his rebounding skills. He posted a season-high 12 boards against Kutztown late in the season. Power said he loved Kelley’s ability to see the floor and to make sharp passes. Kelley was given the team’s outstanding preseason award.

Sophomore Andy Wimmer may likely see action as a starter for the first time in his career. The 6-7 center was labeled a smart player and coachable by Power. Wimmer, who is out of North Penn High School, has the strength to hold is own in the paint. Wayne Bishop was a streaky scorer last season for the Warriors. He hit for double figures in 5 of 7 games late in the year. The 6-0 sophomore guard grew tremendously as a player as the year progressed, showing why he was the MVP of the Philadelphia Catholic League while a high school player at Bishop McDevitt.

Rob Georges is another athletic sophomore for the Warriors. Power said it’s just a matter of time for this player to do some big things in this league. Georges can run, jump, score and rebound. He’s an all-around player in every aspect.

There are a handful of players which Power expects big things from this year. David Fedorka, a sophomore guard, and Justin Boehret, a sophomore guard, are two players which will have a big impact on the season. Boehret has great stamina, a good shooter and can play the point well. Fedorka broke his hand last year and never enjoyed the season he was capable of. This may be his year to shine.

The young talent is endless with the Warriors. John Glenn, a 6-4 power forward, David Majeski, a transfer from Lock Haven last year and Tug McGeer, a 6-foot junior guard who has the ability to dunk, all are expected to see time. Nick Miskar is a 6-2 power forward, who started nine games two years ago, but sat out last year. The Hazleton High School graduate will be a back up at forward. Power was very pleased with the freshman class. Chris Coursey is a point guard out of Chester, Pa. and Power says he has the ability to see some time this year. Anthony Geiger, a 6-7 center out of Simon Gratz, John Krimmel, a 6-2 guar from State College High School, and Ryan Wells, a 6-2 transfer from Ohio State. Wells did not play at Ohio State.

With all of the components of this team, one factor remains the same -- ESU needs Justice to be a leader in every aspect. "There's a lot of weight on him as far as his leadership," said Power of Justice. "People are looking to him."