STF Super Awesome Team Preview: #29 Saint Joseph's Hawks

#29 SAINT JOSEPH'S HAWKS



TEAM: Saint Joesph's

CONFERENCE: Atlantic 10

2006 RECORD AND ENDING: 18-14, Missed postseason for first time in six seasons

KEY PLAYERS RETURNING: Just about everyone is back from last year's squad: C Amhad Nivins, G Pat Calathes, F Rod Fergurson, G Darrin Govens, G Garrett Williamson, G DJ Rivera

WHAT'S TO LOVE: Included in the returning players are three players who averaged in double figures (Nivins, Fergurson, Calathes), the A10 leader in FG percentage as well as preseason favorite for player of the year (Nivins), a trio of sophomore guards with tremendous potential (Govens, Williamson, Rivera) and a big time transfer (G Tasheed Carr). Throw in the most underrated coach in America (Phil Martelli) and you have a recipe for success on Hawk Hill.

WHATS NOT TO LOVE: The season is going to depend on the trio of sophomore guards to take pressure of Nivins and the frontcourt. While the trio showed promise and even flashes of brilliance as freshmen, there needs to be a dramatic improvement in consistency for this team to be a serious postseason contender. "The backcourt needs physical and mental toughness," Martelli said.

KEY PLAYER: While Nivins is the A10 Player of the Year candidate, the key player for this team will be Pat Calathes. If he can continue his dramatic improvement (3ppg in '05 to 13 ppg in 06) and remain a viable second threat in the Hawk offense, expect big things from this offense.

BEST CASE: The sophomores live up to expectations and show more consistency, Nivins averages close to a double-double, Calathes builds off last seasons dramatic improvement, Carr becomes a vocal leader, they knock off Gonzaga in late November, Hawks steal the A10 from Xavier.

WORST CASE: Nivins struggles with constant double and triple teams, the sophomores struggle with the added expectation and don't live up to their hype, Calathes 2006 season proves to be a flash in the pan and the rest of the A10 teams (Rhode Island, Dayton, Saint Louis and Temple) are better than expected.

STF PREDICTION: 24-6, 2nd in the A10, Big 5 champion, 2nd round of the tournament