Difficulties Lay Ahead

A 2007-2008 look at the Toledo Rockets Men’s basketball team, who opens the season Saturday night against Missouri State at Savage Hall.

The 2006-07 Rockets got off to a slow start going 4-8 in their non-conference portion of the season. However, they were able to rebound quickly thereafter and share the MAC regular season title while earning the number one seed heading into the conference tournament.

Although Toledo fell in the semifinals to a hot Miami Redhawk squad, it was a season many of us won’t forget. Beginning January 6, Toledo would win 15 of its last twenty games giving Rocket fans hope for the future. Four seniors graduated from that squad, three were the top scorers, but Toledo surely has talent returning for 2007-2008.

Despite the absence of point guard Kashif Payne, the true quarterback of this team, the Rockets do have options to replace him. Jonathan Amos, Tyrone Kent, and Corey Bingham are possibilities despite all three would be playing out of position. Without a true point guard, expect the Rockets to turn the ball over in higher numbers throughout the early portion of this schedule. Opposing defenses will press Toledo earlier in games forcing them to make quick decisions. The Rockets will have to try and cut down their mistakes and lean on their defense to be successful early on. Without a real go-to scorer, it will have to be by- a- committee approach for Stan Joplin’s squad each night.

Certainly the talent is there with Amos, Kent, and Johnson. All three can score, run, play defense, and make plays. However, neither of the three are strong shooters and that may be one of Toledo’s biggest weaknesses. Freshman Justin Anyijong and Corey Bingham may find extended playing time if they can knock down some shots early in ball games.

Toledo’s strength is its athleticism. This will be a team that will run up and down the court looking to score quickly. They have quickness and they have guys who can take the ball to the hoop but the key to the Rockets success early on will be its defense.

Last year, Toledo’s stifling defense caused nearly 20 turnovers a game causing headaches to opposing coaches. With Payne, Amos, Ingram, and Kent providing the punch, the Rockets averaged over nine steals a game. It may not be similar numbers this season but with a stronger Amos and Kent, the Rockets will certainly not be an easy team to run an offense through. Additionally, the inclusion of 6-8 Mohammed Lo to go along with Anyijong and senior Jerrah Young, will give the Rockets some presence in the middle. It’s no secret that the Rockets would love to get some production out of their big men this season, particularly Jerrah Young, the lone senior (unless Payne returns) on this year’s squad.

The problem is that the out-of-conference schedule looks difficult. With Missouri State, Vanderbilt, and Drexel at home, it may give Joplin’s young squad a boost in confidence but the reality is that this team will have to play Pittsburgh, Old Dominion, UMass, UNC Wilmington, Houston, and Dayton on the road. Conceivably, this group could only get 3-4 wins heading into conference play. Without Payne and the loss of Shane Ross, the season doesn’t look too bright for the Rockets despite its preseason #2 ranking in the MAC West.

Perhaps if a Paul Becklens and Terrance Tubbs can seemingly clear the NCAA clearinghouse, it may provide a certain boost in morale. But, nevertheless, the season has not started and preseason predictions seemingly mean little. If the Rockets come out with a little fire and a little passion, they may have a shot at sneaking into the NCAA tournament.

If for nothing else, watching a young squad gain valuable experience on a nightly basis should be enough to attract interest. Stan will certainly have his boys competing every night and it may just be enough to turn some heads.