Bowling Green Falcons 2010 NCAA Mens Basketball Preview

By Joel Welser

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Bowling Green Falcons

Mid-American Conference

2009-10: 14-16, 6-10

2009-10 postseason: none

Coach: Louis Orr (80-63 at Bowling Green, 160-143 overall)

Two years ago Bowling Green pretty much came out of nowhere to finish atop the Mid-American Conference standings and earn an automatic bid to the NIT. Coach Louis Orr hoped that success would continue, but the Falcons ended the 2009-2010 campaign with a losing record. There is plenty of hope for the future, especially with a new arena opening up, but the Falcons will struggle again this year while they work in a new frontcourt.

Key Losses: C Marc Larson, F Erik Marschall, C Otis Polk

Key Newcomers:

This class is heavy on big guys for obvious reasons. Torian Oglesby, a junior college transfer, has the experience to immediately step into a starting role. He is only 6-7 and 200 pounds, but in the MAC that is enough size as long as he has enough strength to battle against some bigger opponents. The more intriguing option is freshman Cameron Black. At 6-10 and 230 pounds, he has the size the Falcons have come to expect in their big men, but it may take him a little while to adjust to life in the MAC. Craig Sealey is another quality freshman who will likely be forced into action as a freshman. The lone newcomer in the backcourt is point guard Anthony Henderson.

Backcourt:

Henderson will have trouble cracking the backcourt rotation with the return of starters Joe Jakubowski and Dee Brown and a slew of talented sophomores who are just oozing potential. Jakubowski is the leader of this team and dished out 3.7 assists per contest. His steady play and senior leadership will be huge for this team as they adjust to a more perimeter orientated squad. Like Jakubowski, Brown is a quality shooter from the arc. However, Brown is a more consistent overall scorer. Jordan Crawford was the sixth man last season and probably will be again this time around. If his shot starts falling, Crawford will be a great spark off of the bench. Luke Kraus and James Erger did not play as often as Crawford during their freshmen campaigns, but both are capable players who could see more action this season.

Frontcourt:

Danny McElroy is really the most experienced frontcourt player on the team and he played in just 22 games and averaged a mere 7.5 minutes per contest during his freshman season. The 6-8, 198 pound Cincinnati, Ohio native is not a banger under the basket, but he does have some size and is a pretty good rebounder. Without Marc Larson, Erik Marschall and Otis Polk, McElroy will have to step up and be a relatively consistent producer. The other option is A’uston Calhoun. The 6-7, 234 pound sophomore redshirted in 2008-2009 and only played in two games last year before being declared ineligible for the second semester. Calhoun has very, very little game experience, but he has been around the program for a while and could emerge as a surprise player on this team.

Who to Watch:

If the frontcourt runs into a lot of trouble, Scott Thomas could move to the four spot if need be. However, Thomas has been extremely productive at the three and led the team last year with 13.2 points per game. His ability to score inside and out makes him a very dangerous player. Yet, Thomas is about a lot more than just scoring. He also averaged 6.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals and even blocked a few shots.

Final Projection:

Thomas’ skill set really fits well into the small forward position. It would be dangerous to move him to the four spot for long periods of time. That may happen early in the season, but McElroy, Calhoun and the newcomers should be able to handle all of the minutes in the frontcourt by the time conference play roles around. If they cannot, Bowling Green will have another losing season.

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

Projected Starting Five:

Joe Jakubowski, Senior, Guard, 8.3 ppg

Dee Brown, Junior, Guard, 10.6 ppg

Scott Thomas, Junior, Forward, 13.2 ppg

Danny McElroy, Sophomore, Forward, 1.7 ppg

Torian Oglesby, Junior, Forward, DNP last season