FDU Loss is a Start

Saint Joseph’s Hawks lost their season opener against Fairleigh Dickinson 58-57 from a crushing three by FDU to win the game with almost less than 3 seconds to go. Hawk fans desperately wish to have the “Big 3” back after the loss to Fairleigh Dickinson; however Roberts, Galloway, and Kanacevics are all playing profession basketball. Many of us on HawkHill thought that we were in for a long, tough season. But, nobody thought the losses would start after the first game. The young SJU team is officially 0-1 to start the season, losing to an FDU team that they were seen as clear favorites against. This loss proves that the Hawks  may not be ready to take the next step after the loss of their seniors last season.  Fairleigh Dickinson was their first game of the season and as a completely new unit. This season’s team will play differently together and will win together. 

Phil Martelli will tell you, the team wins as a team and lose as a team. It will take a few games before the Hawks play as an entire unit up and down the court. Though St. Joe’s lost, there were bright spots throughout the game: Evan played tight defense, Javon was a solid rebounder, and Wilson looked strong controlling the game. Isiah Miles took advantage of his size. Miles had a double-double. He battled down low, even though his shooting left more to be desired. At different points of the game, a new player stepped up. That is great to see, however; the team struggled throughout and FDU shut DeAndre Bembry down.

DeAndre Bembry has an immense amount of responsibility this season. For what Bembry accomplished last year, he is a humble individual. Number forty-three for the Hawks know he needs to do better. He knows that he has to score at least 15 points a night to even have a chance. DeAndre cannot rely on the “Big 3” to carry the team. Bembry has to accept the challenge putting this team on his shoulders. 

Hawk fans knew coming into this season DeAndre Bembry was going to be covered by the best player on every team SJU faces that DeAndre was going to have to fill in for the “Big 3”. Everyone knew that DeAndre would get shutdown against better teams in the conference and in the NCAA, however no one expected DeAndre to be shut down by FDU last night. He struggled trying to create open shots. He even passed up shots when they should’ve been taken. DeAndre last season was not known as a shooter, but more of someone who can drive the ball. He worked all off-season to become a reliable outside shooter and perfect his game. Though his shot has gotten better, it looked as if DeAndre did not trust himself shooting the ball. DeAndre is an unbelievable talent and may be the best player to play as a Hawk since Jameer. As DeAndre grows into his leadership role, the team will gain confidence. Last night we saw that DeAndre doesn’t want to be a ball hog, and doesn’t want to shoot the ball when he gets it. He would rahter distribute it. It is time for DeAndre to take charge and take over a game. DeAndre Bembry needs to take charge in order for him the team and him to reach their full potential.

After the loss to Fairleigh Dickinson Saint Joseph’s will not repeat their illustrious 03’-04’ season by going undefeated. It is a long season ahead. There is no reason to panic yet. SJU returns to action on Monday night at Drexel and the again on Wednesday against Gonzaga in Spokane. Gonzaga is a tough opponent and has the potential to not be a pretty matchup. The season started fast for the Hawks, and it will prepare them for the pre-season NIT tournament.

The Hawk Will Never Die

-Brett and Glen