Just the Start of Conference Play

Saint Joseph’s Hawks start conference play as the defending champions against the George Washington Colonials. Tip-off will be at 2:00 on Saturday, January 3^rd in Hagan. Even though it does not appear that the Atlantic 10 will have a strong presence in the NCAA tournament, the Colonials are likely going to be representing the conference. If St. Joe’s will play a competitive game against George Washington, they will need to play up to their full potential. If they do not do not play competitively, it is only the first conference game. It will not determine the rest of the season.

The Hawk’s success this season will be determined by how quickly they develop their potential. Once their full potential is developed, they will be able to compete with the top teams in the conference. The quicker they reach their potential, the sooner they can play competitively against the top teams in the conference. Every game’s outcome could change based on when the game is played. Each team has the opportunity to develop and worsen throughout the season.

Phil Martelli is often criticized for not developing his young players. Heading into the 2014-2015 season, the Hawks biggest issue was their lack of experience and developed players. In order for a player to develop, they need to experience in-game action. DeAndre Bembry and Chris Wilson were the only returning players that averaged more than 10 minutes a game last year. The two experienced Hawks have been consistent this season. Any young team needs strong leadership. Leadership brings the team together.

Aaron Brown and Shavar Newkirk are the only two players who have not started and have played every game. They are also the only two players to average more than 20 minutes a game. Besides Brown and Newkirk, both Jai Williams and Obi Romeo should play every game as well. Williams and Romeo are the Hawks’ bigs coming off the bench. Williams and Romeo should each receive at least 5 minutes. Those are valuable minutes that will not only allow them to develop, but also give other players rest.

Due to Papa Ndao sitting out for the season for medical reasons, Isaiah Miles has received more minutes this season than originally anticipated. Miles has developed his rebounding and shooting ability. The team plays their best basketball when number 15 is grabbing offensive rebounds and making three pointers. If he plays at the level that he ended the non-conference games at, he will soon be playing just as many minutes as Bembry.

Brendan Casper started to receive valuable minutes after he scored 9 points and grabbed 9 rebounds against Villanova. If a player were to play well during a game that lost its competitiveness from it being a blowout, Villanova would be the team to do it against. It is also an easy way to not only become a fan favorite, but a player Martelli would be comfortable bringing off the bench. Ever since the Holy War, Casper has been receiving valuable minutes. Brendan is a sophomore without a scholarship, and Coach Martelli is allowing him to develop.

The first game of conference play does not represent how well the team will play at the end of the season. Each team has their own potential, and St. Joe’s may not reach theirs until the end of the season. If Martelli allows each player to develop, the Hawks can reach their full potential this year. St. Joe’s may lose poorly against the Colonials to start conference play, but at the end of the season the hawks may be able to compete against them. 

- Pants

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