Box Score The 2015-16 Marian men's basketball team has a unique blend of veteran experience and fresh crop of newcomers that are hungry to earn significant playing time.
The Sabres return six student-athletes with playing experience to go along with 11 freshmen and one transfer.
"I'm excited for the upcoming season and it has the potential be a great year," MU head coach Mark Boyle said. "With 12 newcomers to the program there are a lot of unknowns. Guys will have to learn how to play college basketball and avoid the mental wall that could happen while adjusting to the rigors of college."
Seniors Alex Stecker, Carvell Oliver and Connor Morovits and juniors Josh Creed and Montrell Hobbs will see expanded playing time. Sophomore David Hazuga also picked up minutes as a reserve last season.
"Our seniors have paid their dues," said Boyle, who enters his 28th season as the sideline general. "They've been a part of past success (NCAA tournament team in 2013-14) and they bring a lot experience to the team."
For the Sabres to have a successful season, Boyle said, the team will need to use its quickness and overall athleticism.
It all starts with Stecker, who has started since his freshman season. The Oostburg, Wis. product averaged 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game and scored a season-high 19 points at Concordia Chicago last season.
"The team really rallies around Alex and he's such a great leader," said Boyle. "He loves the game of basketball and he's been a pleasure to coach."
To help Stecker and Company, the Blue and White will look to feed Creed and Hobbs as often as possible.
Creed, a 6-foot-6 forward, started every game last season and averaged a team-high 14.2 points per game. Hobbs, a product of Rufus King High School in Milwaukee averaged 10.8 points per contest.
"Josh (Creed) and Montrell (Hobbs) are going to be the guys that we ask a lot from in front of the basket," said Boyle. "Both are undersized as posts, but find their space and are able to score points and rebound."
The coaching staff also expects four to six newcomers to see significant action on the court, but it's too early to tell who will rise to the occasion.
"Our freshmen are eager and hungry and that's what you like to see as a coach," said Boyle, who last season led the Sabres to the first round of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference tournament. "It's not a matter of if, but when we'll need a freshman to step up. I feel like once January roles around we'll have a better sense of who'll see minutes."
The Sabres were picked to finish sixth in the preseason conference rankings and Boyle's goal is to qualify for the conference tournament.
"Our goal is to work hard and get better each day," Boyle said. "We want to be playing our best basketball in February."
The Sabres opened their season this past Saturday with a thrilling 67-64 win at Finlandia. Marian's home opener is tonight at 7 p.m. vs. Beloit.
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