Last Season: 13–19 (7–11 CAA, sixth place), lost in CAA quarterfinal

Head Coach: Zach Spiker (fourth season)

CAA Preseason Poll Finish: Eighth

Losses

  • G Troy Harper
  • G Kevin Doi
  • G Alihan Demir
  • G Trevor John

Additions

  • F Mate Okros
  • F T.J. Bickerstaff

By Alex Bensley

Despite finishing last season under .500, the Dragons improved slightly from 2017–18 when they went 13–20 and 6–12 in CAA action. They entered conference play with a 6–7 record before early losses to Northeastern and Hofstra put them in an early hole. Their season ended in a 12-point loss against third-seeded Charleston in the CAA semifinals.

This year, sharpshooting guard Trevor John is gone, as is premier scorer and All-CAA third-team standout Troy Harper (16 ppg). Harper is a substantial loss, although the guard shot only 39 percent from the field and 25 percent from three last season. The Dragons also lost Alihan Demir (15 ppg), who transferred to Minnesota.

The tall task of replacing last year’s top three scorers starts with sophomore guard Camren Wynter. He averaged 11 ppg and 5.3 apg last year en route to the CAA Rookie of the Year award. Expect him to run the show this year.

Senior guards Zach Walton and Kurk Lee are key backcourt assets as well, particularly Walton, whose 48 percent clip from the floor led Drexel guards last season. Forward James Butler looks to be the main man up front, as he shot a bristling 60 percent last season. Keep an eye on freshman forwards Mate Okros and T.J. Bickerstaff, who could provide some much-needed depth. It’s difficult to tell how much they can help, but their performances will be integral to the team’s success.

Bottom Line: Drexel has had some impressive wins over the years, but they haven’t posted a .500 record since 2013–14. That said, the team has improved every year, so if Wynter emerges as a top player and the team overcomes losing its top three scorers, Drexel could improve their record once again. But the task is quite tall for this group.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.