By Justin Littman
Head Coach- Bruiser Flint (14th Season)
Last Season- 16-14 (8-8, CAA)
Losses- G Chris Fouch, G Frantz Massenat, G Stevan Manojlovic, F Goran Pantovic, G Jake Lerner, F Dartaye Ruffin
Newcomers- C Sooren Derboghosian, G Sammy Mojica, F Austin Williams, G Rashann London, F Tyshawn Myles
After a disappointing, injury-riddled 2013-14 season, the Drexel Dragons are looking for better results this year. It may be difficult, as the Dragons have lost three starters to graduation, including their top two scorers in Chris Fouch and Frantz Massenat, as well as leading rebounder Dartaye Ruffin. Additionally, they will be without sophomore point guard Major Canady, who is out for the season with a right ankle injury.
Fortunately for the Dragons, 6-6 guard Damion Lee is set to return. A redshirt junior, he played in only five games last year before an ACL tear ended his season. He averaged 17.1 ppg as a sophomore in 2012-2013, and if he’s healthy could contend for CAA Player of the Year.
Aside from Lee, the Dragons return guard Tavon Allen and senior forward Kazembe Abif. Coach Flint will also need to rely on young front court players Rodney Williams and Mohamed Bah, who will play big minutes this season.
Drexel will also hope to get production from some of their newcomers. Freshmen guards Rashann London and Sammy Mojica figure to get some playing time this season due to the lack of depth in the backcourt. They also add center Sooren Derboghosian, a senior transfer who played sparingly at UCLA. Additionally, they will hope that senior guard Freddie Wilson can finally blossom into a reliable role player off the bench and give the Dragons needed minutes in the backcourt.
Bottom Line- Drexel’s two leading scorers have graduated, and this young team is only going to go as far as Damion Lee can take it. Picked by coaches to finish fourth in a weak CAA, they could easily finish lower if Lee doesn’t return to form. The lack of depth at the point guard position is extremely concerning, and it will likely cause problems for Bruiser Flint all season.