sivert wrote:I would ask how Drake has zero votes. Penn and Sturtz were both all-time Drake greats. They both have some significant all-time records. The transfers look good, but it's hard for me to believe they won't be a downgrade for those 60 min/gm.
Coach DD has been super impressive in his ability to bring in guys and meld them into a great team. Maybe that's it.
(This is so difficult with the transfer - so many new players every year!)
You're right that Sturtz and Penn are huge holes to fill. Bulldogs also lost DJ Wilkins, a 5 year starter. But, I think his 8 ppg 2 rpg, 1.5 apg will be easily replaced. While no one player will replace Penn or Sturtz, the Bulldogs have a whole lot of guys who can contribute this season. Probably DD's deepest team- at Drake.
To replace Penn, Bulldogs have 3 point guards in Enright, Kyron Gibson and freshman Colby Garland. Enright played very well last season, splitting his time between the 1 and the 2. Gibson is a former juco All-American who averaged 11 ppg and 4 rpg at UTA last season. Don't sleep on Garland. People who have been to practices say he might start. Lefty who has unlimited range, has very good quickness, and can distribute.
To replace Sturtz, Drake brought in Ethan Roberts (Patriot League FOY last season at Army. Shot better than 40% from 3. Also Carlos Rosario, a 6'7" transfer from Washington State, who had 3 injury filled seasons at WSU. Had mutliple P5 offers out of high school. If he's healthy, he has a high ceiling. They also brought in Kevin Overton, a 6'5" wing from Sunrise Christian who lead Sunrise in scoring. Like Garland, he's a lefty, and, like Garland, I wouldn't be suprised if he starts.
At the 2, Bulldogs brought in Atin Wright, a transfer from CSU-Northridge, where he averaged 17 ppg. He's small ffor a 2, but he can absolutely fill it up.
There's 2 other newcomers who have skills, but will likely redshirt (Chico Johnson and Elijah Price). Also, a 6'9" walk-on in Patrick Bath,who had multiple D1 offers, including one MVC school.