Drake loses another player

by **DUBulldog** » May 6th, 2012, 10:04 pm

Reece Uhlenhopp has given up basketball, due to recurring injuries. He will graduate in December.

http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=205424496&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

In the next couple of days, it will probably be announced that another player isn't returning. I also expect Drake to announce 1-2 more signings in the next week.

**Sponsor**

by **Shocker_Phi** » May 7th, 2012, 4:21 pm

With them losing all of these players, where would you put Drake to finish in the Valley next season? Do you think they can still be contenders?

by **DUBulldog** » May 7th, 2012, 4:57 pm

Shocker_Phi wrote:With them losing all of these players, where would you put Drake to finish in the Valley next season? Do you think they can still be contenders?

I'm not sure about being contenders, but I think they can still be competitive in the MVC. There will probably be 8 newcomers, so a lot will depend on how quickly they can come together as a team.

Rice was a big loss, but all of the other unexpected losses are guys who can be very easily replaced. Other than Rice, the other 4 starters return, and the Bulldogs add Seth Van Deest who missed all of last season with injury. Seth was about 6'9", 210 pounds as a freshman, he is now 6'!1" and 260 pounds.

It's unsure who will replace Rice....they might do it by committee, as the Bulldogs added 3 recruits who play the '2'. Chris Hines was a starter last year at Utah, and averaged about 10ppg. He will be eligible immediately. Drake also adds Gary Ricks Jr, who was 1st-team all-region and honorable mention All-American at Indian Hills JC last season, where he hit 43% of his 3-pointers. Drake also adds Micah Mason, a 6-2 sharpshooter from Pittsburgh who averaged 29 ppg despite being double or triple-teamed all season.

Drake figures to have much more depth next season at every position.

by **Trapped in CA** » May 8th, 2012, 10:10 am

In other news, Drake's new title sponsors for 2012-13 season will be U-Hual & Greyhound.

I can't imagine many scenarios where replacing 1/2 your team in one season results in a good outcome - unless your name is John Calipari. Even then, its only good for about 4-5 years before NCAA comes with its *.

by **DUBulldog** » May 8th, 2012, 4:33 pm

Trapped in CA wrote:I can't imagine many scenarios where replacing 1/2 your team in one season results in a good outcome - unless your name is John Calipari. Even then, its only good for about 4-5 years before NCAA comes with its *.

Replacing 8 players and returning 5 is not a formula for success. The one good thing for Drake is that all 5 returnees have extensive (25+ games) starting experience. So, Drake replaced the entire bench. Other than Rice, all of the guys who left are very easy to replace, and Drake probably upgraded the talent level and depth.

by **LJay** » May 8th, 2012, 6:02 pm

CROWN 'EM!!!

DUB :buddies:

LJ

by **Drakey** » May 10th, 2012, 9:32 am

Trapped in CA wrote:In other news, Drake's new title sponsors for 2012-13 season will be U-Hual & Greyhound.

I can't imagine many scenarios where replacing 1/2 your team in one season results in a good outcome - unless your name is John Calipari. Even then, its only good for about 4-5 years before NCAA comes with its *.

This was the Rudy Washington formula for failure when he was at Drake. It does create anticipation for the new season however as everybody wants to see if any of these guys can play. Overall this sounds like a talent upgrade. Hopefully they can become a team.