2013-2014 Overall Record: 16-14
CAA Conference Record: 8-8
Graduating Seniors: Chris Fouch (guard, 18.3 ppg), Frantz Massenat (guard, 17.5 ppg), Dartaye Ruffin (center, 7.7 rebounds per game)
Returning Impact Players: Damion Lee (rising junior guard, medical redshirt after season long injury), Tavon Allen (rising junior guard), Rodney Williams (rising sophomore forward)
Despite the many lengthy injuries and setbacks, the Dragons still managed to surpass the .500 mark, going 16-14 overall on the year. They played some very tough teams early on and played well against them, showing signs of a possible NCAA tournament team. They came within five points of defeating UCLA on the road in their season opener and nearly knocked off powerhouse Arizona at Madison Square Garden a few weeks later. Obviously it would be tough to go the rest of the way without junior Damion Lee, who injured his right knee five games into the season, but they played tough each and every game. Even after losing a close one to Arizona, the Dragons kept it interesting and defeated Alabama and Cleveland State, both of which took three overtimes to do.
After starting off 7-2 (both losses to ranked teams), it was clear that the Dragons would miss Lee, as they went on to lose four of their next five games and went 0-2 to start off CAA play. A double overtime victory against Northeastern on January 11th seemed like just what they needed to turn things around, but ultimately ended up 8-8 in conference play.
Chris Fouch and Frantz Massenat did a terrific job leading the offense, and Dartaye Ruffin was a standout defender, but Drexel needs to add depth to their roster for next year. Incorporating more of their bench players and getting them involved on both ends of the ball will help them improve almost immediately.
Things aren't all bad for the Dragons though. Even with the loss of their two leading scorers and leading rebounder, Drexel will have Damion Lee back for the next two years since he was able to be redshirted for this season, as well as the return of much improved scorer Tavon Allen. If the Dragons wish to rise up the CAA rankings quickly next year, they will need to see a lot of improvement from rising sophomore point guard Major Canady. With Fouch and Massenat gone, he will need to be a facilitator on offense. Drexel will have talented wings in Allen, Lee, and Rodney Williams, and should have some talented frontcourt pieces in rising senior Kazembe Abif and rising sophomore Mohammed Bah, but will certainly need Canady to log major minutes at the point guard spot.
As far as the incoming freshman class goes, none of the guys are national standouts, but should be great pieces moving forward. Local product, shooting guard Rashaan London, seems to fit the Tavon Allen mold and can possibly contribute right away. Power forward Tyshawn Myles is a big man at 6'8" and 260 pounds, and can take the role Ruffin is about to leave behind, if he is ready for it. Shooting guard Sammy Mojica should also be able to add depth to a talented scoring backcourt.
Although the Dragons didn't finish with the record fans hoped they would, there is a lot to look forward to next season. The Dragons are certainly 2015 CAA conference contenders and have a decent shot at returning to the NCAA tournament as soon as next year.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
After starting off 7-2 (both losses to ranked teams), it was clear that the Dragons would miss Lee, as they went on to lose four of their next five games and went 0-2 to start off CAA play. A double overtime victory against Northeastern on January 11th seemed like just what they needed to turn things around, but ultimately ended up 8-8 in conference play.
Chris Fouch and Frantz Massenat did a terrific job leading the offense, and Dartaye Ruffin was a standout defender, but Drexel needs to add depth to their roster for next year. Incorporating more of their bench players and getting them involved on both ends of the ball will help them improve almost immediately.
Things aren't all bad for the Dragons though. Even with the loss of their two leading scorers and leading rebounder, Drexel will have Damion Lee back for the next two years since he was able to be redshirted for this season, as well as the return of much improved scorer Tavon Allen. If the Dragons wish to rise up the CAA rankings quickly next year, they will need to see a lot of improvement from rising sophomore point guard Major Canady. With Fouch and Massenat gone, he will need to be a facilitator on offense. Drexel will have talented wings in Allen, Lee, and Rodney Williams, and should have some talented frontcourt pieces in rising senior Kazembe Abif and rising sophomore Mohammed Bah, but will certainly need Canady to log major minutes at the point guard spot.
As far as the incoming freshman class goes, none of the guys are national standouts, but should be great pieces moving forward. Local product, shooting guard Rashaan London, seems to fit the Tavon Allen mold and can possibly contribute right away. Power forward Tyshawn Myles is a big man at 6'8" and 260 pounds, and can take the role Ruffin is about to leave behind, if he is ready for it. Shooting guard Sammy Mojica should also be able to add depth to a talented scoring backcourt.
Although the Dragons didn't finish with the record fans hoped they would, there is a lot to look forward to next season. The Dragons are certainly 2015 CAA conference contenders and have a decent shot at returning to the NCAA tournament as soon as next year.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on twitter @BroadStBeat
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