La Salle Explorers
2013-2014 Overall Rank: #53
Conference Rank: #5 Atlantic 10
| La Salle Team Page |  | Buy La Salle Basketball Tickets |
La Salle finished up the 2012-2013 campaign with a great run in the NCAA Tournament. The Explorers had to get past Boise State in the first round to reach the round of 64. There they snuck past Kansas State 63-61 and then defeated Ole Miss 76-74 to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. There they ran into a destined Wichita State squad, but winning three tournament games is very impressive and the hope is La Salle can do it all over again.
2012-13 Record: 24-10, 11-5
2012-13 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Dr. John Giannini
Coach Record: 143-138 at La Salle, 268-249 overall
Who’s Out:
However, the importance of Ramon Galloway cannot be understated. He barely left the floor, especially during the NCAA Tournament and led the squad with 17.2 points and 3.7 assists per game. Galloway knocked down 41.2 percent of his attempts from long range and could attack the basket with ease. Without Galloway taking all of the big shots, the Explorers offense could be far less potent. The good news is that Galloway and little used Garvin Hunt are the only departures. If the rest of the team is ready to step up and help fill the void left by Galloway’s scoring, La Salle could make another serious run to the NCAA Tournament.
Who’s In:
Dr. John Giannini continues to bring in talent. This year the Explorers have boosted their play at point guard and in the post with Khalid Lewis, Amar Stukes, Jermaine Davis and Tony Washington. Lewis spent his freshman campaign at Delaware where he started all 32 contests and averaged 5.2 points and 2.6 assists. The addition of Lewis will allow Stukes to spend his freshman season adjusting to life in the Atlantic 10. Davis, a 6-9, 280 pound center, spent last season gaining strength as a redshirt. Washington was a great late pickup for Dr. Giannini and if he cannot find playing time as a freshmen, he will soon after.
Who to Watch:
Six players do return who averaged at least 22 minutes per game last season. Point guard Tyreek Duren will lead the way. After averaging 14.3 points and 3.3 assists as a junior, Duren may be asked to do even more without Galloway by his side. But Duren does not have to score 20 points to make a huge impact on a game. He is an amazing floor leader who can make some spectacular passes. Sam Mills and D.J. Peterson are the shooters on the team. Mills can do a bit of scoring by attacking the basket as well, while Peterson will mostly stay beyond the arc. Peterson, at 6-5, does have the size to help out on the glass from the wing and that is something this squad could use. Tyrone Garland only started one game during his junior season, but was third on the team with 13.0 points per game. He is a great sixth man, but with Galloway gone, he could step into a starting role. Rohan Brown, a 6-6 sophomore, was not one of the players who averaged over 22 minutes per game, but he can do a bit of everything and should see an increased role in 2013-2014. Jerrell Wright and Steve Zack do not get enough credit. Wright averaged 10.8 points and a team high 6.7 rebounds and is especially productive on the offensive glass. Zack, at 6-11 and 245 pounds, is the bigger body in the post who is not afraid to get tough in the paint.
Final Projection:
There are high expectations for La Salle, and rightfully so, but the A-10 is going to be tough. Even if the conference earns three or four bids to the NCAA Tournament, the Explorers could pretty easily find themselves on the outside looking in. Replacing a player like Galloway is not going to be easy and his leadership and clutch shooting will leave La Salle searching for a new go-to-scorer. Duren can certainly be that guy, but he has to worry about running the show as well and others have to step up if La Salle is going to have a shot at another big tournament surprise.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT
Projected Starting Five:
Tyreek Duren, Senior, Guard, 14.3 points per game
Tyrone Garland, Senior, Guard, 13.0 points per game
Sam Mills, Senior, Guard, 8.0 points per game
Jerrell Wright, Junior, Forward, 10.8 points per game
Steve Zack, Junior, Center, 6.4 points per game
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 72.1 (60th in nation, 5th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 66.4 (165, 7)
Field-Goal Percentage: 45.1 (79, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 45.6 (301, 16)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.7 (42, 4)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 37.7 (32, 3)
Free-Throw Percentage: 73.7 (42, 2)
Rebound Margin: -3.8 (301, 14)
Assists Per Game: 14.1 (82, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 11.5 (43, 3)
See All Top 144 Basketball Previews
