Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Enrollment: 10,000

Founded: 1878

President: Dr. Charles Dougherty

Athletic Director: Greg Amodio

Athletic Websites: http://goduquesne.cstv.com, http://www.voy.com/14109/, http://dukeschat.blogspot.com, http://dukescourt.blogspot.com

Nickname: Dukes

Colors: Red and Blue

Arena: A.J. Palumbo Center (built 1988; renovated 2006)

Capacity: 5,358

Average Attendance: 3,091

Head Coach: Ron Everhart

Overall Record: 201-204 (49.6% winning percentage)

Record at Duquesne: 27-32

2007-2008 Record: 17-13 (7-9) No Post Season

Assistants: Bill Barton, Steve Hall, Scott Rigot

ROSTER

*1 Aaron Jackson SR G 6-4 180 Hartford, Conn/Worcester (MA) Academy
2 Chase Robinson FR G 6-2 190 Huntsville, AL
3 Eric Evans FR PG 5-11 195 Detroit
13 Jason Duty JR G 6-0 170 Cranberry Township, PA
21 Shawntez Patterson FR PF 6-7 180 Detroit
22 David Theis SO F 6-7 230 Pittsburgh/Mercersburg (PA) Prep
23 Melquan Bolding FR WG 6-4 190 Mount Vernon, NY/Notre Dame (MA) Prep
*25 Damian Saunders SO 6-7 210 Waterbury, CT/Notre Dame Prep (MA)
30 Bill Clark SO G/F 6-5 205 Redondo Beach, CA/Worcester (MA) Academy
31 Aleksandar Milovic FR F 6-7 220 Cetinje, Montenegro
32 B.J. Monteiro FR WF 6-5 195 Waterbury, CT
33 Rodrigo Peggau FR PF 6-8 230 Sao Paulo, Brazil/Patterson (NC) School
54 Oliver Lewinson C/F 6-9 240 FR Payson, AZ

*Returning starters (2)

OVERVIEW

The second year of Ron Everhart’s rebuilding effort can be viewed, like a cup, as half empty or half full.

Here’s the half-full part. The Dukes won 17 games overall and seven in A-10 play, the highest totals since the school’s last winning season in 1993-94. Everhart has done a great job recruiting – the latest class is one of the best in the league. He’s established an exciting style of play. And he’s attracted much bigger crowds, with attendance doubling to 3,000 from 1,500 two years ago.

Here’s the half-empty part. Everhart turbo-charged his rebuilding effort with short-term transfers and a constant revolving door, so the foundation of the program remains on unsettled ground. The top five scorers are gone, eight new players have arrived and the Dukes are rebuilding again.

Only time will tell which view is closer to reality. One thing seems clear, though. Everhart’s blueprint for success has some smudges, but the outline clearly shows a long-suffering program on the mend. It’s just going to take longer than it might have seemed one year ago.

“There’s not a whole lot of stability to build on,” Everhart told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

DEPARTED PLAYERS

Shawn James (12.6 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.9 bpg). Big things were expected from the Northeastern transfer, who led the nation in blocks three years ago. The 6-10 James did not entirely live up to expectations, but he was not a disappointment. Even though he did not dominate at either end, James led the team in scoring and rebounding and finished first in the A-10 in blocks (111). A thin, unorthodox shooter, James lacked dominant post moves and could be pushed around. A constantly shuffling lineup early in the season did not help his production. Nor did assorted injuries and dislocated shoulder late in the season. Nearly 25 years old, James decided to turn pro despite uncertain NBA prospects.

Kieron Achara (11.3 ppg, 53% FG, 4.0 rpg, 45 blocks). Fifth-year center never found a suitable role in Everhart’s revolving-door offense. Achara played 7 fewer minutes a game (19 mpg) and rarely saw time on the court with James. It was only when James got hurt that Achara appeared to find his game. Much of the fault lies with Everhart, but Achara is also to blame. He settled for jumpers and was not always aggressive inside.

Reggie Jackson (9.8 ppg, 3.4 apg). Juco point guard took a backseat early on to touted transfer Kojo Mensah, but Mensah’s carelessness eventually put Jackson back in the driver’s seat. He limited turnovers, distributed the ball well and knocked down open treys (43.8% 3PG). He saved his best for last, scoring a career high 29 in a tough 82-79 loss to LaSalle in the A-10 tournament. The Dukes might have been a better team by year end had Jackson started all along and gotten more than 21 minutes a game.

Gary Tucker – The 6-2 juco transfer, though not a classic wing, was the most athletic guard in the A-10, thrilling fans with soaring dunks, bursts of scoring and disruptive defense (31 steals). Tucker (9.4 ppg, 31% 3PG) was not a great shooter, however, and he would have been suited to a reserve role if the Dukes had a better player at his position.

Kojo Mensah (12.1 ppg, 38% FG, 24% 3PG, 99 assists, 89 turnovers) Touted Siena transfer gave up his final year of eligibility to explore pro options despite one lackluster season. Mensah appeared rusty and not as quick after a one-year layoff and failed to make a big dent in the A-10 like he did in the Metro Atlantic Conference. His production fell in every category and he become noticeably frustrated. Mensah turned the ball over too much to keep his starting job and he did not shoot well enough to be a topflight wing. Yet he still hogged the ball and took the most shots on the team. When he wasn’t scoring, Mensah did not exert himself much on defense.

Philip Fayne – Reserve big guard was forced to stop playing basketball after developing a rare form of arthritis. Though just a part-time player (3.5 ppg, 43% FG), Fayne’s physical presence and experience could be missed.

Stephen Wood – Onetime big scorer in New York prep ranks transferred after a disappointing sophomore season in which the 6-4 guard barely played.

RETURNING PLAYERS

Aaron Jackson (9 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.5 apg, 55% FG, 24% 3PG, 74% FT). Strong 6-3 guard was not the best player on Duquesne, but he was the most valuable. Jackson played more minutes than any of his teammates and gave the Dukes toughness and leadership. Though not a true point guard, Jackson handles the ball well enough (105 assists to 53 turnovers) to run the offense. Even if his outside shot is suspect, Jackson finds a way to get his points by pushing the ball in the open floor and slashing to the basket. He reached double figures in 13 games even though he took 10 or more shots just four times.

As the only four-year veteran on the roster, Jackson will have to guide his young teammates through the A-10 wars. A good defender (43 steals) and fine rebounder for his size, Jackson can play three positions. He can be expected to handle the ball in late-game situations if freshman Eric Evans shows jitters.

Bill Clark (8.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 38.3% FG, 31.3% 3PG, 41 assists). Sophomore forward is likely to build upon a solid inaugural season and become a main cog in the offense. Clark is not especially quick and doesn’t have big hops, but he’s a smart player with good passing and shooting skills. Although he hit just 31% of his treys, Clark should raise his percentage as he learns to pick his spots. He’s really a catch-and-shoot player who needs to get his feet set before he fires away. When he rushes, he often misfires badly. The 6-5 Clark is also an excellent rebounder, though his defense needs work, especially down low. He might have to defend the post more often with the loss of James and Achara.

Damian Saunders (6.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 48% FG, 35% 3PG, 48 assists, 45 steals, 39 blocks). Versatile 6-7 sophomore, named to the All-Rookie Team, had off-season surgery on his ankle. It’s unclear if he’s fully recuperated, but the Dukes surely need him. A healthy Saunders is a topflight athlete who can impact a game at both ends. He was a better outside shooter than his high school career suggested and he’s effective attacking the basket, especially along the baseline. With long arms and quick hops, he was the team’s second best rebounder and a shot-blocking threat.

Although the onetime Marquette recruit did fade in A-10 play, chronic ankle problems contributed to his difficulties. Unfortunately he didn’t have much time over the summer to develop the parts of his game that need improvement such as post play. Saunders is the team’s best inside threat simply because of his length and athleticism.

David Theis (1.8 ppg, 5-19 FG, 11 games). Reserve forward didn’t see much time after Everhart tightened his rotation, but he showed sound fundamentals and solid form on his shot even though he did not hit many. As a sophomore, a bulked-up Theis may play inside, at least on defense. His role on offense is less clear. Theis is not a low-post scorer or a big threat in the open floor, though he was a good 3-point shooter in high school. He might fare better as a center in the high post, where he could draw out defenders if he shows a consistent jumper.

Jason Duty (2.3 ppg, 11.4 mpg). Hard-working junior is actually a good shooter even though he only hit 29% of his 3-pointers. The recruited walk-on is not very big, however, and his defense is average at best. His time also fell after Everhart scaled back the practice of mass substitutions.

NEWCOMERS

Melquan Bolding – Former Louisville recruit (No. 119, PrepStars) signed with Duquesne after admission difficulties at the Big East school. Bolding uses his length and quickness to attack the basket and he finishes well in traffic. With so many departures at Duquesne, Bolding will get a chance to start. His athleticism and aggressiveness fit in well with Everhart’s style of play, although Bolding needs to demonstrate a consistent jumper. Duquesne has to find a few shooters in its large crop of newcomers.

Eric Evans – Tough lefty point guard (No. 179, PrepStars), one of the top players in Detroit, likes to push the ball, penetrate and dish. He accelerates quickly, has a nice change of pace and is strong for his size, which helps him finish even when he gets bumped. As a high school senior, he also showed range, hitting 40%-plus behind the arc. He’s unlikely to shoot as well in college, but he should be able to keep defenders honest. Because he’s the only pure point on the roster, Evans could start if he takes care of the ball.

Shawntez Patterson – A teammate of Evans, the late-blooming Patterson is a combo forward with big hops. He’s active around the basket and scores on short shots, tip-ins and putbacks. He’s reportedly still growing but is unlikely to fare well in the trenches until he adds some bulk.

BJ Monteiro – Late signee, one of the best players in Connecticut, is a high-scoring 6-5 swingman. He shoots well off the dribble and has 3-point range, though his jumper needs work. He can also post up smaller defenders or score in the lane with floaters and runners. Monteiro attracted attention from major programs last year until a poor performance on the summer circuit. He bounced back with a great senior season. Monteiro attended the same high school as sophomore teammate Damian Saunders.

Aleksandar Milovic – Little is known about the 220-pound spring signee from Montenegro, whom Everhart called one of the best young players in Europe. The coach said he’s a solid rebounder and “tremendous” shooter. Unless Milovic truly is one of the best young players in Europe, it’s hard to expect him to make a major impact as a frosh.

Rodrigo Peggau – Brazilian native became available after new James Madison coach Matt Brady suggested the 6-8 forward would no longer fit in. Peggau missed most of his senior season to knee surgery and had another arthroscopic procedure in September. Before his injury, Peggau received looks from some major programs. He’s seen as a versatile European-style player with a solid perimeter game and the willingness to get physical. A healthy Peggau might be the newcomer most likely to see plenty of action in the frontcourt.

Chase Robinson - Spring signee had a great senior season and was considered one of the better guards in Alabama. A 6-3 combo guard, Robinson is supposed to be a good shooter who’s strong for his size and able to finish off drives. He was also recruited by St. Louis and Tulane.

Oliver Lewinson – The 6-9 center, a late-summer signee, has been described by Everhart as a “pleasant surprise” in preseason practice. “He might be the most solid kid we’ve had in workouts,” Everhart told the Post-Gazette. “He’s going to play.”

Lewinson gives the smallish Dukes a big body to plant in the middle of the lane. He is not an explosive athlete or a big scorer, but he’s willing to bang and is said to be a good rebounder.

SCOUTING REPORT

Everhart won’t find it easy to integrate eight newcomers, all of whom are legitimate freshmen. Yet the latest class gives him plenty of raw material to fill gaps at center and point guard.

Eric Evans is almost certain to start at point if the goal is to build for the future. He’ll get plenty of help from veteran Aaron Jackson, one of the most underrated players in the A-10.

It’s less clear which of the bigmen will be able to contribute, but Lewinson and Peggau, if healthy, give the Dukes some badly needed size down low.

Another newcomer sure to see big minutes is Bolding, the former Louisville recruit. He’s a pogo-stick athlete who should jump out in Everhart’s system.

Which begs the question. What exactly is Everhart’s system? Sure, he likes to press and run, but the Dukes changed players and styles last season like a women’s clothing store.

The coach made a lot of mistakes, too. Everhart gave Kojo Mensah a starting position before he earned it. He failed to figure out how to play James and Achara together. And he wasted the talent of his best players by deploying mass substitutions.

Everhart will likely go deep with his lineup again, but there’s no need to replace all five players at once. Some continuity is not such a bad thing, especially on a very young team.

Beyond questions about the Dukes’ rotation, the offense remains a puzzle. The strength of the team is on the wing with Saunders, Jackson, Clark and Bolding. Pressing and running will help generate points, but youngsters tend to be turnover prone in a high-paced game.

When the game slows down, the Dukes will have to be creative. The team lacks a true low-post option and will probably rely on dribble penetration from the wing. The perimeter players can throw the ball inside to Saunders from time to time, but the rising sophomore is not yet a polished scorer in the paint.

Dribble penetration from the wing won’t be effective, however, if the perimeter players can’t shoot. Defenses will simply pack it in. The Dukes were the worst 3-point shooting team (31%) in the A-10 last season even with a bevy of veterans. There’s little reason to believe the current squad will do much better, particularly after an NCAA rule change to extend the 3-point line by one foot to 20 feet and nine inches.

PREDICTION

The Dukes will likely duke it out with Fordham to avoid last place. Even with good players such as Jackson and Saunders, the team is simply too young and too inexperienced to replicate last year’s winning record. Most A-10 teams are rich in veterans and have just as much, if not more, raw talent.

“This is the first time I’ve ever coached a team with so many young kids being depended on,” Everhart told the Post-Gazette.

Everhart will try to use his team’s speed and athleticism to fluster more experienced opponents. Expect the team to play an exciting brand of ball and there will be a few upsets along the way, but what’s most important is whether the Dukes are appreciably better at the end of the season than at the beginning.

Said Everhart: “There’s always tomorrow.”

WH’s

NONCON PREDICTION:
6-7

W – HIGH POINT
W At St. Francis (Pa)
L – FURMAN
W – South Carolina Upstate
L – At Duke
L – At Pittsburgh
L – At Radford
L – WEST VIRGINIA
L – OLD DOMINION
W – RICE
W – NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL
L – At Robert Morris
W – BOWLING GREEN

I take a cautious view on Duquesne. I think it’s certain the team loses to all the big-name programs on the sked (Duke, Pitts, West Va). Too much talent, too many vets on those teams. Only WV strikes me remotely as an upset possibility.

As for the rest of the teams, some are very competitive and older than the Dukes, including ODU, Robert Morris (26 wins last year) and Bowling Green, which returns all five starters. So does Furman and Radford. Although both of those teams are beatable, I give Furman the nod because it catches Duquesne early while Radford is playing at home. Beating Bowling Green won’t be easy, but the young Dukes will have been tested enough to pull it off.

One caveat: coach Ron Everhart has usually exceeded noncon forecasts for his teams. He will use all his speed, athleticism and depth to apply intense pressure on opponents as a means to mitigate the disadvantage in experience.

While I predict a 6-7 noncon record, I could see the Dukes winning as many as 8-9 of these games. Six or seven wins is more realistic.