Location: Bronx, N.Y.

Enrollment: 7,652

Founded: 1841

President: Joseph M. McShane, S.J.

Athletic Director: Frank McLaughlin

Athletic Web Sites: http://fordhamsports.com, http://xsorbit31.com/users5/rams/

Nickname: Rams

Colors: Maroon and White

Arena: Rose Hill Gym (Built 1925)

Capacity: 3,200

Average Attendance: 2,306

Head Coach: Dereck Whittenburg

Overall Record: 132-133 (49.8% Winning Percentage)

Record at Fordham: 65-83

2007-2008 Record: 12-17 (6-10) No Post Season

Assistants: Travis Lyons, Jared Grasso, Steve Treffletti

ROSTER

1 Jio Fontan FR PG 5-11 160 Jersey City, NJ
3 Trey Blue FR SG 6-3 190 Chicago/Brewster Academy (NH)
4 Herb Tanner JR WG 6-4 170 Boston/Stoneridge (MA) Prep
12 Kyrie Gordon FR PF 6-7 195 Philadelphia/Solebury (NJ) Prep
15 Lamar Thomas FR C 6-9 215 Littleton, CO/Solebury (NJ) Prep
21 Alberto Estwick FR WG 6-5 195 Jersey City, NJ
23 Mike Moore SO G 6-5 192 New Haven, CT
*24 Brenton Butler JR PG 6-2 205 Norcross, GA
32 Jacob Green R-SO 6-9 220 Clinton, MD/West Virginia
44 Luke Devine SR C 6-10 255 Wakefield, RI/Hargrave Military (VA)
50 Chris Bethel SR F 6-5 217 Bronx, NY

*Returning starters (1)

OVERVIEW

Back to the drawing board.

The senior-laden Rams, led by all-league performers Bryant Dunston and Marcus Stout, were supposed to contend for the A-10 title. The Rams were supposed to bear the fruits of coach Dereck Whittenburg’s five-year effort to rebuild a down-and-out program. The Rams were supposed to win 20 games and earn the team’s first postseason bid since the school joined the league in 1996. After all, the Rams under “Whit” had steadily increased their win total from 6 to 13 to 15 to 18.

It wasn’t supposed to turn out like it did.

Fordham finished 12th with a 12-17 record – and played boring basketball to boot. Rip Van Winkle never would have woken up if he had been slumbering in Rose Hill Gym.

Gone are five seniors who helped restore Fordham to semi-respectable status. It will be up to the next generation of Rams to earn a full measure of respect and take the school to the proverbial next level. It’s just not going to happen this season.

DEPARTED PLAYERS

Bryant Dunston – A four-year starter and the best Fordham player since the school joined the A-10, Dunston put up big numbers every year and was a workhorse inside. As a senior, he was selected to the A-10 Second Team after averaging 15.5 points (52.5% FG) and a league-leading 9.8 boards. He also swatted 79 shots, trailing only Duquesne’s Shawn James. For the New York native, however, it was always a tale of two city boys. Dunston was most comfortable in league play and often dominated, but he did not carry Fordham to a single signature out-of-conference win in his career. As a junior and senior, he performed better in A-10 games than in nonconference contests. It’s true he lacked a great supporting cast, but Dunston also lacked the forcefulness and perhaps the talent to truly carry a team. He was a very good player, but not an elite one.

Marcus Stout – Dunston’s most productive sidekick also put up good numbers, finishing second on the team in scoring (15.1 ppg, 35% 3PG) while dishing out 85 assists. Stout was not especially quick, but he was big and strong and found the open spots. He was not a consistent threat, however, and Fordham lost almost every game in which he shot poorly. In 14 of the Rams’ 17 losses, Stout shot well under 40%.

Kevin Anderson –Anderson took care of the ball (34 turnovers) and played sound defense, but he was the chronic liability. The least skilled offensive player (2.6 ppg, 38.5% PG) in the league, Anderson made just 12 three-pointers in four years and did not create much with dribble penetration. Because Whittenburg failed to find an adequate replacement, Anderson was in the starting lineup almost every game for four years. Only the coaching staff deserves the blame for that.

Sebastian Greene – Athletic combo forward remained an enigma until the end. Greene hit a few buckets every game (8.5 ppg), helped out on the boards (5.5 rpg) and was a good defender, but he rarely played with urgency or aggressiveness. A reserve in a starter’s role, Greene did what he was comfortable doing but little more than that.

Michael Binns – Rugged 6-7 forward (3.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 36.6% FG) was just as much a mystery as Greene. Binns was strong and athletic, but he never figured out where he fit in. At times he fancied himself an inside player, but eventually Binns would drift outside and hoist ill-advised treys (32% for his career). In his final two years, his minutes fell. As a senior, he scored in double figures only three times and was mostly a bit player.

Dan Landisch – The 6-6 forward from Milwaukee played just 44 minutes in two years.

RETURNING PLAYERS

Brenton Butler – Third-year wing guard, who looked very promising as a freshman, aims to bounce back from a so-so sophomore campaign. Butler did increase his scoring (11 ppg) and rebounding (3.4 rpg), but he shot poorly. His field goal percentage fell to 34% from 40.6% and his 3-point accuracy sank to 34.4% from 43%.

Part of the reason was an extended case of mono. Butler also beefed up 20 pounds before his second season and lost some quickness and lift. He could not get by defenders as easily or finish as well near the basket.

If the Rams are to avoid a big dropoff, Butler has to deliver more of the scoring bursts and clever passing he demonstrated as a freshman. Though recruited as a point guard, he’s not suited to run the offense (66 assists, 66 turnovers). His forte is shooting. The arrival of drive-and-dish point guard Jio Fontan might give Butler better opportunities. Improved conditioning – Butler shed 15 pounds over the summer – will also help.

Chris Bethel – Erratic 6-5 forward (3.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 44% FG) was in Whittenburg’s doghouse for most of November and December and was then ruled academically ineligible. Like in his first two seasons, Bethel showed glimpses of explosive scoring. In a win at Manhattan, he scored all 15 of his points during a first-half outburst. By the second half he was back in the doghouse. Bethel has never averaged more than 9 minutes a game in his first three seasons.

The question is why. Whittenburg has never said publicly. Bethel is strong for his size with surprising quickness. He’s not a great outside shooter but can get on a roll. He can score with his back to the basket and knows how to finish. His defense has never been a strong suit, however, and he doesn’t always play within the offense. The Rams sure could use the senior to step up given the team’s youth, but it would be unwise to count on him.

Mike Moore – Former Connecticut prep star started out with a bang in his freshman year but faded in league play. Moore (5.5 ppg, 37.5% 3PG) scored in double figures in five of the first nine games, including a 17-point performance (5-5 on 3-pointers) vs. Charleston. He only reached double figures in two other games and went into a funk. Moore hit just 6 of 30 treys in A-10 play after going 18 of 34 in nonconference action.

Moore doesn’t look like a future star, but he is a good player. He’s athletic and rangy at 6-5, with solid ball-handling ability. He’s already shown 3-point range and can get to the rack. What he needs to do as a sophomore is shoot consistently and rebound (1.8 rpg) better for his size.

Herb Tanner – The 6-3 junior was recruited as a shooter but it’s hard to tell. Tanner (2.5 ppg) shot just 25% on 3-pointers in his first two years. He’s under 50% for his career as a free-throw shooter. And he has not reached double figures in a single game. His stroke looks fine. Tanner has simply misfired badly on a number of shots.

It would obviously help if Tanner’s shot came around, but he can be useful in other ways. He has long arms and is very quick and could be an excellent defender. Tanner has also played some time at point and could fill in as a backup. He tries to be careful with the ball and makes some nice passes.

Luke Devine – Little-used 6-10 center only played 39 minutes as a junior, partly because of injuries. He might get more minutes as a senior but Devine is not an A-10 level player. He lacks the post skills or athleticism to contribute significantly at either end. He’s scored 1 point and grabbed just 8 rebounds for his career. It would be a minor miracle if he blossomed in his final season. At best he’s an intelligent role player who can set picks, defend the post and grab a couple of boards a game.

NEWCOMERS

Jio Fontan – Savvy 6-0 point guard (No. 144, Rivals) is the most highly regarded backcourt player signed by Whittenburg since he took over five years ago. At St. Anthony’s, where he was coached by high school legend Bob Hurley, Fontan was given the keys to the offense and assigned to guard the opposing team’s best scorer. Whittenburg will use Fontan the same way. He’s a natural leader who looks to pass first or create with penetration. Although he’s not a great outside shooter, Fontan has 3-point range and should continue to improve.

Jacob Green – The 6-9 sophomore (No. 290 PrepStars, 2006) transferred from West Virginia in search of more minutes. He’ll get plenty of them in the Bronx. The Rams are suddenly undersized and need a big body to defend in the paint. Green has never been much of a scorer, even in high school, but he’s a decent faceup shooter and has been working hard to develop a post game. Long and athletic, his biggest assets are shot blocking and rebounding. He has good defensive instincts and alters a lot of shots. Green does not become eligible until late December.

Lamar Thomas – Unheralded 6-9 bigman from Pennsylvania was not much of a scorer in high school but is said to have good hands and footwork. He’s best known for his rebounding and shotblocking. Since Fordham has little size, Thomas will get a crack at immediate playing time.

Kyrie Gordon – From the same school as Lamar Thomas, Gordon is the more athletic and talented of the pair. He’s a thin 6-7, with good quickness and leaping ability, who scores most of his points near the basket. Gordon is also a good shotblocker for his size, especially as a help defender. He could get minutes before Green gains eligibility. He’ll be outmuscled by most A-10 opponents, but his athleticism will give him a fighting chance to produce right away.

Trey Blue – Chicago native excelled during a year of prep school as he sought better scholarship offers. A quick wing guard who can get to the basket, Blue is best known for his outside shooting. He can hit threes in bunches but needs to work on consistency. He’s also supposed to be an aggressive defender. Blue will have to compete with returnees Butler, Moore and Turner as well as newcomer Eastwick for minutes.

Alberto Estwick – A teammate of Fontan, the Brooklyn-born Estwick did not start playing organized basketball until just before high school. He didn’t see much time on a loaded St. Anthony’s squad, but some scouts say he has great potential. The 6-3 guard is described as a bigtime athlete with good 3-point marksmanship.

SCOUTING REPORT

Whittenburg must not have liked what he saw when he looked down the bench over the past years. He rarely went more than seven players deep and gave reserves precious little time. It was his own fault, of course. He recruited everyone on the roster.

The coach has no choice but to look at his bench this season because so few veterans are left. Fortunately Whittenburg harvested his best crop of newcomers since the Dunston-Stout class of four years ago.

The best of the bunch is Fontan. Unless fairies really do wear boots, he’ll be the starting point guard from Day One. He’s a creative player who can rev up the Rams offense and create baskets for teammates. Rams fans haven’t seen a point guard do that since the Dutch ruled Manhattan.

With Fontan at point, the team’s two best returning players, Brenton Butler and Mike Moore, can play their natural positions. A fully healthy and lighter Butler should flourish at shooting guard in his third season. He shot 43% beyond the arc as a freshman, but his percentage fell to 34% in an injury-filled sophomore season.

Don’t be surprised if Moore comes on strong at wing forward. He can shoot the long ball and slash to the rim.

The inside game is unsettled. Undersized 6-5 senior Chris Bethel is likely to get the nod at power forward if his academics are in order, but he’s been in Whit’s doghouse for so long that the roof needs new shingles.

West Virginia transfer Jacob Green is sure to start at center, just not right away. The 6-9 shotblocker gains eligibility in late December. Until then, the Rams will have to rely on little-used senior Luke Devine or one of the freshmen “bigs” to anchor the middle.

Even with Bethel and Green, Fordham will struggle with inside scoring. Rebounding could also be a problem for the smallish Rams. Most A-10 foes have bigger frontcourts.

Nor is it reasonable to expect the young Rams to play the kind of tough defense Whittenburg demands. It takes time for a project to go from the drawing board to the basketball court.

PREDICTION

Fordham is going to suffer more lumps and bruises than an urban cowboy. The new-look Rams might not struggle as much to score – they averaged under 65 points last season – but the team will probably give up plenty of points. Young teams almost always struggle defensively.

A reasonable goal is to achieve another 12th place finish and get to the A-10 tournament. Equaling last season’s record would actually represent a major accomplishment given the team’s youth and lack of size.

It’s not what Whittenburg had in mind when he drew up his plan to revive Fordham. But then, neither were last year’s results.

WH’s

NONCON PREDICTION: 4-8

W – COLMUMBIA
L – At Villanova
L – MANHATTAN COLLEGE
W – PRINCETON
L – JAMES MADISON
L – At Hofstra
W – LAFEYETTE
L – FAIRFIELD
W – NEW HAMPSHIRE
L – Tennessee-Martin (Florida International tournament)
L – Florida International (Florida International tournament)
L – At Bowling Green

I go conservative with Fordham. I am not as confident in Whittenburg as I was a few years ago. The Rams generally performed poorly in noncon play even with more experienced teams. Perhaps a younger team less familiar with his ways will have more confidence. I seem to recall that being the case when the Dunston-Stout class first arrived.

Columbia is not very good and the Rams should get off to a good start – before traveling to Nova in the guise of a lamb prepared for slaughter. The next three are at home, and all would seem winnable, but I expect two losses. Fordham barely beat Manhattan in their place last year. The Jaspers have everyone back from a team that played well down the stretch. Princeton is decent enough and James Madison brings old friends Abdulai Jalloh and new coach Matt Brady in tow. Both teams are more experienced.

Hofstra lost top scorer Antonio Agudio, who killed Charlotte last year. Tom Pecora is a terrific coach, though, and the Pride are playing at home. Fordham can and should beat a Lafayette team devastated by graduation losses and NH, while much improved, does not have the same caliber of talent. Sandwiched between those two games appears to be a date at home vs. Fairfield. The Stags return all five starters, play good defense and have some beef upfront.

The Rams probably have little chance at Bowling Green, a tough MAC team that also has all five starters back. Fordham ends with two games at a tourney held by Florida International. Tennessee-Martin is the favorite to win the Ohio Valley Conference and has a great backcourt returning. FIU is older, bigger, more experienced (four starters returning) and playing at home.