PSAC WEST

[IUPHawks24]

The rosters are starting to surface. There will likely be a late signing or two. But, by now, we have a pretty good view of the upcoming season.

That means it's time for the annual mid-summer West predictions. The division was down a year ago. It should be much stronger this season.


1. California - The Vulcans have been close the past several years. Last year got derailed with two starters missing the entire season -- and, the Vulcans were still pretty tough -- especially in the second half. Both injured players return this year -- along with everybody else. Cal is going to be very deep, experienced and athletic. Jermaine Hall, Zyan Collins, Keith Palek, Cam Polak, Bryson Lucas and Donald Whitehead can all score the ball, defend and play fast. In short, Danny is going to be a nightmare to play this season.

2. IUP - Will the Crimson Hawks' run of West titles finally end? Betting odds at this point would probably say yes. But, IUP may be stronger than many think. A healthy Ethan Porterfield returns, along with guards Dallis Dillard and Jaylen Stewart. Redshirt Joe turned in to Transfer Joe this off-season -- adding 5 experienced players to the mix. Dolan Waldo, the hyped redshirt of a year ago, also gets elevated to the active roster. Four of the five transfers are expected to contribute immediately -- likely headlined by SG Josh Petteno (proven D2 scorer), Akron PG transfer Garvin Clarke and JUCO G Denzel Kabasele. IUP will be much bigger and faster in 2023 -- and, in theory, anyway, deeper. Lot of new pieces to blend together.

3. Mercyhurst - The Lakers took some serious losses this off-season. But, that's nothing new in Erie. Enough returns -- along with some key transfers -- to keep Mercyhurst in the thick of things. Max Jusianiec, a 6'7" F transfer from Saint Rose, will be an immediate performer. Juxianiec was highly recruited out of the portal by most of the top Atlantic programs.

4. Clarion - Yep, you're reading that correctly. Clarion decided to stick with Damian Pitts -- and, it's about to pay off. Despite a woeful record last season, Clarion had a tremendous freshmen class (and they all stayed). Once Pitts started to play them down the stretch, the Golden Eagles got scary. They're all a year older now -- and experienced. Jayson Harris may be the best power forward in the PSAC this season. He's big, strong and can score the ball. Four rising sophomore guards -- Jaylen Shippen, Cam Kearney, Justice Easter and Jihad Simpson -- give the Golden Eagles a very strong backcourt. Steve Kelly, perhaps the most underrated PG in the league, also returns.

5. Slippery Rock - Very interesting off-season in Morrow Field House. This is either going to work -- or, be a total disaster. The two headline transfers coming in are Maceo Austion (Duquesne) and Ike Herster (Gannon). Austin hasn't played in a couple years but is a big-time talent. Herster spent a lot of time at Gannon on the injured list but can be a very dynamic scorer. Luke Howes was also added to play PG from Walsh. Lashon Lindsey and Jomo Goings also return -- two underrated players. The weakness as of July 11 appears to be depth. A lot of coin is tied up in that starting five. Can this group share the ball? That's the other big question.

6. Gannon - The Golden Knights are the unknown entering '23-'24. They are going to be a different bunch to play than the West is used to seeing. That said, it is Year 1 of the new regime. It will also be the first time playing this style for many of the players. So, it will likely take some time. That said, despite his late hire date, new coach Jordan Fee has put together a pretty good roster. He kept a couple of Gannon's top players and added some impact transfers. This could be a scary team come January.

7. Seton Hill - Just when it appeared the Griffins were a step away from, well, taking a giant step ... the transfer portal came calling. Three starters left town. But, the cupboard isn't bare. PG Sean Dillon and F Gabe Gillespie return along with a host of experienced role players. Gillespie exploded on to the scene as a true freshman a year ago and has legit star power. He will likely be one of the better post players in the league this winter.

8. Pitt-Johnstown - Last year was the team UPJ had spent years building up to. And, of course, last summer star PG Fred Mulbah transferred out. The Mountain Cats were still pretty good, but they weren't nearly the same without Mulbah. Entering this year, however, the names we've seen there for years and years are all mostly gone. This will be a very young group -- perhaps the youngest starting unit in the PSAC. But, as always, Bob Rukavina will have replacements ready. PG Andrew Shull showed 'star' flashes last season as a freshman. He'll be a 20 ppg player this year. Ryan Smith also returns and is capable of putting up some big nights. There's very little size on the roster aside from two incoming freshmen. They will likely have to play immediately.

9. Edinboro - Note: I said 'most' of the rosters are formed. This one, however, is not. The Fighting Scots took an eternity to hire their new coach. We'll have to see what he can quickly whip together. But, this is going to be a long winter in McComb.

Good summary. This is the first year since probably 2018-19 that I'm not sure what to expect. On paper, there should be more parity- IUP and Mercyhurst have beaten the brakes off many teams the past 4-5 years, and I don't think that will happen nearly as much this year.

Cal is going to be almost impossible to stop on offense- question will be do they defend at a high enough level over a 3 month conference schedule to win the division. That's why I still think IUP is the favorite- Joe does a great job getting those guys to buy in defensively.

No idea what to expect from Mercyhurst. They're attempting to reach their 6th straight NCAA Tournament, which is an incredibly impressive run. Planutis is an excellent player and Reichert can score, but it looks like they're going to be relying on a bunch of younger guards. If a couple of those players turn out to be good, then I expect them near the top. If they aren't, then they'll probably end up more in the 4-5 range. They've had excellent talent and played really well together for this 5 year stretch they've been on, so I guess it's a question of how long it'll take their younger players to get comfortable, and how good they are.

Don't see it with Clarion yet. If they can put it together, good for them.

Slippery Rock is a total enigma. Putting the team in the hands of Herster and Austin is a risky proposition. Lindsey is really talented but doesn't always look into it. Gates also left, who was a productive player for them. Don't know how much "coin" they are working with, but they seem stuck in the 4-6 range.

Gannon is the wildcard for me. Fee has done a solid job bringing in players that fit his style, but are they good enough? The Indiana St transfer looks intriguing, as well as the kid from Geneva. Their talent was not very good last year (and they didn't play well together) so I think with a couple reinforcements and more cohesion, they can make a big jump.

Seton Hill and UPJ will both finish higher than 7 and 8, in my opinion. Seton Hill's coach is very good and Rukavina has a track record of getting the most out of his teams.

Edinboro- good luck to the new coach. Hopefully they give him the resources necessary to be successful.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

The rosters are starting to surface. There will likely be a late signing or two. But, by now, we have a pretty good view of the upcoming season.

That means it's time for the annual mid-summer West predictions. The division was down a year ago. It should be much stronger this season.


1. California - The Vulcans have been close the past several years. Last year got derailed with two starters missing the entire season -- and, the Vulcans were still pretty tough -- especially in the second half. Both injured players return this year -- along with everybody else. Cal is going to be very deep, experienced and athletic. Jermaine Hall, Zyan Collins, Keith Palek, Cam Polak, Bryson Lucas and Donald Whitehead can all score the ball, defend and play fast. In short, Danny is going to be a nightmare to play this season.

2. IUP - Will the Crimson Hawks' run of West titles finally end? Betting odds at this point would probably say yes. But, IUP may be stronger than many think. A healthy Ethan Porterfield returns, along with guards Dallis Dillard and Jaylen Stewart. Redshirt Joe turned in to Transfer Joe this off-season -- adding 5 experienced players to the mix. Dolan Waldo, the hyped redshirt of a year ago, also gets elevated to the active roster. Four of the five transfers are expected to contribute immediately -- likely headlined by SG Josh Petteno (proven D2 scorer), Akron PG transfer Garvin Clarke and JUCO G Denzel Kabasele. IUP will be much bigger and faster in 2023 -- and, in theory, anyway, deeper. Lot of new pieces to blend together.

3. Mercyhurst - The Lakers took some serious losses this off-season. But, that's nothing new in Erie. Enough returns -- along with some key transfers -- to keep Mercyhurst in the thick of things. Max Jusianiec, a 6'7" F transfer from Saint Rose, will be an immediate performer. Juxianiec was highly recruited out of the portal by most of the top Atlantic programs.

4. Clarion - Yep, you're reading that correctly. Clarion decided to stick with Damian Pitts -- and, it's about to pay off. Despite a woeful record last season, Clarion had a tremendous freshmen class (and they all stayed). Once Pitts started to play them down the stretch, the Golden Eagles got scary. They're all a year older now -- and experienced. Jayson Harris may be the best power forward in the PSAC this season. He's big, strong and can score the ball. Four rising sophomore guards -- Jaylen Shippen, Cam Kearney, Justice Easter and Jihad Simpson -- give the Golden Eagles a very strong backcourt. Steve Kelly, perhaps the most underrated PG in the league, also returns.

5. Slippery Rock - Very interesting off-season in Morrow Field House. This is either going to work -- or, be a total disaster. The two headline transfers coming in are Maceo Austion (Duquesne) and Ike Herster (Gannon). Austin hasn't played in a couple years but is a big-time talent. Herster spent a lot of time at Gannon on the injured list but can be a very dynamic scorer. Luke Howes was also added to play PG from Walsh. Lashon Lindsey and Jomo Goings also return -- two underrated players. The weakness as of July 11 appears to be depth. A lot of coin is tied up in that starting five. Can this group share the ball? That's the other big question.

6. Gannon - The Golden Knights are the unknown entering '23-'24. They are going to be a different bunch to play than the West is used to seeing. That said, it is Year 1 of the new regime. It will also be the first time playing this style for many of the players. So, it will likely take some time. That said, despite his late hire date, new coach Jordan Fee has put together a pretty good roster. He kept a couple of Gannon's top players and added some impact transfers. This could be a scary team come January.

7. Seton Hill - Just when it appeared the Griffins were a step away from, well, taking a giant step ... the transfer portal came calling. Three starters left town. But, the cupboard isn't bare. PG Sean Dillon and F Gabe Gillespie return along with a host of experienced role players. Gillespie exploded on to the scene as a true freshman a year ago and has legit star power. He will likely be one of the better post players in the league this winter.

8. Pitt-Johnstown - Last year was the team UPJ had spent years building up to. And, of course, last summer star PG Fred Mulbah transferred out. The Mountain Cats were still pretty good, but they weren't nearly the same without Mulbah. Entering this year, however, the names we've seen there for years and years are all mostly gone. This will be a very young group -- perhaps the youngest starting unit in the PSAC. But, as always, Bob Rukavina will have replacements ready. PG Andrew Shull showed 'star' flashes last season as a freshman. He'll be a 20 ppg player this year. Ryan Smith also returns and is capable of putting up some big nights. There's very little size on the roster aside from two incoming freshmen. They will likely have to play immediately.

9. Edinboro - Note: I said 'most' of the rosters are formed. This one, however, is not. The Fighting Scots took an eternity to hire their new coach. We'll have to see what he can quickly whip together. But, this is going to be a long winter in McComb.

[boatcapt]

Former Clarion forward Fray Nguimbi has signed with Polk State.

Very odd story so far in his career. He had numerous P5 offers (including Pitt) coming out of high school (First Love). He somehow ended up at Clarion for a year, entered the portal and is now off to a JUCO.

I suspect we could see him back in the Atlantic the following year.

The Sincere Carry "college career" arc.

[IUPalum]

Jennings' first recruit is in at Edinboro. Medialle (DIII) transfer guard Daunte Wilcott. Averaged 14.4 PPG last year as a sophomore. Played HS ball at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie. Medialle is a very small private in Buffalo that is permanently closing.

Yikes

[Fightingscot82]

Jennings' first recruit is in at Edinboro. Medialle (DIII) transfer guard Daunte Wilcott. Averaged 14.4 PPG last year as a sophomore. Played HS ball at Mercyhurst Prep in Erie. Medialle is a very small private in Buffalo that is permanently closing.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Former Clarion forward Fray Nguimbi has signed with Polk State.

Very odd story so far in his career. He had numerous P5 offers (including Pitt) coming out of high school (First Love). He somehow ended up at Clarion for a year, entered the portal and is now off to a JUCO.

I suspect we could see him back in the Atlantic the following year.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

When I was at RMU and they were building their new arena, they tried playing home games at Duquesne and it was a disaster. They ended up using their new student rec center, but I think Gannon's rec center is the same building as Hammermill.

I think Clarion did that when Tippin was getting its major renovation ... I think they played that season in their intramural building.

Maybe Gary will open up the doors up at Mercyhurst. LOL.

[Fightingscot82]

Cathedral Prep has to many teams of their own that need to use the facility for games and practice. It would really gum things up if they add Gannon the mix.

When I was at RMU and they were building their new arena, they tried playing home games at Duquesne and it was a disaster. They ended up using their new student rec center, but I think Gannon's rec center is the same building as Hammermill.

[IUPalum]

Wow that's a long drive for Gannon. They've gotta find a closer venue. Probably don't have the money to pay for the Erie Insurance Arena. Cathedral Prep is right there - they can't work something out? Sure its just up Bayfront or 90 depending on where they're coming from but they'd also be following commuter traffic. Google Maps says that's 15-20 minutes but I find that hard to believe on a Thursday at 6:00.

Cathedral Prep has to many teams of their own that need to use the facility for games and practice. It would really gum things up if they add Gannon the mix.

[Fightingscot82]

That could be the 'nothing else to do' theory, also.

Erie has a lot of options for sports fans.

Mercyhurst is also three miles from Gannon, although I'd guess you're in one camp or the other.

It likely won't happen this year as at least the rumor is Gannon will be playing off campus (perhaps at PSU Behrend).

Wow that's a long drive for Gannon. They've gotta find a closer venue. Probably don't have the money to pay for the Erie Insurance Arena. Cathedral Prep is right there - they can't work something out? Sure its just up Bayfront or 90 depending on where they're coming from but they'd also be following commuter traffic. Google Maps says that's 15-20 minutes but I find that hard to believe on a Thursday at 6:00.

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Of course you may be right. Just one other data point. West Liberty attracts 900 a game in a remote, rural area with no basketball tradition before crutchfield. In a basketball-rich, populous area like Erie, one may see a dramatic increase, once they start winning because it is entertaining and exciting. Like watching indiana Jones is more exciting than a Brit epic on Masteroiece theater

That could be the 'nothing else to do' theory, also.

Erie has a lot of options for sports fans.

Mercyhurst is also three miles from Gannon, although I'd guess you're in one camp or the other.

It likely won't happen this year as at least the rumor is Gannon will be playing off campus (perhaps at PSU Behrend).

[Fightingscot82]

Of course you may be right. Just one other data point. West Liberty attracts 900 a game in a remote, rural area with no basketball tradition before crutchfield. In a basketball-rich, populous area like Erie, one may see a dramatic increase, once they start winning because it is entertaining and exciting. Like watching indiana Jones is more exciting than a Brit epic on Masteroiece theater

I'd argue that the entertainment options other than D2 college basketball for greater Erie far surpass the alternatives in greater Wheeling. Also, Erie is a hardcore TV town. Erie's TV ratings on the four broadcast networks are above average for their market. Unsure about cable and streaming.

[Columbuseer]

I was referencing the past 20ish years. The crowds will NEVER be like they were in the 80s and 90s (I can reference anything before that lol)

Of course you may be right. Just one other data point. West Liberty attracts 900 a game in a remote, rural area with no basketball tradition before crutchfield. In a basketball-rich, populous area like Erie, one may see a dramatic increase, once they start winning because it is entertaining and exciting. Like watching indiana Jones is more exciting than a Brit epic on Masteroiece theater

[IUPbigINDIANS]

Pitt-Johnstown Men's non-conference schedule:


Alderson Broaddus (@IUP)
Concord (@IUP)

Penn State New Kensington (Johnstown)

St. Thomas Aquinas (@IUP)
Frostburg State (@IUP)

U-Indy (Johnstown)

[bballfan03]

You must be pretty young if you think Gannon never had students at games? Gannon had wild student sections in 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and early Aughts. In the 70s and 80s it was jam packed and college guys were throwing TP from the top of the gym until it became a tech! Their MEC, independent, and GLIAC days were incredible. And for large portions of that it was because Gannon could score send coached who did everything to encourage kids to come and create havoc lol. We were explosive, fun events with wild crowds. Not sure it will ever look the same. As others keep saying, 2023 isn't 1993. The majority of the fun crowd and season ticket holder base is dying or dead and their kids didn't buy their parents tickets...when I was 20 I thought I'd for sure buy my dad's tickets even if it just meant it was making it to one game a year. Now? Nah.

The other big issues at Gannon in the last decade plus is layered imo re crowds. I don't think they'll return, even with some MAJOR effort, but gladly would be proven wrong. Also, I don't think Hurst being good has much impact. Edinboro and Gannon used to be the show when we were in opposite conferences and Hurst was abysmal. Crowds were huge at all three then.

1. Flattened season ticket base: Gannon and Lisa destroyed the season ticket base retaining Reilly and Brunelli. All that started within two years of her arrival. The environment with 65 point slogfests, 5 cheerleaders on the side who looked lost... The environment was boring and lackluster. The women's games have been better than men's for years now. Old dudes got tired of watching late game losses because no one could shoot so folks stopped renewing tickets. Program clearly lost major funding sponsors. At the same time, she started kicking old people out of seats who weren't ticket holders despitefully that having gone on for years, which pissed off a group. I'm one of dozens who stopped going because of how she was managing and viewing season tickets.
2. Media, both print, TV, and radio, coverage had been demolished. Gannon used to be the sports media king in Erie. Erie in general had just absolutely been devastated in the last 5 years in terms of coverage. So many of the faces of TV sports have died or left and the kids, and I mean that seriously covering have just no sense of the local history. Sure, Gannon had homers in Lecorchick who did afternoon sports locally and color for games, but the fact was in our miserable community it kept the team in the forefront of discussion locally and accountability to the school and the AD. Since Jim and Gary died, it's just nothing around town. Gannon used to pay Lecorchick to go to all the games, home and away. Now you get no radio coverage because of the PSAC Sports Network. And I listen to road teams and ship, esu, wcu, shu all have far better coverage. Simply put, Gannon paid professionals to cover the game and do it somewhat well, and now Hurst is at least paying professionals, even it's the TV guy trying to make more cash and professors... Oof. Gannon games now? Not even something I can frankly listen to with Amicucci and Jack. We have some local guys who are decent too who used to do radio and online games but Lisa elected to have college students do for free and those guys are doing PSU behrend and Prep. And f***, Erie newspaper is awful. I mean multiple former ETN writers work at Gannon, and Reisenweber is an abject dolt. They just repeat the SID words, there's no critical feedback or engagement like there was once in the paper and online.
3. Saturday afternoon games. Gannon used to do Saturday night games during season which meant folks could watch their college games during the day, football or hoops, and then come into the city for dinner and the games. Who wants to head into downtown at 1p or 3p Saturday after a long week. It was far more an event Saturday night tbf. Students at least used to hop in en route to parties too! 😂
4. Loss of second tournament at holidays and tournament scheduling. The Gary Miller Classic and Porreco Cup used to be can't miss events in Erie. When they nixed the Cup with the non play period, it felt like a bit of a final straw. There are maybe 8 night games the whole home season, the rest are afternoon games in the middle of the afternoon against Clarion, Seton Hill, and the likes. With Edinboro then as bad as they've been funding wise, Cal until the last few years struggling, it's a harder and harder sell to think about parking and coming to an aging facility with 400 people Sat when I could sit with slippers and a beer and watch for free (and turn it off quickly if painful lol).
5. No alumni base. It's... It doesn't exist. Ffs alumni started a prep school to develop players locally that's how disconnected they are to Gannon! And Brunelli hurt a robust women's alumni network. This is a place I think Fee may thrive the most.

I don't see much changing for Gannon with those significant factors. That said, Fee is young, he just came from two vastly different college environments that did have success with crowds. I've hear him twice speak to his knowledge of what it once was here. He said he spoke to Reilly and Slocum after the announcement. I'm sure their was discussing about the old guard. Imo the main challenge Jefferson faced was unfamiliarity to the region and people.

F***, that was more than anyone needed. But, it's not the students we need solo. It's the community, and Erie sports are struggling. Lisa is not the person to rejuvenate. The destroyer can't also rejuvenate. But we'll see what Fee can at least do to improve the environs and popularity.

I was referencing the past 20ish years. The crowds will NEVER be like they were in the 80s and 90s (I can reference anything before that lol)