The Detroit Titans will open up the 2006-07 season with several big questions that need to be answered. If the Titans get the answers they’re looking for, there is no reason they can’t make a return to the top of the conference standings. Head coach Perry Watson’s club lost a lot in the frontcourt from a season ago and will have to rely on senior Ryvon Covile to anchor a very thin frontcourt. Is Covile recovered and will he be the budding star that the league saw three seasons ago?
Among other questions the Titans face will be the health of star guard Brandon Cotton. Is Brandon Bell fully recovered and ready to play at a high level after two years on the sidelines? Will the incoming class be able to contribute right away? Will the Titans post better than two wins away from Calihan Hall?
The strength of the Titans this season will lie in a backcourt that runs pretty deep. Though Cotton suffered through some injuries last season, he still posted better than 17 points a game and shot 37.5% from three-point range. If he is healthy, there is not a better scorer in the league. Sophomore point guard Jon Goode gained valuable experience last season when Bell was unable to go and that will make the Titans that much stronger this season. Goode stepped in and started 31 of 32 games, leading the clubs in assists, steals and three-point percentage while chipping in nearly 11 points and four steals.
The addition of Bell to the line-up gives the Titans even more hope. Bell has the reputation of being a true floor general at the point guard position. Add freshman Woody Payne to the mix who has been described as a gritty defender and the Titans are stacked at the guard position, though none stand taller than six-feet.
The departure of Ben Green leaves the door open for returnees Muhammad Abdur-Rahim and Zach Everingham. Rahim at 6’4” has always been a defensive specialist and will probably reprise that role starting a few games along the way. Everingham is another 6’4” guard who has struggled with his shooting ever since stepping foot on campus. After shooting 31% from three-point range as a freshman he dipped down to just 25% last season. If he continues to struggle, it may present an opportunity to freshman Eulis Stephens. Stephens is 6’4” and 180 pounds with tremendous athleticism and good slashing ability.
Freshman Nemanja Jokic may also vie for playing time. The Serbia native, though just a freshman, is already 22 years old. At 6’6” and 220 pounds, he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and also play a bit on the inside. Jokic could pose some great match-up situations for the Titans.
Up front a lot of pressure will be on senior center Ryvon Covile. In 2004-05, Covile had a disappointing season, averaging just 7.5 points and five rebounds per contest. He is, however, a first rate defender having been named to the league all-defensive team twice. Covile will have to improve his offensive numbers to help shoulder the blow from the loss of starters Chuck Bailey and Torvoris Baker.
Freshman Justin Sample sat out last season with an injury. He has good athleticism for his size at 6’8” and 235 pounds. Sophomore Chris Hayes appeared in 27 games last season and has added some muscle to his 190 pound frame. Both will have to grow up in a hurry for the Titans this season.
Some newcomers that will be added to the mix are freshmen Theron Washington and Russell Allen. Washington should be ready to play right away for the Titans. At 6’6” and 240 pounds he is a load to handle and can contribute on the defensive end of the floor. Allen at 6’8” and 255 pounds averaged a double-double his senior year in high school and may be able to provide some low post scoring help for the Titans.
Even with the graduation of Green and the questions surrounding Bell the Titans have one of the better backcourts in the league. The frontcourt issues will have to work themselves out for the Titans to compete for the top third of the league. It is certain that the Titans will always be competitive. It is nearly impossible for opponents to win at Calihan Hall and the Titans will always play tough defense keeping them in most games. If some of their questions get answered, the Titans may turn some heads this season.
--Joe Dlugosz is the editor of Ramblermania.com, a website dedicated to Loyola-Chicago sports information. For more of Joe's writing, visit: www.ramblermania.com --ed.
