The Green Bay Phoenix surprised the Horizon League last season when they won six of their first eight contests in league play. The Nix faltered down the stretch with a 4-4 end to the conference season, but still managed a third place finish and a bye in the Horizon League tournament. The Green Bay season ended much too abruptly as the Detroit Titans handed the Nix their fifth loss in their last six games to close out what started as a very promising season.

Despite the disappointing end to last season head coach Tod Kowalczyk has reinvigorated Green Bay basketball. Green Bay’s 17 victories last season were among the best turnarounds in college basketball. The Phoenix have suffered many departures from last season’s squad, but a nationally recognized recruiting class has the Phoenix hoping they can stay in the top third of the league. All in all the Phoenix return five players from last season, and just one starter in forward Josh Lawrence. Seven new faces grace the Green Bay Roster, and in order for the Phoenix to achieve their goals the newcomers will have to contribute. It may not be that big of a stretch as Kowalczyk has put together a recruiting class that many have deemed among the best in country for mid-majors.

Highlighting the Green Bay recruiting class is Ryan Tillema. A 6’8” 205 pound forward, Tillema put together an incredible four year career in high school and had interest from several Big Ten schools. He’s considered by most scouting services to be the league’s top recruit and is already drawing comparison to Phoenix legend Jeff Nordgaard. Kowalczyk worked hard on landing Tillema for several years and emphasized the importance of starting at a young age with recruits. Kowalczyk said that he stressed the success that Green Bay has had in the league and that the Phoenix have great facilities now as well. “Tillema really liked the coaching staff and likes the opportunity he’s going to have here,” said Kowalczyk. Tillema is an adept passer and can hit the outside shot with consistency.

Junior college transfer Aswan Minatee is an undersized post presence, but has the build that has been successful in the Horizon League for years. The 6’5” 230 pounder averaged better than 16 points and 6 rebounds last season while shooting over 60% from the field.

Junior Josh Lawrence is the only Phoenix frontcourt player with significant experience. Lawrence started every game last season and posted nearly 11 points a contest with 4.4 rebounds. Lawrence can also step back and hit a three-pointer, he shot 38.5% from beyond the arc last season. Much will be expected of Lawrence as the team’s most experienced player. Sophomore Tevah Morris saw about 11 minutes per contest last season and will add to the tremendous depth the Phoenix have in the frontcourt.

Another newcomer in the frontcourt expected to contribute is Mike Schachtner. At 6’9” and 215 pounds Schachtner is equally adept in the paint or hitting a three-pointer. He averaged better than 18 points and ten rebounds his senior season in high school.

Freshman forward Randy Berry also checks in at 6’9” and 215 pounds. Berry committed to the Phoenix before his senior year and is said to be a bit more athletic than Schachtner. In his senior year Berry put up better than 21 points and 11 rebounds per contest.

While Lawrence will be expected to be the frontcourt leader, junior Ryan Evanochko will be given the duties of becoming the Phoenix leader in the backcourt. The 6’2” guard started eight games last season, averaging 6.2 points and 1.3 assists. Kowalczyk is counting on his two returning starters to provide leadership for the newcomers. “Evanochko and Lawrence are the most experienced players we have and they have to play like they’ve been in big games before,” said Kowalczyk.

Among the other newcomers expected to crack the starting lineup is Terry Evans. Evans is a 6’5” slasher who can play the two or three spot for the Phoenix. Evans has great athleticism, and appears to have overcome a knee injury that sideline him late in his high school career.

The point guard of the future and the point guard of the now is Simon Farine. The 6’3” 190 pounder was considered by some to be the best high school point guard in Canada. Most scouts have said that he possesses a tremendous work ethic, is strong for his size and has a great outside shot.

Cordero Barkley is another slasher with good athleticism. He has a huge wingspan on his 6’5” frame and has no problems banging for rebounds. Sophomore Ryan Werch saw little action last season as he waited to become eligible. An ankle injury now has him sidelined until December. When healthy he is considered a three-point specialist.

Kowalczyk certainly has put together an impressive recruiting class and with all the new faces there will no doubt be some struggles as the team learns to play together and everyone finds their roles. Unlike Green Bay teams of recent history this squad may struggle in the early going of the season before finally coming together down the stretch. With all the talent the Phoenix have amassed they will certainly not be a team that Horizon League opponents will want to face come February and March, not to mention for seasons to come.

--reprinted with permission of the author

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