Season Outlook - Guilford College

• 2005-06 Season Outlook

After two 15-win seasons and the program's first trip to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament semifinals since 1994, Guilford's men's basketball team is poised to claim a spot among the league's best. A tougher and more experienced club takes to the hardwood with 10 letter winners returning from last year's 15-12 unit (9-9 ODAC).

Guilford led the ODAC in scoring last year with 80.6 points per game, which is right where third-year head coach Tom Palombo wants his team. Palombo and the Quakers need to replace the scoring of 2005 ODAC Rookie of the Year Kerry Atkinson, who transferred to NCAA Division II North Carolina Central, as well as 6-7, 320-pound center Genaro Lawhorn, who is not playing this season. Starting forward Andy Sharpe suffered a season-ending knee injury in August and will serve as an assistant coach this year.

The aforementioned players will be missed, along with backup point guard Ashford Gray, who completed his eligibility. However, last year's team went 12 deep, eight of whom return. Sophomore center Ben Strong, Guilford's top returning scorer, added 15 pounds to his 6-10 frame and will be an important post presence.

"Ben has the potential to be one of the best players in the league," said Palombo. "His ability to play on the perimeter and in the post gives him tremendous versatility in his game."

Junior wings Jordan Snipes and Thomas Burge join point guard Caleb Kimbrough as Guilford's three returning starters. Sophomore Ray Edmond and junior Truitt Miller provide depth in the backcourt. Perhaps one of the Quakers' most intriguing "returning" players is guard Jordan Coston, who suffered a preseason injury in 2004 that sidelined him for the rest of his rookie season. The coaches are excited by the prospects of adding his deceptive quickness and court savvy to the mix.

"Our backcourt is young, but most of the guys have played together for one year now," Palombo said. "I believe that experience will help us as we build our team."

Guilford's veterans give Palombo the chance to fine tune his up-tempo system. Expect Strong to play a more prominent role on offense. Opponents won't be able to focus solely on Strong however, because any of the veteran guards can light it up from long distance. Snipes, of 85-foot buzzer-beating fame, made 34 three-pointers last year and ranked 13th among ODAC field-goal percentage leaders.

Aside from Strong, only senior Jamel Taylor and sophomore Eric Belkoski return at forward from last year. A healthy Robby Poteat could aid the frontcourt, but the senior has appeared in only 15 games in two injury-plagued campaigns. Rookies George Neville and Barry Wells are two new forwards.

Guilford's schedule opens with a trip to Florida to play NAIA members Webber International and Embry-Riddle. Guilford meets NCAA Division I Elon in nearby Burlington, NC, Dec. 5. "Playing a difficult non-league schedules prepares you for league play," stated Palombo. "You might as well get used to playing high caliber teams because that is exactly what you are going to see during ODAC play."