Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh seeks repeat appearance in NCAA Tournament
11/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
“We have an experienced group returning with four starters coming back, and even though we lost some key pieces, we should be prepared to handle any challenges that may be thrown our way,” explains
THE GUARDS
Olivero will not be alone in the back court, as junior Joe Knight, a transfer from A pair of juniors also returns to provide solid depth and some offensive punch off of the bench. Kevin Tempest and Mitch Gilfillan had several solid showings along the way in 2003-04 that offer much promise for the upcoming season. Tempest came on very strong in the second half of last season, establishing career highs in points and steals in that time. Gilfillan brings tremendous energy and passion to the floor, and he can also fill it up from deep, as evidenced by his 7 of 8 showing from beyond the arc en route to a career-high 21 points early in the season. Rounding out the backcourt will be freshman Erik Smith, who comes to Lehigh from
THE FORWARDS
While the guard play for the Mountain Hawks will be consistent and steady, the crop of forwards will be full of energy and excitement every time they step on the floor. Leading the charge will be senior co-captain Earl Nurse, a 6-7 power forward that can step out to 15-feet and hit the jumper, or bang down low under the boards. Nurse possesses a good deal of athleticism for a player his size, and with 32 career starts under his belt, he has the experience and leadership qualities that every championship team begin with. Nurse has become more confident in his offensive game while at Lehigh, and with the ability to dominate a game both on the glass and with his shot-blocking ability, the sky is the limit for this With Nurse down low, the Mountain Hawks compliment him with solid wing play and they receive that in the form of fellow senior and co-captain Nick Monserez. Monserez possesses long arms that are perfect for locking up the opposition’s best scorer and also for skying high for rebounds. Monserez showed flashes a season ago on the offensive end as well, highlighted by a career-high 14 point performance at Cornell. With Nurse and Monserez providing the experience, sophomore Kyle Neptune and freshman Bryan White will provide more than their share of excitement for the Mountain Hawks. White, who hails from Senior Kevin Murawinski also returns this season, and at 6-7, 240 pounds, he presents an imposing presence on the inside. Murawinski also possesses a very soft touch from the outside, which extends all the way to three-point range. Junior James Anderson, a transfer from
THE CENTERS
Lehigh has three very formidable post players that it can march out onto the court. Any discussion about the post begins with 6-10 sophomore Jason Mgebroff, who took some time to adjust to the college game as a freshman, but settled in very nicely in the second half of the season. Mgebroff has outstanding touch and good hands for a player his size and he is also an excellent foul shooter. The Mgebroff will be backed up by senior Dayne Mickelson, a player that pours his emotions out when he plays, but never gets out of control. Mickelson has appeared in 72 games through his first three seasons, and has even become a formidable offensive threat. Mickelson does most of his work at the foul line and on offensive rebounding, but he is more than capable of stepping out and knocking down the open jump shot. Mickelson has plenty of bulk at 6-8, 245 to body up most low-post players, and his intelligence allows him to outsmart most as well. Junior Mike Fischman is an athletic 6-9 post player that has improved in each of his first two seasons, and will be looked upon to contribute even more in 2004-05. Fischman has played in 54 games through two seasons and along the way has had several solid performances. In the Mountain Hawks NCAA Tournament game versus Florida A&M last season, Fischman connected on all of his field goal attempts, while grabbing seven rebounds and swatting away one shot.
The Mountain Hawks begin their season with a trip to
