Oct. 15, 2007

GALLERY

Erie, Pa. - On Monday evening in the Mercyhurst Athletic Center, the Laker men's basketball team, led by fifth-year head coach Gary Manchel, opened the 2007-08 campaign with the first official practice.

In the last two seasons under Manchel, the Lakers have reached uncharted territory, winning a 37 total games (18 in the GLIAC) and even earning the right to host a GLIAC Tournament game for the first time in the program's history.

In four seasons under Manchel, the Lakers have posted a 61-51 record and have won at least 16 games in three of the four seasons. This year looks to be no different. While the Lakers will have to overcome the loss of several key players, the pieces are in place for another GLIAC playoff run in the team's final season in the conference.

Manchel and the Lakers must replace four starters, including two-time All-GLIAC pick and leading scorer Avi Fogel. Leading rebounder and second team selection Shelby Chaney also moved on. The Lakers also lose 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds with the departure of Richard Field.

However, Mercyhurst does return a pair of lightning quick senior guards in T.J. Mathis and Terry Smith. The duo each averaged over nine points per game last season. Smith was slowed by an injury in 2006-07 and his scoring average should bounce back to its 2004-06 levels of 12.2 and 13.6 points per game.

Sophomores Ryann Bradford and Ronnie Williams gained valuable experience as rookies last season and should see plenty of action.Seniors Cory Tubo and Luke Handley provide a veteran presence to what will be a team full of new faces.

The Lakers open regular season action at home against Roberts Wesleyan on Nov. 15.