If the games were played on paper, then the Duquesne Men’s Basketball Team wouldn’t stand a chance, at least according to the other coaches in the Atlantic 10..
Duquesne was picked to finish last in the Atlantic 10 Conference and did not land any players on the A-10 Preseason All-Conference, All-Defense or All-Rookie teams in the 2012 A-10 Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
However the other coaches may know what they are talking about as first-year head coach Jim Ferry could have his hands full right off the bat.
The Dukes bring back only two starters and only one of their top five scorers from last season in senior guard Sean Johnson (13.5 PPG). Six-six forward Andre Marhold (5.1 PPG, 4.0 RPG) is DU’s other returning starter.
“Our focus this year will be on establishing our system, working hard and getting better every day,” said Ferry. “If we can keep our focus on getting better, everything else will take care of itself.”
The Atlantic 10 – with the addition of first-year members VCU and Butler (picked to finish sixth) – is expected to be one of the most balanced leagues in the country as was reflected by the preseason poll that saw six teams receive two or more first place votes. That alone could spell trouble for Duquesne, who is short on A-10 experience, although Ferry sounds like he is up for the challeege.
“We have Atlantic 10 caliber players, but we lack Atlantic 10 experience,” said Ferry. “We need to find a way to get our players meaningful experience quickly. The Atlantic 10 is going to be an outstanding conference this season. It will be a challenge every night.”
Saint Joseph’s, Saint Louis, VCU and Temple were picked to finish first through fourth.
Duquesne begins its season on November 1 with an exhibition against Carnegie Mellon
Photo Credit: Duquesne
