GETTING INSIDE

Greg Jackson made the Hornets a program that regularly contended for the MEAC championship by recruiting freshmen and molding them into key contributors. Last season, Jackson tried to change the formula by adding a batch of junior college recruits to the mix.

It didn’t work, and Delaware State only won eight games.

Jackson goes back to the drawing board this season, as 11 newcomers join the program, including seven freshmen, three junior college transfers and a Division I transfer.

The new guys should expect on-the-job training.

Of the returnees, only the three incumbent starters can be counted on to be regular contributors. They are undersized senior forward Frisco Sandidge, third-year point guard Trevor Welcher and senior guard Marcus Neal, a dangerous outside shooter.

Of the newcomers, 6-7 forward Marques Oliver is probably the best of the bunch and he will be counted on to help the 6-6 Sandidge in the paint.

Aside from the three incumbent starters, no other returnee on the roster made a major statistical contribution.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Delaware State badly needs increased offensive production. The Hornets averaged a meager 57.7 points per game, and closed the year with a dismal 32 points in an opening-round loss in the MEAC tournament, combining with Hampton for the lowest-scoring game in the history of that tourney.

• Senior F Frisco Sandidge stands only 6-6 but led the team in rebounding last season.

• F Marques Oliver has been joined at Delaware State by his twin brother, Brandon. The two players wanted to compete at the college level as teammates, and got their wish.

Last Year:   8-24, 6-10; Lost in MEAC opening round.

Head Coach:   Greg Jackson (303-213); 10th year at school (140-135).

Quote To Note:   “Based on last year’s finish and the number of guys that we have returning, being picked where we are does not surprise me all that much. However, this is a preseason poll and how our team performs on the court is really what matters. We’ve got a young team this year and we know that we need to get our guys prepared to return among the MEAC elite and put last season behind us.”—Greg Jackson, on Delaware State being picked ninth in the preseason poll.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   Los Angeles native Amir Bell could make an immediate impact. Bell played for Lighthouse Christian Academy in Dallas last season and coach Greg Jackson likes the kid’s game. Jabari Joyner, Justin May and Johnny Newman were added to the ranks this spring and summer. Joyner won a state title for his high school squad in New Jersey. Sophomore F Jay Threatt last played at George Mason, where he struggled on and off the court before leaving in late December of his freshman season.

Key Early-season Games:   The Hornets benefit from playing their first five games of the season at home, but make up for it with a rugged December schedule. In that month, Delaware State plays five consecutive road games, opening the month against Maryland-Eastern Shore on Dec. 5, followed by trips to Arkansas, Arkansas State, Ohio State and UCLA.

Program Direction:   Coach Greg Jackson built his program on developing young players and he has plenty of youngsters to develop right now. In the long term, that could make Delaware State a contender in the MEAC down the road. For now, though, the Hornets could face a long season-especially given that grueling non-conference schedule.

Probable Starting Lineup:   PG Trevor Welcher, SG Marcus Neal, SF Amir Bell, F Marques Oliver, PF Friso Sandidge.

Roster Report:  

• Coach Greg Jackson made four late additions to his roster: junior college transfers Terron Stowe and Brandon Baylor, and freshmen Andre Wilburn and Alibaba Odd, the latter of which is guaranteed to warrant immediate consideration for the all-name team.

• Greg Jackson, entering his 10th season at Delaware State, will coach his 300th game at the helm of the Hornets’ program during the coming campaign.

• Last year marked the first time that Delaware State did not advance at least to the MEAC quarterfinals in Greg Jackson’s tenure as coach.