Oct. 16, 2009
PHILADELPHIA -
The La Salle men's and women's basketball teams begin practice on Friday evening in preparation for the 2009-10 season. Both squads open their campaigns during Homecoming Weekend, with the women hosting Loyola (MD) on Friday, November 13 and the men taking on Hampton on Saturday, November 14.
Dr. John Giannini returns his top four scorers, including Second Team All-Atlantic 10 point guard Rodney Green (17.8 ppg.), to a team that went 18-13 overall and 3-1 in the Philadelphia Big 5 last season. Fellow seniors Kimmani Barrett (10.8 ppg.), Yves Mekongo (10.4 ppg.) and Ruben Guillandeaux (10.1 ppg.) expect to join Green in the starting lineup.
A deep frontcourt is led by highly-regarded freshman Aaric Murray and junior Jerrell Williams, who earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie honors as a freshman. Junior Terrell Williams and redshirt freshman Devon White will also see time in the post for the Explorers.
Women's head coach Tom Lochner returns 11 of 12 letterwinners from his roster, including five players who come back for their final season in the Blue and Gold, led by Morgan Robertson and Jamie Walsh.
Robertson was a catalyst for the Explores in 2008-09, registering 11 double-doubles, the most by an Explorer in 27 years. She led the team in points (12.3) and rebounds (8.1) and finished among the nation's best in rebounds/game and free throw percentage. Walsh ended the season third on the team in points (9.9), second in assists (69), and first in minutes played (926).
Fans are invited to two preseason events, beginning with the "Friends of Bill Raftery" open practice on Friday, October 23 at 5:30 PM with a reception to follow. The final "Meet the Coaches" event will be held on Thursday, November 5 at the General Lafayette Inn in Lafayette Hill, PA.
For more information, or to RSVP contact the Athletic Advancement Office at explorerclub@lasalle.edu or 215-951-1524.
Season tickets are on sale now. Ticket plans are as low as $130. For more information, email tickets@lasalle.edu or call 215-951-1999.
