Coach: Dino Gaudio, second season at Loyola (12-16), sixth overall (48-88).
Affiliation: Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
1997-98 record: 12-16 overall, 9-9 in MAAC.
Radio: WKDB (1570 AM)
Arena: Reitz Arena (3,000).
Starters lost: One.
Tickets: $8 reserved, $5 general admission ($12 and $8 for Virginia game). Call 410-481-SEAT or 800-551-SEAT.
Best home game: Virginia, Dec. 30. The Cavaliers' program is down, but ACC schools don't come to Baltimore often.
Best visiting player: Kashif Hameed, Iona, Jan. 13. Last season's MAAC Player of the Year, a 6-foot-8 power forward, averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.
Outlook: The Greyhounds lost only one starter, but it was a big one. The team must find a way to replace Mike Powell's 23.1 points per game. Jamal Hunter, Blanchard Hurd or Ryan Blosser will be the replacement at shooting guard, while Jason Rowe returns at the point after a sophomore season in which he averaged 18.1 points and 5.2 assists. Up front, center Roderick Platt led all MAAC players in rebounds (9.1) during the 1997-98 season, adding 12.2 points per game. Platt probably will be joined by Brian Carroll, who started 16 games last season.
Around the league: A middle-of-the-road finish is likely for Loyola, as Iona should dominate with former NBA player Jeff Ruland running the show. Siena and Rider are prospective challengers.
Returning players
Name -- Ryan Blosser
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-4
Wt. -- 192
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Probable starter at small forward.
Name -- Bill Boffa
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-4
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Scant playing time to continue.
Name -- Brian Carroll
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 217
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Possible power forward option.
Name -- Blanchard Hurd
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 235
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- 14 pts., 10 reb. in first start since 1996.
@Name -- Jamal Hunter
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-5
Wt. -- 180
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- 27 pts. vs. Iona in MAAC semifinals.
@Name -- Mike Langley
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-1
Wt. -- 173
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Walk-on back for fourth season.
Name -- Brant Mack
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-1
Wt. -- 160
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Averaged 3.8 minutes in '97-98.
Name -- Apostolis Nasiou
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 220
Pos. -- C/F
Fast breaks -- Prepared to spell Platt off bench.
Name -- Roderick Platt
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-10
Wt. -- 262
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Expected to be the enforcer.
Name -- Jason Rowe
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G '
Fast breaks -- Hounds go as he goes. Period.
Newcomers
Name -- Jerome Adams
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-11
Wt. -- 170
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Behind Rowe and Jenifer at point.
Name -- Damien Jenifer
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Wt. -- 165
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- 22 ppg for 4A semifinalist Mervo.
Name -- Anthony Walker
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Promising outside shooter.
Pub Date: 11/13/98
pTC