2007-08 College Basketball Preview
Robert Morris
By Jason Smith

The 2007-2008 season looks to be a promising one for Robert Morris basketball, as new head coach Mike Rice is intent on taking his team to new levels. Rice was Jamie Dixon's Head Assistant Coach at Pitt last year, and was instrumental at bringing in recruits. The Colonials finished with a 17-11 record last season including an early exit from the NEC Tournament, but return four starters from last years squad. "Defense wins NEC championships, and everyday we need to get better," Coach Rice said in a phone interview. While the Colonials are rich in offense, defense will be instrumental in defining how Robert Morris's season will pan out.

Senior Guard Tony Lee last year became the first junior in NEC league history to eclipse 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 250 assists, while fellow teammate Forward A.J. Jackson also surpassed 1,000 point mark in his career. Both will need to further their roles as leaders on this team, along with Junior Guard Jeremy Chappell who Coach Rice feels is primed to have a strong season after what has been an up and down collegian career thus far.

Mike Rice brought in four recruits in his inaugural season, Fr. G Kalif Foster, Fr. G Gary Wallace, Fr. F Will Royal, and Transfer F Bateko Francisco who will add nice depth to the team. While Francisco is the most ready to play, Rice will look to Wallace for solid minutes as well. Robert Morris has the talent and coaching in place to make a run at the NEC Championship this year if they can get quality minutes from their defense and their offense remains as productive as last season.