With the hiring of Billy Lange, former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach, the St. Joe’s men’s basketball team has officially begun a new era. Lange brings different energy and excitement, and most importantly, a different coaching style.
But what does this mean for the current Hawk players and recruits?
All three St. Joe’s recruits, Hakim Hart, Kenan Sarvan and Jameer Nelson, Jr., have reopened their recruitment process. Yes, there is a chance they may reconsider St. Joe’s with the new hire, but it’s unlikely because they made a commitment to a Martelli-led St. Joe’s team, not Lange’s team.
As far as I can see, the Hawk roster will look far different from last season.
Redshirt sophomore Charlie Brown will declare for the 2019 NBA draft and will either play in the NBA or play internationally next year.
On March 31, freshman guard Jared Bynum announced via Twitter his intent to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. This potential loss is a blow to the St. Joe’s roster and fanbase. The versatile guard, who at one time was in the top-five of the NCAA for assist-to-turnover ratio, is going to be difficult to replace.
That won’t be the case for junior guard Ryan Daly, who is almost guaranteed to return for the 2019-2020 season. After transferring from the University of Delaware after the 2017-2018, in order to transfer again, Daly would likely have to sit out the entirety of the 2019-2020 season at another school unless he is granted a waiver by the NCAA.
For redshirt sophomore forward Lorenzo Edwards, it’s a different story.
Players like Edwards, who bring size and shooting ability to the floor, are what Division 1 programs look for. Like Bynum, his opportunities outside of St. Joe’s will be vast if he enters the transfer portal.
Graduate transfer Troy Holston and sophomore Anthony Longpre should be here for the 2019-2020 season. Longpre’s lack of offensive and defensive efficiency will likely yield minimal interest from other schools.
The chance of Holston playing his final year at another new school with a completely new team is slim especially with a new coach in the mix for the Hawks. With Lange in as head coach, Holston is being provided a fresh start to make his mark with the Hawks.
With two-to-three graduate transfer or junior college additions to the roster for next season, the Hawks have a chance to compete. Will they win the Atlantic-10 Conference? Highly unlikely, but they have a chance to compete.
No matter who stays and who leaves, it will be up to Lange to pull together a team who is willing to compete each day and night for the sake of the name on their chest. Next season will be the start of a legacy on Hawk Hill.
