USD Men's Basketball 2002-2003

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TORERO OUTLOOK

A MIXOFKEYRETURNERS AND NEWPLAYERS TO SHAPE TORERO FORTUNES IN 2002-2003 SEASON 9TH YEAR COACH BRAD HOLLAND -

Ninth -year coach Brad Holland lost three starters and five players from last year's 16-13 squad that accounted for 80 percent of his team's scoring. De– spite these key losses, the cupboard was not left bare as he returns six players that played key roles in USD's success, and two more big men that practiced with the team, but did not play. Additionally, he brings in five new recruits that give the Toreros added athleticism. Look for much of the same from previously coached Holland teams - great team play, tenacious defense, so lid rebounding and a never-say-die attitude. The Toreros have strung together four straight winning seasons, tota ling 70 victories, and have notched seven straight campaigns of .500 or better marks.

THE TORERO SENIOR CLASS -

Despite losing top scorer Andre Laws, a First Team All-WCC pick and ._ a District 15 2nd Team honoree, and four-year performers Sam Adamo, Tom Lippold and Kevin Hanson, the Toreros have a new quartet of seniors ready to take over the leadership role for this club. Holland will look to seniors Jason ~::::,:~~;-----....;::::~'...,_____ j Blair, Roy Morris, Matt Delzell and Jason Keep to lead the way in 2002-2003 . Look for the 6-7 Blair to be USD's go-to guy thi s season. Last year he averaged 14.4 points per game and a team-best 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 55.5 percent from the field and 77 .7 percent from the free throw line. He tallied five double-double outings in points and rebounds with personal-bests of32 points against LMU and 17 boards against Santa Clara. His numbers were even better in WCC play at 17.3 ppg and 8.1 rpg as he earned All-WCC Honorable Mention honors. Additional leadership and experience will be provided by 6-2 senior guard Roy Morris and 6-2 senior wing Matt Delzell. Morris is a quality guard that can play both backcourt positions, and when healthy, is one of the top guards in the West Coast Conference. Last

season he overcame offseason foot surgery and was playing extremely well the second half of the year. He tallied 19 points at Gonzaga, making all five three-point attempts, and he tossed in 17 points against the Zags in the WCC Tournament. He averaged 12.0 ppg over USD's final four contests. Delzell is considered one of the team's best defensive players, and his smart play at both ends of the floor is a huge positive for Holland's team-first style of play. A three-time WCC All-Academic selection, Delzell has the ability to knock the shot down during crunch time - he made all six of his shots, including three treys, in USD's I-point home loss to Gonzaga. Look for the Toreros to be much improved with their inside game with the addition of6- 10 senior center Jason Keep. A transfer from Oklahoma State, Keep is an extremely powerful and athletic player that will give opponents fits at both ends of the floor. He sat out last season after playing on two NCAA Tournament teams with the OSU Cowboys. During his second season with the Cowboys, Keep played in 23 games and earned 6 starts for a team that finished 20-10 and advanced to the 2nd Round. During his two years at Oklahoma State, Keep converted 58.0 percent of his shots from the floor. THE TORERO RETURNERS - A trio of sophomores return that played a good portion last season - that group includes 6-3 point guard Mike McGrain , 6-6 wing Corey Belser and 6-10 center Ryan Hegarty. McGrain, who quarterbacked the team with both poise and leadership not seen by many true-freshmen, started the first 21 games before mi ssing the last six regular-season games with a foot injury. He aver– aged 4.2 ppg and 3.4 rpg whi le dishing out a team-best 3.0 assists per game. Belser is one of the team's better athletes and should improve hi s offensive

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