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The 2007-08 basketball season promises to be one filled with excitement and measured expectations for the Howard University men’s basketball team. The Bison coaching staff has assembled a group of young returning “veterans” to go along with some fine recruits and a key transfer in hopes that it will all come together as the season progresses and provide the foundation for a strong program in future years.
Much of the season’s success in the early season will depend on the play of Jeron Smith, Eugene Myatt and Randy Hampton. Smith, a 6-5 senior guard from Chino, CA is the team’s only senior. He played both guard positions, starting 13 games and averaging a little over three points per game while ranking third in steals. An outstanding student, Smith will be expected to provide leadership to the team.
Myatt, a 6-6 junior wing player from Philadelphia, PA, was off to an all-conference start, averaging 15 points and 3.5 rebounds before succumbing to an ankle fracture in the 12th game of the season. He is one of the top scorers in the conference and if he is fully recovered, gives the Bison a consistent scoring threat.
Hampton is a 6-5 junior forward transfer from Drexel University. A former standout at Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, Hampton gives Howard a strong rebounder and a scorer around the basket. He brings much-needed intensity to the young squad.
The Bison also welcome the return of Curtis White, a 6-4 sophomore sharpshooter from Indianapolis, IN, who was an early candidate for the all rookie team before he too, suffered a fractured ankle that ended his season after only 10 games. He was averaging over 5 points per game as a reserve and was shooting 64 percent from the floor. If healthy, he gives the Bison both an accomplished three-point threat as well as one of the most cerebral players on the team.
Julius Hearn showed flashes of making the transition from shooting guard to point guard during the season, The 6-0, 180-pound sophomore from Chicago, IL started 15 games averaged four points per game but he led the team in assists with 72. He should be much improved with the season’s experience under his belt and primed to handle the pressure of the position.
Dominique Davis also showed marked improvement and displayed flashes late in the season. The 5-11, 177-pound junior guard from Washington, DC started two games and averaged a little under three points per game while learning to play the position. A very strong defensive player, Davis will split time with Hearn.
The Bison are really excited about the talent of Kyle Riley, a 6-3 freshman from Indianapolis, IN, who is a fine shooter and an outstanding all-around player. Riley has the potential to be one of the top freshmen in the conference and he will be relied upon heavily to contribute early.
Kandi Mukole is a 6-8, 215-pound sophomore from Atlanta, GA, who started 9 games and averaged almost 5 points per game while leading the team in blocks with 21. He has tremendous upside and his talent and versatility on both the wing and around the basket will be key.
After a slow start, the light bulb finally went off late in the season for Paul Kirkpatrick. The 6-9, 220-pound sophomore from Randallstown, MD emerged as one of the top young post players in the MEAC after starting 20 games. The sky is the limit for the young post player who did start playing the sport until his junior year in high school.
The coaching staff is also excited about the potential of Adam Walker and Anthony Thomas and what they bring to the frontcourt. Walker is a 6-8, 190-pound freshman from New York. He is very active and very agile and will bring energy and athleticism to the frontcourt.
Thomas is a 6-6, 205-pound freshman from Glen Burnie, MD who brings a physical presence to the frontcourt with his ability to bang and be physical on the boards and around the basket.
Torrance Timothy is a 6-5, 185-pound freshman who could contribute as the season progresses while Nate Cooper, a 6-8, 220-pound sophomore from Camden, NJ will be looking to improve and provide depth and size to the frontcourt.
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