Kevin Coble has been and continues to be the key to the 'Cats' success on the court
Photo: NU Athletic Communications
STARTERS
Kevin Coble, 6’8’’, Senior
Coble’s the best player on this team. He’s led the team in scoring and rebounding each of his first three seasons, and there’s no reason to expect him he won’t for a fourth. He knows the offense better than any other NU player, and has reportedly worked on his previously suspect defense over the summer. On top of that, he spent time working out with NBA stars like Tracy McGrady and Gilbert Arenas at ATTACK Athletics in Chicago. He put on some more muscle, and that’s a good thing because he’ll be carrying the weight of this team on his back this year.
John Shurna, 6’8’’, Sophomore
Shurna could be the difference between this team going to the NIT or dancing their way into the NCAA tournament. After fighting through inconsistent playing time and a banged up wrist to average 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds last season, Shurna used the summer to refine his skills with the U19 national team in New Zealand. Always sneaky-good around the basket, Shurna only shot 35% from 3-point land last year. This season, the ‘Cats need him to improve both that and his poor rebounding. Whether or not he wants to, Coach Carmody will lean on the lanky sophomore during key stretches this year.
Kyle Rowley, 7’0’’, Sophomore
To be frank, Rowley was a project last season. Often clumsy around the basket, he was slow and often struggled to catch post passes, dribble the ball, or even to stay on his feet. Unfortunately, his hard work to improve was stunted when he suffered a stress fracture in his foot during workouts this summer. (He should be ready-to-go for Friday’s home opener, though). He could be a defensive force, but often picks up cheap fouls, traveling calls, or gets benched by Carmody. Look for him to have improved post moves (it’s all relative), and show some flashes of why he was such a highly-touted recruit. He needs to improve all facets of his game to stay in the lineup this season. In the end, if nothing else works, at least he’s seven feet tall.
BENCH
Luka Mirkovic, 6’11’’, Sophomore
Much to the surprise of many fans, Mirkovic played big minutes down the stretch last season, averaging nearly 25 minutes a game in 9 of the Wildcats last 10 contests. He enters this season with heavy expectations on his shoulder. He’ll likely play more minutes than Rowley, and will see time at the end of games. A solid post presence on both offense and defense, if Mirkovic can start knocking down some three-point shots, he’ll turn into the prototypical Princeton Offense player at the four-spot.
Ivan Peljusic, 6’8’’, Junior
Similar to Mirkovic, NU fans will grow accustomed to seeing #21 coming off the bench. A crafty passer and pesky defender, Peljusic brings energy to the team every time he steps on the floor. (He’s also one of the few Wildcats who dunked last season). Still though, he’s been known to fall into Carmody’s doghouse for turnovers and over-aggressiveness, so he’ll have to temper some of his energy when he’s in the game. On top of the that, he simply may be slowed by a lack of opportunities. The Wildcats have a crowded frontcourt and there are only a certain number of minutes to go around.
Mike Capocci, 6’6’’ Junior
Pegged as NU’s best leaper two years running, Capocci has struggled to jump into the lineup during the early part of his time here. He’s athletic, and can finish around the rim, but never has developed that outside shot so crucial for success in the Princeton Offense. He’s buried on the depth chart and will only play a few minutes a game.
Davide Curletti, 6’9’’, Sophomore
Curletti came to NU as the most unheralded member of his recruiting class (behind Shurna, Rowley, Fruendt, and Mirkovic), yet there have been rumors circulating that he could jump high into the rotation this fall. After only playing 17 games, mostly mop-up duty, last season, Curletti went mostly unnoticed. This season could be a different story though. Not that one can really judge too much off an exhibition against Robert Morris College, Curletti did play 15 minutes, grabbing six rebounds, off the bench. Don’t be surprised if he plays ten-fifteen minutes a game.
Isn’t everyone “sneaky good” under the basket in the Princeton offense? And I’m sorry if I sound inconsiderate saying this, but I hope you’re wrong about Peljusic playing major minutes. Please, Carmody, no. Keep Shurna in there for longer than 4-minute intervals.