SELINSGROVE, PA (November 4, 2021) – The Susquehanna University men's basketball team in 2020-21 was a squad that was ready to make another run in the NCAA Tournament, having earned an NCAA First Round victory in 2019-20 while securing a Landmark Conference title. The pieces were there, the team was set for another big dance run, but unfortunately due to CoVID-19, the music never started.

The missed opportunity for the River Hawks was one that was tough on the team of course, but the result is that it has produced leaders this year that understand that time is of the essence. The coaching staff, and in particular head coach Frank Marcinek, have been demanding of this group because of the potential it possesses. But as many coaches will say, potential is only good if it's realized.

Marcinek, who's now in his 33^rd season at the helm of the Susquehanna men's basketball team, knows that to unlock that potential that he, his staff and the leaders on the team will need to focus on the process. "My expectations are more of the process type, my expectations are for people to be great teammates, for people to be great communicators, be the best they can be at their roles. That's where my mind is set right now."

The good thing this year is that the opening practices for the squad came over break, which allowed a ton of reps for a team that sports two classes of players that haven't experienced college basketball. "We took advantage of being on the court as much as we could…when we miss a full season like we did, you wonder what the ramifications are. I've been fairly demanding, and I'll continue to be demanding to get our young guys where they need to be."

Throughout the seasons, the younger players have been instrumental in the success of the SU men's basketball team, looking no further back than 2019-20 when then sophomores Lukas Yurasits and Danny Frauenheim each were All-Landmark Conference performers and huge contributors. The year before, junior Dominic Dunn was named as the Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year.

That youth though couldn't have progressed like it did without leadership, and this year the upperclassmen have already showed great energy, passion and focus in preseason. "Our senior class is very strong," said Marcinek. "There are four real leaders in our senior class…Wes Simons is a junior that has senior experience. Howie Rankine, Jr. is very confident in being a good leader for us."

That mentality shows on the floor for the River Hawks, who like to play fast and share the ball. That ability to trust each other, make the extra pass and get up and down the floor showed as the River Hawks led the Landmark Conference in points per game, field goals per game and field goal attempts. Also, the ability for SU to find open shooters and not turn the ball over has been key, finishing 2019-20 with the best assist-turnover margin in the Landmark.

That style looks to continue this season with a strong compliment of guards that can both attack the rim and make shots. Additionally, SU was first in the conference two years ago in offensive boards, which provided more opportunities to wear defenses down. If things go correctly for SU, and the younger group meshes well like Marcinek believes it will, another trip to the NCAA Tournament could be in store for the River Hawks.

A full positional breakdown is below:

GUARDS
The River Hawks are return a strong backcourt group this season, while bringing in some exciting first-year players that should develop into strong contributors along the way. Senior Danny Frauenheim is coming off an All-Landmark Conference First Team season in which he led the Landmark and was 17^th nationally in assists with 160 for the season. Frauenheim is just as much of a problem for opposition on the defensive end, as he was first in the Landmark in steals with 60 as well. His assist to turnover ratio of 2.86 was 17^th in the country, and he will return to make another big impact for SU.

Lukas Yurasits had a huge season as the River Hawks went 21-8 in 2019-20, as he led the team with 14.1 points per game, making 62 three-pointers while getting to the line a team-leading 107 times. A true combo guard, Yurasits shot nearly 39 percent from three-land as a sophomore. Look for more of the same this year in 2021-22 as a guy that can get big buckets.

Howie Rankine, Jr. is back after playing in 16 games as a first-year two seasons ago, but he looks strong out of the gate as a slashing guard that fits into the system that SU likes to play. Senior Jay Martin, who played in all 29 games as a key reserve for that NCAA Tournament squad, brings toughness, leadership, and grit to the lineup. The ability to play inside-out, Martin is also able to defend all five positions as his versatility will be key this winter.

Junior Quincy Haughton had a solid opening season for SU in 17 games off the bench in '19-20 and is another guard that can make sure and make it difficult for opposition. Pat Corbett returns as well as a guard from Cherry Hill, NJ after playing in six games as a newcomer in 2019-20.

There is an array of newcomers chopping at the bit in the backcourt, as SU has seven guards that are listed as sophomores or first-years. Sophomore Joey Sacco is the lone player with collegiate experience, as the Vassar College transfer played in every game for the Brewers two seasons ago. A good distributor and defender, Sacco will look to use that experience to bolster the lineup. Fellow sophomore Noah Klinewski is a long, tough guard that does a lot of things well on both ends of the floor.

Steven Ressler and Cooper Haberern each have shown well in preseason and look to be immediate contributors for the River Hawks. Ressler is a fierce competitor and play both guard spots, and Haberern is an athletic, high IQ player who is a strong perimeter shooter. The coaching staff also has high hopes for Mu Salako, Ethan Stoute and Alon Barksdale, each of whom have a ton of potential and fit into the scheme well.

FORWARDS
The forward group for the River Hawks brings a lot of versatility, as Susquehanna can play either big with two forwards and a center or even go smaller with four guards and a forward. The ability to mix and match allows the coaches to dictate things and exploit opportunities against opposition.

One of the match-up nightmares for the River Hawks is back in the form of Dominic Dunn. The 6-5 wing player possesses the ability to play inside due to his strength while also being able to step out and hit the three. Dunn can attack off the bounce from the wing and was honored as an All-Landmark Conference player as a first-year.

Martin can slide over the to the four as well for SU, as will another wing player in Thomas Sampson. Sampson played in 23 games for SU as a sophomore, starting three times, and was an efficient scorer and defender when on the floor. First-year Isaiah Oluajayi has is very athletic and has a high ceiling, as someone that can slash and attack while using his 6-5 frame to rebound and defend.

The more traditional big men for Susquehanna have a vital role of being able to get players open and finish around the basket. Senior Wes Simons played in 23 games as a sophomore in 2019-20, shooting 53 percent from the floor.

Jack Van Syckle is another post player that can maneuver on the block, as he uses his 6-9, 250 frame to his advantage. Van Syckle has nice touch around the rim and tabbed 44 rebounds in just over seven minutes a game two seasons ago. Ryan Collins and Stuart McAvoy have been with the program now for three seasons and will be looking to get more run as the pair of seniors have been strong leaders and mentors this season.

COACHING STAFF
Frank Marcinek is back after he and his staff earned Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year two seasons ago, as he returns for his 33^rd season at Susquehanna. Marcinek has 16^th on the active Division III head coach list for wins in his career with 454. Marcinek is joined on the bench by Evan Fisher, a former All-MAAC second teamer at Siena College in Albany, NY. Chad Bailey, Mark Prusch and Eldon Hoy also return to assist this season.