Fordham Team Report

GETTING INSIDE

Back in April Fordham issued a statement in support of Rams head coach Dereck Whittenburg coming off last season’s awful three-win season, which included a 1-15 record in the Atlantic 10.

Whittenburg enters his seventh season, and he’s never won more than 18 games. He’s had just two seasons at .500 or better, one of which was 16-16.

Last season was his second in which the Rams didn’t reach double-digit wins. The administration expressed confidence that Whittenburg will once-and-for-all have the Rams competitive in the A-10.

Fordham got a boost when sophomore Jio Fontan, the team’s leader in scoring and assists, decided to return to school this summer. He and Alberto Estwick, a pair of guards from St. Anthony’s in Jersey City, had solid seasons amid the mess of a 14th consecutive season without postseason play.

They’ll need to be spectacular this season because as young as the Rams were last season, they’ll be even younger this time. Six rookies will join seven returning players.

Clearly, the newcomers play a significant role in how much the Rams improve this season.

It will be intriguing to see how Whittenburg positions his players. Of his 14 roster players, nine are guards.

One thing is for sure. No matter who plays what position, if the Rams don’t shoot better, it won’t matter.

Fordham finished last season with a 37.9 shooting percentage. That ranked 326th out of 330 NCAA Teams.

And that is not good.

NOTES, QUOTES

• G Jio Fontan decided over the summer to return to Fordham for his sophomore season, or at least the school wasn’t receptive to his desire to transfer so the standout point guard is back. Fontan was named the to the A-10 all-rookie team after leading the team in scoring (15.3), while also dishing out a team-best 132 assists, plus a team-high 33 steals. His 429 points was third-most for a Fordham freshman.

• Fordham will play two games at NBA arenas this winter. The Rams’ non-conference game against Villanova will be played at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., on Dec. 19 and will face A-10 foe Dayton at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 13.

• Seven of Fordham’s eight returning players are guards who stand between 5-foot-11 and 6-4. Junior Jacob Green, 6-foot-9, 220 pounds, is the lone returner in the front court.

Last Year:   3-25 overall, 1-15 in the A-10.

Head Coach:   Dereck Whittenburg (career 135-158); 7th year at Fordham (68-108).

Quote To Note:   “I think that’s a question for the administration. To be honest with you, I don’t know why they’re in the A-10.”—Coach Dereck Whittenburg to the New York Daily News when asked last February if Fordham is in over its head in the A-10.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   This is one of the largest incoming classes ever at Fordham. Leading the newcomers are guards Lance Brown, Brennan Melvin and Danny Thompson, who will join with forwards Brian Freeman, Chris Gaston, another St. Anthony player who went on to prep school, and Fahro Alihodzic. Brown led Paterson Catholic to the Bergen County (N.J.) title last year, while Melvin guided Bishop Verot (Fla.) to its first state Final Four appearance and earned player of the year honors.

Key Early-season Games:   The Rams open the season at home against Maine on Nov. 13 and face a tough double dip in mid-December at St. John’s (Dec. 13) and against Villanova (Dec. 19) in East Rutherford, N.J.

Program Direction:   Fordham has no place to go but up after just three wins last season, or do they? The faithful are getting impatient for meaningful March basketball again. There is hope because the Rams have a young roster, but the added experience will need to translate to wins this season to keep the Rams out of the A-10 basement and to keep coach Dereck Whittenburg, in all likelihood, employed.

Probable Starting Lineup:   PG Jio Fontan, SG Brenton Butler, SF Chris Gaston, PF Jacob Green, C Fahro Alihodzic.

Roster Report:  

• G Brenton Butler will be expected to provide the young Rams with leadership and guidance. The senior captain, who missed most of last season after suffering an injury in the seventh game of the year, averaged 9.6 points and 2.4 rebounds.

• F Jacob Green, a transfer from West Virginia, averaged 6.2 points and 3.7 rebounds, plus led the Rams with 35 blocked shots upon becoming eligible last season in December.

• G Alberto Estwick enjoyed a successful freshman season, averaging 7.1 points and three rebounds while finishing second on the team with 38 3-point field goals. He’ll be expected to increase his proficiency from the perimeter.