Talented freshmen give Penn a boost in basketball

Penn has one of the most inexperienced men's basketball teams in the Ivy League, so the assumption is that the Quakers will struggle after going 20-13 last season and finishing second with an 11-3 league record.

Gone are Ivy League player-of-the-year Zack Rosen; Tyler Bernardini, who averaged 12.2 points; and defensive stopper Rob Belcore.

The lone returning player who was a double-figure scorer is 6-foot-3 junior guard Miles Cartwright, who averaged 10.8 points.

Why, with such an inexperienced unit - predicted to finish fifth in the league - is coach Jerome Allen so upbeat?

It starts with a four-member freshman class that ranks with the best in the Ivy League.

"The entire group has been a joy to watch," Allen said. "Each of the four has been consistent in their effort."

The most highly touted of the newcomers is 6-2 guard Tony Hicks, who was named Ivy League preseason freshman of the year by a few publications.

"Tony Hicks is one heck of a scorer," Cartwright said.

The other three freshmen are 6-5 guard Julian Harrell, 6-11 center Darien Nelson-Henry, and 6-0 point guard Jamal Lewis.

All have made an impression on Cartwright.

"Darien is the biggest body since I've been here, and he is skilled and passes the ball really well," Cartwright said. "Jamal Lewis brings athleticism at the point-guard position we haven't had, and he is so quick and strong and makes great decisions."

And Harrell?

"Julian is athletic and can also put the ball in the basket," Cartwright said.

One senses that the veteran is eager to get on the court in an actual game with this new cast.

"The four freshmen are obviously really good, and I am excited for them," Cartwright said.

He also is excited for the rest of the team.

"We feel we have enough to win the league," Cartwright said.

Whoa.

Didn't he read the preseason predictions?

"We love playing the underdog, and if people want to count us out, fine," he said.

Of course, Cartwright will be regarded as the offensive leader. Over the summer, he and fellow Penn tri-captain Fran Dougherty played on a college all-star team that toured Belgium, Germany, and France.

"It was truly a blessing and a great experience," Cartwright said.

Dougherty, a 6-8 junior forward from Archbishop Wood, averaged 16.6 minutes last year. Penn's other captain is 6-4 junior guard Dau Jok, who averaged 2.6 minutes.

So this is an inexperienced team, one that could be helped by the quick development of the freshmen.

For his part, Allen isn't revealing too much about playing time, although he is more than willing to dispense it to deserving parties.

"I have 200 minutes in my pocket, and they have to go in my pocket to get them because I am not giving them away," he said.

Allen has kept an open mind as players battle to pick his pocket, so to speak.

One player who has done enough impressing in the past is Cartwright, but he vows not to force the issue. He doesn't believe he has to score a certain number of points for the Quakers to win.

"If Coach needs me to run the offense and facilitate, I will do that, and if he needs me to score, I can do that," Cartwright said. "I won't sit here and say I'm ready to score a lot of points, because all I want to do is what the coach needs."

Allen likely will need an increase in offense, but more important will be the leadership expected from Cartwright.

"I am not asking Miles to be Zack [Rosen]," Allen said. "I just want him to be Miles Cartwright and lead the group."

It seems like a reasonable request, and one that Cartwright appears ready to accommodate in his quest to please the coach and prove the preseason prognosticators wrong.

Coach: Jerome Allen (fourth season, 39-43; 23-19 Ivy League)

Last year: 20-13, 11-3 Ivy (second).

Top returning players: Miles Cartwright (6-3 junior guard, 10.8 ppg., 2.1 apg.); Fran Dougherty (6-8 junior forward, 4.5 ppg., 4.0 rpg.); Henry Brooks (6-8 sophomore forward, 4.6 ppg., 2.5 rpg.); Steve Rennard (6-2 junior guard, 3.7 ppg.); Dau Jok (6-4 junior guard).

Top newcomers: Tony Hicks (6-2 freshman guard); Julian Harrell (6-5 freshman guard); Darien Nelson-Henry (6-11 freshman center); Jamal Lewis (6-0 freshman guard).

Outlook: Penn was picked fifth in the preseason Ivy League media poll because many don't know how the newcomers will perform. The freshmen, led by Hicks, should have a major impact. Whether they are ready to contribute consistent play will be the question. Cartwright has the ability to step up, and Dougherty could be among the more improved players. Penn must replace Ivy League player-of-the-year Zack Rosen and several other key veterans. A winning overall and league record is a realistic goal, but contention for the Ivy League title may be a year away.

- Marc Narducci

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