After showing improvement last year, the men’s basketball team will be relying on some new faces for continued progress.
The Pride finished with a 12-17 overall record last season, a five-game improvement from 2021. It was the most wins for the team since the team’s first year, 2016-17.
But many of the year’s top players are gone.
The team’s biggest hole to fill maybe that created by Mikell Cooper’s graduation. The two-year starter and a first-team All-GLIAC selection, either led or was tied for the team lead in average points scored per game.
Another productive player who is not returning is Alou Dillon, the team’s second-leading scorer behind Cooper and a second-team All-GLIAC selection in ’22.
Cooper and Dillon finished in first or second place on the team leaderboard in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game. Plus, they were the team’s only two all-conference selections from last year.
Beyond this duo, the team must replace three other players who started more than 10 games in 2022.
That means the team must build around returning players.
Senior guard Anthony Irvin will be back. Last season, he was third in games started, second in total minutes, and fourth in average scoring. Irvin has become a player that the entire team can rely on in times of need.
“Ant means so much to our program, on and off the floor,” said coach Boomer Roberts in an interview posted on the PNW Athletics website. “He loves hoops, loves competing, and loves his teammates. He is super consistent in the practice and in the games.
“There are areas where he can improve, but he really wants to,” he said. “That’s why he is always on the floor in crunch time because he has earned so much trust from the coaching staff and his teammates.”
Senior guard Kalil Whitehead will also be expected to contribute, as he is shaping out to be one of the most efficient shooters in the conference. Last season, he shot 66% from the field, 59% from the three-point line and 86% from the free-throw line.
“He is one of those guys that can change the game at any moment,” said Roberts.
The team also features six new players – three graduate transfers, two Junior College transfers, and one freshman.
“I think our team is a fun team to watch,” Roberts said. “They are about each other and about other people. We are just a part of the fabric of Purdue Northwest, but it is a really fun part.”
