Fordham Rams Basketball Tickets

Fordham's 13-16 record was the best at the school since 2000, and ie Rams' eight league wins were the most since diey joined the Atlantic-10 a decade ago. Now, can Dereck Whittenburg's young team take the next step and play well from November to March? "Last year we laid the groundwork and took the first steps towards where we think we can go," says Whittenburg. "We need to keep adding players to our talent base and keep improving, but I like where we are headed." Starting three freshmen and a sophomore much of the year, the Rams began the season 4—8 but were a tough out in conference play. Wins over Xavier, Temple and Rhode Island (twice) opened plenty of eyes, and the Rams closed the season strong, with their first-ever A-10 Tournament victory (over Duquesne) before bowing out with a loss to George Washington in die quarterfinals.
The core of last year's team remains intact, although replacing aggressive rebounder Mushon Ya'akosi won't be easy. Whittenburg struck gold when he recruited forward Bryant Dunston out of Brooklyn two years ago. All Dunston did was become the A-10's Rookie of die Year and a second-team all-conference pick, displaying die tough inside-outside game that is difficult to defend. Point guard Marcus Stout was another all-rookie pick, providing the outside scoring punch and aggressive on-the-ball defense that Whittenburg needed. Kevin Anderson, a wing guard, was the third impact frosh. He started 27 games, and while he didn't score like Whittenburg thought he would, Anderson did pick up all sons of experience and could be ready for a breakout season. "Last year's freshmen all played well and gave us a boost we needed. The challenge is to keep progressing, keep moving forward," says Whittenburg.
The other returning starter is senior Jermaine Anderson, a strong outside shooter (73 threes) who combines with Stout to give the Rams some scoring punch from the perimeter. A return to health of forward Dominic Osei will help the cause. Before he fractured a shin and missed nearly two months, Osei started 11 games and averaged 5.2 points per game.
Whittenburg landed an apparent impact newcomer. Chris Bethel, a strong6'5" forward from powerhouse St. Raymond's High in New York, will see significant action if he shows he can rebound. Forward Demetrius Phillips could also surprise.