2008 Woodie Awards
Writers discuss '07-'08 hoops season
From who will lead MU this season to which senior from last year will be missed most
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Sports
With the Miami University basketball team set to tip-off its regular season against Xavier University Tuesday at Millett Hall, basketball beat writers Ben Garbarek (BG) and Dan Kukla (DK) debate hot topics facing the RedHawk squad this season.
What senior will be missed the most?
BG: The RedHawks are going to miss Nathan Peavy most from last year's graduating class. While a lot of fans will look back fondly at Doug Penno and his miracle shot in the MAC Tourney, Penno only started two games last season and averaged 5.2 points per game. Peavy started every game for Miami University last season and ended the season as an all-MAC Honorable Mention. Michael Bramos will likely shift from shooting guard to small forward to fill in for the departed senior, but Peavy's 14.1 points and team-leading 6.3 rebounds per contest will undoubtedly be missed.
DK: Everyone remembers Penno's miracle-buzzer-beater 3-pointer that sent the RedHawks dancing last season. Although he may be dear to all of our hearts, Penno will not be the most missed senior this season. The absence of Nathan Peavy down low will leave a glaring hole for the RedHawks on both ends of the court. The RedHawks could struggle to win the battle on the boards, giving up too many rebounds and easy buckets. Tyler Dierkers and Adam Fletcher, who both have been sketchy thus far to say the least, will have to step it up big time for Miami to see success. Sure Penno had a pretty shot, but the 'Hawks have plenty of quality shooters on their squad and it's a good thing too because with a real presence in the paint they're going to need them.
Who will need to step up and lead the RedHawks this year?
BG: Miami needs Michael Bramos to step up the most this season. Bramos has been a solid contributor for the RedHawks the past two seasons, but has had the luxury of Tim Pollitz and Nathan Peavy in front of him to ease the pressure from opposing defenses. This year, Bramos will be a larger target on offense as he emerges as the RedHawks' second go-to guy next to Pollitz. Bramos will also be asked to shift from the two-guard to small forward in the starting lineup. With added weight on his shoulders and a change in position, Bramos will be a key player to watch this season for the RedHawks.
What senior will be missed the most?
BG: The RedHawks are going to miss Nathan Peavy most from last year's graduating class. While a lot of fans will look back fondly at Doug Penno and his miracle shot in the MAC Tourney, Penno only started two games last season and averaged 5.2 points per game. Peavy started every game for Miami University last season and ended the season as an all-MAC Honorable Mention. Michael Bramos will likely shift from shooting guard to small forward to fill in for the departed senior, but Peavy's 14.1 points and team-leading 6.3 rebounds per contest will undoubtedly be missed.
DK: Everyone remembers Penno's miracle-buzzer-beater 3-pointer that sent the RedHawks dancing last season. Although he may be dear to all of our hearts, Penno will not be the most missed senior this season. The absence of Nathan Peavy down low will leave a glaring hole for the RedHawks on both ends of the court. The RedHawks could struggle to win the battle on the boards, giving up too many rebounds and easy buckets. Tyler Dierkers and Adam Fletcher, who both have been sketchy thus far to say the least, will have to step it up big time for Miami to see success. Sure Penno had a pretty shot, but the 'Hawks have plenty of quality shooters on their squad and it's a good thing too because with a real presence in the paint they're going to need them.
Who will need to step up and lead the RedHawks this year?
BG: Miami needs Michael Bramos to step up the most this season. Bramos has been a solid contributor for the RedHawks the past two seasons, but has had the luxury of Tim Pollitz and Nathan Peavy in front of him to ease the pressure from opposing defenses. This year, Bramos will be a larger target on offense as he emerges as the RedHawks' second go-to guy next to Pollitz. Bramos will also be asked to shift from the two-guard to small forward in the starting lineup. With added weight on his shoulders and a change in position, Bramos will be a key player to watch this season for the RedHawks.
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