MAAC report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

The Golden Griffins were forced to deal with injuries and ailments all season, particularly in the first half of the campaign, when six players were forced to undergo magnetic resonance imaging, prompting Coach Mike MacDonald to dub his squad "Team MRI."

Through all the setbacks, center Darren Fenn shined, amassing double doubles and giving MacDonald the only consistent performer he had all season.

Canisius was hit or miss for most of the 1999-2000 season, competing with some of the best teams and sometimes being blown out of the water by some of the lesser squads.

Also casting a shadow over the Griffs' season was the constant back trouble of Dale Sawyers, a senior leader who gave Fenn an additional warrior beside him when he was healthy, which wasn't often.

After a 2-10 record in non-conference play, Canisius bounced back to go 8-10 in MAAC action, tying for seventh place in the conference. As the No. 8 seed in the MAAC Tournament, the Griffs managed to get past Loyola, 83-69, and stayed with regular season champion Siena before succumbing, 82-71, to end the season.

A glance at 2001

Fenn will be a Player-of-the-Year candidate and unquestionably the top center in the conference. After averaging a double-double a year ago, Fenn will look to better those numbers and make himself into a pro candidate. He should have more help, as forwards Hodari Mallory and Toby Foster will be sophomores and Tory Jefferson arrives from Rhode Island.

The key to the season should be whether MacDonald finds another big body to bang alongside Fenn. Foster, at 6-6, 230, has the size, but prefers to hang around the perimeter. Guards Clive Bentick and Brian Dux, interchangeable at the guard slots, both return.

The Coach

MacDonald had his worst season at Canisius, finishing 10-20. The coach will look to turn things around with Fenn, who has been with him since he was hired to take the job nearly four years ago.

Who'll Be Back

Foster and Mallory return to anchor the frontline alongside the 6-foot-10 Fenn. They will likely be backed up by little-used Alex Barnhill, Pat Spitler, and Andrew Bush. Mallory could also swing to the two-guard spot if Dux or Bentick comes off the bench. Damon Young, who was slow to come back after missing 1999 with an injury, also adds backcourt depth.

Who's Gone

Dorian McClure, a two guard who had a disappointing season, graduated. Also gone is Sawyers, whose back trouble robbed the team of a valuable warrior. Matt Tribul, a little used backup center, completed his eligibility as well.

Key Newcomers

Jefferson, a 6-foot-6 forward, is quick and agile, possibly giving the Griffs an option opposite Fenn. Although not exactly a warrior, Jefferson gets things done with his athleticism and is a good leaper. DeWitt Doss (5-9, 170), out of Niagara Falls (LaSalle), comes with a reputation as a pesky defender and reliable playmaker, while Liverpool, N.Y.'s Jon Ferris (6-7, 235) offers another big body to a team badly in need of it.