MAAC report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

After upsetting its way to a spot opposite eventual champion Siena in the 1999 MAAC Tournament final, expectations were high for St. Peter's.

To say the Peacocks didn't meet them would be an understatement.

St. Peter's seemingly forgot how to shoot the ball, finishing last in 3-point percentage as it became painfully apparent that they had no one to consistently sink a shot from the perimeter. Ricky Bellinger, the team's leading scorer who ended his career as one of the top players in school history, had a down season, and Kamaal McQueen, the hulking center who the Peacocks were hoping to ride back to the MAAC Championship game, struggled with injuries all year.

Rodger Blind's team won only five games the entire season, and lost its final 14 games, going out with barely a whimper in the same MAAC Tournament which they had thrived in just 12 months before. The Peacocks lost to Rider, 73-58, in first round action. Following the conclusion of the disastrous campaign, Blind was dismissed.

A glance at 2001

A new coach should help stir things up for the Peacocks, which can only help. However, Bellinger leaves, which takes away the only scorer the team had, and leaves the team searching for a new identity. That, also, can be a good thing, considering St. Peter's identity last year was being the MAAC doormat. McQueen, if healthy, could see the offense run through him, as he is certainly the most capable returnee. His status isn't certain however, meaning the Peacocks may struggle in gaining a new identity.

The Coach

Bob Leckie, who spent the past 13 seasons at Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., was named men's basketball coach at St. Peter's, becoming the first alumnus ever to return to coach at the school. Leckie compiled a 241-92 (.724) record as the boys coach at Bishop Loughlin, winning seven Brooklyn titles and three Diocese of New York championships. He was named Brooklyn Coach of the Year 10 times and also was honored by the New York Catholic Coaches Association six times.

Who'll Be Back

McQueen, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound post threat, will return to anchor the middle as a senior. Joining him up front will be fifth year senior-to-be Rodney Rogers, senior-to-be Keith Sellers, and swingmen Ryan Johnson and Melvin Robinson, neither of whom did much as freshmen. Antoine Orr, a 5-foot-9 part-time starter last year, should handle the point guard duties, and could be teamed with Andrew Wisnewski, who hit just two-of-15 3-pointers last year.

Who's Gone

The backcourt of Kalief Allen and Bellinger graduated, while hard-nosed post player Jermaine Johnson will take his toughness with him. Swingman Damian Spencer also departs.

Key Newcomers

The lone addition in the early signing period was Alto Virgil (6-1, 186), a point guard from Montclair, New Jersey who should challenge for immediate playing time. Look for more players to be brought in by Leckie.