Much Ado About Gaels 2013-2014 Roster Part 2 – Non Guards
By Simon Tryzna
Garrett Jackson will look to play a key role for the Gaels at the 3 spot in his first year of eligibility after transferring from USC.
The thing that makes the Saint Mary’s roster interesting is that they essentially have two types of players: guards and non-guards. Today we will look at the returning non guards:
Brad Waldow – Brad will be the Gaels starting center next year. He has very soft hands around the basket and made a name for himself on being on the other end of a beautiful Matthew Dellavedova pass. I doubt he will have those same easy looks next year, so he’ll have to post up more than usual. His ability to be at the right place and the right time will be big for Saint Mary’s as he should continue to fill up the buckets off of put backs.
Beau Levesque – Last year, Beau split time with Mitchell Young at the 4 spot. With Young gone, Levesque will be most likely be teamed up with Matt Hodgson to start off the year, each averaging 18-10 mins per game. Levesque is a bit undersized for a typical power forward but he makes up for that with a deadly three point shot. Has the ability to back down an opponent as needed and plays good defense.
Matt Hodgson – Hodgson was looked upon many fans to be a breakout star last year as the replacement for Rob Jones. While he struggled at times, he also showed flashes of brilliance (two key blocks vs. BYU, step-back jumper & monster dunk on back to back posesions at Pepperdine) last year. With Young and Rowley gone, the minutes are there for Hodgson to come in and earn.
Garrett Jackson – Jackson will most likely play at three spot. He red shirted last year after coming over from USC, where he played in all but one game in his two years, including 14 starts as a sophomore. I can see him starting at the 3 spot over someone like Calvin Hermanson and Chris Reyes only because of his experience.
Chris Reyes – Reyes was a top prospect coming into Saint Mary’s and red shirted last year. With only Levesque & Waldow as returning mainstays in the Gael rotation, the minutes are there for him to grab.
Eividas Petrulis – Petrulis saw some game action late last year after Jorden Page went down for an injury but he was never a member of the rotation. He will be forever remembered for the clutch three pointer against Memphis that had Saint Mary’s fans saying “What if Delly hits the game winner?” till, well… still today. Has a great stroke but hasn’t been able to earn a spot in the rotation.