Tech Men's Basketball Season Preview
Courtesy of MTU Athletics
The Michigan Tech men’s basketball team is looking to repeat as GLIAC North
Division Champions in 2012-13, and it has the fire power to back it up. The
Huskies return nine players from last years squad, including three starters.
Forward Ali Haidar will lead the team after garnering GLIAC Player of the
Year accolades after ranking 38th in the nation in scoring with 19.1 points
per game. The Windsor, Ont., native averaged 9.4 rebounds per game, 19th
best in the nation, and finished with 14 double-doubles, 10th most in the
league.
Junior Alex Culy will handle the point guard duties for the Huskies again
after starting all 27 games. The Rice Lake, Wis., native averaged 8.8
points per game, including 57 3-pointers, most on the team. The 6-2 guard
did a good job cleaning up the boards and was the teams third leading
rebounder.
Joining Culy in the back court will be sophomore Ben Stelzer. The
Manitowoc, Wis., native made an immediate impact in his first season
starting 25 games and averaged 7.3 points. The 6-1 guard led the team in
both assists (66) and steals (21).
Sophomore Phil Romback (Black Creek, Wis.) is expected to take on a much
larger roll this season for the Huskies. The 6-7 forward is expected to be
a regular in the starting line-up after averaging 3.1 points per game and
63 rebounds, fourth best on the team.
Senior T.J. Brown (Oak Park, Mich.) and sophomore Troy Hecht (Vassar,
Mich.) both have potential to be in the starting line-up after combining
for 15 starts last season. Brown gives the team an offensive option while
Hecht is know for his strong defense.
Junior guard Austin Armga will provide depth for the Huskies. The Waupun,
Wis., native was the second leading scorer on the team averaging 11.1
points per game and converting 88 of 106 free throws. The 6-3 guard has
extensive range, shooting a team-best 54-percent from behind the arc.
Adding to the mix are senior Matt Esters (Detroit, Mich.), senior Anthony
Katona (Negaunee, Mich.) and freshman Jordan Chartier (Shatham, Mich.).
The Huskies will have depth in the front court with redshirt freshman Kyle
Stankowski (Mosinee, Wis.) and Connor McLeod (Cederville, Mich.). True
freshmen James Wezensky (Clare, Mich.) and Luke Heller (Weston, Wis.) could
be added depth in the post.
Nic Stoll (Holly, Mich.), Michael Fisher (Green Bay, Wis.) and Jeff Gregory
(Kingsford, Mich.) will most likely redshirt this season.
The team will host Finlandia in an exhibition game on Nov. 17th, before
opening the regular season at Southwest Minnesota State on Nov. 15th. The
team’s schedule will include four non-conference games and 22 conference
games.
YouTube video with head coach Kevin
Luke<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvrPCz5a47A&feature=player_embedded>