Thanks to the six Division I recruits from last year, Tri-Nine schools now boast enough active NCAA Division I basketball players to field a team. Drexel senior Evan Neisler (Cary High before reclassifying at Word of God) is the oldest member. In fact, Neisler was a senior the same year I was -- 2004. It was his last-second shot that put us out of the conference tournament in the first round at home and -- let me stop it there.. what an awful memory that is!
Joining Neisler in the D1 ranks are William & Mary's Marcus Kitts (Middle Creek c/o '07), Fairfield's Yorel Hawkins (Apex c/o '07) and the six freshmen. Hawkins is out for the first few weeks after having his appendix removed.
Kitts is a starter for the Tribe and is averaging 7.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks as his team is off to a 0-2 start. Neisler, who transferred to Drexel from Boston College, fouled out in the season opener and finished with three points despite getting the start.
Now here's how the freshmen have done in their team's first game of the year:
Earnest Ross, Auburn: 25 min (started), six points 1-of-3 shooting, five rebounds, two steals, two assists
Garrius Adams, Miami: 19 min, three points 1-of-5 shooting (1-of-4 from 3), four rebounds
Tom Tankelewicz, Charleston Southern: 4 min, five points 1-of-3 shooting
Josh Davis, N.C. State: 10 min, 0-for-3 shooting, 3 rebounds
Marques Oliver, Delaware State: 2 min
Brandon Oliver, Delaware State: DNP
