Marist Men's Hoops: Red Foxes Turn Hens 'Blue' in Season Opener

Sunday's season opener for the Marist Red Foxes saw a new look, unfamiliar Red Fox team produce a very familiar result; a win at home. In a 89-78 victory over the Delaware Blue Hens, the Red Foxes continued their dominance at the McCann Center, where they have won 14 of their last 15 games dating back to last season. Before the game, the Red Foxes lifted their 2006-07 MACC Championship and NIT Tournament banners to the rafters and the 'post-Jordan era' officially began

In front of 2,517, the 'new look Foxes' excelled past pre-season expectations, looking comfortable in their new up-tempo style on both sides of the ball. Led by senior center Spongy Benjamin's monster 21 point, 17 rebound (MAAC Player of the Week) performance, the Red Foxes had no problem filling the void left by number 23. A big reason for that was Texas A&M sophomore transfer David Devezin (MAAC Rookie of the Week), who cleared up any doubt that he could be Jordan's replacement at the point, leading the Red Foxes with 6 assists while looking comfortable running the offense and chipping in 16 points.

In fact, Marist new guard trio of Devezin, along with red-shirt freshman Dejuan Goodwin and freshman Jay Gavin (who both had 13 pts) looks be a staple in the backcourt for years to come.

"I think David Devezin's got a chance to be the best point guard in the league. I think Dejuan Goodwin's got a chance to be the best rookie in the league and I think, Jay Gavin, when it's all said and done, is going to be one of the best players in the league," Coach Matt Brady told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

The promise shown by the Red Foxes triple threat freshman guards, seemed to overshadow another new guard who was missing from the lineup. Senior 2- guard Louie McCroskey, who transfered from Syracuse, was deemed ineligible to compete due to an undisclosed NCAA rule. McCroskey who was named to the pre-season MAAC Second Team, is expected to start for the Red Foxes this season but it is unknown at this point when he will be cleared to play.

Another newcomer that was left out of Sunday's lineup was Vermont transfer Ryan Schneider, who had soreness in his right shoulder. Schneider at 6'7, who is expected to come off the bench as a small forward is deadly from outside and looks to be Marist's main 3pt threat.

While Schneider is expected to be back for Thurday's match-up against Miami in Puerto Rico, McCroskey's status is up in the air, which adds to the importance of the depth on this Red Fox roster.

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