# 32 Carlos Monroe, 6-8 / 245, power forward, senior
? 2007 stats: 28.1 minutes per game, 15.4 ppg, 9.5rpg, 37 steals
? Monroe enters his fourth season as an Owl with a chance to become the most decorated player in FAU basketball history. His scoring and rebounding prowess in the middle adds a formidable dimension on both ends of the court. With his academic problems seemingly a thing of the past, he will be looked to as a leader on the court and in the locker room.
#12 Carderro Nwoji, 6-0 / 175, point guard, senior
? 2007 stats: 33.2 minutes per game, 10.8 ppg, 43.8 three-point pct., 87.4 free throw pct., 122 assists, 29 steals
? After initially struggling to learn the FAU system as an incoming junior college transfer, Nwoji emerged as a top-level Sun Belt point guard. He will be looked to this year to continue his timely three point shooting, while feeding the ball to Monroe in the post and Graham on the wing. His defense and ability to force turnovers are also valuable.
# 25 Paul Graham III, 6-5 / 190, shooting guard, senior
? 2007 stats: 22.8 minutes per game, 14.0 ppg, 36.7 three-point pct., 72.4 free throw pct., 15 steals
? Graham is a dynamic guard with the capability to be one of the highest scoring and most exciting players in the Sun Belt Conference. A preseason Third Team All-Sun Belt selection, Graham has an opportunity to become a star of the league. With the departure of ex-Owls coach Rex Walters, Graham will be the beneficiary of a fresh start after he was suspended for eight games last season for behavior detrimental to the team.
The rest of the 2008-09 roster:
# 1 Shavar Richardson, guard, 6-2 /165, freshman
#3 Chris Watson, forward, 6-6 / 210, freshman
#5 Alex Tucker, guard, 5-11 / 160, freshman
#13 Nick Gagel, guard, 6-0 / 170, freshman
#23 Sanchez Hughley, guard, 6-4 / 205, sophomore
#24 Xavier Perkins, guard, 6-4 / 225, sophomore
#40 Brett Royster, forward/center, 6-8 / 220, sophomore
#50 Sammy Hernandez, forward, 6-5 / 230, senior
Looking Foward to…
More steady improvement from a strong sophomore class. Brett Royster set a FAU freshman record with 41 blocks and will see increased time behind Monroe. Xavier Perkins is a former top recruit from St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton and he looks to improve on his 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. Sanchez Hughley started 20 games last season and averaged 6.4 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
On the Rebound…
Sammy Hernandez transferred to FAU from George Mason University, a 2006 NCAA Final Four participant. In that miracle season for the GMU Patriots, Hernandez played in all 35 games as a freshman before leaving the team to be closer to home two games into his sophomore season. Hernandez never really got things going last season due to injury and lack of playing time. Look for Hernandez to bounce back with a fresh start under a new coaching staff.
key losses
Jeff Parmer, forward – An experienced and undervalued big man in his two years at FAU.
Sean Alarcon, guard – A three point and defensive specialist that will always be remembered for his heroics in the 2007 home playoff win over FIU.
Derrick Simmons, forward – Played for three different coaches from 2004-08. His energy off the bench will be missed.
What to Expect…
A new attitude, a big upset and a rise from mediocrity should be expected this season. Start with the attitude brought in by coaching icon Mike Jarvis and a whole new staff that will be a refreshing change from the incessantly intense Walters. A big upset should be in the cards also, as the Owls will have an experienced team and ample opportunities against the likes of Arizona, UAB, Kentucky, Miami and Sun Belt powers South Alabama and Western Kentucky. An increase in total wins should also be expected. The Owls have gone 15-13, 16-15 and 15-18 in each of the last three years. Three top seniors should lead the way to a 20-win season.
