2012-13 Men's Basketball Season Outlook
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.
