GLIAC/GLVC Challenge Game Notes

Romeoville, Ill. - There have been high expectations placed upon the Lewis University men's basketball team, as the Flyers are ranked in the Top 20 of three different National Preseason Polls.

Preseason polls mean very little to Lewis head men's basketball coach Scott Trost.

"Expectations are high within our program," Trost said. "With expectations comes a sense of responsibility. 

"(Our guys) know that they have to go out and work hard every single day," Trost continued. "They have been through big games in the past and they know that everything we do is important. 

"We have to find a way to take the next step and it's not going to be easy. There's a fine line between winning and losing, in what is maybe the best Division II conference in the country."

What makes it easier for Trost is the return of seven seniors and four starters, including two-time All-Great Lakes Valley Conference guard Ryan Jackson (Bolingbrook, Ill./Riverside-Brookfield).

Jackson, who is also a Preseason Honorable Mention All-American (Sporting News/Division II Bulletin) and Preseason All-American (Basketball Times), has started all 82 games that he has appeared in for Lewis and is averaging 15.9 points-per-game.

"Ryan's best trait is his burning passion and desire to win," Trost said. "I thought he did a lot of really good things over the summer and has emerged as a quality leader on this team.

"Over time, he has proven to be one of the better guards in the GLVC."

Trost welcomes back three-year starter and two-time All-GLVC Defensive Team honoree Julian Lewis (Flossmoor, Ill./Homewood-Flossmoor) to the mix.

Lewis, a 6-foot-5, 200 pound swingman, broke out offensively last season, as he averaged 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds-per-game for the Flyers. He needs 197 points to reach the 1,000-point plateau for his career.

"Julian has been a quality player over the years and emerged even more so last year," Trost said. "He can be proud of what he has accomplished and I expect the same this year. 

"He has developed as a leader and has become more vocal," Trost continued. "I would expect him to have a big season."

In 2013-14, Lewis took care of the ball as the Flyers ranked third in the country in fewest turnovers. Senior point guard Jeff Jarosz (Lyons, Ill./Morton) can share in some of that credit, as he dished out 80 assists with only 26 turnovers.

Jarosz also scored when called upon, as he averaged 13.7 points-per-game and shot 56.1% (110-for-196) on his way to All-GLVC Second Team accolades.

"There were games last year where Jeff dominated," Trost said. "He is an unorthodox but very effective player. 

"(Jeff) has come a long way and that speaks volumes to the type of guy he is," Trost continued. "He is hard working, passionate; and I would put him up there with the best point guards in the league."

At center, 6-foot-7 junior Kyle Nelson (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles North) returns for his third year as the man in the middle for the Flyers. In 55 contests, Nelson is averaging 8.4 points-per-game and 3.6 rebounds-per-game; including 72 blocks.

"(Kyle) fits well into what we do and I expect him to be a better rebounder and a more effective player on the offensive end (this season)," Trost said. "I look forward to Kyle developing and being an integral part of what we do."

Trost has the luxury of having a bench that could run as deep as a 10-man rotation. His most experienced reserve is 6-foot-6, 220-pound senior forward David Niggins (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central).

Niggins averaged 6.6 points-per-game and 3.7 rebounds-per-game, while shooting 38.2% (34-for-89) from three-point range. 

"David Niggins (Naperville, Ill./Naperville Central) has come a long way; and expectations for him are high," Trost said. "He is a tremendous athlete and a great rebounder. 

"He gives us a lot of options and we look forward to him being a consistent performer for us." 

Niggins is not the only effective three-point shooter, as 6-foot-2 guard Capel Henshaw (Harrisburg, Ill./Harrisburg) can also stroke it from long range.

As a rookie, Henshaw shot 44.2% (23-for-52) from beyond the arc. He really came on late in 2014, as he made 13 trifectas over the Flyers' final eight games.

"Capel is one of the best shooters we have had since I've been here," Trost said. "He has developed his ability to put the ball on the floor, come off of screens and be able to shoot.

"He is a difficult person to defend and he gives us a lot of flexibility on this team."

One of Lewis' more athletic players is senior guard Gabe Williams (Chicago, Ill./Farragut). Williams will see more time at the off-guard position in 2014-15, because Trost wants to take advantage of his scoring ability.

"Gabe is capable of coming off the bench and giving us quality minutes," Trost said. "We look at Gabe as someone who can come in and immediately impact the game."

Trost is excited to see what freshman guard Max Strus (Hickory Hills, Ill./Stagg) can bring to the table. Strus, a 6-foot-6 guard is the brother of former Flyer center Marty Strus (2008-12).

"Max will leave his own legacy and have his own identity," Trost said. "He is really athletic with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder. 

"He is an extremely hard worker who is versatile and wants to get better." 

Other guards competing for playing time are sophomores Austin Soukup (Kildeer, Ill./Eastside Catholic (Wash.)) and Glorind Lisha (Oak Forest, Ill./Andrew). Flyer freshman Shea Feehan (Peoria, Ill./Notre Dame) will use this year as a redshirt campaign.

Trost has plenty of depth in the front court, led by 6-foot-8, 235-pound junior forward Brad Foster (New Lenox, Ill./Lincoln-Way Central). In two seasons, Foster is shooting 68.4% (67-for-98) from the field.

"There's times when Brad will do some spectacular things, but I'd like to see him perform on a more consistent basis," Trost said. "If he can do that, he has a chance to be a really good player."

Senior forward Mantas Dubauskas (Naperville, Ill./St. Joseph), who has fought off two season-ending knee surgeries during his career, returns for his final season.

"Mantas works extremely hard and brings an element of toughness to our team," Trost said. "He will help us win some games and gives us great energy off the bench."

Lewis redshirt sophomore Jared Ellis (Marion, Ill./Marion) looks to make the leap after playing limited minutes in 2013-14.

"Jared has gotten better," Trost said. "He gives us things that are hard to find at this level.

"I'd be disappointed if there isn't a time where he gives us quality minutes."

After redshirting in 2013-14, sophomore Paul Baumgart (Canton, Mich./Canton) could provide a rebounding presence for the Flyers. 

"(Paul) may be one of our better rebounders," Trost said. "He needs to keep developing, but he is a really athletic and quality player."

Lewis senior Ryan Herron (Yorkville, Ill./Yorkville) and junior David Heckman (Greenwood, Ind./Roncalli) will also compete for playing time on the front court for the Flyers.

"Both of these guys are unbelievable teammates and will do anything to help our team," Trost said.

Trost has many options for his squad, but there is the ultimate goal that awaits the entire Flyer team. 

"We will go as far this year as our seniors take us," Trost said. "This group will be really focused and they want to take us to the next level."

That level?

The Flyers' return to the NCAA Tournament.