New Era of Fordham Basketball

Four years ago a group of five freshmen came into the Fordham Basketball program, and they were asked to save the team. Four years later they left the program better, but they never played in a postseason besides the Atlantic-10 Tournament. Five freshmen are on campus this year, and they are looking to make Fordham into a mid-major force. Coach Dereck Whittenburg and his staff target winners when they recruit, and they have brought winners in.

Jio Fontan will be the point guard from day one for Fordham. He is a winner, leading St. Anthony's in New Jersey to a 32-0 record and a number one record in the country. At St. Anthony's he played in the Dribble-Drive motion offense, which Fordham adopted going into this season. This offense allows Jio to use his vision and speed while freeing his teammates up from the outside. Fontan is also a great on the ball defender and will draw tough assignments all year long.

Alberto Estwick and Trey Blue both had great schoolboy careers, Estwick at St. Anthony's with Fontan, and Blue at Thornwood and Brewster Academy. Both have good range and will be very viable options for the kickout from Fontan.

Joining Fontan, Estwick, and Blue in the backcourt will be returners Brenton Butler, Herb Tanner, and Mike Moore. All will get a lot of time as the Dribble-Drive calls for a lot of running and a lot of substitutions. Butler is the scoring leader among returners. All three have range from beyond the outside, and Fordham looks to spend a lot of time behind the new 20' 9" 3-point arc.

Chris Bethel will see a lot of time at the 4 spot, with Luke Devine and Lamar Thomas playing center until Jacob Green becomes eligible in December. Bethel is a strong player but has the uncanny ability to pick up cheap fouls and accumualte them quickly.

Fordham's out of conference schedule shapes up well for this young team, as they have a few challenges, combined with a few teams that they should beat. Jacob Green will become eligible for the New Hampshire game on December 23, and will then have 4 out of conference games to get ready to go in the Atlantic 10.

Fordham has a chance to surprise some people, and they should qualify for the Atlantic 10 tournament in Atlantic City. Even if the young team loses a few tough games, Fordham Basketball will be exciting to watch in 2008-09.