2013-14 Indiana University Northwest Men’s Basketball Season Preview

2013-14 Indiana University Northwest Men’s Basketball Season Preview

Talented Recruits Help Shape RedHawk Roster

Head Coach Jason Hawkins spent his spring and summer focused on building upon the success and experience gained a year ago, while adding talent depth to the roster by way of recruiting some of the best talent that Northwest Indiana has to offer. Hawkins is counting on his successful incoming class to create competition at all positions as the RedHawks seek their first winning record and post-season berth since 2008-2009.

Hawkins, entering his third season, has established leadership on his team, which will make an impact with his talented newcomers.

The RedHawks return junior Brandon Grubl, who led the RedHawks last season in scoring (13.5), assists (2.9) and steals (1.2). Joining Grubl are veteran forwards 6' 6" Cody Artuso (8.2 ppg), and 6' 7" Justin Dexter, and junior guard Danny Miller.

"For the first time in a while, we have several upper classmen who have been a part of the same system under the same coaching staff," Hawkins said. "We believe that this experience and familiarity will be important to our success."

Among the new faces expected to make an impact early on are Valparaiso 6' 5" swingman Quentin Palmer, Griffith 6' 6" forward Ben Parish, and Hanover Central guard Max Johnson.

Johnson was named Porter County Conference Player of the Year after averaging 17.8 points per game en route to All-PCC and All-Area selections.

"We are excited about our recruiting class because we feel that they are ready to contribute immediately at the college level," Hawkins added.

Hawkins feels that the added talent depth will translate into a versatile line and up-tempo style, resulting in an "exciting brand of basketball this season that the fans will enjoy."

The RedHawks are looking to return to the A.I.I. Tournament for the first time since 2009 where they fell short in the title game to Denver's Johnson and Wales University. Johnson and Wales, as well as both Ashford University and Rochester College, appear to be the heavyweights in the conference that the RedHawks will have to find a way past in search of their first A.I.I. title and trip to the NAIA National Tournament.

This season's schedule features rivalry games with Purdue Calumet, Calumet College and IU Kokomo as well as a matchup with NCAA Division I program IUPUI.

Confidence is running high for Hawkins and the RedHawks as they prepare to get off to a quick start and in the 2013-14 season.

It all leads to the A.I.I. Conference Tournament to be held on the campus of Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa, February 28-March 1. The RedHawks open their season at when they travel to Great Lakes Christian on Oct. 30. Their first home contest of the season is Nov. 23 when they welcome Great Lakes to the savannah Center. The Savannah Center located on the IU Northwest campus at 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408. For individual or season ticket information please call (219) 981-6944 or visit: www.iunredhawkathletics.com