Starters:
Alex Blessig (#3)
Guard (Berlin,Germany) (Florida Gulf Coast)
Six- Foot -Two 181 LBS.
Junior
2013-14: Tars starting point guard. Started every game, averaged 31 minutes per night. Team's leading returning scorer at 10.8 points per game- Also averaged 3.4 assists per game. Led the Tars and was third in the SSC, shooting at a 43 percent clip from the 3-point line. Scored in double digits 14 times. Had three games where he scored 20+ points. Had a crucial conventional three point play that forced overtime in upset win over then #2 Florida Southern on January 21st. Also made the free throws to seal that win.
On his expectations for the upcoming season:
"We will try to win the conference and do well in the NCAA's. Be better than last year. Get better each day."
On how much the players who returned from last year have grown since then:
" We grew a lot and learned as a team. Everyone is more comfortable with the offense and defense we play. The new guys also fit in very well."
On the leadership of this year's senior class:
"The seniors are great leaders on and off the court. They have great personalities that will help the freshman a lot and improve the team's chemistry."
Rollins insider Juan Bernal summed up Blessig's role this way:
"He will see a lot of time at the two-guard, also will see some time at the one. Is the Tar's best returning player from last season."
Pete's take: Will be relied on heavily in all assets of his game. Tars will go as far as he carries them this season.
Scott Schuette (#33)
Guard (Lexington,Ky.) (Lexington Catholic High School)
Six -Foot- Three 190 LBS.
Senior
2013-14: Appeared in all 27 games (two starts.) Averaged 24.8 minutes per night. Averaged 2.1 points- 2.1 rebounds- and- 1.6 assists per game. Had seven double digit scoring games. Scored season high 15 points versus Florida Tech January 15th. Scored 12 points versus Puerto Rico Mayaguez as well. Started in one of the two meetings versus both Palm Beach Atlantic and Nova Southeastern. Had nine points and seven assists in regular season finale versus Florida Southern.
2012-13: Played in all 28 games, averaging 13 minutes per night. Scored 3.1 points and grabbed 1.6 rebounds a night- shot 34 percent from the field- 32 percent from the 3-point line- went 14-of-18- at the free throw line on the season. Had career high 17 points (5-9 from the 3-point line) in NCAA tournament loss to Saint Leo.
2011-12: Played in all 29 games. Averaged 5.1 points per night- to go along with 1.7 rebounds. Scored in double digits four times. Had career best 12 points versus Lake Erie on December 29th. Also netted 12 points versus Lynn on January 11th. Shot 33 percent from the 3-point line on the season.
Blessig had good things to say about Schuette:
" Scott is a good leader on and off the court. He plays smart. He knows how to get himself and his teammates open shots. He makes everyone around him better. He will bounce back for sure. He spent a lot of time working on his shot in the off season. He has been a much more consistent shooter in practice than he was even last season. "
Eric Castaneda simplifies things:
" He's a knock down shooter."
Bernal adds this:
" Schuette has shown the ability to put it all together by improving various aspects of his game. The Tars will win some games due to his ability to make shots."
Pete's take: Key senior leader to this team. Look to see him shoot the ball much better this season. Fits well in the Tars offense.
Chris Uhle (#24)
Center (Ocala,Fla.) (Trinity Catholic)
Six-Foot- 11 245 LBS.
Senior
2013-14: Started every game for the Tars. Averaged 21.2 minutes per game- scored 9.3 points per night. Led the Tars, shooting at a 40 percent clip from the 3-point line for the season. Shot 45 percent from the field- and- 74 percent from the free throw line- also dished out 4.9 assists per game. Scored in double digits 11 times on the year. Had a career high 21 points versus Barry in January. Had his first career double-double (16 points- and- 11 rebounds) in regular season finale at Florida Southern. Scored 14 points- and- grabbed eight rebounds in SSC tournament loss to Nova Southeastern.
2012-13: Played in all 30 games- played 15 minutes per contest- averaged 5.3 points- and- 2.2 rebounds per night. Shot 41 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line for the season. Also shot 81 percent at the foul line. Scored in double digits three times. Had seven rebounds in NCAA tournament loss to Saint Leo.
2011-12: Played in 25 games. Averaged 8.4 minutes per game. Averaged 2-2 points- and- 1.4 rebounds a night as a freshman. Shot 41 percent from field- 43 percent from the 3-point line- and- went 9-of 10 at the foul line on the season.
Bernal had high praise for the work he put in during the off season:
" Chris is a 3-point shooting big man. He worked hard at fine tuning all facets of his game. He also improved his quickness at both ends of the floor."
Pete's take: Will need his defense to catch up with his offense this season. Very good shooter for a big man. Also a very good rebounder and shot blocker.
Jeff Dirkin (#5)
Forward (Oak Park,Ill.) (Oak Park High School)
Six-Foot-Eight 210 LBS.
Redshirt Senior
His biggest improvement in his game is his ball handling. Getting low to the ground and to the basket. Expect him to drive the lane more this year.
On the focus put on shooting in the off-season after the way last season ended:
"Everyone has worked hard on their shots, free throws included. Not making any free throw predictions. Will see if it translates to the games."
He will be a vocal leader and do a lot of coaching of the young guys. Can help them learn the system, especially on defense.
On the addition of so many young guys this season:
"The young guys are very talented. They are a great group of young men. They have a lot to learn this season." He says he is very interested in seeing how they will do at working hard and getting better every day.
Pete's take: Dirkin is a key big man on this team. He needs to improve his shooting tremendously from last year. He's a great leader and knows the system very well, having been in it for five years. As he said, he hopes this senior class goes out the right way.
Jeff Merton (#44)
Forward (Naples, Fla.) (Community School of Naples)
Six-Foot-Five 215 LBS.
Freshman
Went to a pair of high schools. Began his career at Seacrest Country Day, before transferring to Community School of Naples. In his two seasons at Naples, they went to State Final Four (2013) and Regional Finals (2014.) Was a member of Nike Team Florida for three seasons.
Bernal had high praise for the newcomer:
" Has not played a regular season game."
"Could be one of the best in Rollins history when all is said and done."
Dirkin also had good things to say:
"Jeff is a really talented freshman. He has a really strong pull up jumper, and can get to the basket and finish. He is a great athlete who has a promising future ahead of him."
Pete's take: Can't wait to see this kid play. He's the most talked about recruit since Nick Wolf.
Bench:
Kyle Koszuta (#10)
Guard (Niceville,Fla.) (Louisiana Monroe)
Six-Foot-Two 190 LBS.
Junior
2013-14: Played in 21 games for Louisiana Monroe. Averaged 9.2 minutes per game- scored 1.9 points per game. Had season high nine points in game versus Louisiana Lafayette.
2012-13: Played in 29 games (two starts)- Scored 3.7 points per game. Led the team in 3-point shooting accuracy (44.4 percent on the year.)- played 15.3 minutes per night- Shot 72.7 percent at the foul line on the season. Had three games scoring in double figures.
Blessig had good things to say about his backcourt mate:
" Kyle reads the floor very well. He is also a good ball handler and a good shooter."
redshirt freshman Eric Castaneda was also impressed with Koszuta so far, adding this:
" Kyle wants to achieve the most that he can. He wants to compete and play hard to make it the greatest year possible. He is a great shooter and one of the quickest players I have ever played with."
Bernal echoed both Castaneda and Blessig:
" Kyle shoots the ball very well. He is a solid ball handler and knows how to run a team."
Pete's take: Koszuta will be a great asset to this team. He will allow Blessig to slide over to the two guard, which suits his game better.
Sharif Almulla (#0)
Guard (Orlando,Fla.) (Timber Creek High School) (Shennandoah University)
Six-Foot-Three 175 LBS.
Junior
2013-14: Played in 14 games for the Tars. Season was cut short due to injury. Averaged 2.4 points per game- First two points were on two free throws in season opening loss to Washburn in Las Vegas. Had season high 12 points versus Eckerd on February 8th. Returned from injury for the SSC tournament game versus Nova and scored three points.
2012-13: Started all 26 games for Shenandoah University. Averaged 9.8 points a game- shot 37 percent from the field- and- 38 percent from the 3-point line. Scored in double digits 11 times.
Bernal on Almulla:
"Is a wing than can shoot. Is an improved ball handler who also has improved on the defensive end since coming to Rollins. Will be one of the first guys off the bench."
Pete's take: Tars really missed his offense when he got hurt last season. A very good shooter.
Sam Phillpott (#31)
Guard/Foward (Noblesville,Ind.) (Noblesville High School)
Six-Foot-Seven 210 LBS.
Redshirt Freshman
2013-14: Redshirt
Was a four time letter winner at Noblesville High. Was the MVP of the Indiana All Star Game his junior season. That season he averaged 17.2 points- 16.1 rebounds- and- 3.9 assists a game. His senior year he averaged 16 points-8.1 rebounds- and- 3.5 assists a game.
Dirkin raved about the strides Phillipott has made since last season:
" Sam really came into his own this year. He really improved his jump shot and interior defense this off season. If he gets hot look out."
Bernal has been very impressed with Sam so far:
"Will see some playing time after red shirting last season. Is a really heady player that does a lot of things well."
Pete's take: Perfect fit for the Rollins system
Mike Bedulskis (#14)
Forward (Villinuis,Lithuania) (UNC Asheville) (Phelps School in Philly)
Six-Foot- Nine 220 LBS.
Sophomore
2013-14: Played six games for UNC Asheville. Totaled 14 points in 18 minutes of action. First collegiate basket came November 13th versus Kentucky. Had career high five points versus Virginia Intermont on December 20th. Had five points- and- five assists on December 31st versus Montreal College.
Played first three years of high school in Lithuania. Averaged 17 points- and- 10 rebounds- a game for three seasons.
Transferred to Phelps in Philly for his senior season.
Bernal on Bedulskis:
"Mike is a very versatile big man."
"He has a very good variety of post moves. He is a good outside shooter. Playing time will be determined by how quickly he adapts to the Rollins system.
Koszuta describes what he brings when he steps on the floor:
" Mike is very physical on the boards. He has a very good left hand finish. He can shoot from the outside and has a amazing lefty post game."
Blessig on why Bedulskis came to Rollins:
"He wanted to play somewhere else. The team, coaches, overall location and academics made it an easy decision for him."
Pete's take: Will be a welcome addition to the program. Can always use big bodies who can rebound and score.
James Ferrell (#11)
Guard (Winter Park,Fla.) (Winter Park High School)
Six-Foot-Two 175 LBS.
Junior
2013-14: Played in all 27 games- averaged 11.5 minutes a night. Scored 2.7 points- grabbed 1.1 rebound- and- dished out 1.1 assists per game. Had a career high five points twice early in the season. Eclipsed that with a nine point effort January 22nd versus Palm Beach Atlantic. Hit his only shot attempt (a 3-pointer) and made all six free throw attempts in that game.
2012-13: Played in 12 games averaging three minutes a night- scored 1.5 points- and- grabbed 0.5 rebounds per game. Had career high five points versus Cameron in Las Vegas. Only missed one free throw on the season (12 of 13.)
Was the starting point guard for 6A State Champion Winter Park High School his junior and senior seasons. Played with National Player of the Year and current New Orleans Hornet Austin Rivers.
Bernal defined Ferrell's role on this team:
"James will provide guard depth off the bench. Is also one of the Tars better defenders."
Blessig had high praise for the Tars point guard:
" James is a great point guard and captain on the court. He reads the floor very well and is a great ball handler and shooter."
Pete's take: Another product of the system that is rock solid.
Joey Galvis (#32)
Guard (Tampa,Fla.) (Tampa Jesuit High School)
Six-Foot-One 165 LBS.
Sophomore
2013-14: Played in 15 games- scored a combined 21 points- grabbed four rebounds- dished out four assists- and- nabbed four steals. Scored his first collegiate basket versus Palm Beach Atlantic. Had a career game versus Puerto Rico Mayaguez. Scored eight points- had three rebounds- got two steals- and- his only career blocked shot. Also had four points and a rebound versus Florida Tech.
Bernal praised his defense:
"Joey is one of the team's better defenders. He will use this to try and work his way into the rotation."
Pete's take: Good defender. Not good enough on offense yet to see much playing time.
Marcus Camacho (#34)
Guard (Winter Springs,Fla.) (Winter Springs High School)
Six-Foot-Four 190 LBS.
Freshman
Four year varsity letter winner at Winter Springs. Averaged 10 points- six rebounds- and- three assists as a senior. Was a two year captain and Second Team All-area.
Bernal on Camacho:
"Athletic Walk on. Will look to push team in practice."
Pete's take: Will learn the in's and out's of the system this season
Redshirts:
Eric Castaneda (#15)
Guard (Oviedo,Fla.) (Oviedo High School)
Six-Foot Four 175 LBS.
Freshman
Played four years for the Haggerty Huskies. Led them to the state championship. As a senior, started in the state All Star game.
On why he chose Rollins:
"It was close to home with a good education."
"Very excited to play with a talented group"
Bernal was very impressed with his versatility:
"Will provide depth off the bench. Is very versatile. Has a good understanding of the game. Playing time will be determined by how he develops in the system.
Pete's take: Solid player. Stuck behind a few guys who have paid their dues already.
Zach Ullian (#12)
Guard (Indialantic,Fla.) (Holy Trinity High School)
Six- Foot -Four 195 LBS.
Freshman
Three year letter winner at Holy Trinity. Played in district championship. Advanced to the regional semis in another season he was there. Was the school's most accurate 3-point shooter (47 percent.) Had a career high 38 points versus Father Lopez. Also played lacrosse and track.
Bernal on his role on the team:
"Zach will be used to provide shooting off the bench. One of the freshman the Tars will groom for years to come.
Pete's take: Good shooter. Will have to pay his dues this year.
Out for the Season:
Bridger Dawson (#55)
Center/Forward (Aspen,Co.) (Aspen High School)
Six Foot Eight 220 LBS.
Junior
2013-14: Played in 19 games- scored 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Had a basket and a rebound in season opener versus Washburn in Las Vegas. Had six points- and- two rebounds versus Purto Rico Mayaguez. Also had five points and three rebounds in game versus Florida Tech.
2012-13: Played in 13 games- had eight points and three rebounds total. Had a two point- two rebound game versus Puerto Rico Bayamon.
2011-12: Redshirt
Pete's take: Has had injury plagued career. Big body is helpful when healthy
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