St. Joe's coach Phil Martelli believes Roberts has the potential to become another Damian Saunders, a Duquesne senior who is a returning first-team, all-conference performer and also was the league's defensive player of the year
"This kid Saunders, in my opinion, last year had the best year," Martelli said. "He's one of the leading scorers, one of the leading rebounders, one of the leading shot blockers, and one of the leading guys in the steals category. I think Ron could develop into all of those things, and his athleticism, even compared to a Saunders, is a whole other level."
The Hawks were fortunate to get Roberts, who had committed to St. John's but switched to St. Joe's after St. John's fired the coach who recruited him, Norm Roberts (no relation).
Defending the three
St. Joe's opened the A-10 season in the worst way possible - with two losses at home.
A factor leading to both defeats was the Hawks' poor perimeter defense. George Washington shot 9 for 16 from three-point distance in Saturday's 78-71 win for the Colonials. In Wednesday's victory over the Hawks, Duquesne made 10 of 20 three-point attempts.
"We've addressed it," Martelli said. "Communication is a big deal and we're probably a symbol for what happens in basketball today. Nobody talks to each other."
Bulk up, boys
After his team knocked off St. Joe's Saturday, George Washington coach Karl Hobbs said if Hawks freshmen C.J. Aiken and Daryus Quarles packed on some muscle they would be difficult to contend with.
"C.J. is going to be a very good prospect in this league," Hobbs said. "Look at No. 24 [Quarles] - give him three square meals, weightlifting, a whole year of getting playing time, and watch what he will be next year. [Freshman Langston Galloway] is a terrific player already. You aren't going to want to play them the next couple years."
Contact staff writer Ray Parrillo at 215-854-2743 or rparrillo@phillynews.com.
