Ronald Roberts has to be as good as any sixth man in the city, sharing the frontcourt rotation with shot-blocking machine C.J. Aiken and high-motor Halil Kanacevic.
It's too early to know what this still-young St. Joe's team can do. It's not too early to realize the Hawks, now 5-2, have put the last two 11-win seasons behind them.
Snapshots from the rest of city hoops.
Temple. Losing center Micheal Eric for a projected six weeks with a knee injury is a devastating blow to the Owls defense. It's hard to see Temple being an NCAA-level team without Eric. His return will be crucial.
Villanova. Wildcats fans are reeling right now after a loss to St. Louis and a blow-up against Santa Clara, but they should understand that virtually everybody on the team has a new role this season. There is plenty of talent, so 'Nova should be, and obviously has to be, a lot better in February.
Penn. The talk of Zack Rosen's possibly being the best player in the city this season isn't hype. Right now, it's the truth. Even double teams can't always stop Rosen, who is almost acrobatic in creating openings for himself, then getting a sound shot off. Jerome Allen said he needs much more effort from all his guys for the Quakers to contend in the Ivies. Marin Kukoc was giving it Tuesday against Manhattan, ensuring him more minutes.
Drexel. "Still to be determined" describes the state of the projected Colonial Athletic Association favorite. Bruiser Flint saw some self-inflicted wounds Wednesday at St. Joe's. We saw St. Joe's doing the inflicting and Drexel allowing it to happen. The return of Chris Fouch is a positive development.
