Men's Basketball Preview - Part 2: Youngstown State

Oct. 31, 2006

Quin Humphrey.

One of the most talented players since the YSU program joined the Division I ranks 25 years ago is again the center piece of the team. Though in 2006-07 Humphrey will have help from a group of talented players eager to step forward and be successful.

Humphrey, who scored in double figures in 27 of 28 games last year, was the Penguins' most reliable performer throughout last season en route to leading the Horizon League in scoring and rebounding.

Now, with a coaching staff entering its second year, Youngstown State seems to be a team on the rise.

Brought in to contribute this past off-season are junior Greg Mayes, freshman Alek Mrozik and junior-college transfers Chris Booth and George Cotal.

Another player who will be counted on to step in immediately is point guard Byron Davis. Davis, a junior, sat out last year after transferring from New Mexico State.

Back from last year's squad are guards Keston Roberts and Mikko Niemi and forwards John Barber, Dwight Holmes, Jack Liles and Colin LaForme. Together, that group of six players started a total of 69 contests in 2005-06.

Humphrey and Roberts finished as the team's top two scorers, while Humphrey and Barber were the top two rebounders.

For the year, Humphrey averaged 19.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. He became just the second YSU player since the Division I jump was made in 1981-82 to score over 500 points (538) and grab at least 200 rebounds (233) in the same year.

Overall, he is just the sixth player at YSU since 1960-61 to record such standards in both categories in the same year. He also became the fifth individual in school history to score at least 30 points in three straight games (33 at UIC, 31 at Loyola and 31 versus UW-Green Bay).

Roberts scored 391 points in his first year back while making 42 3-pointers. A player with unlimited range, he attempted 148 treys in 2005-06, the fifth most in school history.

Behind Humphrey, Barber was second on the squad with 122 total rebounds, averaging 4.4 per contest. Barber scored 195 points for the year, averaging 7.0 per contest.

Overall, Barber, Humphrey and Roberts were three of the four individuals to play in every game last season.

Returning to help improve the post efforts are LaForme and Liles.

As a true freshman, Liles started 16 games finishing with 88 points and 75 rebounds. He stood out defensively posting a team-high 19 blocked shots.

LaForme started a career-high 12 games and finished with 80 points and 72 rebounds. He also finished with 18 steals and 14 assists. LaForme has worked hard in the offseason and will play center this year.

Holmes saw time in the starting lineup as well on 13 occasions. He scored 35 points, grabbed 30 rebounds and had eight assists for the year.

Niemi saw increased playing time as the season wore on. The freshman played in 24 games scoring 24 points, grabbing 20 rebounds and finishing with 11 assists.

Davis spent last year participating in practices after transferring from New Mexico State. In his two years with the Aggie program, he played in 57 contests, starting 35. He scored 334 points, grabbed 154 rebounds and dished out 105 assists.

He will be counted on to step in for Derrick Harris who led the Horizon League in assists per game as a senior last year.

Booth started all 31 games at Lincoln Land Community College in 2005-06 as a sophomore. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game leading the Loggers to a 20-11 mark.

Cotal had a great run as a sophomore at Hostos Community College winning the NJCAA Division III National Championship. He was named to the all-tournament team at both regionals and at the championship tournament. He spent last year with the team as a student coach while working to earn his degree.

Mrozik, a native of Lublin, Poland, was part of a successful high school program at Community Christian School in Georgia. His team won 40 games during his senior campaign and won the National Elite Athletic Association Championship.

Overall, YSU has improved its experience - both on and off the court - and the Guins will be carried by their strong and deep backcourt.

Story provided by the Youngstown State Sports Information Office.