40 ST. JOSEPH'S

ATLANTIC 10

19-12
LAST SEASON

-4-
RETURNING STARTERS

"BORDERLINE"
THE HAWKS
(COACH: JIM BOYLE)

There's no question that Maurice Martin, a onetime Borscht Belt bellhop, carries the bags at St. Joseph's. Last season the 6'6" senior swingman led the Hawks in scoring (16.5 points per game), assists (98) and steals (52), and was second in blocks and rebounding average. The loss of forward Bob Lojewski (15.5 points per game) means Martin will be asked for even more scoring. "He has the ability," says coach Jim Boyle. "Heck, he had 28 points in one half against Rutgers."

But Martin, who regularly dunks offensive rebounds and throws passes that have made him into another guy called Magic, won't have to carry the entire load. Sophomore center Rodney Blake, a talented pianist who tickles the ivories on off days and dominates the key on game nights, blocked a whopping 95 shots last season and outplayed some of the top post players in the East.

Opponents who try to slow down St. Joe's and take the open floor away from Martin will find the Hawks have a deep, capable backcourt. Heart and smarts are supplied by Geoff Arnold, a dean's list student whose emergence as a competent point guard helped turn around a 4-7 start last season. James Flint, at 5'9", 155 pounds and, naturally, nicknamed Bruiser, and Wayne Williams, who sat out last season with a herniated disk, will contribute.

The Hawks emphasize defense and last season held opponents to 42.8% shooting and 60.3 points per game—both marks in the top 20 nationally. After ranking second in the country in rebounding two years ago, they fell out of the top 30 in '84-85, but returnees Greg Mullee, Dave Slattery and juco transfer Dante Woods should help boost the board count. If they do, Martin may be packing his bags for a long trip come March.

ILLUSTRATION

MICHAEL DORET

PHOTO

NANCY MORAN/SYGMA

Martin the magician levitates the ball; Blake the blocker is boffo at making it disappear.