Warhawks Move Into Rarefied Air

ULM WARHAWKS:  Coach:  Keith Richard (6th season)

2014-15 RECORD::  24-14, 14-6 Sun Belt, #3 seed.  Lost to #2 Georgia Southern in SBC semifinals.  CBI finalist, lost to Loyola (IL).

KEY RETURNEES:  F Majok Deng (10.7, 7.3), G Nick Coppola (9.4, 3.1, 141 assists), G Justin Roberson (8.9, 4.0), F Jamaal Samuel (7.1, 3.7).

KEY LOSSES:  F  Tylor Ongwae (14.4, 6.6)

For years, when it's been time to make predictions about the ULM Warhawks, it's been pretty easy.

Pick them at or near the bottom.

That was the case again last year, but the Warhawks decided enough was enough.  The Warhawks earned the #3 seed in the Sun Belt tournament and won 24 games, third most in school history.

Now, the other coaches say, (with credit to "The Who) "we won't get fooled again."

The Warhawks are picked third in the league this year and that's fine with head coach Keith Richard as he enters his sixth season.

"After being so down for numerous years, having expectations doesn't put pressure on us," Richard said." It feels good that coaches think we have a chance to have a good team.  It's good to be thought of in a positive light"

The nucleus of last year's team returns.  F Majok Deng and G Nick Coppola were all conference caliber players for Richard a year ago.  And, experience returns at two other positions.  Richard is especially please with Deng's game in preseason practice.

"He looks like a much improved player.  been exciting to watch.," Richard said of the 6-10 Aussie.. " I really hope he can show it during the season.  His confidence has soared."

But there's a big void to fill from last season.  First team all-SBC Tylor Ongwae has departed and it's a big loss.  The versatile Ongwae scored (14.4), rebounded (6.6), passed (110 assists), stole (37 steals) and shot it from outside (25 threes.)

But Richard is hoping better depth will help with the overall quality of this team.

" Travis Munnings (6-6 Fr. Freeport, Bahamas) has looked the best, " Richard said.  "He's  not a highlight guy who wows you but  he's been consistent, He can score it, rebound it and get some blocks. Early on he'll play more than the others.  Wade Martin (6-5, 185) is from a Virginia prep school and should provide shooting. "

As it was last year, a question about the Warhawks is the backup to Nick Coppola at point guard.  It appears Roberson will move over from shooting guard when Coppola needs a rest.  And, that won't be that often as the junior averaged nearly 36 minutes a game last season.

OUTLOOK--After having to rebuild from scratch because of brutal APR issues, Richard finally was rewarded for his journey through the wilderness.  Anyone who knows him, however, knew it would be just a matter of time.  Last year's club had the amazing statistic of never allowing 75 points in a game.  And, the way the Warhawks play defense that could be the case again this year.  Losing Ongwae is big and there isn't a newcomer who will simply walk in and replace him.  But one thing the Warhawks finally appear to have is some quality depth.  And, that will enable Richard to play to his team's needs at any given time.  There may be an adjustment period for the newcomers as the team figures out their roles.  But this team is going to be one that can challenge for a title.  And, that's exactly what Richard had planned when he took over this skeleton of a program.