By Michael Kelley

The Lafayette Men’s Basketball Team brings back the majority of its core, coming off back-to-back Patriot League Championship appearances. Tonight in the season-opener against La Salle, however, the starting lineup will feature two freshmen — center Dan Trist ‘15 and forward Seth Hinrichs ‘15.

“They are both very talented players and have been impressive so far,” guard Rob Delaney ‘12 said. “With Dan playing on the Australian national team and Seth playing in big-time high school games, the moment won’t be too big for them.”

Hinrichs, a 6’7″ swingman from Minnesota, is ready for the challenge and the pressure.

“Being anxious and nervous is natural in moments like this,” Hinrichs said. “However, I’m very excited for the opportunity and ready to do my job.”

The Leopards start the season without guard Tony Johnson ‘13, a preseason pick for all-league player. Johnson injured his back during the preseason and will be in a back brace for 4-6 weeks.

“Losing your best player and point guard will always affect the style of play.” Head Coach Fran O’Hanlon said. “That being said, when somebody goes down, somebody has to step up, and this will give us the opportunity to play some new guys.”

Delaney, a combo-guard, will take over point guard responsibilities. “I played the position in high school as well,” Delaney said. “Every play is magnified when you control the ball so I have to be ready to accept the opportunity.” Delaney averaged 6.1 points per game and 2.7 assists per game last season.

Forward Ryan Willen ‘12 will move back to his natural position at power forward with Darian Benbow ‘11 and Jared Mintz ‘11 having graduated.

“When he played the four spot in sophomore year, he excelled, and I expect him to build on that,” O’Hanlon said.

A back injury slowed down the 6’8″ forward last season, but Willen said he is healthy going into the season for the first time since 2008.

Guard Jim Mower ‘12 joins Delaney in the backcourt, with Hinrichs, Willen and Trist rounding out the starting lineup. Forwards Levi Giese ‘13 and JD Pelham ‘12 will back up the forward spots, while Les Smith ‘12 and Nick Petkovich ‘12 will spell Mower and Delaney.

Delaney described the preseason as “chippy.”

“There have been some physical practices and a few scuffles here and there.” Delaney said. “We are all extremely competitive and have big goals for the season.”

In the preseason league poll, the Leopards were picked to finish fourth behind Holy Cross, archrival Lehigh, and last year’s champion, Bucknell. After two straight seasons of losses in the championship finals, the team is hungry to win the title for the first time since 2000.

“We’ve worked very hard all preseason and cannot wait to get going and play someone other than ourselves.” O’Hanlon said.