by Tom Froemming
April 20, 2006
When it comes to basketball, size matters.
The Minnesota State men's basketball team's three biggest impact post players also made up its entire senior class. With Chris Whitfield, Rueben Trotter and Corey Easley departing, head coach Matt Margenthaler had a problem to address. By adding three freshmen that stand 6-7 or taller and possibly bringing in a Division I transfer, the problem may become a strong point for the Mavs in the future.
For now, the Mavs have 6-9 center Landon Benson along with 6-7 forwards Curt Greeley and Kyle Swanson. The fourth member of MSU's freshman class is guard Doug Plumb, who at 6-4 is taller than the average backcourtman.
"I think this is a very talented, young freshman class and I think we filled every void we needed," Margenthaler said. "We're not done (recruiting) yet."
Margenthaler said that right now, Swanson and Plumb have the best shot at getting significant playing time next season. Swanson, who committed way back in November, was a four-year starter at Ogden (Iowa) High School, graduating with 1,437 career points – breaking the school record by 349. The Mid-Iowa Player of the Year as voted by the Ames Tribune averaged 17.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game this past season.
Plumb was a prolific scorer at Hastings (Minn.) High School, totaling 23.3 points per game his senior year. Plumb also owns his high school's career-scoring record and figures to get on the floor often during his first year due to his versatility.
"We try to get guys that can play more than one position, and [Plumb] can do that," Margenthaler said. "He really handles the ball like a guard, he sees the floor very well and he can guard [multiple positions]."
Benson earned All-Big Nine honors for averaging 10.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game at Mankato East High School. Greenly is a force on the boards and was a four-year starter for Newton (Iowa) High School.
"The guys that we have gotten are great, great additions to this basketball team," Margenthaler said. "They're going to be guys that are going to help us continue to be successful."
The coaching staff has saved a few roster spots and some scholarship money in order to bring in transfers. The Mankato Free Press reported that center Atila Santos, who played at Division I Northern Iowa, visited campus April 12. Santos, a 6-10 center from Brazil, played in 23 games at UNI last season.
"We're looking to bring in one Division I transfer, maybe two," Margenthaler said.
From Jamel Staten to Luke Anderson and Andy Moeller to Paris Kyles, transfers have played a huge role in MSU's consecutive 24-win seasons. It is more than likely that the Mavericks will come into next season with another impact transfer.
