Due West, S.C. – The Erskine Men’s Basketball Team enters the 2012-2013 campaign filled with hope and high expectations.  Although the team finished 10-18 overall, the Fleet lost four games in overtime, including a 66-71 loss to #2 Lincoln Memorial University, and six games by six or less points.  More importantly, the Fleet return four starters from last year’s squad, including all-conference post player Corey Sorrell  (Walton, KY, Northern Kentucky University), that add to the expectation that the team will be returning to the conference championship tournament.

Sorrell, a senior, led the team in scoring and rebounding last year, averaging 18.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.  The Fleet also return junior point guardMike Gabbard (Erlanger, KY, Western Kentucky University), who averaged 11.2 points per game, but more importantly possessed a 2:1 assist to turnover ratio while leading the team in steals.  Junior DeShaun Hall (Inman, SC) appears poised for a breakout year after ending last season second on the team in field goal percentage while averaging 9.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.  If Hall limits his turnovers and improves his 3-point shooting percentage, he would provide the Fleet with a consistent third scoring threat that was lacking on last year’s squad.  Fellow junior Casey Sorrell (Walton, KY) plays hard and can punish an opponent who leaves him open from 3-point range, shooting .394 last season from behind the arc.

The Fleet also return Jake Haslam (Lithia, FL, Tampa Preparatory School),Isaac Williamson (Walhalla, SC, Walhalla High School), Adison Lawrence (Greer, SC, Eastside High School), and Brandon Bjerre (Columbia, MD, Hammond High School).  All four will see significant playing time as Erskine looks to improve on last year’s numbers.  Haslam can knock down a 3-point shot while Williamson, who started 6 games last year as a freshman, is incredibly athletic.  Both Lawrence and Bjerre can play inside, are quick and run the floor well.  Bjerre also has the ability to step outside to hit a 3-point shot.

With a large number of returning players, this year’s incoming class will need to work hard to contribute to the team’s success.  Erskine added six new players, four freshmen and two transfers, to this year’s roster.  Three players, Josh May, Roderick Perkins and Jamaal Rhodes, have made an early impression on the coaching staff and may see the floor in the early portion of the season.  Freshman Roderick Perkins (Smyrna, GA, Campbell High School) is a tremendous athlete who has the ability to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.  Junior Josh May (Lawrence, KS, Pratt Community College) transferred to Erskine after playing last season at Pratt (KS) Community College.  The 6’8 post player is an excellent defender, rebounds well, and can block shots.  He should complement Corey Sorrell very well in the low post.  Freshman Jamaal Rhodes (Savannah, GA, Sol C. Johnson High School) has the size, standing 6’6 with a big body, to score in the interior but is dangerous from behind the arc too.

Erskine plays on the road for their first three games.  The Fleet kick-off their season at the College of Coastal Georgia on Saturday, November 10^th.   The Erskine home opener is slated for Tuesday, November 27^th, against conference foe Queens University.

Roster

Schedule