ST. THOMAS
Coach: Anthony Medina (62-57 in four seasons at St. Thomas).
Last season: 23-11, 11-7: tied for fourth in Red River Athletic Conference.
Outlook: St. Thomas is in the first year of three transitioning into NCAA Division III from NAIA, where last season the Celts qualified for the national tournament by virtue of winning the Red River Athletic Conference tournament. The Celts are not eligible for postseason for two years in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, but they can compete in a national tournament for transitioning teams. Gone are the squad’s top two scorers, which will be challenging to replace, but 5-10 twins Kennard Robinson and Lennard Robinson make up a speedy backcourt and are two of seven seniors. The Celts put up close to 1,000 3-pointers last season, making 35 percent. Nathan Thormaehlen and Cameron Gims are the top long-distance threats. Sophomore Freddie Ricks III, who also is an excellent shooter and plays off the ball, is expected to have a break-out season. The Celts like to play fast on both ends and perimeter defense is a strength. Of the 18 players in the program, 16 are from the Houston area.
Player to watch: Kennard Robinson made all-conference last season and was the RRAC tournament MVP. The Celts’ point guard, Robinson sets the pace with his speed and is an outstanding perimeter defender. “He’s the fastest kid I’ve seen at the small college level,” Medina said.
Key games: Dec. 12 at Mary Hardin-Baylor; Dec. 19 at Rice; Jan. 3 at Trinity; Jan. 10 vs. Texas Lutheran; Jan. 31 vs. Trinity.