A strong core of returnees make the Mastodons the team to beat
The “8” next to Purdue Fort Wayne’s name during the Horizon League tournament was anything but indicative of the season the Mastodons had last year. Jon Coffman’s team started the season a staggering 12-2, including the program’s third-ever power conference win in their season opener at DePaul.
After a 4-0 start in the Horizon League, Purdue Fort Wayne entered a five-game skid that threatened to derail what looked to be a promising season. The Mastodons rose to the challenge however, winning 7 of their final 11 in conference to end Horizon League play 11-9. Unfortunately, 8 of the 11 teams in the league finished above .500 and Purdue Fort Wayne lost out on tie breakers, putting them on a collision course with Oakland.
The high-powered Oakland offense was too much for the ‘Dons to slow down, as they fell by 10 to the future Calipari Killers. However, their season would not end there. Coach Jon Coffman said the team “felt they earned more basketball” and the team would back up this claim. The Mastodons were invited to play in the CIT and, despite being forced to play 3 away games in just 8 days, made it to the championship and fell just short of pulling off the improbable victory to win the entire tournament. On their run, Fort Wayne took down Bowling Green and Tarleton State in two games that went down to the wire.
This season, Purdue Fort Wayne returns seven of their top eight contributors from last season, only losing Anthony Roberts who is out of eligibility. While last year was seen as a rebuild year, this is the time for the pieces to come together. Purdue Fort Wayne is one of the favorites to win the Horizon League this year (and rightfully so).
The Big Four
Rasheed Bello – Division II UW-Parkside transfer Bello not only showed that he belonged in Division I last year, but showed that he can excel at college’s highest level. Bello averaged almost 15 points per game in a junior year campaign that netted him Third Team All-Horizon League honors and added a spot on the All-Defensive team as well. This season, the sky is the limit for Bello. Coffman says Bello “has taken another step” going into his senior year. If this is the case, Horizon League Player of the Year may be in the cards for the Depaul Prep product.
Quinton Morton-Robertson – Quinton Morton-Robertson may be the most dynamic player in the Horizon League this season. QMR looks like a 5-8 Stephen Curry on the court with the ridiculous range he has for the three ball. The graduate student isn’t just a shooter though. Morton-Robertson rebounds far better than his 5-8 frame. On top of his on the court production, in post season evaluations, 14 of the 15 players on the Mastodons roster picked QMR as the player who elevated their game the most. The only one who didn’t? Morton-Robertson himself.
Jalen Jackson – Fort Wayne’s own Jackson followed in his mother’s footsteps in playing for the Mastodons and it has been nothing short of a success so far. The ‘Dons other All-Horizon League selection, Jackson was the Mastodons leading scorer last year. The UIC transfer was the source of much praise from his coach.
“There’s not a selfish bone in his body,” Coffman said of Jackson. “Jalen is an elite foul drawer, like Frank Gaines and Bryson Scott before him.”
Eric Mulder – The final member of what I have nicknamed “the Big 4” is the biggest member of the bunch. The 6-8 center was 13th in the nation from inside the arc last season and came up clutch multiple times for the Mastodons. In both of their CIT wins, Mulder hit the game winning shot with less than 20 seconds to go. Expect more of the same from Mulder this season: elite inside scoring, glass cleaning, and tough interior defense.
The Battle For No. 5
Corey Hadnot II – The rich got richer at the guard position with the addition of Hadnot last year. Coming off the bench, he averaged just over 6 points per game in his freshman campaign, enough to earn him all-Freshman team honors. Purdue Fort Wayne may look to run a super small lineup and start Hadnot. Regardless, look for a jump in numbers and efficiency from Year 1 to Year 2.
Maximus Nelson – Nelson brings a rare blend of size and three point shooting ability that the Mastodons will love to have this season. The former Valparaiso transfer shot 37% from range last year and looks to improve upon that rate this year. Nelson is the positional fit and would more than likely be the betting favorite to lock up the final starting spot for the ‘Dons.
De’Vion Lavergne – Junior College standout Lavergne is looking to take on the Division I level this season after being an all-American at Lee College. The combo guard shot 40% from beyond the arc and averaged 13 points per game last season. Lavergne is currently a question mark for the Mastodons, however many believe the sophomore’s question mark may straighten out into an exclamation point for an already loaded roster.
Chandler Cuthrell – A so far one-of-a-kind player at Purdue Fort Wayne, Cuthrell is the first ever senior year transfer for the Mastodons. Standing at 6-8, the UTSA transfer is a dark horse pick to finish off the starting lineup. Cuthrell’s sample size for the Roadrunners is small, however his minutes should increase in his senior campaign for Fort Wayne.
Key Role Players
Johnathan DeJurnett – DeJurnett was a key cog in the Mastodon equation last season and looks to do the same this season. The big man from Memphis appeared in all 36 games last season and was crucial in giving starting center Mulder breaks. Look for DeJurnett to log tough minutes once again this season.
Trey Lewis – Last, but not least, Sister Jean sent over a redshirt sophomore to help fill out the Mastodon roster. Lewis is a 6-6 guard who saw the court in 10 of Loyola Chicago’s games last year. Lewis looks to develop this season by seeing more minutes, contributing off the bench, and gaining crucial experience within the Purdue Fort Wayne program.
Outlook
Coffman’s squads have been strong in the past, including a regular season Horizon League title during his tenure. This team may be the most loaded roster he’s ever had though.
The Mastodons bring back the most talent of any team in the conference, and will have the most shared court time from last season as well. With multiple players who are capable of vying for First Team All-Horizon honors and beyond, the talent is absolutely there for the ‘Dons to make a run.
Past all of the talent on the roster, Coffman says that his group of guys “like being around each other.” Maybe this is my bias speaking, but with that combination of skill and comradery, I find it very hard to pick against the ‘Dons coming into this season.
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