2022-23 Men's Basketball Season Preview

BY HUDSON HARKNESS

            The move to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference is now official for Northwood University. The Northwood Men's Basketball team will make the move with 13 new faces on their roster. Third year coach Lonnie Griffin wants his team to improve one-day at a time.

            When asked about expectations Coach Griffin has for this team, "Growth…trying to get better on a daily basis, for me just as much as for them."

            Last season, the Timberwolves finished with a 5-21 record and a last place finish in the GLIAC. The team was led by Jack Ammerman, who averaged 16.6 PPG and shot north of 44% from the field. Ammerman has since transferred to Hawaii Pacific University for his final season of eligibility. The lone returner for Coach Griffin is Junior Forward, De'Airrus Ware, who was a best-known last season for his high-flying dunks and his defense. "DD has attacked the game and improved his all-around game greatly this offseason," said Griffin.

            In the preseason, Coach Griffin has been impressed with Alma College transfer, Xavier Bargesser and Parkland College transfer Savon Wykle. "Savon and Xavier have been two of the most consistent players," said Griffin. At Parkland Community College, Wykle was a two-time Second-Team All Mid-West Athletic Conference honoree as well as being named the conference Freshman of the Year in 2020-21. At Alma College, Bargesser played in 20 games starting in 14, averaging 6.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG while making 76.2% from the charity stripe.

            There were also some changes to Coach Griffin's staff. Last season's top assistant, Darvin Ham Jr. accepted a job for the Cleveland Charge, G-League Affiliate for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coach Griffin brings in Carlos McMath and Sterling Johnson. "Coach McMath's energy, organization, and knowledge of the game will be continued. Coach Johnson understands what it takes to be a Division II basketball player, he has coached at smaller schools, so he understands what it takes on a daily basis to win," said Griffin. McMath returns to Northwood after being the Schoolcraft Community College head coach a year ago. Johnson spent last season as the top assistant for McMath at Schoolcraft. Johnson also played 4 seasons at Saginaw Valley.

            The Timberwolves open on November 11 against Drury and then take on against Missouri S&T at Drury on November 12. Northwood's home opener is November 22 against Indianapolis.