On Campus
Robert Morris
By Rob Stott

The Robert Morris Colonials hold strong the idea of playing season-by-season, game-by-game. This theme is fueled by the three goals head coach Mike Rice sets for his team every day - daily improvement, winning the Northeast Conference, and winning those tough conference tournament games.

Coming off a year that included an NEC regular season conference title, the NEC tournament championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament: Mission accomplished.

Robert Morris is looking to keep the momentum rolling, though, and have their eyes set on greater things.

"I see us as a deeper, more talented team than many of the other teams in the NEC," said Rice.

The Colonials will have a big hole to fill in their lineup with the graduation of Jeremy Chappell, the NEC's top scorer last season.

"Not one person can bring the energy, intensity and numbers he brought," says Rice. "But having six upperclassmen who've played a lot, I expect them to step up and take that place."

Despite being a veteran team, the Colonials will likely work in their four new freshmen along with other underclassmen.

"I like to play a ten-man rotation, so if the freshmen can quickly pick up the type of game I will be coaching we will be deeper, more athletic and a better defensive team," said Rice.

"[The freshmen] add an energy and intensity in practice and a hunger because they haven't been there yet."

Seniors Rob Robinson and Jimmy Langhurst, both top-20 scorers in the NEC last season, along with seniors Dallas Green, Mezie Nwigwe and Josiah Whitehead look to lead this Colonials team to another NCAA berth.

Robert Morris will have a very difficult start to the season as they travel to the Carrier Dome at Syracuse to play the Orange in the opening game of the 2K10 Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

"I like to put our guys in uncomfortable situations," said Rice. "How we grow as a team is we have to put ourselves in these situations to see how we do, and either you learn from your mistakes or you build upon your success."

Consistency will be the key for the Colonials this season. Rice believes that if this team sticks with the three goals that he sets for them every day that they will be dancing in March.

Inside the Sewall Center

Head coach: Mike Rice, 3rd Season (50-19)
2008-09: 21-10, 15-3
Postseason: NCAA 1st Round

Probable Starters:

o   Jimmy Langhurst, SR, PG 5'11" - started 31 of 35 games, 2nd only to Jeremy Chappell
o   Gary Wallace, JR, SG 6'3" - One of only 3 returning players on team to appear in all 35 games last season
o   Dallas Green, SR, PF 6'8" - Led RMU in 3-point shooting percentage (.538) last season
o   Rob Robinson, SR, SF 6'8" - Top-20 scorer in the NEC last season
o   Brad Piehl, FR, C 6'8" - Led his high school team to three 20-0 seasons as well as an Ohio State Championship in 2008

Key Stretch: Feb 18-26
SACRED HEART
QUINNIPIAC
at Wagner
at Mt. St. Mary's

The Colonial's will close the season at Mt. St. Mary's in a game that could determine the top seed going in the NEC tournament. Winning against the other tough teams in this stretch will be crucial going into the season finale.