<em>College Basketball Preview:</em> La Salle Explorers

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Campaigns don't get much more frustrating than the 2009-2010 one was for La Salle men's basketball.  The Explorers had high expectations but they were decimated by injuries to key veteran players, and they limped to a 12-18 record.

However, the Explorers are hoping for better -- and healthier -- things this season.  Head coach Dr. John Giannini likes what he sees out of his group so far:

"We have a nice blend of older players and younger players.  We have a nice blend of size and guard play.  So I think we have pieces that fit well and our guys like each other, so I think our chemistry is very good."

Giannini (right) talks about the players he's hoping will lead the way this season:

"Well, I think from a talent point of view, (sophomore center) Aaric Murray is extremely important.  From an experience and leadership point of view, I think (guard) Ruben Guillandeaux as a fifth-year senior and (junior guard) Earl Pettis as a transfer who started in the Big East (at Rutgers) and sat out a year after a couple of years of experience, but also had a prep school year -- he's an older, very experienced player.   I think (senior forward) Jerrell Williams is a key four-year player and four-year starter. He gives us experience."

Hear the entire interview with John Giannini in this CBS Philly SportsPod...

One player who took advantage of the opening that last season's injuries provided was senior forward Steve Weingarten.  A transfer from Connecticut College (Division III), he provided energy, effort, and rebounding last season and is being looked at to do the same this season.

The Explorers also have a highly regarded recruiting class that Giannini says is expected to play a role this season:

"The two freshman that are going to play quite a bit are (Neumann-Goretti product) Tyreek Duren and Sam Mills.  Our fans certainly know a lot about them from following their recruiting.  They were two of the guards that high school evaluators thought were two of the better point guards in the country last year.  They are perfect fits for us."

Giannini says the staff is also excited about two other members of that freshman class: guard Cole Stefan (who has been slowed during camp by a concussion) and big man Matt Lopez.  Lopez is a Washington Township High School product who could be redshirted this season.

La Salle will open the 2010-2011 season on Friday at Gola Arena as they host Columbia.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060.

Photos provided