Spartans Ranked and Ready for Action

AURORA, Ill. November 18, 2005 - The Aurora University 2005-2006 Spartan Men’s Basketball team, ranked preseason #22 by D3hoops.com, aim to match the success they experienced over the past decade under Head Coach James Lancaster. “It will be difficult with no automatic bid this year, but we will just have to watch and make the non-conference games just as important as conference,” said Lancaster. In his 11 seasons at the helm of the men’s program, Lancaster is 199-88 overall and 94-31 in the Northern Illinois-Iowa Conference. The NIIC men’s basketball coaches poll tabbed AU as the team to beat once again in the NIIC. AU was the top choice followed by Benedictine, Clarke, Rockford, Concordia and Eureka.

Lancaster was elated with news of the first preseason appearance in the D3hoops Top 25. “It is nice to see our program get some national attention. It is important for our players to understand that it is recognition of their past work, but in the end they will be judged on the games yet to be played," Lancaster stated.

The Spartans return a core of players from last season, including sophomore forward Larry Welton (Chicago/Thornwood HS), a D3hoops.com Third-Team preseason All-American and AU’s leading scorer a year ago, returns after having a remarkable first season as a collegian. Welton was named a finalist for the V Foundation Comeback Award, NABC Second Team All-American, D3hoops.com Midwest First-Team All-Region, NIIC Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and All-Conference. Welton finished third in the league in scoring with an 18.3 point-per-game average in 12 contests, leading AU to an 11-1 regular-season record and 2-0 in the tournament. In addition to his scoring prowess, Welton averaged 7.8 rebounds and shot 50.6 percent (89-176) from the field. On the season, Welton averaged a team-high 20.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.46 blocks per game.

The Spartan men’s basketball team opens the 2005-2006 season at the Lee Pfund Classic at Wheaton College on Friday, November 18, and Saturday, November 19, 2005. AU’s home opener comes on Monday, November 21, 2005, when they host the Stars of Dominican University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. in Thornton Gymnasium.

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