Another basketball season means another round of pod play for the Big 5 Classic Tournament. Drexel Men’s team looks to improve upon the last two seasons, going 0-2 in both 2023 and 2024, but still winning both last-place games. Drexel’s women’s team finished 3rd in 2024, going 1-1 in pod play. Both teams will hope to improve and build upon last year and end up in the first-place game.
Men’s:
The Dragons had back-to-back tough years in pod play for the Big 5. However, they have won both last-place games they have played, beating Villanova in 2023 and Penn in 2024. It has been a confusing first two years in the Big 5 Classic, and this year will not be any easier. The Dragons are losing four out of the five starters from last year, who also happened to be the four leaders in points, rebounds and assists per game. There really is no clear-cut leader on this team. The first pod game is the second game of the season, so there also is not much time to find one. Luckily for us, the teams on our side of the pod also took a few major hits this offseason.
vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks – Nov. 8th, 1 PM:
Over the summer, the Hawks lost their three top players in Erik Reyonolds II (2024 Big 5 MVP), Rasheer Fleming (drafted 31st by the Phoenix Suns) and Xzayvier Brown (transferred to Oklahoma). On the coaching staff, head coach Billy Lange left to join the New York Knicks coaching staff, with former UPenn head coach Steve Donahue taking over. However, the Hawks were able to recoup some of these losses with standout LaSalle transfer Deuce Jones II and promising sophomore transfer from St. John’s Jaiden Glover-Toscano. They also retained standout defensive center Justice Ajogbor, while keeping the bench play intact. This game is going to be an uphill battle for the Dragons, whose scoring attack was also depleted over the summer. We are going to need a big game out of some more experienced players like Kevon Vanderhorst, Shane Blakeney, Garfield Turner or Victor Panov. However, these guys are not used to carrying the offensive load like the guys on St. Joe’s are. We will need to be playing at our absolute best to pull out the win.
vs. University of Pennsylvania Quakers – Date: TBD, Time: TBD:
Penn, to put it plainly, does not have a great roster. The team had a change in leadership in March, firing Steve Donahue and hiring ex-Iowa coach Fran McCaffery, who is Iowa’s all-time wins leader and longest tenured coach. Penn made two additions to their roster, Lucas Lueth (transfer from Kirkwood Community College – 10 points per game) and TJ Power (transfer from Virginia, 1 point per game). They also bring in a few two-to-three star recruits, a pretty lackluster recruitment class for McCaffery. On top of that, they lose some key players in Sam Brown (transfer to Davidson) and Nick Spinoso (graduated) – two of their three top scorers. Luckily, they retain their best player in Ethan Roberts, who averaged 17 points per game. This will be a pretty even matchup with Penn. Two teams that lost a lot in the offseason, though Drexel should still have the better all-around roster.
Women’s:
In their inaugural season competing in the Big 5, the Dragons finished 1-1 in pod play, losing in the 3rd place game to Saint Joseph’s. The Dragons will look to build off this first-year success. The team did lose two starters this offseason in Cara McCormack and Chloe Hodges; however, the team did bring in a few recruits, one transfer, kept most of the team intact, and will lean on star player Amaris Baker.
vs.University of Pennsylvania Quakers – Nov. 12th, Time: TBD:
The Dragons open their Big 5 slate against city rival Penn. Penn comes into the season without one of their most impactful players, Stina Almqvist, who graduated after leading the Quakers in scoring and rebounding. Replacing her production will be a major storyline for Penn, and Drexel will look to capitalize on that adjustment early. However, most of Penn’s main core is returning, and they also brought in some reinforcements. Mataya Gayle and Katie Collins will be tasked with leading the charge for Penn, alongside some more inexperienced players. If these younger players make that next step and can contribute in meaningful ways, then they can be competitive. If not, then the offense could stagnate, and scoring droughts will be their downfall. This is something a much more experienced Drexel team can look to benefit from.
vs. Saint Joseph’s Hawks – Nov. 29th, Time: TBD:
Saint Joe’s roster underwent a major turnover, losing several key seniors to graduation, and players to the portal who were core to their frontcourt, like Laura Zieglar, Tayla Brugler and Mackenzie Smith – their three top players. Many core pieces of their bench are also no longer on the team. That is a lot of leadership and production gone in one offseason. To fill this void, head coach Cindy Griffin brought in four new freshmen, two sophomores from the transfer portal, along with one senior. The team is showing a pivot towards a youth movement, much like Penn, with a large makeup of the team being freshmen or sophomores. The roster is also very guard-heavy, so plenty of backup there. The real question is whether they can get consistent and good production from the forward spot, where Zieglar and Brugler used to shine. Similar story to Penn – very inexperienced team, not used to playing together. It remains to be seen if they can get some continuity before the November 29th matchup, or Drexel will look to capitalize on this.