New look for Harper mens' basketball

Harper College men's basketball coach Dr. Justin Welke has brought in a pair of new assistants to go along with his second recruiting class.

Unfortunately, the new coaching staff will be missing two of the program's better players from last season, Davion Benton and Admir Suljic.

Last season Harper won three games away from the Sports and Wellness Center. If the Hawks are to improve their play away from Palatine, Welke knows where to start.

"Defensively, we will have to be a lot better on the road," Welke said.

The Hawks will be counting on continued improvement from sophomore Marcus Gatlin, who may have taken the biggest step forward individually in a difficult 2014-15 season.

"His game has really improved," Welke said of his stating point guard. "He's a good kid (who has) done everything he's asked to. As a team, we will go as far as he takes us."

Along with Gatlin, Wheeling's Abdul Mushtaq will start at a guard spot at 7 p.m. Friday against Judson University in Harper's home opener. Welke understand the type of contribution the 6-foot-2 sophomore can give him.

"He's going to have to come in and make shots," Welke said. "He's a sophomore leader."

Another player who will be joining Gatlin and Mushtaq in the starting lineup is Ernest Kiselovas. Welke like's what he sees in the Prospect alum.

"He's really surprised me," Welke said. "He's going to get a lot of run."

Also capable of making an immediate impact is Division III transfer Connor Elzerman, a Michigan native, and Welke expects contributions from Marcus Dover as the first player off the bench.