Huskies counting on budding-star Anderson

Ricardo Patton opens his second Northern Illinois basketball season this month with one sure thing.

The Huskies coach has a budding star to build around in guard Darion Anderson, last season's Mid-American Conference freshman of the year.

"He's a really mature young man," said Patton, who took over at Northern Illinois following nine seasons at Colorado.

"He really doesn't want to be a good player, he wants to be great. He's like a sponge, he tries to absorb as much information as he possibly can."

Anderson, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from Chicago, was among the few bright spots last year as the Huskies struggled to a 6-22 finish. He played in all 28 games, starting 19, and led the team in scoring (12.2 ppg), and assists (74). He was also second in rebounds (144) and steals (25).

"The foundation has been laid this past year," said Anderson, a preseason All-MAC West first team selection. "I have more understanding of what they (the coaching staff) wants me to do and what the team wants me to do as well."

Other contenders for starting spots have talent and desire but are short on playing time.

"What we lack most is experience," said Patton. "(But) they've shown a willingness to work hard, now we've got to learn how to work smart."

Returnees include sophomore guard Michael Patton, the coach's son and a 3-point threat who started 11 games and averaged 6.8 points; Sean Smith, a 6-foot 7-inch senior forward, started in nine games and averaged 6.2 points and had 68 rebounds; and sophomore Jeremy Landers, a solid defensive contributor in 25 appearances.

"We redshirted three guys last season," Patton added. "And two of which will probably being end up being starters for us: Sean Kowal, the 6-11 kid who transferred from Colorado, and (freshman) Lee Fisher from Thornridge."

Patton said freshman guard Mike DiNunno will also be a contributor.

The Huskies, picked to finish last in the MAC West, open Nov. 14 at the 100 Club Classic at Kennesaw, Ga. and play at the Great Alaska Shootout in Anchorage late in the month.