Inexperienced NIU looks take step forward

DEKALB - Darion Anderson spent the summer on campus, taking classes and getting to know his seven new teammates.

But Northern Illinois' sophomore guard, who answers to the nickname "Jake," always made time to head into Chicago to take part in the Sonny Parker Pro-Am League.

That's where he could blend in and be just another good player, as opposed to the leading light of a stark rebuilding project.

And so the preseason all-Mid-American Conference pick played alongside NBA veterans such as Antoine Walker, Shawn Marion and Jannero Pargo.

When asked if he could hang with the multimillionaires on the court, Anderson declined to brag.

"I let them evaluate me to see how another person views me," Anderson said, "especially people who play at that type of level."

And what'd they tell him?

"To just keep doing what I'm doing," Anderson said. "And they showed me some different things that could help me."

Truth be honest, Northern Illinois needs as much help as it can get.

After posting just 13 wins over the last two seasons - and predicted to finish in the MAC West's basement for the third year in a row - the Huskies need new blood in order to become competitive again.

Sure enough, second-year coach Ricardo Patton has turned over the roster again in an effort to accelerate the process.

Anderson, the lone player brought to DeKalb by former coach Rob Judson, is one of just five returnees who played last year.

Ten Huskies, including likely starters Sean Kowal, Lee Fisher and Mike DiNunno, either redshirted last year or joined the program this year.

Such inexperience leads to awkward results - such as when NIU trailed NAIA school Freed-Hardeman at halftime Sunday before rallying to victory - but Patton understands there'll be vicissitudes along the way.

"(Patience) has been the coaches' creed all season," Patton said. "We have to be patient with these guys because they are young.

"But I believe with all my heart they're going to be really good in time."

Some have already shown such signs.

The 5-foot-11 DiNunno, a true freshman who spent his first two prep years at Lake Park before transferring to Von Steuben on Chicago's north side to find better competition, boasts a deadeye jumper and an ultra-confident demeanor.

After drilling one of his six 3-pointers in NIU's first exhibition, DiNunno ran back downcourt pointing at the courtside fans, nodding his head and smiling at an opponent.

"That's just me having fun out there," DiNunno said. "I'm just trying to get everybody involved and get a few W's on the board, you know?"

The 6-11 Kowal began his career at Colorado but transferred to NIU last year to follow Patton.

The sophomore center had 8 points and 7 rebounds in the Freed-Hardeman exhibition but fouled out in 23 minutes.

"We've got to remember the kid's young," Patton said. "I've got no concern with how good Kowal's going to be. He works too hard and it takes big guys a little longer to develop.

"Sean Kowal's going to be fine. We're fortunate to have Sean Kowal."

But until guys like Kowal and Fisher and second-year guys like forwards Sean Smith and Najul Ervin step forward on a consistent basis, Anderson knows he'll have the target on his back.

"Basically, the foundation has been laid," Anderson said. "We're just trying to build off that foundation."

Northern Illinois Huskies at a glance

Coach: Ricardo Patton (6-22, second year at NIU; 190-182, 14th year overall)

2007-08 record: 6-22 (3-12 MAC West, sixth); lost to Central Michigan in MAC tournament first-round game

*Starters returning/lost: 1/4

Projected starters

PF Lee Fisher, 6-5, 206, r-Fr. Left-hander has the muscles and body control to be a terrific rebounder, especially on offensive glass.

SF Sean Smith, 6-7, 190, Sr. Patton wants more rebounds from this long-limbed veteran with midrange game (6.2 ppg).

C Sean Kowal, 6-11, 240, So. Colorado transfer gives NIU a legit post scorer, though he's rusty after transfer year.

SG Mike DiNunno, 5-11, 177, Fr. Confident Roselle resident provides badly needed 3-point shooter as well as decent playmaker.

PG Darion "Jake" Anderson*, 6-2, 201, So. Preseason all-MAC choice (12.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg) will split time between point and wing.

Reserves

G Michael Patton, 5-10, 177, So. Team's No. 2 returning scorer (6.8 ppg, 35 3s) could also serve as starter.

PF Najul Ervin, 6-5, 214, Jr. Long-armed role player asked to do the little things (defense, rebounding).

SF Tyler Storm, 6-7, 206, Fr. Prep post player making transition to perimeter; coach's son has good 3-point form.

SG Jeremy Landers, 6-2, 185, So. Top defender will gain time as shot gains consistency (3.3 ppg, .317 FG%).

C Ante Dzepina, 6-8, 235, Jr. Croatian junior-college transfer still needs clearance from NCAA in order to play.

PG Keith Smith, 5-5, 135, Fr. Change-of-pace guard who sometimes tries to go a little too quickly.

PG Bryan Hall, 6-1, 157, Fr. Still working on his size and shot, but he comes from a program (Chicago Young) that breeds good players.

G Xavier Silas, 6-5, 201, Jr. Colorado transfer clearly best player in program, but he must sit out transfer year

C Michael Fakuade, 6-7, 222, r-Fr. With limited depth upfront, this sizable walk-on could see legitimate time.

PG Michael Peaster, 5-11, 165, Fr. Waubonsie Valley grad earned walk-on spot to add depth in backcourt.

2008-09 schedule

Nov. 14 vs. Maine* 4 p.m.

Nov. 15 vs. W. Illinois/Kennesaw St.*

4/6:30 p.m.

Nov. 18 INDIANA STATE 7 p.m.

Nov. 21 at Tennessee State 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 vs. Portland State** 12:45 a.m.

Nov. 28 vs. Hampton/Ala.-Anchorage**

3/6:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 vs. TBA** TBA

Dec. 3 at Air Force 8 p.m.

Dec. 6 CHICAGO STATE 2 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Arkansas Little Rock 1 p.m.

Dec. 17 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 LOYOLA 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 TOLEDO 2 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Ball State 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Western Michigan 1 p.m.

Jan. 20 EASTERN MICHIGAN 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 2 p.m.

Jan. 28 at Miami (Ohio) 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 BOWLING GREEN 4 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Ohio 6 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Feb. 10 KENT STATE 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 AKRON 2 p.m.

Feb. 18 at Central Michigan 6 p.m.

Feb. 21 at TBA (BracketBuster) TBA

Feb. 25 WESTERN MICHIGAN 7 p.m.

Feb. 28 BALL STATE 2 p.m.

March 4 at Eastern Michigan 7 p.m.

March 8 at Toledo 1 p.m.

March 10-14 MAC Tournament TBA

*At 100 Club Classic (Kennesaw, Ga.):

**At Great Alaska Shootout (Anchorage, Ala.)