The Newcomers:
PG Marquis Hall – 5-11, 170 lbs – Jefferson (Portland, OR)
A McDonalds All-America nominee, Hall is Billy Taylor’s prized recruit this year. Hall is said to already be a true point guard, strong passer and good leader. Hall put up 21 second-half points in the Oregon/Washington All-Star Game, winning the game’s MVP trophy and suggesting he can be a scorer as well as a passer.

SG Paul Bayer – 6-5, 200 lbs – Moline (Moline, IL)
At 6-5, Bayer brings significant size to the off-guard position relative to the rest of the Patriot League. Bayer’s rep is as a three-point shooter, but various Billy Taylor quotes in the media praise his ability in motion offenses as well.

PF Zahir Carrington – 6-7, 200 lbs – Masterman School (Philadelphia, PA)
Carrington is athletic, but look again at his physical stats. He will need to fill out and bulk up in order to become an impact frontcourt player. Carrington’s per-game averages of 19 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks his senior year suggest that once his bulk and strength are on par with the rest of the league, he has the skills to be a big-time post player on both sides of the floor.

PG Matt Shamis – 5-11 165, 165 lbs – Glenbrook North (Northbrook, IL)
The second Illinois native of Lehigh’s recruiting class, Shamis is also the second true point guard of the class. Shamis led his high school team in assists, and his field goal shooting (52% from the floor, 41% from beyond the arc) suggest he’s a pass-first point guard with an opportunistic shooting eye, just the type of point that can succeed in the Patriot League.

The Fit:
Lehigh’s most pressing need for 2006-2007 was obviously the starting point guard position vacated by Joe Knight. Billy Taylor did a spectacular job in recruiting two freshmen polished enough to effectively run an offense.

From the start of the season, expect Hall in the starting lineup and Shamis to get significant minutes as well. Taylor will give them every chance to succeed; if both Shamis and Hall struggle then Lehigh will have to rely on Jose Olivero to run the offense, which means Olivero will not be able to play the scorer’s role that fits him so well.

Barring injuries, Bayer should see very limited minutes his freshman year. Olivero and Kyle Neptune both graduate this spring, which means Bayer will be asked to be an impact player starting next season.

Like Bayer, Carrington will be buried on the depth chart this year, and spend much of the season training and bulking up.

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