West Windsor, N.J. -- With only one returning player from last season, 6-foot sophomore Brandin Youngblood, MCCC Head Coach Howard Levy sees many new faces - but lots of talent - on the court.

Now in his fourth season, Levy says the team is likely to start off slowly, as the new players adjust to the Vikings' system. But he anticipates success as they will work hard and "acclimate to our style."

A striking element on this season's roster are the number of big men. Two of the newcomers are from the Baltic countries - 6-4 Igor Popovic (Serbia) and 6-10 Filip Sekulic (Montenegro).Other freshmen include 6-1 Armando Davis (Allentown HS) and 6-0 Mustafa El-Amin (Rancocas Valley HS), 6-4 sophomore Stanley Tuchez (Hightstown HS), 6-1 Demetrius Tilley (Burlington Township HS), 6-4 Kevin Avent (Trenton Central HS) and 6-2 Shaquile Butler (Burlington City HS).

Joining the Vikings from outside the Delaware Valley are 5-10 DaQWuill Gibbs (Wildwood Catholic), 6-4 Ryan Henley (Marple-Newtown, Pa.), 5-11 Marvin Champ (Philadelphia), 6-5 Makaranki Garcon (Woodbridge), 6-2 Andre Washington and 6-3 Maurice McNeal, both from Philadelphia, and 6-2 Ryan Roman ( Broadview, Ill).

From what he sees at this early point in the season, Levy considers this to be one of the more talented of the four squads he has coached at Mercer. Patience will be key, though. "I expect the team to establish itself by the start of the new year when the Garden State Athletic Conference and Region XIX battles really heat up," Levy says.

Levy will be assisted by Miles Smith and Eric Preston.

Click here for the game schedule and scores.

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