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CHESTNUT HILL PREPARES FOR A BIG STEP-UP

November 14, 2007

By John Kopp, the Philadelphia Daily News

Courtesy of the Philadelphia Daily News: Chestnut Hill College encountered the struggles that come with starting a men's basketball program 4 years ago. The Griffins are again battling adversity, as the program makes the leap to Division II, where they'll play in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference alongside local schools Holy Family, University of the Sciences and Philadelphia University.

"Moving up to Division II is going to be like starting all over again," coach Jesse Balcer said. "We have a good team, but we'll have some growing pains."

The Griffins lost four seniors, including all-time scoring leader Isaac Greer, from a team that finished 19-9 last season. They'll also be without senior David Goode, who scored 15.2 points per game and is redshirting. Despite the production Balcer is losing, he's more concerned with the leadership.

"By the time last year came along, they could have run a practice if I wasn't around," Balcer said of his former players.

The departure of Greer, last season's North Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and Shawn Bolling, a 4-year starter at point guard, cleared the way for sophomore Julian McFadden, who averaged 11.8 points from the bench.

"He played that role well," Balcer said. "I'm looking for him to be able to score."

Balcer said he originally recruited McFadden as a point guard, but after watching him thrive as a shooting guard, Balcer hopes to establish freshman Brandon Williams as the point guard.

With all the departures, Balcer realizes he'll have to be patient as the Griffins not only adjust to each other, but a new league.

"We'll see how we handle adversity," Balcer said. "Early on, it's going to be tough, but if we can hang in there, we'll be fine."