LC Meridian

Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Tony Correa

Bronx, NY - Seventh-year head coach Steve Schulman is a man who is built for challenges. The two-time CUNY conference coach of the year has had instant success at the helm of the Lightning program, and has reached the post-season in five of his seasons in the Bronx. If that pattern is to continue, Schulman will have a challenge of replacing a two-time All-American, as well as three starters from last season's ECAC qualifying team. Lehman will depend on a crafty group of veterans, with an mixture of newcomers who are expected to keep the Lightning perched amongst the top of the CUNY athletic conference.

Leading this year's squad will be the exciting backcourt of sophomore Duane Rhoden, and senior Rafael Bueno. Rhoden and Bueno both saw significant minutes last season, with Bueno even having a personal best, scoring 19 points for the Lightning in a loss to Baruch in the conference semi-finals. Rhoden, a crafty guard out of Kennedy High School started all twenty-seven games for the Lightning last season, and will be called upon to expand his role with the Lightning this season.

"Duane and Rafael give us two experienced starts to compliment our line-up," said Schulman. "Both of these guys were significant contributors last season, and will both be vital in this year's success."

Returning to the Lightning this season to take over the point guard duties is Jason Marchena. Marchena, a talented 6'0" sophomore guard saw quality minutes last season, starting parts of the season, when all-star guard Willy Vargas was sidelined in the first half of the season. With the departure of Vargas, coach Schulman now turns over the reigns to Marchena.

"Jason has the capabilities to be one of the best point guards in the CUNY conference," said Schulman. "His experience and the learning experience he received last season should be very beneficial to him this year in directing the offense."

After the departure of two-time CUNY Most Valuable Player Sekani Francis, Lehman returns just two members of last year's frontcourt. Seniors Lavar Larrier and Chris Diplan will anchor a young but talented group. Diplan, a 6'4" hard worker, is the only remaining member of the 2003-04 Lehman squad which captured the CUNY title. Used in spurts last season, Diplan will take on a more active role with this year's squad, being called upon to play minutes both at the forward and center position. Larrier, a transfer from Monroe College enters his second season with the Lightning and will look to use his athleticism to help the Lightning in the transition game.

Lehman is also excited about a talented group of newcomers. Gamba Thomspon, Nick Watson, Brian Thompson, and Jeff Jean-Pierre will all look to see extended minutes, while freshman Reinaldo Morel will look to see extensive playing time in the backcourt. Steve Rapp is a senior transfer from Centenary College who will look to add depth to the Lightning backcourt as well.

"We are extremely excited about this year's team," Schulman added. "With so many newcomers, and a competitive CUNY conference, we are very excited about our possibilities to compete in conference play."

Lehman begins the season this weekend, as the travel to Oswego, New York for the Oswego State Tip-off Tournament, before returning home on Monday, November 27, 2006 for the home opener against nationally ranked William Paterson University.

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