Additions and Subtractions is the latest A10Talk series taking a look at new and departing players in each of the Atlantic 10 programs. Today we examine the roster change-ups for the George Washington Colonials.
Key Additions:
- Jaren Sina, PG (6’2, 185 lbs)
The Colonials get a huge addition with Seton Hall transfer Jaren Sina this season. After sitting out a year, Sina will have two seasons remaining with George Washington and will fill the role of starting point guard. With Paul Jorgensen having left the program, Sina is going to step into a minute-heavy position his first year as a Colonial, but he has the skill set to take this team to the next level. Sina averaged 7.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his sophomore season with the Pirates. He’s a great distributor who also has the ability to knock down jumpers with regularity, which should make him a threat alongside Tyler Cavanaugh and Yuta Watanabe. Also, this guy is a playmaker. He knocked down a three pointer at the end of regulation to beat #1 seed Villanova in the 2014-15 Big East tournament.
- Patrick Steeves, SF (6’7 220 lbs)
Harvard transfer Patrick Steeves committed to George Washington earlier this year, and the dynamic forward will have two years left with the Colonials, beginning this season. Steeves’ shot 45.8% from three his last year with the Crimson and averaged a solid 9.1 points per game as well. As a stretch forward, Patrick Steeves has the ability to extend the defense and force some bigger bodies out on the wing to defend his three point shot. He’ll fill an immediate gap in the frontcourt but will also compliment Yuta Watanabe as a versatile 3 who can play both inside and out. Given all of the Colonials’ losses this offseason, this commitment is huge.
- Kevin Marfo, PF (6’8 235 lbs)
Kevin Marfo has the size, ability, and skillset to replace former George Washington forward who shared the same first name. While Kevin Larsen, a valuable asset to this Colonial frontcourt, will be gone next season, Kevin Marfo will look to be George Washington’s new go-to-guy in the paint. Marfo is a consensus three-star recruit out of Oradell, New Jersey who chose the Colonials over a number of East Coast powerhouses, including A-10 rivals Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He has the kind of physicality and force of a true post that can go to work against any other big man in the conference. He has some touch away from the basket as well, and if Mike Lonergan helps him improve that touch, Kevin Marfo could be a special player.
- Darnell Rogers, PG (5’5, 145 lbs)
Don’t let his height fool you; Darnell Rogers may not be the tallest player on the court, but he sure packs a punch for his size. Rogers is one of the quickest players you’ll see in all of college hoops. The three-star freshman out of Fort Mill, South Carolina can get to the basket in a flash and fly around the court like no other. Rogers has handles, he can pass, he can score inside, and he can shoot. Give this guy a year or two and he can blossom into a dynamic starting point guard for the Colonials.
- Other Notable Additions
Jair Bolden (PG), Justin Williams (SG), Arnaldo Toro (PF), Collin Smith (PF).
Key Subtractions
- Patricio Garino, F (6’6, 208 lbs)
Garino was an integral piece to this George Washington team after averaging 14.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this past season. Unfortunately for the Colonials, they will have to find someone who can pick up the slack for the scoring that Garino produced at such a high-level. He is now playing in the NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic.
- Kevin Larsen, F (6’10, 260 lbs)
Kevin Larsen’s ability to rake in rebounds will be the biggest loss for George Washington heading into the 2016-17 season. After pulling in 8.3 boards per game, Larsen proved himself a valuable piece to the Colonials’ 2015-16 team, and he was a big reason they were able to make a run and win the NIT Tournament. Larsen is a four year player who really progressed well under Mike Lonergan, and I could see recruit Kevin Marfo making a similar, if not better, impact as Larsen.
- Joe McDonald, G (6’1, 194 lbs)
Point guard Joe McDonald may have been the most underrated player on George Washington’s roster last season. His scoring wasn’t necessarily all that impactful, but across the board, his numbers were incredible. McDonald averaged 8.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game his senior season. His ability to affect all areas of the game was his biggest asset. As a point guard and senior leader, McDonald morphed into a high-level player on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor, and his never-ending hustle was one factor that didn’t show up on the stat sheet. The Colonials are gonna miss this stud.
- Other Notable Subtractions
Alex Mitola (Graduation), Paul Jorgensen (Transfer), Anthony Swan (Transfer), Matt Cimino (Transfer)
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