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Quinnipiac Basketball: 2022-23 season preview and outlook for Bobcats

By Connor Wilson

Nov 9, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Quinnipiac Bobcats guard Dezi Jones (11) dribbles as Maryland Terrapins guard Ian Martinez (23) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Quinnipiac Bobcats guard Dezi Jones (11) dribbles as Maryland Terrapins guard Ian Martinez (23) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Columbia Lions forward Ike Nweke Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Columbia Lions forward Ike Nweke Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential starting lineup for Quinnipiac

Point Guard – Dezi Jones

The second leading scorer for the Bobcats last season, Jones comes back for his second season in Hamden. Coach Dunleavy recruited him from a JUCO in Missouri after he averaged 17.5 PPG for Moberly Area Community College (MACC). He started 29 out of 31 games last year and will more than likely be the starting point guard again this season. He scored at least 20 points five times last year and led the team in steals as well. He isn’t a giant out there – listed at 5’10” – but his skill certainly makes up for what he lacks in size.

Shooting Guard – Matt Balanc

Arguably the best returning player at Quinnipiac, Balanc comes back for his senior season after leading the team in scoring a year ago and being named to the All MAAC Third Team. He started the year as the sixth man before joining the starting lineup in mid-January. He thrived in that reserve role, averaging 16.3 PPG in his 12 games off the bench. He should be in the starting lineup this year, but with a deep and talented group of guards, Coach Dunleavy has some interesting decisions to make.

Small Forward – Tymu Chenery

One of the most athletic players on the Bobcats, Chenery is one of the top breakout candidates in the conference. The incoming junior saw his production and efficiency drop from year one to year two, but showed flashes at times, including a 17-point and 8-rebound performance against CCSU. With Rigoni having graduated, Chenery will now be called upon more often from the perimeter to make up what is lost from a year ago. He is a very active defender as well and drew the top assignment often from Coach Dunleavy last season.

Power Forward – Alexis Reyes

The East Carolina transfer didn’t play too much for Coach Dooley last season but comes to Hamden with an opportunity for a fresh start and a much bigger role. Reyes averaged just 1.5 PPG in 10 games for the Pirates. He isn’t a textbook power forward as he stands at 6’7” and 190 lbs, but he will get a lot of opportunities at the four thanks to his ability to stretch the floor from three and defend with his length. Reyes should be able to thrive in the MAAC as one of the go-to guys on the team when the Bobcats need a jolt.

Center – Ike Nweke

Unlike the past few years (with the exception of 2020-21), Kevin Marfo won’t be lining up at center for the Bobcats. This year, that job is taken by Nweke, a transfer from Columbia. He only suited up in 10 games last year during his third season with the Lions, but he averaged 15.9 PPG and 6.3 RPG. This comes after he averaged just 9.6 PPG in 2019-20. With Marfo out of the picture, Nweke should step into his role of lead rebounder and defensive anchor down low. Historically, he hasn’t been a great shot blocker, but he makes up for that on the offensive end.