By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Greg Rodi

3rd year

16-28 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Deion Morrison, varsity assistant; Dominic DeMartini, junior varsity; Tim Keyes, freshman.

2021-22 Record: 12-12 overall; 4-10 Suburban League American Conference; Sectional champions.

Returning Lettermen (1): Zach Anzells, sr.

Lettermen Lost (7): John Ugran, Jack Cardaman, Derek Blum, Tavion Pride, Matt Geier, Nathan Balkissoon, Enzo Catania.

SEASON OUTLOOK

With only one returning lettermen, balance will be the key for the Greenmen this season.

Rodi, now in his third year leading the program, will need players to step up to fill the void left by the loss of seven lettermen.

“We have to play as a unit on both ends of the floor,” Rodi said. “Our success will depend on our ability to play together.”

GUARDS

Zach Anzells, a senior, along with junior Brandon Liepins and Brock Habbyshaw are the leaders in the backcourt.

“We have an athletic core, who can create off the bounce and defend with high energy,” Rodi said.

“Zach is our leader and our coach on the floor. He can shoot the 3 and will usually defend the opponent’s best player,” Rodi said.

Liepins is the floor general, according to Rodi.

“He is great at directing traffic on the offensive end. He keeps us in our rhythm and sets the tone for us on the defensive end of the floor,” Rodi said.

Habbyshaw is Aurora’s energy player.

“He plays with a great pace at both ends and shoots the ball well at all three levels,” Rodi said.

FORWARDS

Michael Greenwood, another senior on the roster, along with Luke Czerwinski and Felipe Machado are the core frontcourt players for Rodi’s Greenmen.

“Michael has all the tools to be a great player,” Rodi said. “He can finish at the rim with power and also step out and shoot the 3 at a high percentage.”

Overall, the frontcourt should complement the backcourt well this season.

“This group loves to rebound and have shown the ability to play off of our guards in the half court,” Rodi said.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“They are great culture kids, who show up every day with the intent to get better as a unit,” Rodi said. “They are a team that believes in what we are trying to build and work toward that goal, together, every time we are on the floor.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Brock Habbyshaw, Zach Pannetti, Ben Lukasik, Tommy Hach, Aaron Booze and Johnny Trivisonno.