St. Joe's freshman Lodge won't play this season

WHATEVER the next era of Saint Joseph's basketball brings, the 2014-15 freshman class certainly figures to have a role after the loss of four seniors, including three starters. Well, the class will start off with one fewer player than anticipated as the school announced yesterday that forward Markell Lodge will sit out this season to "concentrate on academics."

"Markell, his family and I made the decision while receiving input from our academic advising staff," coach Phil Martelli said. "We feel that he would benefit from placing all of his emphasis on academics this year. This decision is absolutely the right step for Markell, who has a bright future at Saint Joseph's."

Lodge, a 6-6 forward from North Carolina, averaged 18.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks last season at Pace Academy. He retains his 4 years eligibility.

James Demery, also from North Carolina and a 6-6 forward, will almost certainly represent this freshman class as a starter who will be expected to contribute immediately. Fellow freshman Shavar Newkirk, from the Bronx, N.Y., likely will start the season as the backup to senior point guard Chris Wilson. Obi Romeo, a 6-10 center from West Virginia, was probably thought of as a longer-term project, but, with the loss of Lodge and senior Papa Ndao (declared out for the season with a medical issue), the SJU rotation has some holes that may need to be filled sooner rather than later.