By: Bryan Schwartz
The Quinnipiac Bobcats begin the 2017-18 campaign with plenty of new faces.
Two have to sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules.
That’s Kevin Marfo from George Washington and Travis Atson out of Tulsa.
Marfo believes a new beginning was best in his decision to transfer to Quinnipiac and sit out this season.
“Just for a brand new start,” Marfo said. “I was a top recruit. I’ve seen the big time and I know that’s not important. I wanted to go to a place where I was wanted and needed.”
New head coach Baker Dunleavy wants Marfo and Atson to make the most of their red-shirt year.
“It’s a balance,” Dunleavy said. “I like to think the positives outweighs the negative. We’d love to have them, but we’ll find ways to make it productive.”
Though they won’t be on the court during the games, Dunleavy thinks practice is just as good a time for learning.
“What we like to do is evaluate strengths and weaknesses,” Dunleavy said. “Certainly continue to build on those strengths and pick two or three weaknesses that were going to hopefully turn into strengths.
Marfo wants to keep improving his overall game during the time not in uniform.
“I’m getting better skill wise,” the George Washington transfer said. “Shooting, handling… just getting a better feel for the game.”
One thing has remained constant so far in practice that has kept the team together no matter who is on the court.
“We’re a family,” Marfo said. “We may fight and bicker at each other. We’re like brothers in there, and that’s something I haven’t had in a while.”
Marfo and Atson will watch their brothers get their season officially going November 11th against Dartmouth.
