It's a fresh start for 6'10" center Peter Alexis from Holy Redeemer high school in Wilkes-Barre. The Philadelphia University freshman is playing and producing for the Rams after transferring from Penn State.
"I talked to coach Magee before the season and he said if you can get me 10 points and 10 rebounds at least every game then I will be happy, so I started focusing on rebounding a little more and that started generating some more points on offensive rebounds," said Peter Alexis.
Teammate Nick Schlitzer from Pottsville sought out Herb Magee's team and welcomed the opportunity to play for the legendary head coach.
"I love it here. Playing for Coach Magee playing for a shooter it's always good. I like the school I like the surroundings. It's a good place for basketball," said Nick Schlitzer.
How impressive have Peter and Nick been playing for head coach Herb Magee. In their win over Bloomfield Alexis with a double-double 23 points and 16 rebounds and Schlitzer added 21. These underclassmen are starting to understand this offense.
"It's kind of nice that Peter landed in your lap. He had a big game the other night? Yes he is playing great all year. He is a great kid. He's at the right level. This is a great level for him. He's going to have great success, and we keep reminding ourselves that's he's only a freshman. I know Nick was a gym rat kind of like Larry Bird in their getting his reps. He likes to shoot-obviously you hone that craft with 21 the other night. He seems to be playing very well for you also. Early in the year he had a problem with his back and it hurt him while he was out there and it hurt him when he was trying to come back. And now he's back-he's healthy he feels strong and we rely on him," said Herb Magee.
Growth physically off the court will come for Nick and Peter over the next few years, the mental challenge's at this level may take home time.
"Coach Magee is a great guy he is a great coach. He knows everything about the game pretty much and playing division ii is like taking all the energy in the Bryce Jordan Center and packing almost into a smaller gym and the fans around here are great its same energy in college that you expect anywhere else," added Peter.
Philadelphia University lost to Holy Family University 60-59 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia.