Freshmen Wilson and Maschmeyer look to leave mark on Hawk Hill

In college basketball, just as in every other Division I sport, being a freshman athlete can be overwhelming. The workload both on and off the court increases, the tempo of the game picks up, and at a school like Saint Joseph's University, where basketball means everything, it means very high expectations. Freshmen Chris Wilson and Evan Maschmeyer are prepared to take on those expectations. "I want to do whatever I have to do to help the [the team], whether that is a help guy defensively, or knocking down open shots, all I really want to do is win," said Maschmeyer, the 6'3" guard from Jeffersonville, Indiana.

The eighteen year-old played high school basketball at Jeffersonville, where he was named three-time All-Area selection, and was a McDonald's All-American nominee. When Coach Phil Martelli reached out to him, he said he was amazed at how nice and courteous the coaches were to him on his tour, which really factored into his decision to come here.

Coming from a small town has been an adjustment period for Maschmeyer, who said he sees the passion that the fans have for their teams.

 "If you succeed around here, just like Jameer [Nelson] and all those guys, you will be remembered, and the fans will thank you."

Maschmeyer also said he is excited to build off of last year's success in the A-10 tournament. "Each day we are getting better, and it is not just going to happen overnight, but as the team comes together, and we listen to coach, we'll be back to the top again," Maschmeyer said.

But at the end of the day, at the end of his career, Maschmeyer wants the fans to know that he gave it his all every practice, every game, and did everything he could to win. As for his freshman teammate, point guard Chris Wilson, is a Fayetteville, North Carolina native. The 6'3" guard graduated Terry Sanford High School with 18.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He came to St Joe's first and foremost, to play under Coach Martelli. Wilson said he loves the style of play here and thinks he fits in well with all the young talent on team. He has the right-now attitude that is shared with many of the other players on the team.

"This isn't a team of the future anymore. We are young, but we are talented, and the time to win is now," said Wilson.

Wilson is also from a small town, and just like Maschmeyer, he loves the atmosphere. "The Big 5 tradition is like no other in college basketball, and this is one of the best places in the country to play," Wilson said.

Wilson said he aims to start a new legacy here at St. Joe's. He doesn't want people to keep talking about the 2003 team, but wants it to be about the 2012 team, the 2013 team, the 2014 team, and so on.

"I want people to remember that I was a winner," he said.

For Wilson, Maschmeyer, and the rest of the team, the future starts now.