The Hawk

Issue date: 11/10/06 Section: Sports

Calathes charges with Martelli watching.

It's time to step up.

He's not going to shy away from the challenge. He will embrace it.

That's what leaders do.

Pat Calathes sees the opportunity that lies ahead of him. He knows he will be counted on not just because of his abilities, but because this season, he's the veteran.

He's been through the battles of the Atlantic 10. He witnessed first hand the buzzer beaters and the close calls that have broken the hearts of so many fans on Hawk Hill. Along with Ahmad Nivins and Rob Ferguson, the time has come for him to emerge as a new leader. Calathes put in the time during the off-season.

"This summer, I lived in the gym," said a noticeably bigger Calathes. "I put on fifteen pounds of muscle. I had personal trainers here in Philly and at home."

He even listed lifting weights as one of his favorite hobbies. When Calathes wasn't in the weight room, he was on the basketball court working on his jumper.

"I definitely worked on my outside shot. My three-pointers at the end of the year were a little shaky," Calathes said. "Being one of the key players on the team, I just tried to perfect whatever needed to be perfected."

Calathes finished the last seven games of last season averaging 10.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists a game. He is looking to build off that strong finish and go well beyond those numbers. Expect them to improve.

"I definitely expect to go above and beyond 10 and 5 this season," Calathes said. "If Coach wants me to score 20, I'll go for that. If he wants me to do the little things, I'll definitely do that. I have no problem at all doing the little things."

With a young but talented team this season, Calathes knows Coach Phil Martelli is expecting plenty from him this season.

"He [Martelli] wants me to build off the end of last season, take more of a leadership role, and just do whatever it takes. All-around package stuff. I'll do whatever Coach wants me to do."

Calathes feels most comfortable when the ball is in his hands. This season he will be playing the point at times, but he will also be playing the wing and the power forward position as well.

With five new freshman, many of them expected to get playing time, it may take the Hawks a little longer than usual to get acquainted with each other on the floor. However, Calathes expects the freshman to be quick learners.

Continued...

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