Positional Breakdown: Center

Season tip-off day has finally arrived. Beginning today, preseason predictions can be thrown out the window. All the drama will unfold on the court. So on this banner day, we offer the final installment of our positional previews by examining the men in the middle: the centers.

THE PLAYERS:

Senior Mike Howlett has been very effective when in the lineup, but his health has been a rarity over the past several years. In fact, he's played in just 41 career games, 13 more than point guard Zack Rosen started last season alone. But Howlett's physical presence inside always seems to raise the Quakers' level of play on both ends of the court, so the 6-9 big could be a wild card this season.

Sophomore Fran Dougherty: The 6-8 local product said after the Red & Blue scrimmage that he's prepared to play next to Howlett or alone in the middle. If forced to the center spot, Dougherty would be an intriguing option due to his defensive mobility and developing post game.

Sophomore Cameron Gunter: Gunter is in the same boat as Dougherty, only he's rawer and has far more natural athleticism. Plus, he remains Penn's lone shot-blocking threat, so he will surely crack the rotation at the very least.

THE MINUTES:

The distribution of playing time will depend upon Howlett's health and performance. Even if he starts, he will likely be used in spurts to maximize his effectiveness while he's out there. Dougherty should see a large chunk of minutes, while Gunter will allow the team to present a different look when needed.

THE OUTLOOK:

If the injury bug continues to plague Howlett, the Quakers could be in trouble. Both Dougherty and Gunter have slight (though improving) builds, meaning rebounding could become a killer issue minus Howlett. Conor Turley will not be around to do the dirty work, so someone will have to fill his shoes. That guy could be the unheralded Gunter, who can take the Quakers to another level if he can mine his untapped potential.

BREAKDOWNS 1-4: Point guard ... Shooting guard ... Small forward ... Power forward