The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-12-26

Andy Trimmer, as his chief under study. Veteran Bob Dro returns at guard, and Trimmer will play the other when he's not at center. Other backcourt candidates are James Gridley and William Torphy, letter. men, and Irwin Swanson, little so- phomore with an uncanny shooting eye.
 Defensive weakness is the chief worry at Purdue, looked on as a 1 possibility to nose out Indiana and retain the Big Ten title. The Boil ermakers will miss keenly the serv- ices of Fred Beretta and Elwood Yeager, standout guards, and Dan Fisher, utility man. This years squad lacks height, too, and Coach Ward Lambert bases his hopes on a highly offensive outfit, with a fast break as its major weapon. Capt. Bob Igney, slight sharpshooting for ward, heads the list of veterans available. Don Blanken, leading scorer last season will probably work at center, and Forrest Sprowl, a footballer, is expected to hold tAOWAA tAAO O1llC1 1Ol wal SDOU. John (Mickey) Tierney and Charles Caress, both lettermen, are back. Sophomore Bob Riley may win one of the berths, as may one of several minor lettermen.
 EIGHT VETERANS
 BACK AT ILLINOIS
 Eight veterans are available at H. linois. Capt. Johnny Drish is back after brief layof with bad shoul- der to team with Walter (Hoot) Evers at forward. Illinois strength will depend to large extent on the development of Art Mathisen, 6-foot 5-inch center. Mathisen led the scoring in an opening game with the freshman team.
 Henry Sachs is slated for start ing berth at guard, with either Vic Wukovits, last years center, or Bob Richmond, lettermen in 1889, as his running mate. Reserve strength is good, with several fine sophomores on hand.
 Ohio State lost three letter win ners, has six back. Greatest loss WA NC GAdt VI WAAidiA OdCIleT dL center.
 Experienced forwards are Gilbert Nicholson, Jack Graf and William Goss; guards are Jack Dawson, Jed Mees and Jack McLain. McLain, who stands 6 feet inches, will prob ably move to center. About dozen newcomers fill out the squad. Wisconsin lost three major letter. men, has six returning. Chief main- stays are Charles Epperson and Warren Schrage, forwards; Robert Alvin. Edward Scheiwe and Theo- dore Strain, guards; Gene Englund and Donald Zimmerman, centers. Squad is the largest in years.
 Northwestern, Minnesota, Mich igan, Chicago and Iowa all shape up as improved, but it is doubtful if any of them will be title contenders.
 One of Northwestern's big ham, dicaps is lack of a regular floor. Patten gymnasium has been razed; games will be played on the Evans ton high school court. Six letter men are missing, including five for- wards. so an oensive thrust is the main problem.
 Six lettermen form the nucleus of Minnesota's squad, and Coach Dave MacMillan expects to have a better balanced team than last seasons.
 Center berth is the biggest worry at Michigan, with six veterans avail able. Chicago's attack will be changed to meet the requirements of a squad with less height. Iowa will also be short; six juniors should develop as the season progresses. TOLEDO LOST ONLY
 ONE STARTER
 Center problem is pressing at Mo- tre Dame. One of the leading vet- eran candidates, Joe Gillespie, has an injured ankle and will be out for several weeks. Charles Butler, sophomore. is Q probable starter, teaming with high-scoring Eddie Riska and Jim Carnes. forwards: Larry Ryan and Bob smith. guards. George sobek, regular forward as sophomore last trip, is also in- jured. but should take back his berth In few weeks.
 Toledo has veterans Bob Gerber, who averaged ll points a game last year; Marshall Carlson. Bart QuInn, Bobby Nash and other veterans re.