Temple is PUBLIC? I also always thought they were private. I also thought they averaged more fans than that per game.
BTW… One of their fans on the A10 board said Temple was one of the top basketball programs of all time (while calling us a mid-major) . He may have been joking, but his tone sounded quite “memphistic”.
Run, I don’t want to step on toes so I’ll let you post the review, but WH surprised a few fans from GW here…
Link: A-10 PREVIEW – 7TH PLACE
ChevEE, no problemo…
[b]A-10 PREVIEW – 7TH PLACELink: A-10 PREVIEW – 7TH PLACEGEORGE WASHINGTON COLONIALS[/b]
Last year: 27-3 (16-0), 1st place; NCAA, 2nd RoundINSTITUTION
George Washington University
Location: Washington, DC
Founded: 1821
Enrollment: 23,500
Affiliation: Private, coeducational, non-sectarian universityARENA
Smith Center
Seats: 5,000
Average attendance: 3,811COACH
Karl Hobbs 6th year (6th overall)
Record at George Washington: 91-56 (91-56 overall)ROSTER
1 Travis King Fr. PG 6-2 213 New Haven, CT/South Kent (CT) Prep
5 Robert Diggs So. WF 6-8 187 Brandywine, MD
11 Hermann Opoku Fr. F 6-8 215 Vienna, Austria/South Kent (CT) Prep
15 Cheyenne Moore So. WF 6-5 210 Baltimore, MD/South Kent (CT) Prep/Clemson
23 Regis Koundjia Sr. F 6-8 218 Central African Republic/Laurinburg (NC) prep/LSU
*25 Carl Elliott Sr. PG 6-4 220 Brooklyn, NY/Worcester Academy (MA)
31 Noel Wilmore So. WG 6-4 193 Chester, PA
33 Maureece Rice Jr. G 6-1 215 Philadelphia, PA
42 Dokun Akinbade Sr. PF 6-9 200 Riverdale, MD
Damian Hollis Fr. G/F 6-8 198 Fort Lauderdale, FL*Returning starters
OVERVIEW
Big change is coming to Foggy Bottom. George Washington, following its best season and highest national ranking ever in modern times, has to replace most of its frontcourt after the graduation of three key seniors. What’s more, junior swingman Danilo Pinnock left early for the NBA to deprive the A-10 of one of its brightest stars.
The roster is by no means barren of talent. The Colonials arguably return the best pair of guards in the league and coach Karl Hobbs has a stable of mostly younger athletes well suited for his full-court attack. GW will score plenty of easy buckets off turnovers or in transition.
It will take time, however, for reserve players to step into bigger roles and for younger players to gain experience. Steady concentration on defense and good decision making can’t always be expected.
The frontcourt, depleted by graduation, is the biggest question mark. Talented if erratic senior Regis Koundjia, former walk-on Dokun Akinbade and slender sophomore Rob Diggs are expected to bear the load inside. All three have to assume more prominent roles.
The backcourt is in more reliable hands. Returning guards Carl Elliott and Maureece Rice are talented enough to carry the team until their teammates adjust, but they’ll eventually need plenty of helping hands if GW intends to keep its three-year postseason streak alive.
Early on, that help is not going to come from touted Clemson transfer Cheyenne Moore. He suffered a stress fracture in his left leg and is out indefinitely. The Colonials were counting on the highly athletic 6-5 shooter to replace much of Pinnock’s production.
“It’s a tremendous loss because we don’t have that much depth,” Hobbs told the GW Hatchet college newspaper.
DEPARTED PLAYERS
Pops Mensah-Bonsu – Athletic bigman, originally from London, was a human highlight reel with his spectacular dunks and blocks. Pops wasn’t the best player on the team, or the most consistent (he was frequently in foul trouble). Yet he sparked the team with his play (12.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 56% FG) and could be a force at both ends, especially in a faster-paced game.
Mike Hall – Cerebral 6-8 forward was arguably the team’s best all-round player (11 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 71 assists) . He could score a bit inside and developed a nice 3-point shot (38%) in his final two seasons. He was also a stalwart defender in GW’s attacking scheme. His calming presence could be missed early on as the younger Colonials try to jell.
Omar Williams – Williams (8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) was considered a better recruit than either Hall or Mensah-Bonsu when he signed with GW, but he never surpassed his teammates. But give him his due. With quick feet and long arms, the 6-9 Williams was a terrific defender in GW’s zone press. He handled the ball well, kept good spacing on the floor and hit his free throws. He was a perfect complement to his more celebrated teammates.
Danilo Pinnock – Panamanian native went pro after his junior year and was a 2nd-round NBA pick. Pinnock has world-class athleticism, but he’ll need to improve his jump shot and ball-handling at the next level. At GW, he generated big bursts of offense (team-leading 14.5 ppg) and could be a terror in the Colonials’ press (72 steals). GW will surely miss having Pinnock for his final season. He was arguably the biggest game-changing player in the league with his two-way skills.
Alexander Kireev – The 6-11 Ukranian center was a solid backup player for four years, giving the Colonials some needed size. He hit an occasional hookshot, rebounded some and usually did his job in limited minutes.
Montrel McDonald – Wonderfully athletic forward appeared to be a perfect fit for GW with his long arms and quick feet and he showed tremendous promise as a freshman. Yet McDonald was suspended late in the season – reportedly after a dispute over playing time – and he never suited up again.
RETURNING PLAYERS
Carl Elliott – The powerful 6-4 senior (11.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.9 rpg), a Second Team A-10 selection last year, is arguably the best point guard in the league. Elliott is surprisingly quick at 220 pounds – though reports say he’s lost weight – and he’s one of the league leaders in steals (59). He also showed a much better jumpshot as a junior, connecting on 44% of his 3-pointers (49-112). By comparison, he shot 36% on treys in his first two seasons and took fewer outside shots (35-96 3PG combined).
The biggest improvement in Elliott’s game was reflected in his decision making. He took fewer gambles with the ball and turned it over less – just 69 turnovers after giving the ball away 96 times as a sophomore and 100 times as a freshman. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.7 was by far his career best. That’s not to say Elliott has lost his aggressiveness. He’ll attack the basket in the open floor and he’s quick to exploit openings in halfcourt sets, using his powerful frame to ward off defenders. As a senior, Elliott has to exercise even better decision making. He’ll have a lot of younger teammates in tow and has to put them in the best position to score. And Elliott himself will probably have to be more offensive minded. Without an all-league performance from Elliott, the Colonials have little chance of getting back to the postseason .
Maureece Rice – The 6-1 junior, the alltime scoring leader in Philadelphia high school history, is as good as any guard in the A-10. Though shorter than Elliott, the 6-1 Rice is just as strong at a solid 215 pounds. Deceptively quick for his size, Rice has the ball-handling skills to attack the basket and the court awareness to find open teammates when defenses collapse (85 assists). If penetration is cut off, Rice has a killer crossover, quick trigger and good accuracy (40% 3PG) beyond the arc. Foul him and Rice hits nearly 80% of his free throws. Expect him to get the ball in late-game situations and create off the dribble. Rice is especially dangerous in the clutch and has made a number of big shots.
In his third year, Rice won’t have any problem being more assertive and he can be expected to lead the team – and perhaps the A-10 – in scoring (12.6 ppg, 2nd on the team last year). While there aren’t many chinks in his game, Rice could do a better job rebounding and sticking to his own man on defense. He’s prone to gamble for steals (45) and sometimes it costs the Colonials.
Regis Koundjia – The LSU transfer, considered one of the nation’s finest recruits four years ago, showed flashes of great ability, but coach Hobbs may have been exaggerating when he suggested before the start of last season that Koundjia was the most talented player on the team. Koudjia (4.8 ppg, 40% FG, 3.3 rpg) is a super athlete, perhaps the finest in the A-10, and he appears to have the basis for a potent inside-out attack. Yet he never developed any real consistency and his decision making was questionable. He took too many bad shots and only scored in double figures once. What’s more, he was prone to cheap fouls. Koundjia fouled out of a team-high three games even though he played fewer minutes than six other players.
With a year of experience in the GW system, Koudjia can be expected to show significant improvement as a junior. He’s a gazelle in the open court and probably will be a focal point of GW’s inside game in halfcourt sets. He’s a quick leaper and can score with either hand. Koundjia also fancies himself a 3-point shooter, but unless he boosts his accuracy (24%), he should leave that to the guards. Just as important, he has to buckle down defensively. He bites easily on pumpfakes and doesn’t always move his feet. The Colonials cannot afford to lose him to foul trouble for long stretches. He’s the best bigman on a team somewhat lacking in size.
Robert Diggs – Promising sophomore (1.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg in limited minutes) is still on the reedy side, but Diggs is long and rangy and has great springs. He’s also got reliable hands and a nice touch and even the ability to step out for midrange jumpers. While he may give up some pounds to opponents, Diggs has the quickness and timing to become a good shotblocker and defender. He’s already proven to be difficult to circumvent in GW’s full-court press. Young Diggs will make his share of mistakes and he still needs a large dose of seasoning, but he’s is quite capable of becoming a terrific player. Don’t be surprised to see him start.
Dokun Akinbade – The former walk-on redshirted last year for the opportunity to start and play big minutes in his final season. With the graduation of Hall, Williams and Mensah-Bonsu, it was a wise move for Akinbade and the Colonials. Though not originally a scholarship player, the 6-9 Akinbade could start for most A-10 teams. He’s the tallest player on GW, another excellent athlete in Hobbs’ stable, who’ll be counted on to perform the less glamorous parts of a successful team. Run the floor, set picks, clear the boards and defend the interior (he’s a good shotblocker). Akinbade is not a polished offensive player, but he’s improved every year. He could probably get two or three buckets a game just on putbacks alone. Expecting him to score 6-7 points a game and grabbing 5-6 boards is not unreasonable.
Noel Wilmore – The 6-4 wing guard from suburban Pennsylvania played sparingly as a freshman. Like all GW players, he’s a good athlete, but Wilmore is best known as a lights-out shooter (46% 3PG as a high school senior). In his first year, he received sporadic minutes and failed to deliver with any consistency. He took 32 treys and hit 10, a 31% clip. With Cheyenne Moore out to start the season, the Colonials need another player or two to help with perimeter shooting to keep GW’s high-octane offense from sputtering. Wilmore has a chance to make his mark. To stay on the floor, though, he’ll need to improve his defense. Wilmore got caught flat footed too much as a freshman in limited minutes. He lost weight in the offseason to improve his quickness.
NEWCOMERS
Cheyenne Moore – The 6-5 transfer from Clemson, who did not get along with former coach Oliver Purnell, chose GW in part because it’s near his Baltimore home. Moore was expected to make an immediate impact before he broke his leg. He is a great athlete with 3-point capability. He averaged 6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds and drilled 39 treys in his only year at Clemson, averaging 20 minutes a game. Moore is also a decent ball-handler and passer (51 assists) and he shoots over 80% from the free throw line. When he comes back is anyone’s guess and his absence is sure to hurt the Colonials. Moore would have been part of a dangerous perimeter troika. Without him, GW may struggle at times to produce points.
Damian Hollis – Named to Florida’s Class 6A First Team, the 6-7 Hollis was a late bloomer who got lots of attention in recruiting circles last spring before GW snapped him up. The slender wingman is said to be a versatile player who shoots well behind the arc but can also take it to the rack. Hobbs likens Hollis, with his long wingspan, to a cross between Mike Hall and Omar Williams. It’s unrealistic to expect him to perform like either player as a freshman, however.
Travis King – Well-built point guard, a former member of the Connecticut All-State Team, is physically similar to Carl Elliott, though less gifted offensively. He likes to lead the fastbreak and will muscle his way to the hoop if teammates are not open. Hobbs also says he has the chance to be a very good on-the-ball defender.
Hermann Opoku – Very athletic bigman was born in Africa, lived in Austria and then went to prep school in Connecticut. A soccer player for most of his youth, Opuku didn’t start playing hoops until he was 16 and he’s still very raw offensively. He’s a great leaper, though, and will block shots and dunk the ball off misses. He gives the Colonials some added size and depth.
SCOUTING REPORT
Because of Elliott and Rice, GW has a chance to finish in the top third of the A-10 and return to the postseason. They represent the best and most experienced backcourt in the league. Both players can shoot and create off the dribble and they defend as well as any pair of guards in the A-10.
Yet the Colonials still need contributions from sophomore shooter Noel Wilmore, frosh swingman Damian Hollis or Clemson transfer Cheyenne Moore if he comes back from his injury. Depth on the perimeter is crucial to the style of ball the Colonials play and shooting might be at a premium if the inside attack turns out to be less potent. Elliott and Rice need shooters they can kick the ball out to if the guards have to dribble penetrate to create offense in halfcourt sets.
That could happen more than Hobbs would like. Koundjia is not a traditional back-to-the-basket player and can’t be expected to become a dominant scorer down low. Akinbade is likely to make bigger contributions with rebounding and defense, though he’ll score a bucket now and then. Sophomore Robert Diggs is probably the most skilled scorer close to the basket, but he’s wisp thin and not ready to bang with the big boys all game long. What the bigmen need to do is run the floor for transition baskets and hound opponents when GW turns up the press. The guards will create shots for them in a set offense, but they need to finish. If they can do that, the Colonials will hold their own against most frontcourts.
PREDICTION
GW would be well positioned to repeat as A-10 champs if Danilo Patrick had returned for his senior year. The Colonials might still be in great shape if Moore were fully healthy. Minus Moore, the team is down to just nine scholarship players, with Elliott and Rice the only truly experienced returnees. The numbers don’t add up for a GW program that loves to press and run all game long.
That’s where the frontcourt comes in. Although the A-10 is typically guard heavy, the best teams last season received outstanding play from big guys: GW, Xavier, LaSalle, Saint Louis, Charlotte. Expect that trend to continue in 2006-07. So where does that put the Colonials? That depends on how well Koundjia, Diggs and others perform. Their roles become even more crucial with the injury to Moore.
“Rob Diggs needs to have a big year, (junior Regis Koundjia) needs to put everything together and Damian Hollis needs to play better than he actually is,” Hobbs told the Hatchet.
Indeed they do. The guards can get GW into the top half of the league, but the Colonials will fall short unless the “bigs” play, well, big.
17-11 (9-7), 7th place
ADDENDUM
A few additional comments:
From 16-0 and first place to 9-7 and 7th place? I think it can happen. As much as I like Elliott and Rice and put a premium on backcourt play, I worry about GW’s depth and potential difficulties scoring inside with the departure of Pops, Hall and Williams. All of a sudden, the team is very inexperienced, too. Elliott and Rice are the only two players on the squad who have played more than 400 minutes at GW.
Moore’ injury also became a last-second factor. I subtracted a conference win because of his injury to put GW at 9-7, and under my tie-break procedure, that drops them a few spots and puts them at 7th. Also, the Colonials have one of the tougher conference skeds, playing Charlotte and St. Joe’s twice. Richmond is the other team GW plays twice. I could see the Colonials getting swept by Charlotte and splitting with the Hawks and Spiders. Lot of teams looking for payback.
How does GW avoid the fate I assign to them? The frontcourt would have to play better than I expect, especially Koundjia. And Elliott and Rice would have to make like West and Nelson. Penetrate and score or dish to the shooters. That means a Wilmore or Hollis has to convert.
It really is an unfortunate set of circumstances. Pinnock leaves early and new admin scrutiny on recruiting deprives Hobbs of a recruit or two. Then Moore gets hurt. Nine serviceable guys on a team that loves to run as much as any in the country just doesn’t cut it.
As for GW’s noncon sked, it’s not particularly difficult, but the school’s toughest games are on the road.
W – At Boston University
W – DARTMOUTH
W – LONGWOOD
W – KENNESAW STATE
L – At Providence
L – Virginia Tech (MCI Center)
W – Maryland Eastern Shore
L – At USC
W – Maryland-Baltimore County
L – Air Force (Santa Clara, CA)
W – Colgate (Santa Clara, CA)
W – MARSHALL
As WH points out, Clemson transfer Cheyenne Moore is out with an injury:
Run, once the write-ups are done, any chance of these being compiled into one document? I’d like to print and keep on hand to review before games as others have suggested.
[QUOTE=LeftyNiner;194945]Run, once the write-ups are done, any chance of these being compiled into one document? I’d like to print and keep on hand to review before games as others have suggested.[/QUOTE]
Lefty, that’s a great idea. I can put together as a .pdf and post.
Thanks!!!
GO NINERS!!!
That would be awesome! I’m going to use the advise given earlier and take it to the games for a little pre-game analysis.
wow…GW 7th…that would be very surprising, even given the loss of so many players.
Did we recruit Moore? It seems like I remeber him having an interest in us or was that a JUCO kid.
[QUOTE=TheShowDawg;195090]Did we recruit Moore? It seems like I remeber him having an interest in us or was that a JUCO kid.[/QUOTE]
Yeah we had some interest, but he wasnt a high priority
Oh I forgot he went to Clemson so we had to be recruiting him. That seems to be the way it works.
[QUOTE=TheShowDawg;195150]Oh I forgot he went to Clemson so we had to be recruiting him. That seems to be the way it works.[/QUOTE]
lol exactly
Guess the old saying, “When it rains, it pours” applies to GW. First Cheyenne Moore goes down with an injury, then this…
[b]A-10 PREVIEW – 6TH PLACEFORDHAM RAMS[/b]
Last year: 16-16 (9-7), 5th place (tie)INSTITUTION
Fordham University
Location: New York, NY
Founded: 1841
Enrollment: 15,000
Affiliation: Private co-educational universityARENA
Rose Hill Gym
Seats: 3,200
Average attendance: 2,445COACH
Dereck Whittenburg, 4th year (8th overall)
Record at Fordham: 35-54 (102-104 overall; 49.5% winning percentage )ROSTER
*1 Marcus Stout Jr. WG 6-4 195 Southfield, MI
5 David Boykin Fr. G 6-3 180 White Plains, NY
10 Dan Landisch Fr. 6-6 215 Milwaukee, WI
*14 Kevin Anderson Jr. PG 6-3 185 Westerville, OH/Hargrave Military (VA)
*21 Michael Binns Jr. PF 6-7 225 Aurora, IL/Brewster Academy (NH)
22 Demetrius Phillips So. F 6-8 212 Baltimore, MD/Notre Dame Prep (MA)
24 Brenton Butler Fr. PG 6-2 180 Norcross, GA
30 Sebastian Greene Jr. WF 6-8 188 Germany/Lafayette, IN
31 Dominic Osei Sr. WF 6-5 215 Brooklyn, NY
*42 Bryant Dunston Jr. C-F 6-8 233 Lefrak City, NY
44 Luke Devine So. C 6-10 239 Wakefield, RI/Hargrave Military (VA)
50 Chris Bethel So. F 6-5 210 Bronx, NY
**Herb Tanner WG 6-4 165 Boston, MA/Stoneridge (MA) Prep*Returning starters
** May enroll in second semester.OVERVIEW
The Fordham Rams should be gearing up for their first winning record since joining the A-10 a decade earlier. After all, Fordham recovered from a disastrous 3-8 start to finish the 2005-06 season at 16-16, capturing 5th place in the league standings. Fordham also won two games in the league tournament and gave eventual champ Xavier a tough battle in their home city before falling 70-59 in the semi-finals. What’s more, the Rams return a solid core of veterans and a potential NBA draft pick in the frontcourt. Only one key player from last year is missing.
There’s just one problem. The player the Rams lost, senior Jermaine Anderson, was one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. Fordham does not have anyone to replace him, either. Touted Penn State transfer Marlon Smith, who was supposed to fill that role, is no longer with the team.
As a result, the Rams need bigger contributions from third-year players Sebastian Greene and Michael Binns and from promising sophomore Chris Bethel. Star bigman Bryant Dunston and scoring guard Marcus Stout provide a strong foundation, but both struggled at times when their teammates did not step up, especially early in the season.
The defense also has to improve. The Rams have the size, experience and athleticism to finish higher than 11th in field goal percentage defense (43%), as they did last year. A better defensive effort could compensate for Fordham’s potential dearth of outside shooting and almost guarantee the school’s first postseason invitation since 1992.
DEPARTED PLAYERS
Jermaine Anderson – Canadian native developed from a decent support player early in his career into one of the better shooters in the A-10 in his final two seasons. Anderson, the Rams’ best 3-point marksman (41.4%), was second on the team in scoring (15.6 ppg) and led Fordham in assists even though he wasn’t the team’s primary ball handler. The Rams need to find a way to replace his leadership and scoring if they aim to improve on last year’s performance.
Corey McCrae – Transfer from Wagner (5.7 ppg, 35% 3PG), who played the fourth most minutes, provided decent contributions off the bench and hit the second most treys.
RETURNING PLAYERS
Bryant Dunston – The star center struggled more in his second year and did not seem nearly as dominant as a sophomore, but by the time the season was over, he had put up numbers good enough to merit selection to the A-10 First Team. Dunston improved his scoring (16.1 ppg from 14.8 ppg) and shooting (54% from 51%) and even turned the ball over less despite constant double teams.
From the very first game, Dunston was a marked man and rarely got easy looks. While he feasted on smaller frontlines and slower defenders, he was neutralized more often by bigger teams or long and athletic defenders. His teammates did a better job in the second half of the year to relieve the pressure on Dunston with improved perimeter shooting and better passes into the post. Dunston also extended his game out to the 3-point line (19-39, 49% 3PG) to give himself more scoring opportunities. Now that’s he accustomed to being the focal point of opposing defenses, Dunston is likely to show more consistency as a junior.
The strength of Dunston’s game remains inside. He’s got the usual assortment of post moves and can use both hands to finish. He’s also quick to the boards for putbacks on missed shots. Dunston does a lot more to help his team win. He grabbed 7.6 boards a game – second best among returning A-10 players – and swatted 77 shots, though his blocks and steals declined from his freshman year as he sought to avoid unnecessary whistles. He still fouled out of three games, however, and needs more help to defend the interior. As good as Dunston is, he can’t win games all by himself.
Marcus Stout – The talented 6-4 shooting guard is looking to rebound from an erratic sophomore season. Like Dunston, Stout became subject to more defensive attention and he disappeared for long stretches early in the year. The bulk of his points seemed to come after the Rams fell well behind. What got Whittenburg upset, however, was not the missed shots but the inability of Stout to maintain his composure. At one point, Whittenburg removed Stout from the starting lineup.
For all his early troubles, Stout rediscovered his game and put up numbers (13 ppg, 3 rpg, 35 steals) comparable to his freshman season. He’s the team’s best perimeter player (38% 3PG) and has the size to shoot over most defenders. If opponents crowd him, Stout likes to take a few hard dribbles and pull up for a midrange jumper. He’s not really quick enough to penetrate all the way to the rim against more athletic defenders and he’s learning how to pick his spots. The former high school point guard is also a solid ball-handler with good vision (91 assists, 2.8 apg). The graduation of McCrae and Anderson means Stout has to shoulder more shooting responsibilities to keep defenses from caving on Dunston. If Stout can handle the pressure – and there’s little reason to believe he can’t – the loss of Anderson won’t prove fatal.
Kevin Anderson – The team’s starting point guard did not escape the sophomore jinx, but like his more celebrated teammates, Anderson played better in conference action. Still, his numbers tailed off dramatically and he needs to improve in all facets of his game. Last year, Anderson’s assists fell sharply (71 from 131) and he shot even worse than he did as a freshman. His shooting percentage dropped to 33% from 37% and he hit just five of 31 three-pointers (16%). Anderson only broke double figures in points twice.
For the most part, the 6-3 Anderson has been content to lead the break and run the offense from the perimeter, tasks for which he is well suited. He’s a smart decision maker – just 46 turnovers – and has good vision. He also makes up for his offensive shortcomings with sound defense (40 steals). Yet the departures of McCrae and Anderson puts more pressure on him to boost his contribution. As a junior he either has to shoot better or become more effective at dribble penetration. If nobody guards him, as was sometimes the case last season, the Rams would basically be playing four-on-five on offense. No one is expecting Anderson to turn into a big scorer, but a little more offense would help the Rams go a long way.
Sebastian Greene – Unlike the other members of his class, the springy 6-8 small forward did not suffer any letdown in his second season. He played somewhat better, though his production (4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg) still leaves much to be desired. Greene’s strengths are tough defense (18 steals, 23 blocks) and solid all-round play. He excels in transition and constantly moves without the ball in halfcourt sets to prevent the offense from getting stagnant. What he doesn’t do is score much. For two years the question has been why. Greene has a nice looking shot (50% FG) and the ability to take defenders off the dribble, but last year he averaged just three shots a game. He’s also an excellent athlete and leaper who gets good position for offensive rebounds. There’s no reason why Greene shouldn’t average 8 to 10 points and become a more integral part of the offense. The Rams certainly could use that sort of production from him as a junior – and Whittenburg expects to receive it.
Chris Bethel – The strong 6-5 forward from the Bronx is the Rams’ X-factor in his second season. A well regarded city recruit, Bethel missed the first semester owing to late qualifying test scores and played sparingly as he acclimated himself to the college game. In a few impressive showings, Bethel demonstrated plenty of talent as well as longer shooting range (5-12 3PG) than he displayed in high school. In a coming-out of sorts, Bethel scored 8 points on 3-3 shooting in just five minutes during the first half of a big win over LaSalle in the league tournament. He also scored 11 points vs. Duquesne earlier in the season on 5-5 shooting. Bethel has the athleticism and inside-out game to become a topnotch A-10 player – if he improves his defense. Bethel played so little in part because of his lack of focus guarding his own man.
Michael Binns – The 6-7 combo forward showed big improvement as a sophomore – his scoring went up to 5.6 points from 1.6 points and his rebounds rose to 4.2 from1.6 – but Binns was maddeningly inconsistent. He is strong and athletic but rarely ventured inside unless Dunston was resting on the bench. Instead he tried to prove he could play on the perimeter, firing 50 three-pointers and making 17 of them (34% 3PG). That’s not a bad percentage, but Binns could be more effective working closer to the basket. He has the ability to dribble past slower or bigger defenders and could clean up more on Dunston’s misses. Just as important, he has to exercise better shot selection and show more patience. He’s prone to hoisting shots early in the shot clock before the Rams probe the defense. The tools are there for Binns to make himself into a solid A-10 starter. His third season could be the charm.
Demetrius Phillips – The 6-8 sophomore did not play much in his first season after joining the team for the second semester. In very limited time, though, he showed excellent athleticism and good shot-blocking potential. Phillips is still a bit thin and unpolished offensively, though he seems to have good hands and didn’t muff his few scoring opportunities (9-19). Phillips should see a bigger role in his second season as Dunston’s backup, primarily as a defensive replacement.
Dominic Osei – The hustling 6-5 senior from Brooklyn, Whittenburg’s first high-school recruit at Fordman, missed a slew of early games because of injuries and personal reasons. By the time he returned, Osei had fallen out of favor and barely got off the bench. He’s too small to do much damage down low and doesn’t have sufficient perimeter skills to be a major contributor. Because of his experience, though, Osei is still a useful reserve. If he shoots better and concentrates more on defense, he could earn his way back into the regular rotation.
Luke Devine – Sophomore center from Rhode Island has good size at 6-10 and 240 pounds and he’s fairly mobile, but Devine didn’t show off any appreciable skills in very limited time (38 minutes). He was mostly used to anchor the middle in zone defenses late in the half while Dunston rested on the bench. Devine is said to be a smart player and pretty good faceup shooter. He works hard for position down low but doesn’t appear to have the ability to score regularly inside. His forte is likely to remain the same. Rebound and defend the interior when Dunston is out of the game
NEWCOMERS
Dan Landisch – The 6-6 small forward from Wisconsin, a late bloomer, is a very good athlete who’s known to be a streaky shooter with the size to mix it up inside.
Brenton Butler – The son of a former NFL defensive back was an accomplished point guard for the class 5A champion in Georgia. Butler is more of a pass-first point guard with good leadership qualities, but he’s also athletic and shoots well. One of his teammates signed with Kentucky.
David Boykin – A signee in August, the 6-3 Boykin can play both backcourt positions. After missing his junior year due to back surgery, he was lightly recruited and almost went to prep school to attract more attention. Boykin is said to be a good floor leader who is careful with the ball and has a nice outside shot.
Herb Tanner – The 6-4 shooting guard from Boston, a 5th-year prepster, did not qualify immediately and was looking to gain the necessary scores to enroll in the second semester. Perhaps the Rams’ best recruit, Tanner is a long-range marksman who could have gotten immediate minutes on a team with suspect outside shooting.
SCOUTING REPORT
Dereck Whittenburg has built the Rams into a competitive program far quicker than Fordham had a right to expect, but he ultimately failed to replace a key senior and that might retard or delay Fordham’s ascent. Jermaine Anderson and Corey McCrae combined for 139 of Fordham’s 239 treys, or 58% of the team’s total. Yet even with those two, Fordham was just a middle-of-the-pack scoring team. Unless Whittenburg finds additional scoring and outside shooting, opponents will continue to gang up on Dunston down low and Stout on the perimeter.
Assuming the Rams are not suddenly transformed into a well-oiled offensive machine, they’ll need to rebound better and stiffen their defense to improve on their win total. Fordham was below average in those phases of the game, finishing 11th in both categories.
If the Rams have a few big question marks, Whittenburg also has plenty of potential answers. For starters, Dunston is one of the top bigmen in the Northeast and his trying experience last season should only make him a better player. Starting guards Marcus Stout and Kevin Anderson, for their part, have played together for two years and form one of the more cohesive backcourts in the league.
Bigger contributions, meanwhile, can be expected from other players. Binns showed marked improvement as a sophomore. He can give more help to Dunston inside and knock down some treys. Greene is a jack-of-all trades with the skills and athleticism to expand his game. Bethel has the physical tools and all-round skills to develop into a future star. And freshmen Butler and Boykins are supposed to be good shooters.
PREDICTION
The Rams enter the season with lots of momentum after last year’s strong finish. A slightly easier schedule early in 2006-07 should help Fordham get off to a better start. And the unbalanced A-10 schedule once again favors the Rams. The teams they play twice, Duquesne, St. Bonaventure and Rhode Island, are all picked to finish near the bottom of the league.
Yet the Rams are not going to finish in the top half of the league for the second year in a row simply because of an easier schedule, though it will help. Nor are they going to win because they have the most talent. They don’t.
Fordham is going to win because it has a core group of good players who have grown up together and know how to play with each other. Suddenly the Rams are one of the biggest, most physically mature and experienced teams in the A-10. The cohesion was evident in Fordham’s 9-7 finish in league play, its best mark ever. At the end of last year, Fordham was playing as well as any school except for GW, Xavier and Saint Joseph’s.
The program is now ready to sail forward. Dunston is the captain in the middle while fellow juniors Stout, Anderson, Greene, Binns will each take a bigger oar. Bethel also looks ready to climb into the boat and there’s sufficient reserve talent below decks. A 6th place finish, or even higher, is within sight if the Rams intensify their labors on defense and collectively account for the scoring of Jermaine Anderson.
Record: 18-10 (10-6), 6th place
ADDENDUM
The Rams remind me of the Keith Waleskowski-led Dayton teams earlier in this decade, including one that won the A-10 title. Fordham is not the most talented team, but the Rams have lots of good players who’ve spent a lot of time together. The sum, I expect, will be much greater than the parts. If there’s one thing that’s different, the Rams have a stud of a player in Dunston. What Fordham has yet to do, however, is play defense the way those Flyers did. I saw some great defense from Fordham some of the time last year, but the Rams have to give a more consistent effort. And that’s exactly what I expect this year.
The loss of Anderson is a blow, but good programs surely can recover from the loss of one key player. Every team in the A-10 has lost more than Fordham except for Massachusetts and Saint Louis. Somehow I think the Rams will find a way to compensate for Anderson’s graduation. Bethel is the player I figure is most likely to step up big. The kid can play.
Looking at Fordham’s sked, I initially went with 7-5, but then I upped it to 8-4. I was far too optimistic on the Rams’ noncon sked last year, but I just have a good feeling about this team.
W – SACRED HEART
L – At Tennessee
W – At Belmont
W – ST. FRANCIS (NY)
W – MANHATTAN
W – IONA COLLEGE
L – At Maryland
L – At Penn
L – At Texas A&M
W – At College of Charleston
W – FAIRFIELD
W – QUINNIPIAC
wow, I had no idea Fordham had 15,000 students. Most of the schools in the A-10 are bigger than I thought.
The first time I saw this thread, I did a double take. Did I actually add information on student enrollment, location and the like in my previews? Why, heck no! I guess Run is just trying to make me look a little more presentable. (-:
And no, Run, I dont mind in the least, but I think you knew that.
W.H.,
It’s just good posting. Run’s all over it. We’ll never reach your level of knowledge, but that type of posting catches us Atlantic 10 newcomers up on info we just don’t know. It’s Atlantic 10 school.
Now that we are more than half way through the previews and exhibition play starts on Saturday, oh and the Panthers’ pitiful game against Dallas, I’m ready for some Niners’ ball! Thank you WH (if you’re in here) and Run for this analysis. Like Austin said, it really helps us A-10 newcomers catch up and learn the other teams. Thanks guys!
:49ers:
[b]A-10 PREVIEW - 5TH PLACEDAYTON FLYERS[/b]
Last year: 14-17 (6-10), 11th place (tie)INSTITUTION
University of Dayton
Location: Dayton, OH
Founded: 1850
Enrollment: 10,500
Affiliation: Private Catholic co-educational universityARENA
Dayton Arena
Seats: 13,455
Average attendance: 12,423COACH
Brian Gregory, 4th year (4th overall)
Record at Dayton: 56-37 (56-37 overall)ROSTER
*1 Monty Scott Sr. WF 6-6 230 Reynoldsburg, OH
*2 Brian Roberts Jr. G 6-2 185 Toledo, OH
3 Andres Sandoval Jr. 6-4 205 Milford, MA/Richmond/Santa Fe (NM) CC
5 Nick Stafford Jr. F/C 6-8 225 Springfield, MA/Worcester (MA) Academy
14 London Warren Fr. PG 6-0 176 Jacksonville, FL
*15 Charles Little So. F 6-6 244 Cleveland, TN
20 Desmond Adedeji So. C 6-9 298 Landover Hills, MD
*21 Norman Plummer Jr. F 6-7 238 Fairfield, OH/Hargrave Military (VA)
32 Marcus Johnson Fr. G 6-3 186 Akron, OH
33 Jimmy Binnie Jr. WF 6-6 210 Johnston, IA
41 Kurt Huelsman Fr. C/F 6-10 232 St. Henry, OH*Returning starters
OVERVIEW
The Flyers look to return to their winning ways after their first losing season in eight years and the first under fourth-year coach Brian Gregory. Last year, Dayton often had trouble scoring and went through extended droughts, especially when small forward Monty Scott was out with a foot injury.
“We just weren’t able to withstand not having Monty last year because of the threat he poses out on the court,” Gregory told the Dayton Daily News.
The point guard position was another sore spot. Star wing guard Brian Roberts, the only reliable scorer, was often saddled with the extra responsibility of distributing the ball. The smallish Flyers also lacked a consistent threat down low.
Gregory has tried to remedy the problems at point with the addition of former Richmond Spiders guard Andres Sandoval, who attended junior college last year. The transfers of experienced bigmen James Cripe and Chris Alvarez means talented sophomores Charles Little and Desmond Adedeji have to fill the void upfront. It helps that Scott should be healthy to start the season. Dayton also welcomes three promising freshmen, at least one of whom is expected to contribute immediately.
DEPARTED PLAYERS
Warren Williams – The career of the Maryland native was a rollercoaster for Dayton fans from start to finish – and they’re all are glad to get off the ride. Williams (5.5 ppg, 4.4 apg, 2.7 tpg)) could be brilliant and terrible in the same game. He might hit a big shot one minute and make a game-losing turnover the next. Too often it was the latter.
Chris Alvarez – Sophomore power forward transferred last spring after a disagreement over his role, particularly at the offensive end. Alvarez ran the floor well and appeared to have good form on his shot, but his offense never came around (3.6 ppg, 41.7%). He was asked to rebound (4.3 rpg) and defend the interior against bigger opponents. The Flyers will be better off in the long run, but Alvarez would have provided valuable size and depth on the interior.
Marques Bennett – Swingman from Indiana, whose career was sidetracked by injuries, was not a big contributor as a senior (1.7 ppg). When healthy, Bennett was a good defender with a penchant for making big plays.
James Cripe – The big-bodied 6-11 center never developed into a consistent contributor (2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg). He transferred to a non-Division school for his final year of eligibility.
Logan White – Swingman finally became a semi-regular player in his final season after three years of riding the pine. He played solid defense and displayed the shooting touch (3.4 ppg, 51% FG) that attracted the attention of the prior Dayton coaching staff.RETURNING PLAYERS
Monty Scott – Small forward was hampered by a stress fracture in his left foot much of the season but still finished second on the team in scoring (11.2 ppg) and tied for second in rebounding (4.3 rpg). He scored in double figures in 13 of 25 games and would have reached that mark a lot more if not for his injury.
The 6-6 Scott is one of the best outside shooters (38% 3PG) in the league. Strong and athletic, he can also create his own shot off the dribble, sometimes faking a trey and driving to the rim, where he has the leaping ability to finish. While Scott appeared to attack the basket more in his third year than in his first two combined, he needs to be even more aggressive, especially since he’s a good free throw shooter (80% FT).
Scott also has to give a consistent effort night in and night out. Earlier in his career, he would fade into the background when the game was not going right for him. Now a mature fifth-year senior, Scott could be a bear for opponents to handle so long as stays focused and healthy. He has all the talent and athleticism to be a First Team selection, though Flyers coaches would settle for production worthy of Second or Third Team status.
Brian Roberts – Smooth shooting wing guard, a Second Team all-conference pick, emerged as a star (16 ppg, 3rd among returning A-10 players) in his second year. He scored 20 points or more in 11 games, including a high of 34 at Creighton, and only failed to reach double digits in six of 31 games even though defenders clung to him like plastic wrap.
Roberts forces defenses to guard him tight on the perimeter (41% 3PG), but he’s capable of squirting past them for acrobatic drives to the hoop. He moves adroitly behind screens and slides to the open spots as well as any player in the league. Because Dayton lacked scoring or consistent point play from Warren Williams, Roberts often had to perform both tasks at the same time. He’s a good ballhandler and nifty passer (107 assists) as well as a great scorer. Yet the dual roles added to his burden and Roberts wore down by season’s end.
The addition of Sandoval should relieve pressure on the junior guard and allow him to concentrate on what he does best. And at his best, Roberts is as good as any guard in the A-10. He can carry his team for long stretches, even against superior foes. “He and Monty are two guys who we need to get great play and leadership from,” Gregory says.
Norman Plummer – The team’s third leading scorer (10 ppg, 70% FT) and top rebounder (6.5 rpg) is a crafty interior player who uses his quickness and good positioning to score down low. The 6-7 power forward is very aggressive and strong for his size and has a knack for offensive boards (3 per game).
As big as he plays, though, Plummer is no match for some of the A-10’s bigger postmen. He fouled out of three games, and like Roberts, he appeared worn down from all the contact in the paint. Plummer might be better suited for small forward, but he hasn’t proven to be a dependable ballhandler or outside shooter. In any case, he won’t get the opportunity with Scott around. The Flyers need Plummer down low, and that’s where he will be after the first two games. He’s serving a short suspension after being found guilty of drunken driving.
Charles Little – Powerfully built sophomore from Tennessee is one of the most explosive leapers in the A-10. Little came on strong to end his freshman year. Over the last nine games, six of which he started, Little averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 rebounds compared with 3.1 points and 1.7 boards before that stretch. Little plays very big. He hits the glass hard and flushes the ball with authority. He’s shown some ability to hit short faceup jumpers or beat his man with a quick two-step dribble. Little especially likes to attack the rim from the baseline or soar for jams on missed shots.
If Little continues to progress at the same rate, he’ll get big minutes and help ease the burden on Plummer inside. Though just 6-6, he’s a 244-pound mass of muscle who won’t get pushed around by anybody. Little’s biggest weaknesses are free-throw shooting (46%) and poor defensive fundamentals. He doesn’t always move his feet and was somewhat of a hacker, committing one foul every 5.9 minutes and fouling out of three games. Little has to cut down on the cheap fouls to stay on the floor.
Desmond Adedeji – One of the biggest players in the league, Adedeji (3.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg) has a decent touch (52.5% FG) and good hands and his footwork isn’t bad, either. To become a force in the A-10, Adedeji has to improve his conditioning. He’s reportedly lost weight and is better shape, but he could stand further improvement. He moves well for his size but gets winded easily and lacks explosiveness. When he tries to establish position, he never seems to make himself as big as he really is.
The raw material is there. Adedeji has to show the discipline to discipline himself. If he does, the A-10 could have a monster on its hands. Even if he doesn’t become a force down low, Adedeji can still play an important role. While he lacks the quick reaction time or knack for positioning that could make him a great shotblocker, he takes plenty of space, rebounds fairly well and sets body-bruising picks. He would help prevent the smallish Flyers from getting overwhelmed inside.
Jimmy Binnie – Recruited as a shooter, the Iowa native struggled (4.6 ppg, 33% FG, 32% 3PG) most of his sophomore year and only broke double figures twice. Though he hustles and plays hard on defense, the 6-6 Binnie really needs to shoot better to help the Flyers. He clearly has good form and long range, but for whatever reason, the shots haven’t been falling consistently. Unless that changes, Binnie is unlikely to see more playing time.
Nick Stafford – The 6-8 junior power forward was buried deep on the bench last year (16 minutes total) but he might get a chance for more time after the transfers of Cripe and Alvarez. In his first two seasons, Stafford wasn’t strong enough to hold his own inside. He also made poor decisions and did not finish well on his few scoring opportunities. If he plays smarter and tougher, Stafford can still help. He’s a quick leaper with good shotblocking ability and he’s worked hard in the weightroom to bulk up. It’s now or never.
NEWCOMERS
Andres Sandoval – The former Richmond guard (6.1 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 37% 3PG, 56 assists, 37 steals in 2004-05) returns to the A-10 after a year in junior college, where he worked on his point skills. Sandoval, who left Richmond after Jerry Wainwright took the DePaul job, is a big guard with good strength, quickness and speed. Though not a natural floor leader, he’s a solid ball-handler with the ability to penetrate. If he shoots consistently and shows improved decision making, Sandoval would be just what the doctor ordered for a Flyers squad desperately in need of help at the point. What’s more, Sandoval has the potential to be a defensive stalwart and could flourish in that role under coach Gregory’s whip. “He’s got all the tools,” Gregory said.
Marcus Johnson – One of the top prep players in Ohio, the 6-3 Johnson is an athletic combo guard whose quickness and hops allow him to play bigger than his size. He can shoot a bit from outside, but excels in transition and likes to slash to the hoop. During the Flyers’ preseason two-game trip to Toronto, Johnson impressed teammates and coaches alike. “He came in and scored, rebounded extremely well and the biggest thing in the 10 days in practice is that he’s been our best on-ball defender,” Gregory said. “Obviously, we’re expecting big things from him.”
London Warren – Point guard from Florida is very fast in transition, likes to attack the basket and is a good on-the-ball defender. He’s not a great shooter, though, and will need to improve his perimeter game. He’s likely to back up Sandoval in his first year but could be the team’s point guard of the future.
Kurt Huelsman – Skilled post player put on 20 pounds of badly needed muscle over the summer in anticipation of his first collegiate season. Huelsman runs the floor well, has a nice touch and some developing post moves. He’s unlikely to play a major role for the Flyers this season, but he was seen as a nice pickup who could start in another year or two.
SCOUTING REPORT
The Flyers are very good defensive team – finishing second in field goal percentage defense (40.3%) – and they hold their own on the boards (+3.6 margin last year). With more athletes in tow, Gregory would also like to turn up the defensive pressure another notch.
What needs sprucing up is the offense. The Flyers finished 11th in scoring at a paltry 63.4 points a game and baskets were sometimes hard to come by. Roberts and a healthy Scott are a pair of deluxe scorers with deep range, but who’s going to become the third leg of the offense? Plummer is almost certain to average 10 points a game, but he needs to improve his jumper to score more regularly. If Little, the rising sophomore, can fill in the gap the Flyers would be in good shape.
Before the Flyers can think about scoring more points, they have to find a player who can relieve Roberts of ball-handling duties and get the offense moving. That’s the job for Sandoval. He might not be a true point, but he’s plenty talented. Sandoval has the ability to drive and dish, hit some 3-pointers and clamp down on defense. Sandoval may be the best barometer of Dayton’s success.
The starters can’t do it alone, of course. Dayton needs better shooting from reserve Jimmy Binnie, stout post play from Adedeji and a contribution from at least one of the freshman guards, most likely Marcus Johnson. Generating more blocked shots and steals that lead to easy points wouldn’t hurt, either. The Flyers finished near the very bottom in both categories.
Good health is also a must. Dayton only has 11 scholarship players, including a little-used junior and a pair of freshmen who probably aren’t quite ready for prime time. The Flyers cannot afford an injury bug.
PREDICTION
The Flyers were not as bad as their record suggested last year. The started out 8-3, including a win at Cincinnati, before the roof caved in. Monty Scott got hurt, senior point guard Warren Williams went into a long funk and Binnie couldn’t find the range.
"There’s really no way we should have been a 14-17 team with the type of talent we had,” Roberts told the Dayton Daily News. “Ever since the buzzer went off in the Saint Joe’s game, we went to work and said, ‘We’ve got to do something different to make sure that doesn’t happen again.’ "
Entering the 2006-07 season, post play is still a question mark for an undersized Flyers squad and scoring problems might not evaporate overnight unless Sandoval grasps the offense quickly. The bet here is that he will. If so, the defensive-minded Flyers have enough pieces to move back into the top half of the A-10 and beat any team on any given night. A postseason birth is certainly within reach.
Record: 20-9 (10-6), 5th place
ADDENDUM
Additional comments:
The Flyers were one of the best defensive teams in the A-10 last season, and although they had some poor rebounding games, they generally won the battle of the boards. The Flyers aren’t the biggest team in the league, but Plummer, Little and Adedeji should prevent Dayton from getting trampled in the paint.
What I like is the potential wing attack. I tend to rate highly teams three good wing players who can shoot and handle the ball. They usually are very successful in the A-10. Roberts, Scott and Sandoval fit the bill.
Roberts and a healthy Scott are dangerous scorers and I loved Sandoval at Richmond. I expect him to be an immediate impact player. Had he stayed at Richmond, he would be a contender for all-conference status by now. He could be that good. Dayton just needs a contributions from a few other players, ideally Binnie and frosh Marcus Johnson. One concern is depth. Looks like the Flyers will end up relying on 9-man rotation.
As for the nonconference sked, I was a little less conservative with the Flyers than other teams. I probably should have went with 9-4 instead of 10-3. Yet Dayton has lots of home games vs. teams they should beat. The only game I think is a definite loss is at UNC.
All the other games are winnable. The game at SMU could be difficult just because it’s on the road, but SMU simply is not as good. Holy Cross could give the Flyers trouble. So could Creighton, but I see Dayton getting payback for the OT loss in Omaha last year when the refs basically gave the Jayhawks the game.
W- AUSTIN PEAY
W – NORTH CAROLINA A&T
W – At SMU
W – YALE
L – Louisville (Cincinnati, Ohio)
W – SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
W – HOLY CROSS
W – CREIGHTON
W – GRAMBLING
W – WESTERN CAROLINA
W – MIAMI (OH)
L – At Pittsburgh
L – At North Carolina
Run, again I don’t want to step on toes so I’ll let you post the review, but 4th is out, and it’s not us! Woah!
Link: A-10 PREVIEW – 4TH PLACE
[b]A-10 PREVIEW – 4TH PLACEMASSACHUSETTS MINUTEMEN[/b]
Last year: 13-15 (8-8), 7th place (tie)INSTITUTION
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Location: Amherst, MA
Founded: 1863
Enrollment: 25,000
Affiliation: Public universityARENA:
Mullins Center
Seats: 9,493
Average attendance: 4,904COACH
Travis Ford, 2nd year (9th overall)
Record at Massachusetts: 13-15 (141-126 overall)ROSTER
*1 Rashaun Freeman Sr. F 6-9 255 Schenectady, NY
2 Brandon Thomas Sr. G/F 6-6 200 San Antonio, TX/Long Island University
3 Gary Forbes Jr. F/G 6-7 220 Brooklyn, NY/Virginia
5 Ricky Harris Fr. WG 6-2 175 Baltimore, MD/Winchendon School (MA)
10 Emmanuel “Tiki” Mayben Fr. PG 6-2 180 Troy, NY
*13 Stephane Lasme Sr. F 6-8 215 Libreville, Gabon
*14 Chris Lowe So. G 6-0 160 Mount Vernon, NY
20 Dante Milligan Jr. WF 6-9 215 New York, NY/Pittsburgh
22 Etienne Brower Jr. F 6-7 215 Hempstead, NY/Boston University
31 Luke Bonner So. C 7-0 245 Concord, NH/West Virginia
*34 James Life Sr. WG 6-4 190 Leigh Acres, FL/Manatee CC*Returning starters
OVERVIEW
The Minutemen enter the 2006-07 season in a position they haven’t experienced since the late 1990s: legitimate contenders for the A-10 crown. UMass returns the best pair of bigmen in the league, all-conference forward Rashaun Freeman and Defensive Player of the Year Stephane Lasme. Spearheading the Minutemen attack is sophomore point guard Chris Lowe, who led the A-10 in assists per game as a freshman.
What might put coach Travis Ford’s team on top in just his second year is the arrival of four talented newcomers – three transfers and one of the nation’s top high school recruits two years ago.
Two new players stand out. Gary Forbes, a transfer from Virginia, is a strong 6-7 scorer who can create his own shot. And redshirt freshman Tiki Mayben is a flashy point guard from New York with terrific skills. They will be counted on to provide the scoring and ball-handling so sorely lacking on last year’s 13-15 squad, which lost its two starting guards before A-10 play even began.
A five-game trip to the Bahamas before school started gave the veterans and newcomers a chance to mesh.
DEPARTED PLAYERS
Jeff Viggiano – While not the most talented UMass player, the 6-6 Viggiano was the most consistent all-round performer ((9 ppg, 3.5 rpg). He could do a little bit of everything on offense and was a good defender (59 blocks, 33 steals). Viggiano also played with poise as a senior and supplied steady leadership. Fortunately for UMass, the team has several newcomers who can fill the void left by his graduation.
Lawrence Carrier – Junior forward (4.4 ppg) quit after his fourth knee surgery since high school. Once considered one of the nation’s top recruits, Carrier never lived up to his potential. Knee problems and an inability to keep his weight down – partly a side-effect of repeated surgery – limited his effectiveness. Last year, he was the Minutemen’s best outside shooter (35% 3PG), though he disappeared for games at a time. His defense also lagged behind and Carrier was not a good fit for the uptempo style Ford wants to play.
Maurice Maxwell – Athletic wingman from Philadelphia flunked out after the first semester in what was shaping up to be a disappointing year. Asked to start at point, Maxwell never grew accustomed to the role (6.5 ppg, 28 assists, 26 turnovers). It hurt the rest of his game – and possibly his concentration in the classroom.
Art Bowers – Former top 50 recruit decided to transfer two games into the season as his minutes dwindled. The roots of Bowers’ decision can be traced to his sophomore season, when the 6-4 guard suffered through a horrible shooting slump. He never lived up to the promise shown as a freshman when he was named to the A-10’s All-Newcomer Team.
RETURNING PLAYERS
Rashaun Freeman – The 6-9 forward, once talked about as an early entrant to the NBA, has a lot to prove after a relatively disappointing junior season. Freeman led UMass in scoring (13.6 ppg, 53% FG) and finished as the A-10’s second-leading rebounder (9.3 rpg), but he was ineffective all too often for a player with his talent. In one midseason stretch vs. LaSalle, Florida State and George Washington – all losses – he scored a total of 11 points.
A big part of Freeman’s problem was poor outside shooting by his teammates. Opponents dared UMass to shoot and packed the paint to stop Freeman and Lasme. Although Freeman improved as a passer to defeat double teams, he still turned the ball over too much (76 turnovers). Worried about getting his shot blocked, he also was hesitant to attack the rim against superior defenders. And while his defense improved, Freeman spent a lot of time on the bench in foul trouble.
Freeman should bounce back strong if the Minutemen’s perimeter punch improves as expected. Always a skilled operator in the post, the lefthander is tough to contain one on one with his assortment of moves and fakes. He also runs the floor well, finishes effectively and will hit an occasional faceup jumper. Freeman is still a dangerous player who can take over a game with his scoring and boardwork. That’s why he was named to the A-10 First Team the past two seasons.
“It is kind of strange to say a two-time A-10 First Team selection has been the most improved, but Rashaun is the most improved,” Ford says. “He has come into his senior year very determined. He is starting to understand what makes him good.”
Stephane Lasme – One of the nation’s best shotblockers – he swatted more shots by himself than seven other A-10 teams – Lasme presents an intimidating obstacle to many a Minutemen foe. He blocked as many as nine shots in a game (3.9 bpg, 108 for the year) and often deterred opponents from trying to attack inside. He’s got long arms, quick feet, great anticipation and was especially effective as a help defender. Savvier post players took the ball straight at the 6-8 Lasme and got him to bite on pump fakes or to commit easy fouls. That’s the best way to overcome his presence. Lasme fouled out of six games.
Since suiting up at UMass, Lasme has added at least 30 pounds of muscle to push his weight beyond 220 and allow him to rebound (7 rpg) and score (61% FG) more effectively. His scoring has gone up from 3.2 points as a freshman to 6.3 points as a sophomore to 10.5 points last year. Lasme reached double figures in six of his final seven games, topped by a career-high 20 points in a loss to Xavier in the A-10 tournament.
Coaches expect further improvement as a senior and more than a few observers believe Lasme is one of the best NBA prospects in the A-10. He’s developed a few post moves and is a surprisingly good passer and midrange shooter. Yet Lasme can only put all his skills to good use if he avoids silly fouls and stays in the game.
Brandon Thomas – The 6-6 wingman was up and (mostly) down in his Amherst debut. Ford tried Thomas (6.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 41% FG) at four positions, including point guard, and the former Long Island University star never got comfortable. The hope is Thomas will show his full wares as a senior now that he has a defined position. During the Minutemen’s five-game trip in August to the Bahamas, he led the team in scoring. At his best, Thomas might be the team’s most accurate 3-point shooter. He’s also an explosive athlete with the ability to dribble past defenders for emphatic dunks or nifty passes. He showed all of those skills in a 22-point outburst vs. UAB in the third game of the season, but that was his high water mark. Ford needs him to play like that the entire season.
Chris Lowe – The 6-0 point guard from New York was the Minutemen’s best perimeter defender and he led the A-10 in assists (4.9 apg) – no small feat for a freshman. Lowe is quick in the open floor and has excellent court awareness. He likes to attack the basket and find open teammates, but even as a freshman he was willing to take the big shot. He hit a huge floater vs. Siena in the final minute to help seal a victory.
What Lowe needs to improve is his shooting (5.5 ppg, 35% FG). Opponents exploited that weakness by sagging off him to double Freeman or Lasme. Over the summer, Lowe worked hard on his shooting, spending a week with Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon to pick up, err, pointers. In the first game in the Bahamas, Lowe knocked down 5 treys – the same number he hit all last season.
Don’t expect Lowe to hit that many in a real game, but any improvement that forces teams to defend him on the perimeter opens up the Minutemen’s potent inside attack. He won’t get a chance to show off his new shot, however, until the third game of the season. Lowe was suspended two games after a fight outside a local nightspot.
James Life – A high scorer in junior college, Life (11.3 ppg, 35% FG) found defenses more challenging in Division 1 basketball. He began his first season in a slump and it took weeks before he started to perform with any consistency. By the end of the year, he finished with a team-leading 61 treys. The problem was it took more than 200 attempts (30% 3PG) – some from as far as 30 feet away – to achieve that mark. The 6-4 shooter needs to be more efficient as a senior. His streakiness kept UMass in some games but cost the team in others. He simply can’t shoot his way out of slumps like he did in the juco ranks.
One thing that’s unlikely to change is Life’s attitude. He’s an ultra-confident, pesky sort of player that opposing fans love to hate. While his aggressive approach riles opponents, it also fires up his own team. Life won’t back down from anyone, a welcome attitude on the UMass bench.
Dante Milligan – The 6-8 redshirt junior, a transfer from Pittsburgh, is a solid role player (3.3 ppg, 4 rpg, 45% FG). A faceup shooter with good range in high school, Milligan has since developed a traditional back-to-the-basket game. He has decent hands and footwork and finishes well around the hoop. Yet Ford is not looking to Milligan primarily for offensive contributions. He’s most useful as a rebounder and interior defender who can spell either Freeman or Lasme.
NEWCOMERS
Gary Forbes – Brooklyn native put up solid numbers at Virginia before transferring . The 220-pound wing forward averaged 9.4 points and 4.1 boards a game as a sophomore, including 23 points vs. North Carolina and 17 points and 10 boards against Duke. He’s a streaky shooter who can create his own shot, but he’s also strong enough to overpower defenders inside. Ford has suggested Forbes is league player-of-the-year material, but given his fondness for hyperbole, such claims should be treated cautiously. Forbes was wildly inconsistent at Virginia and he has to show he’s ready to play every night no matter who the opponent. Still, Forbes has all the tools to be a topflight talent. “We want him to try to be the best player on the floor every single second,” Ford says.
Emmanuel “Tiki” Mayben – Flashy point guard, once rated the No. 1 player in the nation as a sophomore, did not qualify at Syracuse and signed with Massachusetts. After sitting out a season to concentrate on academics, the 6-1 freshman is expected to start the first two games because of Lowe’s suspension. “'He’ll have to step in and be the point guard,” Ford told the Daily Hampshire Gazette, but “he’s probably a little more advanced at this age than Chris was.”
Mayben has excellent vision, quickness and strength and can score or dish off dribble penetration. While he’s a better shooter than Lowe, he still needs to learn to knock down jumpers consistently. His decision making also needs to improve. “Tiki has to work on when to make the simple play and when to make the spectacular play,” Ford says.
Luke Bonner – The 7-foot sophomore center is the younger brother of Matt Bonner, the former Florida star who now plays in the NBA. He transferred to UMass after riding the bench at West Virginia. Though not a super athlete, Bonner is smart player who makes alert passes, positions himself well for rebounds and uses good timing to block shots. Ford also says he might be the team’s best 3-point shooter, which could pose matchup problems for opponents. With Freeman and Lasme taking up space down low, Bonner won’t be a focal point in the post, but he gives the Minutemen more size and depth.
Etienne Brower – The 6-7 transfer from Boston University is said to be good all-round forward similar to departing senior Jeff Viggiano. Brower, a bigtime leaper with quick feet and long arms, can hit some treys, crash the boards and defend. Brower was a Third Team selection in the America East conference two years ago.
Ricky Harris – The 6-1 Baltimore native, a spring signee, drew heightened attention after a stellar season in the prep school ranks. He’s an explosive scorer but undersized as a two-guard. “He has the ability to really score baskets in a hurry,” prep coach Mike Byrnes says. “He’s a phenomenal 3-point shooter.” With the increased depth on UMass, however, he’s unlikely to have much of an impact in his first season.
SCOUTING REPORT
The Minutemen are tough down low. They led the league in rebounds (+4.9 margin) and blocked shots (7.2 bpg) and have the deepest, most talented frontcourt in the league. Freeman is a good post scorer and Lasme has gotten better offensively each year. Milligan, Bonner and Brower will also play significant minutes.
The perimeter game is quite promising, but it’s still a work in progress. Other teams such as Xavier, Saint Louis, Charlotte, George Washington and Dayton have more established and experienced backcourts. To compete with those teams, UMass has to cut down on giveaways. The Minutemen finished last in turnover margin (-3.8) and coughed the ball up in key moments of several losses. By last January, Lowe was the only truly capable ball-handler left on the team. The addition of Mayben gives the Minutemen two topnotch distributors, but both are young. Turnovers could be a problem again.
Outside shooting and free-throw shooting also remain a concern. Defenders repeatedly collapsed on Freeman and Lasme to take away the inside game, but the Minutemen rarely were able to exploit opponents from outside. Ford has more players who can drill the trey, but Life and Co. have to improve on the team’s paltry 30.5% 3-point field goal percentage. When they get to the line, they also have to do better than a collective 64% (12th in the A-10).
In his UMass debut, Ford could not deploy his preferred uptempo style because of limited depth. That won’t be a problem in his second go-around. He’s got the numbers now and vows to press the attack. If the pace slows down, however, UMass is still quite capable of slugging it out in a half-court game.
PREDICTION
The UMass program is building momentum, but the players can’t let all the preseason hype go to their heads. Upperclassmen such as Freeman have not accomplished anything so far in Amherst and the expectations for newcomers such as Forbes and Mayben sometimes border on the absurd. If their play doesn’t match the hype, UMass could disappoint again.
There’s good reason for optimism, though. UMass has size, athleticism, talent and experience. If the shooting and ball-handling improve, the Minutemen could beat anyone in the league.
The team might also get some help from an unexpected source: the fans. After sitting on their hands – or not sitting at all – during the lost Lappas years, the fans are coming back to cheer. UMass was particularly tough at home and went 6-2 in A-10 play.
The road was another matter. The Minutemen finished 2-11 away from the Mullins Center, winning only at Duquesne and St. Bonaventure. UMass has to learn to win on the road to contend for the A-10 title.
If they can keep the metal to the pedal at home and hang tough on the road, the Minutemen could head back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998 – when UMass lost 51- 46 to the newest A-10 member, Saint Louis.
Record: 20-10 (11-5), 4th Place
ADDENDUM
Additional comments:
On paper, the Minutemen might have as much talent as any team in the A-10. The frontcourt is the best in the league. Yet after fiddling with placement ranging from second to fourth, I put the Minutemen behind three other teams because of uncertainties over backcourt play. Will Lowe find a shot? Will Mayben settle in quickly and keep his turnovers down? Will Life and Thomas shoot with greater accuracy? Will Forbes live up to the hype?
I would have more confidence to rank UMass higher if the team showed any ability last year to win on the road, as Xavier, Saint Louis and Charlotte did. That remains a big concern, though the Minutemen have a lot of juniors and seniors and should improve.
I am also worried about the hype. Getting picked for 2nd in the preseason A-10 poll was not a good thing, in my view. I would have preferred to see UMass 4th or 5th. They need to earn the accolades first. Last year’s 13-15 record and lack of road wins did nothing to justify the prediction. Ford has expressed concern about this as well.
Looking at the sked, Umass has a chance to pull some big upsets. I think Kentucky can be had early this year if the Minutemen aren’t intimidated by the crowd. Ditto for Louisville, BC at home and even Pitt.
I went conservative, though, and marked all those games as losses. I also threw in a loss at home to Miami for good measure simply to be extra conservative on the league’s overall noncon performance. The Minutemen should win that game, but after last year, I am being cautious.
The result: a predicted 9-5 noncon record (even though I really think UMass will beat Miami and take at least one of the three games vs BC, Louisville and UK)
W – DARTMOUTH
W – Oakland (Colonial Classic)
L – At Pittsburgh (Colonial Classic)
W – Northeastern (Colonial Classic)
W – ST. FRANCIS (NY)
W – At Jacksonville State
W – At Savannah State
L – BOSTON COLLEGE
W – At Boston University
W – At Central Conn. State
L- At Kentucky
L – At Louisville
W – YALE
L – MIAMI (Fla)