# 1: The Siena Saints
Head Coach: Mitch Buonaguro
2009-2010 Record: 27-7
2009-2010 Conference Record: 17-1
Champions until proven wrong, right folks?
Alot can change in a year. In Loudonville it has. The most successful coach in school history is at Iowa. The player of the year is in Spain. The conferences best assist man ever is in a country that is hard to pronounce, and possibly the best talent the program has ever seen is preparing to launch his own professional career.
Coach Buonaguro takes the sidelines this Saturday as a front man for the first time in 19 years. Ahead of him lies high expectations and a team that has undoubtedly lost four pieces of greatness.
What remains is enough to pick Siena at number one entering the MAAC season. Call me a "homer," maybe I am. But what you have at Siena is two first team all league players and a group of players hungry to prove they still belong on top.
Is winning the MAAC a sure thing for Siena? Far from it. If they are to win a fourth straight MAAC title it will have to come on Fairfield's home floor. There could be up to five teams that I have previewed that could go dancing this year. By years end, I believe you will see a finished Siena product that will get it done again.
The Low Down On The Saints:
It all starts with two seniors.
Ryan Rossiter is a man amongst boys now, a far cry from what he was three years ago. Rossiter has attracted some NBA interest and is a double double machine. Rossiter is one of the best rebounders in the country. Look for him to lead Siena by example and vocally this season. He will be a terror inside for any team in the MAAC. Also look for him to shoot more from the perimeter this season.
Clarence Jackson is the most explosive scorer in this league. He can string together threes in bunches and is dangerous on the break. Defense has never been Jackson's strength, but look for him to step it up on the other side of the ball this season. Buonaguro has harped heavily upon defense this preseason.
Rossiter and Jackson are two of the best in the league, but who will step up around them? I believe it will be done by committee, but you can start with O.D. Anosike who is a sophomore now. He could be the next all leaguer to wear the green and gold. Anosike has big shoes to fill with the loss of player of the year Alex Franklin.
Anosike is different than Franklin, but has the potential to put up double figure points and rebounds on any given night. It will be key for the team for him to improve on his foul shooting. Anosike will be key to have on the floor late game.
Buonaguro has said that he will play more players than Fran McCaffery did. Don't be surprised to see Siena go ten players deep every game. Owen Wignot and Kyle Griffin will start alongside Rossiter, Jackson, and Anosike.
Wignot is a athlete who will rebound and block shots above the rim. Look for him to get his points on open threes, pull up jump shots, and in transition. Griffin is a steady veteran point guard who can drill threes. Wignot and Griffin's ability too stroke the three along with Jackson will be vital to opening things up for Rossiter inside.
Kyle Downey could be one of the best sixth men in the league, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him start in some league games alongside Jackson. Downey's main problem is staying healthy. He is currently out with a knee sprain, but don't count on him being out long. The kid is tough as nails, can score in a variety of ways, and is the hard nosed defender that Buonaguro loves. Expect Jon Breeden to play backup to Jackson in Downey's absence. Breeden will add quickness and shooting ability to the backcourt.
The Saints have the biggest and likely the most talented front line in the league. Along with Rossiter and Anosike they will bring in even bigger bodies off the bench with Davis Martens, Brandon Walters, and Steve Priestly.
Martens seems to be the frontrunner to gain most of the minutes off the bench for the Saints. He is extremly athletic and has a skill set to go along with it. Walters is a space eater who can run the floor and block shots. Priestly is a wide bodied rebounder who does alot of little things right when he is out there. Don't be surprised to see any three of these players get double digit minutes on any given night.
Freshman are always a wild card but Siena has two good ones. Trenity Burdine has been slowed in the preseason by a foot problem, but look for him to impact games this year with his shooting ability and length. Rakeem Brookins could see more and more time as the season progresses. Expect him and Griffin to split time at the point guard slot through much of the season. Brookins is a hard nosed player with great shooting ability.
The Negatives:
Siena lost three of the programs greatest player ever and a coach that did nothing but win. There will be a drop off. Don't expect many blowouts. This team is more defensive minded than in the past, and will have to be to win. Aside from Rossiter and Jackson, they don't have the veteran stars they have in the past, so they will have to find some consistent scroing elsewhere to succeed.
The question is, who will do it? This a question that can only be answered in time. With a ultra competitive non league schedule look for Siena to take some bumps and bruises early as they figure out their new identity.
Griffin and Brookins are both point guards I'd take on my team any day of the week, but neither are Ronald Moore. Buonaguro won't expect them to be Moore, but it will be interesting come mid season who has the ball in their hands at the end of the game. Brookins has the potential to be a great guard in this league and Griffin's basketball I.Q. is through the roof, but will either of these factors be enough to help push the Saints over the top? Look for Siena to do some soul searching early on and have things clicking on all cylinders come March.
Even if things are clicking on all cylinders there are no walks in the park for this team. Expect a dog fight for the league title in March with five or six teams with the potential to put on their dancing shoes.
Stay tuned for my All-League picks. Thanks for reading folks! Get ready for a competitive and fun season.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Men's Preview: # 2 Fairfield Stags
# 2: The Fairfield Stags
Head Coach: Ed Cooley
2009-2010 Record: 23-11
2009-2010 Conference Record: 13-5
Every publication that has previewed the MAAC has picked Fairfield at number one. It may not be an overwhelming number one like it has been at Siena the past two seasons, but still Fairfield seems to be deemed the favorite.
Fairfield very well could win the league this year, and the fact that just last night they lost to Division 2 Stonehill has nothing to do with this prediction. Fairfield in my mind finishes a close second this year, but I won't be baffled by any means to see the Stags win the MAAC title on their home floor this year; I just won't put my money on it here in early November.
The Low Down On The Stags:
Derek Needham is the best guard in this league. He came out of deep right field last year to surprise the heck out of everyone in the league who never heard his name in high school. Ed Cooley found a gem from the mid west and is now banking on this kid to help lead him to a MAAC title.
Needham is a combo guard who has the eyes of a killer when he is playing. Although turnover prone, Needham can score in bunches and can change the course of the game all by himself. A one man fast break with great north to south speed, Needham will do his best to expand on a stellar Rookie Of The Year season.
So who is coming along for the ride with Needham? Well there are likely plenty of willing participants. Guards Lyndon Jordan and Collin Nickerson will likely share the duties of Needhams backcourt mate, with freshman Jamel Fields having the potential for an impact freshman season.
The real question is can a group of senior forwards stay healthy? Greg Nero, Warren Edney, and Yorel Hawkins have all been or shown flashes of being all league players. All three have endured a variety of injuries over the past three years. Nero's career was and may still be in jeopardy by a crippling case of Mono. Edney has had chronic foot problems, and Hawkins suffered a knee injury last season.
If these three seniors can stay healthy and are at the height of their playing ability, this number two pick may be a bust. Throw these three in with Needham and a cast of good role players and the league may be in trouble. When healthy Nero is an unorthodox hard playing big man who can give you a double double on any given night. Hawkins and Edney are slashing wings who will rebound and dunk with authority. All three if healthy are three of the best in the league.
The second biggest question with this team is what are you going to get out of Ryan Olander? Olander is a junior now and is one of the biggest players in the league and has skill to go with it. Has Olander found more aggression and assertiveness than he has in years past? If he has you may see yet another potential all league player on Fairfields roster. It will be interesting to see if Olander can be an answer to some of the leagues premier big men (Rossiter, Bacon, Rodriguez).
The Negatives:
The keys to this team winning a MAAC title on their home floor in March are their three injury plagued seniors staying healthy, and Ryan Olander establishing himself as a consistent force in this league. Both of these things could happen, and if they do it will be very hard for any team in the league to upend Fairfield in March.
How likely is it that both of these issues go in Fairfield's favor? Honestly I'm not sure. On the health front you would hope all three stay healthy. The last thing you want to see is one of these seniors experience reoccurring problems. That being said, the Division 1 basketball season is a long and at times painful.
We will see if Cooley and his staff have figured out a way to sustain Olanders flashes of dominance. The kid is 6"10 and skilled. If Olander can find a way to be a force on the block and continue his versatility as a shooter and passer Fairfield is in buisness, and could maybe even afford a injury or two. If not they may need some outstanding performances from Needham and his backcourt mates to have a chance.
Head Coach: Ed Cooley
2009-2010 Record: 23-11
2009-2010 Conference Record: 13-5
Every publication that has previewed the MAAC has picked Fairfield at number one. It may not be an overwhelming number one like it has been at Siena the past two seasons, but still Fairfield seems to be deemed the favorite.
Fairfield very well could win the league this year, and the fact that just last night they lost to Division 2 Stonehill has nothing to do with this prediction. Fairfield in my mind finishes a close second this year, but I won't be baffled by any means to see the Stags win the MAAC title on their home floor this year; I just won't put my money on it here in early November.
The Low Down On The Stags:
Derek Needham is the best guard in this league. He came out of deep right field last year to surprise the heck out of everyone in the league who never heard his name in high school. Ed Cooley found a gem from the mid west and is now banking on this kid to help lead him to a MAAC title.
Needham is a combo guard who has the eyes of a killer when he is playing. Although turnover prone, Needham can score in bunches and can change the course of the game all by himself. A one man fast break with great north to south speed, Needham will do his best to expand on a stellar Rookie Of The Year season.
So who is coming along for the ride with Needham? Well there are likely plenty of willing participants. Guards Lyndon Jordan and Collin Nickerson will likely share the duties of Needhams backcourt mate, with freshman Jamel Fields having the potential for an impact freshman season.
The real question is can a group of senior forwards stay healthy? Greg Nero, Warren Edney, and Yorel Hawkins have all been or shown flashes of being all league players. All three have endured a variety of injuries over the past three years. Nero's career was and may still be in jeopardy by a crippling case of Mono. Edney has had chronic foot problems, and Hawkins suffered a knee injury last season.
If these three seniors can stay healthy and are at the height of their playing ability, this number two pick may be a bust. Throw these three in with Needham and a cast of good role players and the league may be in trouble. When healthy Nero is an unorthodox hard playing big man who can give you a double double on any given night. Hawkins and Edney are slashing wings who will rebound and dunk with authority. All three if healthy are three of the best in the league.
The second biggest question with this team is what are you going to get out of Ryan Olander? Olander is a junior now and is one of the biggest players in the league and has skill to go with it. Has Olander found more aggression and assertiveness than he has in years past? If he has you may see yet another potential all league player on Fairfields roster. It will be interesting to see if Olander can be an answer to some of the leagues premier big men (Rossiter, Bacon, Rodriguez).
The Negatives:
The keys to this team winning a MAAC title on their home floor in March are their three injury plagued seniors staying healthy, and Ryan Olander establishing himself as a consistent force in this league. Both of these things could happen, and if they do it will be very hard for any team in the league to upend Fairfield in March.
How likely is it that both of these issues go in Fairfield's favor? Honestly I'm not sure. On the health front you would hope all three stay healthy. The last thing you want to see is one of these seniors experience reoccurring problems. That being said, the Division 1 basketball season is a long and at times painful.
We will see if Cooley and his staff have figured out a way to sustain Olanders flashes of dominance. The kid is 6"10 and skilled. If Olander can find a way to be a force on the block and continue his versatility as a shooter and passer Fairfield is in buisness, and could maybe even afford a injury or two. If not they may need some outstanding performances from Needham and his backcourt mates to have a chance.
Friday, October 29, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 3 The Iona Gaels
# 3 The Iona Gaels
Head Coach: Tim Cluess
2009-2010 Record: 21-10
2009-2010 Conference Record: 12-6
Iona returns a core group of players that hit the twenty win mark last season, and that folks is no easy task in Division 1 basketball. Kevin Willard is now at Seton Hall, but guys like Scott Machado, Alejo Rodriguez, and a group of experience veterans remain in New Rochelle.
Tim Cluess made his mark at the Division 2 level, pilling off wins like Bob Knight for the last four years at C.W. Post. C.W. Post is a far cry from Indiana, but Cluess does have Division 1 experience. Cluess played his college ball at St. Johns and Hofstra.
Talent and experience remains at Iona. Can Cluess make the jump from Division 2 to help lead Iona to a MAAC title? Getting out of the first round may be a start, something Kevin Willard failed to do. But expectations in New Rochelle should have their sites set beyond the first round of MAAC tournament play. The tools are there, lets see if Cluess can put them in the right places.
The Low Down On The Gaels:
It all starts with Machado and Cluess. Machado has been one of the leagues elite guards since his freshman season. Although effective (how can you argue with 20 wins?) Kevin Willards helter skelter style of play often took minutes, shots, and play making opportunities away from Machado. I have yet to speak to Cluess, but my educated guess would be that he will look to play Machado more minutes with the ball exclusively in his hands.
If Machado has improved his shooting at all and Cluess gives him more minutes and more shot opportunities Machado could vastly improve his scoring and assists, both of which have never been anything to get overly excited about.
If Rodriguez can get healthy and stay healthy, he will be one of most effective centers in the league. He stays in character and does what he does best, which is rebound, finish around the hoop, and play within himself.
Look for Mike McFadden to take a step or two forward from his freshman season. The power forward is a tough hard nosed player that will compliment Rodriguez in the front court. He, like Rodriguez plays within himself and is effective around the basket and is tenacious on the glass.
The Negatives:
You never really know for sure how a new coach will work out, especially someone who has yet to coach a game at the division one level. It will be interesting to see how Cluess can manage a team that has been together for a while and is thirsty to make a jump past the first round of the MAAC tournament.
Who will step up and help Machado in the backcourt? Machado is the closest thing to a star at Iona, and he will need someone to play second fiddle to him in the backcourt. In years past Iona's guards have been nothing more than role players. Can someone like Kyle Smyth, Rashawn Dwight, or Trinity Fields, step up as scorers and leaders? If Iona anticipates a MAAC title all three of these players will have to excellerate their games. Cluess could be whatthese players need to take that step.
Head Coach: Tim Cluess
2009-2010 Record: 21-10
2009-2010 Conference Record: 12-6
Iona returns a core group of players that hit the twenty win mark last season, and that folks is no easy task in Division 1 basketball. Kevin Willard is now at Seton Hall, but guys like Scott Machado, Alejo Rodriguez, and a group of experience veterans remain in New Rochelle.
Tim Cluess made his mark at the Division 2 level, pilling off wins like Bob Knight for the last four years at C.W. Post. C.W. Post is a far cry from Indiana, but Cluess does have Division 1 experience. Cluess played his college ball at St. Johns and Hofstra.
Talent and experience remains at Iona. Can Cluess make the jump from Division 2 to help lead Iona to a MAAC title? Getting out of the first round may be a start, something Kevin Willard failed to do. But expectations in New Rochelle should have their sites set beyond the first round of MAAC tournament play. The tools are there, lets see if Cluess can put them in the right places.
The Low Down On The Gaels:
It all starts with Machado and Cluess. Machado has been one of the leagues elite guards since his freshman season. Although effective (how can you argue with 20 wins?) Kevin Willards helter skelter style of play often took minutes, shots, and play making opportunities away from Machado. I have yet to speak to Cluess, but my educated guess would be that he will look to play Machado more minutes with the ball exclusively in his hands.
If Machado has improved his shooting at all and Cluess gives him more minutes and more shot opportunities Machado could vastly improve his scoring and assists, both of which have never been anything to get overly excited about.
If Rodriguez can get healthy and stay healthy, he will be one of most effective centers in the league. He stays in character and does what he does best, which is rebound, finish around the hoop, and play within himself.
Look for Mike McFadden to take a step or two forward from his freshman season. The power forward is a tough hard nosed player that will compliment Rodriguez in the front court. He, like Rodriguez plays within himself and is effective around the basket and is tenacious on the glass.
The Negatives:
You never really know for sure how a new coach will work out, especially someone who has yet to coach a game at the division one level. It will be interesting to see how Cluess can manage a team that has been together for a while and is thirsty to make a jump past the first round of the MAAC tournament.
Who will step up and help Machado in the backcourt? Machado is the closest thing to a star at Iona, and he will need someone to play second fiddle to him in the backcourt. In years past Iona's guards have been nothing more than role players. Can someone like Kyle Smyth, Rashawn Dwight, or Trinity Fields, step up as scorers and leaders? If Iona anticipates a MAAC title all three of these players will have to excellerate their games. Cluess could be whatthese players need to take that step.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 4 St. Peters Peacocks
# 4: St. Peters Peacocks
Head Coach: John Dunne
2009-2010 Record: 16-14
Conference Record: 11-7
St. Peters was a sure pick at my number three spot a month ago. Now with Senior guard Wesley Jenkins possibly lost for the season with a knee injury the Peacocks file in at number four.
John Dunne has built an outstanding and highly respected program in his time in Jersey City. The former Siena and Seton Hall assistant is a underrated front man who stresses defense and toughness. Each year under his guidance St. Peters has moved closer and closer to becoming a true contender in the MAAC.
2010-2011 seems to be a judgment year for Dunne and his team. A once young and pesky squad now seems ready to be one of the leagues elite. But can they do it without one of the top shooting guards in the league? As of right now nobody seems to be ready to give a honest answer as to Wesley Jenkins health. With or without Jenkins St. Peters will give teams problems, enough for me to still pick them at # 4, even if Jenkins does not play.
The Low Down On The Peacocks:
The back court of Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins could be the best in the league. These two have been effective from jump street in Jersey City. Both are 1,000 point scorers who can string together threes in bunches. Leon is a undersized guard who plays with heart and craftiness. Although turnover prone, Leon gets the job done from the point guard slot. Jenkins could be the leagues best sniper from three land. Jenkins makes defenses play him honest with sharp and effective cuts to the rim.
While Jenkins and Leon have been carrying the scoring load over the past three years, Dunne has been patiently waiting for the front line to catch up. This year St. Peters will boast a front line that is more than capable of battling with the leagues elite.
Ryan Bacon is one of the leagues best at swatting shots and cleaning the glass. Bacon is the most tenacious rebounder in the league not named Rossiter. If Bacon has added an effective post move or two and improved his touch around the hoop, look for some big scoring outputs to go along with his rebounds and blocks.
Darius Conley is big and effective down low. He won't do anything flashy but fits St. Peter's pedigree of tough and tenacious. Throw him in with Bacon and you have a formidable front line.
Two under the radar players to watch will be Jeron Belein and UTEP transer Blaise Ffrench. Belein had a solid year last season, and pending Jenkins injury he may asked to take on more of the scoring load. Belein has the capability to be one of the best wing defenders in the leage.
Ffrench may be even more vital for Dunne if Jenkins is unable to play. If Jenkins is out Ffrench will have to rub the rust off quick and be ready to contribute in big ways. Ffrench is a strong athletic guard who will see big minutes with or without Jenkins.
The Negatives:
If Jenkins can't go, St. Peters looses one of the best players in school history, and a preseason All-MAAC first team selection. Over the past three years Dunne has constantly ran plays to get him open looks. St. Peters has always played tough, and has some great pieces outside of Jenkins, but if he can't play St. Peters is a much less dangerous team.
Offensive productivity has been a weakness from this group in past years. Even if Jenkins is able to play, it will be interesting to see if St. Peters can continue their grind it out style, while putting more points on the board.
Head Coach: John Dunne
2009-2010 Record: 16-14
Conference Record: 11-7
St. Peters was a sure pick at my number three spot a month ago. Now with Senior guard Wesley Jenkins possibly lost for the season with a knee injury the Peacocks file in at number four.
John Dunne has built an outstanding and highly respected program in his time in Jersey City. The former Siena and Seton Hall assistant is a underrated front man who stresses defense and toughness. Each year under his guidance St. Peters has moved closer and closer to becoming a true contender in the MAAC.
2010-2011 seems to be a judgment year for Dunne and his team. A once young and pesky squad now seems ready to be one of the leagues elite. But can they do it without one of the top shooting guards in the league? As of right now nobody seems to be ready to give a honest answer as to Wesley Jenkins health. With or without Jenkins St. Peters will give teams problems, enough for me to still pick them at # 4, even if Jenkins does not play.
The Low Down On The Peacocks:
The back court of Nick Leon and Wesley Jenkins could be the best in the league. These two have been effective from jump street in Jersey City. Both are 1,000 point scorers who can string together threes in bunches. Leon is a undersized guard who plays with heart and craftiness. Although turnover prone, Leon gets the job done from the point guard slot. Jenkins could be the leagues best sniper from three land. Jenkins makes defenses play him honest with sharp and effective cuts to the rim.
While Jenkins and Leon have been carrying the scoring load over the past three years, Dunne has been patiently waiting for the front line to catch up. This year St. Peters will boast a front line that is more than capable of battling with the leagues elite.
Ryan Bacon is one of the leagues best at swatting shots and cleaning the glass. Bacon is the most tenacious rebounder in the league not named Rossiter. If Bacon has added an effective post move or two and improved his touch around the hoop, look for some big scoring outputs to go along with his rebounds and blocks.
Darius Conley is big and effective down low. He won't do anything flashy but fits St. Peter's pedigree of tough and tenacious. Throw him in with Bacon and you have a formidable front line.
Two under the radar players to watch will be Jeron Belein and UTEP transer Blaise Ffrench. Belein had a solid year last season, and pending Jenkins injury he may asked to take on more of the scoring load. Belein has the capability to be one of the best wing defenders in the leage.
Ffrench may be even more vital for Dunne if Jenkins is unable to play. If Jenkins is out Ffrench will have to rub the rust off quick and be ready to contribute in big ways. Ffrench is a strong athletic guard who will see big minutes with or without Jenkins.
The Negatives:
If Jenkins can't go, St. Peters looses one of the best players in school history, and a preseason All-MAAC first team selection. Over the past three years Dunne has constantly ran plays to get him open looks. St. Peters has always played tough, and has some great pieces outside of Jenkins, but if he can't play St. Peters is a much less dangerous team.
Offensive productivity has been a weakness from this group in past years. Even if Jenkins is able to play, it will be interesting to see if St. Peters can continue their grind it out style, while putting more points on the board.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Preview: # 5 Rider Broncos
# 5: Rider Broncos
Head Coach: Tommy Dempsey
2010-2011 Record: 17-16
Conference Record: 9-9
The only player named Thompson on this roster is a suitable role player named Jonathan, and to my knowledge he has no relation to anyone in the NBA. There is still talent in Lawrencville. Three upperclassmen will all make viable pushes for all league honors, and a whole roster and a coach are motivated to redeem what was a underachieving 2009-2010 season. Will this years Broncs collaborate enough to make a push to play on Monday night?
The Low Down On The Broncs:
Justin Robinson, Mike Ringgold, and, Novar Gadson are all possible all league candidates. All three of these players have played and performed at a high level over the last three years. So which one of these studs will have the ball in their hands when the shot clock is running down, or when the game is on the line? My guess is Dempsey will trust all three to take big shots.
Robinson enters his senior season as a crafty combo guard who opposing teams must mark from deep. Robinson is arguably the best shooter in the league. With Ryan Thompson gone, look for Robinson's scoring to increase. The key for Dempsey will be for Robinson to play floor general extraordinaire if the Broncs want to forget last season.
Mike Ringgold is one of the most unique and effective big men in the league. At 6"6 Ringgold does all of his scoring in the paint, and does it very well. Even with big men sagging off Ringgold from 18 feet and in Ringgold almost always finds a way to make a play for himself or someone else. It is doubtful that Rinngold has expanded his game beyond seven or eight feet (or vastly improved his noutorious free throw shooting), but this doesn't take away the obvious matchup problems he poses for opposing teams. Ringgold is slippery quick, and finishes with the best on the interior.
Novar Gadson may be the most talented wing in the league now that Edwin Ubiles is not around. Gadson has been a tough cookie to figure out in his three years in the league. On some nights he looks like he cannot be stopped, and on other nights he seems to stop himself. The kid can shoot, pass, and slash with the best of them when his head is on right.
If these three upperclassmen can click on all three cylinders, they will still need help to be successful. Jhamar Youngblood can score, and with Thompson gone there will be more shots for a guy like him. He could be Robinson's back court mate. You can also look for Patrick Mansell to be a key component off the bench. Mansell does one thing great and that is shoot threes from anywhere on the floor. If Mansell has trimmed down a bit look for him to earn more minutes. Also look for freshman Anthony Myles to push for a starting role. Myles is a higher rated recruit than both Ryan or Jason Thompson coming out of high school.
The Negatives:
First and foremost this team has been known to front run. If that is out of their system and they are willing to finally defend, we have a real contender on our hands. If it isn't, we have a pretender. Dempsey can only hope his upperclassmen are willing to lead by example, and any new face or unproven underclassmen is willing to follow suit.
Ringgold is a terror, but he will need help down low, especially against the big boys in the league. At a wiry 6"6 Rinngold can only do so much. Danny Stewart is a highly touted freshman who will have to be willing to strap on the gloves and do the dirty work with Ringgold. Gadson will also have to do more garbage work than he has in the past. If he is willing to put his mind to it, Gadson could be an elite rebounder in the league.
As mentioned the only Thompson on this team is a solid role player. There is no more Jason or Ryan, and the Broncs will need a leader. The clock is ticking and we will know in a month if any (or all) of these upperclassmen have the ability to lead the Broncs to a top half finish in the league, and contend for a spot on Monday night.
Head Coach: Tommy Dempsey
2010-2011 Record: 17-16
Conference Record: 9-9
The only player named Thompson on this roster is a suitable role player named Jonathan, and to my knowledge he has no relation to anyone in the NBA. There is still talent in Lawrencville. Three upperclassmen will all make viable pushes for all league honors, and a whole roster and a coach are motivated to redeem what was a underachieving 2009-2010 season. Will this years Broncs collaborate enough to make a push to play on Monday night?
The Low Down On The Broncs:
Justin Robinson, Mike Ringgold, and, Novar Gadson are all possible all league candidates. All three of these players have played and performed at a high level over the last three years. So which one of these studs will have the ball in their hands when the shot clock is running down, or when the game is on the line? My guess is Dempsey will trust all three to take big shots.
Robinson enters his senior season as a crafty combo guard who opposing teams must mark from deep. Robinson is arguably the best shooter in the league. With Ryan Thompson gone, look for Robinson's scoring to increase. The key for Dempsey will be for Robinson to play floor general extraordinaire if the Broncs want to forget last season.
Mike Ringgold is one of the most unique and effective big men in the league. At 6"6 Ringgold does all of his scoring in the paint, and does it very well. Even with big men sagging off Ringgold from 18 feet and in Ringgold almost always finds a way to make a play for himself or someone else. It is doubtful that Rinngold has expanded his game beyond seven or eight feet (or vastly improved his noutorious free throw shooting), but this doesn't take away the obvious matchup problems he poses for opposing teams. Ringgold is slippery quick, and finishes with the best on the interior.
Novar Gadson may be the most talented wing in the league now that Edwin Ubiles is not around. Gadson has been a tough cookie to figure out in his three years in the league. On some nights he looks like he cannot be stopped, and on other nights he seems to stop himself. The kid can shoot, pass, and slash with the best of them when his head is on right.
If these three upperclassmen can click on all three cylinders, they will still need help to be successful. Jhamar Youngblood can score, and with Thompson gone there will be more shots for a guy like him. He could be Robinson's back court mate. You can also look for Patrick Mansell to be a key component off the bench. Mansell does one thing great and that is shoot threes from anywhere on the floor. If Mansell has trimmed down a bit look for him to earn more minutes. Also look for freshman Anthony Myles to push for a starting role. Myles is a higher rated recruit than both Ryan or Jason Thompson coming out of high school.
The Negatives:
First and foremost this team has been known to front run. If that is out of their system and they are willing to finally defend, we have a real contender on our hands. If it isn't, we have a pretender. Dempsey can only hope his upperclassmen are willing to lead by example, and any new face or unproven underclassmen is willing to follow suit.
Ringgold is a terror, but he will need help down low, especially against the big boys in the league. At a wiry 6"6 Rinngold can only do so much. Danny Stewart is a highly touted freshman who will have to be willing to strap on the gloves and do the dirty work with Ringgold. Gadson will also have to do more garbage work than he has in the past. If he is willing to put his mind to it, Gadson could be an elite rebounder in the league.
As mentioned the only Thompson on this team is a solid role player. There is no more Jason or Ryan, and the Broncs will need a leader. The clock is ticking and we will know in a month if any (or all) of these upperclassmen have the ability to lead the Broncs to a top half finish in the league, and contend for a spot on Monday night.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
MAAC Basketball 2010-2011 Preview: # 6 The Loyola Greyhounds
# 6: The Loyola Greyhounds
Head Coach: Jimmy Patsos
2009-2010 Record: 13-17
Conference Record: 6-12
Three years ago Loyola was on the verge of heading to the MAAC title game. After a colossal second half collapse against Siena, Loyola has never seemed to fully recover. After Jimmy Patsos resurrected Loyola's program, the Greyhounds have now endured two erratic seasons.
The entertaining and outspoken Patsos is back for his 6th season and if the Greyhounds don't have a successful year, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be his last. In the off season, rumors fluttered around that Patsos would return to Maryland to assist Gary Williams. One would believe that Patsos must have seen good reason to return to Loyola, and reason to believe this years squad may have a chance to contend.
The Low Down On The Greyhounds:
One thing must be established first, and that is, Loyola does have talent. Every year Patsos brings in a unhappy Big East or ACC transfer, and usually puts the ball in their hands. This year there is no new Big East or ACC transfer, which could be a good thing.
Jamal Barney enters his senior season at Loyola as one of those "hard to figure out" players in the league. Barney, who began his career at Providence, took the league by storm in 2008-2009 as he proved to be one of the league's most explosive scorers. Fast forward to 2009-2010 and you've got a disgruntled Jamal Barney who preferred to fight with Patsos and leave the team unexpectedly. One only knows so much of the story, but Greyhound fans can only hope that Barney can solely focus on basketball this year. If so, Barney is a match up nightmare. At 6"4 Barney is a post up guard, who also gets to the lane at will from the perimeter. His long arms also can pose problems in Loyola's press, as well as on the glass.
Brian Rudolph started his career as the catalyst for one of the premier teams in the league in 2007-2008, but those may have been his best days thus far as a Greyhound. If Rudolph can stay on the mature side, he could be this years version of Frank Turner for Loyola. Rudolph can penetrate with the best of them and is not afraid to bomb in a deep three or two just when you least expect it.
Rudolph's running mate in the back court will likely be Robert Olson. With a summer in the weight room behind him, Olson may be the calming influence that Patsos covets on this team. Olson is a tall and lanky guard, who plays conservatively and effectively. Olson did struggle with smaller pesky guards on the perimeter last season, however he seems like a gym rat who would be motivated to work out kinks in the off season.
Down low, the Greyhounds will pose a tall and versatile front line. Julius Brooks is a powerful and athletic power forward who enjoyed some success as a freshman. Brooks has the potential to be one of the top rebounders in the league, and will give Loyola garbage points.
The versatility of this front line comes with Shane Walker, a second year transfer from Maryland. At 6"10, Walker is the one of the best shooting big men in the league. If Walker can add rebounding and toughness to his pedigree, Patsos and company are in business.
Also keep an eye on Anthony Winbush. His game shows flashes of Tayshaun Prince, and should be one of the leagues elite defenders this season. Winbush can guard up to four positions on the floor, something that fits nicely into Patsos's mixing and matching defensive schemes.
The Negatives:
It has been greatly publicized that Barney and Rudolph have shared there differences with Patsos. All three have strong personalities. Barney and Rudolph will have to drop their views and follow Patsos's lead for this team to be anywhere near consistent. If they can do that, they have a team to be reckoned with, with one all league player, and possibly a second.
Walker is capable of stringing together five or six threes in a game, but at 6"10 he does not rebound like he should. Walker averaged a respectable 6.6 rebounds an outing last season, but that won't be good enough against the top tier teams in the league. Look for Patsos to try and light a fire under Walker to provide some double digit rebound outings along with an interior presence to compliment Brooks.
Head Coach: Jimmy Patsos
2009-2010 Record: 13-17
Conference Record: 6-12
Three years ago Loyola was on the verge of heading to the MAAC title game. After a colossal second half collapse against Siena, Loyola has never seemed to fully recover. After Jimmy Patsos resurrected Loyola's program, the Greyhounds have now endured two erratic seasons.
The entertaining and outspoken Patsos is back for his 6th season and if the Greyhounds don't have a successful year, I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out to be his last. In the off season, rumors fluttered around that Patsos would return to Maryland to assist Gary Williams. One would believe that Patsos must have seen good reason to return to Loyola, and reason to believe this years squad may have a chance to contend.
The Low Down On The Greyhounds:
One thing must be established first, and that is, Loyola does have talent. Every year Patsos brings in a unhappy Big East or ACC transfer, and usually puts the ball in their hands. This year there is no new Big East or ACC transfer, which could be a good thing.
Jamal Barney enters his senior season at Loyola as one of those "hard to figure out" players in the league. Barney, who began his career at Providence, took the league by storm in 2008-2009 as he proved to be one of the league's most explosive scorers. Fast forward to 2009-2010 and you've got a disgruntled Jamal Barney who preferred to fight with Patsos and leave the team unexpectedly. One only knows so much of the story, but Greyhound fans can only hope that Barney can solely focus on basketball this year. If so, Barney is a match up nightmare. At 6"4 Barney is a post up guard, who also gets to the lane at will from the perimeter. His long arms also can pose problems in Loyola's press, as well as on the glass.
Brian Rudolph started his career as the catalyst for one of the premier teams in the league in 2007-2008, but those may have been his best days thus far as a Greyhound. If Rudolph can stay on the mature side, he could be this years version of Frank Turner for Loyola. Rudolph can penetrate with the best of them and is not afraid to bomb in a deep three or two just when you least expect it.
Rudolph's running mate in the back court will likely be Robert Olson. With a summer in the weight room behind him, Olson may be the calming influence that Patsos covets on this team. Olson is a tall and lanky guard, who plays conservatively and effectively. Olson did struggle with smaller pesky guards on the perimeter last season, however he seems like a gym rat who would be motivated to work out kinks in the off season.
Down low, the Greyhounds will pose a tall and versatile front line. Julius Brooks is a powerful and athletic power forward who enjoyed some success as a freshman. Brooks has the potential to be one of the top rebounders in the league, and will give Loyola garbage points.
The versatility of this front line comes with Shane Walker, a second year transfer from Maryland. At 6"10, Walker is the one of the best shooting big men in the league. If Walker can add rebounding and toughness to his pedigree, Patsos and company are in business.
Also keep an eye on Anthony Winbush. His game shows flashes of Tayshaun Prince, and should be one of the leagues elite defenders this season. Winbush can guard up to four positions on the floor, something that fits nicely into Patsos's mixing and matching defensive schemes.
The Negatives:
It has been greatly publicized that Barney and Rudolph have shared there differences with Patsos. All three have strong personalities. Barney and Rudolph will have to drop their views and follow Patsos's lead for this team to be anywhere near consistent. If they can do that, they have a team to be reckoned with, with one all league player, and possibly a second.
Walker is capable of stringing together five or six threes in a game, but at 6"10 he does not rebound like he should. Walker averaged a respectable 6.6 rebounds an outing last season, but that won't be good enough against the top tier teams in the league. Look for Patsos to try and light a fire under Walker to provide some double digit rebound outings along with an interior presence to compliment Brooks.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Previews: # 7 Niagara Purple Eagels
# 7: Niagara Purple Eagles
Head Coach: Joe Mihalic
2009-2010 Record: 18-15
2009-2010 Conference Record: 9-9
Joe Mihalic is the MAAC's version of the Godfather. This guy has been around for over a decade and has compiled an impressive 223 wins in the process. His ability to recruit at a high level and letting his players play loose has been the staple of his success.
Niagara has lost four starters including do it all guard Tyrone Louis, and hard working combo forward Billal Benn. However, Mihalic has lost superstars before and proved critics wrong when they pick him in the bottom half of the league. So will Joe prove me wrong when I pick him at # 7? My bet is he would say so.
The Low Down On The Purple Eagles:
Similar to Manhattan, Niagara has many fresh and unproven faces on their roster. A few of which will be relied heavily upon to help keep Niagara where they have developed a mainstay in the top half of the league.
What Niagara has that Manhattan doesn't is possibly the best point guard in the league not wearing a Fairfield jersey.
Anthony Nelson has stayed in the backseat to all leaguer's like Tyrone Lewis, Billal Benn, and Charron Fisher for three years. There is no doubt Nelson is ready to have the ball in his hands to take big shots. Nelson is an athletic point guard who gets to the rim at will, and has the ability to hit the three when open. Nelson also has been one of the top assist men in the league ever since he arrived on campus.
The question is, who will help him score? Nelson doesn't fit the gunner mentality of a Charron Fisher, or a Tyrone Lewis. There is no doubt that Nelson can go for twenty on any given night, but another character or two from this cast will have to be ready to score double figures every night for Niagara's wheel and deal offense to continue to be effective in the league.
Kashief Edwawrds is a ultra athletic, yet undersized forward. He rebounds above the rim, runs the floor, and swats away shots at the rim. It will be interesting to see if Edwards can be the one to give Nelson double figure efforts every night. If Edwards has improved his offensive prowess and can pace his game while still bringing the same energy that makes him an impact player, the Purple Eagles are in buisness.
Austin Cooley may be the other returner called upon to step up his game in a big way for Niagara to exceed expectations. Cooley is a smooth guard who can hit the long ball in bunches. Similar to Edwards he will need to show a more polished game to aid Nelson in the back court.
The new faces are all unproven at the Division 1 level. However, as always Mihalic boasts a freshman class that arrives with high accolades and reputations from the high school level. Mihalic will need two or three of these freshman, along with sophomore forward Scooter Gillette to be ready when the lights go on. It may take time, but expect by the start of conference play that Mihalic will have options to turn to. It is hard to believe that at least one or two of these recruits, along with Gillette, won't be ready to contribute in big ways by mid season.
The Negatives:
I'll put money down that Nelson has a big year, but who is ready to follow? Mihalic let's his players play on a long leash, which will mean Cooley and the freshman will be able to play through mistakes. Mistakes may happen early and often from these newbies. It will be intriguing to see if Mihalic and his staff can help stem the tide.
Edwards will rebound and block shots, but is undersized at 6-5. Gillette and a freshman big man or two (possibly Joe Thomas, 6-7, or 6-8 sophomore Eric Williams) will have to be ready to provide some interior girth for the Purple Eagles. Teams like Siena, Canisius, Loyola, and Saint Peters, all have big bodies down low that could present series problems for Niagara's small front line.
If any team will prove me wrong with a bottom half of the league prediction it would likely be Niagara. Mihalic has done this dance to many times to bet all my money against him. He has only had one loosing season in his twelve years at the helm. However, it is hard to believe that enough faces around Nelson will be able to provide the firepower that they need to finish in their familiar spot in the top 5 in the league.
Head Coach: Joe Mihalic
2009-2010 Record: 18-15
2009-2010 Conference Record: 9-9
Joe Mihalic is the MAAC's version of the Godfather. This guy has been around for over a decade and has compiled an impressive 223 wins in the process. His ability to recruit at a high level and letting his players play loose has been the staple of his success.
Niagara has lost four starters including do it all guard Tyrone Louis, and hard working combo forward Billal Benn. However, Mihalic has lost superstars before and proved critics wrong when they pick him in the bottom half of the league. So will Joe prove me wrong when I pick him at # 7? My bet is he would say so.
The Low Down On The Purple Eagles:
Similar to Manhattan, Niagara has many fresh and unproven faces on their roster. A few of which will be relied heavily upon to help keep Niagara where they have developed a mainstay in the top half of the league.
What Niagara has that Manhattan doesn't is possibly the best point guard in the league not wearing a Fairfield jersey.
Anthony Nelson has stayed in the backseat to all leaguer's like Tyrone Lewis, Billal Benn, and Charron Fisher for three years. There is no doubt Nelson is ready to have the ball in his hands to take big shots. Nelson is an athletic point guard who gets to the rim at will, and has the ability to hit the three when open. Nelson also has been one of the top assist men in the league ever since he arrived on campus.
The question is, who will help him score? Nelson doesn't fit the gunner mentality of a Charron Fisher, or a Tyrone Lewis. There is no doubt that Nelson can go for twenty on any given night, but another character or two from this cast will have to be ready to score double figures every night for Niagara's wheel and deal offense to continue to be effective in the league.
Kashief Edwawrds is a ultra athletic, yet undersized forward. He rebounds above the rim, runs the floor, and swats away shots at the rim. It will be interesting to see if Edwards can be the one to give Nelson double figure efforts every night. If Edwards has improved his offensive prowess and can pace his game while still bringing the same energy that makes him an impact player, the Purple Eagles are in buisness.
Austin Cooley may be the other returner called upon to step up his game in a big way for Niagara to exceed expectations. Cooley is a smooth guard who can hit the long ball in bunches. Similar to Edwards he will need to show a more polished game to aid Nelson in the back court.
The new faces are all unproven at the Division 1 level. However, as always Mihalic boasts a freshman class that arrives with high accolades and reputations from the high school level. Mihalic will need two or three of these freshman, along with sophomore forward Scooter Gillette to be ready when the lights go on. It may take time, but expect by the start of conference play that Mihalic will have options to turn to. It is hard to believe that at least one or two of these recruits, along with Gillette, won't be ready to contribute in big ways by mid season.
The Negatives:
I'll put money down that Nelson has a big year, but who is ready to follow? Mihalic let's his players play on a long leash, which will mean Cooley and the freshman will be able to play through mistakes. Mistakes may happen early and often from these newbies. It will be intriguing to see if Mihalic and his staff can help stem the tide.
Edwards will rebound and block shots, but is undersized at 6-5. Gillette and a freshman big man or two (possibly Joe Thomas, 6-7, or 6-8 sophomore Eric Williams) will have to be ready to provide some interior girth for the Purple Eagles. Teams like Siena, Canisius, Loyola, and Saint Peters, all have big bodies down low that could present series problems for Niagara's small front line.
If any team will prove me wrong with a bottom half of the league prediction it would likely be Niagara. Mihalic has done this dance to many times to bet all my money against him. He has only had one loosing season in his twelve years at the helm. However, it is hard to believe that enough faces around Nelson will be able to provide the firepower that they need to finish in their familiar spot in the top 5 in the league.
Monday, October 4, 2010
MAAC Basketball 2010-2011 Preview: # 8 Canisius Golden Griffins
# 8: The Canisius College Golden Griffins
Head Coach: Tom Parrotta
2009-2010 Record: 15-17
2009-2010 Conference Record: 8-10
Frank Turner will be nowhere near Buffalo, New York this season as he has signed a professional contract in Holland. The 5"10 dynamo guard did it all for the Golden Griffins during his four years as a starter. Turner hit big shots, showed heart, dished out more assists than anyone not named Ronald Moore, and was simply the face of this program for four years.
Frank is gone now, but veterans do remain. The real question is who is going to get the ball to these veterans? Is South Florida transfer Gaby Belardo an adequate replacement for Turner? Can a veteran group of athletic and skilled forwards finally figure out their roles and stick to them?
Canisius has taken baby steps every single year under hard nosed coach Tom Parrotta. But the Canisius faithful still remembers a time when John Beilein roamed the side lines and Darrell Barely was dunking on guys left and right. Frank Turner or not, these fans want to bust through the top half of the league, and you can be sure that Parrotta and his veteran group want the same, but can it happen?
The Low Down On The Griffs:
What Canisius has is a group of veteran players who are used to loosing, but also used to getting better every single year. They have assembled some nice wins since Parrotta arrived, but have yet to solidify themselves as legitimate contenders.
Julius Coles is one of the most explosive scorers in the league, and you can bet that most of the shots coming from the perimeter will be coming from him. Coles can score, but Parrotta won't be putting all of his stock in him.
The Griffs have a group of Senior forwards who have all shown flashes of all league potential. Greg Loggins is a strong and fairly athletic power forward who can also stroke the three ball. Loggins will have to accept whatever role Parrotta gives him this year, which I believe will be more on the low block than on the perimeter. However Parrotta will let Loggins pull the trigger when left open from deep; he can get on a roll. Just don't expect for him to make a living out there.
Elton Frazier can win a dunk contest anywhere around the world, but has also struggled to maintain a consistent role since arriving in Buffalo. Frazier needs to focus his energy and athletic bounce on the glass, in transition, and on the low block against smaller defenders.
Tomas Vazquez-Simmons is the leagues best shot blocker, and the best Canisius has ever seen. If Frazier, Loggins, and Simmons can all hit the glass like they mean it, Canisius will bring nightmares to any team in the MAAC. The question is, are they all willing to go after the ball on every possession? If they are look for them to be one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Also keep an eye on 7"3 Marial Dhal. If he is able to contribute teams will have even more problems.
Rob Goldsberry is a chippy player and a capable post feeder. He is a far cry from Turner and is not the answer, but you will see him impact games. If Belardo can't stem the tied and get the ball to Coles and the Griffins forwards, Goldsberry will have to do more than just play hard and feed the post for Canisius to exceed expectations.
The Negatives:
Despite having this group of Senior forwards who seem ready to elevate their games, Turner is still gone. How do you move forward when one of the best players in program history is gone? It is hard to believe that Belardo can do everything Turner did. Parrotta will just hope he can do a little bit of what Turner did. Belardo will have to be himself and do his best to get everyone involved.
In the past Canisius's forwards have fluttered in and out of games. We will see if they have all figured out their roles on the offensive end, which will be vital. Each one of these Senior forwards is turnover prone, something that Parrotta can only hope is resolved with another year of maturity and experience.
At times, Canisius has struggled to score under Parrotta. Two or three of these forwards will have to give Coles double figure scoring support every single night for the Griffs to succeed.
Head Coach: Tom Parrotta
2009-2010 Record: 15-17
2009-2010 Conference Record: 8-10
Frank Turner will be nowhere near Buffalo, New York this season as he has signed a professional contract in Holland. The 5"10 dynamo guard did it all for the Golden Griffins during his four years as a starter. Turner hit big shots, showed heart, dished out more assists than anyone not named Ronald Moore, and was simply the face of this program for four years.
Frank is gone now, but veterans do remain. The real question is who is going to get the ball to these veterans? Is South Florida transfer Gaby Belardo an adequate replacement for Turner? Can a veteran group of athletic and skilled forwards finally figure out their roles and stick to them?
Canisius has taken baby steps every single year under hard nosed coach Tom Parrotta. But the Canisius faithful still remembers a time when John Beilein roamed the side lines and Darrell Barely was dunking on guys left and right. Frank Turner or not, these fans want to bust through the top half of the league, and you can be sure that Parrotta and his veteran group want the same, but can it happen?
The Low Down On The Griffs:
What Canisius has is a group of veteran players who are used to loosing, but also used to getting better every single year. They have assembled some nice wins since Parrotta arrived, but have yet to solidify themselves as legitimate contenders.
Julius Coles is one of the most explosive scorers in the league, and you can bet that most of the shots coming from the perimeter will be coming from him. Coles can score, but Parrotta won't be putting all of his stock in him.
The Griffs have a group of Senior forwards who have all shown flashes of all league potential. Greg Loggins is a strong and fairly athletic power forward who can also stroke the three ball. Loggins will have to accept whatever role Parrotta gives him this year, which I believe will be more on the low block than on the perimeter. However Parrotta will let Loggins pull the trigger when left open from deep; he can get on a roll. Just don't expect for him to make a living out there.
Elton Frazier can win a dunk contest anywhere around the world, but has also struggled to maintain a consistent role since arriving in Buffalo. Frazier needs to focus his energy and athletic bounce on the glass, in transition, and on the low block against smaller defenders.
Tomas Vazquez-Simmons is the leagues best shot blocker, and the best Canisius has ever seen. If Frazier, Loggins, and Simmons can all hit the glass like they mean it, Canisius will bring nightmares to any team in the MAAC. The question is, are they all willing to go after the ball on every possession? If they are look for them to be one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Also keep an eye on 7"3 Marial Dhal. If he is able to contribute teams will have even more problems.
Rob Goldsberry is a chippy player and a capable post feeder. He is a far cry from Turner and is not the answer, but you will see him impact games. If Belardo can't stem the tied and get the ball to Coles and the Griffins forwards, Goldsberry will have to do more than just play hard and feed the post for Canisius to exceed expectations.
The Negatives:
Despite having this group of Senior forwards who seem ready to elevate their games, Turner is still gone. How do you move forward when one of the best players in program history is gone? It is hard to believe that Belardo can do everything Turner did. Parrotta will just hope he can do a little bit of what Turner did. Belardo will have to be himself and do his best to get everyone involved.
In the past Canisius's forwards have fluttered in and out of games. We will see if they have all figured out their roles on the offensive end, which will be vital. Each one of these Senior forwards is turnover prone, something that Parrotta can only hope is resolved with another year of maturity and experience.
At times, Canisius has struggled to score under Parrotta. Two or three of these forwards will have to give Coles double figure scoring support every single night for the Griffs to succeed.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Previews: # 9: The Manhattan Jaspers
# 9: The Manhattan Jaspers
Head Coach: Barry "Slice" Rohrssen
2009-2010 Record: 11-20
2009-2010 Conference Record: 4-14
The Jaspers file in at # 9 on this list. Similar to their pals over at Marist, Manhattan has taken a fall over the past few years. A program which has been historically one of the leagues gems has since fallen into the bottom half of the league. As to date, I would bet that they would stay in the bottom half, approximately at # 9. Examining their roster, there is an abundance of unrecognizable names. Six new roster spots have been filled.
At a quick glance this would lead a follower of the league to believe this will not help their current mediocrity in the league. Gunner Rico Pickett jumped ship after one year, and that means his 30 point outbursts will be gone. All league performer Darryl Crawford used up his four years of eligibility, and one of the most irritating big men in the league, Brandon Adams, is no longer around to play garbage man. This all seems negative for the Jaspers. But are new faces a good thing in Riverdale?
The Low Down On The Jaspers:
Rohrssen's teams have been somewhat of an enigma to figure out. He often carries a boatload of talent and on some nights they look like The Globetrotters. Other nights they look like The Generals, which we all know folks ALWAYS ends in a loss. As I mentioned Pickett and his points are gone, but his turnovers and "me first" attitude are gone with him. There will be plenty of shots to go around this season with Pickett gone. The question is who is going to take them?
The underlying reason for me to take Manhattan over Marist for the 9 spot is simple: Rohrssen brings in talent. Every year he recruits well from the city. One other staple in Rohrssen's teams at Manhattan is their ability to rebound the ball, especially from the offensive end. Manhattan players fly to the glass like bats out of hell, even from the guard position, and you can expect this will continue, regardless of who is doing it.
Andrew Gabriel enters his senior year as a player who has yet to live up to his billing coming out of high school. However with more shots to go around, the crafty power forward is now in a position to have the ball in his hands more often. We will see if new assistant coach (and former NBA player) Scott Padgett can help Gabriel reach his potential as a premier big man in the MAAC. The early success of the Jaspers in the trenches will likely fall on the shoulders of Gabriel. He can only hope one of the newbies is ready to go to battle with him.
Sophomore George Beamon was buried behind senior guards last season, but he could be making the move to Manhattan's next gunner. Beamon average 30 points per game his senior year in high school, and has good size at the two guard spot.
Rohrssen figures to let his string of freshman and junior college transer guards fight it out to see who gets the ball in their hands. Freshman guard Mike Alvarado seems to be the leader early on for the point guard position. Word on the street (or scouting services and all that jumble), is that Manhattan has assembled its strongest recruting class in the Rohressen era. This could be the main reason for Rohrssen opting to stay at Manhattan, rather than run for St. John's as Steve Lavins top recruiter.
The Negatives:
The MAAC is a guards league, no doubt about that. Rohrssen will have to let his recruits learn on the fly, which could be lead to some early bumps and bruises (heck it could lead to a concussion for the Jaspers). None of these pups have played a college game, and guys like Beamon and spot up shooter Nick Walsh didn't even appear in some games last year. Rohrssen will give a long leash on the freshman guards because... Well because he has no other choice. Fairfield's Derek Needham showed last year that a freshman is capable to lead a team to postseason play, but how often do Derek Needham's come around? Not often. Rohressen must hope he has a player or two who can do their best impression of Needham.
Nobody knows if Gabriel will be able to put up consistent numbers in this league. For Manhattan to finish ahead of this prediction, Gabriel, or another big must give the Jaspers 10 to 12 points a game along with 7 to 9 rebounds an outing.
Manhattan will also have to show more team commrodiory than they have in the past. The frontrunning has to stop, and a more even keeled group must be present for the Jaspers to move forward. If not, Rohrssen may be wishing by mid-season that he was wearing red instead of green this season.
Head Coach: Barry "Slice" Rohrssen
2009-2010 Record: 11-20
2009-2010 Conference Record: 4-14
The Jaspers file in at # 9 on this list. Similar to their pals over at Marist, Manhattan has taken a fall over the past few years. A program which has been historically one of the leagues gems has since fallen into the bottom half of the league. As to date, I would bet that they would stay in the bottom half, approximately at # 9. Examining their roster, there is an abundance of unrecognizable names. Six new roster spots have been filled.
At a quick glance this would lead a follower of the league to believe this will not help their current mediocrity in the league. Gunner Rico Pickett jumped ship after one year, and that means his 30 point outbursts will be gone. All league performer Darryl Crawford used up his four years of eligibility, and one of the most irritating big men in the league, Brandon Adams, is no longer around to play garbage man. This all seems negative for the Jaspers. But are new faces a good thing in Riverdale?
The Low Down On The Jaspers:
Rohrssen's teams have been somewhat of an enigma to figure out. He often carries a boatload of talent and on some nights they look like The Globetrotters. Other nights they look like The Generals, which we all know folks ALWAYS ends in a loss. As I mentioned Pickett and his points are gone, but his turnovers and "me first" attitude are gone with him. There will be plenty of shots to go around this season with Pickett gone. The question is who is going to take them?
The underlying reason for me to take Manhattan over Marist for the 9 spot is simple: Rohrssen brings in talent. Every year he recruits well from the city. One other staple in Rohrssen's teams at Manhattan is their ability to rebound the ball, especially from the offensive end. Manhattan players fly to the glass like bats out of hell, even from the guard position, and you can expect this will continue, regardless of who is doing it.
Andrew Gabriel enters his senior year as a player who has yet to live up to his billing coming out of high school. However with more shots to go around, the crafty power forward is now in a position to have the ball in his hands more often. We will see if new assistant coach (and former NBA player) Scott Padgett can help Gabriel reach his potential as a premier big man in the MAAC. The early success of the Jaspers in the trenches will likely fall on the shoulders of Gabriel. He can only hope one of the newbies is ready to go to battle with him.
Sophomore George Beamon was buried behind senior guards last season, but he could be making the move to Manhattan's next gunner. Beamon average 30 points per game his senior year in high school, and has good size at the two guard spot.
Rohrssen figures to let his string of freshman and junior college transer guards fight it out to see who gets the ball in their hands. Freshman guard Mike Alvarado seems to be the leader early on for the point guard position. Word on the street (or scouting services and all that jumble), is that Manhattan has assembled its strongest recruting class in the Rohressen era. This could be the main reason for Rohrssen opting to stay at Manhattan, rather than run for St. John's as Steve Lavins top recruiter.
The Negatives:
The MAAC is a guards league, no doubt about that. Rohrssen will have to let his recruits learn on the fly, which could be lead to some early bumps and bruises (heck it could lead to a concussion for the Jaspers). None of these pups have played a college game, and guys like Beamon and spot up shooter Nick Walsh didn't even appear in some games last year. Rohrssen will give a long leash on the freshman guards because... Well because he has no other choice. Fairfield's Derek Needham showed last year that a freshman is capable to lead a team to postseason play, but how often do Derek Needham's come around? Not often. Rohressen must hope he has a player or two who can do their best impression of Needham.
Nobody knows if Gabriel will be able to put up consistent numbers in this league. For Manhattan to finish ahead of this prediction, Gabriel, or another big must give the Jaspers 10 to 12 points a game along with 7 to 9 rebounds an outing.
Manhattan will also have to show more team commrodiory than they have in the past. The frontrunning has to stop, and a more even keeled group must be present for the Jaspers to move forward. If not, Rohrssen may be wishing by mid-season that he was wearing red instead of green this season.
Monday, September 27, 2010
2010-2011 MAAC Basketball Previews: # 10 The Marist Red Foxes
Hello sports fans. I will be continuing a break from my regular blog to give you my predictions for the upcoming 2010-2011 MAAC men's basketball season. Preseason predictions don't amount to much, but I'm already bored of football season, so let the predicting begin! I will begin with an in depth prediction of the last place team, and will conclude this process with an in depth prediction of who I believe will win the MAAC this year. Unlike many magazines and online publications, I will thoroughly give perspective to each team. I will look at what they did last year, and do my best to predict where each team will finish in the league this season. Also unlike those magazines, I am not paid and have nobody to answer to but myself. However I do believe I have some credibility. I have followed the MAAC closely for the past seven years, and played in the MAAC for two years. I also served as a student assistant coach last year at Siena. So here we go folks! Here is to a always competitive and fun season. Cheers!
#10: Marist Red Foxes
Head Coach: Chuck Martin
2009-2010 Record: 1-29
2009-2010 Conference Record: 1-17
It was just a few years back when Marist seemed to be a contender in the league every year. Then Jared Jordan graduated. Then came the Matt Brady exile. Now front man Chuck Martin enters his third year with a record of eleven wins and fifty two losses. The basketball crazed town of Poughkeepsie expects wins, and you can believe that the former Memphis assistant is hungrier than anyone to bring Marist back from the basement to where they are more comfortable and content- the top half of the league. Despite a unique and ever hard to prepare for offensive scheme that Martin has carried over from Memphis, it is still hard to believe that the Red Foxes will catapult to anywhere near where they were when Jared Jordan was doing his best Steve Nash impression.
The Low Down On The Red Foxes:
Martin runs a unique offense that spreads the floor and allows his guards and wings to make decisions. This is hard to prepare for because they do not call out many plays and allow their play makers to make plays based on how the defense is playing them. The theory behind this offensive scheme is maximum penetration to make plays based on this penetration. Many may recall the way John Callipari's teams played at Memphis. Martin will depend on a mix of youth and experience to make decisions and reads that translate into buckets for the Red Foxes.
Red Shirt senior DeJuan Goodwin has been around forever and in that time has shown he can look like an all league player one game, and the next game seem average. Goodwin will need to provide nothing less than a exceptional senior season for the Red Foxes to have a chance to climb out of the basement. Guard R.J. Hall is a junior now, and after a promising rookie season he endured a sophomore slump of academic problems and injuries. However Hall does fit the pedigree of a possible play maker for himself and others. Devin Price also could fit into the playmaker role. Price had a solid freshman season and will likely be taking point guard duties to start the year. Candon Russin is another guard who will be looked upon to take his game to a new level for the Red Foxes. When left open, Russin is a accurate three point shooter. Marist also may turn to younger and unproven players in a group of Freshman guards. Don't sleep on Sophomore Sam Prescott. Prescott appeared in 18 games last year before running into academic trouble. The highly touted guard from Philadelphia averaged 7.5 PPG and showed the ability to rebound out of the guard position.
Down low Martin will rely heavily on Korey Bauer. The 6"9 senior forward has shown ability to be a force in the paint. Bauer will need to be a force every night. He will have to do every inch of the dirty work and more for Marist if they are to make a move. Versatile forward Rob Johnson will have to help Bauer on the glass. If Johnson can do that and provide consistent versatility, Marist will be become even tougher to prepare for.
The Negatives:
There may not be enough talent for Martin's offensive to beat many of the teams in the MAAC. Their guards are either young, and proven to be erratic, or veterans who have struggled to maintain consistancy. For this offensive to work you need great decision makers who can put the ball in the hole, or make a play for another. Marist committed 424 turnovers last year, while only dishing out 296 assits. Time will tell if this group of guards has taken their games to the level it has to be at for Marist.
Marist will also have to drastically improve on the glass. Something that Bauer, Johnson, and a group of freshman big men will have to take upon themselves.
Main Point: Martin's offensive scheme has proven to work in brief flashes in the league, even if it hasn't won him many games. If the Red Fox guards haven't taken steps to take there games to the next level, it may not matter if players like Bauer and Johnson rebound or not. If the Red Foxes are able to generate some excitement early in their OOC schedule the town of Poughkeepsie will be showing up in waves by the time the MAAC schedule roles around. The McCann Center has proven to be one of the toughest places to play in the MAAC when packed to capacity. Marist fans can only hope their returnees are ready to take leaps and bounds from last season, and their freshman are prepared to not play like freshman. If not, it may be another long season for the Red Foxes.
#10: Marist Red Foxes
Head Coach: Chuck Martin
2009-2010 Record: 1-29
2009-2010 Conference Record: 1-17
It was just a few years back when Marist seemed to be a contender in the league every year. Then Jared Jordan graduated. Then came the Matt Brady exile. Now front man Chuck Martin enters his third year with a record of eleven wins and fifty two losses. The basketball crazed town of Poughkeepsie expects wins, and you can believe that the former Memphis assistant is hungrier than anyone to bring Marist back from the basement to where they are more comfortable and content- the top half of the league. Despite a unique and ever hard to prepare for offensive scheme that Martin has carried over from Memphis, it is still hard to believe that the Red Foxes will catapult to anywhere near where they were when Jared Jordan was doing his best Steve Nash impression.
The Low Down On The Red Foxes:
Martin runs a unique offense that spreads the floor and allows his guards and wings to make decisions. This is hard to prepare for because they do not call out many plays and allow their play makers to make plays based on how the defense is playing them. The theory behind this offensive scheme is maximum penetration to make plays based on this penetration. Many may recall the way John Callipari's teams played at Memphis. Martin will depend on a mix of youth and experience to make decisions and reads that translate into buckets for the Red Foxes.
Red Shirt senior DeJuan Goodwin has been around forever and in that time has shown he can look like an all league player one game, and the next game seem average. Goodwin will need to provide nothing less than a exceptional senior season for the Red Foxes to have a chance to climb out of the basement. Guard R.J. Hall is a junior now, and after a promising rookie season he endured a sophomore slump of academic problems and injuries. However Hall does fit the pedigree of a possible play maker for himself and others. Devin Price also could fit into the playmaker role. Price had a solid freshman season and will likely be taking point guard duties to start the year. Candon Russin is another guard who will be looked upon to take his game to a new level for the Red Foxes. When left open, Russin is a accurate three point shooter. Marist also may turn to younger and unproven players in a group of Freshman guards. Don't sleep on Sophomore Sam Prescott. Prescott appeared in 18 games last year before running into academic trouble. The highly touted guard from Philadelphia averaged 7.5 PPG and showed the ability to rebound out of the guard position.
Down low Martin will rely heavily on Korey Bauer. The 6"9 senior forward has shown ability to be a force in the paint. Bauer will need to be a force every night. He will have to do every inch of the dirty work and more for Marist if they are to make a move. Versatile forward Rob Johnson will have to help Bauer on the glass. If Johnson can do that and provide consistent versatility, Marist will be become even tougher to prepare for.
The Negatives:
There may not be enough talent for Martin's offensive to beat many of the teams in the MAAC. Their guards are either young, and proven to be erratic, or veterans who have struggled to maintain consistancy. For this offensive to work you need great decision makers who can put the ball in the hole, or make a play for another. Marist committed 424 turnovers last year, while only dishing out 296 assits. Time will tell if this group of guards has taken their games to the level it has to be at for Marist.
Marist will also have to drastically improve on the glass. Something that Bauer, Johnson, and a group of freshman big men will have to take upon themselves.
Main Point: Martin's offensive scheme has proven to work in brief flashes in the league, even if it hasn't won him many games. If the Red Fox guards haven't taken steps to take there games to the next level, it may not matter if players like Bauer and Johnson rebound or not. If the Red Foxes are able to generate some excitement early in their OOC schedule the town of Poughkeepsie will be showing up in waves by the time the MAAC schedule roles around. The McCann Center has proven to be one of the toughest places to play in the MAAC when packed to capacity. Marist fans can only hope their returnees are ready to take leaps and bounds from last season, and their freshman are prepared to not play like freshman. If not, it may be another long season for the Red Foxes.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Summer is ending, hello fall, goodbye blog world: "And I know because we were kids, and we used to hang."
Leaves are turning brown and gold, and as this heat waves begins to come to an end, it is evident that fall is close in the rear view mirror. Following a two and a half week stint of living out of my car, I have found a place to call home.
My parents were gracious enough to take time out of their busy lives to come to Albany to help me move in. A time frame was set on their short stay here. This meant heavy lifting and maneuvering for myself and my father. This also meant my mother had to do her best Martha Stewart impression in a half a day.
At the end of the day I have a bed and some basic living essentials to live on for now. That is more than can be said for my roommate who sleeps on the floor, and is on the verge of having his big toe removed... But that is another story for another time.
Today is my day off. This means what grown ups call errands is in order for me. Curtains must be purchased. I guess the neighbors are tired of seeing me do my rain dance half naked in my room every evening. Yeah, curtains would be nice gesture.
Everyday I get a little better at selling rugs. I worked a double for the first time in my life yesterday and by 8:00 P.M. I started a mild hallucination. This hallucination lead to believe the rugs were large snakes. I hate snakes.
As myself and the lost children around me continue to settle into the realms of the real world I have gathered some early observations. The world is corrupt people, and we the people is what makes it corrupt. Hell maybe I'm corrupt and I'm to arrogant to realize it. My job isn't so bad, but through horror stories from others make me believe that maybe the best way to get ahead and stay ahead in this world is to be selfish. I'm not ready to turn the corner yet, but you and I both know there is millions of young people who are ready to throw any ounce of childhood purity left into the fire.
So which one will you do? Or has it already been done? Have you turned it all in already to adjust, fit in, and make it? We'll if you have thrown in your cards, shame on you. Maybe shame on me. We all change. Parts of us have to to in order to survive. I understand this. But don't forget how you felt when you were five, or ten, or seventeen, or twenty one. When helping another person, or smiling and saying "How you doing today?" to a stranger. When your whole life wasn't centered around a cooperate paycheck. When making someone else look bad for you to get ahead was either not a option, or made you feel shameful afterwards.
I'm not perfect, far from it. But I'll be up shits creek if I step over. Shits creek sucks. I know I've swam in that creek a few times. You leave smelling bad and with a bad taste in your mouth.
Errands call folks. Blog time is over. I don't have a computer that has Microsoft Word. I'll have to wait for my full time job to start paying some dividends. I'll check my email periodically, but soon Siena will take away my student account. For now I'll write to the endless email requests I have received for hand written blogs, sending them to my avid readers respected addresses (laughing out loud fully intended).
It has been quite an educational summer. A summer that was straining enough to push my hairline back a quarter of an inch. That is fine though, all apart of growing up. My tirade on my early observations of the real world won't come to a surprise to many older readers. However many people are still doing great things while striving for personal ambitions. So those that are doing that, shoot for the stars and "Stay Golden Ponyboy." And to those who have jumped the track to the other side best of luck. Just know when I walk into a supermarket with a backwards hat on and gym shorts and I throw you a smile, and on the receiving end I get the "Look at this idiot" glance, I plan on keeping that smile on. No great loss.
Take care folks. Remember when you were young, and if you still are young, when you grow up, do yourself a favor and remember when you were young.
"If prime time TV and credit card debt, If a new auto lease and real estate investments, Are all that we have, then we're already dead, So let's rob our own graves and sneak out of this pen, And there's only one place where we can escape, And that's on the run, so that's where we'll stay, And we'll leave what we own and we'll leave what we know, But we'll be together so we'll always be home."
A exert from a song by Attica Attica.
My parents were gracious enough to take time out of their busy lives to come to Albany to help me move in. A time frame was set on their short stay here. This meant heavy lifting and maneuvering for myself and my father. This also meant my mother had to do her best Martha Stewart impression in a half a day.
At the end of the day I have a bed and some basic living essentials to live on for now. That is more than can be said for my roommate who sleeps on the floor, and is on the verge of having his big toe removed... But that is another story for another time.
Today is my day off. This means what grown ups call errands is in order for me. Curtains must be purchased. I guess the neighbors are tired of seeing me do my rain dance half naked in my room every evening. Yeah, curtains would be nice gesture.
Everyday I get a little better at selling rugs. I worked a double for the first time in my life yesterday and by 8:00 P.M. I started a mild hallucination. This hallucination lead to believe the rugs were large snakes. I hate snakes.
As myself and the lost children around me continue to settle into the realms of the real world I have gathered some early observations. The world is corrupt people, and we the people is what makes it corrupt. Hell maybe I'm corrupt and I'm to arrogant to realize it. My job isn't so bad, but through horror stories from others make me believe that maybe the best way to get ahead and stay ahead in this world is to be selfish. I'm not ready to turn the corner yet, but you and I both know there is millions of young people who are ready to throw any ounce of childhood purity left into the fire.
So which one will you do? Or has it already been done? Have you turned it all in already to adjust, fit in, and make it? We'll if you have thrown in your cards, shame on you. Maybe shame on me. We all change. Parts of us have to to in order to survive. I understand this. But don't forget how you felt when you were five, or ten, or seventeen, or twenty one. When helping another person, or smiling and saying "How you doing today?" to a stranger. When your whole life wasn't centered around a cooperate paycheck. When making someone else look bad for you to get ahead was either not a option, or made you feel shameful afterwards.
I'm not perfect, far from it. But I'll be up shits creek if I step over. Shits creek sucks. I know I've swam in that creek a few times. You leave smelling bad and with a bad taste in your mouth.
Errands call folks. Blog time is over. I don't have a computer that has Microsoft Word. I'll have to wait for my full time job to start paying some dividends. I'll check my email periodically, but soon Siena will take away my student account. For now I'll write to the endless email requests I have received for hand written blogs, sending them to my avid readers respected addresses (laughing out loud fully intended).
It has been quite an educational summer. A summer that was straining enough to push my hairline back a quarter of an inch. That is fine though, all apart of growing up. My tirade on my early observations of the real world won't come to a surprise to many older readers. However many people are still doing great things while striving for personal ambitions. So those that are doing that, shoot for the stars and "Stay Golden Ponyboy." And to those who have jumped the track to the other side best of luck. Just know when I walk into a supermarket with a backwards hat on and gym shorts and I throw you a smile, and on the receiving end I get the "Look at this idiot" glance, I plan on keeping that smile on. No great loss.
Take care folks. Remember when you were young, and if you still are young, when you grow up, do yourself a favor and remember when you were young.
"If prime time TV and credit card debt, If a new auto lease and real estate investments, Are all that we have, then we're already dead, So let's rob our own graves and sneak out of this pen, And there's only one place where we can escape, And that's on the run, so that's where we'll stay, And we'll leave what we own and we'll leave what we know, But we'll be together so we'll always be home."
A exert from a song by Attica Attica.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
"The man in the black fled across the desert, and the Gunslinger followed.."
Maine was fabulous. I read three books in four days, almost got sun poisoning for the second time this summer (who the hell said you were allowed to get sun poisoning in Maine?), I ate lobster, drank club soda by day and Pabst by night, and found out my youngest brother can now do more pushups than me. Father time is sniffing away at me. Or maybe that is me losing interest in the weight room. I also was brought back to my days of purity by my youngest cousin, who is more intellectual and cuter than I will ever be, at the age of seven.
On the way home from Maine I returned to an empty parking lot at Siena College and a automobile full of my possessions. Siena had kicked me out for good. My job started the next morning and I was to be thrown into the big leagues without a place to call home.
Full time employment does not wait for you to find a place called home. Full time employment does not wait for the two 1990's TVs to stop falling over at every stop sign or sharp turn in your car. I stock and sell rugs for a living people. I move 12 by 15 rugs from the loading dock to the floor for half the day and do my damn best to sell them to uncertain customers the rest of the day. What the customers don't know is I know even less than they do about rugs. Touche. Anyways work isn't so bad. One thing I've gathered from a full week on the job is that times are tough and I am lucky to have a job. Things are rough all over, and if moving rugs for half the day and pretending I am an expert on them for the other half is what I have to do to make some coin, I'll do it with half a smile on my face.
A whole week has passed since I was dropped off at Siena and I am still sleeping around Albany. Friends (maybe just acquaintances) take me in on a night by night basis. Over the past three weeks I have inhabited one bed, one futon, and illegally slept at Siena College on two separate occasions. My car remains packed to capacity with personal belongings. I have made enough room to see out of every mirror in the car, making it barely street legal. One week from today I will no longer be overstaying my welcome or committing misdemeanor crimes according to Siena. Either my own, or my roommates credit was approved by either the government, the FBI, or Area 151, and the cheapest two man apartment in the Capital Region is now ours.
I am catching up on some brief R and R these next two days. I will bet small amounts of money on horses tomorrow and pray that the nice car my mother has lent me will be fixed by a nice man named Bob. Bob gave it a sticker today that passed inspection, and then Cory stalled out on the busiest street in America. Cory's phone was almost dead and he was almost stranded in the most abandoned parking lot in America for the duration of the evening. For once in my life I praised AT@T for its durability, and cursed KFC for the worst "wait for a tow truck meal of my life". Bob seems like an honest mechanic and I have faith in him to fix the car that has most of my belongings in it.
Take care people, this has been a strange, yet educational and fulfilling summer. I am indeed almost grown up. I will only be bothering the few followers of this blog just once more this summer. My next blog will be my last for a while.
Check it out: The title of this blog has little to do with my life in transition and more with a novel that I read in Maine. Check out Stephen King's novel, The Gunslinger. A story of a Gunslinger (the last of his kind) and his unknown need to find The Dark Tower. And just a reminding memo to Stephen King's neighbors, "Don't worry ma'am, we ain't tourists, we're fans."
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