# 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.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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.
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