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Dre's rebuttal... ?
College Basketball "off-season" Thread (players leaving/coaching changes/recruiting)
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by wildkycat,
- Start date
Dre's rebuttal... ?
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Nah, the CO-ED league with Mrs. Clark.
after what she told me Dre gave her im not sure u want to be touching that
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Incess Implied? You saying that's how they do it in the South huh Mike???
(Kay Slay) DAMN! (Kay Slay)
(Kay Slay) DAMN! (Kay Slay)
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That dude is a soph and look just like a fully grown crittenton.
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Nah, the CO-ED league with Mrs. Clark.
I'm puttin' her on the blocks where she can go after loose balls.
Originally Posted by ShannonsCrooks
after what she told me Dre gave her im not sure u want to be touching that
Originally Posted by Nowitness41Dirk
Dre's rebuttal... ?
Spoiler [+]
Good *!%$. I have no comeback....This time. You win...
I'ma get your *** Kerlew (No %%**)
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I'm puttin' her on the blocks where she can go after loose balls.
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DRE....
Now back to your regularly scheduled program....
Now back to your regularly scheduled program....
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[h1]Road to recovery complete, injured players took to bounce back[/h1]
By Dana O'Neil
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: September 23, 2008
There were more than 16,000 people in the Carrier Dome the night Syracuse hosted East Tennessee State.
Eric Devendorf didn't hear any of them. Everything -- motion, noise -- stoodstill after he dished a pass to Paul Harris on a fast break.
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A knee injury sidelined Eric Devendorf for most of Syracuse's season.
"All I heard was my knee pop," Devendorf said. "All those people and that's all I heard."
Devendorf's season was shelved before it barely started, his ACL torn in that December 2007 game. Relegated to the bench and the training room,Devendorf found company for his misery in Andy Rautins.
Just four months earlier, Rautins tore his ACL while playing with Team Canada during the FIBA Americas Championships.
"I felt sorry for myself for about a week," Rautins said. "Then I said there's nothing I can do but get back on the road to gettingbetter."
Any athlete will tell you that rehab is more grueling mentally than physically. The inability to perform even the simplest task coupled with thehelplessness of watching a game from the sidelines has crippled even the strongest of athletes.
Rautins and Devendorf tried to find the silver lining in their plight, though they admit sometimes it was tough to find.
"I think it will help us in the long run," Rautins said. "When you play, the game goes by a hundred miles per hour, but when you sit andwatch it slows down."
Both have been green-lighted to rejoin their teammates for workouts and practice next month -- Rautins, cleared four months ago, was back competing withTeam Canada this past summer in the Olympic qualifying tournament -- and their return, coupled with the baptism by fire of their young Orange teammates, shouldbode well for Syracuse this season.
But they are just two of a litany of key players whose return -- and in some cases, absence -- will significantly impact their program's production thisseason.
Here's a look at some of the top players trying to return from significant injuries:
Korvotney Barber, Auburn: Barber was the Tigers' leading scorer and rebounder(13.8 and 6.9) and the nation's leader in field-goal percentage (72 percent) when he broke his left (non-shooting hand). Healed and ready to play, Barberunfortunately will have to stuff all of his work into this season. The NCAA denied his appeal for an additional year of eligibility, arguing that he hadexceeded the limit for a medical redshirt ... by six minutes.
Jon Brockman, Washington: The team's leading scorer andrebounder missed the first game of his college career -- an opening-round Pac-10 tournament loss to California with an ankle injury. Though Brockman returnedfor the Huskies' appearance in the CBI tournament, his ankle never felt right and in May he had surgery to remove bone spurs. He's been fully clearedsince then.
Sherron Collins, Kansas: The key cog in the Jayhawks' titledefense, Collins had offseason surgery on his left knee. He played one game in Kansas' three-game Labor Day swing through Canada, finishing with 10 pointsand four rebounds in 22 minutes, and he is currently participating fully in individual workouts.
Sharaud Curry, Providence: The point guard, who broke his right foot last year inpreseason practice, tried to return in December but played just eight minutes before shutting it down and having offseason surgery. The Friars said Curry isworking his way back, and they expect him back for the start of practice.
Farnold Degand, NC State: The Wolfpack's point guard tore hisACL on Dec. 23, leaving NC State without its playmaker. He is on track to return to practice in October, although the junior didn't play on the team'sLabor Day trip to Canada as a precaution.
Paul Delaney III, UAB: The Blazers lost their guard four gamesinto the season to a torn ACL. The scoring leader before Robert Vaden came to town,Delaney was averaging 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game before his injury. Fully participating in preseason workouts, he is expected back for thestart of the season.
Eric Devendorf, Syracuse: The senior tore his ACL in the firstminute of the second half of the Orange's 10th game. Though he still wants to get more strength and explosiveness in his knee, Devendorf said he'sready to play and is already working out with his teammates.
Levance Fields, Pittsburgh: On Aug. 22, Fields underwent bonegraft surgery on the same foot that sidelined him for seven weeks last season. He's expected to make a full recovery, but the latest procedure will keephim sidelined through early October. The Panthers expect -- hope -- that their point guard will return by the second or third week of practice and be ready togo in the season opener, Nov. 14 against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Bobby Frasor, North Carolina: The Tar Heels' backup pointguard tore his ACL on Dec. 27 but is fully recovered. Cleared in July for full five-on-five scrimmages, he will be on the court next month when prohibitivefavorite UNC gathers for its first practice. Frasor also is awaiting a decision on an appeal to the NCAA for an additional year under the hardship waiver.
Kenny George, UNC-Asheville: Just last week, the school saidGeorge, who turned heads with both his size (7-foot-7) and his numbers (12.4 points, 7 rebounds) last year, had undergone two surgical procedures for a seriousinfection in his foot. George, who first felt pain in his foot during Pete Newell's Big Man Camp in Las Vegas, isn't expected back, coach EddieBiedenbach said.
Adam Gore, Cornell: The Big Red's sharpshooter tore his ACLearlier this month and underwent surgery on Sept. 18. Doctors are optimistic that Gore, the former Ivy League rookie of the year, will be ready byCornell's Ivy League season opener on Jan. 18, coach Steve Donahue said.
Danny Green, North Carolina: Sidelined by a myriad of injuries --including a hairline stress fracture in his elbow -- during pre-draft camp in Orlando, Green is on the mend. He is currently participating in all of theHeels' preseason activities and is expected to participate without limitations in practice next month.
Jodie Meeks, Kentucky: A sporadic season came to a close inFebruary after Meeks, then averaging 8.8 points per game, was shut down with a sports hernia. He had surgery in Philadelphia on April 13 and is expected backnext month.
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AP Photo/Tim Mueller
New LSU coach Trent Johnson and Tiger fans everywhere will happily welcome back Tasmin Mitchell to the Tigers' lineup.
Tasmin Mitchell, LSU: A preseason all-conference selection,Mitchell was done for the season after the third game, done in by a stress fracture in his left shin bone. His expected return and his 14.5 points and 5.9rebounds will be a nice boost for new coach Trent Johnson.
Patrick Patterson, Kentucky: The most vital cog in theWildcats' machine, Patterson averaged 38.9 minutes per SEC game before a stress fracture in his ankle sat him down for the final five games. He had surgeryon April 2, and coach Billy Gillispie said recently that Patterson was "way ahead of schedule." He is expected to be ready by October.
A.J. Price, Connecticut: The Huskies' long-suffering pointguard tore his ACL in UConn's first-round NCAA Tournament loss to San Diego, this following his battle with life-threatening bleeding on the brain hisfreshman year and a season-long suspension his sophomore year. Cleared last week for practice, Price should be ready for the start of the season.
Andy Rautins, Syracuse: His torn ACL was better months ago, soRautins rejoined Team Canada this summer in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Rautins said the experience solidified what he already knew -- that his knee washealed and he's ready for the season.
Delvon Roe, Michigan State: The highly-touted incoming freshman saw his high school career cut short by microfracture surgery on his right knee.In August, he developed swelling in his other knee, and when rest didn't reduce it, he had exploratory surgery to remove loose particles. Though not 100percent yet, Roe has been cleared for team workouts and is expected for practice in October.
Ronald Steele, Alabama: After three surgeries in one year --microfracture surgery on his right knee and two arthroscopic procedures on his left knee -- Steele feels healthy for the first time in almost two years. He notonly is cleared to play but also is playing without any brace.
Kyle Taber, Indiana: The hard-luck Hoosiers took yet another blowin August when Taber, coach Tom Crean's lone returning scholarship player, injured his knee. The senior forward, who played sparingly the season before,underwent knee surgery, and his return for the start of this season remains up in the air, Crean said.
Mike Williams, Cincinnati: The Texas transfer and formerMcDonald's All-American missed all of last season after rupturing his Achilles during the preseason. The Bearcats expect him to be ready come October.
Dana O'Neil covers college basketball for ESPN.com and can be reached at [email protected].
By Dana O'Neil
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: September 23, 2008
- Comment
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There were more than 16,000 people in the Carrier Dome the night Syracuse hosted East Tennessee State.
Eric Devendorf didn't hear any of them. Everything -- motion, noise -- stoodstill after he dished a pass to Paul Harris on a fast break.
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AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli
A knee injury sidelined Eric Devendorf for most of Syracuse's season.
"All I heard was my knee pop," Devendorf said. "All those people and that's all I heard."
Devendorf's season was shelved before it barely started, his ACL torn in that December 2007 game. Relegated to the bench and the training room,Devendorf found company for his misery in Andy Rautins.
Just four months earlier, Rautins tore his ACL while playing with Team Canada during the FIBA Americas Championships.
"I felt sorry for myself for about a week," Rautins said. "Then I said there's nothing I can do but get back on the road to gettingbetter."
Any athlete will tell you that rehab is more grueling mentally than physically. The inability to perform even the simplest task coupled with thehelplessness of watching a game from the sidelines has crippled even the strongest of athletes.
Rautins and Devendorf tried to find the silver lining in their plight, though they admit sometimes it was tough to find.
"I think it will help us in the long run," Rautins said. "When you play, the game goes by a hundred miles per hour, but when you sit andwatch it slows down."
Both have been green-lighted to rejoin their teammates for workouts and practice next month -- Rautins, cleared four months ago, was back competing withTeam Canada this past summer in the Olympic qualifying tournament -- and their return, coupled with the baptism by fire of their young Orange teammates, shouldbode well for Syracuse this season.
But they are just two of a litany of key players whose return -- and in some cases, absence -- will significantly impact their program's production thisseason.
Here's a look at some of the top players trying to return from significant injuries:
Korvotney Barber, Auburn: Barber was the Tigers' leading scorer and rebounder(13.8 and 6.9) and the nation's leader in field-goal percentage (72 percent) when he broke his left (non-shooting hand). Healed and ready to play, Barberunfortunately will have to stuff all of his work into this season. The NCAA denied his appeal for an additional year of eligibility, arguing that he hadexceeded the limit for a medical redshirt ... by six minutes.
Jon Brockman, Washington: The team's leading scorer andrebounder missed the first game of his college career -- an opening-round Pac-10 tournament loss to California with an ankle injury. Though Brockman returnedfor the Huskies' appearance in the CBI tournament, his ankle never felt right and in May he had surgery to remove bone spurs. He's been fully clearedsince then.
Sherron Collins, Kansas: The key cog in the Jayhawks' titledefense, Collins had offseason surgery on his left knee. He played one game in Kansas' three-game Labor Day swing through Canada, finishing with 10 pointsand four rebounds in 22 minutes, and he is currently participating fully in individual workouts.
Sharaud Curry, Providence: The point guard, who broke his right foot last year inpreseason practice, tried to return in December but played just eight minutes before shutting it down and having offseason surgery. The Friars said Curry isworking his way back, and they expect him back for the start of practice.
Farnold Degand, NC State: The Wolfpack's point guard tore hisACL on Dec. 23, leaving NC State without its playmaker. He is on track to return to practice in October, although the junior didn't play on the team'sLabor Day trip to Canada as a precaution.
Paul Delaney III, UAB: The Blazers lost their guard four gamesinto the season to a torn ACL. The scoring leader before Robert Vaden came to town,Delaney was averaging 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game before his injury. Fully participating in preseason workouts, he is expected back for thestart of the season.
Eric Devendorf, Syracuse: The senior tore his ACL in the firstminute of the second half of the Orange's 10th game. Though he still wants to get more strength and explosiveness in his knee, Devendorf said he'sready to play and is already working out with his teammates.
Levance Fields, Pittsburgh: On Aug. 22, Fields underwent bonegraft surgery on the same foot that sidelined him for seven weeks last season. He's expected to make a full recovery, but the latest procedure will keephim sidelined through early October. The Panthers expect -- hope -- that their point guard will return by the second or third week of practice and be ready togo in the season opener, Nov. 14 against Fairleigh Dickinson.
Bobby Frasor, North Carolina: The Tar Heels' backup pointguard tore his ACL on Dec. 27 but is fully recovered. Cleared in July for full five-on-five scrimmages, he will be on the court next month when prohibitivefavorite UNC gathers for its first practice. Frasor also is awaiting a decision on an appeal to the NCAA for an additional year under the hardship waiver.
Kenny George, UNC-Asheville: Just last week, the school saidGeorge, who turned heads with both his size (7-foot-7) and his numbers (12.4 points, 7 rebounds) last year, had undergone two surgical procedures for a seriousinfection in his foot. George, who first felt pain in his foot during Pete Newell's Big Man Camp in Las Vegas, isn't expected back, coach EddieBiedenbach said.
Adam Gore, Cornell: The Big Red's sharpshooter tore his ACLearlier this month and underwent surgery on Sept. 18. Doctors are optimistic that Gore, the former Ivy League rookie of the year, will be ready byCornell's Ivy League season opener on Jan. 18, coach Steve Donahue said.
Danny Green, North Carolina: Sidelined by a myriad of injuries --including a hairline stress fracture in his elbow -- during pre-draft camp in Orlando, Green is on the mend. He is currently participating in all of theHeels' preseason activities and is expected to participate without limitations in practice next month.
Jodie Meeks, Kentucky: A sporadic season came to a close inFebruary after Meeks, then averaging 8.8 points per game, was shut down with a sports hernia. He had surgery in Philadelphia on April 13 and is expected backnext month.
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New LSU coach Trent Johnson and Tiger fans everywhere will happily welcome back Tasmin Mitchell to the Tigers' lineup.
Tasmin Mitchell, LSU: A preseason all-conference selection,Mitchell was done for the season after the third game, done in by a stress fracture in his left shin bone. His expected return and his 14.5 points and 5.9rebounds will be a nice boost for new coach Trent Johnson.
Patrick Patterson, Kentucky: The most vital cog in theWildcats' machine, Patterson averaged 38.9 minutes per SEC game before a stress fracture in his ankle sat him down for the final five games. He had surgeryon April 2, and coach Billy Gillispie said recently that Patterson was "way ahead of schedule." He is expected to be ready by October.
A.J. Price, Connecticut: The Huskies' long-suffering pointguard tore his ACL in UConn's first-round NCAA Tournament loss to San Diego, this following his battle with life-threatening bleeding on the brain hisfreshman year and a season-long suspension his sophomore year. Cleared last week for practice, Price should be ready for the start of the season.
Andy Rautins, Syracuse: His torn ACL was better months ago, soRautins rejoined Team Canada this summer in the Olympic qualifying tournament. Rautins said the experience solidified what he already knew -- that his knee washealed and he's ready for the season.
Delvon Roe, Michigan State: The highly-touted incoming freshman saw his high school career cut short by microfracture surgery on his right knee.In August, he developed swelling in his other knee, and when rest didn't reduce it, he had exploratory surgery to remove loose particles. Though not 100percent yet, Roe has been cleared for team workouts and is expected for practice in October.
Ronald Steele, Alabama: After three surgeries in one year --microfracture surgery on his right knee and two arthroscopic procedures on his left knee -- Steele feels healthy for the first time in almost two years. He notonly is cleared to play but also is playing without any brace.
Kyle Taber, Indiana: The hard-luck Hoosiers took yet another blowin August when Taber, coach Tom Crean's lone returning scholarship player, injured his knee. The senior forward, who played sparingly the season before,underwent knee surgery, and his return for the start of this season remains up in the air, Crean said.
Mike Williams, Cincinnati: The Texas transfer and formerMcDonald's All-American missed all of last season after rupturing his Achilles during the preseason. The Bearcats expect him to be ready come October.
Dana O'Neil covers college basketball for ESPN.com and can be reached at [email protected].
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Noel Johnson to USC
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September 23, 2008
[h1]Colleges Showing Smith Major Love[/h1]
Ron Bailey
HoyaReport.com Publisher
Related Links:
Smith's Unofficial
Talk about it in Hoya Premium Court
September 23, 2008 - A who's who of big time college basketball coaches have descended upon the Westside of Baltimore, traveling to that city'sWalbrook High School. The object of their attention? None other than RoscoeSmith.
"Last week John Thompson III (Georgetown), Roy Williams (UNC), and BillyDonovan (Florida), all came down" said Smith's father, Brian Thompson today. All of these men are head coaches.
[table][tr][td]
[/td] [td]
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]i95Ballerz.com[/td] [/tr][tr][td]
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Roscoe Smith (left) is being well guarded by his father Brian Thompson and Walbrook coach, Kelvin Bridgers (blue).[/td] [/tr][/table]Think that's it? Think again, as Thompson added "Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee, WestVirginia, Maryland, LSU, Texas, and Duke came through", along with "Syracuse, Temple, Oregon State, Villanova, Kansas and Wake Forest". Many ofthese schools sent assistants, including Danny Manning from Kansas, while the vast majority of both groups have tendered scholarship offers.
Being allowed to visit workouts at high schools since September 9th, these and other Division I coaches have until October 5th to engage in the NCAA'scontact portion of the evaluation period (which then extends, sans contact to March the 31st with several exceptions. See NCAA.org for more details).
The hit parade continued this week, with according to Thompson "Yesterday, Oregon State's head coach came back", while Jim Boeheim, head guy at Syracuse, also visited.
That large number of college coaches attending a simple open gym must indicate something special in Smith. There's no doubt about that, as Roscoe, a6'7", Class of 2010 swingman has proven himself a broad skill set player, able to attack the rim, shoot, pass, and defend, while also displayingimproved ball patting proficiency.
Such attention has been known to distract young guys from what's important. Not Smith according to Thompson, who noted "He's not distracted atall, especially in the classroom. That's his number one priority". In his estimation, this focus is due to Roscoe's makeup, the young guy'sfamilial involvement, and the work of Kelvin Bridgers, Walbrook's coach, a professional Thompson said "is doing a wonderful job with him".
While it's clear Roscoe Smith will be able to attend anywhere he chooses, Georgetown is in the thick of things: Not only did the young guy's dad noticeG'Town's head man "stayed the whole time" during the open gym, but it's still a fact the school is presently the only one to host him for an unofficial visit.
That's sure to change, but as of now, the Hoyas are definitely in the mix.
...
I could see this one ending up being Carolina vs G'Town
[h1]Colleges Showing Smith Major Love[/h1]
Ron Bailey
HoyaReport.com Publisher
Related Links:
Smith's Unofficial
Talk about it in Hoya Premium Court
September 23, 2008 - A who's who of big time college basketball coaches have descended upon the Westside of Baltimore, traveling to that city'sWalbrook High School. The object of their attention? None other than RoscoeSmith.
"Last week John Thompson III (Georgetown), Roy Williams (UNC), and BillyDonovan (Florida), all came down" said Smith's father, Brian Thompson today. All of these men are head coaches.
[table][tr][td]
Being allowed to visit workouts at high schools since September 9th, these and other Division I coaches have until October 5th to engage in the NCAA'scontact portion of the evaluation period (which then extends, sans contact to March the 31st with several exceptions. See NCAA.org for more details).
The hit parade continued this week, with according to Thompson "Yesterday, Oregon State's head coach came back", while Jim Boeheim, head guy at Syracuse, also visited.
That large number of college coaches attending a simple open gym must indicate something special in Smith. There's no doubt about that, as Roscoe, a6'7", Class of 2010 swingman has proven himself a broad skill set player, able to attack the rim, shoot, pass, and defend, while also displayingimproved ball patting proficiency.
Such attention has been known to distract young guys from what's important. Not Smith according to Thompson, who noted "He's not distracted atall, especially in the classroom. That's his number one priority". In his estimation, this focus is due to Roscoe's makeup, the young guy'sfamilial involvement, and the work of Kelvin Bridgers, Walbrook's coach, a professional Thompson said "is doing a wonderful job with him".
While it's clear Roscoe Smith will be able to attend anywhere he chooses, Georgetown is in the thick of things: Not only did the young guy's dad noticeG'Town's head man "stayed the whole time" during the open gym, but it's still a fact the school is presently the only one to host him for an unofficial visit.
That's sure to change, but as of now, the Hoyas are definitely in the mix.
...
I could see this one ending up being Carolina vs G'Town
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[table][tr][td]Head coach: Lon Kruger
Last season: 27-8 overall, 12-4 in Mountain West Conference.
Postseason: Earned automatic bid to NCAA Tournament. Lost 75-56 to Kansas in second round.
[/td] [td]
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2007-08 breakdown: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Backcourt
UNLV's backcourt doesn't take a back seat to any on the West Coast. They go at least four deep, with a probable three-guard starting lineup thatincludes returning starters Wink Adams and Rene Rougeau and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis.
http://
[size=-2]UNLV returns its leading scorer in guard Wink Adams.[/size]
[table][tr][td]Probable Starting Five[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Tre'Von Willis, 6-4/Soph.
Memphis transfer/2.6 ppg at Memphis in 2006-07[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Wink Adams, 6-0/Sr.
16.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Rene Rougeau, 6-6/Sr.
9.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 spg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]C Beas Hamga, 7-0/R-Fr.
Redshirt freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Joe Darger, 6-7/Sr. .
11.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Top Reserves[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Mareceo Rutledge, 6-3/Sr.
3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Darris Santee, 6-8/Jr.
Junior college transfer[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Oscar Bellfield, 6-2/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][/table]
Adams was a first-team All-Mountain West selection last season after leading the team in scoring and finishing second in assists. Adams, a former five-starprospect, can score from the perimeter (62 3-pointers) or blow past defenders and get to the basket. He also took better care of the ball last season, raisinghis assist-to-turnover ratio to a career-best 1.61-to-1. The Rebels were 10-1 in games in which Adams reached the 20-point mark, with the only loss coming toeventual national champion Kansas in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He has made 92 consecutive starts and has raised his scoring average each of hisfirst three seasons.
Rougeau gives Lon Kruger a little bit of everything and a whole lot of defense,which has endeared him to the coach. He ranked second in the league in steals, fifth in blocks and seventh in rebounding, and he is the Rebels' bestdefender. All of that despite being a 6-6, 210-pound guard. The coaching staff hopes he relinquishes the title of leading rebounder to 7-foot redshirt freshmancenter Beas Hamga, but the Rebels know whenever they need a key stop orrebound, Rougeau will be there.
Willis proved that he'll be a good fit on the team's summer exhibition trip to Australia. He averaged 15.2 points as the Rebels went 4-2 againstAussie pro teams, and he led UNLV in assists. From what the coaching staff has seen, he has excellent shooting range (he led the team Down Under by shooting40.6 percent from 3-point range) and makes good decisions with the ball. He'll run the point, taking over for the departed Curtis Terry.
The player who looks as if he may make a big jump this season is MareceoRutledge. A minor contributor (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) last season after transferring from junior college, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, knocked down10 3-pointers and led the team in free-throw shooting (18 of 21, for 85.7 percent) in Australia.
http://Frontcourt
Joe Darger returns after starting all 35 games last season and averaging 11.3points, second on the team. He's another dangerous perimeter shooter (67 3-pointers, second on the team), and when he's going good, so are the Rebels.UNLV went 12-1 last season in games in which Darger made at least three 3-pointers. He also is one of three senior starters, bringing leadership and asteadying influence as well as a clear understanding of Kruger's system.
The new starter up front is Hamga. He redshirted last season, giving him time to get acclimated on the court and in the classroom. He gives the Rebels sizeand a shot-blocking threat, something they didn't have last season. The coaching staff is trying to temper expectations, and Hamga didn't light it upon the Australian tour. He led the Rebels in rebounding (7.5), but he struggled offensively. He averaged just 4.5 points per game and shot 32.2 percent (10 of31). UNLV doesn't need Hamga to score that much. If he gives them 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks and alters some shots along the way, coaches will be morethan thrilled.
Junior college transfer Darris Santee will be the first Rebeloff the bench in the frontcourt. He's a sound player who rebounds well and is crafty around the basket. He also can step out and shoot from 12 to 15feet.
Junior forward Matt Shaw (6.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) was lost for the season with anACL tear in his right knee suffered in a June pickup game.
http://Offense
The Rebels will look to score in transition, then will settle into a motion offense. They also run some sets in the halfcourt. They will continue to beperimeter-oriented and shoot the 3-pointer, frequently utilizing ball screens to take advantage of their guards' ability to penetrate or shoot.
[table][tr][td]
http://[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Kruger has the Rebels rolling after consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and 57 wins the past two seasons. There's reason to expect more of the same. UNLV has three returning senior starters, and adds impact newcomers Willis and Hamga. UNLV got a jump on the season with a six-game exhibition tour of Australia, which is huge when you consider the court time the newcomers already have with the veterans. Willis played well on the trip and looks like a good fit. Adams is one of the best players in the MWC, and Rougeau is the kind of player every coach loves to have. The only question mark is depth up front. If Santee can provide quality minutes, or 6-10 freshman Brice Massamba surprises, this could be a Sweet 16 team.[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Defense
The Rebels always are a tough defensive team (second in the MWC last season, yielding 62.3 ppg), primarily utilizing a man-to-man. Kruger will mix in somezone looks, but he used less zone last season. Hamga's presence means the coach can tinker with different looks.
Shoes to Fill
G Curtis Terry. He emerged as a steadying influence last season, leading the Rebels in assists (he also led the league), assist-to-turnoverratio and 3-point percentage.
Must Step Up
Willis. He's the guy who has to step into Terry's role.
Impact Newcomer
Hamga. All he has to do is hit the boards. And he has the size, ability and hands to do that.
Bob McClellan is the collegebasketball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at [email protected]
Last season: 27-8 overall, 12-4 in Mountain West Conference.
Postseason: Earned automatic bid to NCAA Tournament. Lost 75-56 to Kansas in second round.
[/td] [td]
http://Backcourt
UNLV's backcourt doesn't take a back seat to any on the West Coast. They go at least four deep, with a probable three-guard starting lineup thatincludes returning starters Wink Adams and Rene Rougeau and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis.
http://
[table][tr][td]Probable Starting Five[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Tre'Von Willis, 6-4/Soph.
Memphis transfer/2.6 ppg at Memphis in 2006-07[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Wink Adams, 6-0/Sr.
16.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Rene Rougeau, 6-6/Sr.
9.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 spg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]C Beas Hamga, 7-0/R-Fr.
Redshirt freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Joe Darger, 6-7/Sr. .
11.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Top Reserves[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Mareceo Rutledge, 6-3/Sr.
3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Darris Santee, 6-8/Jr.
Junior college transfer[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Oscar Bellfield, 6-2/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][/table]
Adams was a first-team All-Mountain West selection last season after leading the team in scoring and finishing second in assists. Adams, a former five-starprospect, can score from the perimeter (62 3-pointers) or blow past defenders and get to the basket. He also took better care of the ball last season, raisinghis assist-to-turnover ratio to a career-best 1.61-to-1. The Rebels were 10-1 in games in which Adams reached the 20-point mark, with the only loss coming toeventual national champion Kansas in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He has made 92 consecutive starts and has raised his scoring average each of hisfirst three seasons.
Rougeau gives Lon Kruger a little bit of everything and a whole lot of defense,which has endeared him to the coach. He ranked second in the league in steals, fifth in blocks and seventh in rebounding, and he is the Rebels' bestdefender. All of that despite being a 6-6, 210-pound guard. The coaching staff hopes he relinquishes the title of leading rebounder to 7-foot redshirt freshmancenter Beas Hamga, but the Rebels know whenever they need a key stop orrebound, Rougeau will be there.
Willis proved that he'll be a good fit on the team's summer exhibition trip to Australia. He averaged 15.2 points as the Rebels went 4-2 againstAussie pro teams, and he led UNLV in assists. From what the coaching staff has seen, he has excellent shooting range (he led the team Down Under by shooting40.6 percent from 3-point range) and makes good decisions with the ball. He'll run the point, taking over for the departed Curtis Terry.
The player who looks as if he may make a big jump this season is MareceoRutledge. A minor contributor (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) last season after transferring from junior college, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, knocked down10 3-pointers and led the team in free-throw shooting (18 of 21, for 85.7 percent) in Australia.
http://Frontcourt
Joe Darger returns after starting all 35 games last season and averaging 11.3points, second on the team. He's another dangerous perimeter shooter (67 3-pointers, second on the team), and when he's going good, so are the Rebels.UNLV went 12-1 last season in games in which Darger made at least three 3-pointers. He also is one of three senior starters, bringing leadership and asteadying influence as well as a clear understanding of Kruger's system.
The new starter up front is Hamga. He redshirted last season, giving him time to get acclimated on the court and in the classroom. He gives the Rebels sizeand a shot-blocking threat, something they didn't have last season. The coaching staff is trying to temper expectations, and Hamga didn't light it upon the Australian tour. He led the Rebels in rebounding (7.5), but he struggled offensively. He averaged just 4.5 points per game and shot 32.2 percent (10 of31). UNLV doesn't need Hamga to score that much. If he gives them 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks and alters some shots along the way, coaches will be morethan thrilled.
Junior college transfer Darris Santee will be the first Rebeloff the bench in the frontcourt. He's a sound player who rebounds well and is crafty around the basket. He also can step out and shoot from 12 to 15feet.
Junior forward Matt Shaw (6.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) was lost for the season with anACL tear in his right knee suffered in a June pickup game.
http://Offense
The Rebels will look to score in transition, then will settle into a motion offense. They also run some sets in the halfcourt. They will continue to beperimeter-oriented and shoot the 3-pointer, frequently utilizing ball screens to take advantage of their guards' ability to penetrate or shoot.
[table][tr][td]
http://Defense
The Rebels always are a tough defensive team (second in the MWC last season, yielding 62.3 ppg), primarily utilizing a man-to-man. Kruger will mix in somezone looks, but he used less zone last season. Hamga's presence means the coach can tinker with different looks.
Shoes to Fill
G Curtis Terry. He emerged as a steadying influence last season, leading the Rebels in assists (he also led the league), assist-to-turnoverratio and 3-point percentage.
Must Step Up
Willis. He's the guy who has to step into Terry's role.
Impact Newcomer
Hamga. All he has to do is hit the boards. And he has the size, ability and hands to do that.
Bob McClellan is the collegebasketball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at [email protected]
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'Scoe know damn well he needs to go ahead and come to Durham
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[h1]Hoops marathon includes Kentucky-North Carolina battle[/h1]
ESPN.com news services
Updated: September 24, 2008, 11:11 AM ET
[h4]14 games, 23 hours[/h4]
The hoops bonanza scheduled for ESPN networks on Nov. 18. All times ET:
• Midnight: UMass at Memphis (ESPN)
• 2 a.m.: Fresno St. at St. Mary's (ESPN)
• 4 a.m.: Idaho St. at Hawaii (ESPN)
• 6 a.m.: College Hoops Tip-Off Special (ESPN)
• 10 a.m.: Penn at Drexel (ESPN)
• Noon: Liberty at UNC-Asheville (ESPN)
• 2 p.m.: Iowa at Kansas (women) (ESPN)
• 4 p.m.: Centenary at Baylor (ESPN)
• 6 p.m.: Richmond at Syracuse (ESPN)
• 7 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Purdue (ESPNU)
• 7:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Boston College (ESPN2)
• 8 p.m.: College GameDay-Chapel Hill (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Kentucky at North Carolina (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Florida Gulf Coast at Kansas (ESPNU)
• 9:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Oklahoma (ESPN2)
• 11:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Arizona (ESPN2)
A marathon of 14 college basketball games on Nov. 18 -- spread over 23 consecutive hours -- will help kick off the 2008-09 college basketball season on ESPN.
The games open at midnight ET with national championship game runner-up Memphis hosting Massachusetts, where Tigers head coach John Calipari once coached.It wraps up with the two winningest programs in college hoops history -- Kentucky and North Carolina -- meeting in Chapel Hill at 9 p.m. ET.
There are games featuring teams in 14 conferences and one women's game (Iowa at Kansas, 2 p.m. ET on ESPN). It also includes four NIT semifinals and twogames in the CBE Classic, including defending national champion Kansas hosting Florida Gulf Coast (9 p.m. ET, ESPN U).
Every game on ESPN and ESPN2 will be simulcast on ESPN360.com.
There will be two studio shows, including a four-hour special beginning at 6 a.m. ET. College GameDay will be in Chapel Hill at 8 p.m. ET.
Umass at Memphis....Midnight?? Strange, but that game will be a lota fun
ESPN.com news services
Updated: September 24, 2008, 11:11 AM ET
- Comment
- http://sendtofriend.espn....SPN%20networks&id=3606149','sendtofriend','noresizable,noscrollbars,width=400,height=500');return false;">Email
[h4]14 games, 23 hours[/h4]
The hoops bonanza scheduled for ESPN networks on Nov. 18. All times ET:
• Midnight: UMass at Memphis (ESPN)
• 2 a.m.: Fresno St. at St. Mary's (ESPN)
• 4 a.m.: Idaho St. at Hawaii (ESPN)
• 6 a.m.: College Hoops Tip-Off Special (ESPN)
• 10 a.m.: Penn at Drexel (ESPN)
• Noon: Liberty at UNC-Asheville (ESPN)
• 2 p.m.: Iowa at Kansas (women) (ESPN)
• 4 p.m.: Centenary at Baylor (ESPN)
• 6 p.m.: Richmond at Syracuse (ESPN)
• 7 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Purdue (ESPNU)
• 7:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Boston College (ESPN2)
• 8 p.m.: College GameDay-Chapel Hill (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Kentucky at North Carolina (ESPN)
• 9 p.m.: Florida Gulf Coast at Kansas (ESPNU)
• 9:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Oklahoma (ESPN2)
• 11:30 p.m.: NIT Regional Final-Arizona (ESPN2)
A marathon of 14 college basketball games on Nov. 18 -- spread over 23 consecutive hours -- will help kick off the 2008-09 college basketball season on ESPN.
The games open at midnight ET with national championship game runner-up Memphis hosting Massachusetts, where Tigers head coach John Calipari once coached.It wraps up with the two winningest programs in college hoops history -- Kentucky and North Carolina -- meeting in Chapel Hill at 9 p.m. ET.
There are games featuring teams in 14 conferences and one women's game (Iowa at Kansas, 2 p.m. ET on ESPN). It also includes four NIT semifinals and twogames in the CBE Classic, including defending national champion Kansas hosting Florida Gulf Coast (9 p.m. ET, ESPN U).
Every game on ESPN and ESPN2 will be simulcast on ESPN360.com.
There will be two studio shows, including a four-hour special beginning at 6 a.m. ET. College GameDay will be in Chapel Hill at 8 p.m. ET.
Umass at Memphis....Midnight?? Strange, but that game will be a lota fun
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While at Brewster Academy yesterday, I realized that Thomas Robinson just may be the hardest-playing frontcourt player I've seen in a while. The kid nevertakes a possession off.
Whoever gets Robinson - and I suspect it'll be Kansas based on his comments to me on Tuesdaynight - will get a big-time player. In fact, I'd rather have the 6-foot-7 ½ athletic power forward than most of the big guys who will rankahead of him because he's going to be a terrific three or even four-year guy - while players such as Daniel Orton, DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors willall enter school with the mindset of leaving after one college go-around.
Brewster coach Jason Smith has coached Jeff Adrien and some other quality big men, but he feels as though Robinson has a chance to be the best rebounderhe's ever coached.
``He's just got an unbelievable motor," Smith said. "His ability to rebound, especially outside of his area, is impressive."
Robinson is slated to take visits to Memphis (Oct. 4) and USC (Oct. 14), but he said he wasn't sure whether he'll pull the trigger for Kansas prior tothe visits.
``That's the big question right now," Robinson said. "I loved Kansas and I'm not sure right now whether I'm going to commit or take theother visits."
ORTON TRIMS FIELD
According to sources close to the situation, Orton, a potential McDonald's All-American, has trimmed hislist to a pair: Kentucky and Kansas.
What's interesting these days is that Kansas coach Bill Self is going up against one of his closest friends in the business for Orton and also will likelygo head-to-head with another close friend, St. John's head coach Norm Roberts, for Lance Stephenson.
Speaking of Stephenson, he's expected to make an unofficial visits - along with his mother and father - toSt. John's on Thursday.
Anyway, not to digress, but Orton has knocked off Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Ohio State from contention. He will likely head to Kentucky for the Wildcatsearly Midnight Madness on Oct. 10.
Whoever gets Robinson - and I suspect it'll be Kansas based on his comments to me on Tuesdaynight - will get a big-time player. In fact, I'd rather have the 6-foot-7 ½ athletic power forward than most of the big guys who will rankahead of him because he's going to be a terrific three or even four-year guy - while players such as Daniel Orton, DeMarcus Cousins and Derrick Favors willall enter school with the mindset of leaving after one college go-around.
Brewster coach Jason Smith has coached Jeff Adrien and some other quality big men, but he feels as though Robinson has a chance to be the best rebounderhe's ever coached.
``He's just got an unbelievable motor," Smith said. "His ability to rebound, especially outside of his area, is impressive."
Robinson is slated to take visits to Memphis (Oct. 4) and USC (Oct. 14), but he said he wasn't sure whether he'll pull the trigger for Kansas prior tothe visits.
``That's the big question right now," Robinson said. "I loved Kansas and I'm not sure right now whether I'm going to commit or take theother visits."
ORTON TRIMS FIELD
According to sources close to the situation, Orton, a potential McDonald's All-American, has trimmed hislist to a pair: Kentucky and Kansas.
What's interesting these days is that Kansas coach Bill Self is going up against one of his closest friends in the business for Orton and also will likelygo head-to-head with another close friend, St. John's head coach Norm Roberts, for Lance Stephenson.
Speaking of Stephenson, he's expected to make an unofficial visits - along with his mother and father - toSt. John's on Thursday.
Anyway, not to digress, but Orton has knocked off Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Ohio State from contention. He will likely head to Kentucky for the Wildcatsearly Midnight Madness on Oct. 10.
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I caught Roscoe balling up here with the guys a few times this summer...he's coming. Unless something very strange happens
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K needs to step on the gas in this pursuit of Ros... We need a player of his caliber on our wing
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I hope so.
K needs to step on the gas in this pursuit of Ros... We need a player of his caliber on our wing
Gona be selfish now, huh?
Thornton, Dawkins, Roscoe and Hairston...1-4 in the same class would be
I had to quote the whole thing I dont care. But my boy Renee has come a long way. Dude didnt even start his senior year in high school and was awalk-on at UNLV.Originally Posted by allen3xis
[table][tr][td]Head coach: Lon Kruger
Last season: 27-8 overall, 12-4 in Mountain West Conference.
Postseason: Earned automatic bid to NCAA Tournament. Lost 75-56 to Kansas in second round.
[/td] [td][/td] [/tr][tr][td]2007-08 breakdown: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Backcourt
UNLV's backcourt doesn't take a back seat to any on the West Coast. They go at least four deep, with a probable three-guard starting lineup that includes returning starters Wink Adams and Rene Rougeau and Memphis transfer Tre'Von Willis.
http://
[size=-2]UNLV returns its leading scorer in guard Wink Adams.[/size]
[table][tr][td]Probable Starting Five[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Tre'Von Willis, 6-4/Soph.
Memphis transfer/2.6 ppg at Memphis in 2006-07[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Wink Adams, 6-0/Sr.
16.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.1 apg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Rene Rougeau, 6-6/Sr.
9.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 spg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]C Beas Hamga, 7-0/R-Fr.
Redshirt freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Joe Darger, 6-7/Sr. .
11.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Top Reserves[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Mareceo Rutledge, 6-3/Sr.
3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Darris Santee, 6-8/Jr.
Junior college transfer[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Oscar Bellfield, 6-2/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][/table]
Adams was a first-team All-Mountain West selection last season after leading the team in scoring and finishing second in assists. Adams, a former five-star prospect, can score from the perimeter (62 3-pointers) or blow past defenders and get to the basket. He also took better care of the ball last season, raising his assist-to-turnover ratio to a career-best 1.61-to-1. The Rebels were 10-1 in games in which Adams reached the 20-point mark, with the only loss coming to eventual national champion Kansas in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He has made 92 consecutive starts and has raised his scoring average each of his first three seasons.
Rougeau gives Lon Kruger a little bit of everything and a whole lot of defense, which has endeared him to the coach. He ranked second in the league in steals, fifth in blocks and seventh in rebounding, and he is the Rebels' best defender. All of that despite being a 6-6, 210-pound guard. The coaching staff hopes he relinquishes the title of leading rebounder to 7-foot redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga, but the Rebels know whenever they need a key stop or rebound, Rougeau will be there.
Willis proved that he'll be a good fit on the team's summer exhibition trip to Australia. He averaged 15.2 points as the Rebels went 4-2 against Aussie pro teams, and he led UNLV in assists. From what the coaching staff has seen, he has excellent shooting range (he led the team Down Under by shooting 40.6 percent from 3-point range) and makes good decisions with the ball. He'll run the point, taking over for the departed Curtis Terry.
The player who looks as if he may make a big jump this season is Mareceo Rutledge. A minor contributor (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) last season after transferring from junior college, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, knocked down 10 3-pointers and led the team in free-throw shooting (18 of 21, for 85.7 percent) in Australia.
http://Frontcourt
Joe Darger returns after starting all 35 games last season and averaging 11.3 points, second on the team. He's another dangerous perimeter shooter (67 3-pointers, second on the team), and when he's going good, so are the Rebels. UNLV went 12-1 last season in games in which Darger made at least three 3-pointers. He also is one of three senior starters, bringing leadership and a steadying influence as well as a clear understanding of Kruger's system.
The new starter up front is Hamga. He redshirted last season, giving him time to get acclimated on the court and in the classroom. He gives the Rebels size and a shot-blocking threat, something they didn't have last season. The coaching staff is trying to temper expectations, and Hamga didn't light it up on the Australian tour. He led the Rebels in rebounding (7.5), but he struggled offensively. He averaged just 4.5 points per game and shot 32.2 percent (10 of 31). UNLV doesn't need Hamga to score that much. If he gives them 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks and alters some shots along the way, coaches will be more than thrilled.
Junior college transfer Darris Santee will be the first Rebel off the bench in the frontcourt. He's a sound player who rebounds well and is crafty around the basket. He also can step out and shoot from 12 to 15 feet.
Junior forward Matt Shaw (6.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) was lost for the season with an ACL tear in his right knee suffered in a June pickup game.
http://Offense
The Rebels will look to score in transition, then will settle into a motion offense. They also run some sets in the halfcourt. They will continue to be perimeter-oriented and shoot the 3-pointer, frequently utilizing ball screens to take advantage of their guards' ability to penetrate or shoot.
[table][tr][td]http://[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Kruger has the Rebels rolling after consecutive NCAA tournament appearances and 57 wins the past two seasons. There's reason to expect more of the same. UNLV has three returning senior starters, and adds impact newcomers Willis and Hamga. UNLV got a jump on the season with a six-game exhibition tour of Australia, which is huge when you consider the court time the newcomers already have with the veterans. Willis played well on the trip and looks like a good fit. Adams is one of the best players in the MWC, and Rougeau is the kind of player every coach loves to have. The only question mark is depth up front. If Santee can provide quality minutes, or 6-10 freshman Brice Massamba surprises, this could be a Sweet 16 team.[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Defense
The Rebels always are a tough defensive team (second in the MWC last season, yielding 62.3 ppg), primarily utilizing a man-to-man. Kruger will mix in some zone looks, but he used less zone last season. Hamga's presence means the coach can tinker with different looks.
Shoes to Fill
G Curtis Terry. He emerged as a steadying influence last season, leading the Rebels in assists (he also led the league), assist-to-turnover ratio and 3-point percentage.
Must Step Up
Willis. He's the guy who has to step into Terry's role.
Impact Newcomer
Hamga. All he has to do is hit the boards. And he has the size, ability and hands to do that.
Bob McClellan is the college basketball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at [email protected]
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[table][tr][td]Head coach: Bob Huggins
Last season: 26-11 overall, 11-7 in Big East.
Postseason: Lost 79-75 to Xavier in Sweet 16.
[/td] [td]
[/td] [/tr][tr][td]2007-08 breakdown: Probable starters | Backcourt | Frontcourt | Offense | Defense | Outlook[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Backcourt
The Mountaineers have confidence in the starting backcourt. Joe Mazzulla isready to take over at point guard for veteran Darris Nichols. Mazzulla, a left-hander, played in all 37 games last season and averaged 18.5 minutes. He posted5.8 points and 2.3 assists per game with a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio (1.63-to-1). He takes care of the ball, and he can get in the lane and createscoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mazzulla played well in the summer in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League, which includes players fromPittsburgh, Robert Morris and Duquesne.
http://
[size=-2]West Virginia is looking for bigger things from guard Joe Mazzulla.[/size]
[table][tr][td]Probable Starting Five[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Joe Mazzulla, 6-2/Jr.
5.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Alex Ruoff, 6-6/Sr
13.8 ppg, 98 3-pointers[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Wellington Smith, 6-7/Jr.
5.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Da'Sean Butler, 6-7/Jr.
12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Devin Ebanks, 6-9/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Top Reserves[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F John Flowers, 6-7/Soph.
4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Kevin Jones, 6-8/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Darryl Bryant, 6-3/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][/table]
The leading returning scorer for the Mountaineers is senior Alex Ruoff, oneof the best perimeter shooters in the nation. He ranked third in the Big East in 3-pointers made per game (2.6) and second in 3-point percentage (41.0). Healso led WVU in steals. Ruoff will need to pick up some of the scoring slack created by the departure of forward Joe Alexander, and he's capable. Buthe'll need to be better in big games. In WVU's 11 losses, 10 of which came to NCAA tournament teams, he averaged just 11.2 points and shot 39.8percent. In the Mountaineers' 26 wins, Ruoff averaged 15 points and shot a sizzling 51.4 percent.
There will be a scramble to develop depth in the backcourt, mainly because Nichols led the team in minutes played (34.6 per game). There are four moreguards on the roster, two sophomores who contributed little last season and two freshmen. Cam Thoroughman and freshman Darryl Bryant, a three-star prospect, will be the first options off thebench.
http://Frontcourt
The Mountaineers are as loaded up front as they are thin in the backcourt. The leader is junior Da'Sean Butler, an athletic wing who can shoot from the outside and finish at therim. He was second on the team in rebounding, behind Alexander, and he led WVU in field-goal percentage (49.5). In fact, only two players in the Big East(Georgetown's Austin Freeman and Pittsburgh's Sam Young) attempted more 3-pointers than Butler and still finished in the top 15 in theconference in shooting. As with Ruoff, Butler will be expected to help compensate for Alexander's early departure to the NBA.
Junior Wellington Smith should crack the starting lineup this season. Heplayed in all 37 games a year ago and averaged 5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and a team-leading 1.6 blocks. Those aren't bad numbers when you consider he playedonly 20 minutes per game. Smith has added significant weight and muscle to his 6-7 frame and could be ready for a breakout season.
Five-star prospect Devin Ebanks probably will be the otherstarter. He was the No. 11 overall prospect in the class of 2008 and the No. 2 small forward. At 6-9, he can shoot over smaller defenders. If matched up withbigger, slower opponents, he'll simply put the ball on the floor and go past them. His teammates already say he's the best leaper on the team, and heis capable of playing solid defense.
Don't discount four-star prospect Kevin Jones, either. Hewas one of the best players in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League, and the coaches believe he'll be an immediate factor on the boards - if not in the scoringdepartment.
Junior college transfer Dee Proby, a 6-10 post player, also willsee some minutes.
http://Offense
The Mountaineers will run out and look to score in transition. Otherwise, they'll run a motion offense and hit the offensive glass hard.
[table][tr][td]
http://[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Huggins has a nice mix of experience and youth with loads of potential. Ruoff is an outstanding shooter and savvy player. Butler has improved steadily in his first two seasons and is capable of more. Ebanks and Jones are big-time talents who add a level of athleticism the Mountaineers haven't had in abundance. As a group, the forwards can play with any front line in the Big East. The conference schedule is brutal, but talent and coaching can go a long way. WVU will be back in the NCAA tournament as part of a large contingent from its league.[/td] [/tr][/table]
http://Defense
Coach Bob Huggins is a man-to-man proponent, but he also played some matchup zonelast season. There were times when he used the 1-3-1 zone that predecessor JohnBeilein put in the season before. But with more depth and athleticism, expect the Mountaineers to stick more to man.
Shoes to Fill
F Joe Alexander. He had a breakthrough season under Huggins, averaging 16.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Must Step Up
Mazzulla. There are weapons all around. With solid point guard play, the Mountaineers remain just as dangerous as last season's team -which knocked off Duke in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Mazzulla is the only point man on the roster with significant experience. He has todeliver.
Impact Newcomer
Ebanks. The coaches truly believe all four of the newcomers will see significant minutes. Ebanks, though, should start from Day One andcontend for Big East Rookie of the Year honors.
Bob McClellan is the college basketball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at bmcclellan@
..
Put Joe Mazzula in the severely overrated category. He is not as good as Nichols was. His tournament showing is not the player he is. He is an averageguard in the Big East. Probably below average for a starting PG.
Last season: 26-11 overall, 11-7 in Big East.
Postseason: Lost 79-75 to Xavier in Sweet 16.
[/td] [td]
http://Backcourt
The Mountaineers have confidence in the starting backcourt. Joe Mazzulla isready to take over at point guard for veteran Darris Nichols. Mazzulla, a left-hander, played in all 37 games last season and averaged 18.5 minutes. He posted5.8 points and 2.3 assists per game with a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio (1.63-to-1). He takes care of the ball, and he can get in the lane and createscoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mazzulla played well in the summer in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League, which includes players fromPittsburgh, Robert Morris and Duquesne.
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[table][tr][td]Probable Starting Five[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Joe Mazzulla, 6-2/Jr.
5.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Alex Ruoff, 6-6/Sr
13.8 ppg, 98 3-pointers[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Wellington Smith, 6-7/Jr.
5.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 bpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Da'Sean Butler, 6-7/Jr.
12.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Devin Ebanks, 6-9/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]Top Reserves[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F John Flowers, 6-7/Soph.
4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg[/td] [/tr][tr][td]F Kevin Jones, 6-8/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][tr][td]G Darryl Bryant, 6-3/Fr.
True freshman[/td] [/tr][/table]
The leading returning scorer for the Mountaineers is senior Alex Ruoff, oneof the best perimeter shooters in the nation. He ranked third in the Big East in 3-pointers made per game (2.6) and second in 3-point percentage (41.0). Healso led WVU in steals. Ruoff will need to pick up some of the scoring slack created by the departure of forward Joe Alexander, and he's capable. Buthe'll need to be better in big games. In WVU's 11 losses, 10 of which came to NCAA tournament teams, he averaged just 11.2 points and shot 39.8percent. In the Mountaineers' 26 wins, Ruoff averaged 15 points and shot a sizzling 51.4 percent.
There will be a scramble to develop depth in the backcourt, mainly because Nichols led the team in minutes played (34.6 per game). There are four moreguards on the roster, two sophomores who contributed little last season and two freshmen. Cam Thoroughman and freshman Darryl Bryant, a three-star prospect, will be the first options off thebench.
http://Frontcourt
The Mountaineers are as loaded up front as they are thin in the backcourt. The leader is junior Da'Sean Butler, an athletic wing who can shoot from the outside and finish at therim. He was second on the team in rebounding, behind Alexander, and he led WVU in field-goal percentage (49.5). In fact, only two players in the Big East(Georgetown's Austin Freeman and Pittsburgh's Sam Young) attempted more 3-pointers than Butler and still finished in the top 15 in theconference in shooting. As with Ruoff, Butler will be expected to help compensate for Alexander's early departure to the NBA.
Junior Wellington Smith should crack the starting lineup this season. Heplayed in all 37 games a year ago and averaged 5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and a team-leading 1.6 blocks. Those aren't bad numbers when you consider he playedonly 20 minutes per game. Smith has added significant weight and muscle to his 6-7 frame and could be ready for a breakout season.
Five-star prospect Devin Ebanks probably will be the otherstarter. He was the No. 11 overall prospect in the class of 2008 and the No. 2 small forward. At 6-9, he can shoot over smaller defenders. If matched up withbigger, slower opponents, he'll simply put the ball on the floor and go past them. His teammates already say he's the best leaper on the team, and heis capable of playing solid defense.
Don't discount four-star prospect Kevin Jones, either. Hewas one of the best players in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League, and the coaches believe he'll be an immediate factor on the boards - if not in the scoringdepartment.
Junior college transfer Dee Proby, a 6-10 post player, also willsee some minutes.
http://Offense
The Mountaineers will run out and look to score in transition. Otherwise, they'll run a motion offense and hit the offensive glass hard.
[table][tr][td]
http://Defense
Coach Bob Huggins is a man-to-man proponent, but he also played some matchup zonelast season. There were times when he used the 1-3-1 zone that predecessor JohnBeilein put in the season before. But with more depth and athleticism, expect the Mountaineers to stick more to man.
Shoes to Fill
F Joe Alexander. He had a breakthrough season under Huggins, averaging 16.9 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Must Step Up
Mazzulla. There are weapons all around. With solid point guard play, the Mountaineers remain just as dangerous as last season's team -which knocked off Duke in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Mazzulla is the only point man on the roster with significant experience. He has todeliver.
Impact Newcomer
Ebanks. The coaches truly believe all four of the newcomers will see significant minutes. Ebanks, though, should start from Day One andcontend for Big East Rookie of the Year honors.
Bob McClellan is the college basketball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at bmcclellan@
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Put Joe Mazzula in the severely overrated category. He is not as good as Nichols was. His tournament showing is not the player he is. He is an averageguard in the Big East. Probably below average for a starting PG.
Don't discount four-star prospect Kevin Jones, either. He was one of the best players in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am League, and the coaches believe he'll be an immediate factor on the boards - if not in the scoring department.
Big time
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You got to G-Town? Or do you go to Mason or some %@%#?
You already knowOriginally Posted by Seymore CAKE
K needs to step on the gas in this pursuit of Ros... We need a player of his caliber on our wing
Gona be selfish now, huh?Originally Posted by allen3xis
K needs to step on the gas in this pursuit of Ros... We need a player of his caliber on our wing
Thornton, Dawkins, Roscoe and Hairston...1-4 in the same class would be
This is what I have been hoping for Allen.
I mean damn, we already got 3 outta the four.
Roscoe just needs to come on down and complete the square
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Big time
Mount Vern in the building....
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A square without a center
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Or will he have eligibility still?
