New Year, New Identity?

This post first appeared on CoxSportsonline.com

Cox Sports’ URI Rams basketball Insider, Chris DiSano shares his thoughts for the Rams’ New Year.  Here is an excerpt of a January 2, 2012 post -

Checking in quickly here as, this afternoon, Rhode Island (2-12) will face Boston College (5-8) at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, in a game featuring two teams that have struggled mightily this season.  The Rams’ woes are well documented, while BC also sports an extremely young bunch that at 5-8 owns its best win against the UC Riverside Highlanders.

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The past two games, I’ve seen some improvement.  A sorely needed win over a decent James Madison team from the CAA brought an exhale.  The Rams then battled from down 15 to cut a UCF lead to six before falling on Friday.

Read more here…

 

Coast-to-Coast: Friday

As we wrap the first week of Coast-to-Coast, which highlights one story from every region of the country each day, here are a few to keep an eye on…

In the East.  From Sean Miller to Tim Cluess, former Arizona guard Lamont “Momo” Jones was granted a hardship waiver by the NCAA and will be eligible to play for the Iona Gaels immediately.  After winning 25 games last year, Iona returns all of its key pieces and the addition of Jones makes it a BCS killer.  Watch out for the Gaels.

In the Heartland.  As Fred Hoiberg prepares to guide the Cyclones in his second season at the helm, Minnesota transfer Royce White collected the honor of Preseason Newcomer of the Year – voted on by the Big 12 Coaches.  While Iowa State lost a superb point man Diante Garrett, there’s been an infusion of Big 10 transfers Chris Allen (via Michigan State) and Chris Babb (via Penn State) to Ames. 

In the Southeast.  Jacksonville was recently tabbed to finish third in the Atlantic Sun by coaches and media.  Sure you gotta play the games, but I’ll take my chances with Cliff Warren. Why?  Because the past five seasons under Warren the ‘Phins have never finished below third  — and JU won regular season titles in both 2009 and 2010.  Will this be the year JU qualifies for the field of 68?  We’ll see.

In the West.  Always on the cutting edge and frequently featured in higher education magazines, perhaps no other school has embraced the digital age like Oregon State.  And the cutting edge mentality goes for its athletic department as well.  Check out this EMag on the Beavers.  It’s worth a look.

- Chris DiSano

 

Coast-to-Coast: Tuesday style

We are only 20 days from the start of the start of the 2011-2012 college basketball season (November 7^th- 2K Sports Classic) and the next few weeks will come with no shortage of news and headlines.  Conference realignment, player projections, predictions, and yes, bracketology (Joe Lunardi doesn’t sleep from November-April) will start to become more relevant.  Today, College Chalktalk intern, West Virginia student, and general living legend Doug Potter steps in to pinch hit in this edition of Coast-to-Coast.

In the Heartland: Conference USA has been all about the Memphis Tigers in recent years, but this year, Tulsa, UTEP, and others should have something to say about that.  All certainly will have ample opportunities to prove their mettle to the national audience with 65 nationally and regionally-televised games featuring C-USA teams this year.  From Memphis-Louisville (December 17^th) to Rice-Texas (December 31^st on the Longhorn Network), we should have some high-octane competition from this conference.  Take a look at the full C-USA television schedule.

Out West: San Diego State had a dream season last year on the back of Kawhi Leonard (drafted by the San Antonio Spurs) and now UNLV and New Mexico stand between them and another Mountain West title for the third straight season.  SDSU has won 21 straight conference games entering 2011-2012 and hope sophomore transfer (from Washington State) Xavier Thames can prolong that streak.

In the Northeast: The Big East (especially in football) has been on the ropes as far as conference members and who will be leaving/staying/ joining the 32 year old league.  It is being reported that six schools have been extended invitations to join.  Late Monday night, conference officials agreed to double the exit fee to a whopping $10 million.  The future is hazy for the conference, but a Tuesday conference call from the commissioner, John Marinatto, should provide some clarity.

In the Southeast: After a trip to the “Big Dance” last season, UNC Asheville looks to repeat as Big South champions.  Returning four starters, the coaches and media feel it’s their conference to lose.  The voters awarded Asheville 18 out of 25 first place votes and placed them at number one in the preseason Big South rankings for the first time since 2002.  See where possible Cinderellas Liberty and Coastal Carolina landed as well.

- Doug Potter

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‘X’ marks the spot… again.

XU head coach Chris Mack reportedly adds another talented transfer in Andre Walker (photo by Andrew Matsushita)

If Miami was the hotspot for NBAers looking for a change of scenery last summer, then Xavier – the small Jesuit school in the Queen City of Cincinnati - is the  preferred destination this year for collegians in search of a different quadrangle to call home. 

First, the arrival of talented Isaiah Philmore, announced officially by the school on June 23, 2011.  A 6-foot-7, 230 pound forward who played at Towson (15.3ppg, 7rpg in 2010-11), Philmore led the Tigers in scoring last season as a sophomore.  He’ll sit per NCAA regs before donning a jersey for Chris Mack in 2012-13. 

And now, to compete for time and perhaps immediately fill the void left by the graduation of Jamel McLean (a solid former transfer from Tulsa in his own right), an immediately eligible Andre Walker.

According to reports, Walker, a 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward and Chicago native, picked Xavier over hometown Northwestern, Marquette and Wichita State.  He can suit up right away because he graduated on time from Vandy and has elected to pursue a graduate degree at Xavier that is unavailable at his Nashville alma mater.  He has one year of eligibility remaining.

For Walker, it’s a shot at redemption of sorts.  The 6-7 forward played the past few years at Vanderbilt for Kevin Stallings, but injuries frustrated what could have been a more productive SEC career. 

“To this point, Andre Walker’s been more talked about for what he could have been than for what he’s done, largely through no fault of his own”, said Chris Lee, editor of the Vanderbilt Rivals.com site for nearly the last decade. “[He] graduated from high school all the way back in 2006, but took a post-grad year at Brewster Academy (N.H.) to improve his stock. He hurt his foot that year and missed much of the season, then came to Vanderbilt, where he played 34 games in a limited role as a freshman, but saw his minutes increase near the end of the season.”

“By his sophomore year, Walker had emerged as a factor on a team loaded with younger players. In the season’s second game, Walker played great in a loss to Illinois, which earned him a start against MTSU the next game. He had a solid across-the-board game in 29 minutes that day, but tore his ACL, missed the rest of the year and was redshirted,” Lee said.

According to Lee, Walker made it back for his redshirt sophomore year and picked up where he’d left off.  He became perhaps VU’s most-versatile all-around player, doing a bit of everything.  Though he wasn’t a scorer (6.1 ppg), offensive punch wasn’t sorely needed on a team filled with guys who could put the ball in the hole.

“Walker’s junior year became a microcosm of the rest of his career. He started again and played well to start 2010, but got mononucleosis and missed almost the entire month of December. He returned for one game and was great–a seven-point, five-assist, eight-rebound effort in 30 minutes on Dec. 29 against Marquette, which included the game-winning layup in the final seconds. But he suffered a foot injury in the days that followed, and Walker wouldn’t play again until Feb. 16″, said Lee.

“From that point forward, Walker never seemed to fully get back… didn’t make it onto the floor some nights and scored 12 points in 73 minutes the rest of the season. In VU’s opening round NCAA Tournament loss to Richmond, he didn’t even see the floor for a full minute.”

Walker’s transfer was no surprise but, importantly, he left on good terms and with a  reputation as a solid kid.   The veteran forward now joins a perennial power in Xavier which boasts the best backcourt in the Atlantic 10 and happened to be in the market for an NCAA ready forward to slip into the rotation. 

And while much is expected of  of another eligible transfer, Travis Taylor, Walker’s impending arrival takes pressure off of Taylor to produce immediately after sitting out 2010-11 and gives Tu Holloway and Mark Lyons a seasoned forward and excellent passer who should plug right into X’s ball-screen continuity offense.

How productive Walker is for the Muskies will depend on his health, how quickly he grasps the Xavier system, and whether he truly embraces this great opportunity for a fresh start.  According to Lee, “[w]hen all is going well for Walker, he’s the kind of player who can play meaningful minutes for anyone.  He’ll never lead a team in scoring or rebounding, and isn’t a outstanding athlete, but he’s the prototypical ‘glue guy’ that you find on most good teams.”

Running down the Xavier roster which is teeming with scoring capability inside (Kenny Frease, Taylor) and out (Holloway, Lyons, a healthy Brad Redford, Justin Martin), Walker looks the part of a guy who will fit right in.  He doesn’t require plays to be run for him, runs the floor well, moves the ball well on the offensive end, and can contribute on the defensive end.  At worst, it’s a low risk, one-year stint for Walker and the Muskies while the former works towards a graduate degree.

But, as Lee said, most good teams have a prototypical glue guy. 

Xavier is a good team.  Walker is a glue guy.

Seems like a good match.

- Chris DiSano

 

Harris happy to be newest member of Rams’ staff

KINGSTON, RHODE ISLAND – Earlier this afternoon, the University of Rhode Island issued a press release that former NC State assistant Larry Harris is the newest member of Jim Baron’s coaching staff at Rhody, joining Pat Clarke and Preston Murphy.  Chris DiSano of College Chalktalk and Cox Sports caught up with Harris to get his thoughts about the new gig at URI:

CD: What made the University of Rhode Island a good fit for you?

Harris:  Jim Baron.  He and I have known eachother for 30 years.  He’s a hard worker day-in and day-out and that’s the type of guy I want to be around and environment I want to be a part of.

CD: What will you bring that can complement this staff?

Harris: Experience.  I’ve been around this game for 27 years and that’s why Jim brought me up here.  I’m confident that I have a great understanding of how to deal with kids and help them maximize potential, and I’m anxious to help Jim and the staff in any way I can.

CD: You began your coaching career at Duquesne and now find yourself back in the A-10.  What is your opinion of the league?

Harris: I have always had a great opinion of the A-10.  When I was at Duquesne, Temple was the No. 1 team in the country, West Virginia (then a member) was strong, and Rhode Island had some great teams back then too.  That’s continued through the years with the league boasting some outstanding programs.  My opinion and expectations of what this league brings to the table have always been very high.

CD: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned throughout your time in coaching?

Harris: That kids have changed.  Their way of thinking has changed.  Getting them to perform at a high level has changed.  But I think I’ve been able to have them believe in and trust me as an individual — and that’s where it begins.  They know I will do everything I can to help them reach their goals.

CD: What’s been the best moment in your coaching career to date?

Harris: Getting up here with Jimmy.  The more I’ve been up here in this state and been around these guys, the more I know I made a great decision in coming up here to Rhode Island.  And as far as the state itself is concerned, it’s a beautiful place.

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Cox Sports/College Chalktalk Video: Sweet Sixteen Storylines

College Chalktalk and Cox Sports’ analyst Chris DiSano breaks down the Sweet 16 matchups…

 

Josh Benson Interview: Dayton/SJU Postgame

Andrew Greene caught up with Dayton forward Josh Benson after UD’s 64-61 semifinal triumph over Saint Joseph’s.  Here’s what he had to say… (Note: apologies, but technical difficulties prevented posting this interview last night).

 

Here’s to you, Golden Eagles.

As writers, we all do our best to bring objectivity to the table when covering this game.   We break down match-ups, analyze both sides, and examine different scenarios.

But we’re all human.  Subjectivity is part of the game.  After all, there are times when being objective just isn’t an option.  And don’t expect me to employ the overused and equally implausible, “I’m a writer so I can’t ever be a fan” explanation.  That’s garbage.

After upending top seed (and double-bye recipient) Murray State by a score of 64-59 in the OVC semifinals, courtesy of stellar play from Kevin Murphy (19 points, 4 rebounds) and Jud Dillard (14 points, 11 rebounds), plus a clutch shot by Zac Swansey, the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (20-11 overall) are bound for the OVC Final and a chance to Dance.

And I’m rooting for them to make the field of 68.  Period.

Why?

To make a long story short, it was two years ago that Chris Mack at Xavier emailed me the name of an assistant coach at TTU, Russ Willemsen, who he thought would be a great addition to the National Coaches’ Diary Series; so I gave him a call.  He was right about that… and more.

Over the past couple of years, Russ has become a close friend and unquestionably my best buddy in the business of college athletics.  He’s a tireless worker (he drives about 80,000 miles each summer on the circuit), student of the game and flat-out, good guy – there’s not anything he won’t do for you.   Hell, he’s even wired into the Twitter world (though his rep may have just taken a hit with some of you for that…). 

Bottom line, however, is that I’ve run across many administrators, coaches and others around the game while covering the best sport on the planet.  And, as you’d expect, they come in all shades.  Some are easy to root for… some, not so much. 

Russ – and the fourth seeded Golden Eagles  (who broke in this blog back in December) – are easy people to root for… So root for ‘em tomorrow night as they play on ESPN2.

You can bet I will.

- Chris DiSano

 

Tough Gators, but Tide remains alive

While covering the Alabama at Florida basketball Tuesday night, two things become apparent. The first is this could be a special Florida team. The second is despite a horrible second half against Florida, the Tide is still alive for the NCAA Tournament.

Florida has the depth, talent and coaching to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. They have a nice mixture of youth in Scotty Wilbekin and Kenny Boynton and experience in Vernon Macklin, Alex Tyus and Chandler Parsons, who might win the SEC most valuable player award.   The experience paid off with Parson and Macklin scoring 19 points each and Tyus adding 12 points and nine rebounds against Alabama.

Parsons might be one of coach Billy Donovan’s best developmental jobs.   Last year, Parsons was a shell of the player he is this year.   The versatile Parsons can do just about anything on the court-block shots, shoot, defend and scrap for loose balls. Gator fans feared that he might never live up to his potential after last season.   Parsons has erased those concerns this year.

This appears to be a complete team that can rely on outside shooting with Ervin Walker and Parsons or go inside with Macklin, Tyus and Patric Young.   Florida can also play defense. The Gators are No. 2 in the league in scoring defense behind Alabama.  

This is also Donovan’s mentally toughest team he has had since the national title teams last decade. Florida has beaten Vanderbilt, Kentucky and Tennessee literally on the last couple of possessions.   Last year’s team would have likely wilted in those games.

Florida is headed for a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. It would be hard to reach a No. 2 status, but if they beat Vanderbilt and blitz through the SEC Tournament then they would have an argument.

Alabama, on the other hand, does not have the resume that Florida does.   Also, the Tide did not help themselves with their second half performance against Florida and or the more damaging loss at Ole Miss last Saturday.   The selection committee can forgive the Gator loss easier than the Rebel loss.

Alabama’s main problem is their inability to hit a jump shot when they need it. Tuscaloosa News columnist Cecil Hurt wrote that “Alabama never scores without the approximate amount of labor required to deliver elephant twins.” The Tide could be a Sweet Sixteen team next year with the addition of some competent shooters.

Currently, Alabama has a chance to go dancing if they beat Georgia at home Saturday and win a game or two in the conference tournament. What Coach Anthony Grant has done this season should be rewarded. The Tide was one of the hottest teams in the nation going into the Ole Miss game. They do have wins over Kentucky and Tennessee. They could have won at Vanderbilt, but one of the worst officiating calls this entire season kept them from having an opportunity.

What should not be forgotten is Alabama was playing for the conference regular season title Tuesday night in only Grant’s second season.

While Florida was the dominant team on its home court Tuesday night, a rematch in the league tournament on a neutral court might have very different results.

- This post was submitted by Brent Beaird

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Brent Beaird writes for Gator Bait magazine, Lindyssports.com and Rivals.com. He can be heard on 1010XL sports radio in Jacksonville, Florida. Brent, who is a Heisman Trophy voter, can be contacted at brentbeaird@aol.com

 

Atlantic 10 Starting Five

Once again, it’s time to select our weekly “Starting Five”, a team of five A-10 Players worthy of mention from games running Monday to Sunday of the previous week.  Note: The “Starting Five” does not take position into account, so multiple players at one spot are eligible to be selected. We’ll also include a coach of the week and a Special Sixth (a glue guy who
played especially well this week).

Starting Five

Tu Holloway, 6-foot, junior, point guard, Xavier — Holloway became the first Xavier player to record two triple-doubles in a career when he went for 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10

(Photo courtesy of Andrew Matsushita)

assists in a 79-72 win over Fordham on Saturday. Holloway also turned the feat earlier this season against Wake Forest, and took umbrage with the scorekeeper after this one, saying he was not credited with some assists early in the second half. Nonetheless, Holloway finished the week averaging 20 points, eight rebounds and 8.5 assists per game in wins over Saint Joseph’s and Fordham.

Andrew Nicholson, 6-foot-9, junior, center, St. Bonaventure – Nicholson averaged 19 points and eight rebounds per game this week, hitting 15-25 field goal attempts as the Bonnies registered a 1-1 week. His best game came on Wednesday, when Saint Louis struggled to defend the big man without a double-team, and Nicholson posted 22 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Ramone Moore, 6-foot-5, junior, wing, Temple — Moore led the Owls to a 2-0 week with 20.5 points, 3.5 assist and 2.5 rebounds per game. He opened the week by posting 24 points, three rebounds and three assists in a 73-53 win over Richmond. Then on Sunday, Moore went for 17 points and four assists in a win over Saint Joseph’s.

Justin Harper, 6-foot-10, senior, power forward, Richmond — After scoring 14 points with five rebounds in a 73-53 setback at Temple on Thursday, Harper posted 24 points, including 3-4 three-point shooting, with four rebounds in an 82-65 win over St. Bonaventure on Sunday.

Chris Gaston, 6-foot-7, sophomore, power forward, Fordham — Gaston continued to draw All-Conference buzz from opponents this week after posting 26 points and 15 rebounds in Fordham’s 79-72 loss at Xavier on Saturday. The Rams’ post man is now averaging 16.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Honorable Mention: Saint Louis’ Dwayne Evans, Xavier’s Kenny Frease, George Washington’s Nemanja Mikic, George Washington’s Tony Taylor, La Salle’s Jerrell Williams, Massachusetts’ Anthony Gurley, Dayton’s Devin Searcy, St. Bonaventure’s Ogo Adegboye.

Super Sixth:

Rob Loe, 6-foot-11, freshman, center, Saint Louis – The 6-foot-11 Kiwi posted 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 21 minutes per game this week. Saint Louis coach Rick Majerus has questioned his freshman center’s toughness throughout the season, yet had pleasant things to say after the Billikens knocked off Charlotte at Chaifetz Arena on Saturday.

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