Game 4: at Wright St. (0-2)
The Rowdy Raiders are off to a disappointing 0-2 start after a home loss to Illinois St. and an overtime giveaway at Central Michigan where Robbie Harman hit a 3 at the end of ther regulation and another 3 to win the game. Wright St. led by 10 with 4 minutes left and by 5 twice in overtime but couldn't close the deal. Coach Brad Brownell has a team that should challenge Cleveland St. and Butler for the Horizon League title. He has a collection of perimeter players that fit his style perfectly. Because of Coach Brownell's success, the Nutter Center can now be claimed by Wright St. as a definite home court advantage instead of just a nice place to play. Many feel this team will do one better than last year and play in the postseason and the potential is there to be playing an extra week in March.
Probable Starters
Will Graham, 6'2" 185 Sr. 8 pts, 5 reb, 3 ass. 42% FG, 71% FT. Quick off the dribble and can finish at the rim. Does have 3 point range, though doesn't look to shoot much from deep. Still makes freshman-type errors such as dribbling too much, penetrating too deep and picking up the dribble, and poor shot selection. He was pulled early from the Illinois St. game after a couple of mistakes, not what you want from a senior point guard.
Vaughn Duggins, 6'3" 190 Jr. 10 pts, 5 reb. 33% FG, 10% 3PFG, 50% FT. Off to a slow start to say the least, teams are playing him tighter, taking him out of the flow or forcing him into bad shots. He's too good of a shooter to not increase his production, he has deep range and can pull up for the mid-range jumper. He's clearly added some muscle in the weight room, allowing him to be more physical at both ends.
Todd Brown, 6'5" 205 Jr. 6 pts, 4 reb. 20% FG, 83% FT. Another key player who's off to a really slow start, hasn't made a 3 yet this year. He has a nice mid-range game and is very smooth, but he's also forced some shots. Hit the dagger 3 against us last year, can't leave him open. He doesn't mind taking the big shot. When the Raiders go small, he'll play the 4 and has some back-to-the-basket ability.
Cory Cooperwood, 6'7" 215 Jr. 11 pts, 7 reb. 55% FG, 77% FT. JUCO transfer who gives the Raiders front court athleticism they haven't had in awhile. Good on the boards and around the rim. His offensive game is coming. Very quick in the post, looks to spin like a young Chris Webber.
Ronnie Thomas, 6'9" 240 Jr. 5 pts, 2 reb. 63% FG. He can shoot the ball if left open, but is very methodical in working with his back-to-the basket. Defensively, he has trouble moving his feet and hedging on picks. He relies on his big body to play good position defense in the post, he's no threat to block shots.
Off the Bench
Troy Tabler, 6'3" 185 So. 7 pts, 2 reb. 42% FG, 40% 3PFG. Most improved player on the team, has even deeper range than last year and can handle the ball. You have to make him dribble because his release is quick enough he can get his shot off if he's given any space.
Ngai Evans, 6'2" 165 So. 6 pts. 40% FG, 40% 3PFG, 40% FT. Backup point guard who is good with the ball and can hit open shots. He is very small, which hurts him defensively against bigger guards. He has more game than you think.
John David Gardner, 6'4" 190 Jr. 1 pt, 2 ass. 20% FG. Injuries are really preventing him from playing like he can. When he penetrates, he's looking to dish. When he catches the ball on the wing in transition, he's looking to score at the basket, usually off the glass. Not the quickest guy, especially with his injuries. He can be taken off the dribble.
Gavin Horne, 6'8" 220 Sr. 3 pts, 3 reb. 50% FG, 100% FT. Glue guy off the bench who can hit open shots and rebound.
Scott Grote, 6'6" 210 So. 1 pt, 2 reb. 20% FG. Undersized 4 man trying to play the 3. Had a stretch of turnovers vs. Illinois St. that ended up being the difference in the game. Questionable Division 1 player, you want to make him hurry shots and play faster than he wants.
Kyle Pressley, 6'8" 225 Fr. 2 pts, 4 reb. 33% FG, 50% FT. Energy guy off the bench, defends and rebounds well for a freshman, arguably the best rebounder on the team. Has the ability to drive and score, good-looking freshman.
Cooper Land, 6'8" 225 So. 7 pts. 60% FG, 50% 3PFG, 86% FT. Still needs to play more. Instant offense off the bench, can shoot it from deep. Very skilled offensively player, but still needs to put on some muscle so he can hang tough down low.
The Raiders will run a lot of motion offense, pass and screen away, so it's very important to communicate on the screens because the offensive player is taught to read how the defense is playing the screen. If the defense is playing over the top, you cut under. If they're trailing, you curl. And if they're playing off, you v-cut hard to the wing. They also like to put one of their bigs at the top of the key and run their point off after he passes to the wing. They're not necessarily looking to score off the first cut, they're looking for the opposite wing cutting off the big man after the point. If neither cutter is open, the big flares out, and if this is Thomas or especially Land, a shot is going up. Also look for Duggins and Brown to cross a lot underneath as they look to get on track and get some open looks. Wright St.'s secondary break is very good because they have so many good shooters, plus Cooperwood is roaming inside looking for an easy 2 if he's forgotten.
Defensively, I was suprised how much space Wright St. gave on the perimeter. We should be able to catch the ball and get in triple-threat position with no problem. Because their perimeter players have to work so hard at the other end, they'll give up some shots defensively. Ball movement and ball reversal work against these guys. Inside, they have trouble defending the paint area. Players who are good in the post will have success scoring the ball. They will show a 2-3 matchup zone at times, and will put on some token full court man pressure, but they're looking to play good, solid man-to-man defense. After 2 games, teams are shooting 43%, 38% from deep against WSU, numbers that need to improve.
Unfortunately for Miami, WSU's shooters are due to have a good night. The Raiders are only shooting 38%, 20% from 3. Our main weakness so far has been containing dribble penetration, which will be more important Monday night as any help on the driver will leave open shooters on the perimeter. We have to make their post guys beat us. Cooperwood has potential, but we should be able to guard him underneath. We need to own the boards against these guys, I think we can get some 2nd chance points that will help our offense. Usually this game is very close and I see another close one because Wright St. will be desparate not to start 0-3 and we'll be looking to rebound after a poor 2nd half at Pitt. A big question is what kind of legs Wright St. will have after a tough loss and busride from Mt. Pleasant on Saturday.
Don't let their shooters get off, get Bramos off early without early foul trouble, and good hard Miami defense. Those are the keys to victory.
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