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Miami RedHawks sports talk and moreenMiami Hawk Talk | SFB Gnomic Industries2008-08-01T21:16:00-05:00Miami Basketball Offers To The Class Of 2009
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_basketball_offers_to_the_class_of_2009/
These are the class of 2009 basketball players that we aware of that Miami has offered as of August 1, 2008. Unoffered targets are not listed.2009:PF Mark Anderson (JUCO) - As as frosh last year at Sinclair C.C., he was named second team Division II JUCO All-American after leading the nation in scoring. He was also the conference leader in rebounding and named conference player of the year. WF Drew Barham - AAU teammate of Drew Kelly. Pure shooter!PG Delano Collins - Quick point guard from Detroit who may end up playing football in college.PG Chris Colvin - Colvin comes from the same high school as Dwight McCombs (Chicago Whitney Young). Will go to a high major school.2G/SF/PF Bill Edwards, Jr. - Bill is a player Miami has been recruiting for a long time. As a junior last season, Bill was GMC player of the year.SF Marquis Horne - Horne is a Juby Johnson clone. High school teammate of Orlando Williams. Also plays AAU with Williams, Danny McElroy, and Carl Jones. PG Carl Jones - Lightning quick point guard. Will go high major.PF/C Reggie Keely - Strong power forward from Northeast Ohio. Similar to former Ohio player Gary Trent. PF Drew Kelly - High major football recruit at tight end, but may end up playing basketball.PF Danny McElroy - Originally committed to UC, has opened up his recruitment. Similar player to former Miami star Danny Horace in that he is a total warrior.C Drew McGhee - Maybe the best center in the state of Ohio. Very skilled for a 6-10 player.SF Chris Read - Shooter out of Indianapolis. High school teammate of Larry Smith.CG Allen Roberts - Roberts is the first cousin of Bill Edwards. Edwards and Roberts are both high school and AAU teammates.2G Colt Ryan - Like Edwards, Miami has been recruiting Colt Ryan for a very long time. Colt is known as a shooter who can also drive. Miami is only a 50 minute drive from his Batesville, Indiana home.PF Jon Smith - Ranked as one of the top power forwards in Ohio.PG Larry Smith - Before a knee injury, Smith was rated as a top 150 recruit nationally.2G Matt Vogrich - Pure shooter out of Chicago who also can throw it down. Getting serious high major looks.CG Orlando Williams - Great kid who can play any of the guard positions. Williams has great fundamentals around the basket. NOTE: The above list may be incomplete as there are likely others that Miami has offered that we are not aware of at this time.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmollautt2008-08-01T20:16:00-05:002008 Deveroes Summer Basketball League Information
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/2008_deveroes_summer_basketball_league_information/
The Deveroes Summer Basketball League starts this Sunday (June 15, 2008-Father's Day) at Woodward High School in Cincinnati. 5 current Miami players including all 3 incoming freshman will be competing it the league. Assume that most current and former Miami players will be on Brick Street, but may also be on other teams as well. Brick Street is the defending regular season champion.MHT.com Deveroes Information ThreadCURRENT MIAMI PLAYERS LISTED: Sr. PG Carl Richburg, Sr. C Tyler Dierkers, Fr. C Vince Legarza, Fr. PG Kramer Soderberg, Fr. PF Julian Mavunga, and RS-So. PF Sean Mock.PAST MIAMI PLAYERS LISTED: Ron Harper, Monty St. Clair, Nathan Peavy, Doug Penno, and Danny Horace. Team rosters have not been released yet, but those are fluid. LEAGUE LINKSLeague Home PagePlayers & TeamsScheduleResults & StandingsNews & NotesNewsletter & Alerts SignupLeague BlogPhoto GalleryDirector Email: deveroes@cincysportsworld.com**********************************************THE FOLLOWING IS COPIED FROM THE LEAGUE WEBSITE 2008 TEAMSBrick StreetCintasClovernook Health CareJohn H. Flessa Law OfficeGame Day CommunicationsGoodies Barbecue RestaurantOHCStan Litz Law OfficeMcCluskey ChevroletSlats****** 2008 PLAYERS includeXavier: CJ Anderson, Derrick Brown, Charles Bronson, Adroin Graves, Dante Jackson, BJ Raymond, Andrew Taylor.Cincinnati: Nick Aldridge, Kenny Belton, Rashod Bishop, Larry Davis, Dion Dixon, Yancey Gates, Anthony McClain, Brandon Miller, Alvin Mitchell, Steve Toyloy, Deonte Vaughn, Darnell Wilkes, Mike Williams, Cashmere Wright. Miami: Tyler Dierkers, Vince Legarza, Julian Mavunga, Carl Richburg, Kramer Soderberg.Dayton: Marcus Johnson, Charles Little, Mickey Perry, Chris Wright.Northern Kentucky: Scott Bibbins, Billy Finnell, Dennis Gagai, Brad Hosler, Matt Koman, Dustin Maguire, David McFarland, Tony Rack, Corey Sorrel, Jonathon Van Hoose, Eric Wilke, DeAaron Williams. Cincinnati State: TBAOther Schools: Brandon Hassell (Penn State), Matty Owens (Thomas More), Matthew Pilgrim (Kentucky), Mike Pilgrim (Arkansas-Monticello), Quantez Robertson (Auburn), Tyrone Robinson (Southwestern Illinois), BJ Walker (Oklahoma City)... Professional: Ron Allen, Erik Daniels, Jamaal Davis, Billy Edwards (father of Miami's #1 recruiting target Bill Edwards, Jr.), Damon Flint, Danny Horace, Robert Hite, Jack Jennings, Nathan Peavy, Doug Penno, Paul McMillian (Miami-Hamilton), Monty St. Clair, Eric Taylor, Keith Waleskowski...Legends Past: D'Juan Baker, Corie Blount, Steve Gentry, Tarrice Gibson, Ron Harper, Tyrone Hill, Melvin Levett, Louis Orr, Nick Van Exel… ******SCHEDULEREGULAR SEASON Sunday, June 15Noon McCluskey Chevrolet vs Brick Street1pm Clovernook Health Care vs. Stan Litz Law Office 2pm Cintas vs Game Day Communications3pm OHC vs John H. Flessa Law OfficeBye: Slats, Goodies Barbecue RestaurantTuesday, June 176:30pm Clovernook Health Care vs. Goodies Barbecue Restaurant 7:30pm OHC vs Brick Street8:30pm McCluskey Chev. vs Stan Litz Law OfficeBye: Cintas, Game Day Communications, John H. Flessa Law Office, SLATS Saturday, June 21Noon McCluskey Chevrolet vs. Clovernook Health Care1pm Brick Street vs Goodies Barbecue Restaurant2pm OHC vs Stan Litz Law Office3pm John H. Flessa Law Office vs Game Day Communications4pm Cintas vs SLATS Sunday, June 22Noon Cintas vs. Clovernook Health Care1pm Goodies Barbecue Restaurant vs McCluskey Chevrolet 2pm John H. Flessa Law Office vs Brick Street3pm OHC vs SLATS4pm Stan Litz Law Office vs Game Day Communications Tuesday, June 246:30pm Game Day Communications vs. Clovernook Health Care7:30pm Stan Litz Law Office vs SLATS8:30pm Cintas vs Goodies Barbecue Restaurant Bye: McCluskey Chevrolet, Brick Steet, John H. Flessa Law Office, OHC Saturday, June 28Noon Cintas vs Brick Street1pm McCluskey Chevrolet vs John H. Flessa Law Office2pm Stan Litz Law Office vs Goodies Barbecue Restaurant3pm OHC vs. Game Day Communications4pm Clovernook Health Care vs SLATSSunday, June 29 Noon McCluskey Chevrolet vs Cintas1pm Clovernook Health Care vs Brick Street2pm Stan Litz Law Office vs John H. Flessa Law Office3pm OHC vs. Goodies Barbecue Restaurant4pm Game Day Communications vs. SLATS Tuesday, July 16:30pm Game Day Communications vs Brick Street7:30pm SLATS vs John H. Flessa Law Office 8:30pm OHC vs CintasBye: Clovernook Health, McCluskey Chev., Stan Litz Law, Goodies BBQ Tuesday, July 86:30pm Clovernook Health Care vs John Flessa Law Office7:30pm McCluskey Chevrolet vs OHC8:30pm SLATS vs Goodies Barbecue RestaurantBye: Brick Street, Game Day Communications, Cintas, Stan Litz Law OfficeSaturday, July 1211am Stan Litz Law Office vs Brick StreetNoon McCluskey Chevrolet vs SLATS1pm Goodies Barbecue Restaurant vs Game Day Communications 2pm Cintas vs John H. Flessa Law OfficeBye: OHC, Clovernook Health CareSunday, July 13Noon SLATS vs Brick Street 1pm Clovernook Health Care vs. OHC2pm Stan Litz Law Office vs Cintas3pm John H. Flessa Law Office vs Goodies Barbecue Restaurant4pm McCluskey Chevrolet vs Game Day Communications***End of regular season***TOURNAMENTTuesday, July 15 Quarter-Finals Thursday, July 17 Quarter-FinalsSaturday, July 19Semi-FinalsSaturday, July 26CHAMPIONSHIP GAME******2007 Deveroes Summer Basketball League AwardsLeague Co-MVPNathan Peavey, Miami 2003-2007, Brick StreetJamual Warren, Cincinnati, Mike Albert LeasingTournament MVPJosh Duncan, Xavier, Stan Litz Law OfficeTop NewcomerKenny Hayes, Miami, Brick Street Mr. ExcitementC. J. Anderson, Xavier, Goodies BBQ RestaurantAll League*Kenny Hayes, Miami, Brick Street*Nathan Peavey, Miami 2003-2007, Brick Street*Trent Calloway, Cincinnati State, Cintas*Marvin Gentry, Cincinnati, John Flessa Law Office*C. J. Anderson, Xavier, Goodies BBQ Restaurant*B. J. Raymond, Xavier, Innovative Marketing*Josh Duncan, Xavier, Stan Litz Law Office*Adam Waleskowski, Florida St. 2001-2005, Stan Litz Law Office*Keith Waleskowski, Dayton 1999-2004, Stan Litz Law Office*Adam Hyranciuk, Cincinnati, Mike Albert Leasing*Jamual Warren, Cincinnati, Mike Albert Leasing*Deonta Vaughn, Cincinnati, SLATS*Mike Williams, Cincinnati, SLATS******2008-2009 Post-Season HonorsStanley Burrell, Xavier; Defensive Player of the Year, 3rd Team All-Atlantic 10 ConferenceMichael Bramos, Miami; 2nd Team All-Mid-American ConferenceD'Angelo Dean, Arkansas-Monticello; Freshman of the Year, Gulf South ConferenceJosh Duncan, Xavier; 2nd Team All-Atlantic 10 ConferenceDennis Gagai, Northern Kentucky; Freshman of the Year, Great Lakes Valley ConferenceKenny Hayes, Miami; Honorable Mention All-Mid-American ConferenceDrew Lavender, Xavier; 2nd Team All-Atlantic 10 ConferenceHarrison Morton, Northern Kentucky; 2nd Team All-Great Lakes Valley ConferenceNorman Plummer, Southern Indiana; 1st Team All-Great Lakes Valley ConferenceDeonta Vaughn, Cincinnati; 1st Team All- BIG EAST ConferenceKevin Weybright, Christian Brothers; 1st Team All-Gulf South Conference*******06/13/08 UPDATE: Update—muhoopsjunkie has informed me that Kenny Hayes will be playing and not going to IMG in Florida...but not for Brick Street. Due to the 2 returning players from the same team rule, Hayes has to play for someone else (Dierkers and Richburg already on Brick Street). He also said Brick Street will have Dierkers, Richburg, Soderberg, Mavunga, Legarza, Danny Horace, Nate Peavy, and Doug Penno. Also, I received an email for Deveroes. Below is a copy of part of the email: Player Team Assignments Listed below are the team assignments of some of your favorite players: Brick Street - Carl Richburg, Tyler Dierkers, Kramer Soderberg, Matty Owens Cintas - Kenny Frease, Brad Redford, Brad Loesing, Quinn McDowell, Derek Hellermann Clovernook Health Care - Rashad Bishop, Nick Aldridge, Andrew Taylor, Jamel McLean, Terrell Holloway, Jamual Warren John H. Flessa Law Office - Alvin Mitchell, Kenny Belton, BJ Raymond Game Day Communications - Derrick Brown, Mark Lyons Goodies Barbecue Restaurant - Darnell Wilkes, Larry Davis, Adrion Graves, CJ Anderson, Robert Hite OHC - Anthony McClain, Dante Jackson, Jason Love, Mickey Perry, Marcus Johnson Stan Litz Law Office - Brian Walsh, Michael Davenport McCluskey Chevrolet - Tony Rack, Dennis Gagai, David McFarland SLATS - Mike Williams, Deonta Vaughn, Cashmere Wright, Yancey Gates, Dion Dixon, Steve ToyloyMen's Sports, Men's Basketballmollautt2008-06-12T16:35:00-05:00Princeton Will Be Scary in 2008-09 (and could get scarier!)
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/princeton_will_be_scary_in_2008_09_and_could_get_scarier/
Power forward Danny McElroy is rumored to be transfering to Cincinnati Princeton High School from Cincinnati LaSalle High School. That would give the Vikings five players that Miami is recruiting.BACKCOURT2009 6-1 PG Orlando Williams - offers from Miami, BGSU.2010 6-3 2G Jordan Siebert - Already offered by Miami, Xavier, BGSU, and Miami-FLA.FRONTCOURT2009 6-6 SF Marquis Horne - no known offers yet, but besides Miami, he has received interest from BGSU, Tennessee Tech, Missouri, Xavier, and Wisconsin.2009 6-6 PF/SF Stephon Johnson - was once ranked by Hoopscoop as #62 in the nation.2009 6-7 PF Danny McElroy - Recently decommitted to UC. Is ranked by Hoops Report as the #131 player in the nation.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmollautt2008-05-21T20:45:00-05:002008 Point Guard Options For This Spring Signing Period
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/2008_point_guard_options_for_this_spring_signing_period/
Point guard options for next year that can be signed during the current Spring signing period:Davin Anderson: 6-1 from Harmony Prep. Played high school ball in Louisville. As a H.S. senior last year, Kentucky Preps ranked him #20 in the state (Rodney Haddix was #8 btw). They wrote about him, "Versatile guard. Explosive in transition. Has handles, can lead breaks. On-ball D is an asset. Can finish strong at basket, limited shooting range. Must learn to get others involved. Shot selection suspect."Javonte Clanton: Originally from Columbus (Reynoldsburg), he signed with Niagara in 2006 and played 4 games in the 2006-07 season before going JUCO. He spent the last season at Blinn (J.C.) where he signed with Big XII's Colorado. He was just recently released from his LOI by Colorado and is looking to come back home. While playing for Blinn, Clanton averaged 10.5 ppg, 2.5 apg and shot 54% from the field. Javonte said in a Rivals.com story last week, "I've gotten a lot of calls from schools like Bowling Green, Miami-Ohio, Morehead State, Gardner-Webb, Western Carolina, Cincinnati, and Youngstown State so far. I'm not sure what I'll do about visits yet but I'll play that by ear."Clanton MHT.com Thread DiscussionLonnie Hayes: Hayes was the PG for Harmony Prep this past season. Harmony was undefeated until losing to Gutierrez and Findlay Prep in the Prep School National Championship quarterfinals. Hayes is orginally from Cincinnati Hughes High School. One of Rivals.com best unsigned backcourt players. Miami was interested at one time.Hayes MHT.com Thread Discussion Mike Porrini: Originally from Massillon, Ohio, Porrini signed with Larry Hunter and Western Carolina. At some point after Christmas, Porrini (and fellow Ohioian Cam Miller) left the team. Porrini would be available to play halfway through next season after sitting out a year. Miami had interest in him in high school.Porrini MHT.com Thread DiscussionShavar Richardson: 6'2" Combo Guard from New Creations Christian in Richmond, Indiana. Originally from the Bronx. School website bio read, "Shavar is able to score the ball from all over. Shavar brings a swagger that we needed and is a winner who will teach others that same drive. He played his AAU basketball for team Odom and is currently being recruited at the Division One level."Kramer Soderberg: Son of former Wisconsin and SLU head coach Brad Soderberg. Was selected the Gatorade player of the year for Missouri and also the St. Louis Post-Dispatch player of the year, averaged 24.4 points and made 63 3-pointers while leading the Warriors to a second-place finish in Missouri’s Class 4. Nearly a 50% 3 point shooter. Offered by UWGB, La Salle, Miami, Wichita State.Soderberg MHT.com Thread Discussion Another 2008 high school point guard in the MHT.com database is Chris Crockett of Columbus. There has not been much discussion of this player in the last year. Crockett MHT.com Thread DiscussionMen's Sports, Men's Basketballmollautt2008-05-08T20:25:00-05:00Miami (13-12) at Valparaiso (15-12)
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_13_12_at_valparaiso_15_12/
BracketBuster Saturday brings a road trip to the edge of Chicagoland and Valparaiso at the ARC. It's been a tale of two halves regarding Valpo's season. The Crusaders started 10-1 with wins over Western Michigan and Wright St. in the Nutter Center while being competitive at Wisconsin. Since then, Valpo has lost 11 of their last 16, falling to 6-9 in the Horizon League, fighting for a 1st round conference tournament home game. The Crusaders endured a tough 3 game stretch in which they lost in the final minutes, including a heart-wrenching home loss to Butler after Valpo had led most of the game. Coach Homer Drew has his kind of team, skilled offensively with some size who play hard at both ends of the floor. Projected Starters:G Brandon McPherson, 6'1 Jr. 10 pts, 2 ass. 49% FG, 44% 3PFG, 78% FT. Far and away Valpo's best guard. Can score a variety of ways. Surprisingly only plays 24 minutes a game because Valpo is significantly better with him on the floor because he can change the pace of the game offensively and the way he pressures the ball defensively. In transition, he likes to pull up for the 3 when leading the break.G Jake Diebler, 6'3 Jr. 5 pts, 3 reb. 36% FG, 38% 3PFG, 75% FT. Jon Diebler's big brother, Jake is more of a glue guy than a big-time scorer, but with everyone else, he can shoot the 3. His low shot release sometimes gets him into trouble. Only averages 3 boards a game, but he does a good job of helping out on the glass. Plays extremely hard defensively.F Shawn Huff, 6'7 Sr. 12 pts, 5 reb. 46% FG, 45% 3PFG, 87% FT. Not sure he's 6'7, but a very strong, athletic player. He can put it on the floor and take you inside. He's able to post up smaller guys and score effectively. And he's strong enough to drive hard, step back and hit the perimeter shot. Very good at finishing around the basket.F Samuel Haanpaa, 6'8 So. 10 pts, 3 reb. 44% FG, 43% 3PFG, 83% FT. Think a slower, less athletic version of Keith Van Horn and Hanno Mottola. He and Huff are from Finland and while Huff has a very American game, Haanpaa is the prototypical European player. Clever with the ball, shoots it well, good at shooting on the move. But he needs time to get his shot off and isn't a strong defender or rebounder. May not start because he missed the Loyola game with an illnessC Urule Igbavoba, 6'9 Jr. 10 pts, 7 reb. 53% FG, 61% FT. Athletic, plays with a lot of energy, very agile for a big man. To make things even more awkward, he's a lefty. As required by Valpo's offense, he's a very good passer from the high post. He can drive from the elbow to the basket and finish under control. He likes to spin left around the basket. He can also hit a pull-up jumper.Off the Bench:G Jarryd Loyd, 6' Sr. 12 pts, 4 ass, 3 reb. 45% FG, 42% 3PFG, 62% FT. The 6th man who is basically a 6th starter. He and McPherson in the backcourt together are a lethal combination. Good slasher, likes to go to the crossover dribble, which is also good. Can hit the 3 and create other shots for himself. Hit a lot of clutch shots in the Butler game.C Bryan Bouchie, 6'11 Fr. 7 pts, 3 reb. 50% FG, 27% 3PFG, 49% FT. Good post player for a freshman. Stronger than Igbavoba, he can also finish with his left hand and possess a spin move on the block. You have to honor his 3 point shot, he can hit it.G Howard Little, 6'4 Fr. 3 pts, 2 reb. 33% FG, 22% 3PFG, 65% FT. Guard of the future. Can't let him catch the ball with space behind the 3 point line, he'll drain it. Have to make him put it on the floor.G/F Michael Rogers, 6'6 Fr. 2 pts, 2 reb. 43% FG, 29% 3PFG, 40% FT.Valpo has good shooters, so they look to get good perimeter shots with a lot of movement without the ball. They run a lot of different sets, but there are a couple that they will run repeatedly. Their post players are good passers, so they'll pop out and catch the first pass at the high post. They'll look for a wing coming off the point guard's screen where he'll get a shot or reverse the ball to the other wing coming from the high post who down screened for him. They also run a well-designed player where they'll dribble handoff and send one of their bigs to the block off a double screen, which is sometimes open. But what they're really looking for is the wing, one of the screeners in the double screener, getting screened by the other screener for a jump shot. If Valpo wants to get the ball inside, they'll put everyone on one side of the floor and throw the lob over the top. Or, they'll go high pick and roll, dribble over to the side and the screener rolls all the way to the block. And they'll run a little triangle action to work it inside-out either for a basket inside or a kick-out 3. Valpo averages 25 made field goals a game, 15 are assisted. That shows you how well they move the ball.Defensively, Valpo will put a lot of ball pressure on the point guard. This makes it harder for the other team to initiate their offense, but also masks their defensive deficiencies. They have a lot of athleticism, but they're not overly quick and don't anticipate passes well, so they don't create a lot of turnovers. They only force 13 turnovers a game. Plus, they're not a particularly good rebounding team, so ball pressure is applied to try and force the worst shot possible. When the defense breaks down, everyone sucks into the lane hard to help, leaving people wide open on the perimeter to shoot the ball. Butler did this throughout the 2nd half and Valpo kept getting burned by it. Another way they'll look to make things hard for the opponent's offense is by playing a token 2-2-1 3/4 court press, which is meant to slow the other team's progress up the floor, not necessarily steal the ball.Valpo wants a pretty game. They want to show their ability to score and shoot the ball while playing solid defense. If they don't shoot the ball well, it puts a lot of pressure on their defense, which isn't good enough to win games by itself. Valpo plays 7 guys for the most part, so depth shouldn't be an issue. Offensively, dribble penetration and ball movement for open shots has to be the main focus. We should've done more of this the other night. If we penetrate and kick, we should get a lot of open looks. Defensively, we have to communicate better with screens, this lost us the game the other night. We have to be much sharper defensively on and away from the ball. If we're not, Valpo will put on a shooting clinic. Valpo is 21st nationally in shooting the 3 (40%)Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-02-22T13:10:00-05:00Miami (12-11, 6-5) at Buffalo (8-15, 2-9)
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_12_11_6_5_at_buffalo_8_15_2_9/
So begins the stretch run and the drive for a 1st-round tournament bye. The 2nd round vs. the East starts in Alumni Arena (or known as The Bortz) against Da Bulls. Since our first meeting, Buffalo is 2-5, but have been competitive in all of those games. The Bulls lost 2 overtime games to Western and Central respectively while winning at NIU and at home vs. Eastern. Buffalo is usually tougher to beat at home as they're able to dictate tempo better. Buffalo will play 10 guys and will apply a lot of pressure to try and speed the game up. How we handle the pressure and the tough loss in Kalamazoo Tuesday night will be keys for Saturday night.Projected Starters:G Andy Robinson, 6'1 Jr. 13 pts, 3 reb. 39% FG, 37% 3PFG, 76% FT. 1st meeting: 2 points, 0/7 shooting, 0/4 from 3.G Byron Mulkey, 6' So. 6 pts, 2 reb. 40% FG, 33% 3PFG, 81% FT. 1st meeting: 7 pts, 3/5 shootingF Greg Gamble, 6'4 Jr. 8 pts, 4 reb. 45% FG, 66% FT. 1st meeting: 7 pts, 3/8 shooting, 7 boardsF Jawaan Alston, 6'8 Fr. 2 pts, 3 reb. 39% FG, 31% FT. 1st meeting: 3 pts, 4 boardsF Kambi Laleye, 6'9 So. 2 pts, 3 reb. 41% FG, 53% FT. Off the Bench:G Sean Smiley, 6'1 So. 9 pts, 2 reb. 32% FG, 32% 3PFG, 80% FT. 1st meeting: 13 pts, 3/10 shooting, 3/9 from 3, 5 boards.G Rodney Pierce, 6'2 So. 8 pts, 3 ass. 37% FG, 32% 3PFG, 56% FT. 1st meeting: 9 pts, 4/10 shooting, 1/1 from 3, 3 boards, 4 turnovers.F Calvin Betts, 6'3 So. 9 pts, 7 reb. 51% FG, 30% 3PFG, 66% FT. 1st meeting: 12 pts, 5/9 shooting, 9 boards.F Max Boudreau, 6'7 So. 7 pts, 3 reb. 51% FG, 54% FT. 1st meeting: 2 pts, 1 board.F Brian Addison, 6'8 Jr. 2 pts, 2 reb. 43% FG, 31% FT. 1st meeting: 2 pts, 3 boards.In the first meeting, neither team played particularly well and we were fortunate to win as Bramos didn't play. Both teams shot under 40% and under 25% from 3. The key stat from the game was Buffalo committed 17 turnovers while we only committed 9. Kenny scored 20, TPo had 18 and 4 assists while EPo had 10 and 7 rebounds. Dierkers added 5 points and 9 boards. Buffalo wants to play helter-skelter basketball and lengthen the game. They are one of the 50 worst shooting teams in Division 1 and in the bottom 3rd in overall offensive efficiency. While they force 17 turnovers a game, they commit 17 turnovers a game. Defensively, they give up 76 points a game and are one of the worst 2 point defensive field goal percentage teams in Division 1. However, they rank 32nd in 3 point field goal percentage defense. Slowing the game down and taking care of the ball will be the two main keys. We can't afford to get into a shootout, especially after Tuesday night. One more key stat from the first meeting was points off turnovers. We had the edge 20-5. With Bramos back, if this stat can be a draw, because Buffalo will force some turnovers and make a couple of runs, we should be in good shape.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-02-15T18:23:00-05:00Miami (12-10, 6-4) at Western Michigan (13-10, 7-3)
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/miami_12_10_6_4_at_western_michigan_13_10_7_3/
The Broncos enter Tuesday night's game 7-3 in league play after losing a heartbreaker in Athens after leading for most of the 2nd half. Western has not lost in league play at home, winning by at least 13 points including a 20 point win over Akron. Western had a so-so non-conference season, defeating Davidson and Southern Illinois while losing at home to Northwestern and at Iona. Coach Steve Hawkins has an experienced team who can score the ball and play hard at both ends. Western is looking to stay in command of the West and remain in striking distance of the #1 seed for the conference tournament.Projected Starters:G Michael Redell, 6' Jr. 6 pts, 4 ass. 39% FG, 34% 3PFG, 80% FT. Primary job is to get into the lane, even though he's not the quickest point guard, and create for his teammates. Can hit the perimeter shot when needed late in the shot clock. Still struggles sometimes when pressured handling the ball. Plays very hard defensively, creates steals by getting in passing lanes. But he has trouble guarding 1on1.G Shawntes Gary, 6'2 Jr. 8 pts, 5 reb. 41% FG, 34% 3PFG, 73% FT. Quickest and most athletic player, he can finish at the rim. Plays bigger than 6'2, especially on the glass. Streaky outside shooter. Team's best on-ball defender.G David Kool, 6'3 So. 15 pts, 3 reb, 3 ass. 42% FG, 37% 3PFG, 88% FT. Best offensive player, can do a number of things. He can shoot the 3, pull-up jumper, floater and finish at the basket. Does a good job of drawing the defense and kicking the ball out.F Andrew Hershberger, 6'7 Sr. 3 pts, 3 reb. 48% FG, 56% FT. Inserted into the starting lineup to play defense and bring a little more size. Scores mainly off of offensive rebounds.C Joe Reitz, 6'7 Sr. 15 pts, 8 reb. 56% FG, 72% FT. Big body who is tough to move underneath. Once he gets position on the block, it's 2 points. Have to try and move him off the block. Doesn't like to try and score outside of 8 feet usually. Defensively, plays good position defense, but can be scored upon.Off the Bench:F Derek Drews, 6'5 Jr. 8 pts, 2 reb. 44% FG, 42% 3PFG, 92% FT. Started 14 games, brings offense off the bench. Very good 3-point shooter, have to make him put it on the floor.G Andre Ricks, 5'9 Jr. 6 pts, 34% FG, 32% 3PFG, 80% FT. Quick little guard who likes to push the tempo. Better shooter than his numbers indicate. He likes to look for his offense more. Puts good defensive pressure on the ball.F Derek Fracalossi, 6'5 Sr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 43% FG, 36% 3PFG, 76% FT. Improved his shooting from last year. Can handle the ball well for his size. Not the greatest defender.Offensively, Western will play 4 out and put Reitz down low and let him work in the lane. With Hershberger starting, look for a little more motion offense with Kool and Gary coming off the 2 big men down low. Western will pass and cut you to death, so you have to be alert. Spacing is the key to their offense, and they space the floor well, averaging 71 points a game while shooting 43% from the floor, 36% from 3. In terms of offensive efficiency, Western is in the top 100 nationally. Where they get into trouble is when they face teams who are quick and athletic, especially on the perimeter. If Western can't score outside, Reitz becomes a non-factor.Defensively, Western has improved from a year ago. They're in the top third of Division 1 in defensive efficiency and in the top 100 in field goal percentage defense. They play extremely hard on defense and are always in good position. On the boards, they are +5, thereby not giving up many second shot opportunities. Where they struggle is defending quick, multi-talented guards outside. They can be beaten off the dribble if you attack them 1on1. Western won't let you finish at the basket, they'll foul you and send you to the line. They only force 13 turnovers a game, putting a lot of pressure on the defense to be able to guard every possession.Last year, we trailed by 14 at the half at our place against these guys, but we came back and won on a Penno 3 at the horn. We turned the ball over 9 times and shot 35% in the 1st half; we only committed 2 turnovers and shot 68% in the 2nd half. We were more aggressive, attacked them inside and shut them down on the perimeter. More of the same has to happen Tuesday night. Western will take the first good shot they see, but they won't push the tempo too much because they want to wait for Reitz to get down the floor. We have to keep the ball on the perimeter, contest shots, then fight hard on the glass. Offensively, we'll need the same balance from our 3 main cogs that we've had lately. TPo had a big night last year. I think he and Kenny could have nice games this year. But we can't waste possessions with turnovers and we have to be careful with fouls since they are deep.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-02-11T13:46:00-05:00Toledo (7-13, 4-4) at Miami (10-10, 4-4)
http://www.miamihawktalk.com/home/news/story/toledo_7_13_4_4_at_miami_10_10_4_4/
The Rockets come in with a lot of confidence after winning a barnburner at home over Kent St. Toledo has won 18 straight home conference games, including their first 4 this year. But Toledo has had trouble translating that success to the road where they are 0-12 this year. They lost at NIU by 16, Western by 13, Eastern by 24, and Akron by 16. Coach Stan Joplin has a team that can give opponents fits with their streaky play and athleticism on defense. If they can find some offensive consistency, they can become a dangerous team come tournament time.Projected Starters:G Anthony Byrd, 6'1 Jr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 35% FG, 29% 3PFG, 88% FT. Listed as the starting point guard, but doesn't handle the ball much. Doesn't have a jump shot. Shoots a set shot from the outside and needs time to get it off.G Ridley Johnson, 6'4 Jr. 9 pts, 3 reb. 36% FG, 32% 3PFG, 73% FT. Has a nice shooting stroke from the outside, can't leave open. Have to make him put it on the floor and create in tight spots. He can pull up and hit the 16-footer, but not if he's tightly guarded. When he tries to play the point, he struggles handling the ball.F Jonathan Amos, 6'3 Jr. 12 pts, 5 reb, 3 steals. 44% FG, 33% 3PFG, 62% FT. Shares the ballhandling duties with Kent, but is more of a creator. Has really quick hands on defense. Can steal it from you while you're dribbling or just holding the ball. Not a bad shooter, but looks to go to the basket first. Sometimes plays out-of-control and turns the ball over frequently.F Tyrone Kent, 6'5 Jr. 18 pts, 4 reb, 3 ass. 37% FG, 33% 3PFG, 79% FT. Good all-around game, true triple-threat. Can dribble-drive, pull up, or hit the deep ball. Strong player who can get his shot away against anyone.F Jerrah Young, 6'7 Sr. 9 pts, 6 reb. 47% FG, 60% FT. An athletic post player, likes to face up and drive to the basket. Does possess a turnaround jumper in the post. Not particularly strong, but very athletic.Off the Bench:G Corey Bingham, 6'3 Fr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 35% FG, 29% 3PFG, 47% FT. Much better shooter than the numbers indicate. He has a bright future ahead of him the way he plays.F Mohammed Lo, 6'8 Fr. 2 pts, 2 reb. 41% FG, 43% FT. Big body off the bench. Strong on the boards, but when it comes to scoring, his footwork isn't there yet. Tends to shuffle his feet.Offensively, the Rockets will spread the floor and put Young or Lo on the block to flash into the lane. They like to run some triangle action on one side of the floor. Kent or Amos will pass to the wing, Johnson or Byrd will fill. Whoever made the entry pass will run off a screen and catch the ball on the wing and will go 1-on-1 or pick and roll. They also like to free Kent and Amos up by running them off 2 singular elbow screens. Occassionally, they'll overcrowd one side of the floor and run a double screen for someone. Toledo wants to dribble-drive and kick, get you moving on defense, hoping that an opening is created for a lane to the basket or a jump shot.Defensively, Toledo makes you feel uncomfortable for 40 minutes. They're all quick, have long arms, are extremely athletic and turn defense into offense very quickly. They fly to the ball defensively and go for broke. But they play sound team defense and do a pretty good job on the weak side. They get their hands on a lot of balls, especially around the basket, making it hard to finish outside. They don't rebound well because they're small and they don't do a good job of boxing out. Toledo is in the bottom quarter of Division 1 in shot selection, field goal percentage and offensive efficiency. They only average 59 points a game, shoot 40% from the field, 31% from 3, average 10 assists a game as opposed to 16 turnovers. If you stay sound on defense and prevent dribble penetration, Toledo will start forcing perimeter shots and the quality of their shot selection will deteriorate. On the other side of the ball, Toledo is in the top third of Division 1 in defensive efficiency and in the top 40 in 3 point field goal percentage defense. They only allow 32% shooting from 3 and force 18 turnovers a game. They are difficult to shoot over on the perimeter because of their length. We should look to back door frequently, take advantage of Toledo's aggressiveness on defense. And we can't give them second shots defensively since they struggle to score.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-02-05T23:19:00-05:00Miami (9-10, 3-4) at Ball State (3-16, 2-5)
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The Cardinals come into Saturday's game 2-5 in league play after losing to BG by 10. BSU defeated Central by 11 and Eastern by 4 at home. Their other league losses came on the road to Toledo by 4, Western by 26, NIU by 2 and OU by 2. In non-conference play, they were saddled with playing the likes of Butler, Georgetown, St. Joe's, Valpo, and Purdue while undermanned and small. Even with a 3-16 record, new coach Billy Taylor has done a good job, as his team has been competitive in almost all of their games and with the exception of the loss to Western, have been even more competitive in league play. To say Ball St. plays small is an understatement, but Muncie is still a tough place to play and would still be a good win for us.Projected Starters:G Melvin Goins, 5'9 Fr. 8 pts, 3 reb. 31% FG, 23% 3PFG, 80% FT. Quick guard who has held his own for a freshman. Has a 1:1 assist/turnover ratio, which is very acceptable for a freshman in a 4 guard offense. Had a season high 18 in their last game vs. BG.G Peyton Stovall, 6'1 Sr. 14 pts, 6 reb. 44% FG, 39% 3PFG, 73% FT. Now 100% after his ACL injury 2 years ago. He can take you off the dribble, pull for the mid-range jumper or hit the deep ball. He's a tremendous competitor and the team leader. He could've left after the scandal but he didn't. He's scored in double figures all but 4 games and has 2 double-doubles, amazing for a 6'1 guard!G Rob Giles, 6'4 Jr. 3 pts, 2 reb. 36% FG, 25% 3PFG, 53% FT. JUCO transfer presents a little more size and a better defensive matchup. F Malik Perry, 6'4 Fr. 8 pts, 6 reb. 51% FG, 49% FT. Can work down low because he's very quick and athletic. He wants to go to the basket and finish. You have to make him shoot the ball and if he beats you, foul him hard. When he gets the ball, he's looking to score. He only has 7 assists compared to 36 turnovers.F Anthony Newell, 6'5 Jr. 19 pts, 7 reb. 43% FG, 27% 3PFG, 65% FT. Missed 9 games due to a foot injury, but has come back strong. Has 3 point range, but is best around the basket and in that 12 to 15 foot range. Plays bigger and stronger than his frame. Has 4 20-point games and 2 double-doubles.Off the Bench:G Brandon Lampley, 6' Jr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 24% FG, 18% 3PFG, 81% FT.G Laron Frazier, 6' Jr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 34% FG, 24% 3PFG, 67% FT.F Rashaun McLemore, 6'4 So. 5 pts, 2 reb. 44% FG, 14% 3PFG, 36% FT.Offensively, Ball St. will be patient, spreading the floor, trying to take advantage of their guards and bring bigger defenders out to the perimeter and make them defend. Look for a lot of pass and cut action, trying to keep the defense moving. When Coach Taylor gets his players in, they'll run more motion as his teams did at Lehigh, but for now, they have to spread the floor, penetrate and kick, and make jump shots. Points don't come easy for the Cardinals. Because of their quickness, the Cards do get to the foul line, giving them some chances at easy points. Their bench, though not very deep, does a good job of taking care of the ball.Defensively, look for a lot of man, but some zone as well. Whatever defense they're in, they will play hard. They're being outrebounded over the course of the year, but they fight hard on the glass. But if you can get past their ball pressure, there's no big shot blocking threat waiting in the paint.Ball St. is in the bottom quarter of Division 1 in every major statistical offensive category. They're averaging 57 points, only shooting 39%, 27% from 3. When 2 of your top 8 players are the only ones with significant experience while playing on a small, under-manned team, you're going to struggle. Defensively, their numbers are better, but they still allow teams to shoot 46%, 40% from 3. For us, we need to take care of the ball and make BSU play defense, especially inside. Everything should work inside-out. Defensively, stop dribble penetration and don't let a 3rd scorer emerge. Contain Stovall and Newell as best as possible, but they'll get theirs. Don't let anyone else break out and have a big day.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-02-01T15:34:00-05:00Miami (8-10, 2-4) at Northern Illinois (5-13, 2-4)
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The Huskies enter Wednesday's game 2-4 in league play after losing by 4 at BG in their first crossover game. The Huskies have rebounded after losing their first 6 games of the year with victories over Lamar, Air Force, Arkansas-Little Rock, Toledo by 16 and Ball St. by 2, all at home. NIU has lost at Western by 17, at Central by 14 and Eastern by 4 at home in league play. NIU played at Indiana St. and lost by 10 in non-conference play. Coach Ricardo Patton has been forced to play 5 guys who hadn't played Division 1 basketball before after losing returnees Ryan Paradise and Zach Pancratz to injury. But NIU has played better of late and have defended their home court well, going 5-2 at the Convocation Center. Projected Starters:G Jarvis Nichols, 6'2 Jr. 10 pts, 3 reb. 39% FG, 34% 3PFG, 80% FT. JUCO transfer who has shot the ball well of late. After getting off to a slow start, he's shooting 52% from downtown in conference play.G Darion Anderson, 6'2 Fr. 9 pts, 5 reb. 36% FG, 25% 3PFG, 71% FT. Big guard, especially for a freshman, weighs 200 lbs. Has had 20-point games and a double-double at BG.F Sean Smith, 6'7 Jr. 7 pts, 3 reb. 42% FG, 88% FT. JUCO transfer from traditional power Vincennes. Athletic, scores well around the basket. Averaging 12 points in MAC play.F Shaun Logan, 6'7 Sr. 9 pts, 5 reb. 45% FG, 39% 3PFG, 69% FT. Capable of putting up bigger numbers and has in certain games. Prone to foul trouble since he's the biggest (in terms of body) and most aggressive inside player. Had 9 and 5 against us last year.C Egan Grafel, 6'10 Sr. 8 pts, 6 reb. 51% FG, 66% FT. Tall, but not very big. Good offensive rebounder. Had double-doubles vs. UMass and Ball St.Off the Bench:G Michael Patton, 5'10 Fr. 7 pts, 39% FG, 36% 3PFG, 67% FT. Coach's son. Hit 4 3s vs. Notre Dame and Western. Had 20 points off the bench vs. Western. G Jeremy Landers, 6'2 Fr. 4 pts, 2 reb. 36% FG, 32% 3PFG, 57% FT. Struggling as of late, did get 14 off the bench in back-to-back wins over Lamar and Air Force.F Michael Hart, 6'7 Sr. 5 pts, 2 reb. 50% FG, 70% FT. 1st year of really contributing. Hit double-figures twice off the bench earlier this year.Offensively, NIU wants to play fast and maximize their athleticism. They're going to be aggressive, take quick shots and crash the boards. Nichols and Patton are dangerous from the outside, and Anderson is one of the better freshmen in the league. If they have to play in the half-court, NIU will run quite a bit of pick and roll or spread the floor and go 1-on-1.Defensively, NIU will put a lot of man pressure on the ball and look to create steals with some overplay. However, with a lot of guys who are still learning how to play at the Division 1 level, their help defense isn't very good and they give up a lot of 2nd opportunities.NIU is in the bottom 3rd of Division 1 in almost every statistical category. Offensively, they only shoot 41% from the floor, 31% from 3, and 67% from the line, not to mention they turn the ball over 18 times a game. The more possessions they can get, the more it gives them a chance to score. So controlling tempo will be vital. At the other end, they give up 75 points a game, 45% shooting, 40% from 3. Patience on offense, good shot selection and taking of the ball will be key.Men's Sports, Men's Basketballmz3432008-01-29T22:37:00-05:00