Former Jasper Chris SmithTrying To Make Knicks

MAAC players who eventually make an NBA roster are few and far between, but former Manhattan standout Chris Smith looks to have a legitimate chance this season.

Smith, the younger brother of the New York Knicks' sixth man deluxe J.R. Smith, is currently on that team's training camp roster hoping to make enough of an impression to sign a contract for the regular season.

Smith played two seasons at Manhattan. He averaged 9.9 points per game as a freshman in the 2007-08 season and 13.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a sophomore in the 2008-09 season. Included was a 35-point explosion against Princeton during his sophomore campaign.

After that, he transferred out taking his talents to Louisville where he was a two-year starter. As a senior (2011-12) he averaged 9.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game for his team that made it to the Final Four.

There, however, the Cardinals dropped a 69-61 decision to a loaded Kentucky team in the NCAA tournament's semifinal round contest. Smith had eight points on 3-of-11 shooting from the floor in that game.

Smith then began chasing a pro career and did well on the Knicks' 2012 Summer League team, averaging 10.4 points per game. But, following that, he had patella tendon surgery in October of 2012 to remove bone fragments and he couldn't even resume workouts for the next four months.

We remember Smith, an athletic 6-foot-3, 200-pounder, as much for his versatility as for his scoring exploits. His relatively high assist totals throughout college, both at Manhattan and Louisville, were indicative of his versatility and all-around game.

Now, he's trying to make the Knicks as a back-up point guard.

There's a nice story in today's New York Post about Smith's plight.

"Everyone just thinks I'm here because of (his brother) J.R.," Smith told the Post. "But I'm here because (the Knicks) see potential in me. I have to focus on what I have to do, lock in and get the job done and be determined."

Smith told the Post that he tries to be the first player to arrive at daily practice sessions and is often the last to leave.

"I like my chances," Smith said, in the article. "I'm fully confident I'll be playing here. But if it doesn't happen, maybe it's overseas or the D-League."

We do recall thinking, after watching Smith play several times with the Jaspers, that he looked to be the type of player who definitely had a professional future.

And, now, he's on the verge of making that happen.

Recruiting: Fairfield Women add Height, Athleticism

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FAIRFIELD WOMEN

- Kelsey Carey, a 6-foot-0 freshman forward: She scored a Staten Island record 2,174 career points over four seasons at St. Joseph Hill Academy, including 610 total points as a junior and 727 points as a senior. "Kelsey is a physical, blue collar performer who does all the things you look for," said Fairfield coach Joe Frager, in a release issued by the school. "She has a soft shooting touch and a knack for scoring around the basket.

- Sam Cooper, a 6-2 freshman forward: She averaged 24.8 points and 10.0 rebounds per game this past season at Lockerby Composite School in Ontario, Canada, and was named the school's Athlete of the Year three times. She has also played two seasons on Team Canada's junior national team. "Samantha provides great length at the small forward position," said Frager. "She can hit the three, or post up. Samanta comes to us with international playing experience, which is always a plus."

- Kristine Miller, a 6-1 freshman forward: She averaged 19.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.00 assists per game at Cedar Creek H.S. in N.J. She was the Atlantic City Press newspaper's Player of the Year in each of the past two seasons. "Kristine is a post player who brings tremendous athleticism and energy," said Frager. "She's tough with her back to the basket and is a very good rebounder."

- Casey Smith, a 6-2 sophomore forward: She spent her freshman season in college at St. Joseph's University, but missed the entire year due to an injury. She is awaiting a decision on whether she will receive a waiver to play this season. A native of Danbury, Conn., she averaged 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game as a high school senior. "She had a standout (high school) career," said Frager. "We recruited her hard coming out of high school, and we're extremely happy to have her now.. As a post, she brings athleticism and the ability to face up or score inside."

- Margeaux Dupuy, a 5-6 junior guard: She transfers in after two seasons at Marquette University where she was lightly used, averaging just 5.8 minutes while appearing in six games last season. She will sit out this season and be eligible to play during the 2014-15 season. "Margeaux brings combo guard skills with the versatility to play either the point or two-guard position," Frager said. "She will provide quickness and a three-point scoring touch."

ANALYSIS: Fairfield has had great success with slightly undersized, athletic forwards, and both Carey and Miller appear in that mold. Cooper, on the other hand, is a tall player who appears to do her best work on the perimeter. If Smith becomes eligible, she will be a big part of the Stags' program, if not this year then certainly in the future. Dupuy was good enough to be recruited by and play for a higher-level program, and will also help when she becomes eligible a year from now. Fairfield returns a considerably strong group from a year ago, meaning the incoming players can probably contribute off the bench. But the apparent quality of the incoming players indicates several of them will be in the playing group.

Recruiting: Transfers, Guards To Help Fairfield Men

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FAIRFIELD MEN

- Doug Chappell, a 6-2, 175-pound freshman guard: He averaged about 14 points per game as a high school senior at Episcopal H.S. in Alexandria, Va.

- Sean Grennan, a 6-3, 175-pound sophomore guard: He was at Fairfield, as a redshirt, last season after transferring from Seton Hall. He played one season at Seton Hall and only scored 10 total points but missed time due to appendicitis and wasn't 100 percent for much of the season. He scored over 1,400 points in four years at the high school level at Monsignor Donovan H.S. in Toms River, N.J.

- Lincoln Davis, a 6-3, 170-pound freshman guard:  He played last season at New Hampton Prep school where he averaged about 18 points per game.. Prior to that, as a high school senior at Central Catholic H.S. in Pittsburgh he averaged 19 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest.

- K.J. Rose, a 6-1, 190-pound freshman guard: He averaged more than 16 points per game this past season while leading his Binghamton (N.Y.) High School team to the New York State Regional tournament's semifinal round. As a junior he was selected as the best player in the state at his level by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York.

- Steve Smith, a 6-9, 190-pound freshman forward: He was a three-year starter at La Salle H.S. in Philadelphia and averaged about 10 points per game as a senior. He is a standout long-range shooter who made seven three-pointers in one game last season.

- Malcolm Gilbert, a 6-11, 235-pound sophomore center: He is a transfer from Pittsburgh where he was redshirting during the 2012-13 season. He came to Fairfield after the first semester and, then, received a favorable ruling on an NCAA waiver and is eligible to play immediately for the Stags. He played 19 games as a freshman at Pitt, only averaging 4.9 minutes per game and scoring 10 total points and getting 16 total rebounds. As a high school senior at the Academy of the New Church he averaged 6.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game.

ANALYSIS: Two of the newcomers, Gilbert and Grennan, come from higher-level programs and should play relatively significant roles right away. Gilbert can score in bunches, and Gilbert can have an impact on the defensive end and with his rebounding. Davis had originally planned to join Fairfield last season but opted for a year of prep school, instead, and had a standout season at that level. Smith needs to add some bulk to his slender frame, but is reputed to be a terrific scorer from the perimeter. The program graduated its top three guards from last season, so time is available for Grennan, Davis, Chappell and Rose, who will be strongly in the mix to play at the point.

Recruiting: Manhattan Women Add Height, Offense

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MANHATTAN WOMEN

- Jacqui Thompson, a 5-foot-3 junior point guard: She is a transfer from Wagner and will have to sit up the upcoming season and, then, have two years of eligibility remaining. She led Wagner in assists in each of her two seasons there and, overall, averaged 5.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. "We are thrilled to add Jacqui ..." said Manhattan coach John Olenowski, in a release issued by the school. "She is an experienced, tough point guard with a great knowledge of the game who will be a perfect fit to our system."

- Kayla Grimme, a 6-2 freshman center: She averaged 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game as a senior at Altoona (Pa.) Area H.S. last season. She averaged 10.5 points per game as a junior. "Kayla is an outstanding rebounder, inside scorer and shot blocker who should be able to help us immediately," Olenowski said. "She is an extremely tough, hard-nosed player."

- Nicole Anderson, a 5-8 freshman guard: She was a four-year starter at Hill Regional (Ct.) Career H.S. and has been ranked one of that state's top 25 girls' players every year since 2010. She averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game as a high school senior. "Nicole is a great athlete who gets to the basket well," Olenowski said. "She can score off the dribble or shoot the three and is a sound defender."

- Alex Cohen, a 5-foot-9 freshman guard: No high school statistics are available, but Cohen, who played at the Tilton School in New Hampshire, has been a three-time league all star. She is reputed to be a standout three-point shooter who also has an all-around game. "Alex is a sound fundamental guard," Olenowski said. "She can swing at all three (guard) positions. A very good three-point shooter, she can also take it to the basket. She's a very intelligent player, and a very good defender, as well."

-Mikki Guiton, a 6-1 freshman center: She averaged 15.1 points per game as a senior at Perkiomen Valley H.S. near Philadelphia. "Mikki is a tremendous athlete and very strong inside on both the offensive and defensive ends," said Olenowski. "She has a nice, soft outside jump shot, and she can also drive. In addition, she's a top-notch rebounder and defender."

- Maeve Parahus, a 6-1 freshman guard: The graduate of Albertus Magnus H.S. in Bardonia, N.Y. She averaged 18.3 points per game as a junior and her career total of 1,220 points is the best in her school's history. She had a career-high 36-point effort in a sectional tournament game this past season. "Maeve's a flat-out tremendous outside shooter who can also take it to the rim or pull up for a jump shot," Olenowski said. "She's also a sound defensive player and she rebounds well. A very good athlete, she brings us great versatility."

ANALYSIS: Olenowski has indicated that he thinks all five incoming freshmen can help in the coming season, and much of that help will come on the offensive end.Anderson, Cohen and Parahus all appear to be capable offensive players and should help a team that was a little offensively challenged last season. The Jaspers also needed to add some height, and did so with Guiton and Grimme, both seemingly solid inside players. Parahus, though, appears to be the best of the bunch. Your Hoopscribe has picked her to be the conference's Rookie of the Year. She is a versatile player, but her long-range shooting ability is superior.

Is Marist Women's Team Worthy Of Top 25 Pick?

You'll rarely, maybe never, read a discouraging word here about the Marist women's basketball program.

How could you? The Red Foxes have dominated the MAAC so thoroughly for a decade that the need to recite their accomplishments is almost unnecessary.

But, in case you haven't been paying attention: The Marist women have been the conference's regular-season champion for the last 10 seasons, have gone to the NCAA tournament in nine of those years including the last eight, and have three perfect (18-0) league seasons, including 2012-13.

Its head coach Brian Giorgis is no longer a sideline "secret," now starting to get hi proper due as one of the best at his craft at any level. Plus, he is one of our league's all-time nice guys.

And, actually, our Marist-related "gripe" isn't about the team. It's about those who rank teams on a national level.

The first women's basketball preseason Top 25 list came to our notice recently. It was produced by USA Today's Sports Magazine.

Marist got picked as the 25th best team in the country.

The pollsters should have taken a closer look.

The Red Foxes graduated their leading scorer/second-leading rebounder and only true inside player in Elizabeth Beynnon. Her "replacement" appears to be a freshmen, and Giorgis only gives major roles to first-year players out of the most-dire of necessities.

In this case, it's because of the continued injury situation to the program's two quality post players, 6-foot-3 Tori Jarosz, who snapped an Achilles tendon this past spring, and 6-5 Delaney Hollenbeck, who continues to have issues with hard-to-diagnose leg injuries.

The last time we checked in with Giorgis he expected Hollenbeck to miss the entire year and was holding out hope that Jarocz could return by February, although there was no certainty about that.

Otherwise, Marist is well-stocked with every significant contributor other than Beynnon returning from a year ago. But Marist was small a year ago. This year, the best returning forward is 6-footer Emma O'Connor. Everyone else, other than freshmen, plays on the perimeter.

Marist won't just be small compared to other teams on the Top 25 list, but they'll be small compared to other MAAC teams.

It doesn't mean Marist won't have another terrific season. It got by a year ago without a single player averaging more than 4.7 rebounds per game. Giorgis is a good enough coach (and, has good enough players) to find other ways to continue to be dominant in the MAAC.

And, his program appeared capable of competing against opponents from higher-ranked leagues with the quality inside play that would be provided by Jarosz and Hollenbeck.

Without them? It's tough to expect the Red Foxes to have much success against the next level of opponents.

We won't go through the entire top 25 list, or even look at teams omitted that would appear better candidates than Marist for that list.

But, the team ranked one spot ahead of the Red Foxes is Purdue, and the two teams met a year ago in the early season Paradise Jam Tournament.

In that game, Purdue had a 39-19 lead at halftime and Marist never got closer than 18 in the second half. The Boilermakers return two of last season's top three scorers and four of their top seven.

Purdue's roster includes seven players at least 6-feet tall, with four of them 6-2 or taller. Marist has one healthy player taller than 6-1, and that's potential starter freshman Kat Fogarty, at 6-2.

The strong suspicion is that the top 25 preseason designation carries a great deal of respect for what Marist has accomplished over the past decade.

No argument there. Marist deserves all the respect that comes its way. No mid-major level program anywhere in the country can match that decade-long run, to date, under Giorgis.

We're just not sure right now, considering Marist's lack of tested post players, that the program should rank in the preseason top 25 nationally.

There's a big difference between power-conference teams that traditionally inhabit the Top 25 polls, and even the best teams from the MAAC. And, the emphasis is most definitely on "big."

Recruiting: Transfer Pankey Big Addition For Jaspers

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MANHATTAN MEN

- Rich Williams, a 6-foot-5, 190-pound freshman swingman: Williams played at the prep school level at Vermont Academy last season, and averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds per game. He is reported to be very athletic and with shooting range out beyond the three-point line. "We are very excited to have Rich join our Jasper family," said Masiello, in a statement released by the school. "He is an explosive wing who can play multiple positions in our style of play and provides us with another long-range scoring threat."

- Carlton Allen, a 6-10, 240-pound freshman center: He averaged 7.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game playing at Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J., last season. "We are so happy to sign Carlton ... a piece we haven't really had in this program, being a 6-10 wide-bodied player with great hands who runs the floor well," said Masiello. We feel our front line will be one of the better ones, then you add a guy like Carlton ... you have some serious bodies up front."

- Tyler Wilson, a 6-0, 175-pound freshman point guard: He averaged 12 points and 7 assists per game as a junior, but no senior season statistics are available. He helped lead his former high school, Cardinal Hayes, to the Catholic H.S. Athletic Association's Class AA intersectional semifinals as a junior. "Tyler is a winner ... a hard-nosed guard who is a terrific on-the-ball defender," said Manhattan coach Steve Masiello, in a statement released by the school. "He is another local product from the Bronx who we are excited to be a Jasper."

- Ashton Pankey, a 6-10, 225-pound sophomore center: He is a transfer from Maryland of the ACC who sat out last season at Manhattan and is eligible to play this year. At Maryland in 2011-12, he averaged 4.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game.

ANALYSIS: Manhattan returns four of last season's four starters, and would most certainly appear to have the fifth spot filled with returnee George Beamon, a senior swingman who led the MAAC in scoring in 2011-12 and, then, redshirted last season with foot and ankle issues. Pankey could be a real key for the Jaspers, although Manhttan will need to adjust to having two true post players (returning senior Rhamel Brown is the other) on the court at the same time. Allen, Williams and Wilson should get some time, and the luxury of getting acclimated to the college game while playing behind established upperclassmen this season.

Recruiting: Iona Women Add Size, Quickness, Depth

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IONA WOMEN

- Karynda DuPree, a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard: She is a transfer from La Salle, and has to sit out the upcoming season. At La Salle she started 15 games and averaged 2.7 points per game. As a senior at Wisconsin Lutheran H.S. in 2011-12 she averaged 12.8 points, 9.0 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game.

- Aurellia Cammock, a 5-11 freshman forward: She averaged 12.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game at South Shore H.S. in Brooklyn last season. "She is a never-give-in type player, and is the most tenacious rebounder we have brought into this program since Anna McLean," was the comment from former Iona coach Tony Bozzella (now at Seton Hall) at the time of Cammock's signing.

- Spencer Gray, a 5-7 freshman point guard: Not a big scorer, she averaged 4.1 assists per game at Centerville H.S. in Ohio this past season. She averaged 3.8 assists per game as a junior. "Spencer has all the tools you want to see in your point guard," said Bozzella, at the time of Gray's signing. "Her quickness and playmaking abilities will enable her to continue the tradition of strong point guard play at Iona."

- Christina Rubin, a 5-9 redshirt freshman guard/forward: She was at Iona last season but redshirted due to an injury. She is a standout long-range shooter, having made 182 career three-pointers at Moore Catholic H.S. in Staten Island. As a high school senior she averaged 18.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest.

ANALYSIS: Those were strong words of recommendation former coach Bozzella had for Cammock, calling her the most tenacious rebounder since Anna McLean, particularly considering Iona's Joy Adams, now a sophomore, led the MAAC in rebounding this past season. Rubin should add some outside scoring for  team that can already score in bunches. All five starters are back from a year ago, which should allow the three freshmen to break in as role players, while DuPree gets a full season of practice before she becomes eligible next season, and she should step right in for current senior center Sabrina Jeridore.