This isn't meant as a knock against anyone. It's more of a voice of support for another individual while being critical of an on-line site that attempts to pass off expertise about our league which it clearly doesn't have.
The item that nearly had me choking on my coffee this particular morning is that the site in question, "College Sports Madness" recently announced its all Mid-Major level preseason all stars. It also named a top coach for that level.
The site's preseason Coach of the Year for the mid-major level is Tricia Fabbri of MAAC newcomer Quinnipiac. Fabbri is also the site's preseason choice for the MAAC's Coach of the Year.
We have no qualms about Fabbri, coincidentally a MAAC product (a Fairfield grad) being recognized as an outstanding coach. She has been at Quinnipiac since the start of the 1995-96 season, has directed that program into the Division I level and has had a great deal of success there. Her team even finished 30-2 overall last season as a member of the Northeast Conference.
But, where do we begin about the "College Sports Madness" recognition?
How about being named the MAAC's Preseason Coach of the Year by the internet site, despite having never coached a game, yet, in our conference?
And, how about being named the mid-major level's Coach of the Year when there is a far-more deserving individual within our own league.
Did "College Sports Madness" some how, some way overlook Brian Giorgis at Marist?
OK, Fabbri's Quinnipiac team did finish 30-2 a year ago (Marist was 26-8), but the program's former affiliation is recognized as a half step below the MAAC.
And, Quinnipiac's overall schedule last season didn't begin to approach the non-league slate Giorgis set up for his team, one rated one of the 10 toughest nationally for 2012-13.
Overall, Fabbri has 273 career victories as a coach in 18 seasons. Giorgis has 277 in 11 years.
To be fair, Quinnipiac was a fledgling Division I program for some of Fabbri's early years there. So, we'll compare only the past 11 seasons, or since Giorgis became the Marist coach.
Here are those records: Fabbri at Quinnipiac, 211-117. Giorgis at Marist, 277-77.
Giorgis' winning percentage of 78.2 is the fourth best nationally of any active coach. That's not just the mid-major level ... that's any level of the sport.
Fabbri was named the NEC's Coach of the Year for the 2012-13 season, and rightly so.
But for anyone from the MAAC,, other than Giorgis, to be recognized as the top mid-major level coach nationally ... well, someone didn't look closely enough. Or, doesn't have enough insight to be making such judgments.
It says here that Giorgis isn't just the best mid-major level coach in the country, but that he's one of the best nationally at any level.
To make a case otherwise is just plain wrong.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Recruiting: Quinnipiac Men Fill On-Court Needs
Here's another in the series looking at players joining conference programs for the coming season.
Up now ...
QUINNIPIAC MEN
- Umar Shannon, a 5-11, 185-pound senior guard: He joins Quinnipiac as a grad student eligible for this coming season after playing three seasons for Saint Francis. He sat out his junior year there with a a knee injury. He came back last year to average 11.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Prior to his injury he averaged 15.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a sophomore. "Umar brings a wealth of experience and talent to our backcourt," said coach Tom Moore, in a release issued by the school. We are obviously very familiar with his game ... He is a strong, talented combo guard who has proven he can score and distribute the ball very well at this level."
- Kasim Chandler, a 5-10, 160-pound freshman guard: He averaged 23 points and six assists per game last season at The Robinson School of New Jersey. He had a career high of 31 points in an East Coast Post Grad Tournament contest this past season. Prior to his prep school year he attended Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh. There, he averaged 23.2 points and 6.8 assists per game in the 2011-12 season. "He is a talented point guard ... very good with the ball and highly effective in transition," said Moore. "He is a very creative passer who should help us a great deal offensively, both on the fast break and in the half court."
- Aula Sumbry, a 6-8, 240-pound freshman forward: A true post player who played at St. Benedict's Prep School in Newark, N.J. last season where he averaged 16.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per contest. "He is an aggressive power forward who rebounds the ball very well at both ends," said Moore. "(He is also a very good shot blocker and post defender. He has a soft touch and good hands which will help him to contribute offensively right away."
- Alain Chigha, a 6-7, 200-pound freshman forward: He is a native of Cameroon. He averaged 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over his sophomore and junior seasons at The Rock School in Gainesville, Fla., but no senior statistics are available. He did have a 17-point, 19-rebound performance as a senior in a tournament contest. "He is a terrific small forward who can really defend and shoot the ball well," said Moore. "He is very athletic and works very hard. He will bring an element of size and athleticism to our perimeter."
ANALYSIS: The program needed help at point guard, and brought in two quality candidates in Shannon, a senior transfer, and Chandler, a freshman. It also added strong inside play with Sumbry and an effective, versatile perimeter player in Chigha.
Up now ...
QUINNIPIAC MEN
- Umar Shannon, a 5-11, 185-pound senior guard: He joins Quinnipiac as a grad student eligible for this coming season after playing three seasons for Saint Francis. He sat out his junior year there with a a knee injury. He came back last year to average 11.2 points, 3.3 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Prior to his injury he averaged 15.8 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game as a sophomore. "Umar brings a wealth of experience and talent to our backcourt," said coach Tom Moore, in a release issued by the school. We are obviously very familiar with his game ... He is a strong, talented combo guard who has proven he can score and distribute the ball very well at this level."
- Kasim Chandler, a 5-10, 160-pound freshman guard: He averaged 23 points and six assists per game last season at The Robinson School of New Jersey. He had a career high of 31 points in an East Coast Post Grad Tournament contest this past season. Prior to his prep school year he attended Imani Christian Academy in Pittsburgh. There, he averaged 23.2 points and 6.8 assists per game in the 2011-12 season. "He is a talented point guard ... very good with the ball and highly effective in transition," said Moore. "He is a very creative passer who should help us a great deal offensively, both on the fast break and in the half court."
- Aula Sumbry, a 6-8, 240-pound freshman forward: A true post player who played at St. Benedict's Prep School in Newark, N.J. last season where he averaged 16.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per contest. "He is an aggressive power forward who rebounds the ball very well at both ends," said Moore. "(He is also a very good shot blocker and post defender. He has a soft touch and good hands which will help him to contribute offensively right away."
- Alain Chigha, a 6-7, 200-pound freshman forward: He is a native of Cameroon. He averaged 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game over his sophomore and junior seasons at The Rock School in Gainesville, Fla., but no senior statistics are available. He did have a 17-point, 19-rebound performance as a senior in a tournament contest. "He is a terrific small forward who can really defend and shoot the ball well," said Moore. "He is very athletic and works very hard. He will bring an element of size and athleticism to our perimeter."
ANALYSIS: The program needed help at point guard, and brought in two quality candidates in Shannon, a senior transfer, and Chandler, a freshman. It also added strong inside play with Sumbry and an effective, versatile perimeter player in Chigha.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Recruiting: Monmouth Women Add Many Key Parts
Here's another in the series looking at players joining conference programs for the coming season.
Up now ...
MONMOUTH WOMEN
- Mia Hopkins, a 5-foot-10 freshman guard: She averaged more than 20 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior at Pittstown (Pa.) Area High School and finished her career there with totals of more than 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds. She scored 39 points in one high school game and pulled in 29 rebounds in another. "Mia brings size, versatility and athleticism to our perimeter play," said Monmouth coach Jenny Palmateer. "She has a true passion for basketball and it shows in everything she does."
- Jenny Horvatinovic, a 5-11 freshman guard/forward: She averaged 16.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a senior at Red Lion (Pa.) Area H.S. and scored 1,100 career points there. "Jenny brings size and athleticism to our perimeter play," said Palmateer. "She is an effective scorer and passer with a great basketball IQ."
- Christina Mitchell, a 6-4 freshman center/forward): She averaged 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game as a senior at Baltimore's Maryland Academy of Technical and Health Services. She averaged 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per game as a junior and 14.9 and 4.8 in those two statistical categories as a sophomore. "Chris brings size and athleticism to our interior game with the ability to defend and block shots," said Palmateer."
- Sophie Beaudry, a 6-4 freshman center: She played at College Dawson in Monntreal and her team recorded an 18-0 record this past season. She averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds there last season, despite playing through several injuries.
- India Dotson, a 6-0 redshirt freshman forward: She played three years of high school basketball at Frederick (Md.) High School before foregoing her senior season to graduate early and join Monmouth's program a year early. She redshirted last season, but was able to practice with the Monmouth team. In high school she averaged 9.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior, her last season before leaving school a year early.
- Helena Kurt, a 5-5 freshman guard: She is a native of Spanga, Sweden and played for the Swedish U20 National Team at the 2013 U20 European Championships, averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in that tournament. She led her team to the Swedish National Championship in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Her school team, Damiligan, compiled a 75-13 record over her four seasons in that program.
- Sarah Olson, a 5-8 junior guard/forward: She is a transfer from NJIT and, as per NCAA rules, will redshirt over the upcoming season and become eligible for the 2014-15 season. As a sophomore at NJIT she started 20 of the team's 31 games and averaged 7.4 points per game. She averaged 7.7 ppg. as a freshman. She has made six three pointers in a game four times over her two seasons at NJIT.
ANALYSIS: The incoming group should help the program's transition to the MAAC, and ensure a strong future for the Hawks. The newcomers bring a little bit of everything. Olson, who isn't eligible this season, will eventually be one of the MAAC's best long-range shooters. Kurt is a prototypical point guard. Dotson is an athletic slasher who already has a year of practice experience on the college level. Beaudry and Mitchell bring the type height that isn't often seen at this level. And, Horvatinovic and Hopkins are both tall and versatile perimeter players. It should be fun for fans of the program to watch this group develop over the next couple of seasons.
Up now ...
MONMOUTH WOMEN
- Mia Hopkins, a 5-foot-10 freshman guard: She averaged more than 20 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior at Pittstown (Pa.) Area High School and finished her career there with totals of more than 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds. She scored 39 points in one high school game and pulled in 29 rebounds in another. "Mia brings size, versatility and athleticism to our perimeter play," said Monmouth coach Jenny Palmateer. "She has a true passion for basketball and it shows in everything she does."
- Jenny Horvatinovic, a 5-11 freshman guard/forward: She averaged 16.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game as a senior at Red Lion (Pa.) Area H.S. and scored 1,100 career points there. "Jenny brings size and athleticism to our perimeter play," said Palmateer. "She is an effective scorer and passer with a great basketball IQ."
- Christina Mitchell, a 6-4 freshman center/forward): She averaged 12.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game as a senior at Baltimore's Maryland Academy of Technical and Health Services. She averaged 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per game as a junior and 14.9 and 4.8 in those two statistical categories as a sophomore. "Chris brings size and athleticism to our interior game with the ability to defend and block shots," said Palmateer."
- Sophie Beaudry, a 6-4 freshman center: She played at College Dawson in Monntreal and her team recorded an 18-0 record this past season. She averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds there last season, despite playing through several injuries.
- India Dotson, a 6-0 redshirt freshman forward: She played three years of high school basketball at Frederick (Md.) High School before foregoing her senior season to graduate early and join Monmouth's program a year early. She redshirted last season, but was able to practice with the Monmouth team. In high school she averaged 9.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior, her last season before leaving school a year early.
- Helena Kurt, a 5-5 freshman guard: She is a native of Spanga, Sweden and played for the Swedish U20 National Team at the 2013 U20 European Championships, averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game in that tournament. She led her team to the Swedish National Championship in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. Her school team, Damiligan, compiled a 75-13 record over her four seasons in that program.
- Sarah Olson, a 5-8 junior guard/forward: She is a transfer from NJIT and, as per NCAA rules, will redshirt over the upcoming season and become eligible for the 2014-15 season. As a sophomore at NJIT she started 20 of the team's 31 games and averaged 7.4 points per game. She averaged 7.7 ppg. as a freshman. She has made six three pointers in a game four times over her two seasons at NJIT.
ANALYSIS: The incoming group should help the program's transition to the MAAC, and ensure a strong future for the Hawks. The newcomers bring a little bit of everything. Olson, who isn't eligible this season, will eventually be one of the MAAC's best long-range shooters. Kurt is a prototypical point guard. Dotson is an athletic slasher who already has a year of practice experience on the college level. Beaudry and Mitchell bring the type height that isn't often seen at this level. And, Horvatinovic and Hopkins are both tall and versatile perimeter players. It should be fun for fans of the program to watch this group develop over the next couple of seasons.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Recruiting: Monmouth Men Add Guard Play, Height
Here's another in the series looking at newcomers joining conference programs for the upcoming season.
Up now ...
MONMOUTH MEN
- Josh James, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman guard: A combo guard who averaged 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game this past season as a senior at Archbishop Stepanic H.S. in White Plains. Included was a 34-point outburst in his final scholastic game, a loss in the Cathlic High School Athletic Association's state tournament's semifinal round. "Josh is a tough young man that scores the ball," said Monmouth coach King Rice, in a statement released by the school. "He can play the one and the two, and is a great competitor. He should be able to step in and help us."
- Greg Noack, a 6-7, 190-pound freshman forward: He averaged 12.8 points per game as a senior at Liberty H.S. in Bethlehem, Pa., after averaging 13.2 ppg. as a junior. Your Hoopscribe saw Noack play several times on the AAU circuit, and recognized him to be a hard-nosed combo forward who is capable of going outside to make mid-range shots, or driving hard to the rim. "Greg is a long athlete that can step away and shoot and is the prototypical four man," said Rice. "He runs the floor well, is very athletic and well skilled."
- Zachary Tillman, a 6-9, 280-pound freshman center: He averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a senior at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pa., this past season. "Zach is a wide body that has great hands, scores around the rim and also rebounds outside of his area," said Rice.
- Deon Jones, a 6-6, 210-pound sophomore guard: He was at Monmouth last season after transferring in from Towson, and is now eligible with three remaining seasons of eligibility. He started all 32 games as a freshman at Towson, averaging 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. He averaged 18.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a high school senior at Sanford (Del.) H.S., and was Delaware's Player of the Year as a senior. He is a big guard who can get to the rim.
-= Justin Robinson, a 5-8, 165-pound freshman guard: The Kingston (N.Y.) High School graduate averaged 17.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.9 steals and 3.8 rebounds per game this past season. He was the MVP of the 2012 GymRat AAU basketball tournament held in the Albany, N.Y., area. Based on what we saw of Robinson in that event, he is adept at running a team while also finding offense for himself, either from the perimeter of sneaking inside.
- Marcelo Ruedinger, a 6-10, 220-pound freshman center: He averaged 6.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game at the Lee Academy in Maine, and made big strides after being primarily a role player there in his first season at the school. A true back-to-the-basket inside player who is originally from Brazil, he also reportedly can consistently make mid-range jumpers.
- Chris Brady, a 6-9, 250-pound freshman center: He averaged 10.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and seven blocked shots per game this past season as a senior at Harborfields H.S. in Greenlawn, N.Y.
- Collin Stewart, a 6-7, 200-pound freshman guard: He was a redshirt at Monmouth last season. He averaged 29.6 points per game at Merkeel Christian Academy in Scotia, N.Y. in the 2011-12 season as a high school senior.
- Vuk Baletic, a 6-9, 225-pound freshman center: No statistics available. He attended Proctor Academy in New Hampshire last season. Reported to be a versatile, multi-talented player capable of playing any of the three front-court spots.
ANALYSIS: A program that occasionally had no player taller than 6-6 on the court last season got big in a big way in the off season. Four players at least 6-9 are on this year's roster, along with another one, 6-7 Greg Noack, who is a good inside player. But, the smallest newcomer, Robinson, might have the biggest impact as he competes for the starting point guard spot. He is a very good one. The bad news is that all the height comes with inexperience. It's extremely rare that a "big" comes in and contributes as a freshman at this level, and Monmouth's infusion of big men will probably need at least a year of development before any of them become significant contributors. The team's best players will still reside on the perimeter. In addition to Robinson, there are two other outstanding guards coming aboard in transfer Deon Jones and freshman Josh James. there's also redshirt freshman Collin Stewart who was a big-time scorer in high school.
Up now ...
MONMOUTH MEN
- Josh James, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound freshman guard: A combo guard who averaged 18.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game this past season as a senior at Archbishop Stepanic H.S. in White Plains. Included was a 34-point outburst in his final scholastic game, a loss in the Cathlic High School Athletic Association's state tournament's semifinal round. "Josh is a tough young man that scores the ball," said Monmouth coach King Rice, in a statement released by the school. "He can play the one and the two, and is a great competitor. He should be able to step in and help us."
- Greg Noack, a 6-7, 190-pound freshman forward: He averaged 12.8 points per game as a senior at Liberty H.S. in Bethlehem, Pa., after averaging 13.2 ppg. as a junior. Your Hoopscribe saw Noack play several times on the AAU circuit, and recognized him to be a hard-nosed combo forward who is capable of going outside to make mid-range shots, or driving hard to the rim. "Greg is a long athlete that can step away and shoot and is the prototypical four man," said Rice. "He runs the floor well, is very athletic and well skilled."
- Zachary Tillman, a 6-9, 280-pound freshman center: He averaged 12.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a senior at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pa., this past season. "Zach is a wide body that has great hands, scores around the rim and also rebounds outside of his area," said Rice.
- Deon Jones, a 6-6, 210-pound sophomore guard: He was at Monmouth last season after transferring in from Towson, and is now eligible with three remaining seasons of eligibility. He started all 32 games as a freshman at Towson, averaging 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. He averaged 18.0 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a high school senior at Sanford (Del.) H.S., and was Delaware's Player of the Year as a senior. He is a big guard who can get to the rim.
-= Justin Robinson, a 5-8, 165-pound freshman guard: The Kingston (N.Y.) High School graduate averaged 17.1 points, 6.4 assists, 3.9 steals and 3.8 rebounds per game this past season. He was the MVP of the 2012 GymRat AAU basketball tournament held in the Albany, N.Y., area. Based on what we saw of Robinson in that event, he is adept at running a team while also finding offense for himself, either from the perimeter of sneaking inside.
- Marcelo Ruedinger, a 6-10, 220-pound freshman center: He averaged 6.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game at the Lee Academy in Maine, and made big strides after being primarily a role player there in his first season at the school. A true back-to-the-basket inside player who is originally from Brazil, he also reportedly can consistently make mid-range jumpers.
- Chris Brady, a 6-9, 250-pound freshman center: He averaged 10.0 points, 12.0 rebounds and seven blocked shots per game this past season as a senior at Harborfields H.S. in Greenlawn, N.Y.
- Collin Stewart, a 6-7, 200-pound freshman guard: He was a redshirt at Monmouth last season. He averaged 29.6 points per game at Merkeel Christian Academy in Scotia, N.Y. in the 2011-12 season as a high school senior.
- Vuk Baletic, a 6-9, 225-pound freshman center: No statistics available. He attended Proctor Academy in New Hampshire last season. Reported to be a versatile, multi-talented player capable of playing any of the three front-court spots.
ANALYSIS: A program that occasionally had no player taller than 6-6 on the court last season got big in a big way in the off season. Four players at least 6-9 are on this year's roster, along with another one, 6-7 Greg Noack, who is a good inside player. But, the smallest newcomer, Robinson, might have the biggest impact as he competes for the starting point guard spot. He is a very good one. The bad news is that all the height comes with inexperience. It's extremely rare that a "big" comes in and contributes as a freshman at this level, and Monmouth's infusion of big men will probably need at least a year of development before any of them become significant contributors. The team's best players will still reside on the perimeter. In addition to Robinson, there are two other outstanding guards coming aboard in transfer Deon Jones and freshman Josh James. there's also redshirt freshman Collin Stewart who was a big-time scorer in high school.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Recruting: Women's Additions Ensure Rider's Future
Here's another in the series looking at newcomers joining conference programs for the upcoming season.
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RIDER WOMEN
- Julia Duggan, a 6-foot-1 freshman center: She was a four-year varsity performer at Ocean City (N.J.) High School and was the Atlantic City Press newspaper's Player of the Year this past season. She scored over 1,000 points and hauled in more than 1,000 rebounds over her career. "Julia is going to bring in some more side inside," said Rider head coach Lynn Milligan, in a release issued by the school. "She can help fill (voids for Rider). She is a very good face-up player and can post on the block. She moves really well and had a terrific summer."
- Stephanie Mason, a 5-9 freshman guard: A four-year varsity team member at Jackson Memorial H.S. in New Jersey, and a 1,000-point career scorer. Her 85 made three-pointers last season ranked third among all New Jersey high school players. "Steph brings long-range shooting," Milligan said. "She is going to be able to give us depth at our guard spot and extend our three-point range on the perimeter a lot more than we have in the past."
- Lashay Banks, a 5-10 junior guard: She was at Rider last season as a transfer from Cincinnati and is eligible for two seasons starting this year. She played 45 games at Cincy, but only averaged about five minutes per contest. In high school she was the Philadelphia Public League's Female Player of the Year as a junior at Prep Charter H.S.
- Robin Perkins, a 5-10 sophomore guard: She is a transfer from St. Francis (Pa.) where she averaged 2.4 points over 26 games last season. She will sit out this year as a redshirt and be eligible for three more seasons, beginning with 2014-15. She not only scored more than 1,000 career points at Trenton (N.J.) Catholic H.S., but was a state champion in the high jump. "Robin will do exactly what Lashay (Banks) did (last year), which is be a terrific piece at practice and challenge our other players to get better," said Milligan. Robin ... is a very talented young lady, athletic and long. Having a year to hone her skills and fit into our system will be terrific for her and to us as a team."
ANALYSIS: After decades of struggling, Rider's 15 victories a year ago was the program's best since the 1994-95 season, and it looks like the Broncs' newcomers will help ensure the team's success will continue. There are players to replace who graduated from a year ago, particularly up front. But, Duggan looks capable of helping to some extent. And, Mason fills a strong need for an outside shooter. Banks and Perkins are both quality additions who will step in a year from now and be major contributors.
Up now ...
RIDER WOMEN
- Julia Duggan, a 6-foot-1 freshman center: She was a four-year varsity performer at Ocean City (N.J.) High School and was the Atlantic City Press newspaper's Player of the Year this past season. She scored over 1,000 points and hauled in more than 1,000 rebounds over her career. "Julia is going to bring in some more side inside," said Rider head coach Lynn Milligan, in a release issued by the school. "She can help fill (voids for Rider). She is a very good face-up player and can post on the block. She moves really well and had a terrific summer."
- Stephanie Mason, a 5-9 freshman guard: A four-year varsity team member at Jackson Memorial H.S. in New Jersey, and a 1,000-point career scorer. Her 85 made three-pointers last season ranked third among all New Jersey high school players. "Steph brings long-range shooting," Milligan said. "She is going to be able to give us depth at our guard spot and extend our three-point range on the perimeter a lot more than we have in the past."
- Lashay Banks, a 5-10 junior guard: She was at Rider last season as a transfer from Cincinnati and is eligible for two seasons starting this year. She played 45 games at Cincy, but only averaged about five minutes per contest. In high school she was the Philadelphia Public League's Female Player of the Year as a junior at Prep Charter H.S.
- Robin Perkins, a 5-10 sophomore guard: She is a transfer from St. Francis (Pa.) where she averaged 2.4 points over 26 games last season. She will sit out this year as a redshirt and be eligible for three more seasons, beginning with 2014-15. She not only scored more than 1,000 career points at Trenton (N.J.) Catholic H.S., but was a state champion in the high jump. "Robin will do exactly what Lashay (Banks) did (last year), which is be a terrific piece at practice and challenge our other players to get better," said Milligan. Robin ... is a very talented young lady, athletic and long. Having a year to hone her skills and fit into our system will be terrific for her and to us as a team."
ANALYSIS: After decades of struggling, Rider's 15 victories a year ago was the program's best since the 1994-95 season, and it looks like the Broncs' newcomers will help ensure the team's success will continue. There are players to replace who graduated from a year ago, particularly up front. But, Duggan looks capable of helping to some extent. And, Mason fills a strong need for an outside shooter. Banks and Perkins are both quality additions who will step in a year from now and be major contributors.
Recruiting: Rider Men Add Help For Now, And Future
Here's another in the series looking at players joining conference programs for the coming season.
Up now ...
RIDER MEN
- Jimmy Taylor, a 6-foo-3, 180-pound freshman guard: He averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game as a senior at Suwannee (Fla.) High School as a senior there last season.
I'm counting on Jimmy to play significant minutes early at the point guard," said Rider coach Kevin Baggett, in a statement released by the school. "He can score in a number of different ways."
- Kahlil Thomas, a 6-7, 205-pound freshman forward: He averaged 13.4 points per game as a senior at Blanche Eli (Fla.) H.S. last season and was ranked one of the top 20 players in Florida. "(He) can play the four or five for us and we expect him to play a great deal early on for us," Baggett said. "He has a high basketball IQ and is a good defender who can score. By January, I'm not looking at him as a freshman anymore."
- Brandon Channer, a 6-3, 215-pound freshman guard: Originally from Jamaica, he attended high school in Florida and was at Strawberry Crest H.S. in Tampa last season where he averaged about 18 points and nine rebounds per game. "Channer is more mature than most freshmen coming in," Baggett said. "His physicality, his toughness, stands out right away and we're going to need that from him. He'll bring energy on defense."
- Xavier Lundy, a 6-7, 220-pound freshman forward: He averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior and more than 22 ppg. as a junior at Paulsboro (N.J.) H.S. He accumulated 2,135 career points at the high school level and was South Jersey's Player of the Year last season. "Xavier is a scorer," Baggett said. "He has that scorer's mentality and will play the three and four positions for us."
- Matt Lopez, a 7-0, 240-pound junior center: He is an incoming transfer from Utah State and will sit out this season and, then, have two remaining years of eligibility beginning with the 2014-15 season. He played in 23 games at Utah State, averaging 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 7.6 minutes per game in the second semester. He sat out the first semester after transferring from La Salle, where he played nine games in the first semester of the 2011-12 season (eight total points, eight total rebounds). He is a 2010 graduate of Washington Township (N.J.) H.S. who sat out his freshman season at La Salle as a redshirt. Your Hoopscribe saw Lopez play several times at the AAU level. At that time he was being heavily recruited by several MAAC schools and, it appears, he tried to play "up" and, now, is returning to the mid-major level where he probably should have played at originally. He is a big presence in the middle and fairly mobile for his size, but is primarily an in-the-post player.
- Teddy Okereafor, a 6-4, 190-pound junior guard: He is a transfer from VCU and will sit out the upcoming season and, then, have two remaining years of eligibility beginning in 2014-15. He played in 32 games at VCU last season, averaging 1.3 points, 1.0 rebound and 8.3 minutes per game. As a freshman he averaged less than six minutes per game. He attended Christchurch Prep School (Va.) prior to VCU and was the Virginia Prep League Player of the Year, averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 assists per contest.
ANALYSIS: A little big of everything is coming in. Thomas will challenge sophomore Zedric Sadler (who really could be a breakout player this season) for time at the point guard spot, although both are capable of playing either backcourt position. Thomas is a physical power forward. Lundy is a flat-out scorer and Channer is a multi-dimensional guard. And, then, there's the future. Lopez and Okereafor both become eligible for the 2014-15 season and both should be significant contributors. Lopez has the size that doesn't often come to the MAAC, while Okereafor is a big guard who uses that size well. The type of talent coming in looks likely to keep Rider in the upper half of the MAAC standings for the immediate future.
Up now ...
RIDER MEN
- Jimmy Taylor, a 6-foo-3, 180-pound freshman guard: He averaged 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game as a senior at Suwannee (Fla.) High School as a senior there last season.
I'm counting on Jimmy to play significant minutes early at the point guard," said Rider coach Kevin Baggett, in a statement released by the school. "He can score in a number of different ways."
- Kahlil Thomas, a 6-7, 205-pound freshman forward: He averaged 13.4 points per game as a senior at Blanche Eli (Fla.) H.S. last season and was ranked one of the top 20 players in Florida. "(He) can play the four or five for us and we expect him to play a great deal early on for us," Baggett said. "He has a high basketball IQ and is a good defender who can score. By January, I'm not looking at him as a freshman anymore."
- Brandon Channer, a 6-3, 215-pound freshman guard: Originally from Jamaica, he attended high school in Florida and was at Strawberry Crest H.S. in Tampa last season where he averaged about 18 points and nine rebounds per game. "Channer is more mature than most freshmen coming in," Baggett said. "His physicality, his toughness, stands out right away and we're going to need that from him. He'll bring energy on defense."
- Xavier Lundy, a 6-7, 220-pound freshman forward: He averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game as a senior and more than 22 ppg. as a junior at Paulsboro (N.J.) H.S. He accumulated 2,135 career points at the high school level and was South Jersey's Player of the Year last season. "Xavier is a scorer," Baggett said. "He has that scorer's mentality and will play the three and four positions for us."
- Matt Lopez, a 7-0, 240-pound junior center: He is an incoming transfer from Utah State and will sit out this season and, then, have two remaining years of eligibility beginning with the 2014-15 season. He played in 23 games at Utah State, averaging 2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 7.6 minutes per game in the second semester. He sat out the first semester after transferring from La Salle, where he played nine games in the first semester of the 2011-12 season (eight total points, eight total rebounds). He is a 2010 graduate of Washington Township (N.J.) H.S. who sat out his freshman season at La Salle as a redshirt. Your Hoopscribe saw Lopez play several times at the AAU level. At that time he was being heavily recruited by several MAAC schools and, it appears, he tried to play "up" and, now, is returning to the mid-major level where he probably should have played at originally. He is a big presence in the middle and fairly mobile for his size, but is primarily an in-the-post player.
- Teddy Okereafor, a 6-4, 190-pound junior guard: He is a transfer from VCU and will sit out the upcoming season and, then, have two remaining years of eligibility beginning in 2014-15. He played in 32 games at VCU last season, averaging 1.3 points, 1.0 rebound and 8.3 minutes per game. As a freshman he averaged less than six minutes per game. He attended Christchurch Prep School (Va.) prior to VCU and was the Virginia Prep League Player of the Year, averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 assists per contest.
ANALYSIS: A little big of everything is coming in. Thomas will challenge sophomore Zedric Sadler (who really could be a breakout player this season) for time at the point guard spot, although both are capable of playing either backcourt position. Thomas is a physical power forward. Lundy is a flat-out scorer and Channer is a multi-dimensional guard. And, then, there's the future. Lopez and Okereafor both become eligible for the 2014-15 season and both should be significant contributors. Lopez has the size that doesn't often come to the MAAC, while Okereafor is a big guard who uses that size well. The type of talent coming in looks likely to keep Rider in the upper half of the MAAC standings for the immediate future.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Rider Adds Former NBA Standout Marshall To Staff
The thought here used to be that former Iona men's coach Jeff Ruland was the best NBA player with a MAAC connection.
The 6-foot-10 inside force was a mercurial star, getting votes for the NBA's MVP award (finishing 12th in the balloting as a rookie and 9th as a second-year player), but injuries severely limited his playing time after three full seasons.
Ruland averaged 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds over parts of eight NBA seasons, but he never played more than 37 games in any season after his first three.
Talent-wise, Ruland is arguably the best MAAC connection we've ever had in the NBA.
And, a note here: we're considering any conference connection. Ruland never played in the MAAC. His time as a player at Iona came before the MAAC was formed. His MAAC "connection" is as Iona's coach, first as an assistant, then as a head coach, in the late 1990's through the mid-2000's.
If we're talking about best former MAAC player to appear in the NBA, the easy answer is former La Salle standout Lionel Simmons.
But, for this debate, we're considering any MAAC connection.
And, now, Ruland might have to move over ... at least in terms of a MAAC connection with the best NBA career.
That designation would go to a recent hiring for the Rider men's staff, Donyell Marshall.
Marshall joined the Kevin Baggett's staff with the Broncs a couple of weeks ago.
And while he was never quite the all-star caliber player Ruland was at his best, Marshall was far more than a serviceable performer.
He played 15 NBA seasons, appeared in 957 games (to 332 for Ruland) and scored 10,716 career points.
At his peak, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged career bests of 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the 1997-98 season. For his career he averaged 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game..
At worst he was an effective journeyman, playing for eight different NBA teams. Over his career he was ranked, by one source, the 431st best player of all time. Ruland, because of the briefness of his career, is unranked as a player.
Marshall played through the 2008-09 NBA season. He is also former star at UConn, averaging 25.1 points per game there as a junior before opting for the NBA draft in 1994 when he was the fourth player picked.
Since his playing days he has worked as an assistant coach at George Washington University at the college level and professionally with the NBA Developmental League's Maine Red Claws.
Marshall has also done some coaching at the AAU level in recent years.
"Donyell brings to our staff a wealth of basketball knowledge, experience and success at every level," said Baggett, in an announcement of Marshall's hiring.
"I'm excited for our players to have a guy like him in our program to be able to explain to them the hard work and dedication it takes to play in the NBA. I'm also excited to have Donyell on staff with his strong recruiting ties which will allow us to continue to bring in high level recruits in our program."
The 6-foot-10 inside force was a mercurial star, getting votes for the NBA's MVP award (finishing 12th in the balloting as a rookie and 9th as a second-year player), but injuries severely limited his playing time after three full seasons.
Ruland averaged 17.4 points and 10.2 rebounds over parts of eight NBA seasons, but he never played more than 37 games in any season after his first three.
Talent-wise, Ruland is arguably the best MAAC connection we've ever had in the NBA.
And, a note here: we're considering any conference connection. Ruland never played in the MAAC. His time as a player at Iona came before the MAAC was formed. His MAAC "connection" is as Iona's coach, first as an assistant, then as a head coach, in the late 1990's through the mid-2000's.
If we're talking about best former MAAC player to appear in the NBA, the easy answer is former La Salle standout Lionel Simmons.
But, for this debate, we're considering any MAAC connection.
And, now, Ruland might have to move over ... at least in terms of a MAAC connection with the best NBA career.
That designation would go to a recent hiring for the Rider men's staff, Donyell Marshall.
Marshall joined the Kevin Baggett's staff with the Broncs a couple of weeks ago.
And while he was never quite the all-star caliber player Ruland was at his best, Marshall was far more than a serviceable performer.
He played 15 NBA seasons, appeared in 957 games (to 332 for Ruland) and scored 10,716 career points.
At his peak, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged career bests of 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the 1997-98 season. For his career he averaged 11.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game..
At worst he was an effective journeyman, playing for eight different NBA teams. Over his career he was ranked, by one source, the 431st best player of all time. Ruland, because of the briefness of his career, is unranked as a player.
Marshall played through the 2008-09 NBA season. He is also former star at UConn, averaging 25.1 points per game there as a junior before opting for the NBA draft in 1994 when he was the fourth player picked.
Since his playing days he has worked as an assistant coach at George Washington University at the college level and professionally with the NBA Developmental League's Maine Red Claws.
Marshall has also done some coaching at the AAU level in recent years.
"Donyell brings to our staff a wealth of basketball knowledge, experience and success at every level," said Baggett, in an announcement of Marshall's hiring.
"I'm excited for our players to have a guy like him in our program to be able to explain to them the hard work and dedication it takes to play in the NBA. I'm also excited to have Donyell on staff with his strong recruiting ties which will allow us to continue to bring in high level recruits in our program."
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