Saturday, December 29, 2012

"Big" Happenings Highlight A Look Around The MAAC

News and notes from the here and there ... otherwise known as "ATM," or Around The MAAC.

- BIG HELP COMING FOR FAIRFIELD MEN

The Connecticut Post is reporting that sophomore center Malcolm Gilbert will be transferring from Pittsburgh to Fairfield.

If Gilbert completes the transfer before the start of college's second semester, he'll be eligible after the conclusion of first-semester games next season.

The 6-foot-11 Gilbert was planning to redshirt this season after playing limited minutes in 19 games last season. He would have the second semester of next season and two full subsequent seasons of eligibility at Fairfield.

Gilbert, according to a statement released by Pitt coach Jamie Dixon, indicated he wants to join the Fairfield program to play alongside his brother, Marcus.

Marcus Gilbert is a 6-foot-6 freshman swingman who is averaging 6.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 18.4 minutes pr game thus far this season.

"(Malcolm) is a great kid, a hard worker and good player," said Dixon, in a statement issued through Pitt's sports information office. "We thank Malcolm for his contribution over the last year and a half and wish him much success in the future."

The 2011 graduate of the Academy of the New Church Boys School in Bryn Athyn, Pa., averaged 6.3 points, 4.0 blocks and 4.8 rebounds as a senior. Sports Illustrated rated him the No. 34 recruit coming out of high school in 2011.

The Stags recently had a scholarship open up when 7-footer Vince Van Nes opted to leave the program due to continued foot issues that were not corrected through surgery over the summer. Van Nes was a sophomore, but never appeared in a game for the Stags.

- BIG HELP ARRIVES FOR IONA

Iona is the ninth-highest scoring team nationally (81.9 ppg.), but has been even better at putting up points in its last two games, scoring 91 in a 96-96 setback against St. Joseph's on Friday and 100 in a 100-72 victory over Norfolk State on Dec. 23.

Trace that increased production to the addition of 6-8, 240-pound do-everything power forward David Laury, who became eligible in time for the Norfolk State contest.

Laury averages 20.7 points and 11.7 rebounds over his first two games with the Gaels.

Laury began his college career at Lamar State, a junior college, where he averaged 16.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in the 2010-11 season. He sat out this year and missed the first semester of games while taking classes at Iona before he gained his eligibility.

Laury has two more years of eligibility after the current season.

- BIG MAN CHASES ANOTHER TITLE

Siena's 6-8 forward O.D. Anosike was leading all Division I players in rebounding with 12.4 per game entering the Saints' contest against La Salle on Saturday night.

But, that's nothing new for the Saints' inside force, who also led the country in rebounds last season with 12.5 per game.

Anosike currently leads rebound runner-up Jamelle Hagins of Delaware by two-tenths of a rebound per game.

If Anosike can finish out the season as the national rebound leader he will become just the sixth player since 1950 to win back-to-back rebound titles.

The others have been Leroy White of Pacific University (1958-59, 1959-60), Jerry Lucas of Ohio State (1960-61, 1961-62), Artis Gilmore of Jacksonville (1969-70, 1970-71), Kermit Washington of American University (1971-72, 1972-73) and Paul Milsap of Louisiana Tech, who led over three straight seasons (2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06).

Only one other player in MAAC history has previously led the nation in rebounding for a single season. Fairfield's Darren Phillip was the rebound leader in the 1999-00 season.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Jabir Brings Top Team, Good Will To Game at Siena

It's not often that a nationally ranked opponent comes to play in one of cozy confines of a MAAC school's home court, but we got to see one just before Christmas when the Dayton women's team came to Loudonville, N.Y., to play Siena at the Saints' on-campus Alumni Recreation Center on Dec. 22.

The Flyers are currently ranked 14th nationally, and we could see why. They beat Siena handily, 91-53, to remain one of six unbeaten women's teams nationally with a 12-0 record.

Dayton has height, speed, strong perimeter play and legitimately goes nine deep with players who would all be all-star candidates at the MAAC level. Keep an eye on them this season and in post-season play.

Dayton is coached by Jim Jabir, a MAAC connection from long ago. He coached three seasons (to a 50-29 record) at Siena from the 1987-88 through the 1989-90 seasons.

While at Siena, he brought Gina Castelli in as an assistant coach (1989-90). When Jabir left Siena to move on to coach at Marquette, Castelli was promoted and served as Siena's head coach for 22 seasons before her firing this past spring.

Her successor, current Siena coach Ali Jacques, is a continuation of Jabir's Siena influence. Jacques was an assistant coach under Jabir for a season at Dayton (2005-06 season) and has retained a close friendship with Jabir.

In fact, Siena administrators reached out to Jabir for his input on coaching candidates during the search to replace Castelli this past spring, and Jabir gave Jacques a positive review.

Jabir isn't the only former MAAC connection on the Dayton staff.

When he had an opening for an assistant this past spring, he hired Shauna Green, who was serving as an assistant coach at Providence

MAAC fans know Green better by her maiden name of Shauna Geronzin, a former standout at Canisius (1998-99 through 2001-02). There, she scored 2,012 career points which still is the most all-time by a Canisius women's player and sixth-best all-time among all MAAC women's players.

It might have been 23 years since Jabir last roamed the sidelines at Siena, but there were still a few Siena administrators and athletic department staff members around from Jabir's days, and dozens of fans.

Jabir graciously spent close to an hour prior to the game renewing acquaintances with old friends while his team was warming up prior to the recent contest.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Canisius Men Making Strong "We're Back" Statement

The terminology for a break-through victory over a favored opponent, these days, is a "Signature Win."

Canisius got that with its 72-62 victory over Temple (which entered the game with an 8-1 record) on Tuesday at the Owls' on-campus Liacouras Center.

The Buffalo News trumpeted the result as a "We're Back" performance by the Golden Griffins.

They're back, for sure.

The win ended Temple's 11-game home-court winning streak and a stretch in which the Owls had won 36 of 37 games at their on-campus facility.

And, it was a signature outcome for the first-year Canisius coach Jim Baron, who had coached against Temple teams for the previous 20 seasons (nine at St. Bonaventure, followed by 11 at Rhode Island) and had a 1-19 record to show for it on Temple's home courts.

But by this past Tuesday, Canisius had already done more than enough to show that it was back.

Back? The win over Temple pushed the Griffs' start to the 2012-13 season to an 8-2 record, not only the best among all Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference teams, but the program's fastest progression to eight victories since an 8-1 start to the 1966-67 season.

And, a 2-0 start to league play makes the Canisius the lone conference team with a perfect MAAC record, and it's also the first 2-0 start against league opponents for the Griffs since the 1997-98 season.

Early season victories over regional foes St. Bonaventure and Buffalo helped show that the Griffs were back. So, too, did the recent conference victories over Fairfield and Marist, both teams picked to finish higher, in the coaches' preseason poll, than the ninth-place finish predicted for Canisius.

And, so too did an 85-61 loss at No. 4-ranked Syracuse on December 15 in which Canisius trailed by just three at halftime and eventually outrebounded the Orange, 37-34, for the contest.

"Yeah, that game was a confidence boost, too," admitted Baron, in a recent phone interview, about being competitive at Syracuse. "But for this team anything is a confidence boost. I took over a program that only had five wins last season (and, a 1-17 conference record). Winning the two league openers (road victories at Fairfield and Marist) were confidence boosters, too."

It has all helped to emphasize that Canisius is back, indeed.

Yet, back from what?

How about from this:

- The program hasn't had a winning record in league play since an 11-7 finish to the 1998-99 season. Things had been so bad that a .500 result (9-9) in 2010-11 was considered a wild success.

- The program hadn't had a winning record overall since 2000-01 when it finished 20-11.

- Beginning with the 2001-02 season, Canisius had been 60-138 in league play and 115-216 overall. Both marks were the worst among the 10 current conference teams over that span.

There was plenty to come back from.

"We've been talking about doing this since I got here (this past spring)," said the 58-year old Baron. "This is the fourth program that I turned around (Rhode Island, St. Bona's and St. Francis, Pa. had all been struggling before Baron took them over).

"But I don't want to get excited. Any time you take over a program it's a fragile situation. You bring it back bit by bit. It's one step at a time. We've got two more tough non-league games coming up (Saturday against UNLV and Thursday against Alcorn State). And, then, we get into league play.

"Winning at Temple was a special thing. Any time you beat a team like Temple, that entered the game with an 8-1 record, on its home court it's a special game and a special win. But, now, we have to carry it over. We've got big games coming up. We've got to carry it over."

And, that's the thing about having a veteran hand like Baron on the sidelines. His team might indeed be back, but that's only for now; only for as long as it can continue to match the fast start.

Baron knows that being back through 10 games doesn't mean much in the scheme of a full season.

Still, the program is far enough back to create the feeling in the Canisius community that something special is brewing. Earlier this season there were back-to-back sell-out crowds of 2,196 for the Buffalo and St. Bonaventure games at the on-campus Koessler Athletic Center, the first back-to-back sell-outs since the facility's renovation prior to the 2002-03 season.

The question, though, remains just how Canisius did get back.

It didn't hurt that previous coach Tom Parrotta brought in three talented transfers in guard Isaac Sosa (the team's third-leading scorer), forward Jordan Heath (the team's fourth-leading scorer) and center Freddie Asprilla, all of whom became eligible this season.

And, the team got another boost when Baron's son, 6-3 point guard Billy Baron (the team's leading scorer who is second in the conference in assists), followed his father from Rhode Island to Canisius and got an NCAA waiver to play this year without having to sit out the traditional transfer season.

And, it didn't hurt that there were some talented pieces already in place. Players like 6-6 junior forward Chris Manhertz (8.2 rebounds including 18 against Marist and 13 against Temple), senior guard Harold Washington (the team's second-leading scorer) and strong perimeter reserves in Alshwan Hymes and Reggie Groves.

But, it's one thing to do the proverbial shopping and another to know how to mesh the ingredients into a sporting delicacy.

"We've got a team with so many newcomers," said Baron, who goes out of his way to deflect personal praise for the turnaround so far. "The key is guys have to work to prepare. They've been listening to the game plan. That's my thing ... to make sure they're all on the same page and that they all know what to prepare for in every game. That's the biggest thing in taking over a new program ... do the players understand what you're trying to do?"

Of course, players understand better and listen more to a veteran coach with a successful resume like Baron's.

"That's not for me to say," said Baron.

But, the difference from just a year ago says plenty.

"I don't know where to begin with that," added Baron, about reasons for the Canisius revival. "I don't want to get into any soap opera (about the program before his arrival). I just know these kids want to win, that they want to execute a game plan and that they're hungry to get better. I don't want to bury the past. I just wanted to give this team a direction, a plan and an infrastructure ... a playing style. We're playing up tempo and the guys love playing that way.

"Our players were on board as soon as I stepped in and met with them for the first time. People always ask me, when I take over a program, about how important it is to bring in my own players. But, I don't need that. One of the things I want to do is to utilize what's already there. I don't want to toot my own horn, but that's just coaching.

"I tell the guys that I'm coming in to help you be successful ... that you are my team and I'll coach you to the best of my ability. As a coach, I try to embrace what's in front of me. The players know that I'm on their side, and that I want them to be successful. But, I'm also honest with them in getting them to understand the price they have to pay to be a successful student-athlete. That's my background, it's how I grew up in the projects of Brooklyn, and I'm not afraid to tell my players like I see it."

It has all resulted in this year's version of the "Perfect Storm" within the MAAC: A solid returning nucleus, some good transfers becoming eligible and a veteran, knowledgeable new head coach.

Through six weeks it has become one of the great "feel good" stories of college basketball, a downtrodden college program that, suddenly, can say "We're Back."

At least for now.

"I'm really happy for the players, the fans, our community and our administration," said Baron. "But, I know we still have a long way to go. We'll be  back playing league opponents soon. We've still got to take things one step at a time."

But the steps taken so far have been positive ones, ones almost no one expected the team to take so quickly.

Yes, it's early. But the "We're Back" sentiment around the Canisius program appears well-founded.

MAAC Set to Make Changes For 11-Team Structure

In moves that make perfect sense, the MAAC has made the necessary adjustments both to regular-season scheduling and its post-season tournament that reflect the change to an 11-team league for next season.

League athletic directors unanimously approved a 20-game double round-robing schedule (each league team plays every other one in a home-and-home series)..

That regular-season schedule gives each team an additional two league games, above the 18-game conference schedule while the MAAC had a 10-team structure.

For men's basketball, each school will play two league games during the early December weekend already allotted for MAAC games, followed by nine more weeks of conference play after Jan. 1. The women's teams will play all 20 conference games starting on Dec. 27 (2013). In both sports, each team will play two games per week.

While approval is needed for the proposal to restructure the MAAC tournament, that is expected to happen shortly after the holiday season.

The proposal would give first-round byes for teams that finish first-through-fifth in the final regular-season standings and have teams finishing sixth-through-11th play a preliminary round game.

The three winners of the preliminary round contests would advance to join the top five in the quarter-final round.

Here's what the MAAC's post-season schedule would look like, if it is approved:

Day
Round
Game Times
Thursday
Women’s Opening Round
9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Opening Round
5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m.
Friday
Women’s Quarterfinals
12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Saturday
Men’s Quarterfinals
12 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
Sunday
Women’s Semifinals
11 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Men’s Semifinals
4:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
Monday
Women’s Championship Final
12 p.m.

Men’s Championship Final
7 or 9 p.m.



Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Men's Preview: Niagara's Perimeter Play A Big Plus

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

NIAGARA MEN

2011-12 RECORD: 8-10 in MAAC play, 14-19 overall. Lost to Loyola, 86-73, in the quarterfinal round of the conference's post-season tournament.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-3 sophomore guard Antoine Mason (15.1 points, 3.2 rebounds per game last season), 6-3 sophomore guard Juan'ya Green (17.7, 4.6 assists), 6-6 sophomore swingman Ameen Tanksley (8.7, 5.9), 5-11 junior guard Marvin Jordan (10.4, 3.3), 6-3 junior guard Malcolm Lemmons (8.3, 4.3).

KEY LOSSES: 6-5 forward Josh Turner (3.4, 1.8).

KEY NEWCOMERS: 6-8 freshman forward T.J. Cline, 6-8 senior center Devon White (transfer from La Salle), 6-4 freshman guard Tahjere McCall.

NOTES: Last year was just the third losing season in the past 14 under head coach Joe Mihalich and, despite a 5-6 start so far this year, don't expect anything other than a return to the program's winning ways ... This is a team that Mihalich must love to coach. It's young enough to still need some guidance and development, but more than athletic enough to play the coach's preferred up-tempo style. There's also more depth in the program than in many years with the team going at least 10 deep ... Niagara has won three of its last four contests, including a major upset over preseason league favorite Loyola in Baltimore. The Purple Eagles have also beaten Vermont, the America East Conference's preseason favorite ... Iona's backcourt pair of Momo Jones and Sean Armand (a combined 42.3 points per game) might be the conference's most-dynamic, but Niagara's tandem of sophomores Antoine Mason and Juan'ya Green (35.1 ppg. combined) isn't far behind and is clearly the next wave ...Add to that duo junior guard Jordan (9.2 ppg. so far), Lemmons and good-looking newcomer McCall and the Purple Eagles have as much talent, albeit still young talent, in the backcourt as any MAAC team ... Niagara's concern, entering the season, was its inside game. But, freshman Cline (7.3, 5.5) has been good enough to push returnees Scooter Gillette and Joe Thomas deeper back in the playing rotation. And, La Salle transfer Devon White, a rugged 240-pound redshirt senior, is back after recovering from off-season Achilles tendon surgery. He's played in three games (4.7, 4.7) and is getting close to being at full strength. More height comes from 6-6 sophomore Ameen Tanksley (10.3, 5.5), who is listed as a guard but also plays in the front court ... Niagara isn't yet dynamic in the paint, but White will be an upgrade when he's back at full strength.

NIAGARA's STRENGTHS: As much talented depth as any conference team, going 10 deep. Outstanding perimeter play. An eventual "rock" inside with White, who along with fast-developing Cline, gives the team enough height around the post. Plus, they have Mihalich. And, if he isn't the conference's best coach then someone will have to convince me otherwise.

NIAGARA's WEAKNESSES: Until White is at full strength, there's still some concern in the middle. Plus, the team is one of the youngest in the conference. Of the top eight scorers so far this season, the only senior is White who, so far, has only been in a Niagara uniform for three games.

REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: Like any young team, Niagara will have its share of ups and downs. But, it has already shown improvement since the start of the season and will likely to continue to progress. Loyola still looks like the favorite to win the conference, but Niagara has already knocked off the Greyhounds. Can Niagara contend for the regular-season title? Maybe, but the thought here is that the team might be a year away. Still, someplace between second and fifth is the Purple Eagles' likely destination.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Talking a Look at MAAC's Decision To Add 2 Schools

The rumors that began a couple weeks ago were accurate and the confirmation came Friday out of a meeting of MAAC school presidents at a meeting in New York City on Friday.

Quinnipiac and Monmouth, current members of the Northeast Conference, were invited to join the MAAC and both universities accepted by later in the day.

So, what does it mean?

It means the MAAC won't drop to just nine members (with the impeding departure of Loyola for the Patriot League), but instead will expand to 11.

There had been some thought that a third school (rumors swirled that it would be either Wagner or Bryant) would also get an invitation to increase membership to an even-numbered 12, but that won't happen.

A number of league officials have confirmed that the addition of the two new members beginning this September (the 2013-14 season) will be it for now.

But, it might still come in the not-so-distant future.

MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor indicated that the league is indeed contemplating adding a 12th member, but not for 2013-14. The league presidents meet next on May 28.

"I think the 12th spot is still on the table (to be considered at the May 28 meeting)," Ensor said.

Siena athletic director John D'Argenio told the Albany (N.Y.) Times Union that conference athletic directors will be discussing scheduling for next season and whether the league wants to go to a 20-game conference slate (each league program playing every other one twice during regular-season play).

Eventually, if the league does add a 12th team, it's not a certainty that membership would be split into two divisions.

The additional teams for the 2013-14 season also means a change in the post-season tournament's structure.

League officials speculated that it's likely the 2013-14 post season brackets will include  early round byes for higher-finishing teams.

In an e-mail, Ensor indicated that there could be three teams receiving byes ("but, still to be determined.")

However, if three teams received first round byes, one team would also have to receive a second bye (through the quarterfinals) to facilitate four teams for the semifinals.

Or, teams finishing first through fifth would receive a preliminary round bye with teams finishing sixth through 11th participating in a play-in round to sen three of those teams to join the top five in the quarterfinal round.

Ensor indicated that in seeking out Monmouth and Quinnipiac for membership, the conference's Council of Presidents sought to add private schools that:

Are compatible (to current membership) in academics and athletics, that emphasize basketball; are like-minded in enrollment target markets and provide an alumni base that will assist in the maintenance of a neutral-site basketball championship venue through ticket sales, attendance and hotel room reservations.

Will provide visibility in additional major metro markets and the opportunity to manage travel considerations for member schools; will assist with the MAAC's partnership with ESPN by providing exposure in large metropolitan areas of the country; and, provide the MAAC with state-of-the-art playing facilities that include high-tech broadcast capabilities and fan amenities.

Ensor noted that the two incoming programs both have new playing facilities for basketball that will move to the top of the list of league on-campus facilities.

Monmouth, West Long Branch, N.J., plays in a 4,100-seat Multipurpose Activities Center which opened in August, 2009.

Quinnipiac, located in Hamden, Conn., plays in the TD Bank Sports Center, a five-year-old arena that accomodates 3,570 for basketball.

Published reports indicate the two new MAAC programs  will each pay a $250,000 exit fee to leave the NEC.

Ensor said current MAAC members have committed to remain in the league for at least the next three years, with varying buyouts based on notice provided.

"Not expecting changes (departures)," said Ensor, in an e-mail. "but it is a fluid period in conference alignment that is constantly evolving."

The addition of Monmouth creates a natural geographic rivalry with current conference member Rider. The two schools are about 60 miles apart.

Quinnipiac gives the conference a second New England presence, as well as a geographic rivalry with Fairfield. Those two schools are about 25 miles apart.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Women's Preview: Niagara Poised For More Success

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

NIAGARA WOMEN

2011-12 RESULTS: 9-9 in MAAC play, 13-19 overall. Lost to Marist, 68-54 in overtime in the MAAC tournament's championship game.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-2 junior center Lauren Gatto (10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds per game last season), 5-10 junior guard Chanel Johnson (5.5, 3.0), 5-5 junior guard Kayla Stroman (10.8, 3.9), Meghan McGuinness (6.8, 2.9), Kelly VanLeeuwen (1.7, 1.2), Jessica Flam (2.1, 1.0).

KEY LOSSES: Guard Ali Morris (5.8, 3.8).

KEY NEWCOMERS: 5-7 freshman guard Vanessa Neal.

NOTES: The Purple Eagles are clearly the conference's "up and coming" program, having risen from an 0-18 league record (1-28 overall) just two years ago to a 9-9/13-19 record last year that included an 8-6 run down the stretch as the team seemed to mesh ... This year looks like it should be a carry over from last season's late run as the team lost only Morris, last year's fifth-leading scorer, from its top seven players ... Niagara certainly showed itself to be capable of contending, even against perennial league power Marist as it took the Red Foxes into double overtime in a late-season game and, then, into overtime in the championship contest ... Gatto, a strong 6-2 post player, provides the type of quality post presence most MAAC teams don't have, and she had 19 points and 10 rebounds against Marist in last season's conference tournament championship game ... Also in place is a fourth-year junior point guard in Kayla Stroman, who does a little of everything, and both overall team athleticism (which also bothered Marist last season) and depth ... Niagara has eight legitimate contributors (all averaging at least 4.3 points per game this year) back from a year ago, as well as a freshman (Neal) who is getting 10 minutes of playing time. That 9-member playing group makes Niagara as deep, if not deeper, than any conference team ... More than a few returnees have made significant progress from a year ago, most noticeably junior guard Chanel Johnson, who has nearly doubled last year's scoring average (10.0 ppg. this year), senior forward Flamm (6.5, 3.1 this year after 2.1, 1.0 last season), and sophomore guard VanLeeuwen (up to 7.0, 3.1 this year after 1.7, 1.2 last season) ... McGuinness provides another aspect, long-range shooting. Her 46.1 percentage from bonus territory last year would have led all Division I players had she made enough treys to qualify.

NIAGARA'S STRENGTHS: There's a little bit of everything here, more than enough to be optimistic about the league season. Gatto provides an inside presence, players like Johnson, Stroman, Britton provide quickness. Stroman is the requisite standout point guard. There are good shooters in place. The top eight players all got significant minutes a year ago and, theoretically, know how to play together by now. Gatto provides the type inside game that bothers Marist, in particular.

NIAGARA'S WEAKNESSES: So far, albeit against a solid non-league schedule, Niagara has a 2.7 rebound-per-game disadvantage. Gatto is the only contributor taller than six feet, but five other contributors are at least 5-9, which gives Niagara good overall height. Then there's the psychological aspect. Many of Niagara's players aren't that far removed from a 1-28 season and while the team had some late season success last season it still has the final hurdle ... beating Marist ... to get over.

REASONABLE  EXPECTATIONS: Barring injuries or other unforeseen occurrences, Niagara looks to be one of the league's top three teams. And, certainly, contending for the league title isn't out of the question. If Marist fulfills expectations to add another league title to its growing collection, Niagara won't be far behind and will likely finish either second or third this season.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Men's Preview: Fairfield Could Have Another Late Run

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now...

FAIRFIELD MEN

2011-12 RECORD: 12-6 in MAAC play, 22-15 overall. Lost to Loyola, 48-44, in the MAAC championship game. Advanced to the championship game of the CollegeInsiders.com Tournament, losing to Mercer, 64-59.

KEY RETURNEES: 5-11 senior guard Derek Needham (11.8 points, 2.7 rebounds per game last season), 6-5 junior forward Keith Matthews (3.7, 1.9), 6-5 junior forward Maurice Barrow (9.3, 6.0), 6-3 senior guard Colin Nickerson (4.7, 2.2), 5-8 senior guard Desmond Wade (6.3, 2.9 assists).

KEY LOSSES: 6-5 forward Rakim Sanders (16.5, 8.2), 7-0 center Ryan Olander (8.6, 4..4).

KEY NEWCOMERS: 6-6 freshman forward Marcus Gilbert, 7-0 freshman center Josip Mikulic, 6-8 freshman forward Amadou Sidibe.

NOTES: Last season was the program's third straight with 20+ victories overall. This year, Fairfield is off to a 5-5 start overall ... Sanders was a major loss. The one-year transfer from Boston College was the first player in program history to record at least 600 points and 300 rebounds in a season ... And, the loss of 7-footer Olander left the program without a single returning player taller than 6-5 ... That, though, has been addressed by a strong freshman class of big men, including Josip Mikulic, a 7-footer from Croatia (5.7 points, 3.1 rebounds so far), 6-6 forward Marcus Gilbert (5.8, 2.6) and 6-8 rebounding specialist Amadou Sidibe (5.5, 5.3), whose rebound average leads the Stags, despite getting just 18.9 minutes per contest ... The youthful front-courters have good mentors in poised upperclassmen, 6-5 juniors Maurice Barrow (7.8, 3.4 so far) and Keith Matthews (7.8, 4.0) ... The perimeter has a trio that ranks among the better outside groups in the MAAC, led by 5-11 senior Derek Needham (14.0, 3.1), who is once again the primary point producer. He's joined by do-everything 6-3 senior Colin Nickerson (6.8, 3.2) and 5-8 senior point guard Desmond Wade (6.6, 3.0, 4.6 assists) ... It means that as long as the freshmen continue to contribute, the Stags go legitimately eight deep ... Second-year head coach Sydney Johnson's "Princeton" style offense is further ingrained, and a dedication to defense (Fairfield was 26th nationally in steals last year and 34th in scoring-average against) remains strong.

FAIRFIELD'S STRENGTHS: An outstanding perimeter trio in Needham, Nickerson and Wade, good veteran presence up front in Matthews and Barrow and good height on the front line, albeit provided by freshmen. That three first-year players are contributing right away should ensure they'll mature as the season goes on.

FAIRFIELD'S WEAKNESSES: A reliance on three freshmen to do much of the rebounding. Also, a lack of a second offensive contributor right now. Only Needham averages in double figures. Next is Matthews and Barrow at 7.8 ppg.

REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: A season not that dissimilar from a year ago when the team started 8-9 before things kicked in and it went 14-6 down the stretch. The freshmen will be year-long works in progress, but will improve as the season progresses and so too will Fairfield. The likelihood is that by mid-to-late January things will be even better than they were now and the Stags will be a dangerous opponent over the last five or six weeks of the regular season and into the league's post-season tournament. It certainly has the potential to challenge for the regular-season title, but more likely will finish somewhere in the third, fourth or fifth range.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Surprising Results in Early MAAC Men's Contests

In case you hadn't noticed, the men's conference season began in full force earlier this week and produced more than a couple eye-opening, head-shaking results.

Among those:

- SAINT PETER'S EDGED IONA, 64-62, ON WEDNESDAY

The Peacocks were just about universally picked to finish in last place in this year's MAAC standings, but to a 1-1 league start (4-5 overall) that includes this confidence-building victory over Iona, a team acknowledged to have as much talent as any in the league and picked in most quarters to finish in the top three or four.

Saint Peter's senior guard Blaise Ffrench capped off a big night (17 points, eight assists) with a tie-breaking, game-winning jumper with four seconds remaining, setting off an exuberant and much-understood on-court celebration when the final seconds ticked off.

Senior forward Darius Conley added 17 points and nine rebounds to help the Peacocks overcome a 31-21 halftime deficit with 43 second-half points.

Iona's senior guard Momo Jones, who entered the game as the nation's fifth-leading scorer, was held to 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

"Our guys were not passing the ball to each other," Iona coach Tim Cluess told an internet site after the game. "There was way too much one-on-one. When you play selfish like that good things are not going to happen. We've alternated from being selfish and being a team from one game to the next and (against Saint Peter's) we were very, very selfish."

NIAGARA NIPPED LOYOLA, 62-61 AT LOYOLA

The defending conference tournament champion and widely regarded favorite to win this season's regular-season crown (Loyola) got outplayed on its home court by a smaller, scrappy Niagara squad.

Late heroics were turned in by the Purple Eagles' Juan'ya Green, who stole a Loyola pass with six seconds left, was fouled and made both free throws to give his team a four-point edge. that enabled the winners to survive a last-second three-pointer made by Loyola's Robert Olson.

"Don't mistake this for us losing by one late in the game," Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos told reporters after the game this past Wednesday. "We lost this because they (Niagara) was the better team for 40 minutes ... we stopped having energy on defense, and they took advantage of that."

CANISIUS STOPS FAIRFIELD, 67-55, IN BRIDGEPORT, CT.

Last season's worst MAAC team by far, Canisius, is far removed from that description this season with a 5-1 overall start and Wednesday's conference-opening victory over a Fairfield program that has been among the league's upper crust in recent years.

But, a double-digit victory on an opponent's home court is cause for the continued rise of enthusiasm within the Buffalo program.

The outcome ended the Golden Griffins' nine-game losing streak in meetings with the Stags.

And, the winners' backcourt of Billy Baron and Harold Washington continued to make a case for being among the best in the MAAC as each scored 19 points in the contest.

MARIST NIPS MANHATTAN, 62-58

If the prognosticators weren't picking Saint Peter's to finish last among men's teams this year, then the choice was Marist.

And, those not predicting Loyola as this year's best MAAC team likely leaned toward Manhattan.

But, Wednesday's games had yet enough up-from-the-depths squad upending a perceived "elite" as Marist rallied from a 58-55 deficit with three minutes remaining to score the game's last six points and secure a victory.

The Jaspers, playing without defending conference scoring champion George Beamon (ankle issues), missed their final five shots after holding that three-point advantage.

Marist used a balanced scoring attack with four players in double figures, led by sophomore swingman standout Chavaughn Lewis' 17.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Women's Preview: Despite Losses, Stags Good Again

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

FAIRFIELD WOMEN

2011-12 RECORD: 15-3 in MAAC play, 24-9 overall; lost to Marist, 61-36, in the MAAC tournament's championship game; lost, 57-41, to Drexel in the first round of the WNIT.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-2 junior forward Katie Cizynski (5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds per game last season), 5-9 senior guard Katelyn Linney (8.3, 2.2, 65 3-pointers), 5-10 junior guard Alexys Vazquez (7.3, 2.8, 61 3's), 6-1 sophomore guard Felicia DaCruz (1.2, 0.7), 6-1 senior forward Brittany MacFarlane (5.3, 5.3).

KEY LOSSES: Forward Taryn Johnson (12.4, 7.7), guard Desiree Pina (11.0, 3.8, 3.3 assists).

KEY NEWCOMER: 6-0 freshman guard Kristin Schatzlein.

NOTES: After a 24-win season a year ago (second most in program history), the loss of the team's two best players indicated the Stags wouldn't be anywhere near as good this season. Oops ... Fairfield, with a 5-1 non-league start (the only loss was to Florida) looks ready to take on its traditional role as one of the leading contenders in the chase to catch perennial league power Marist ... More than a few of last year's role players have made dramatic improvements, maybe none more than Cizynski, who has more than doubled her ppg. average from last year (she averages 11.8 ppg. so far), and is averaging 9.0 rebounds per game after getting just 3.7 per a year ago ... Next on the much-improved list is sophomore point guard DaCruz, who rarely played after struggling early last season. Now, she's the team's most-indispensable player, averaging a team-high 35 minutes per contest. She isn't the offensive threat that Pina was a year ago at the point, but she's every bit as good a distributor (3.8 assists per game to date) ... As usual for the program, it's new faces but the same old playing style. Under Joe Frager, the team almost entirely eschews fast-break opportunities, unless it's a sure breakaway. Instead, the Stags grab a defensive rebound, walk it up court and run a precision offense out of a playbook that rivals the size of any NBA team's. It means that Fairfield doesn't score a lot of points (51.2 per game, so far, 317th of 343 Division I teams), but it also doesn't give up a lot (48.2, 9th best). A year ago, it was fifth-best nationally in fewest points allowed per contest ... The offense quite often produces open looks on the perimeter, and Fairfield has two of the best long-range sniper sin the league in Linney and Vazquez. In fact, Vazquez led the country in three-point shooting percentage for a portion of last season, and would have ranked second nationally at season's end had she made enough treys to qualify for the national leaders ... And, the top reserve, forward Brittany MacFarlane, was the conference's Sixth Player of the Year last season.

FAIRFIELD'S STRENGTHS: Outstanding perimeter shooting in Linney and Vazquez. Cizynski appears to be a more-than-adequate rebounder to replace Johnson's production in that statistic, and DaCruz, so far, is doing the job as Pina's replacement at the point. Brittany Obi-Tabot, a 6-1 junior forward who was lightly used last season, has also stepped up nicely and gives Fairfield a second post presence with MacFarlane able to come in to play the post off the bench with no noticeable drop. Plus, that precision offense is tough to defend and consistently produces open looks.

FAIRFIELD'S WEAKNESSES: Some youth (DaCruz is a soph who didn't play much last year), and depth. Only six players are averaging more than 7.5 minutes per game thus far, and that will take its toll on the top six unless that starts to change. Plus, more than a few players (Cizynski, Obi-Tabot, DaCruz in particular) are being asked to take on vastly increased roles from a year ago, but they have handled that so far.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: So far the Stags look like the league's second-best team, and Frager-coached teams have been known to upset the Red Foxes on occasion. Look for Fairfield to stay in contention for much of the season, but to probably finish second or third in the final standings.

MAAC To Consider Expansion at Upcoming Meeting

The MAAC might be replacing departing league member Loyola (off to the Patriot League after the current academic year) not only sooner than later, but with at least two and, maybe, three new members.

A report that first surfaced in the Connecticut Post newspaper, as reported by Bill Paxton, who is as credible and knowledgeable a conference beat reporter (he covers Fairfield primarily) as there is, indicates that Quinnipiac University and Monmouth could be joining the conference.

The loss of Loyola would have the MAAC down to nine teams, but conference commissioner Rich Ensor has been empowered, for several years, to try to increase membership to as many as 12.

If the speculation proves to be true, the addition of Quinnipiac (Hamden, Ct.) and Monmouth (West Long Branch, N.J.) would bring membership up to 11. For scheduling purposes, an even number of schools would likely be preferred, so don't discount the possibility of yet another school also coming aboard.

Paxton's reports indicates that Wagner College has also been linked to the MAAC in the past, but does not cite a source.

Your Hoopscribe, through very second-hand sources within the conference (although employed by the MAAC, league officials reveal no more to your correspondent than they would to any other "reporter"), has heard that Bryant University (Smithfield, R.I.) might also be under consideration.

Then again, bringing both Bryant and Quinnipiac in might create an inbalance of New England territory schools (current league member Fairfield is the third).

Wagner (Staten Island) makes for an easy travel partner with several other New York Metropolitan area MAAC members.

Monmouth, meanwhile, recently opened a brand new 4,100-seat on-campus facility for basketball and could be a nice and near-by site for league post-season play.

Our second-half source has indicated that there has been some very preliminary inquiries made about the potential of the Barclay Center in Brooklyn as a potential future neutral site for the men's post-season basketball tournament. If indeed that comes to pass, the theory is that Monmouth would be a near-enough site to simultaneously host the women's post-season event.

Quinnipiac, Wagner, Monmouth and Bryant are all current members of the Northeast Conference (NEC).

MAAC commissioner Rich Ensor has indicated that the conference has yet to extend any invitations. But, that could happen after the MAAC presidents meet in New York City on Dec. 14.

Ensor, according to published reports, said expansion will be discussed at that meeting, although he declined to identify potential new members.

Paxton, in his Connecticut Post report, indicated that Fairfield athletic director Gene Doris confirmed that conference presidents formed a committee and have looked at multiple schools as potential new members, but was that he was not aware that a decision had been reached on expansion.

Tragedy Helps Put Sports In Proper Perspective

We'll take a break from basketball, at least directly, to bring to your attention a story of tragedy in upstate New York, the subsequent outpouring of support (in some ways via MAAC connections), and how adversity can, and should, put our enjoyment of sports in proper perspective.

What began as an enjoyable evening out for four New York Capital Region high school students who attended this past Saturday's Siena-UAlbany men's/women's double-header at Albany's Times Union Center ended in the death of two of them in an auto accident.

According to local reports, their SUV was struck from behind by a driver who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Their vehicle careened into a highway's median, flipped over and left two Shenedehowa High School students dead and two others, another Shen student and a Shaker High School student, seriously injured.

It left four families grieving, and two communities in mourning, as well.

A sign outside Shaker High School posted there yesterday said much: "Shaker-Shenendehowa ... Together."

The outpouring of support included many posts via available social media outlets.

We'll note just a few, coming from Siena's senior forward O.D. Anosike, who once again showed himself to be as caring and responsible a young man as I have encountered in many years.

Here are three posts via Twitter from Anosike in recent days ...

"I get upset about losing games and remember kids died on their way home from watching my games. What's more important? Pray 4 their families."

"Car the kids crashed in subsequent to my game. Life is more important than wins & losses. Count your blessings."

"While you're stressing over Christmas gifts, games and other minuscule things, pray for the families of these kids."

Anosike also posted several times imploring others to support an effort to encourage New York Jets' quarterback Tim Tebow to call one of the crash's survivors, a Shenendehowa football player.

Several thousand similar tweets did indeed produce the intended result as Tebow called crash survivor Matt Hardy Monday night.

Tebow later tweeted "Thanks to everyone who got (the tweet request) trending and helped connect us. Matt truly inspired me. God bless y'all."

There were more than 50,000 Twitter users who retweeted the request to Tebow, and close to 17,000 more who tweeted in support of having Olympic swimmer Missy Franklin to call the other crash survivor, Bailey Wind, a standout diver at Shaker H.S.

Franklin called Wind, but wasn't able to directly connect Monday night. She did, though, leave a voicemail message.

But what resonates through it all is how a young adult, in this case Siena's Anosike, can put sports and real life issues in their proper perspective.

As someone who lost lost someone very, very close far too soon and at far too young an age not that long ago, I can personally attest to how personal tragedy does indeed minimize sporting events.

Suddenly mid-major level basketball gets put in its proper place. It becomes nothing more than what it was always meant to be, an entertainment and a diversion. The realization becomes that it surely pales in comparison to what truly is important in life. And, that's life itself.

It reminds us all ... .or, at least, it should ... that the hue and cry to fire a coach whose team is off to a slow start is misplaced. That the angst over a star player having a bad night, or over a team losing to a local rival just pales in comparison to what should be meaningful in all our lives.

It is indeed unfortunate that, often, it takes personal tragedy to remind us of those lessons.

Or, that it takes a caring young man like O.D. Anosike to remind us that yes indeed, "Life is more important than wins and losses."

Monday, December 3, 2012

Women's Preview: Sheahin-Led Loyola Looks Solid

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

LOYOLA WOMEN

2011-12 RECORD: 9-9 in MAAC play, 13-17 overall. Lost in the MAAC Tournament's quarterfinal round to Niagara, 77-63.

KEY RETURNEES: 5-10 senior guard Katie Sheahin (15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 3.4 steals per game last season), 5-8 sophomore guard Kara Marshall (11.0, 2.3), 6-1 senior forward Alyssa Sutherland (6.0, 5.0), 6-0 junior guard Nicole Krusen (3.9, 1.4), 6-1 junior forward Nneka Offodile (5.8, 4.9).

KEY LOSS: Forward Miriam McKenzie (14.4, 8.4).

KEY ADDITION: 5-11 freshman guard Diana Logan.

NOTES: Off to a 3-4 start with three of the losses to strong local opponents Howard, Navy and Maryland and the fourth to always solid Hartford ... Sheahin was the coaches' choice for preseason Player of the Year, and has done nothing, so far, to indicate she isn't a strong contender for that award in the post-season, too, averaging 15.0, 5.4, 3.7 assists and 2.5 steals per game so far ... Still, when a guard (Sheahin) is the team's leading rebounder, it signifies trouble in the paint, and Loyola has it, having been outrebounded by 5.4 per game through its first seven contests ... Sutherland (7.6, 5.0 so far) is more of a finesse forward, while Offodile (4.9, 5.1) is still developing. But, neither one is going to come close to the rebounding average of graduated Miriam McKenzie (8.4 last season), and that's the team's biggest weakness to date ... Much of the team's strength, and its offense, is on the perimeter and teams can concentrate on guarding the shooters without a lot of fear of getting overwhelmed in the paint ... The team's fourth-leading scorer, Krusen has taken only seven shots from inside the three-point arc so far ... The Greyhounds were a 21-win team in 2010-11, but have slipped some since then ... Loyola's most-recent game, though, was a nice 55-53 victory over reigning Patriot League champion American, and the Greyhounds move to that league for next season ... Sheahin had 22 points in that contest, and Offodile had nine rebounds, the type production Loyola could use on a regular basis ... Sheahin has been the MAAC's Defensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons, and is one of the most-versatile performers ever to play in the conference.

LOYOLA'S STRENGTHS: Sheahin's all-around play at both ends makes Loyola competitive on any night. Marshall, Krusen and even Sutherland are capable long-range shooters. Offodile is an emerging post player, and Loyola will be well served if she can give it a consistently strong inside performance.

LOYOLA'S WEAKNESSES: Right now, other than Offodile's 9-rebound effort vs. American, a lack of consistent inside play. It needs to cut its 5.4 rebound-per-game deficiency considerably and rely less on its perimeter game. There's also a bit of a depth concern early on. Only seven players average at least 10 minutes per game.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: Loyola was picked for third in the coaches' preseason poll, but had at least as good personnel a year ago and finished in a three-way tie for fourth. Still, there isn't a clear-cut second-best team (although Fairfield seems to be emerging in non-league play), and Loyola could certainly contend to battle for second (behind Marist). The likelihood, though, is somewhere between third and sixth.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

ATM: MAAC presence at Seton Hall, Machado, Opener

First installment of the season of the semi-regular feature "ATM," otherwise known as "Around The MAAC.

- SIGNIFICANT MAAC PRESENCE AT SETON HALL

A recent trip to the South Orange, N.J., campus reminded your Hoopscribe about just how strong a MAAC connection there is within the Seton Hall men's program.

Start with head coach Kevin Willard, now in his third season at the helm of the Pirates. Before moving to Seton Hall, Willard coached three years at Iona, a program that went through a 2-28 overall record the year before he took over.

Under Willard, Iona went 12-20 in 2007-08, 12-19 in 2008-09 and 21-10 in 2009-10.

Willard came to Seton Hall after the school opted to end the reign of error of controversial coach Bobby Gonzalez in 2010. His first team there finished 13-18 and his second team, last season, was 21-13. The 21 victories were the most by the Pirates since a 21-victory season in 2003-04.

Seton Hall could be even better this year, and is off to a 5-1 start through Wednesday's games.

Seton Hall assistants include Shaheen Holloway and Dan McHale, both on Willard's Iona staff for three years prior to following the head coach to the Pirates.

And, the program's director of basketball operations is veteran MAAC presence Stephen Sauers, who was an assistant at Marist under Dave Magarity for 15 seasons and also for two seasons at Iona during Willard's time there.

One of Seton Hall's key players is former Iona standout Kyle Smyth, a fifth-year player. Smyth redshirted a season at Iona, and did not have to sit out a year after leaving the Gaels after last season because he earned his undergraduate degree. The NCAA allows graduate students immediate eligibility if they move to a school to take a masters-degree program not offered at their previous school.

Smyth, one of the better long-range shooters the MAAC has ever seen, has continued his deep accuracy in the Big East, hitting 12-of-25 three pointers (48.0 percent) through the team's first six games. He is currently averaging 7.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for Seton Hall, and his 26.0 minutes-per-game is third highest on the team.

MAAC SEASON TIPS OFF

The earliest regular-season conference game in recent memory took place on Wednesday night when Iona knocked off Niagara, 83-72, in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Gaels' junior guard Sean Armand, known primarily as a long-range shooter, showed he has more than that in his game with his first career double-double. Armand had 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

"The tougher team won," Niagara coach Joe Mihalich told reporters after the game. "They're men, and we're not."

MACHADO GETS FIRST NBA APPEARANCE

Former Iona point guard and last season's NCAA assist leader Scott Machado saw the first NBA action of his career Wednesday night during his Houston Rockets' 120-98 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Machado played three minutes, was 2-for-2 on free throws and had one assist without a turnover.

The former Gael is trying to beat out Toney Douglas as the primary back-up to Rockets' starting point guard Jeremy Lin. Douglas played 11 minutes Wednesday, was 0-for-4 from the field and had one assist and one turnover.

Machado played two games in the NBA's Developmental League before his activation earlier this week by the Rockets, and averaged 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Former Gael Machado Acttivated By NBA Rockets

Former Iona standout Scott Machado is officially on the NBA Houston Rockets' active roster.

Machado, a 6-foot-1 point guard who did enough in the preseason to earn a non-guaranteed three-year deal with the Rockets, did not play for the team in its initial early season games and was sent to the Rio Grande team in the NBA's Developmental League. There, in two games, he averaged 16.0 points and 8.0 assists per contest.

Machado, whose 9.9 assist-per-game average at Iona last year led all Division I players, was recalled to Houston in time for Tuesday night's 117-101 victory over Toronto, but did not see action.

Former New York Knicks' standout Jeremy Lin is entrenched as the Rockets' starting point guard, but his backup, Toney Douglas, reportedly hasn't been overly effective thus far. Douglas is averaging 5.9 points per game, but only shooting 30 percent from the field. He is averaging 1.8 assists against 1.6 turnovers per game thus far.

Reports from a variety of sources indicate that Machado's activation indicates he might get a chance to replace Douglas as Lin's primary back-up.

Men's Preview: Loyola Poised To Win League Title

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

LOYOLA MEN

2011-12 RECORD: 13-5 in MAAC play, 24-9 overall. Won the conference post-season tournament, lost to Ohio State, 78-59, in first round of NCAA tournament.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-2 junior guard Dylon Cormier (13.4 points, 3.3 rebounds per game last season), 6-7 senior forward Erik Etherly (13.7, 7.5), 6-4 senior guard Robert Olson (11.1, 3.4).

KEY LOSSES: 6-10 forward Shane Walker (9.0, 6.3).

KEY NEWCOMER: 6-1 freshman guard Tyler Hubbard.

NOTES: Loyola finished in second place in last season's conference standings, but got better as the season went on and was at its best at the end, capturing the league's post-season tournament and an automatic berth in the NCAA event. And, the Greyhounds appear to be picking up where where they left off with a 6-1 start in non-conference games thus far ...Veteran teams traditionally have success at this level, and Loyola's top seven scores thus far include four seniors and two juniors. No other conference team has that much experience, and it's a good reason why Loyola has a good chance to add a regular-season title in its last year in the conference. The Greyhounds move to the Patriot League in all sports for next season ... Etherly, a versatile forward, was the coaches' choice for preseason Player of the Year, and hasn't disappointed (15.7 points, 8.0 rebounds so far) ... Cormier, now a junior, has progressed nicely and, now, is among the league's elite shooting guards (17.1, 4.7, 2.3 assists so far ... Head coach Jimmy Patsos, now in his ninth season, took over a moribund program and turned it around in dramatic fashion. The year before his arrival the Greyhounds won just a single game and, now, have moved into MAAC elite territory ... It's not only talent that has made the difference, but Patsos' ability to get the Greyhounds to play team-oriented ball. Loyola, thus far, is committing just 10.7 turnovers per game, a very acceptable rate ... It's a team that shares the wealth offensively. Although Cormier and Etherly are both very good scorers, neither one will likely finish near the top of the conference's individual scoring list ... and, Olson is a good third option (12.4 ppg. thus far) and is one of the conference's hardest-working players at both ends of the court ... Senior forward Anthony Winbush (7.0, 6.3 so far) has stepped up nicely, as has senior forward Julius Brooks (4.7, 3.3, after averaging just 4.7 minutes per game last year ... Junior big man Jordan Latham (6-8, 250 pounds), helps anchor the middle and leads the MAAC in blocks (1.7) so far .... and 6-1 redshirt freshman Tyler Hubbard has contributed (7.3 ppg.) ... it means the team goes at least seven deep, and it adds an eighth when sophomore 5-8 point guard R.J. Williams, the starter at the position last year, returns to action in mid-January ... Williams is suspended, until then, for an unspecified violation of team rules and has yet to play this season. He was the team's leader in assists a year ago.

LOYOLA'S STRENGTHS: A nice combination of talent and experience. The only loss from a year ago was 6-10 forward Shane Walker, whose intangibles were just as important as his stats. But, there's still more than enough height still on the roster. There might be a couple of  teams in the MAAC with a little more man-for-man talent, but there isn't a conference team that plays better together right now. The Greyhounds' versatility is a positive, too. There are three significant point producers. Opponents can't just shut down a single player.

LOYOLA'S WEAKNESSES: Not many, although the loss of Walker is a significant one. Latham gives the team a different look ... a bruiser in the middle. Plus, the team is playing well so far without its expected point guard, Williams, and will have to ensure his return goes smoothly.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: Loyola was your Hoopscribe's early preseason pick to win the regular-season title, and league coaches agreed in their preseason poll. The Greyhounds have done nothing in the non-conference season to lower those expectations. Loyola remains the favorite to capture a regular-season league title.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Men's Preview; Siena Has Talent, Needs Experience

Here's another in the series previewing MAAC teams.

Up now ...

SIENA MEN

2011-12 RESULT: 8-10 in MAAC play, 14-17 overall. Defeated Manhattan, 82-80, in overtime of the MAAC tournament's quarterfinal round. Lost to Loyola, 70-60, in the semifinal round.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-8 senior forward O.D. Anosike (15.0 points, 12.5 rebounds per game last season), 5-8 sophomore guard Evan Hymes (13.4), 6-5 sophomore forward Rob Poole (7.0, 3.3), 5-9 sophomore guard Rakeem Brookins (9.0 in the 2010-11 season; sat out last season with a back injury).

KEY LOSSES: Guard Kyle Downey (13.3), forward Owen Wignot (7.3), forward Brandon Walters (6.8, 6.0).

KEY NEWCOMERS: 6-8 forward Imoh Silas, 6-8 forward Lionel Gomis, 6-7 forward Brett Bisping, 6-5 guard Ryan Oliver, 6-4 guard Rich Adu.

NOTES: Siena observers perceive this as a crucial year in terms of third-year head coach Mitch Buonaguro's continued employment at the school, but the veteran mentor has already shown an ability to succeed, at least in a relative sense, with a 14-17 overall finish a year ago with a roster that included just six serviceable players. Those six saw 95 percent of the on-court minutes, and nearly 98 percent of available minutes after first-semester games. No MAAC coach has ever done more with less ... Siena is off to a 2-3 start this year, somewhat expected when one of the team's starting guards (Brookins) and the top small-forward reserve (Trenity Burdine, a 6-6 sophomore) were suspended for the season's first three games (academic-related issues) ... The team is not only re-acclimating itself with them (both missed last season with injuries), but is still relatively young. Silas and Gomis are both first-year players after both had to sit out last season at Siena due to a new NCAA rule related to finishing high school within a specific period of time ...And, three key reserves are freshmen ... Right now, Siena only has three players who saw significant minutes last year, and two of them are sophomores ... The team, though, has a requisite "star" in Anosike, who led the nation in rebounding last year (12.5), and has an even higher average (13.2) through five games this season. But, he comes with a proverbial Achilles' heel, 43.6 percent accuracy (or, lack thereof) from the foul line ... Sophomore guard Evan Hymes, who had more assists than turnovers (115-105) as the team's point guard last year, is having problems taking care of the ball so far (28 turnovers, 15 assists). But, he and Brookins form undoubtedly the quickest backcourt in the MAAC and, in theory, should cause match-up difficulties at both ends. And, both are capable of handling the ball ... The team's third scoring option has become Rob Poole, who has stepped up nicely (11.4, 5.6 so far), producing significantly better than last year's numbers ... Anosike, Hymes, Poole and Brookins are a nice "core four," although the later three are all sophomores and young teams often have more than their share of inconsistencies ... Anosike is the only senior on the roster, and the only junior is Davis Martens, who hasn't yet fully recovered from hip surgery that kept him out last season ... Bisping, right now, looks like the most-ready-to-play of the freshmen and his development will be interesting to watch ... Despite all the youth, there's much talent in place and Siena's future looks bright for the next few years after this one.

SIENA'S STRENGTHS: Clearly, the best big man in the conference in Anosike. Although he's not an overly gifted scorer, he gets enough points while controlling the boards as well as any MAAC player in many, many years. Hymes, Poole and Brookins are all capable scorers. And, there's enough talent in place for the team to legitimately go four or five deep into the bench, a year after the team had a one-man bench.

SIENA'S WEAKNESSES: Experience. Four of the team's top five scorers are sophomores, and two of them (Brookins and Burdine) didn't play last year. After that, the next four leading scorers are freshmen. Anosike is the team's only senior and, right now, there's no junior in the playing group.

REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS: Season-long progress. The sophomores, at least, have a year's playing experience. And, the two "big" freshmen, Silas and Gomis, were able to practice with the team last season. It's clearly possible that the Saints could grow up fast and become very competitive by the time league play rolls around. And, Buonaguro clearly showed he knew how to coach last season. Don't expect a 20-win season overall. But, a better than .500 finish in the MAAC is well within reach, and that would be good enough for the Saints to finish somewhere from third to sixth this season.

Mihalich's Mom Loses Lengthy Bout With Cancer

Say a prayer in remembrance of Dolores Mihalich, the mom of Niagara coach Joe Mihalich, who passed away at age 88 on Wednesday after a lengthy bout with colon cancer.

Mrs. Mihalich became a wonderful story line in 2005 when her son revealed that she was battling the disease and that he hoped to give her an emotional lift with his team's success.

Mrs. Mihalich had been first diagnosed with cancer in December of 2003 and, at the time, was told by doctors that she might only have a year left to live.

Back then Mihalich spoke emotionally about how much she wanted his team to have success and to watch her son realize his dream with a trip to the NCAA tournament.

And, he did, winning the MAAC tournament to advance to the NCAA event that season.

Two years later, the Mihalich story was told again at the MAAC tournament when Niagara met Siena in the 2007 post-season event's championship game.

The mom of Fran McCaffery, the Siena coach at the time, was also battling cancer. McCaffery and Mihalich grew up together in Philadelphia and played on the same high school team.

And, then, in the mid-2000's, their moms became even closer when they often accompanied each other for their respective cancer treatments. McCaffery's mom, Shirely, passed away in September of 2007.

Mrs. Mihalich, though, continued to beat the odds related to her cancer survival, and was on hand not only for Niagara's two NCAA tournament appearance but also in 2009 when the program set the school's modern record for single-season victories and advanced to the National Invitational Tournament.

Dolores Mihalich used basketball to help brighten her days in recent years and became one of Niagara's most-loyal supporters.

"She loved Niagara basketball, and she loved Niagara University," Joe Mihalich told the Niagara Gazette earlier this week. "She answered the phone every day with `Go Purple Eagles.' "

Mrs. Mihalich's diminishing health meant that Joe Mihalich spent much of the week leading up to his team's game against Little 3 rival St. Bonaventure on Saturday traveling back and forth between Western New York and his mom's Philadelphia home.

But, Mihalich was on the sideline on Saturday for his team's spirited 80-75 loss to the Bonnies, just three days after his mom's passing.

"In some respects, it's the easiest thing to do because she wouldn't want it any other way," Mihalich told the Niagara newspaper. "Whe wouldn't want anyone sitting around feeling sorry for her and she cares about this team. She wouldn't want this team not to be at full strength."

A hospice caregiver told Mihalich recently that his mother's positive spirit had waned and she was losing interest in most daily activities.

"They asked her what she was still interested in," added Mihalich, "and she told them `my kids and Niagara basketball.' "

Friday, November 23, 2012

Women's Preview: Guard Play A Key For Siena

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

SIENA WOMEN

2011-12 RECORD: 9-9 in the MAAC, 12-17 overall. Won a first-round MAAC tournament game, 34-33, over Manhattan. Lost in the semifinals, 63-48, to Fairfield.

KEY LOSSES: Guard Cristina Centeno (10.1 points per game), guard Maja Gerlyng (9.6 ppg.), 5-8 guard Janine Davis (transferred to Fisk University).

KEY RETURNEES: 6-1 senior forward Lily Grenci (15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds per game last season), 6-1 junior forward Clara Sole-Anglada (7.9, 6.1), 5-9 sophomore guard Tehresa Coles (4.6, 2.6), 5-9 junior guard Kanika Cummings (4.4), 6-1 junior forward Kate Zarotney (3.7, 3.4), 6-1 sophomore forward Kelsey Booth (2.3), 5-6 junior guard Ciara Stewart (0.5, 0.6).

KEY NEWCOMER: 6-0 redshirt freshman guard Ida Krogh, 6-2 freshman center Symone Kelly.

NOTES: The Saints finished fourth in the MAAC standings in each of the past two seasons, and won a league tournament games both years, and still fired 22-year head coach Gina Castelli (now on the staff at Rhode Island) ... That move, in no small part, was made because the team hasn't had similar success in non-league play. The previous eight years have resulted in sub-.500 overall records, although never with fewer than 10 wins ... The current team is off to a 1-3 non-league start under new coach Ali Jaques, formerly an assistant at Northwestern ... This year's team seemed poised for improvement until Janine Davis, a transfer from George Washington University who might have been one of the league's better point guards, made a late-summer decision to transfer to Fisk, an NAIA program ... It leaves the current team shorthanded at the point, a position currently entrusted to previously lightly used junior Stewart, and without a legitimate back-up ... Through four games, the Saints are averaging an abnormally high 24.8 turnovers per contest ... If Siena can begin taking better care of the ball, it has a chance to be at least solid. It has one of the league's best players in Grenci (15.0, 10.0 so far this season), and one of the deepest front courts in the league. Zarotney (6.5, 5.5) has been effective off the bench. Sole-Anglada (6.3, 4.5) is capable at both ends and Booth (4.5) is one of the league's best long-range shooters (40.7 percent on 3-pointers last season) ... Sophomore Coles (6.3, 4.8, 3.0 steals) has made progress after a solid freshman year, particularly on her outside shot. Defensively, she uses rare quickness and desire to be one of the league's top "disruptive forces" ... Without effective guard play so far, though, the offense has struggled. After a 75-point season-opening effort against a weak Fairleigh Dickinson opponent, Siena has averaged 45.3 points over the last three contests ... But, there's certainly reason to believe the backcourt will improve with experience. Stewart hasn't played much in the past and Cummings, limited by knee issues the past two seasons, is healthier. Krogh, a multi-talented player, only got into five games and rarely practiced last year due to foot issues (and ended up a medical redshirt), is still shaking off some proverbial rust. The backcourt also could get a lift from sophomore Allison Mullings, who won the starting point guard spot last year but suffered a torn ACL in the team's first game a year ago and has only been lightly used thus far this year.

SIENA'S STRENGTH: A go-to player inside with Grenci, and a talented and deep front court. Grenci is a legitimate conference Player of the Year candidate. The team has four legitimate forwards all about 6-1, plus a promising freshman in 6-2 Kelly. Siena has been solid, at least, on the defensive end so far. Particularly Coles, who gives the Saints several extra possessions each game based on her defensive play.

SIENA'S WEAKNESS: Inexperienced guard play. Coles, a sophomore, is the backcourt's most-experienced player, but she doesn't handle the ball well enough to play at the point. The team had solid veterans in the backcourt last year with Centeno and Gerlyng, and clearly misses that sort of upperclass poise and experience so far.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: There doesn't appear to be a clear-cut second-place finisher (to Marist) right now, but Siena would have to make considerable strides to reach that level this season. Still, the upper half of the league standings is a possibility. The best guess here is somewhere between fourth and seventh in the MAAC.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Women's Preview: Canisius Set For Improvement

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

CANISIUS WOMEN

2011-12 RECORD: 6-12 in MAAC play, 12-18 overall. Lost to Saint Peter's, 62-57, in play-in round of MAAC Tournament.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-3 junior center Jamie Ruttle (11.7 points, 5.3 rebounds last season), 5-11 senior forward Ashley Wilkes (7.0, 4.5), 5-9 junior guard Jen Morabito (9.0, 2.4), 6-3 junior center Jen Lennox (3.5, 2.1), 5-7 sophomore guard Kayla Hoohuli (8.6, 3.8), 5-10 senior swingperson Allison Braun (4.6, 3.6), 5-5 senior guard Ashley Durham (9.6, 3.7).

KEY LOSSES: None.

KEY NEWCOMERS: 5-10 freshman forward Crystal Porter, 5-5 freshman guard Tiahana Mills.

NOTES: Canisius has ever player back who averaged more than 1.3 points per game last season, but it's still a young team with only one senior in the top seven scorers so far ... Head coach Terry Zeh brought in a recruiting class for the 2010-11 season that saw four freshmen win conference Player of the Week awards, but that group is still maturing. Of the four, Ruttle has become one of the league's better inside players, and Morabito a solid guard. Lennox is a reserve and Courtney VandeBovenkamp, a 6-1 forward, has a knee injury and is out for the season ... The Griffs are off to a 1-3 start, but one of the losses (to Oakland) was by a point, and the other two came against solid opponents Detroit and Bucknell ... Wilkes, a 5-11 senior, is a talented player but is also the team's second-tallest starter. The only true front-cour depth comes from Porter, a freshman (6.3, 3.5 thus far) and Lennox. It might mean that senior Allison Braun, who missed the second half of last season with an injury, might also get some minutes up front, maybe even at the power forward spot ... The Griffs were young last year, and will be again this season. Freshman Tiahana Mills (4.5, 3.5, 4.3 assists) has displaced Ashley Durham, a senior, at the point ... As usual, the team will put up its share of 3-pointers, and already has seven players through four games make a bonus shot, including the 6-3 Ruttle, who has two. The Griffs are averaging six made three-pointers per contest thus far ... It wasn't that long ago when Canisius looked like the program that could challenge Marist for conference supremecy. The Griffs were 14-4 in MAAC play and 24-9 overall in the 2008-09 season. Since then, there have been three straight 6-12 conference finishes and at least 18 overall losses each year. But, with a roster that goes legitimately nine deep this year, things should start turning around.

CANISIUS STRENGTHS: Ruttle is a multi-talented "big," who can put up big numbers in any game. The guard position is strong with Morabito, Hoohuli, Mills and Braun. While the Griffs remain relatively young, players already have considerable experience other than the current freshmen. And, there's depth. As always, there's also far above-average outside shooting ability throughout the roster.

CANISIUS WEANKESSES: Beyond Ruttle, there's not much in the post unless Lennox can produce off the bench. Also, while Mills has enough talent, it's always difficult for a freshman point guard to make the transition from high school to college.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: Something better than the three-year streak of 6-12 league records, but the best is probably to come next year. Still, there's a chance for a .500 conference record or, possibly, even a little better. Expect a finish somewhere between fourth and seventh.


Men's Preview: Excitement Building Around Canisius

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

CANISIUS MEN

2011-12 RECORD: 1-17 in MAAC play, 5-25 overall. Lost to Niagara, 80-70, in MAAC tournament play-in round.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-1 senior guard Harold Washington (17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists per game last season), 6-2 senior guard Alshwan Hymes (15.4, 3.2, 84 3-pointers), 6-6 junior forward Chris Manhert (7.0, 7.4), 6-2 junior guard Reggie Groves (5.8, 2.3), 6-9 sophomore forward Josiah Heath (4.5, 6.0).

KEY LOSSES: Guard Gaby Belardo (12.0).

KEY NEWCOMERS: 6-10 senior center Freddy Asprilla, transfer from Kansas State; 6-10 junior center Jordan Heath, transfer from Roberts Wesleyan; 6-3 senior guard Isaac Sosa, transfer from Central Florida; 6-2 junior guard Billy Baron, transfer from Rhode Island.

NOTES: Nothing like a complete re-make to turn things around at Canisius ... Three of the four now-eligible transfers are starters, and a fourth (Asprilla, the 6-10, 280-pounder) comes aboard right now, after serving a three-game suspension for a violation of team rules last year, and he'll get significant minutes, too. Plus, senior returnee Washington is among the top guards in the league ...The Golden Griffins are designed to win right now with four seniors and four juniors among the team's top nine players ... And the program is poised to regain the type of interest that hasn't been seen around the downtown Buffalo campus in many years. In fact, it already has. The past two games have brought back-to-back sellout crowds (2,196) to the on-campus Koessler Athletic Center, the first time that has happened since the 2002-03 season ... And, the crowds are seeing good basketball. The Griffs have started 3-0, the fastest start since a 4-0 beginning to the 2000-01 season, which is also the last time the program had a winning record for an entire season. It's also just the fifth time in the past 50 years Canisius has started 3-0, and just the third time in the past 30 years ... Clearly, it's a good year to be a Canisius fan ... The revitalization will bring much credit to new coach Jim Baron, who had varying degrees at success in 11 seasons at Rhode Island. Baron is a native son, of sorts, having played at St. Bonaventure and also having coached there for nine seasons before moving on to Rhode Island, so his presence brings instant credibility ... Of course, Baron is the director of the current sounds of sweet music, but he's also got considerably more talent on hand than predecessor Tom Parrotta ... The talent includes four eligible transfers, three of them (Asprilla, Jordan Heath and Sosa) were brought in by Parrotta. The fourth, Baron's son Billy (16.0 ppg., 6.0 assists so far), a transfer from Rhode Island, has had the biggest impact so far. He joins talented holdover Harold Washington (19.0 ppg. through three games) to form one of the top backcourts in the MAAC ... Manhertz, another returnee (8.3, 3.7 so far) is contributing, and Jordan Heath (8.0, 5.7) is providing enough in the post so far. And, the post gets a "big" lift now that Asprilla has served his three-game suspension ... There's also plenty of depth with Hymes, one of the league's best long-range shooters, coming off the bench along with Sosa (9.7 ppg. so far). Another returnee, 6-2 Reggie Groves (2.0 ppg. so far), is probably the team's No. 5 guard, and would start for a few MAAC teams. More depth up front comes from 6-9 sophomore Josiah Heath (3.7, 3.7 so far) ... And, as if the winning hasn't gotten the fan base enthused, two of the first three victories have come against regional rivals St. Bonaventure and Buffalo.

CANISIUS STRENGTHS: Talent, depth (the team goes legitimately nine deep), outside shooting in Washington and Hymes, inside play with Jordan Heath and, eventually, Asprilla. A strong point guard (Baron) who had success in the Atlantic 10. And, the type of fast start that builds confidence quickly. Give Baron credit, too, for bringing a lot of pieces together quickly.

CANISIUS WEAKNESSES: Having to adjust to so many new players. But, three of them (Asprilla, Heath and Sosa) were in place last year and able to practice with the Griffs. And, the fourth, Baron, filled a specific need at point guard. Questions about chemistry issues, for now, have been answered positively. But, there's another coming up with the impending return of Asprilla. Plus, we'll need to see how the Griffs can do on the road. All three wins so far have at the cozy confines of the Koessler Athletic Center.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: League coaches, in their preseason poll, picked Canisius to finish ninth, and we're finding out that's not reasonable. With the talent in place ... if things mesh ... the Griffs have as much potential as anyone. Why not contend for the league title? It's not out of the realm of possibility. Reasonably, Canisius is likely to finish in the upper half of the league standings.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Men's Preview: Talented Iona Needs Time To Mesh

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

IONA MEN

2011-12 RECORD: 15-3 in MAAC play, 25-8 overall. Lost in the MAAC tournament's semifinal round, 85-75, to Fairfield. Received an at-large berth to the NCAA tournament and lost a first-round game, 78-72, to BYU.

KEY RETURNEES: 6-0 senior guard Lamont "Momo" Jones (15.7 points per game), 6-4 junior guard Sean Armond (9.5), 6-7 senior forward Taj Ridley (6.7, 4.0).

KEY LOSSES: Forward Mike Glover (18.3, 9.0), guard Scott Machado (13.7, 9.9 assists), guard Kyle Smyth (5.5), guard Jermel Jenkins (5.5).

KEY ADDITIONS: 6-5 junior guard Tre Bowman, transfer from Midland Junior College, Tex.; 5-9 sophomore guard Tavon Sledge, transfer from Iowa State; 6-5 senior guard Curtis Dennis, transfer from Toledo; 6-9 junior center Shawn Jackson, transfer from Northwest Florida Junior College.

NOTES: Game programs should be a big seller at Iona games until fans get familiar with a roster that includes an unprecedented (within the MAAC) nine new players this year: two traditional freshmen, four from junior college programs, two transfers from four-year schools and a graduate student (Dennis) ... In "reloading," the program is likely to avoid the traditional drop mid-major level teams have after losing two first-team all-conference players (Glover, Machado), but it's still likely to have some growing pains at least for the early part of the season. So far, Iona has beaten Denver (an NCAA team last season) and Wake Forest of the ACC, but has lost to Quinnipiac (picked for fourth in the Northeast Conference) and Illinois-Chicago (picked for 8th in the 9-team Horizon League) ...No one, though, doubts that there's considerable talent in place, led by senior guard Lamont "Momo" Jones, whose college career began at Arizona. He's currently the MAAC's leading scorer (25.8 ppg.). Joining him in the backcourt is Sean Armond (21.3 ppg. thus far), and they might wind up being the nation's highest-scoring backcourt this season. Add Tre Bowman, a 6-5 swingman (14.3 ppg. so far), and that's considerable firepower on the perimeter ... Iona, though, won't be the same team as last year, not after losing Machado, who led the nation in assists a year ago. Although Jones is averaging 4.0 assists per game, he's more of a shoot-first point guard. Sledge is closer to the traditional pass-first point guard, but he's only started one of the team's first four games thus far ... The parts seemed to fit better together last year. But, they also had some time to develop together. If coach Tim Cluess can get this group's chemistry in smooth-running order, Iona could be more than a handful at some point ... But, there's another transition to come. After first semester games end, 6-8, 240-pound multi-talented forward David Laury (a transfer from Lamar State) becomes eligible and is likely to get big minutes right away ... For now, the Gaels are mostly going seven deep, but Laury gives them a strong eight-man rotation when he returns. And, even players who haven't gotten a lot of minutes thus far are capable of contributing at this level. Plus, between Laury and 6-9 front-courter Shawn Jackson, the Gaels will have the type height it lacked a year ago.

IONA'S STRENGTHS: Talent, as much of it top-to-bottom as any MAAC team. Jones, Dennis and Sledge all come from higher-level programs, and both Laury and, probably, Armand, could play at a higher level, too. The height deficiency (last season's "big" man Glover was all of about 6-6 1/2) that came into play, particularly against BYU, won't be so pronounced this year. Plus, Iona has an ability to put points on the board that's rare at this level, particularly from the perimeter players.

IONA'S WEAKNESSES: Chemistry. With so many new players joining the program all at once, and another coming aboard for the second semester, there are naturally questions about how quickly things can fall into place. Plus, the team needs to adjust from having the nation's best passer (Machado) running things a year ago to not having that luxury any longer. The belief here, though, is that head coach Tim Cluess is good enough at these things to have his team sharp by later this season.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: On talent alone, one might rate the Gaels the best team in the MAAC. But, Iona does have issues, mostly the adjustment to the newcomers and playing a style that doesn't involve a pass-first point guard like it had in Machado a year ago. League coaches picked Iona to third in the regular-season standings this season, and there won't be any argument here on that prediction. Iona could challenge for the top spot, but the guess here is that it will finish second or third in the final standings.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Women's Preview: Iona Is Young, But Very Talented

Here's another in the series previewing conference teams.

Up now ...

IONA WOMEN

2011-12 RECORD: 8-10 in the MAAC, 13-18 overall. Won a MAAC tournament play-in round game, 61-60 in overtime against Rider; lost in the quarterfinal round, 61-45, to Fairfield.

KEY RETURNEES: 5-7 sophomore guard Damika Martinez (16.0 points, 4.9 rebounds per game last season), 5-6 sophomore guard Aleesha Powell (8.4, 3.5), 6-3 junior center Sabrina Jeridore (3.2, 3.6, 1.4 blocks), 5-7 senior guard Diana Hubbard (4.4), 5-6 senior guard Haley D'angelo (1.4, 1.1).

KEY LOSSES: Forward Kristina Ford (13.9, 7.0), forward Tomica Bacic (8.2, 6.6), guard Suzi Fregosi (4.9, 122 assists).

KEY ADDITIONS: 5-11 freshman forward Joy Adams, 5-8 freshman guard Kadesia Johnson.

NOTES: After a 4-2 start last year the Gaels faltered down the stretch going 9-16 after that. Much of the team's woes came when Kristina Ford, a strong Player of the Year candidate a year ago, got hurt in the team's 10th game (she was averaging 18.4 points and 7.9 rebounds through the first nine), missed several games and never was close to 100 percent after that ... The team also lost a solid forward in Bacic and a pass-first point guard in Fregosi ... This year's team is extremely young with just two seniors (Hubbard and D'Angelo) among the first seven, and two freshmen and two sophomores among the top five scorers so far ... But, there's plenty of talent in place. Sophomore guard Martinez led the MAAC in scoring last season, the first-ever freshman to do that. And, she's off to another strong start, averaging 17.8 points and 6.3 rebounds so far, clearly projecting herself into the Player of the Year chase. Sophomore Aleesha Powell was another strong frosh guard a year ago, and has moved to the point this year and is averaging 4.0 assists per night ... Head coach Tony Bozzella appears to have found more good freshmen for this season. Joy Adams, a 5-11 forward, might be the early leader for this season's Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 10.5 points and 9.0 points through four games, and 5-8 freshman guard Kadesia Johnson (3.5, 1.5) is in the playing group ... The team also has an inside presence in 6-3 junior center Sabrina Jeridore (3.8, 4.5, 1.8 blocks) and a calming veteran influence in the backcourt in 5-6 senior Haley D'angelo (2.3, 1.8, 2.3 assists), who joined the program as a walk-on and has progressed into a starter this season ...Bozzella is certainly unafraid of early season challenges, having played No. 3 Duke (a 100-31 loss) already and meeting No. 18 St. John's on Wednesday. Providence, another Big East program, is also on the non-league schedule ... About the only thing the team lacks is more of a veteran presence. Teams that rely heavily on upperclassmen traditionally have the most success, and the Gaels will need to buck that trend this season to have success.

IONA'S STRENGTHS: Talent. Martinez, although just a sophomore, is obviously as good a scorer as there is in the league, and Powell is a very good running mate. Adams provides considerable help around the basket, as her 9.0 rebounds to date thus far would indicate. And, Jeridore is a presence inside on the defensive end. The tough early season schedule, too, should help the youngsters develop.

IONA'S WEAKNESSES: Experience, or lack thereof. It's easy to look at this team and to dismiss them as being too young to be competitive. That could be ... or, the talent in place could grow up fast and win more games than expected.

REASONABLE EXPECTATION: League coaches picked the Gaels, in the annual preseason poll, to finish eighth this season, but they could easily better that prediction. Martinez is capable of winning games almost on her own when she has big offensive nights. Iona probably won't contend for the league title and probably won't finish in the top three, but somewhere between fourth and seventh seems reasonable.