She's Back.
That would be Dianne Nolan, the longtime women's coach at Fairfield. Nolan, in case you missed it, is in charge of a program again, this time at Lafayette of the Patriot League. Nolan was introduced as the Leopards' head coach last month.
The veteran and well-decorated coach had been an assistant at Yale for the past three seasons. Prior to that she had directed Fairfield's program for 28 years before her dismissal after the 2006-07 season.
At Fairfield she guided the Stags to five MAAC championship titles and four NCAA tournament appearances. She is one of just two MAAC coaches to record more than 400 victories. Nolan ran up a 439-324 record at Fairfield while that school was a conference member from 1981-82 through the 2006-07 season. Only former Saint Peter's coach Mike Granelli had more wins (483) while coaching a MAAC team.
Nolan's program, though, had six straight seasons without going over the .500 mark prior to her dismissal from Fairfield.
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach the women's basketball team at Lafayette College," said Nolan, at the time of her hiring by Lafayette. "The real meaning and purpose of intercollegiate athletics can be found on College Hill. I look forward to continuing Lafayette's tradition of athletic excellence as we move the program to the top echelon of the league and beyond."
Nolan's 28 overall seasons at Fairfield involved that program's transition to the Division I level in 1981. Her time there remains the ninth-longest head coaching stint at one school in NCAA Division I women's basketball history. She was named the MAAC's Coach of the Year five times, the most recent being after a 25-6 finish in the 2000-01 season.
And, there's another MAAC connection on the new Lafayette staff.
After her hiring, Nolan added Shireyll Moore to her staff as an assistant.
Moore played four seasons 2005-06 through 2008-09 at Fairfield, the first two of those when Nolan was still the coach there.
A native of Mount Vernon, N.Y., Moore is the daughter of Lowes Moore, who played parts of three seasons in the NBA in the early 1980s and several more years in the Continental Basketball Association.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Women's Title Game Gets Nat'l Audience
Not only will the MAAC basketball women's tournament's championship game have a new date (on Monday, instead of its traditional Sunday slot, as reported in early June), but it was announced today that it will be broadcast to a national audience.
The women's title contest will televised on ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network. It will be live coverage of the game that will be played this coming season on Monday, March 7 at 1 p.m. at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn.
Since 1991, when the men’s and women’s championships were moved to the same site, the women’s championship game has been played on Sunday during the MAAC Basketball Championships. The format change, which gives the women’s championship game participants a day off following the semifinals, was approved by the MAAC Council of Presidents in June.
“It’s a great opportunity for the MAAC to move its premier championship game from a regional network to a national platform like ESPNU,” said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “We look forward to the network’s 72.5 million viewers tuning in for MAAC Women’s Basketball.”
This will be just the second MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship Game shown nationally and the first since March 3, 1996, when the game appeared on ESPN2. Manhattan defeated Fairfield, 92-66, at Knickerbocker Arena (now Times Union Center) in Albany, N.Y. to claim its third of four titles.
The women's title contest will televised on ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network. It will be live coverage of the game that will be played this coming season on Monday, March 7 at 1 p.m. at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn.
Since 1991, when the men’s and women’s championships were moved to the same site, the women’s championship game has been played on Sunday during the MAAC Basketball Championships. The format change, which gives the women’s championship game participants a day off following the semifinals, was approved by the MAAC Council of Presidents in June.
“It’s a great opportunity for the MAAC to move its premier championship game from a regional network to a national platform like ESPNU,” said MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. “We look forward to the network’s 72.5 million viewers tuning in for MAAC Women’s Basketball.”
This will be just the second MAAC Women’s Basketball Championship Game shown nationally and the first since March 3, 1996, when the game appeared on ESPN2. Manhattan defeated Fairfield, 92-66, at Knickerbocker Arena (now Times Union Center) in Albany, N.Y. to claim its third of four titles.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Canisius Men/Women Recruiting Recap
Here's the latest list of recruits, and an analysis, of players joining men's and women's MAAC programs for the coming season.
Up now ...
CANISIUS
MEN
Marial Dhal, 7-3 center, Hillsboro (Tampa, Fla.) Community College
Dhal averaged 3.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game as a sophomore at Hillsboro CC last season.
He has two remaining seasons of eligibility. He will not only be the tallest player in Canisius history, but the tallest ever to play in the MAAC.
"Marial is someone who can change a game for obvious reasons," said Canisius coach Tom Parrotta said. "At 7-foot-3, he'll provide us with a versatility defensively that not a lot of teams enjoy. He can run and rebound effectively and it will be our job to catch his offensive game up to his defensive game. He's a big, long individual, obviously. Can he play? What we look for is can he run and can he catch the ball, and he can do those things. Can he defend? Absolutely. He can block shots and can change things defensively. Is his defense ahead of his offense? Absolutely."
Chris Manhertz, 6-5 forward, Cardinal Spellman H.S., NYC
Manhertz averaged 18.5 points and 13 rebounds and four blocked shots per game this past season.
"He fits the mold of what we look for out of the forward position," said Parrotta. "Chris is a very tough competitor with good size and a great motor. He can change ends of the floor very well, and we expect him to excel in the system we have in place here at Canisius. If there's anything around the rim, he'll get there. He's a very physical player, but he needs to expand his game a little. Rim-rattling dunks are great, but he needs to expand beyond that. From a strength standpoint, though, he's college-ready."
Ashton Khan, a 6-1 guard, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, N.H.
Kahn, a native of Scarborough, Ont., averaged 10.0 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game this past season.
"He's a pivotal piece for us," said Parrotta. "He is extremely quick. He might not be quite as quick as Frank Turner was for us, but he's not far behind ... and that's quick. His speed and athleticism will compliment our offensive and defensive systems immediately. We fully expect him to contribute from day one."
Gaby Belardo, 6-2 point guard, South Florida University
Belardo is a transfer from South Florida of the Big East where he played just 50 total minutes and scored 13 points in 18 games as a freshman in the 2008-09 season.
He practiced with Canisius this past season and is eligible to play for the coming season. He has three remaining years of eligibility. "He didn't play much at South Florida, and didn't play for us last season so he's got two years of playing rust that we hope he can shake off very quickly," said Parrotta. 'But there were many days (at practice) when our coaches looked at each other and said that he was our best player on the floor. He can play."
David Santiago, a 6-4 guard, transfer from American University in Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Santiago averaged 14 points, five rebounds and two assists per game at the Puerto Rico school this past season playing against other member schools in the Inter University League of Puerto Rico.
As a transfer Santiago will sit out the current season but will able to practice with Canisius. He will have three seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2011-12 season. "We are thrilled to have David join our program,” Parrotta said. “He is very athletic and he can really shoot the ball. What we really like is that he understands the game and he will have this year to get bigger and stronger. I feel that he will contribute greatly to our team when he is eligible to play.”
ANALYSIS: Canisius has four solid veterans returning to the starting lineup, but need Belardo to step in as Turner's replacement at point guard and really contribute if it hopes to move into the conference's upper level this season. And, indications are that Belardo, who can produce points himself but is reported to be more of a distributor than Turner, can do that. Manhertz and Khan should both provide considerable athleticism off the bench. Obviously, the 7-3 Dhal is an intriguing newcomer but appears more of a role player than a program changer.
WOMEN
Jennifer Lennox, 6-3 foward, Kitchener, Ontario
No statistics available for Lennox, who spent a year with the National Elite Development Academy. She was also a member of the Team Canada squad, along with current Golden Griffin Stephanie MacDonald, that participated in the U19 World Championships in Thailand last summer
“At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Jen is a difficult matchup as she can post up and play on the perimeter,” said Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “We’re looking forward to taking advantage of those skills and using her in a variety of ways.”
Jennifer Morabito, 5-9 guard, Binghamton, (N.Y.) H.S.
No senior season stats available, but she averaged 19.5 points per game as a junior.
"I’ve watched Jen’s development during her career, and I’ve always been impressed with her tremendous work ethic and dedication to the game,” Zeh said. “She brings with her an outstanding skill package that will help us in a variety of ways.”
Jamie Ruttle, 6-3 foward, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Ontario
No 2009-10 stats available, but Ruttle averaged 22 points per game in the 2008-09 season.
“Jamie has tremendous hands and great feet, and at 6-foot-3 it makes her very difficult to guard in the post,” Zeh said. “When you couple that with her improved ability to shoot the 3-point shot, we’re excited to see her continued development.”
Courtney Bovenkamp, 6-1 forward, General Amherst School, Amherstburg, Ontario
No 2009-10 stats available, but she averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game in the 2008-09 season.
VandeBovenkamp has played four seasons at General Amherst and was her league's MVP for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. “Courtney’s skill package for her height allows her to score in a variety of ways,” Zeh said. “She has a craftiness about her game that is very mature for her age.”
ANALYSIS: Lennox was recruited at higher levels, including by Wisconsin, mostly because of her height. With two 6-3 front-court players joining the program there might eventually be a change in the Golden Griffin's reliance on 3-point shooting at some point. Canisius graduated its top two scorers and three of its top four point-getters, so the incoming recruits are likely to get a good look and an opportunity to get into the playing group. Morabito appears to be the primary candidate for early playing time, although Lennox's length almost ensures that she'll be able to contribute relative soon, too.
Up now ...
CANISIUS
MEN
Marial Dhal, 7-3 center, Hillsboro (Tampa, Fla.) Community College
Dhal averaged 3.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game as a sophomore at Hillsboro CC last season.
He has two remaining seasons of eligibility. He will not only be the tallest player in Canisius history, but the tallest ever to play in the MAAC.
"Marial is someone who can change a game for obvious reasons," said Canisius coach Tom Parrotta said. "At 7-foot-3, he'll provide us with a versatility defensively that not a lot of teams enjoy. He can run and rebound effectively and it will be our job to catch his offensive game up to his defensive game. He's a big, long individual, obviously. Can he play? What we look for is can he run and can he catch the ball, and he can do those things. Can he defend? Absolutely. He can block shots and can change things defensively. Is his defense ahead of his offense? Absolutely."
Chris Manhertz, 6-5 forward, Cardinal Spellman H.S., NYC
Manhertz averaged 18.5 points and 13 rebounds and four blocked shots per game this past season.
"He fits the mold of what we look for out of the forward position," said Parrotta. "Chris is a very tough competitor with good size and a great motor. He can change ends of the floor very well, and we expect him to excel in the system we have in place here at Canisius. If there's anything around the rim, he'll get there. He's a very physical player, but he needs to expand his game a little. Rim-rattling dunks are great, but he needs to expand beyond that. From a strength standpoint, though, he's college-ready."
Ashton Khan, a 6-1 guard, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, N.H.
Kahn, a native of Scarborough, Ont., averaged 10.0 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game this past season.
"He's a pivotal piece for us," said Parrotta. "He is extremely quick. He might not be quite as quick as Frank Turner was for us, but he's not far behind ... and that's quick. His speed and athleticism will compliment our offensive and defensive systems immediately. We fully expect him to contribute from day one."
Gaby Belardo, 6-2 point guard, South Florida University
Belardo is a transfer from South Florida of the Big East where he played just 50 total minutes and scored 13 points in 18 games as a freshman in the 2008-09 season.
He practiced with Canisius this past season and is eligible to play for the coming season. He has three remaining years of eligibility. "He didn't play much at South Florida, and didn't play for us last season so he's got two years of playing rust that we hope he can shake off very quickly," said Parrotta. 'But there were many days (at practice) when our coaches looked at each other and said that he was our best player on the floor. He can play."
David Santiago, a 6-4 guard, transfer from American University in Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Santiago averaged 14 points, five rebounds and two assists per game at the Puerto Rico school this past season playing against other member schools in the Inter University League of Puerto Rico.
As a transfer Santiago will sit out the current season but will able to practice with Canisius. He will have three seasons of eligibility beginning with the 2011-12 season. "We are thrilled to have David join our program,” Parrotta said. “He is very athletic and he can really shoot the ball. What we really like is that he understands the game and he will have this year to get bigger and stronger. I feel that he will contribute greatly to our team when he is eligible to play.”
ANALYSIS: Canisius has four solid veterans returning to the starting lineup, but need Belardo to step in as Turner's replacement at point guard and really contribute if it hopes to move into the conference's upper level this season. And, indications are that Belardo, who can produce points himself but is reported to be more of a distributor than Turner, can do that. Manhertz and Khan should both provide considerable athleticism off the bench. Obviously, the 7-3 Dhal is an intriguing newcomer but appears more of a role player than a program changer.
WOMEN
Jennifer Lennox, 6-3 foward, Kitchener, Ontario
No statistics available for Lennox, who spent a year with the National Elite Development Academy. She was also a member of the Team Canada squad, along with current Golden Griffin Stephanie MacDonald, that participated in the U19 World Championships in Thailand last summer
“At 6-foot-3 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan, Jen is a difficult matchup as she can post up and play on the perimeter,” said Canisius coach Terry Zeh said. “We’re looking forward to taking advantage of those skills and using her in a variety of ways.”
Jennifer Morabito, 5-9 guard, Binghamton, (N.Y.) H.S.
No senior season stats available, but she averaged 19.5 points per game as a junior.
"I’ve watched Jen’s development during her career, and I’ve always been impressed with her tremendous work ethic and dedication to the game,” Zeh said. “She brings with her an outstanding skill package that will help us in a variety of ways.”
Jamie Ruttle, 6-3 foward, Notre Dame High School, Burlington, Ontario
No 2009-10 stats available, but Ruttle averaged 22 points per game in the 2008-09 season.
“Jamie has tremendous hands and great feet, and at 6-foot-3 it makes her very difficult to guard in the post,” Zeh said. “When you couple that with her improved ability to shoot the 3-point shot, we’re excited to see her continued development.”
Courtney Bovenkamp, 6-1 forward, General Amherst School, Amherstburg, Ontario
No 2009-10 stats available, but she averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds per game in the 2008-09 season.
VandeBovenkamp has played four seasons at General Amherst and was her league's MVP for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. “Courtney’s skill package for her height allows her to score in a variety of ways,” Zeh said. “She has a craftiness about her game that is very mature for her age.”
ANALYSIS: Lennox was recruited at higher levels, including by Wisconsin, mostly because of her height. With two 6-3 front-court players joining the program there might eventually be a change in the Golden Griffin's reliance on 3-point shooting at some point. Canisius graduated its top two scorers and three of its top four point-getters, so the incoming recruits are likely to get a good look and an opportunity to get into the playing group. Morabito appears to be the primary candidate for early playing time, although Lennox's length almost ensures that she'll be able to contribute relative soon, too.
Loyola's Patsos Another "Ring Bearer"
OK, so your blogger missed at least one "ring bearer" among those with MAAC connections.
That would be current Loyola head coach Jimmy Patsos, who owns an NCAA national championship ring, courtesy of being an assistant at Maryland for that program's run to the title in 2002.
That reminder comes courtesy of astute MAAC follower Jerry Sherry, a longtime fan primarily of the Siena basketball program.
And, your blogger should have known better to to have overlooked Patsos. As a media member, I covered the first-round game Siena played against Maryland that season. Two years later, Patsos was in the MAAC, beginning his tenure that turned around Loyola's program.
That would be current Loyola head coach Jimmy Patsos, who owns an NCAA national championship ring, courtesy of being an assistant at Maryland for that program's run to the title in 2002.
That reminder comes courtesy of astute MAAC follower Jerry Sherry, a longtime fan primarily of the Siena basketball program.
And, your blogger should have known better to to have overlooked Patsos. As a media member, I covered the first-round game Siena played against Maryland that season. Two years later, Patsos was in the MAAC, beginning his tenure that turned around Loyola's program.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Ring-holder Padgett joins Manhattan
There's another "ring' in the MAAC with Manhattan's hiring of Scott Padgett as an assistant coach.
That's "ring" as in an NCAA national championship ring.
Padgett earned his as a key member of Kentucky's 1998 national championship team.
Your blogger believes the only other individual currently working within a conference program with a national championship ring is new Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro, who earned his as an assistant coach on the 1985-86 Villanova national title winner.
Two other former MAAC coaches, both assistants with Buonaguro on Rollie Massimino's Villanova Staff, also have national championship rings. That would be former Manhattan coach Steve Lappas and former Canisius coach Marty Marbach.
If readers can remember any other national championship ring holders either currently or formerly affiliated with a conference program, please leave that information in a "comment."
As for Padgett, he comes to Manhattan after spending last season as an assistant strength coach on the staff at Kentucky, his alma mater.
"I have always wanted to be a head coach in college, so this is a great first step for me to coach basketball in New York City and learn every aspect of running a program from recruiting, to coaching in practice and the day-to-day operations," explained Padgett, in a release issued by Manhattan. "I am very excited to start the next chapter of my basketball career."
Padgett was a 1st Round draft pick selected 28th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1999 and spent eight years in the league. Padgett recorded 1,142 points in four years with the Jazz, before spending the next two seasons with the Houston Rockets. The Louisville, Ky., native played the 2005-06 season with the New Jersey Nets. Padgett began the 2006-07 season with the Rockets before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he finished out his career.
Padgett played at Kentucky from 1995-99. He helped lead the Wildcats to the 1998 NCAA National Championship, where he was named to the NCAA All-Final Four team, as well as the NCAA All-East Regional team and All-SEC during the regular season. In 1997, Padgett helped Kentucky to the NCAA championship game and was named to the All-Final Four team.
Padgett scored 1,252 points over his career, which ranks 32nd on Kentucky's all-time list.
That's "ring" as in an NCAA national championship ring.
Padgett earned his as a key member of Kentucky's 1998 national championship team.
Your blogger believes the only other individual currently working within a conference program with a national championship ring is new Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro, who earned his as an assistant coach on the 1985-86 Villanova national title winner.
Two other former MAAC coaches, both assistants with Buonaguro on Rollie Massimino's Villanova Staff, also have national championship rings. That would be former Manhattan coach Steve Lappas and former Canisius coach Marty Marbach.
If readers can remember any other national championship ring holders either currently or formerly affiliated with a conference program, please leave that information in a "comment."
As for Padgett, he comes to Manhattan after spending last season as an assistant strength coach on the staff at Kentucky, his alma mater.
"I have always wanted to be a head coach in college, so this is a great first step for me to coach basketball in New York City and learn every aspect of running a program from recruiting, to coaching in practice and the day-to-day operations," explained Padgett, in a release issued by Manhattan. "I am very excited to start the next chapter of my basketball career."
Padgett was a 1st Round draft pick selected 28th overall by the Utah Jazz in 1999 and spent eight years in the league. Padgett recorded 1,142 points in four years with the Jazz, before spending the next two seasons with the Houston Rockets. The Louisville, Ky., native played the 2005-06 season with the New Jersey Nets. Padgett began the 2006-07 season with the Rockets before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he finished out his career.
Padgett played at Kentucky from 1995-99. He helped lead the Wildcats to the 1998 NCAA National Championship, where he was named to the NCAA All-Final Four team, as well as the NCAA All-East Regional team and All-SEC during the regular season. In 1997, Padgett helped Kentucky to the NCAA championship game and was named to the All-Final Four team.
Padgett scored 1,252 points over his career, which ranks 32nd on Kentucky's all-time list.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hasbrouck Has Big Summer Loop Game
Starting lineup for the 2010-11 Miami Heat ...
At forward: Chris Bosh and LeBron James.
At center; Udonis Haslem.
At shooting guard: Dwayne Wade.
And, at point guard .... Kenny Hasbrouck?
That's Kenny Hasbrouck, a 2009 graduate of Siena and the MAAC's Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season.
Realistically, there's a long way between now and the regular season and a lot of eyes to open for anyone to believe the above scenario.
In truth, the best that can be said about Hasbrouck right now is that he's chasing a spot on the Heat's 13-man come opening night.
But, he's definitely off to a good start.
Hasbrouck is playing with Miami's Summer League team in the Las Vegas summer session for NBA teams. Playing primarily with other non-roster players, Hasbrouck led all scorers with 24 points (10-of-15 shooting), while adding three rebounds and an assist.
His sharp cross-court pass in the closing seconds to undrafted Jon Scheyer from Duke set Scheyer up for a go-ahead 3-pointer in the Heat's 77-72 victory over the New Orleans Hornets Sunday night.
The game was televised, and your blogger watched a good portion. Hasbrouck looks to have added a few pounds of well-defined muscle since his Siena days and looks considerably more confident and mature on the court than most of his teammates.
And, he should be. After ending his career at Siena, he spent much of last season in the NBA's Developmental League before catching on near the end of the season with the Heat. He is currently an unsigned free-agent, but the Heat are certainly in need of low-priced players to fill out their roster after giving big-money contracts to Wade, James and Bosh that leaves the team without much left to spend under the league's salary cap guidelines.
Currently, the Heat don't have a traditional point guard in place. Hasbrouck did play the position on occasion at Siena and in the D-League last season.
Obviously, a single summer league game doesn't decide anything. But, it should be interesting to see how it eventually plays out for Hasbrouck.
At forward: Chris Bosh and LeBron James.
At center; Udonis Haslem.
At shooting guard: Dwayne Wade.
And, at point guard .... Kenny Hasbrouck?
That's Kenny Hasbrouck, a 2009 graduate of Siena and the MAAC's Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season.
Realistically, there's a long way between now and the regular season and a lot of eyes to open for anyone to believe the above scenario.
In truth, the best that can be said about Hasbrouck right now is that he's chasing a spot on the Heat's 13-man come opening night.
But, he's definitely off to a good start.
Hasbrouck is playing with Miami's Summer League team in the Las Vegas summer session for NBA teams. Playing primarily with other non-roster players, Hasbrouck led all scorers with 24 points (10-of-15 shooting), while adding three rebounds and an assist.
His sharp cross-court pass in the closing seconds to undrafted Jon Scheyer from Duke set Scheyer up for a go-ahead 3-pointer in the Heat's 77-72 victory over the New Orleans Hornets Sunday night.
The game was televised, and your blogger watched a good portion. Hasbrouck looks to have added a few pounds of well-defined muscle since his Siena days and looks considerably more confident and mature on the court than most of his teammates.
And, he should be. After ending his career at Siena, he spent much of last season in the NBA's Developmental League before catching on near the end of the season with the Heat. He is currently an unsigned free-agent, but the Heat are certainly in need of low-priced players to fill out their roster after giving big-money contracts to Wade, James and Bosh that leaves the team without much left to spend under the league's salary cap guidelines.
Currently, the Heat don't have a traditional point guard in place. Hasbrouck did play the position on occasion at Siena and in the D-League last season.
Obviously, a single summer league game doesn't decide anything. But, it should be interesting to see how it eventually plays out for Hasbrouck.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Loyola Men/Women Recruiting Update
Here's the latest installment identifying and analyzing incoming recruits to MAAC programs.
Up now ...
LOYOLA
MEN
Dylon Cormier, a 6-2 guard, Cardinal Gibbons H.S., Baltimore
Cormier averaged 26.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.6 assists per game this past season. Most reports indicate he is a far better shooter than a distributor.
"He’s just the ultimate basketball player," said Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos, about Cormier. " He wants to win. He can score it. He’s a great kid and he wants to step up on the court, which is what you want. He was, at times, the best player in the Baltimore Catholic League."
Pierson Williams, a 6-5 swingman, Taft H.S. (Los Angeles)
He averaged about 11 points, 3 rebound and two assists per game this past season.
"He can catch and shoot, and he’s growing," said Patsos. "At 6-5, he’s a 3 man. But I like kids from L.A., and the little things they bring to the table. He’s a good athlete and he’s long. He’s got good upside. He’s a flat-out shooter. That’s what he does. So we got him late. Sometimes a late kid is what you need. He’s a great kid, good personality. He comes from a strong program and he’s a kid I like from L.A."
Justin Drummond, a 6-4 swingman, Riverside Baptist H.S., Upper Marlboro, Md.
Drummond averaged 23.3 points and close to 10 rebounds per game this past season.
"He’s a big guard that’s not grown into his body," said Patsos. "He played the 4 this year, but he’s young at 17 years old (at the time of his high school graduation). He’s really smart and he can really score the ball. He’s going to be a good player. It’s going to take him a year to catch up to his size this year, but he’ll eventually be a 2/3. Is he a guy with a lot of versatility? I think that’s what he does bring – versatility. He’s going to do a little bit of everything. He can catch and shoot at our level. You’ve got to learn and be ready to score at the speed of our game. Once Justin catches up, that’ll be the difference. But he can do all the little stuff for a guard. He’s a tough player and he gets after it as a defender.
Erik Etherly, 6-7 sophomore forward, transfer from Northeastern
Etherly, listed at 184 pounds on Loyola's website, likely needs to add a little bulk and strength. He played in just 12 games as a freshman at Northeastern during the 2008-09 season, scoring a total of 12 points and getting 10 rebounds.
"He’s going to be a 4-man at our level," said Patsos. "He can run and post up, score from the foul line. He’s tough. He has a little Ron Artest in him to be honest with you. He’s not as big and tough, but he’s like him in a lot of ways. It was a tremendous signing for us. He’s stronger, he’s quicker, and I know he’s happier. His energy level is good and I know he’s going to start for us. That guy’s starting for us."
ANALYSIS: Loyola only graduates one key player, guard Brett Harvey, and has pretty much everyone back. Etherly, at least according to Patsos, will be an immediate contributor. He's clearly ready having played (albeit sparringly) for a season at Northeastern and, then, practiced with Loyola last season. Cormier is also likely to get into the playing group and should benefit greatly by having senior Brian Rudolph ahead of him for a season before taking on greater responsibility. Drummond and Williams, according to reports, are both "projects," initially but are both appear capable of helping Loyola at some point, although not necessarily this coming season.
WOMEN
Nicole Krusen, a 6-0 guard, Georgetown Visitation School, Washington, D.C.
Krusen is a pure shooting guard who averaged 14.4 points per game this past season, with much of her damage coming from long range. She made 74 three-pointers in 25 games.
Nneka Offodile, a 6-1 center, Walsh Jesuit H.S., Cuyahoga, Ohio
Offodile averaged 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this past season. She is described as an athleti8c front-court player in most reports.
ANALYSIS: Loyola's biggest loss (literally) was inside player Kaitlin Grant, and it needs some post position help for the coming season. Offodile should get a good look and might contribute almost immedately. Krusen joins an already talented group of perimeter players in the program, but it never hurts to have another shooter, and Krusen is definitely one of those.
Up now ...
LOYOLA
MEN
Dylon Cormier, a 6-2 guard, Cardinal Gibbons H.S., Baltimore
Cormier averaged 26.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.6 assists per game this past season. Most reports indicate he is a far better shooter than a distributor.
"He’s just the ultimate basketball player," said Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos, about Cormier. " He wants to win. He can score it. He’s a great kid and he wants to step up on the court, which is what you want. He was, at times, the best player in the Baltimore Catholic League."
Pierson Williams, a 6-5 swingman, Taft H.S. (Los Angeles)
He averaged about 11 points, 3 rebound and two assists per game this past season.
"He can catch and shoot, and he’s growing," said Patsos. "At 6-5, he’s a 3 man. But I like kids from L.A., and the little things they bring to the table. He’s a good athlete and he’s long. He’s got good upside. He’s a flat-out shooter. That’s what he does. So we got him late. Sometimes a late kid is what you need. He’s a great kid, good personality. He comes from a strong program and he’s a kid I like from L.A."
Justin Drummond, a 6-4 swingman, Riverside Baptist H.S., Upper Marlboro, Md.
Drummond averaged 23.3 points and close to 10 rebounds per game this past season.
"He’s a big guard that’s not grown into his body," said Patsos. "He played the 4 this year, but he’s young at 17 years old (at the time of his high school graduation). He’s really smart and he can really score the ball. He’s going to be a good player. It’s going to take him a year to catch up to his size this year, but he’ll eventually be a 2/3. Is he a guy with a lot of versatility? I think that’s what he does bring – versatility. He’s going to do a little bit of everything. He can catch and shoot at our level. You’ve got to learn and be ready to score at the speed of our game. Once Justin catches up, that’ll be the difference. But he can do all the little stuff for a guard. He’s a tough player and he gets after it as a defender.
Erik Etherly, 6-7 sophomore forward, transfer from Northeastern
Etherly, listed at 184 pounds on Loyola's website, likely needs to add a little bulk and strength. He played in just 12 games as a freshman at Northeastern during the 2008-09 season, scoring a total of 12 points and getting 10 rebounds.
"He’s going to be a 4-man at our level," said Patsos. "He can run and post up, score from the foul line. He’s tough. He has a little Ron Artest in him to be honest with you. He’s not as big and tough, but he’s like him in a lot of ways. It was a tremendous signing for us. He’s stronger, he’s quicker, and I know he’s happier. His energy level is good and I know he’s going to start for us. That guy’s starting for us."
ANALYSIS: Loyola only graduates one key player, guard Brett Harvey, and has pretty much everyone back. Etherly, at least according to Patsos, will be an immediate contributor. He's clearly ready having played (albeit sparringly) for a season at Northeastern and, then, practiced with Loyola last season. Cormier is also likely to get into the playing group and should benefit greatly by having senior Brian Rudolph ahead of him for a season before taking on greater responsibility. Drummond and Williams, according to reports, are both "projects," initially but are both appear capable of helping Loyola at some point, although not necessarily this coming season.
WOMEN
Nicole Krusen, a 6-0 guard, Georgetown Visitation School, Washington, D.C.
Krusen is a pure shooting guard who averaged 14.4 points per game this past season, with much of her damage coming from long range. She made 74 three-pointers in 25 games.
Nneka Offodile, a 6-1 center, Walsh Jesuit H.S., Cuyahoga, Ohio
Offodile averaged 10.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this past season. She is described as an athleti8c front-court player in most reports.
ANALYSIS: Loyola's biggest loss (literally) was inside player Kaitlin Grant, and it needs some post position help for the coming season. Offodile should get a good look and might contribute almost immedately. Krusen joins an already talented group of perimeter players in the program, but it never hurts to have another shooter, and Krusen is definitely one of those.
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