Here's another in the series looking at players joining conference programs for the coming season.
Up now...
IONA MEN
- Kelvin Amayo, a 6-4, 210-pound sophomore guard: He is a transfer from Marshall University where he played just three games last season, averaging 2.7 points per game in an average of 9.3 minutes. "Kelvin is a treat athlete with tremendous leaping ability," said Iona coach Tim Cluess, in a release issued by the school. "He's a slasher/scorer and will look to contribute to our rotation right away. He can also hit from long distance with the best of them on our squad." Amayo has a waiver request in with the NCAA to play immediately, but there has not yet been a decision on that. If he doesn't get the waiver, he won't be eligible until the 2014-15 season.
- Ryden Hines, a 6-10, 230-pound freshman forward: A native of Anchorage, Ala., he played at the prep school level at Impact Academy in Las Vegas this past season where he averaged 21.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. "Ryan has a great motor and really plays hard," said Cluess. "He has a good basketball IQ and can knock down a jumper. At 6-10 he's going to have to help us right away, but as he physically matures and adjusts to the college game he has an opportunity to be a very successful player at Iona."
- Mike Poole, a 6-5, 195-pound senior wing: He is a transfer from Rutgers and is eligible immediately after receiving an NCAA waiver this summer. At Rutgers he averaged 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 95 games. His career high came, ironically, against Iona with an 18-point, 7-rebound performance last season. "Mike is a veteran ... and will look for a leadership role on this year's squad," said Cluess. "His all-around ability on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball will be a great asset for our program."
- Daniel Robinson, a 6-11, 215-pound freshman forward: He played at the prep school level last season at the IMG Academy in Brandenton, Fla. No statistics from there are available. But, as a senior at Atlantic Shores Christian School in Chesapeake, Va., in 2011-12, he averaged 9.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game. "At 6-11, Daniel can step out and hit a jumper," said Cluess. "He is not our prototypical back-to-the-basket post performer but has solid offensive skills. We'll also look to use his size in the middle as a big, interior defensive presence."
- Shackquiel Scott, a 6-6, 205-pound freshman wing: He played at the prep school last season at the Robinson School in Irvington, N.J. where he averaged 13 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game. "Shack is an extremely athletic wing with a solid mid-range game," said Cluess. "His athleticism and energy will be a great addition to our program.
- Isaiah Williams, a 6-7, 180-pound sophomore forward. He comes to Iona after a year at State College (Fla.), a junior college program, where he averaged 17.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in an average of just 21.6 minutes per contest. He is eligible immediately. "Isaiah is a 6-7 wing and can really fill it up," said Cluess. "He can also shoot a three as well as anybody we have and will also help us a lot defensively as he is very active and has a lot of length to him."
ANALYSIS: As usual, Iona will benefit from bringing in players with experience beyond the high school level. Of the six newcomers, the three freshmen all have a year of prep school experience, while Williams, Poole and Amayo have all played at some level of college ball. It means the adjustment period for all the newcomers isn't quite as difficult as with traditional freshmen. Poole will add a level of toughness on the defensive end, while Williams, Hines and Amayo (if he gets an eligibility waiver) all can help provide some of the offense lost with the graduation of Player of the Year Momo Jones. Iona lost some key players from a year ago, but the program did a nice job of reloading. As is always the case with a large group of new expected contributors, there will be a period of adjustment as the cast builds chemistry. But, at some point ... barring the unexpected ... Iona's incoming players will help contribute to the team being one of the best in the MAAC in the coming season.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Recruiting: Saint Peter's Women Make Key Additions
Here's the latest in the series looking at players joining conference teams for the coming season.
Up now ...
SAINT PETER'S WOMEN
- Kaycee DeVoogd, a 6-foot-2 freshman center/forward: She averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds at New Providence H.S. in Edison, N.J., last season. She was also said to be a good shot-blocker defensively, although no other statistics are available.
- Kylie Garrett, a 5-9 freshman guard: She averaged 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game at Western Brown H.s. in Ohio this past season. She was a two-sport athlete (also volleyball) in high school.
- Marcia Senatus, a 5-4 freshman guard: She played last season at Trenton (N.J.) Catholic H.S. this past season and was a 3-sport athlete (track, tennis). She reportedly can play either guard spot, but is primarily a point guard. No statistics are available.
- Rebecca Sparks, a 5-foot-5 sophomore guard: She is a transfer from St. Francis (Pa.) and is not eligible until the 2014-15 season. She averaged 3.9 points and 1.7 assists as a freshman at St. Francis, but had 27 points in an NEC tournament game, and 13 in a WBI tournament game against Fairfield.
- Imani Martinez, a 6-2 sophomore forward: She is a transfer from East Tennessee State where she only saw action in four games, scoring four total points. She was a fairly highly recruited player in her senior season at North Hunterdon H.S. in N.J. Among suitors were Seton Hall and Hofstra. She is also ineligible to play until the 2014-15 season.
ANALYSIS: The future should be bright. Senatus is highly touted by coach Pat Coyle, and should get playing time right away. Garrett is an outstanding long-range shooter and should get minutes right away, too. DeVoogd appears to be a little more of a project, who was set to attend a D-II school before Saint Peter's offered her a scholarship. Sparks and Martinez will be major additions when they both become eligible a year from now.
Up now ...
SAINT PETER'S WOMEN
- Kaycee DeVoogd, a 6-foot-2 freshman center/forward: She averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds at New Providence H.S. in Edison, N.J., last season. She was also said to be a good shot-blocker defensively, although no other statistics are available.
- Kylie Garrett, a 5-9 freshman guard: She averaged 17.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game at Western Brown H.s. in Ohio this past season. She was a two-sport athlete (also volleyball) in high school.
- Marcia Senatus, a 5-4 freshman guard: She played last season at Trenton (N.J.) Catholic H.S. this past season and was a 3-sport athlete (track, tennis). She reportedly can play either guard spot, but is primarily a point guard. No statistics are available.
- Rebecca Sparks, a 5-foot-5 sophomore guard: She is a transfer from St. Francis (Pa.) and is not eligible until the 2014-15 season. She averaged 3.9 points and 1.7 assists as a freshman at St. Francis, but had 27 points in an NEC tournament game, and 13 in a WBI tournament game against Fairfield.
- Imani Martinez, a 6-2 sophomore forward: She is a transfer from East Tennessee State where she only saw action in four games, scoring four total points. She was a fairly highly recruited player in her senior season at North Hunterdon H.S. in N.J. Among suitors were Seton Hall and Hofstra. She is also ineligible to play until the 2014-15 season.
ANALYSIS: The future should be bright. Senatus is highly touted by coach Pat Coyle, and should get playing time right away. Garrett is an outstanding long-range shooter and should get minutes right away, too. DeVoogd appears to be a little more of a project, who was set to attend a D-II school before Saint Peter's offered her a scholarship. Sparks and Martinez will be major additions when they both become eligible a year from now.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Story On Coffino's Brush With Tragedy Is Must-Read
We don't often post links to stories from other sources, but this one is far too good not to bring to your attention.
Many of us remember John Coffino from his days around the MAAC. Coffino served nine years as an assistant at three different conference program ... he was at Iona from 1997-99, at Niagara from 1999-2002 and at Saint Peter's from 2002-2006. He is also a graduate of Saint Peter's, so his connections to the conference are many.
During his time as an assistant coach he had a well-earned reputation as an extremely hard worker, a guy who was the first guy at the office every day and the last guy to leave. "FILO," he called it ... First In, Last Out.
He eventually moved on to coaching pros, joining Jeff Ruland's staff, initially, as an assistant coach with the Albuquerque Thunder (2008-10) and, then, coaching the Albany (N.Y.) legends to an Independent Basketball Association championship in 2012.
He went from there to a minor league job in Texas but left when paychecks for coaches and players stopped coming.
Unable to catch on anywhere else in the U.S., he took a job as the coach of a team at the Dankind Academy in Qutar, Kenya. To supplement his meager income in that position he also took on coaching duties of a girls' team at an international high school in Nairobi.
And, then, came tragedy. One of the players on his girls' team was killed in the recent terrorist attack at a Nairobi shopping mall that has been in the news in recent days.
Yahoo Sports' Adam Wajnarowski recently spoke with Coffino and produced a wonderful story. Here it is:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--kenyan-girls-basketball-team-mourns-death-of-young-teammate-in-mall-shooting-001151501.html
Many of us remember John Coffino from his days around the MAAC. Coffino served nine years as an assistant at three different conference program ... he was at Iona from 1997-99, at Niagara from 1999-2002 and at Saint Peter's from 2002-2006. He is also a graduate of Saint Peter's, so his connections to the conference are many.
During his time as an assistant coach he had a well-earned reputation as an extremely hard worker, a guy who was the first guy at the office every day and the last guy to leave. "FILO," he called it ... First In, Last Out.
He eventually moved on to coaching pros, joining Jeff Ruland's staff, initially, as an assistant coach with the Albuquerque Thunder (2008-10) and, then, coaching the Albany (N.Y.) legends to an Independent Basketball Association championship in 2012.
He went from there to a minor league job in Texas but left when paychecks for coaches and players stopped coming.
Unable to catch on anywhere else in the U.S., he took a job as the coach of a team at the Dankind Academy in Qutar, Kenya. To supplement his meager income in that position he also took on coaching duties of a girls' team at an international high school in Nairobi.
And, then, came tragedy. One of the players on his girls' team was killed in the recent terrorist attack at a Nairobi shopping mall that has been in the news in recent days.
Yahoo Sports' Adam Wajnarowski recently spoke with Coffino and produced a wonderful story. Here it is:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--kenyan-girls-basketball-team-mourns-death-of-young-teammate-in-mall-shooting-001151501.html
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Recruiting Report: Saint Peter's Men Bring In Eight
Here's another in the series looking at players joining conference teams for the coming season.
Up now ...
SAINT PETER'S MEN
- Vic Adams, a 6-3, 165-pound junior guard: He is a transfer from Dodge City Community College where he averaged 19.0 points per game this past season.
- Marvin Dominique, a 6-7, 215-pound junior forward: He transferred from Fordham and is eligible this season. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as a Fordham sophomore in 2011-12 and 4.5 and 5.6 as a freshman.
- Tyler Gaskins, a 6-5, 200-pound junior forward: He comes in from Lawson State (Ala.) Community College where he averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds last season. The year before that, at New Mexico Military JUCO he averaged 10.0 points per game. Over the past two years he has made 69-of-157 three pointers (44 percent).
- Kris Rolle, a 6-5, 215-pound junior forward: He comes in from Colby (Kan.) Community College. There, he averaged 10.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season. His rebound average was fourth nationally on the junior college Division I ranks, the highest division for JUCO play.
- Jamel Fields, a 6-2, 175-pound junior guard: He was with Saint Peter's as a redshirt last season after transferring over from league member Fairfield. At Fairfield he averaged 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds as a sophomore and 4.7, 1.3 and 1.7 assists as a freshman.
- Quadir Welton, a 6-7, 220-pound freshman center/forward: He averaged 9.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season as a senior at Math, Civics and Science Charter School in Philadelphia.
- Howard Sellers, a 6-1, 165-pound freshman guard: He is a career 1,000-point high school scorer and averaged about 17 points per game as a junior at The School of Church Farm in Exton, Pa. No senior season statistics are available.
- Trevis Wyche, a 6-0, 165-pound freshman guard: He averaged 17.8 points and 3.6 assists per game last season as a senior at St. Peter's Prep School in N.J.
ANALYSIS: With eight newcomers, it's one of the largest incoming groups to the conference, and the Peacocks can use the help.Five of the players come in as juniors, either via transfer from other four-year programs of from the junior college ranks. And, that past college experience should help them make an easier transition to the MAAC. Fields has even been in the MAAC as an effective third guard at Fairfield as a freshman prior to having some injury issues diminish his role as a sophomore. He can play either guard spot and will be in the playing group. The Peacocks also need help in the post, and coach John Dunne believes that Dominique, a power forward, will be among the top five or six forwards in the league. Rolle is a little undersized as a 6-5 forward, but is a tenacious rebounder and will also help. Welton, who already has a college-ready build, is likely to be able to make some early post play contributions coming off the bench. Dunne's team also needed an influx of offense, and that appears to be coming, too.Adams and Gaskins are both very capable offensive players, and Fields can score a little, too, to help out returnee Desi Washington, last season's leading scorer. Even Sellers, an undersized shooting guard, can put up pints in a hurry. Wyche has the potential to be an effective point guard who also can score. He'll get every chance to get big minutes early, but if he's not ready right away Fields can swing over to play some point.
Up now ...
SAINT PETER'S MEN
- Vic Adams, a 6-3, 165-pound junior guard: He is a transfer from Dodge City Community College where he averaged 19.0 points per game this past season.
- Marvin Dominique, a 6-7, 215-pound junior forward: He transferred from Fordham and is eligible this season. He averaged 2.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game as a Fordham sophomore in 2011-12 and 4.5 and 5.6 as a freshman.
- Tyler Gaskins, a 6-5, 200-pound junior forward: He comes in from Lawson State (Ala.) Community College where he averaged 8.0 points and 3.0 rebounds last season. The year before that, at New Mexico Military JUCO he averaged 10.0 points per game. Over the past two years he has made 69-of-157 three pointers (44 percent).
- Kris Rolle, a 6-5, 215-pound junior forward: He comes in from Colby (Kan.) Community College. There, he averaged 10.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season. His rebound average was fourth nationally on the junior college Division I ranks, the highest division for JUCO play.
- Jamel Fields, a 6-2, 175-pound junior guard: He was with Saint Peter's as a redshirt last season after transferring over from league member Fairfield. At Fairfield he averaged 3.5 points and 1.8 rebounds as a sophomore and 4.7, 1.3 and 1.7 assists as a freshman.
- Quadir Welton, a 6-7, 220-pound freshman center/forward: He averaged 9.0 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season as a senior at Math, Civics and Science Charter School in Philadelphia.
- Howard Sellers, a 6-1, 165-pound freshman guard: He is a career 1,000-point high school scorer and averaged about 17 points per game as a junior at The School of Church Farm in Exton, Pa. No senior season statistics are available.
- Trevis Wyche, a 6-0, 165-pound freshman guard: He averaged 17.8 points and 3.6 assists per game last season as a senior at St. Peter's Prep School in N.J.
ANALYSIS: With eight newcomers, it's one of the largest incoming groups to the conference, and the Peacocks can use the help.Five of the players come in as juniors, either via transfer from other four-year programs of from the junior college ranks. And, that past college experience should help them make an easier transition to the MAAC. Fields has even been in the MAAC as an effective third guard at Fairfield as a freshman prior to having some injury issues diminish his role as a sophomore. He can play either guard spot and will be in the playing group. The Peacocks also need help in the post, and coach John Dunne believes that Dominique, a power forward, will be among the top five or six forwards in the league. Rolle is a little undersized as a 6-5 forward, but is a tenacious rebounder and will also help. Welton, who already has a college-ready build, is likely to be able to make some early post play contributions coming off the bench. Dunne's team also needed an influx of offense, and that appears to be coming, too.Adams and Gaskins are both very capable offensive players, and Fields can score a little, too, to help out returnee Desi Washington, last season's leading scorer. Even Sellers, an undersized shooting guard, can put up pints in a hurry. Wyche has the potential to be an effective point guard who also can score. He'll get every chance to get big minutes early, but if he's not ready right away Fields can swing over to play some point.
Hoopscribe To Branch Out For Column Writing Work
Here's a preview of coming attractions, mostly for sports fans in upstate New York but also for any of you who read about sports on the internet.
Your Hoopscribe is taking on additional writing duties, this time as a sports columnist at The Troy Record Newspaper. I'll be writing two columns a week, and those will appear on Wednesday and Sunday, beginning this Sunday.
So, go out and buy The Record on those days (or, every day for that matter for terrific coverage of local sports in its area). Or, check in on line at www.troyrecord.com
The columns will draw on my "expertise," such as it is. Basketball, obviously, will be a major topic and there will be much about our favorite conference (the MAAC, of course). We'll also touch on UAlbany hoops, as well as much, much more.
This new opportunity will have no affect on the MAAC blog, which will continue to present expertise/opinion/news/perspective, etc., and, hopefully, will continue to draw the close to 10,000 hits per month.
In fact, the new gig is certain to be an aid to the MAAC blog. It will ensure that I'm even more involved with college basketball beyond the MAAC, and that should mean finding more issues and news that will pertain to our conference and be worthy of posts on "Keepin' Track of the MAAC."
And, I'll still be doing radio color commentary for the Siena women's team, still get to just about every Siena men' home game and still get on the road for some MAAC games elsewhere. So,the MAAC will have as much of my attention as ever ... maybe even more.
How did this new gig come about?
I have good, long-time friends in place at the administration level at The Record. They know me well ... and, somehow, they still wanted to hire me.
I guess they think I can add something to their sports section, and I'll be giving that my best shot.
I am honored to know that I'll be upstate New York's most-featured columnist. No other local paper has a columnist who writes more than once weekly.
I'll try to bring The Record the same philosophy that I bring to "Keepin' Track of the MAAC." I've been working in upstate New York for 32 of my professional years, and grew up in the region as a sports fan. So, there's a considerable connection to area history.
It helps to be old, I guess. I'm not old enough to have seen baseball Hall of Famers Johnny Evers of Troy, or George Davis of Cohoes, play their games. But, I'm old enough to know who they are and to have written about them extensively. And, I will again.
I'm not old enough to have seen Billy Harrell play basketball at Siena in the 1950's, but I am old enough to have been around when Siena moved to Division I, when it moved to the MAAC and when it went to its first NIT and NCAA tournaments, and those experiences will be fodder for future columns.
I've been there, and done that ... a lot. And, now, comes an opportunity to do more.
I'm looking forward to it, just like I always look forward to writing about the MAAC in this space.
Hopefully you'll keep checking in here ... and, then, add The Troy Record (or, it's website) to your reading list, too.
Your Hoopscribe is taking on additional writing duties, this time as a sports columnist at The Troy Record Newspaper. I'll be writing two columns a week, and those will appear on Wednesday and Sunday, beginning this Sunday.
So, go out and buy The Record on those days (or, every day for that matter for terrific coverage of local sports in its area). Or, check in on line at www.troyrecord.com
The columns will draw on my "expertise," such as it is. Basketball, obviously, will be a major topic and there will be much about our favorite conference (the MAAC, of course). We'll also touch on UAlbany hoops, as well as much, much more.
This new opportunity will have no affect on the MAAC blog, which will continue to present expertise/opinion/news/perspective, etc., and, hopefully, will continue to draw the close to 10,000 hits per month.
In fact, the new gig is certain to be an aid to the MAAC blog. It will ensure that I'm even more involved with college basketball beyond the MAAC, and that should mean finding more issues and news that will pertain to our conference and be worthy of posts on "Keepin' Track of the MAAC."
And, I'll still be doing radio color commentary for the Siena women's team, still get to just about every Siena men' home game and still get on the road for some MAAC games elsewhere. So,the MAAC will have as much of my attention as ever ... maybe even more.
How did this new gig come about?
I have good, long-time friends in place at the administration level at The Record. They know me well ... and, somehow, they still wanted to hire me.
I guess they think I can add something to their sports section, and I'll be giving that my best shot.
I am honored to know that I'll be upstate New York's most-featured columnist. No other local paper has a columnist who writes more than once weekly.
I'll try to bring The Record the same philosophy that I bring to "Keepin' Track of the MAAC." I've been working in upstate New York for 32 of my professional years, and grew up in the region as a sports fan. So, there's a considerable connection to area history.
It helps to be old, I guess. I'm not old enough to have seen baseball Hall of Famers Johnny Evers of Troy, or George Davis of Cohoes, play their games. But, I'm old enough to know who they are and to have written about them extensively. And, I will again.
I'm not old enough to have seen Billy Harrell play basketball at Siena in the 1950's, but I am old enough to have been around when Siena moved to Division I, when it moved to the MAAC and when it went to its first NIT and NCAA tournaments, and those experiences will be fodder for future columns.
I've been there, and done that ... a lot. And, now, comes an opportunity to do more.
I'm looking forward to it, just like I always look forward to writing about the MAAC in this space.
Hopefully you'll keep checking in here ... and, then, add The Troy Record (or, it's website) to your reading list, too.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Making Preseason Predictions For Women's Season
We did an "updated" look at predictions for men's standings for the upcoming season, and, now, it's time for the women.
1. MARIST: Surprised? We didn't think so. But, there are proverbial chinks in the armor. Post players 6-5 Delaney Hollenbeck and 6-3 Tori Jarosz could both be lost for the season. Of course, that happened last year, too, and Marist finished 18-0 againt MAAC opponents. But, Elizabeth Beynnon capably took care of the post last season and, now, she's graduated. Still ... returning senior Emma O'Connor's 4.7 rebounds per game last season led all Marist players. But, she's only 6-foot-0 and, right now, is the tallest healthy player with any college experience. Otherwise? Guards Casey Dulin and Leanne Ockenden are among the best in the league, and Sydney Coffey and Maddy Blais, both sophomores, are emerging talents.
Chief Concern: The post. Kat Fogarty, a 6-2 freshman, will almost assuredly get big minutes, a Marist rarity for a freshman, and she'll need to contribute.
2. IONA: Not only does every starter return from a team that won 20 games last season and went to the WNIT, but the Gaels return its top seven scorers from a year ago. Those include returning Player of the Year junior guard Damika Martinez and last season's Rookie of the Year sophomore forward Joy Adams. This might (finally!) be the year a team seriously threatens Marist.
Chief Concern: A new coach in Billi Godsey, who has never previously run a program.
3. QUINNIPIAC: The "Marist of the Northeast Conference" a year ago when the Bobcats went 18-0 in that league and 30-3 overall. Its best player, Felicia Baron, an all-purpose guard, did graduate. But, point guard Gillian Abshire (10th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio) and forward Brittany McQuain (8.3 rebounds per game) are both all-MAAC caliber players. In all, four of last season's five starters return.
Chief Concern: Does Quinnipiac's excellence translate to a new and slightly better league?
4. FAIRFIELD: A perennially strong program under head coach Joe Frager, and expect the same again this year, particularly as forward Brittany Obi-Tabot continues to emerge as one of the league's top players. Four of last season's top five scorers are also back, and no departing player averaged more than 8.1 points per contest.
Chief Concern: Find a little more offense, particularly from the point guard position as teams basically left Stags' point guards unguarded last year in order to pack the paint.
5. RIDER: A 15-15 finish last season was the program's best in many years. Swingperson MyNesha McKenzie returns, and she is a strong candidate to be this season's Player of the Year. Shereen Lightbourne could also be a major contributor if she is finally healthy after missing the last two seasons with knee injuries. And, Lashay Banks, a 5-10 guard who transferred in from Cincinnati, should also help.
Chief Concern: Post play. The program lost some good ones and probably needs 6-3 Marritt Gilcrease, previously a lightly used reserve, to step up.
6. MANHATTAN: League coaches, in their preseason poll, picked the Jaspers for 10th. Your Hoopscribe thinks Manhattan has the best chance among conference teams to make a positive surprise this season. Four very solid players return, led by sharpshooter Monica Roeder and underrated point guard Allison Skrec. And incoming 6-1 freshman guard Maeve Parahus is the choice here to be the MAAC's Rookie of the Year.
Chief Concern: The team will need contributions from some freshmen. Parahus and two incoming front-court players will need to make quick transitions to college play.
7. CANISIUS: Two of its top three players from a year ago graduated, including its only double-figure scorer (Ashley Durham). But, post player Jamie Ruttle has often looked capable of more, the return of aggressive forward Courtney VandenBovenkamp (out all last season with an injury) will help, and sophomore Tiahana Mills had a strong freshman season and looks capable of more this year.
Chief Concern: Much of the nucleus has been together for several years without any major success.
8. MONMOUTH: Some key graduation losses, but several returnees look capable of emerging, including UMass transfer Sara English, a 6-4 forward who averaged 1.45 blocks per game in just 13.8 minutes of playing time.
Chief Concern: Lack of height a year ago could be solved by English and incoming freshmen, but youngsters will be counted on for heavy minutes.
9 SIENA: The good news is that second-year coach Ali Jaques has a good incoming freshman class, but the bad news is that the group will need to make big contributions for the team to move up in the standings. Junior guard Tehresa Coles is an all-league caliber player, but more than a few former role players will have to make major strides.
Chief Concern: Another program with an unexpected loss (forward Kate Zarotney, a premature end to her playing days due to shoulder issues) leaves a thin frontcourt.
10. NIAGARA: The Purple Eagles were a little thin up front a year ago and, then, had all-league caliber center Lauren Gatto leave the program early due to a personal situation. Point guard Kayla Stroman and forward Shy Britton also left a year early, robbing the program of three of last year's top four players. There is rebuilding ahead, but the proverbial barrel isn't entirely empty. Incoming freshman Victoria Rampado might be an impact player, according to one knowledgeable Niagara source.
Chief Concern: Unexpected off-season personnel losses, forcing former role players and incoming freshmen into bigger roles.
11. SAINT PETER'S: Forward Kaydine Bent and guards Aziza May and Bridget Whitfield combine to be a nice threesome, but there isn't a lot else in place. Still, it should be enjoyable to see how quickly new coach Pat Coyle, who has WNBA coaching experience (and, MAAC experience as the former Loyola coach) can turn around the Peacocks.
Chief Concern: Finding enough talent (or, developing it) to be competitive for the coming season.
1. MARIST: Surprised? We didn't think so. But, there are proverbial chinks in the armor. Post players 6-5 Delaney Hollenbeck and 6-3 Tori Jarosz could both be lost for the season. Of course, that happened last year, too, and Marist finished 18-0 againt MAAC opponents. But, Elizabeth Beynnon capably took care of the post last season and, now, she's graduated. Still ... returning senior Emma O'Connor's 4.7 rebounds per game last season led all Marist players. But, she's only 6-foot-0 and, right now, is the tallest healthy player with any college experience. Otherwise? Guards Casey Dulin and Leanne Ockenden are among the best in the league, and Sydney Coffey and Maddy Blais, both sophomores, are emerging talents.
Chief Concern: The post. Kat Fogarty, a 6-2 freshman, will almost assuredly get big minutes, a Marist rarity for a freshman, and she'll need to contribute.
2. IONA: Not only does every starter return from a team that won 20 games last season and went to the WNIT, but the Gaels return its top seven scorers from a year ago. Those include returning Player of the Year junior guard Damika Martinez and last season's Rookie of the Year sophomore forward Joy Adams. This might (finally!) be the year a team seriously threatens Marist.
Chief Concern: A new coach in Billi Godsey, who has never previously run a program.
3. QUINNIPIAC: The "Marist of the Northeast Conference" a year ago when the Bobcats went 18-0 in that league and 30-3 overall. Its best player, Felicia Baron, an all-purpose guard, did graduate. But, point guard Gillian Abshire (10th nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio) and forward Brittany McQuain (8.3 rebounds per game) are both all-MAAC caliber players. In all, four of last season's five starters return.
Chief Concern: Does Quinnipiac's excellence translate to a new and slightly better league?
4. FAIRFIELD: A perennially strong program under head coach Joe Frager, and expect the same again this year, particularly as forward Brittany Obi-Tabot continues to emerge as one of the league's top players. Four of last season's top five scorers are also back, and no departing player averaged more than 8.1 points per contest.
Chief Concern: Find a little more offense, particularly from the point guard position as teams basically left Stags' point guards unguarded last year in order to pack the paint.
5. RIDER: A 15-15 finish last season was the program's best in many years. Swingperson MyNesha McKenzie returns, and she is a strong candidate to be this season's Player of the Year. Shereen Lightbourne could also be a major contributor if she is finally healthy after missing the last two seasons with knee injuries. And, Lashay Banks, a 5-10 guard who transferred in from Cincinnati, should also help.
Chief Concern: Post play. The program lost some good ones and probably needs 6-3 Marritt Gilcrease, previously a lightly used reserve, to step up.
6. MANHATTAN: League coaches, in their preseason poll, picked the Jaspers for 10th. Your Hoopscribe thinks Manhattan has the best chance among conference teams to make a positive surprise this season. Four very solid players return, led by sharpshooter Monica Roeder and underrated point guard Allison Skrec. And incoming 6-1 freshman guard Maeve Parahus is the choice here to be the MAAC's Rookie of the Year.
Chief Concern: The team will need contributions from some freshmen. Parahus and two incoming front-court players will need to make quick transitions to college play.
7. CANISIUS: Two of its top three players from a year ago graduated, including its only double-figure scorer (Ashley Durham). But, post player Jamie Ruttle has often looked capable of more, the return of aggressive forward Courtney VandenBovenkamp (out all last season with an injury) will help, and sophomore Tiahana Mills had a strong freshman season and looks capable of more this year.
Chief Concern: Much of the nucleus has been together for several years without any major success.
8. MONMOUTH: Some key graduation losses, but several returnees look capable of emerging, including UMass transfer Sara English, a 6-4 forward who averaged 1.45 blocks per game in just 13.8 minutes of playing time.
Chief Concern: Lack of height a year ago could be solved by English and incoming freshmen, but youngsters will be counted on for heavy minutes.
9 SIENA: The good news is that second-year coach Ali Jaques has a good incoming freshman class, but the bad news is that the group will need to make big contributions for the team to move up in the standings. Junior guard Tehresa Coles is an all-league caliber player, but more than a few former role players will have to make major strides.
Chief Concern: Another program with an unexpected loss (forward Kate Zarotney, a premature end to her playing days due to shoulder issues) leaves a thin frontcourt.
10. NIAGARA: The Purple Eagles were a little thin up front a year ago and, then, had all-league caliber center Lauren Gatto leave the program early due to a personal situation. Point guard Kayla Stroman and forward Shy Britton also left a year early, robbing the program of three of last year's top four players. There is rebuilding ahead, but the proverbial barrel isn't entirely empty. Incoming freshman Victoria Rampado might be an impact player, according to one knowledgeable Niagara source.
Chief Concern: Unexpected off-season personnel losses, forcing former role players and incoming freshmen into bigger roles.
11. SAINT PETER'S: Forward Kaydine Bent and guards Aziza May and Bridget Whitfield combine to be a nice threesome, but there isn't a lot else in place. Still, it should be enjoyable to see how quickly new coach Pat Coyle, who has WNBA coaching experience (and, MAAC experience as the former Loyola coach) can turn around the Peacocks.
Chief Concern: Finding enough talent (or, developing it) to be competitive for the coming season.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Taking An Updated Look at Men's Preseaon Picks
In case you missed it, The Sporting News' College Basketball Preview magazine has been on news stands (and selling quickly) for several weeks.
Your Hoopscribe, as always, did the MAAC's preview, complete with a predicted order of finish for men's teams.
But, the deadline for that was mid-July, nearly 10 weeks ago. A lot has changed since then, so here's a updated predicted finishing order, complete with brief comments.
1. MANHATTAN: A fast finish after a midseason style change to accommodate the loss of top scorer George Beamon was proof that Steve Masiello can coach. Beamon is back, as is just about everyone else of significance. And, the addition of big man Ashton Pankey, a 6-foot-10 transfer from Maryland, gives the Jaspers five starters all capable of contending for post-season all-star honors.
Chief Concern: Can Pankey and returning post player 6-7 Rhamel Brown, both of whom do their best work in the paint, play together?
2. IONA: The Gaels lost the conference's Player of the Year for the second straight season, but they don't rebuild these days ... they reload. Between returnees and newcomers, they have as much individual talent as any conference team.
Chief Concern: Chemistry. Iona had an influx of new players last year, too, and it took nearly half the season for things to fall into place. Give coach Tim Cluess credit for bringing everything together as the season progressed, an indication that the same might happen again this year.
3. CANISIUS: Major losses in the backcourt, but some very good replacements including Stetson transfer Chris Perez. Plus, the one guard returnee, Billy Baron, is the league's best player.
Chief Concern: A front-court that didn't have to do much offensively last season will have to make greater contributions at both ends this season.
4. SAINT PETER'S: Strong incoming transfers up front in 6-7 Maarvin Dominique and Kris Rolle and in the backcourt with Jamel Fields and Vic Adams join standout returnee guards Desi Washington and Chris Burke. Some will think this pick is too high, but there's talent here and coach John Dunne is terrific at bringing a team together.
Chief Concern: Height ... no player on the roster taller than 6-7 in a league that has more than a few quality bigs this season.
5. QUINNIPIAC: Four starters return, including a forward tandem in Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame that is as good as any in the conference. Umar Shannon, a grad-student transfer from St. Francis, should help at guard.
Chief Concern: The one loss was a good point guard. Returnee Shaq Shannon, who got some minutes there last season, will need to step up.
6. FAIRFIELD: The immediate eligibility of 6-11 Pitt transfer Malcolm Gilbert, due to a recent NCAA waiver, gives the Stags potentially the top front court in the league. Transfer guard Sean Grennan will also help, but the Stags lost their entire three-man guard rotation from a year ago and guard play, at this level, is crucial.
Chief Concern: Finding a new backcourt, particularly a point guard.
7. MARIST: Junior swingman Chavaughn Lewis is among the conference's best players and senior center Adam Kent is very good in the paint. The return to health of senior forward Jay Bowie is a big lift. Guard Khalil Hart, who missed last season with a knee injury, could be a major contributor.
Chief Concern: Quality depth.
8. NIAGARA: The Purple Eagles had considerable turnover after former coach Joe Mihalich moved to Hofstra, but there's still talent in place, particularly at the guard spot. Antoine Mason will score big this year, and has help in the backcourt from Marvin Jordan, Tahjere McCall and talented incoming freshman Wesley Myers. Grad-student transfer 6-8 Marcus Ware will help up front.
Chief Concern: Is there enough in the front court?
9 RIDER: Two terrific pieces in swingman Anthony Myles and forward Daniel Stewart, and 6-9 center Junior Fortunat could emerge, too. But, heavy losses otherwise.
Chief Concern: Not enough strong returnees. Former role players/incoming freshmen will have to step up.
10. SIENA: We picked Rob Poole to be the MAAC's breakout player at this time last season, and he fulfilled expectations. He'll be even better this year. But, only one other starter (Evan Hymes) who played at least 17 minutes per game last season, returns. New head coach Jimmy Patsos will bring Siena back into contention quickly, but maybe not this year.
Chief Concern: A good group of freshmen will be called on for big minutes and probably take some proverbial lumps early.
11. MONMOUTH: Junior wing Andrew Nicholas will be one of the league' better players, and Khalil Brown, a slender forward, was held back by injuries a year ago and will be a significant contributor. But, major losses elsewhere since a year ago. The incoming freshman class has five players 6-8 and taller, which bodes well for the future.
Chief Concern: Will rely heavily on young players.
Your Hoopscribe, as always, did the MAAC's preview, complete with a predicted order of finish for men's teams.
But, the deadline for that was mid-July, nearly 10 weeks ago. A lot has changed since then, so here's a updated predicted finishing order, complete with brief comments.
1. MANHATTAN: A fast finish after a midseason style change to accommodate the loss of top scorer George Beamon was proof that Steve Masiello can coach. Beamon is back, as is just about everyone else of significance. And, the addition of big man Ashton Pankey, a 6-foot-10 transfer from Maryland, gives the Jaspers five starters all capable of contending for post-season all-star honors.
Chief Concern: Can Pankey and returning post player 6-7 Rhamel Brown, both of whom do their best work in the paint, play together?
2. IONA: The Gaels lost the conference's Player of the Year for the second straight season, but they don't rebuild these days ... they reload. Between returnees and newcomers, they have as much individual talent as any conference team.
Chief Concern: Chemistry. Iona had an influx of new players last year, too, and it took nearly half the season for things to fall into place. Give coach Tim Cluess credit for bringing everything together as the season progressed, an indication that the same might happen again this year.
3. CANISIUS: Major losses in the backcourt, but some very good replacements including Stetson transfer Chris Perez. Plus, the one guard returnee, Billy Baron, is the league's best player.
Chief Concern: A front-court that didn't have to do much offensively last season will have to make greater contributions at both ends this season.
4. SAINT PETER'S: Strong incoming transfers up front in 6-7 Maarvin Dominique and Kris Rolle and in the backcourt with Jamel Fields and Vic Adams join standout returnee guards Desi Washington and Chris Burke. Some will think this pick is too high, but there's talent here and coach John Dunne is terrific at bringing a team together.
Chief Concern: Height ... no player on the roster taller than 6-7 in a league that has more than a few quality bigs this season.
5. QUINNIPIAC: Four starters return, including a forward tandem in Ike Azotam and Ousmane Drame that is as good as any in the conference. Umar Shannon, a grad-student transfer from St. Francis, should help at guard.
Chief Concern: The one loss was a good point guard. Returnee Shaq Shannon, who got some minutes there last season, will need to step up.
6. FAIRFIELD: The immediate eligibility of 6-11 Pitt transfer Malcolm Gilbert, due to a recent NCAA waiver, gives the Stags potentially the top front court in the league. Transfer guard Sean Grennan will also help, but the Stags lost their entire three-man guard rotation from a year ago and guard play, at this level, is crucial.
Chief Concern: Finding a new backcourt, particularly a point guard.
7. MARIST: Junior swingman Chavaughn Lewis is among the conference's best players and senior center Adam Kent is very good in the paint. The return to health of senior forward Jay Bowie is a big lift. Guard Khalil Hart, who missed last season with a knee injury, could be a major contributor.
Chief Concern: Quality depth.
8. NIAGARA: The Purple Eagles had considerable turnover after former coach Joe Mihalich moved to Hofstra, but there's still talent in place, particularly at the guard spot. Antoine Mason will score big this year, and has help in the backcourt from Marvin Jordan, Tahjere McCall and talented incoming freshman Wesley Myers. Grad-student transfer 6-8 Marcus Ware will help up front.
Chief Concern: Is there enough in the front court?
9 RIDER: Two terrific pieces in swingman Anthony Myles and forward Daniel Stewart, and 6-9 center Junior Fortunat could emerge, too. But, heavy losses otherwise.
Chief Concern: Not enough strong returnees. Former role players/incoming freshmen will have to step up.
10. SIENA: We picked Rob Poole to be the MAAC's breakout player at this time last season, and he fulfilled expectations. He'll be even better this year. But, only one other starter (Evan Hymes) who played at least 17 minutes per game last season, returns. New head coach Jimmy Patsos will bring Siena back into contention quickly, but maybe not this year.
Chief Concern: A good group of freshmen will be called on for big minutes and probably take some proverbial lumps early.
11. MONMOUTH: Junior wing Andrew Nicholas will be one of the league' better players, and Khalil Brown, a slender forward, was held back by injuries a year ago and will be a significant contributor. But, major losses elsewhere since a year ago. The incoming freshman class has five players 6-8 and taller, which bodes well for the future.
Chief Concern: Will rely heavily on young players.
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