Archive for June, 2008
« Previous EntriesSophomores to Watch
Monday, June 30th, 2008Adjusting to the college game can be a tall task for incoming freshmen.
The game is quicker. The opponents are stronger. And the learning curve is steeper. For every newcomer that is able to weather the adjustment, there are many that do not. The majority, however, experience just enough ups and downs to get their feet wet and make sense of the game at this level, so they can return hoping to make a bigger splash as sophomores.
Having already taken a look at Chris Wright, Kevin Anderson, Malcolm Eleby and Lavoy Allen in ‘Break-Out Candidates’ (Part 1 & Part 2), here are five more sophomores to watch who may play important roles for their respective teams in 2008-09.
Damian Saunders - Duquesne
After bursting onto the scene with 19 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds in the Dukes epic November 2007 destruction of Howard (129-59), Saunders had a solid freshman campaign. The 6′7″ forward from Waterbury, Connecticut, finished the year with averages of 6.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 1.5 spg.; strong enough numbers to be named to the All-Rookie team and a sound stat line for a freshman playing 22 minutes per contest.
(Atlantic 10): NBA Draft Preview (Part 2)
Thursday, June 26th, 2008By: Regular Guest Contributor, Ian Nolan
Tonight is draft night. Waiting for their names to be called along with hundreds of other players will be a few graduates from the Atlantic 10 Conference. Below is Part 2 of CCT’s A-10 NBA Draft Preview, examining the remaining three of six players from the conference with draft hopes.
Brian Roberts, Guard- University of Dayton
Perhaps no player in the Atlantic 10 this past season was relied upon more by his team than point guard Brian Roberts. The 6′2″ guard with a sweet stroke was asked to do just about everything by head coach Brian Gregory (particularly as a result of injuries to Chris Wright and Charles Little)… and he did not disappoint.
Roberts was named to the A-10 first team as a senior (2nd team the two previous seasons), averaged 18.4 points, shot a ridiculous 45% from three-point range (3rd in the A-10), and dished out 117 assists. Roberts holds many UD records, and is a tremendously efficient player (Career 45% from the floor, 44% from three-point range). Roberts is a very mature and composed, but is a bit undersized and not a true NBA athlete. While is offensive game is well polished, his defense is adequately suited, at best, for the NBA level.
(Atlantic 10) NBA Draft Preview - Part 1
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008By: Regular Guest Contributor, Ian Nolan; along with CCT Staff
Thursday night in New York City, the lives of 60 basketball players from around the nation, and world, will be changed forever. For NBA and college basketball fans alike, the names Derrick Rose (Memphis), Michael Beasley (Kansas State) and O.J. Mayo (USC) are the year’s Holy Trinity of the draft. After these three names are called, however, the debate is on as to who will shake hands with Commissioner Stern.
Waiting for their names to be called along with hundreds of other players will be a few graduates from the Atlantic 10 Conference. Below is Part 1 of an A-10 NBA Draft Preview, examining three of six players with draft hopes from the conference. Part 2 will follow tomorrow.
Will Daniels, Forward- University of Rhode Island
Daniels enjoyed a fine senior season as a Ram, averaging over 18 points per game while pulling down 6.5 rebounds. Equally as important, his NBA Draft potential soared in 2007-08, aided in-part by Rhode Island’s sprint out of the gates, which garnered national attention… and coverage for Daniels. Various mock drafts have Daniels slotted anywhere from being selected in the mid-second round to remaining undrafted.
Publishing Schedule: Late June/Early July
Tuesday, June 24th, 2008With the NBA Draft this Thursday night (7:00 PM EST), College Chalktalk will be publishing a two-part preview of the draft as it pertains to six graduates of the Atlantic 10. Part 1 will appear tomorrow, with Part 2 to follow on Thursday.
Additionally, CCT’s “Five Questions” series continues soon with interviews from assistant coaches for both George Washington and Charlotte.
Thanks, once again, to all of our readers.
-CCT Staff
Saint Louis Billikens: A Statistical Look
Friday, June 20th, 2008By: Regular Guest Contributor, Ray Floriani (Basketball Times/Hoopville)
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - There are two different ways a new coach can assume the reins of a program. The first is to evaluate the existing talent and develop a system that best suits that talent, while recruiting players who will fit the ideal system the new head man wishes to employ. Another approach is for the coach to assume control and install his system, regardless of personnel.
This past season, Bob Huggins took over at West Virginia and employed the first method. Huggins emphasized his trademark tough defense, as always, but realized he had some deadly outside shooters who could also move well without the ball to free themselves - and he took advantage of that existing strength. The result saw WVU run an offense similar to the one John Beilein used prior to departing for Michigan. And, it was an offense that contributed to another great year in Morgantown.
Rick Majerus arrived at SLU and took the latter approach when he succeeded Brad Soderberg. Majerus had his system. The players were going to learn it. Plain and simple.
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