Archive for July, 2008
« Previous EntriesAtlantic 10 Rankings: The Top 25 Returnees
Thursday, July 31st, 2008Gone from the conference are eight of the top ten scorers…
Eight of the top ten rebounders…
…and six of the top ten assist men.
Despite losing several fantastic players, however, the Atlantic 10 remains rich in talent.
The league will experience an infusion of transfers from solid Division One programs; players such as Anthony Gurley, Vernon Goodridge, Ben Eaves, Chris Matthews and Maurice Thomas, to name a few. Several highly touted freshmen including Kenny Frease, Jiovanny Fontan, Melquan Bolding, Brett Thompson and Paul Williams will also lace-up for their respective schools. Finally, many talented veterans return for another year.
The following begins CCT’s breakdown, a multi-part series, of the Top 25 Returnees in the Atlantic 10. These rankings are based upon both performance to date and expected contributions in 2008-09. Let the debate begin…
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No. 25 - Ryan Brooks, Temple
With apologies to Charlie Coley, Jason Love, Yves Mekongo-Mbala, Brenton Butler and many others considered… Temple’s Ryan Brooks has nabbed the final spot in CCT’s Top 25.
Spiders Suffer Setback - Geriot Injured
Monday, July 28th, 2008
What happened? A rising Richmond program now faces quite an obstacle to success as Dan Geriot, the 6′9″, skilled big-man for the Spiders, will likely be shelved for the entire 2008-09 season. Geriot tweaked his right knee earlier this offseason and, after recently returning to action, tore a ligament in the same knee during a summer league game.
For those who have not seen Geriot’s game, the junior-to-be is the most versatile big man in the conference. Geriot averaged over 14 points and 5 rebounds per game last season as a sophomore. In addition, he boasted shooting percentages of 47% from the field, 75% from the stripe and 40% from three-point range.
What’s Next? Geriot will likely undergo surgery within the next ten days to two weeks. He will sit out the 2008-09 season as a medical redshirt. Upon his return, he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
What does this mean for the Spiders in 2008-09?
Geriot will be sorely missed and the impact of losing him will be felt far beyond his statistical contributions. He is an excellent passer and a perfect fit for the Princeton style offense employed by Richmond. His floor vision and ability to knock down the perimeter shot are valuable weapons in the spacing game which is critical to the Spider attack. Geriot also is adept at stationing himself at the high post which aids the Richmond guards in initiating the offense. Finally, for a team that finished last in the conference in rebounding margin (-5.7) in 2007-08, his loss will certainly be felt on the glass.
Statistical Look: The UMass NIT Run
Friday, July 25th, 2008By: Contributor, Ray Floriani (Basketball Times/Hoopville)
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - On the second Thursday in March, the UMass contingent exited Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall roughly after midnight. The evening had been a disappointment, to put it mildly. Coach Travis Ford’s club entered the Atlantic 10 Tournament with full intention of cutting down the nets.
At the half, everything was proceeding according to plan. After jumping out to a seemingly insurmountable seventeen-point lead against Charlotte, it appeared the Minutemen would coast to victory. The Niners, however, had other plans. Leemire Goldwire led a furious comeback which saw Charlotte score 50 second-half points, the Minutemen became unglued and were sent home early.
UMass accepted an NIT bid, regrouped and eventually made a run all the way to the championship game at Madison Square Garden. In this article, we look at both the regular season performance of the Minutemen and that of their NIT run.
Regular Season
Possessions Off. Efficiency Def. Efficiency
76 105 99
NIT Games
S.F. Austin 68 118 89
Akron 66 103 92
Syracuse 87 94 93
Florida 79 99 84
Ohio State 85 100 118
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Average: 77 103 95
How did they do it?
Five Questions - Charlotte Associate Head Coach, Rob Moxley
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008In this edition of “Five Questions”, Rob Moxley of Charlotte shares his thoughts with College Chalktalk. Coach Moxley is now set for his tenth season with the Niners, having spent seven years as an assistant to Bobby Lutz, and the last two-plus as Associate Head Coach. Here’s what’s happening with the Niners.
College Chalktalk: Leemire Goldwire put the Niners on his back last season, particularly in Atlantic City (at the A-10 Tournament). What will it take to replace his leadership, and are there any players who have begun to fill that role?
Rob Moxley: The best attribute Lee had was that he led by example and not just talk. He also cared more than anyone else and he was our best player. When your best player is a great leader it goes a long way. As far as guys replacing Lee, we have signed Rashad Coleman, a 6′5″ wing who is very talented. 
We beat out Georgia Tech and Oklahoma State to get him. Shamarr Bowden, who will be a freshmen, is a 6′3″ shooter who never stops running and has Lee’s work ethic for sure. We also will have Ian Andersen back who has made some huge shots for us already. Ian is also a very good shooter. But, as far as replacing Lee’s leadership, you can’t. Each team is different and this group of guys will have to mold themselves into winners.
College Chalktalk Exclusive: Interview with New A-10 Commissioner, Bernadette McGlade
Friday, July 18th, 2008
(Interview Date): Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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College Chalktalk (”CCT“)– Welcome to the A-10 Conference, we are excited to have you as our guest. Thank you for taking some time to visit with us.
Commissioner McGlade — Thank you.
CCT – What are your short term and long term goals for the conference?
Commissioner McGlade – Well, on the short term, obviously I am looking forward to a smooth transition. I just actually arrived here in Philly on Monday, which was my first day at the office. It’s been a great first three days. And I’m looking to make a smooth transition–to really listen and get a great idea of what some of the goals and aspirations are for every member school of the A-10 Conference–and continue to move the conference forward. We have a great tradition, great history of great basketball in this league and hopefully we will continue to aspire to greatness.
CCT — Did former Commissioner Bruno leave you with any thoughts, suggestions, or words of wisdom?
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