Yardbarker: College Basketball

Boston College Basketball Exhibition on Sunday

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:58:01 -0500

You can view Live Stats for this exhibition game here

BC will host St. Michael's in an exhibition game on Sunday at 2pm in Conte Forum. The game will be open to the public. I highly encourage all to attend this free event. This will be the first public glimpse of the 2009-2010 Boston College Men's Basketball team.

One thing to keep a close eye on is the emergence of sophomore Evan Ravenel. By all accounts, Ravenel is the most improved player this year and could become a solid contributor, especially since the Eagles are somewhat slim in the front court. If Ravenel has improved as much as his teammates have indicated, this would take a significant amount of pressure off of Josh Southern and would alleviate many of the problems that faced BC last season.

This article was originally published at http://bcallaccess.com/. If you are interested in sharing your website's content with SCACCHoops.com, Contact Us.

WSU coach Bone knows who he can trust

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:08:34 -0500

Ken Bradley Gone is Tony Bennett and in is Ken Bone for the Washington State Cougars. Bone inherited a team that went 17-16 a year ago and one that is heavy on youth. He led Portland State to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances the past two seasons and also spent 12 seasons coaching at his alma mater, Seattle Pacific. Bone talked recently with Sporting News' Ken Bradley. Sporting News: You came from Portland State where you had a lot of success and Seattle Pacific where yo...

Virginia C Sene suspended for three games

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:33:59 -0500

Sophomore center Assane Sene has been suspended for Virginia's first three games for conduct detrimental to the team. The school did not say Saturday what Sene did to merit the suspension. Sene will miss the Cavaliers' season-opener again Longwood on Nov. 13, and games at South Florida and with Rider. He also will not play in a closed scrimmage with St. John's on Sunday. The 7-foot Senegal native started 16 of the 22 games he played in last season. He averaged 2.5 points ...

3 questions with ... radio analyst and former Ole Miss guard Keith Carter

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:37:27 -0500

Ryan Fagan catches up with Keith Carter, the former All-SEC guard at Ole Miss and current radio analyst for the Rebels. Q: How impressive was Terrico White last year, stepping in when Chris Warren went down with the ACL injury? A: Terrico, we've been hearing about how explosive he was and what type of player he was going to be, and he was just kind of waiting to break out of that shell. Everybody around the program was pretty worried because Chris controlled the ball so much, and ...

College basketball countdown: No. 3 Michigan State

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:55:08 -0500

Jack Ebling, Sporting News Yearbook It was hard to imagine a better script. A No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament beats the defending champ, then rips the No. 1 seed in the Midwest to get to play 90 minutes from campus -- in an area decimated by economic forces. Finally, the Michigan State Spartans pound another No. 1 to advance to Monday night's coronation. Oops. Can we stop there or at least freeze time at the opening tip of the title game? Even after the season's second...

Clemson Basketball: 99-51 Exhibition Win

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:42:08 -0500

Enhanced Box Score

While I sat in traffic on I-85S, an exhibition game started.

The starting line-up: Stitt, Smith, Potter, Booker, Grant.

The veterans were given the start it seemed. One of the biggest stories, outside of the freshmen, this year might be the progression of Tanner Smith. Last night, he went for 16 points in 18 minutes on 50% 2pt and 60% 3pt. Smith has developed and matured as a player and as a leader. He has the poise and confidence of an older player.

Of the game, Tanner said, “One of the main things is just execution on offense. I think guys are still unsure of what we wanted offensively. We know what we want out of our offense, and that’s to go inside and out."

Just his use of the word "we" reflects his developing leadership and commitment to the team.

However, some of the real show came off the game came off the bench.

Noel Johnson came in with 19 points in 21 minutes on 70% 2pt and 50% 3pt. Additionally, Andre Young came off the bench to add 6 assists, 5 steals, 0 TOs, and solid 3pt shooting.

Last night showcased a mix of lineups, a little in-out play, but as OP said, “There’s a lot of [offense] stuff we have in that we didn’t run because we’re not that good at it yet."

So, it was a preview, just a little taste of what starts in less than a week- Friday the 13th.

It's going to be a big year.

Go Tigers!

This article was originally published at http://the-op.blogspot.com/. If you are interested in sharing your website's content with SCACCHoops.com, Contact Us.

The Lights Are On

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:10:54 -0500

Michigan (0-0) 73, Wayne State 54. It was an exhibition game against a D-2 team. It's meaningless in the grand scheme of things, and counts toward nothing. Yet it still felt good to be back in Crisler Arena, and perhaps even better to emerge with a win, be it over Duke, Michigan State... or Wayne State. In the grand scheme of things, nothing is more important than junior Manny Harris's hamstring injury. Though it has been hampering him throughout fall practices, there was no noticea...

Gophers run past, soar over Bulldogs

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:39:37 -0500

Down with Goldy is right. It was only an exhibition. It is entirely meaningless. It may have even been unfair. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t get a bit excited. In a game that wasn’t even really that (by definition a game involves competition, and I’m not sure what transpired can in any way be defined [...] Related posts:Gophers survive in a game that thankfully does not count

Senior G Dyson cleared to play for No. 12 UConn

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:32:03 -0500

Guards Jerome Dyson and Donnell Beverly have been cleared to play this season for No. 12 Connecticut. The school's compliance department gave the OK on Friday after going over documents submitted by them as part of a review of the program. The school has not revealed what those documents were, only that they "pertained to their annual eligibility certification.

UNC Point Guard Larry Drew II Is Ready To Show What He Can Do

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:07:26 -0500

Larry Drew II knows something that you don’t know. He must. What an enigma. This backup point guard turned starter, who many experts, fans and haters concede to be one of, if not the weakest link on North Carolina’s basketball team, walking into the Dean Dome’s media room as self assured as, say, his predecessor [...]

Hoops Starts Tonight

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:57:37 -0500

Basketball Exhibition v. Wayne State. 7PM ET, Crisler Arena. BigTenNetwork.com After the Wolverines did in John Beilein's second year what they couldn't do in six under Tommy Amaker, expectations for the Michigan basketball team went through the roof. Suddenly, this is a tournament team. Suddenly, it's the #15 team in the country. At his latest press conference Beilein joked about not being on the wall mural in the Junge Family Champions Center like Rodriguez is. Maybe he shou...

Missouri guard Kim English literally sleeps in Mizzou's gym

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:55:21 -0500

I can't make it much more plain than that. Buried 10 graphs in this K.C. Star story about Missouri's exhibition opener Thursday night is the rather revelatory fact that Missouri guard Kim English spends his nocturnal hours sleeping in Mizzou Arena. The explanation: No Missouri basketball player has likely ever spent as much time practicing his game. A year ago English frequently slept at Mizzou Arena, so as to be able to shoot after practice and before class the next day. The practice...

Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel: 'Our league is the best league in college basketball this season'

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:45:40 -0500

Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel is high on his team, especially its backcourt. 'Because of that, we're going to lean heavily on their experience.' Oklahoma coach Jeff Capel has the challenge of starting a new season without Blake Griffin, last year's player of the year, who's moved on to the NBA. But don't feel too bad for Capel — the Sooners still have Willie Warren, SN's preseason player of the year. Capel talked with Sporting News' Benson Taylor abo...

The NBDL drafts former Cleveland State basketball players J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:07:55 -0500

Staff Reports PD file photoJ’Nathan Bullock, No. 35Former Cleveland State men’s basketball players J’Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson will each get an opportunity to play professionally this winter in the NBA Development League after each had their rights...

Quick facts: North Carolina

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:06:51 -0500

Coach: Roy Williams (7th year) Last season's record: 34-4 Spotlight player There are lots of talented players at North Carolina, but not many who've been consistently productive. One who has is senior Marcus Ginyard—but the catch is that he was productive filling an entirely different role and position than he will this season. Ginyard was a small forward/defensive specialist two seasons ago, before sitting out nearly all of 2008-09 with a foot injury. Back then, he averaged ...

North Carolina Tarheels 2009-2010 Season Preview

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:26:35 -0500

UNC Season Preview Record Last Season 34 - 4, 13 - 3 ACC Players Lost Ty Lawson" target="_new">Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington" target="_new">Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, Tyler Hansbrough" target="_new">Tyler Hansbrough New Players Leslie McDonald, Dexter Strickland, John Henson, Travis Wear, David Wear Projected Lineup Larry Drew II" target="_new">Larry Drew II, Marcus Ginyard" target="_new">Marcus Ginyard, John Henson, Deon Thompson" target="_new">Deon Thompson, Ed Davis" target="_new">Ed Davis Schedule Highlights 12/1 vs Michigan St, 12/5 @ Kentucky UNC Schedule UNC Scouting Report
Projected Statistics (Returning Players Only) Explanation of Statistic Projections

Name Pts Asts Rbds Stls Blks TOs % Correct Deon Thompson 12.4 1.5 5.9 1.0 0.9 1.9 70 Ed Davis 10.7 1.2 6.7 0.7 1.4 1.9 82 Marcus Ginyard 9.9 2.3 5.3 1.1 0.3 1.8 86 Tyler Zeller 5.7 0.7 3.1 0.4 0.5 1.1 96 Larry Drew II 5.4 2.9 2.0 0.9 0.1 1.8 90 Will Graves 3.7 0.7 2.3 0.4 0.3 0.8 90 Mike Copeland 3.5 0.4 2.2 0.3 0.2 0.5 98 Justin Watts 2.8 0.6 1.7 0.3 0.3 0.9 96 J.B. Tanner 0.9 0.3 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 96 Jack Wooten 0.8 0.3 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 98 Things to Watch

A season after North Carolina finished off a magical run to another national championship the Heels may be a victim of their own success. UNC loses 80% of their lineup as Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, and Tyler Hansbrough are all making money to play hoops these days. Roy Williams returns a solid base and adds a great freshmen class to a team that many experts are picking Top 5 in preseason polls.

North Carolina's strength is in the frontcourt where Roy Williams has numerous options. Deon Thompson is the sole returning starter and is solid big man with a solid postgame. Thompson has had to defer for his entire tenure at UNC with Tyler Hansbrough beside him, but now has a chance to stand out. Beside Thompson will likely be Ed Davis, and while Davis didn't start much as a freshmen, he often finished games. The long left-hander reminds some in Chapel Hill of Sam Perkins but for the comparisons to be fulfilled, Davis needs to assert himself more on the offensive end. If Davis doesn't live up to expectations, there is plenty of help on the bench. Tyler Zeller" target="_new">Tyler Zeller returns for his sophomore season and would be starting for 99% of the NCAA teams. Zeller runs the floor well, knock down the perimeter jumpshot, blocks shots, but sometimes struggles to assert himself in the paint. As a sophomore Zeller needs to become more physical and could very easily slide into the starting lineup before the season is over. Its hard not to pin the next two guys together, as twins Travis and David Wear are very similar on the floor. Both Wears are smart players, can pass the ball, knock down open shots on the perimeter and love to be physical and rebound.

On the wing UNC will have a shift in skillsets as the departure of Danny Green and his solid jumpshot transitions to John Henson. Henson is yet another long lefthander, although his game is much different than Ed Davis. Henson stands 6'10" with a wingspan of 7'4" but can handle the ball like a guard. He has the skills to play facing the basket and with the depth in the post, Roy Williams has asked the youngster to play on the perimeter. If Henson starts making his perimeter jumpshot, the youngster could be virtually unstoppable.

In the frontcourt, Roy Williams runs into more question marks, starting with replacing Ty Lawson. Lawson's ability to push the ball down the floor on the dribble will no longer make for easy baskets as Larry Drew II steps in. Drew is an accomplished prep player, but has yet to establish himself as a threat to opposing defenses. Williams has said he will ask Drew to pass the ball down the floor when trying to push tempo. Drew will have experience beside him in the backcourt as Marcus Ginyard returns after red-shirting last season. Ginyard has started for UNC in 2 of his seasons on campus and may be the top defender in the ACC. Ginyard's size, strength, and positioning makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive players. On the offensive side of the ball, Ginyard is solid with the ball, but his shot is less consistent than you would hope for a starting shooting guard in the ACC.

If Roy Williams needs perimeter fire power, he'll likely turn to Will Graves. Graves was suspended last February for undisclosed reasons, but is the Heels best returning 3 point shooter. Graves has good size for a perimeter player, but for him to get minutes he has to knock down the 3 point shot. Two freshmen, Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland, will be fighting to find a place in the rotation as well. Strickland is likely to backup Larry Drew at point and is a better shooter and better athlete than Drew. Strickland lacks the defensive skills, polish, and decision making right now, but if he's a quick learner could see his minutes increase. Like Strickland, Leslie McDonald will come off the bench to begin the season but unlike Strickland, McDonald is a good defensive player and sound fundamental player. McDonald can also shoot the ball and may threaten to take Ginyard's minutes if the senior struggles offensively.

There is no doubt that Roy Williams has a number of weapons to choose from this season. That said the question marks are numerous and the rest of the NCAA would love to get a few licks in on UNC early. Just ask Vanderbilt. UNC recently played Vandy in a "secret scrimmage" and reportedly saw Vandy win by double-figures. Recently Williams called the Vandy effort "ugly", but has stated that the Heels have made a lot of progress since the game.

Enough negatives, this team will be very good and contend for an ACC title and perhaps even repeat as national champions. Williams needs to find the right mesh of talent and experience on the floor which may be difficult with this roster. Reports are that Williams will be implementing a new offense that will accent his post players ability to find the opening cutter. New offense or not, its hard to see these Heels matching the offensive efficiency of last season's team. More likely, this team needs to make their mark on the defensive end. If they put their focus on defense with the size, athleticism, and length on the floor the Heels could have a very good season.

by The Webmaster

Fantasy Player to Watch

John Henson presents tough matchups for opposing defenders and should make a living attacking the basket this season. With Henson's size expect to see his rebound, steal, and block numbers to help your fantasy team as well.

Last Year's Player Statistics UNC Name GP Mins Pts Asts Rbds Stls Blks TOs FG% 3P% FT% Tyler Hansbrough 34 30.3 20.7 1.0 8.1 1.2 0.4 1.9 51.4 39.1 84.1 Wayne Ellington 38 30.4 15.8 2.7 4.9 1.0 0.2 1.6 48.3 41.7 77.7 Ty Lawson 35 29.9 16.6 6.6 3.0 2.1 0.1 1.9 53.2 47.2 79.8 Danny Green 38 27.4 13.1 2.7 4.7 1.8 1.3 1.7 47.1 43.0 85.2 Deon Thompson 38 24.8 10.5 0.7 5.7 0.9 1.1 1.3 49.1 0.0 64.6 Ed Davis 38 18.8 6.7 0.6 6.6 0.4 1.7 1.1 52.1 0.0 57.3 Bobby Frasor 38 17.4 2.6 1.4 2.0 0.6 0.1 0.7 33.3 27.4 46.2 Will Graves 20 11.2 4.0 0.8 2.6 0.4 0.1 1.2 43.7 27.8 88.9 Larry Drew II 38 9.6 1.4 1.9 1.1 0.4 0.0 1.2 35.1 23.1 41.2 Tyler Zeller 15 7.8 3.1 0.2 2.0 0.2 0.2 0.5 47.2 0.0 76.5 Justin Watts 27 3.2 0.7 0.2 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.3 24.2 0.0 42.9 Patrick Moody 21 2.1 1.0 0.0 0.7 0.1 0.1 0.1 58.3 0.0 61.5 J.B. Tanner 21 2.2 1.1 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 42.1 35.7 33.3 Marc Campbell 20 1.9 0.2 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.4 33.3 0.0 100.0 Jack Wooten 19 2.0 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.1 36.4 20.0 25.0 Mike Copeland 17 2.5 0.8 0.1 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 25.0 0.0 100.0 Marcus Ginyard 3 12.3 1.3 1.3 2.7 0.7 0.0 1.0 25.0 0.0 50.0 tr<tr style="background: white none repeat scroll 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy:

Austrie Drafted In 4th Round by Springfield Armor

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:50:45 -0500

Former UConn Huskies men’s basketball player Craig Austrie will get a chance to show off his skills in the NBA D-League this season. Austrie, a Stamford, CT native, was selected with the third pick in the fourth round by the Springfield Armor. The Armor are coached by former Boston Celtic Dee Brown.

UCF: Nike To Pull The Best Marketing Coup Ever?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:44:56 -0500

I’m in awe this morning. Everyone is going nuts, upset at Marcus Jordan and dad Michael over Adidas dropping UCF in response to MRjr lacing Nikes last night. (UCF readying for its ‘White’ Knight in Nike?) But after talking to two prominent sports marketing execs this morning, all indications are that Nike will soon swoop in [...]

UConn players miss exhibition for eligibility issue

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:50:44 -0500

Jerome Dyson and two other Connecticut basketball players are missing the Huskies opening exhibition game Wednesday night against American International because of problems with their eligibility paperwork. The school says it hopes to have the issues surrounding the eligibility of Dyson and Donnell Beverly resolved as early as Thursday. UConn said it is simply waiting for the NCAA to finish a "routine educational document review for eligibility certification.

What Is Going On With Dino Gregory?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:14:00 -0500

Dino Gregory, Maryland's junior forward expected to at least be in the starting lineup to begin the season, did not play in the exhibition, and reports are that he violated team rules. However, Maryland is not revealing what happened, and it looks as if this may be a big problem for Gregory.The Washington Post and Baltimore Sun alike have been trying to figure out what happened, but no one at Maryland, coach Gary Williams included, seems to wish to elaborate. On Jeff Barker's Trackin...

What we know (and don't) about Gregory