SWC75
Bored Historian
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The Conference Schedule
Sun, Jan 1 Boston College 12:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill, MA Conte Forum TV: ESPNU
The great question is which team will be the first to win an ACC game again: the Boston College football team or the Boston College basketball team? Both went winless in the conference last year and the football team is winless so far this year. The basketball team was 7-25 overall but it’s easier to build up a basketball program than a football program because you need fewer players to do so. (Update: BC won this weekend over NC State in football so we have a winner.)
Unfortunately, two players- Matt Nilon and Sammy Barnes-Thompson – both good outside shooters, transferred out. But Coach Jim Christian brought in three grad transfers and a couple of good freshmen to replace them. 6-5 James Robinson is the best returning player. He showed he could “score off the dribble….but if he wants to be a good wing man, Robinson must grow into more of a threat from long range.” Christian recruited two point guards: 6-1 Kyran Bowman and 6-0 Ty Graves. Christian: “They’re very athletic, tough guys who can put the ball on the floor and that will be able to pressure the ball better and push the pace more than we’ve bene able to.” The best of the grad transfers is 6-6 250 Connar Tova, from Western Michigan, who averaged 12.3p/6.2r before breaking his foot last season. There’s quite a ways to go: The Eagles average margin of defeat in the conference last year was 17 points.
Wed, Jan 4 Miami 7:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: RSN
Jimmy Larranaga always seems to come up with a good team and this year will be no different, despite the loss of three starters from last year’s 27-8(13-5) team. 6-6 Davon Reed scored 11.1, 6-2 Ja’Quon Newton 10.5 and 6-8 220 Kamari Murphy led the returnees with 6 rebounds a game. Reed is “a capable outside shooter who is good at going to the basket and understands how to use ball screens (Lindy’s). Newton was second on the team in assists as a sixth man, (something a sixth man normally doesn’t do much of). Murphy is ”a defensive jack of all trades who can match-up against a point guard or a power forward.”
Larranaga brought in a strong recruiting class including 6-4 combo guard Bruce Brown ”an elite athlete …who can hit the three and play good defense”, 6-2 Dean Vasiljevic who “has the ability to run the team and shoot from long range” and 6-11 245 Rodney Miller who can “pass and hit the jumper… and could provide some needed size inside”
Sat, Jan 7 Pittsburgh 12:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
The Panthers have tortured us for the entire 21st century. They were just another Big East team in the 90’s We’d beaten them 17 times in 18 games they beat us 54-55 in overtime in the 2001 Big East tournament, thanks in part to a finger stuck in Preston Shumpert’s eye. From that point on they have beaten us 18 times in 25 games. Ben Howland was their coach for the early part of that period but for most of it our tormentor was Jamie Dixon. It was their aggressive, physical style that was the problem. A weakness of the Boeheim system is that we don’t’ respond well to that type of defense. We also aren’t a great rebounding team and the muscular, tough guy teams generally are.
Now Jamie Dixon is gone, having left for his alma mater, TCU. He’s being replaced by another respected coach, Kevin Stallings from Vanderbilt, where he took the Commodore to 7 NCAA tournaments. But his style is more perimeter offense oriented. Will he change that or will the team change to play his way? Will Pitt still be Pitt? Last year they were Pitt lite, going 21-12 (9-9).
They’ve lost James Robinson, their turnover-adverse point guard. But his back-up, 6-5 Damon Wilson, “saw about 11 minutes a game last year and proved he could distribute the ball”. 6-1 Justice Kathcart, a freshman “excels at playing fast, getting to the rim and defending”. 6-7 guard Cameron Johnson can fill it up and 6-6 Chris Jones “can score off the dribble and passes well”. Together, they are a great player but only one is likely to be on the court at one time. Returning forwards Michael Young and Jerome Artis are a strong tandem. The 6-9 235 Young averaged 15.7p/6.9r while the 6-7 215 Artis averaged 14.4/4.8. Young is “a powerful interior scorer who also passes well” while Artis is “a more rounded offensive performer who is proficient from three point range and can initiate the offense from the 3 spot. 6-9 220 Ryan Luther can score but could be a better rebounder. 6-8 225 Corey Manigault “has a stout body, a pretty good stroke and the ability to hit the boards”. Rozelle Nix is 6-11, 300 pounds and has the ability to be 6-11, 300 pounds. Stalling won’t have to ask “Where’s the beef?
Tue, Jan 10 Virginia Tech 7:00 p.m. Blacksburg, VA Cassell Coliseum TV: ?
The days when everybody was glad to see the Hokies come to town are over. Buzz Williams produced a 20-15 (10-8) season last year, the second largest improvement in ACC history and will keep getting better this year. Buzz may look like Curley Howard but his teams are no joke. They are always tenacious on defense and love to play ugly games and pull your splendid team down into the ugliness. But it works. Their rivalry with Virginia should really become something as neither team likes to play pretty games but they are both going to win a lot of them.
They get four starters and two key reserves back. They had two players transfer and another join the football team but get a couple of players who sat out last year due to injuries and a couple of good recruits to take their place. 6-1 senior guard Seth Allen scored 14.7 last year. “The key now is for him to cut back on turnovers and improve his 3 point shooting, which was pretty shaky for much of the year.” 6-1 Justin Robinson “proved he could dish to teammates and take good care of the ball”. 6-5 Justin Bibbs scored 11.7 and is an excellent shooter who provides the Hokies with a strong win threat when teams spend too much time paying attention to Allen.” 6-1 freshman Tyrie Jackson “is an athletic combo who can get to the rim and shoot from distance”. 6-5 Armond Hill was out with a knee injury last year but scored 8.7 two years ago. The team’s star will be Zach LeDay, 6-7 235 who scored 15.5 and rebounded 7.9. he should be one of the top players in the conference. 6-10 240 Kerry Blackshear ”proved he could rebound and score close to the basket”. His problem has been foul trouble. 6-6 205 Chris Clarke “is a strong rebounder and reliable interior scorer” Ty Outlaw, 6-6 215, transferred in from junior college last year but then missed it with “an unspecified medical condition”. I don’t know what he does well but I just like his name.
Sat, Jan 14 Boston College 4:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: RSN
This is a rematch of the January 1st game.
Mon, Jan 16 North Carolina 7:00 PM Chapel Hill, NC -Smith Center TV: ESPN
The Tar Heels ended our season in the Final Four last year and lost the national championship when they didn’t front the inbounds man on that last possession and allowed Villanova to get a very makeable three point shot, (a pet peeve of mine from way back). They lost Marcus Paige, the high scoring guard who hit the shot just before Kris Jenkins’ winner, a much more difficult shot that seemed to set up overtime for all the marbles, and prolific forward Brice Johnson who had 39 points and 23 rebounds in a game against Florida State. But the players wearing the North Carolina uniform this year will – guess what- be very good. Last year they were 33-7 (14-4). They might be that good again.
6-0 Joel Berry “actually out-performed Paige in nearly every important category” while averaging 12.8/3.8a. “He shoots from distance, finishes at the rim, distributes the ball, plays tight, defends and converts at a ridiculously high rate from the foul line.” Nate Britt, the other guard, will try to hold off 6-5 freshman Brandon Robinson, “a long athletic wing who can score from all over”. 6-6 Theo Pinson, “scores well off the dribble and sets up teammates but must shoot the three better”. 6-8 Justin Jackson can also “score from all over the court” and did so for 12.2 a game. Kennedy Meeks , (6-10 280), and Isaiah Hicks, (6-9 235), provide inside strength to match anybody. 6-10 235 freshman Tony Bradley will add to it as a “low post player who can run the floor and rebound “. UNC shot 32.6% from the arc last year: they need to improve that, especially when they face our zone.
Sat, Jan 21 Notre Dame 12:00 PM South Bend, Ind. Joyce Center TV: ESPN or ESPN2
Notre Dame is one school that never seems to have a problem shooting the ball. And they love to go off against Syracuse, especially at the Joyce Center. They were the one team to beat our 2012 powerhouse in the regular season. Last year they were 24-12 (11-7).
6-6 Steve Vasturia shot 34% from the arc last year but was 41% two years ago. He averaged 11.4 last year. 6-1 Matt Ferrell who “struggles with his shot” will be the point guard. 6-3 freshman Temple Gibbs, (another great name) “is a combo guard who is tough and plays good defense but must improve his shot and handle”. 6-8 V. J. Beacham “exploded late in the year” to average 12.0 and “is back to provide outstanding 3 point shooting.” 6-5 225 Bonzie Colson “is back to provide interior muscle”. He averaged 11.1p/6.7r. 6-9 245 freshman John Mooney “can score inside and out and runs the floor well”. 6-9 234 Elijah Burns was injured last year but is “a skilled big man”.
Tue, Jan 24 Wake Forest 8:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
Wake Forest used to have a top program, especially when Tim Duncan played here, but has had some hard times in recent years. They were 11-20 (2-16) last year. They started 9-3 but the ACC just pounded Danny Manning’s third team into the ground.
6-3 Bryant Crawford averaged 13.8p/4.4a. He “showed the ability to distribute, defend well and hit the 3 pointer”. 6-2 Mitchell Wilbekin “is a good 3 point shooter and can pass”. Former North Carolina player of the year Keyshawn Woods transferred in from Charlotte, where he averaged 8.4ppg. 6-0 freshman Brandon Childress is the son of former Wake legend Randolph Childress, a teammate of Duncan’s. 6-10 245 Dinos Mitoglou “is on the verge of becoming a force…Mitoglou can hit the long ball, play tough inside, rebound and defend.” They also have 7-1 265 Doral Moore, 6-11 275 Sam Japhet-Mathias and 6-10 225 John Collins so the deacons will pass the look test, if nothing else.
Sat, Jan 28 Florida State 12:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN2
The Seminoles have been a mid-level ACC team in recent years. Last year they were 20-14 (8-10). They expect to move up in the standings this year.
6-7 221 Dwayne Bacon led the team in scoring and rebounding with 15.8/5.8. 6-4 Xavier Rathan-Mayes “was more of a facilitator than a scorer last season ” after scoring 30 points three times as a freshman. First team JUCO All-American Brajan Angelo-Rojashad eight 30+ point games while scoring 21.4 last year. He’s another big guard at 6-6. Two other freshmen, 6-1 C. J. Walker and 6-6 Trent Forrest, also have a reputation for filling the bucket. 6-10 210 Jonathan Isaac is “the cream of the freshman class…can shoot the ball and take people off the dribble.” 7-1 204 Michael Ojo missed last year with an injury but will some serious size to the Seminoles cause.
Wed, Feb 1 NC State 7:00 PM Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena TV: ESPN2
Jim Boeheim isn’t the only coach with a short rotation. Mark Gottfried went with a 7 man group last year that played 98.9% of their minutes. All it got him was a 16-17 (5-13) record. And he’s now lost three of those guys, including the league’s leading scorer, Anthony “Cat” Barber, who scored 23.5ppg. They are going for a more balanced approach and a deeper rotation this time around. Like Syracuse, they have brought in a group of talented players who have not yet played as a unit. By February 1st, both teams should know who their best players and combinations are.
Dennis Smith and Terry Henderson are projected as the starting backcourt- if each can over-come injuries. Smith tore his ACL during his senior year in high school and Henderson, after sitting out a year due to a transfer from West Virginia tore an ankle ligament 7 minutes into last season’s opener. The 6-3 Smith is “one of NC State’s most lauded recruits in recent memory… An elite penetrator, Smith must work on his shot.” Gottfried: “Dennis has great talent and great skills and like most freshmen he’s going to have a learning curve.” The 6-5 Henderson scored 11.7 his last full year, at West Virginia. Gottfried also has6-6 205 Torin Dorn, a transfer from Charlotte, who can also play the point. He said of Dorn and Smith: “Both of these guys can make plays and create offense for other people.” He also has 6-1 Markell Johnson, a four star recruit.
Up front they have our old friend Beejay Anya, who we recruited when he was at DeMatha with Jerami Grant. We got DaJuan Coleman instead and this year will give us their final confrontation. The 6-9 285 Anya knows how to throw his weight around. He also knows how to block shots – he got 73 of them last year. Next to him is 6-8 240 Abdul-Malik Abu, who will likely be the team’s best player this season. Last year he averaged 14.2p/9.2r. He ”has all-conference potential and is one of the best offensive rebounders in the ACC.” 6-10 245 Ted Kapita “is a fine board man, too and excels on the defensive end”. Another wonderful name: Maverick Rowan, who is a 6-7 “three point specialist although he could stand to sharpen his eye.” He averaged 12.9ppg last year. Omer Yurtseven is a 7-0 240 freshman Gottfried recruited from Turkey, where he once scored 91 points in a game. He “has the potential to become one of the league’s top freshmen. “ but, per Gottfried “There’s going to be a transitional period...He’s one of those guys who, maybe not on Day one but hopefully 10-15 games into the year, he starts to settle into playing American basketball.” This will be their 21st game.
This will be one team that can match us for height in the backcourt and the frontcourt as well, where they have more muscle to bring to bear on the outcome.
Sat, Feb 4 Virginia 12:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN or ESPN 2
The Cavs have February 4th circled on their calendar. I’m sure they feel to a man that we stole their trip to the Final Four. Since we joined the ACC, they have pounded us 56-75, 47-59 and 65-73, the sort of scores Pitt, another tough defensive team, has beaten us by over the years. They had a 43-56 lead with 8:36 left when we slapped on a press that increased the tempo of the game beyond what the Cavs were comfortable with and began an incredible 21-2 run that completely reversed control of the game and sent us to Houston instead of them. Jim Boeheim, who doesn’t believe in a press, downplayed its effectiveness after the game, (and has been doing so ever sense), so he’s unlikely to use it unless we get down to the Hoos like that again. How many times can you come back from such a deficit?
The Cavaliiers lost ACC player of the year Malcolm Brogden. They also lost Anthony Gill, their second leading scorer and a couple more members of the rotation, Mike Tobey and Evan Nolte. They have back three year starter London Perrantes, a 6-2 point guard who averaged 11.0P/4.4a and makes big shots. “Determining what’s needed is his greatest strength” says Coach Tony Bennett. He also “plays tough D and is excellent at the free throw line.” 6-5 Devon Hal “started 20 games last year and showed he could create but his shot must improve”. 6-4 Darius Thompson “showed he could hit the long ball, as well as distribute”6-5 Marial Shayok, shot 43% from the arc. The jewel of the recruiting class, “one of Bennett’s best ever”, (the inevitable result of their recent success), is 6-3 Kyle Guy, “a five star combo guard who can hit the three and is solid in the open court. His problem is that his strength at 165 is a concern”
6-9 232 Austin Nichols transferred from Memphis, where he averaged 13.3 points and 3.4 blocks. 6-11 250 Jack Salt will replace Tobey at center6-7 230 Isaiah Wilkins will replace Anthony Gill. Both were productive in limited minutes last year.
Last year they were 29-8 (13-5). I think Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in the country. He’ll get to multiple Final Fours and win the national championship someday. His teams will be tough for anyone to beat for years to come but especially for the orange who has traditionally had trouble against tough defensive teams like this one. They are going to have a lot of leads that hold up.
Tue, Feb 7 Clemson 8:00 PM Clemson, SC Littlejohn Coliseum TV: ACCN
Clemson is renovating Littlejohn Coliseum and they ‘expect’ it to be open for the basketball season. Last year their home games were played in Greenville. Last year they were a respectable 17-14 and 10-8 in conference and they hope to be better than that this year. The team is built around 6-7 Jaron Blossingame, who averaged 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds. Coach Brad Brownell: “In order to be good, I think you need an alpha male and a guy who’s a proven player. It helps if they are a veteran player and a guy who’s been through the wars that other guys believe in and know can help you win difficult games on a consistent basis”. He was the team’s leading three point threat and top rebounder.
He’ll get help from two year starter Donte Grantham a 6-8 215 forward “with an all-around game” who averaged 10.2p/4.1r. In mid-December they’ll get Texas A&M transfer Elijah Thomas, 6-9 230, “a former top 50 recruit who will be counted on for rebounding and interior scoring.” 6-10 240 Sidy Djitte is a “solid rebounder and defender”. Their contender in the best name contest: Legend Robertin, a 7-0 250 junior who “has shown an ability to score inside in limited action”.
6-2 Avery Holmes is a “combo who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates”. He created enough opportunities for himself to score an even 10.0ppg last year but “his shot is shaky from almost everywhere”. 6-3 Gabe DeVoe “needs to improve his long-range shooting”. 6-4 Marrcquise Reed scored 15.1ppg for Robert Morris two years ago before transferring to Clemson and “should be a force at the wing this season”. 6-3 Sheldon Mitchell, “a drive and kick Vanderbilt transfer, could start at the point, although his three point shooting is not all that accurate.”
If you want to beat Syracuse, you will need to hit from outside.
Sat, Feb 11 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Center TV: ACCN
This is a rematch of the January 7th game.
Mon, Feb 13 Louisville 7:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN
Last year Louisville did what we did the previous year: self-impose a one year post season ban. They are now doing what we were doing last year: waiting for the other shoe to drop. One question is whether Coach Rick Pitino would be suspended and for what games. We saw what happened during the Boeheim suspension last season. My reading as of this writing suggests that that probably won’t happen this season.
In the meantime, we have to deal with another strong Cardinal team- twice. They lost their three top scorers. 6-2 Quentin Snyder will be the point guard and is “a strong distributor who took good care of the ball. He is also a good long-range shooter.” 6-0 Ryan McMahon is “an outstanding long-range shooter and capable lead guard.” 6-2 Tony Hicks transferred in from Penn after scoring 13.2ppg there two years ago. 6-3 210 Donovan Mitchel l “must improve his shooting eyes” and needs to “slim down so he can be more explosive”.
6-7 Deng Abel “was able to score from all over the floor”. 6-7 freshman V. J. King “an explosive player on the break who can hit that mid-range jumper and even step out behind the arc with success”. Raymond Spalding, (do they still make the balls?) is skinny at 6-10 210 but “showed the ability to score close to the basket, rebound and defend”. He had more steals than any returning player, (28). 6-10 220 Mangok Mathiang was “a stout interior contributor”6-9 225 Jaylen Johnson is “another solid inside producer”. 7-0 210 Anas Mahmoud “is a shot blocking specialist”.
The Cardinals were 23-8 (12-6) last year. As often happens, on the surface they may not seem like an outstanding team but with Pitino coaching them, you know they will be.
Sun, Feb 19 Georgia Tech 6:30 PM Atlanta, GA McCamish Pavilion TV: ESPNU
Josh Pastner has moved over from Memphis to coach the Yellow Jackets. He takes over a team that was 21-15 (8-10) last year. They lost their top four scorers and top three rebounders. No returnee scored more than 5 points a game. Pastner admits: “Everybody’s going to pick us for last. We’re starting out at ground zero.”
6-2 Josh Heath “showed that he could distribute the ball and take care of it” but “he shot poorly and didn’t demonstrate much success from behind the arc.” 6-2 Tadric Jackson “can pass the ball but isn’t a very good shooter”. 6-0 Travis Jorgenson “has passing skills but demonstrated very little ability to connect reliability from the outside.” 6-5 Christian Matthews “has a sturdy frame and can pass but isn’t much of an offensive threat, either.” 6-4 Justin Moore “is a point man with good size and court savvy but his shot must improve and he has to get tougher.” In short, they can pass the ball but not shoot it. 6-5 Josh Okogie was a good scorer in high school. But he’s a freshman and only one guy.
The big men are 6-10 238 Sylvester Ogbonda “a sturdy interior player who rebounded well”, 6-9 218 Adboulaye Gueye “he of the 7-3 wingspan” who “showed last summer he could score some inside and defend”, 6-9 203 Quinton Stephens “had some success rebounding and blocking shots but his offense was spotty and his shot inaccurate and 6-10 231 Ben Lammers, “a strong rim protector (47 blocks) and rebounder who finishes well close to the basket but can’t be counted on for big numbers.”
Wed, Feb 22 Duke 7:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN
Carrummba! If we turn out to be as good as we think we will be and Duke turns out to be as good as everybody else thinks they will be, this could be the game of the year in college basketball – and it’s in the Carrier Dome. Be there or be square!
Last year they went 25-11 (11-7) with a six man rotation centering around 6-5 Grayson Allen, who averaged 21.6ppg. They also had 6-9 225 Amlie Jefferson until a December foot injury. He was averaging a double-double 11.4p 10.3r. Associate head coach Jeff Capel on Allen: ”Last year he established himself as one of the best players in America ….We think he’ll be hungrier and, quite frankly, he’ll be better.” Allen “scores all over, runs the show, plays tough defense and provides an energy that spreads to the rest of the team.” Capel on Jefferson: “he’s a guy who impacts winning in many ways. It might not be with points. He’s a good player who understands how to play with really good players.” That will come in handy this year.
The newcomers include 6-3 combo guard Frank Jackson , “an excellent scorer at all three levels” who is “still working on his playmaking but has great tools”. 6-10 220 Harry Giles is a top recruit, (we wanted him), who missed his senior year in highs school due to an injury. “Giles is an exciting power forward who jumps quickly, is a monster finisher close to the basket and rebounds ferociously. He is unselfish, has a nice shooting touch and will be fun to watch.” 6-8 205 Jayson Tatum is “a smooth three man (who is) versatile and produces well on the break and in the half court”. 6-11 245 Marcus Bolden is “a sturdy freshman, a polished finisher, rebounds well and blocks shots. If his motor revs higher, he’ll be a force.” Those are all freshmen and thus a box of chocolates. But Duke, like Kentucky, has done very well with freshmen starters recently.
Sun, Feb 26 Louisville 2:00 PM Louisville, KY - KFC Yum Center TV: CBS
This is a rematch of the February 13th game.
Sat, Mar 4 Georgia Tech 4:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
This is a rematch of the February 19th game.
Comments: I think we may have a team that is a combination of our powerful 2010 and 2012 teams, the latter of which went 30-1 in the regular season and 17-1 in the conference. If you actually combined those two teams, they could not have had such a record in this conference and against this schedule. But I can certainly see 25+ wins in the regular season and 30+ wins by the end of the post season. It could be “that team” that wins JB and the Cuse another national title. I can’t say at this point. We always remember a season for how, when and where it ends but that roulette wheel doesn’t even begin spinning until March.
Sun, Jan 1 Boston College 12:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill, MA Conte Forum TV: ESPNU
The great question is which team will be the first to win an ACC game again: the Boston College football team or the Boston College basketball team? Both went winless in the conference last year and the football team is winless so far this year. The basketball team was 7-25 overall but it’s easier to build up a basketball program than a football program because you need fewer players to do so. (Update: BC won this weekend over NC State in football so we have a winner.)
Unfortunately, two players- Matt Nilon and Sammy Barnes-Thompson – both good outside shooters, transferred out. But Coach Jim Christian brought in three grad transfers and a couple of good freshmen to replace them. 6-5 James Robinson is the best returning player. He showed he could “score off the dribble….but if he wants to be a good wing man, Robinson must grow into more of a threat from long range.” Christian recruited two point guards: 6-1 Kyran Bowman and 6-0 Ty Graves. Christian: “They’re very athletic, tough guys who can put the ball on the floor and that will be able to pressure the ball better and push the pace more than we’ve bene able to.” The best of the grad transfers is 6-6 250 Connar Tova, from Western Michigan, who averaged 12.3p/6.2r before breaking his foot last season. There’s quite a ways to go: The Eagles average margin of defeat in the conference last year was 17 points.
Wed, Jan 4 Miami 7:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: RSN
Jimmy Larranaga always seems to come up with a good team and this year will be no different, despite the loss of three starters from last year’s 27-8(13-5) team. 6-6 Davon Reed scored 11.1, 6-2 Ja’Quon Newton 10.5 and 6-8 220 Kamari Murphy led the returnees with 6 rebounds a game. Reed is “a capable outside shooter who is good at going to the basket and understands how to use ball screens (Lindy’s). Newton was second on the team in assists as a sixth man, (something a sixth man normally doesn’t do much of). Murphy is ”a defensive jack of all trades who can match-up against a point guard or a power forward.”
Larranaga brought in a strong recruiting class including 6-4 combo guard Bruce Brown ”an elite athlete …who can hit the three and play good defense”, 6-2 Dean Vasiljevic who “has the ability to run the team and shoot from long range” and 6-11 245 Rodney Miller who can “pass and hit the jumper… and could provide some needed size inside”
Sat, Jan 7 Pittsburgh 12:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
The Panthers have tortured us for the entire 21st century. They were just another Big East team in the 90’s We’d beaten them 17 times in 18 games they beat us 54-55 in overtime in the 2001 Big East tournament, thanks in part to a finger stuck in Preston Shumpert’s eye. From that point on they have beaten us 18 times in 25 games. Ben Howland was their coach for the early part of that period but for most of it our tormentor was Jamie Dixon. It was their aggressive, physical style that was the problem. A weakness of the Boeheim system is that we don’t’ respond well to that type of defense. We also aren’t a great rebounding team and the muscular, tough guy teams generally are.
Now Jamie Dixon is gone, having left for his alma mater, TCU. He’s being replaced by another respected coach, Kevin Stallings from Vanderbilt, where he took the Commodore to 7 NCAA tournaments. But his style is more perimeter offense oriented. Will he change that or will the team change to play his way? Will Pitt still be Pitt? Last year they were Pitt lite, going 21-12 (9-9).
They’ve lost James Robinson, their turnover-adverse point guard. But his back-up, 6-5 Damon Wilson, “saw about 11 minutes a game last year and proved he could distribute the ball”. 6-1 Justice Kathcart, a freshman “excels at playing fast, getting to the rim and defending”. 6-7 guard Cameron Johnson can fill it up and 6-6 Chris Jones “can score off the dribble and passes well”. Together, they are a great player but only one is likely to be on the court at one time. Returning forwards Michael Young and Jerome Artis are a strong tandem. The 6-9 235 Young averaged 15.7p/6.9r while the 6-7 215 Artis averaged 14.4/4.8. Young is “a powerful interior scorer who also passes well” while Artis is “a more rounded offensive performer who is proficient from three point range and can initiate the offense from the 3 spot. 6-9 220 Ryan Luther can score but could be a better rebounder. 6-8 225 Corey Manigault “has a stout body, a pretty good stroke and the ability to hit the boards”. Rozelle Nix is 6-11, 300 pounds and has the ability to be 6-11, 300 pounds. Stalling won’t have to ask “Where’s the beef?
Tue, Jan 10 Virginia Tech 7:00 p.m. Blacksburg, VA Cassell Coliseum TV: ?
The days when everybody was glad to see the Hokies come to town are over. Buzz Williams produced a 20-15 (10-8) season last year, the second largest improvement in ACC history and will keep getting better this year. Buzz may look like Curley Howard but his teams are no joke. They are always tenacious on defense and love to play ugly games and pull your splendid team down into the ugliness. But it works. Their rivalry with Virginia should really become something as neither team likes to play pretty games but they are both going to win a lot of them.
They get four starters and two key reserves back. They had two players transfer and another join the football team but get a couple of players who sat out last year due to injuries and a couple of good recruits to take their place. 6-1 senior guard Seth Allen scored 14.7 last year. “The key now is for him to cut back on turnovers and improve his 3 point shooting, which was pretty shaky for much of the year.” 6-1 Justin Robinson “proved he could dish to teammates and take good care of the ball”. 6-5 Justin Bibbs scored 11.7 and is an excellent shooter who provides the Hokies with a strong win threat when teams spend too much time paying attention to Allen.” 6-1 freshman Tyrie Jackson “is an athletic combo who can get to the rim and shoot from distance”. 6-5 Armond Hill was out with a knee injury last year but scored 8.7 two years ago. The team’s star will be Zach LeDay, 6-7 235 who scored 15.5 and rebounded 7.9. he should be one of the top players in the conference. 6-10 240 Kerry Blackshear ”proved he could rebound and score close to the basket”. His problem has been foul trouble. 6-6 205 Chris Clarke “is a strong rebounder and reliable interior scorer” Ty Outlaw, 6-6 215, transferred in from junior college last year but then missed it with “an unspecified medical condition”. I don’t know what he does well but I just like his name.
Sat, Jan 14 Boston College 4:00 p.m. Carrier Dome TV: RSN
This is a rematch of the January 1st game.
Mon, Jan 16 North Carolina 7:00 PM Chapel Hill, NC -Smith Center TV: ESPN
The Tar Heels ended our season in the Final Four last year and lost the national championship when they didn’t front the inbounds man on that last possession and allowed Villanova to get a very makeable three point shot, (a pet peeve of mine from way back). They lost Marcus Paige, the high scoring guard who hit the shot just before Kris Jenkins’ winner, a much more difficult shot that seemed to set up overtime for all the marbles, and prolific forward Brice Johnson who had 39 points and 23 rebounds in a game against Florida State. But the players wearing the North Carolina uniform this year will – guess what- be very good. Last year they were 33-7 (14-4). They might be that good again.
6-0 Joel Berry “actually out-performed Paige in nearly every important category” while averaging 12.8/3.8a. “He shoots from distance, finishes at the rim, distributes the ball, plays tight, defends and converts at a ridiculously high rate from the foul line.” Nate Britt, the other guard, will try to hold off 6-5 freshman Brandon Robinson, “a long athletic wing who can score from all over”. 6-6 Theo Pinson, “scores well off the dribble and sets up teammates but must shoot the three better”. 6-8 Justin Jackson can also “score from all over the court” and did so for 12.2 a game. Kennedy Meeks , (6-10 280), and Isaiah Hicks, (6-9 235), provide inside strength to match anybody. 6-10 235 freshman Tony Bradley will add to it as a “low post player who can run the floor and rebound “. UNC shot 32.6% from the arc last year: they need to improve that, especially when they face our zone.
Sat, Jan 21 Notre Dame 12:00 PM South Bend, Ind. Joyce Center TV: ESPN or ESPN2
Notre Dame is one school that never seems to have a problem shooting the ball. And they love to go off against Syracuse, especially at the Joyce Center. They were the one team to beat our 2012 powerhouse in the regular season. Last year they were 24-12 (11-7).
6-6 Steve Vasturia shot 34% from the arc last year but was 41% two years ago. He averaged 11.4 last year. 6-1 Matt Ferrell who “struggles with his shot” will be the point guard. 6-3 freshman Temple Gibbs, (another great name) “is a combo guard who is tough and plays good defense but must improve his shot and handle”. 6-8 V. J. Beacham “exploded late in the year” to average 12.0 and “is back to provide outstanding 3 point shooting.” 6-5 225 Bonzie Colson “is back to provide interior muscle”. He averaged 11.1p/6.7r. 6-9 245 freshman John Mooney “can score inside and out and runs the floor well”. 6-9 234 Elijah Burns was injured last year but is “a skilled big man”.
Tue, Jan 24 Wake Forest 8:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
Wake Forest used to have a top program, especially when Tim Duncan played here, but has had some hard times in recent years. They were 11-20 (2-16) last year. They started 9-3 but the ACC just pounded Danny Manning’s third team into the ground.
6-3 Bryant Crawford averaged 13.8p/4.4a. He “showed the ability to distribute, defend well and hit the 3 pointer”. 6-2 Mitchell Wilbekin “is a good 3 point shooter and can pass”. Former North Carolina player of the year Keyshawn Woods transferred in from Charlotte, where he averaged 8.4ppg. 6-0 freshman Brandon Childress is the son of former Wake legend Randolph Childress, a teammate of Duncan’s. 6-10 245 Dinos Mitoglou “is on the verge of becoming a force…Mitoglou can hit the long ball, play tough inside, rebound and defend.” They also have 7-1 265 Doral Moore, 6-11 275 Sam Japhet-Mathias and 6-10 225 John Collins so the deacons will pass the look test, if nothing else.
Sat, Jan 28 Florida State 12:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN2
The Seminoles have been a mid-level ACC team in recent years. Last year they were 20-14 (8-10). They expect to move up in the standings this year.
6-7 221 Dwayne Bacon led the team in scoring and rebounding with 15.8/5.8. 6-4 Xavier Rathan-Mayes “was more of a facilitator than a scorer last season ” after scoring 30 points three times as a freshman. First team JUCO All-American Brajan Angelo-Rojashad eight 30+ point games while scoring 21.4 last year. He’s another big guard at 6-6. Two other freshmen, 6-1 C. J. Walker and 6-6 Trent Forrest, also have a reputation for filling the bucket. 6-10 210 Jonathan Isaac is “the cream of the freshman class…can shoot the ball and take people off the dribble.” 7-1 204 Michael Ojo missed last year with an injury but will some serious size to the Seminoles cause.
Wed, Feb 1 NC State 7:00 PM Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena TV: ESPN2
Jim Boeheim isn’t the only coach with a short rotation. Mark Gottfried went with a 7 man group last year that played 98.9% of their minutes. All it got him was a 16-17 (5-13) record. And he’s now lost three of those guys, including the league’s leading scorer, Anthony “Cat” Barber, who scored 23.5ppg. They are going for a more balanced approach and a deeper rotation this time around. Like Syracuse, they have brought in a group of talented players who have not yet played as a unit. By February 1st, both teams should know who their best players and combinations are.
Dennis Smith and Terry Henderson are projected as the starting backcourt- if each can over-come injuries. Smith tore his ACL during his senior year in high school and Henderson, after sitting out a year due to a transfer from West Virginia tore an ankle ligament 7 minutes into last season’s opener. The 6-3 Smith is “one of NC State’s most lauded recruits in recent memory… An elite penetrator, Smith must work on his shot.” Gottfried: “Dennis has great talent and great skills and like most freshmen he’s going to have a learning curve.” The 6-5 Henderson scored 11.7 his last full year, at West Virginia. Gottfried also has6-6 205 Torin Dorn, a transfer from Charlotte, who can also play the point. He said of Dorn and Smith: “Both of these guys can make plays and create offense for other people.” He also has 6-1 Markell Johnson, a four star recruit.
Up front they have our old friend Beejay Anya, who we recruited when he was at DeMatha with Jerami Grant. We got DaJuan Coleman instead and this year will give us their final confrontation. The 6-9 285 Anya knows how to throw his weight around. He also knows how to block shots – he got 73 of them last year. Next to him is 6-8 240 Abdul-Malik Abu, who will likely be the team’s best player this season. Last year he averaged 14.2p/9.2r. He ”has all-conference potential and is one of the best offensive rebounders in the ACC.” 6-10 245 Ted Kapita “is a fine board man, too and excels on the defensive end”. Another wonderful name: Maverick Rowan, who is a 6-7 “three point specialist although he could stand to sharpen his eye.” He averaged 12.9ppg last year. Omer Yurtseven is a 7-0 240 freshman Gottfried recruited from Turkey, where he once scored 91 points in a game. He “has the potential to become one of the league’s top freshmen. “ but, per Gottfried “There’s going to be a transitional period...He’s one of those guys who, maybe not on Day one but hopefully 10-15 games into the year, he starts to settle into playing American basketball.” This will be their 21st game.
This will be one team that can match us for height in the backcourt and the frontcourt as well, where they have more muscle to bring to bear on the outcome.
Sat, Feb 4 Virginia 12:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN or ESPN 2
The Cavs have February 4th circled on their calendar. I’m sure they feel to a man that we stole their trip to the Final Four. Since we joined the ACC, they have pounded us 56-75, 47-59 and 65-73, the sort of scores Pitt, another tough defensive team, has beaten us by over the years. They had a 43-56 lead with 8:36 left when we slapped on a press that increased the tempo of the game beyond what the Cavs were comfortable with and began an incredible 21-2 run that completely reversed control of the game and sent us to Houston instead of them. Jim Boeheim, who doesn’t believe in a press, downplayed its effectiveness after the game, (and has been doing so ever sense), so he’s unlikely to use it unless we get down to the Hoos like that again. How many times can you come back from such a deficit?
The Cavaliiers lost ACC player of the year Malcolm Brogden. They also lost Anthony Gill, their second leading scorer and a couple more members of the rotation, Mike Tobey and Evan Nolte. They have back three year starter London Perrantes, a 6-2 point guard who averaged 11.0P/4.4a and makes big shots. “Determining what’s needed is his greatest strength” says Coach Tony Bennett. He also “plays tough D and is excellent at the free throw line.” 6-5 Devon Hal “started 20 games last year and showed he could create but his shot must improve”. 6-4 Darius Thompson “showed he could hit the long ball, as well as distribute”6-5 Marial Shayok, shot 43% from the arc. The jewel of the recruiting class, “one of Bennett’s best ever”, (the inevitable result of their recent success), is 6-3 Kyle Guy, “a five star combo guard who can hit the three and is solid in the open court. His problem is that his strength at 165 is a concern”
6-9 232 Austin Nichols transferred from Memphis, where he averaged 13.3 points and 3.4 blocks. 6-11 250 Jack Salt will replace Tobey at center6-7 230 Isaiah Wilkins will replace Anthony Gill. Both were productive in limited minutes last year.
Last year they were 29-8 (13-5). I think Tony Bennett is one of the best coaches in the country. He’ll get to multiple Final Fours and win the national championship someday. His teams will be tough for anyone to beat for years to come but especially for the orange who has traditionally had trouble against tough defensive teams like this one. They are going to have a lot of leads that hold up.
Tue, Feb 7 Clemson 8:00 PM Clemson, SC Littlejohn Coliseum TV: ACCN
Clemson is renovating Littlejohn Coliseum and they ‘expect’ it to be open for the basketball season. Last year their home games were played in Greenville. Last year they were a respectable 17-14 and 10-8 in conference and they hope to be better than that this year. The team is built around 6-7 Jaron Blossingame, who averaged 18.7 points and 6.7 rebounds. Coach Brad Brownell: “In order to be good, I think you need an alpha male and a guy who’s a proven player. It helps if they are a veteran player and a guy who’s been through the wars that other guys believe in and know can help you win difficult games on a consistent basis”. He was the team’s leading three point threat and top rebounder.
He’ll get help from two year starter Donte Grantham a 6-8 215 forward “with an all-around game” who averaged 10.2p/4.1r. In mid-December they’ll get Texas A&M transfer Elijah Thomas, 6-9 230, “a former top 50 recruit who will be counted on for rebounding and interior scoring.” 6-10 240 Sidy Djitte is a “solid rebounder and defender”. Their contender in the best name contest: Legend Robertin, a 7-0 250 junior who “has shown an ability to score inside in limited action”.
6-2 Avery Holmes is a “combo who can create opportunities for himself and his teammates”. He created enough opportunities for himself to score an even 10.0ppg last year but “his shot is shaky from almost everywhere”. 6-3 Gabe DeVoe “needs to improve his long-range shooting”. 6-4 Marrcquise Reed scored 15.1ppg for Robert Morris two years ago before transferring to Clemson and “should be a force at the wing this season”. 6-3 Sheldon Mitchell, “a drive and kick Vanderbilt transfer, could start at the point, although his three point shooting is not all that accurate.”
If you want to beat Syracuse, you will need to hit from outside.
Sat, Feb 11 Pittsburgh 1:00 PM Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Center TV: ACCN
This is a rematch of the January 7th game.
Mon, Feb 13 Louisville 7:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN
Last year Louisville did what we did the previous year: self-impose a one year post season ban. They are now doing what we were doing last year: waiting for the other shoe to drop. One question is whether Coach Rick Pitino would be suspended and for what games. We saw what happened during the Boeheim suspension last season. My reading as of this writing suggests that that probably won’t happen this season.
In the meantime, we have to deal with another strong Cardinal team- twice. They lost their three top scorers. 6-2 Quentin Snyder will be the point guard and is “a strong distributor who took good care of the ball. He is also a good long-range shooter.” 6-0 Ryan McMahon is “an outstanding long-range shooter and capable lead guard.” 6-2 Tony Hicks transferred in from Penn after scoring 13.2ppg there two years ago. 6-3 210 Donovan Mitchel l “must improve his shooting eyes” and needs to “slim down so he can be more explosive”.
6-7 Deng Abel “was able to score from all over the floor”. 6-7 freshman V. J. King “an explosive player on the break who can hit that mid-range jumper and even step out behind the arc with success”. Raymond Spalding, (do they still make the balls?) is skinny at 6-10 210 but “showed the ability to score close to the basket, rebound and defend”. He had more steals than any returning player, (28). 6-10 220 Mangok Mathiang was “a stout interior contributor”6-9 225 Jaylen Johnson is “another solid inside producer”. 7-0 210 Anas Mahmoud “is a shot blocking specialist”.
The Cardinals were 23-8 (12-6) last year. As often happens, on the surface they may not seem like an outstanding team but with Pitino coaching them, you know they will be.
Sun, Feb 19 Georgia Tech 6:30 PM Atlanta, GA McCamish Pavilion TV: ESPNU
Josh Pastner has moved over from Memphis to coach the Yellow Jackets. He takes over a team that was 21-15 (8-10) last year. They lost their top four scorers and top three rebounders. No returnee scored more than 5 points a game. Pastner admits: “Everybody’s going to pick us for last. We’re starting out at ground zero.”
6-2 Josh Heath “showed that he could distribute the ball and take care of it” but “he shot poorly and didn’t demonstrate much success from behind the arc.” 6-2 Tadric Jackson “can pass the ball but isn’t a very good shooter”. 6-0 Travis Jorgenson “has passing skills but demonstrated very little ability to connect reliability from the outside.” 6-5 Christian Matthews “has a sturdy frame and can pass but isn’t much of an offensive threat, either.” 6-4 Justin Moore “is a point man with good size and court savvy but his shot must improve and he has to get tougher.” In short, they can pass the ball but not shoot it. 6-5 Josh Okogie was a good scorer in high school. But he’s a freshman and only one guy.
The big men are 6-10 238 Sylvester Ogbonda “a sturdy interior player who rebounded well”, 6-9 218 Adboulaye Gueye “he of the 7-3 wingspan” who “showed last summer he could score some inside and defend”, 6-9 203 Quinton Stephens “had some success rebounding and blocking shots but his offense was spotty and his shot inaccurate and 6-10 231 Ben Lammers, “a strong rim protector (47 blocks) and rebounder who finishes well close to the basket but can’t be counted on for big numbers.”
Wed, Feb 22 Duke 7:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ESPN
Carrummba! If we turn out to be as good as we think we will be and Duke turns out to be as good as everybody else thinks they will be, this could be the game of the year in college basketball – and it’s in the Carrier Dome. Be there or be square!
Last year they went 25-11 (11-7) with a six man rotation centering around 6-5 Grayson Allen, who averaged 21.6ppg. They also had 6-9 225 Amlie Jefferson until a December foot injury. He was averaging a double-double 11.4p 10.3r. Associate head coach Jeff Capel on Allen: ”Last year he established himself as one of the best players in America ….We think he’ll be hungrier and, quite frankly, he’ll be better.” Allen “scores all over, runs the show, plays tough defense and provides an energy that spreads to the rest of the team.” Capel on Jefferson: “he’s a guy who impacts winning in many ways. It might not be with points. He’s a good player who understands how to play with really good players.” That will come in handy this year.
The newcomers include 6-3 combo guard Frank Jackson , “an excellent scorer at all three levels” who is “still working on his playmaking but has great tools”. 6-10 220 Harry Giles is a top recruit, (we wanted him), who missed his senior year in highs school due to an injury. “Giles is an exciting power forward who jumps quickly, is a monster finisher close to the basket and rebounds ferociously. He is unselfish, has a nice shooting touch and will be fun to watch.” 6-8 205 Jayson Tatum is “a smooth three man (who is) versatile and produces well on the break and in the half court”. 6-11 245 Marcus Bolden is “a sturdy freshman, a polished finisher, rebounds well and blocks shots. If his motor revs higher, he’ll be a force.” Those are all freshmen and thus a box of chocolates. But Duke, like Kentucky, has done very well with freshmen starters recently.
Sun, Feb 26 Louisville 2:00 PM Louisville, KY - KFC Yum Center TV: CBS
This is a rematch of the February 13th game.
Sat, Mar 4 Georgia Tech 4:00 PM Carrier Dome TV: ACCN
This is a rematch of the February 19th game.
Comments: I think we may have a team that is a combination of our powerful 2010 and 2012 teams, the latter of which went 30-1 in the regular season and 17-1 in the conference. If you actually combined those two teams, they could not have had such a record in this conference and against this schedule. But I can certainly see 25+ wins in the regular season and 30+ wins by the end of the post season. It could be “that team” that wins JB and the Cuse another national title. I can’t say at this point. We always remember a season for how, when and where it ends but that roulette wheel doesn’t even begin spinning until March.
