Preseason OOC Opponent Preview - Georgetown

Georgetown
Location: Washington, DC
Conference: Big East (RPI #1)
Last year: 21-11
Finish: 8th (out of 16)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Last 10: 4-6
Coach: John Thompson III (7th yr)

2011-2012 Schedule
- 11/12 Savannah State
- 11/14 UNCG
- 11/21 Kansas (Maui)
- 11/22 Maui Invitational
- 11/23 Maui Invitational
- 11/28 IUPUI
- 12/1 @ Alabama
- 12/3 NJIT
- 12/10 Howard
- 12/17 American
- 12/22 Memphis
- 12/28 @ Louisville
- 12/31 Providence
- 1/4 Marquette
- 1/7 @ West Virginia
- 1/9 Cincinnati
- 1/15 @ St. John's
- 1/17 @ Depaul
- 1/21 Rutgers
- 1/28 @ Pitt
- 2/1 UConn
- 2/4 South Florida
- 2/8 @ Syracuse
- 2/12 St John's
- 2/18 @ Providence
- 2/21 @ Seton Hall
- 2/25 Villanova
- 2/27 Notre Dame
- 3/3 @ Marquette

Additions:
- 6'-9" SF Otto Porter - ESPN Rated 96 (Sikeston, MO)
- 6'-8" C Mikael Hopkins - ESPN Rated 93 (Hyattsville, MD)
- 6'-5" SG Jabril Trawick - ESPN Rated 93 (Jenkintown, PA)
- 6'-9" C Tyler Adams - ESPN Rated 91 (Brandon, MS)
- 6'-8" PF Greg Whittington - ESPN Rated 89 (Columbia, MD)

Losses:
- Chris Wright (Graduated) - 12.2 pts, 2.9 rebs, 5.3 assists, 1.4 steals
- Austin Freeman (Graduated) - 17.6 pts, 3.7 rebs, 2.4 assists
- Julian Vaughn (Graduated) - 7.8pts, 6.1 rebs
- Ryan Dougherty (Graduated) - 0.3 pts (8 games)
- Jerrelle Benimon (Transfer) - 1.3 pts, 1.8 rebs

Top Returners:
- Jason Clark - 12.0 pts, 4.1 rebs, 1.8 assists, 1.5 steals
- Hollis Thompson - 8.6 pts, 4.4 rebs

Secret Scrimmage List

Jeff Goodman of CBS Sports has posted his yearly list of known "secret" scrimmages. This year UNCG is only playing one of these because they are playing an open exhibition game against Greensboro College. The Spartans will be taking on UNC-Asheville this coming Saturday. In years past, UNCG has played UNC-Chapel Hill, Radford, High Point and Winthrop.

Thurs., Oct. 27
Cal State Fullerton at UCLA (Sports Arena)
Minnesota State at South Dakota State

Fri., Oct. 28
East Carolina at N.C. State
UT-Pan American vs. Sam Houston in Austin
Merrimack at New Hampshire

Saturday, Oct. 29
West Virginia at Xavier
Virginia at Vanderbilt
Davidson at Texas
TCU at Texas A&M
Seton Hall at Boston College
Wisconsin at DePaul
Colorado at Creighton
VCU at Virginia Tech
LSU at Rice
Georgia Tech at South Carolina
Charlotte at Wake Forest
Iona at Rutgers
Air Force at USC
Arkansas-Little Rock at Mississippi
St. Mary's at Arizona State
St. Bonaventure at Kent State
Boston University at Rider
Nevada at Cal Davis
Stony Brook at Central Connecticut
Weber State at Boise State
Hofstra at Hartford
Drexel at UMass
Northern Illinois at Drake
Portland State at Utah
San Francisco at Cal Poly
San Diego at Long Beach State
Houston Baptist at SMU
Delaware at Loyola (Md.)
North Florida at FAU
Quinnipiac at Northeastern
Youngstown at Bucknell
Ball State at Wright State
Fairfield at Brown
Canisius at Colgate
Long Island at Albany
Lipscomb vs. Southeast Missouri in Memphis
Appalachian State at Liberty
Mercer at Charleston Southern
Winthrop at Furman
Bowling Green vs. Loyola (Ill.) in Indianapolis
San Jose State at Sacramento State
Lafayette at Cornell
UNC Asheville at UNC Greensboro
High Point at William & Mary
Pepperdine at UC Santa Barbara
IPFW vs. Green Bay at Triton CC
Yale at NJIT
Bryant at Holy Cross
Tennessee Tech at Radford
Delta State at Tulane
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Northridge

Sunday, Oct. 30
Georgetown at North Carolina
Kansas State vs Marquette in Omaha
Georgia at Clemson
Ohio at Ohio State
Washington at Santa Clara
Central Florida at Florida
Indiana State vs. Indiana in Indianapolis
Western Kentucky vs. Alabama in Huntsville, Ala.
George Washington at Maryland
South Florida at Miami
Fordham at Villanova
Iowa State at Nebraska
Michigan at Toledo
Montana vs. Washington State in Idaho
Murray State at Middle Tennessee State
UW-Milwaukee at Northwestern
Western Illinois at Iowa
La Salle at Princeton
Elon at Richmond
UT Arlington at Wichita State
Wofford vs. Belmont in Knoxville
Lafayette at Southeast Louisiana
Gardner Webb at USC Upstate
Texas Southern at Texas State

Mon., Oct. 31
Alabama State at Troy

Wed., Nov. 2
San Francisco at Stanford
Radford at Longwood
William & Mary at Norfolk State

Fri., Nov. 4
Charleston Southern at South Carolina State

Sat., Nov. 5
Texas vs. Gonzaga in Denver
Marquette at George Mason
Baylor at Virginia
Georgetown at James Madison
St. Mary's at California
Chattanooga at Virginia Tech
Temple at Drexel
UMass at Seton Hall
Northern Colorado at Colorado
Tennessee State at Georgia Tech
Long Beach State at USC
Loyola Marymount at UNLV
Northeastern at Harvard
Cornell at Siena
Columbia at Hartford
Marshall vs. Miami (Ohio) in Oxford
Morgan State at Delaware
Liberty at Wofford
Iona at Quinnipiac
Army vs. UNH at Trinity College
Brown at BU
Texas State at Rice
Buffalo vs. Cleveland State in Erie
SMU at UT Arlington
Bucknell at Albany
Stony Brook at Yale
Navy at Howard
San Diego at UC Riverside
Arkansas-Little Rock vs. Stephen F. Austin in Shreveport
Colgate at LeMoyne

Sun., Nov. 6
American at Longwood
Kennesaw State at Gardner Webb
High Point at East Carolina
Merrimack at Bryant

ESPN SoCon Preview

You can watch the quick one minute video preview here. Since I don't have their paid subscription, I have no idea what they say about UNCG. However, I honestly don't think they know more about G than most of us do. They probably scanned the roster and made some boiler point predictions.

If I'm wrong, some one let me know.

Welcome New Poster John

I have made no secret over many posts that I honestly don't have enough time to keep up with the blog all by myself. I now have a toddler. I ref high school lacrosse and field hockey several days a week and almost every weekend. While I long ago went all in to be the best possible UNCG fan that I could be, there are just times that I can't make it to all of the games. People who read this site deserve more.

With that in mind, I have invited a few people to come on board with me and begin posting here. I think it will be great for readers to get a different perspective than just mine. Added bonus is that people won't have to always struggle to read through my awful writing style.

The first person to accept my invitation is John. I've known him for a couple of years through the UNCGfans forums and my season tickets are close to his at the Greensboro Coliseum. He's a Spartan alum and a die-hard fan just like me. Plus, he's just a generally nice guy.

So, I look forward to reading his posts just like everyone else. Welcome to the blog, John !!!


UPDATE: I think I'm gonna have to change the title graphic. It seems like it should be plural. Unless I can change the perspective around from implying that I am the the UNCG basketball fan to I am writing this blog for the UNCG basketball fan. Ha. I think I like that idea better. Incoherent rant over.

Big Men Lead Gold Past Blue

The Gold team had the big men and powered their way to a 62-53 victory in the Blue-Gold scrimmage on Sunday. Aloysius Henry had 19 points and 11 rebounds. Aaron Bracket scored 10 points and had 14 rebounds. Nick Paulos lead the Blue squad with 15 points.

The UNCG Athletics website has their recap here. UNCG Sports Blog has an even better recap here.

Blue-Gold Game Set for Sunday

UNCG will be playing their Blue-Gold game this coming Sunday at Fleming Gym on campus. Game time is set for 4 pm and it will be played as a full game. Admission Will be free.

Preseason OOC Opponent Preview - Tennessee

Tennessee
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Conference: Southeastern Conference (RPI #6)
Last year: 19-15
Finish: 5th in East Division (out of 6)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Last 10: 4-6
Coach: Cuonzo Martin (1st yr)

2011-2012 Schedule
- 11/3 Carson Newman (Exh)
- 11/7 Lincoln Memorial (Exh)
- 11/11 UNCG
- 11/16 Louisiana-Monroe
- 11/21 @ Duke
- 11/28 @ Oakland
- 12/3 Pitt
- 12/10 Austin Peay
- 12/14 @ College of Charleston
- 12/20 UNC-Asheville
- 12/23 East Tennessee St
- 12/29 Citadel
- 1/2 UT-Chattanooga
- 1/4 @ Memphis
- 1/7 Florida
- 1/12 @ Mississippi St
- 1/14 Kentucky
- 1/18 @ Georgia
- 1/21 UConn
- 1/24 @ Vanderbilt
- 1/28 Auburn
- 1/31 @ Kentucky
- 2/4 Georgia
- 2/8 South Carolina
- 2/11 @ Florida
- 2/15 Arkansas
- 2/18 @ Alabama
- 2/22 Ole Miss
- 2/25 @ South Carolina
- 2/29 @ LSU
- 3/3 Vanderbilt

Additions:
- 6'-5" SF Josh Richardson - ESPN Rated 90 (Edmund, OK)
- 6'-1" PG Wesley Washpun - ESPN Rated 88 (Cedar Rapids, IA)
- 6'-6" SG Quinton Chievous - ESPN Rated 84 (Chicago, IL)
- 6'-8" C Yemi Makanjuola - ESPN Rated 80 (Lagos, Nigeria)
- 6'-8" PF Dwight Miller - JUCO (Nassau, Bahamas) 8.2 pts, 5.4 rebs
- 6'-5" G Ryan Kilmartin - App State Transfer (Charlotte, NC) Appeared in 1 game in 2009-2010
- 6'-8" PF Rob Murphy - Lipscomb Transfer (Brentwood, TN) Appeared in 4 games in 2009-2010

Losses:
- Scotty Hopson (Early Draft Entry) 17.0 pts, 3.3 rebs
- Tobias Harris (Early DraftEntry) 15.3 pts,7.3 rebs
- Melvin Goins (Graduated) 7.9 pts, 3.1 rebs, 2.8 assists
- Brian Williams (Graduated) 6.8 pts, 7.4 rebs, 1.4 assists
- Josh Bone (Graduated) 3.2 pts, 1.8 rebs
- John Fields (Graduated) 2.6 pts, 3.0 rebs
- Steven Pearl (Graduated) 1.9 pts, 1.6 rebs

Top Returners:
- Cameron Tatum - 8.8 pts, 3.1 rebs, 2.3 assists
- Skylar McBee - 3.0 pts, 1.0 rebs

Preseason OOC Opponent Preview - Greensboro College

Greensboro College
Location: Greensboro, NC
Last year: 12-15 (4-8)
Conference: USA South Athletic Conference (NCAA DIII)
Finish: 5th (out of 7)
Postseason: None
Last 10: 3-7
Coach: Bryan Galuski (7th Season)


2011-2012 Schedule
- 11/3 @ UNCG (Exh)
- 11/15 Johnson & Wales
- 11/16 Guilford
- 11/18 Bridgewater
- 11/27 Piedmont
- 12/3 @ LaGrange
- 12/7 @ Emory & Henry
- 12/17 @ Johnson & Wales
- 12/19 @ Covenant
- 1/1 @ Oneonta St.
- 1/4 @ Ferrum
- 1/7 @ Maryville (TN)
- 1/11 NC Wesleyan
- 1/14 @ Shenandoah
- 1/16 Allen University
- 1/18 Averett
- 1/21 Chris. Newport
- 1/24 @ Methodist
- 1/28 Ferrum
- 2/1 Emory & Henry
- 2/4 @ NC Wesleyan
- 2/8 Methodist
- 2/11 @ Chris. Newport
- 2/15 @ Averett
- 2/18 Shenandoah

Additions:
- Donald Anderson (Concord, NC)
- Darius Beresford ( Jonesboro, GA)
- Michael Brewington (Burlington, NC)
- Lawrence Butts (Campbell, AL)
- Devonta Davis (S. Petersburg, FL)
- CJ Griffin (Gates County, NC)
- Tracy Jester (Atlanta, GA)
- Jonathon Johnson (Greensboro, NC)
- Raheem Martin (Mocksville, NC)
- AJ Mussington (Tallahassee, FL)
- Anthony Stowe (Gastonia, NC)
- Brian Thomas (Castalia, NC)

Losses:
- Daren Dexter (Graduated) 15.6 pts, 6.8 rebs, 2.9 assists
- Lewis Owenby (Graduated) 6.9 pts, 5.4 rebs
- Adam Powell (Graduated) 7.9 pts, 2.8 rebs

Top Returners:
- Damian Dixon - 11.1 pts, 3.8 rebs, 1.8 assists
- TJ Holman - 7.3 pts, 2.0 rebs
- Chakiris Moss - 6.2 pts, 2.9 rebs, 2.7 assists

Preseason OOC Opponent Preview -Intro

I have to admit that I really enjoyed going through and looking at all of the SoCon teams from a statistical stand point and from a gains and losses stand point. Therefore, I have decided to go a step further and do this with all of UNCG's out of conference (OOC) opponents. So starting today, I am going to write 1 similar preview post a day.

New UNCG Sports Blog

Calvin Walters is the sports editor for UNCG's school newspaper, The Carolinian. He has started a new UNCG sports blog. There is a very good recap of UNCG's basketball kick-off event that took place this past Sunday, as well as some great pictures from the event.

I plan on putting it into my daily rotation of web sites to check. Hopefully all of you will do the same. Good luck with the new site, Calvin !!!

Rivals Preseason SoCon Prediction

Rivals has posted their Southern Conference predictions for the upcoming season. Nothing too ground breaking here. I'll just repost their predicted order of finish.

ORDER OF FINISH
North Division
1. Chattanooga
2. Western Carolina
3. Appalachian State
4. UNC Greensboro
5. Elon
6. Samford

South Division
1. Davidson
2. College of Charleston .
3. Wofford
4. Georgia Southern
5. The Citadel
6. Furman

SoCon League Preview - Wofford

Wofford
Last year: 21-13 (14-4)
Finish: Tied 1st South Division (SoCon Tournament Champ)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament
Last 10: 8-2
Coach: Mike Young (10th yr)

OOC Games:
@ Georgia, Emory & Henry, @ Wisconsin, @ Bradley, Tulane, Virginia-Wise, Jacksonville, @ High Point, @ South Carolina

Additions
- 6'-4" SG Lucas Brown - ESPN Rated 80 (Roseville, MN)
- 6'-4" PG Indiana Faithful - ESPN Rated 80 (Sydney, Australia)
- 6'-1" PG Karl Cochran - ESPN Rated 79 (Marietta, GA)
- 6'-5" SF Jarell Byrd - ESPN Unrated (Lynn, MA)
- 6-'8" PF Kevin Hickson - ESPN Unrated (Mathews, NC)
- 6'-6" SF Lee Skinner - ESPN Unrated ( Lombard, IL)

Losses:
- Noah Dahlman (Graduated) 20.1 pts, 5.6 rebs
- Tim Johnson (Graduated) 6.0 points, 8.5 rebs, 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals
- Jamar Diggs (Graduated) 12.6 pts, 3.1 rebs, 3.1 assists, 1.8 steals
- Cameron Rundles (Graduated) 13.9 pts, 3.8 rebs, 2.5 assists, 1.1 steals
- Terry Martin (Graduated) 5.8 pts, 3.4 rebs

Top Returners:
- Brad Loesing - 6.2 pts, 1.4 rebs, 3.2 assists
- Kevin Giltner - 6.2 rebs, 1.4 rebs

SoCon League Preview - WCU

Western Carolina
Last year: 18-15 (12-6)
Finish: Tied 1st North Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 8-2
Coach: Larry Hunter (7th yr)

OOC Games:
@ South Carolina, Montreat, @ Presbyterian, @ Iowa State, @ Northern Iowa, Northern Colorado, @ Purdue, Kent State, @ Bradley, UNC-Asheville, @ NC State

Additions:
- 6'-8" F Josh Mendenhall - JUCO (Greenville, SC) 8.3 pts, 6.0 rebs
- 5'-11" G Dillion Dunford - Lenior-Rhyne Transfer (Cullowhee, NC)
- 6'-2" SG James Sinclair - ESPN Unrated (Savannah, GA)
- 6'-7" SF Kenneth Hall - ESPN Unrated (Dallas, TX)

Losses:
- Mike Williams (Graduated) 15.4 pts, 3.5 rebs, 3.8 assists, 2.0 steals
- Richie Gordon (Graduated) 10.2 pts, 5.7 rebs, 1.4 assists, 1.5 steals
- Blake Gallagher (Graduated) 1.6 pts, 2.6 rebs
- Anthony Phillip (Graduated) 1.2 pts, 0.7 rebs (6 games)

Top Returners:
- Trey Sumler - 11.5 pts, 4.0 rebs, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals
- Harouna Mutombo - 10.1 pts, 5.6 rebs, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals
- Brandon Boggs - 7.7 pts, 3.7 rebs, 1.0 steals

SoCon League Preview - UNCG

UNCG
Last year: 7-24 (6-12)
Finish: 5th North Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 3-7
Coach: Mike Dement (6th yr)

OOC Games:
@ Tennessee, @ Georgetown, UNC-Pembroke, @ Middle Tennessee State, Towson/Belmont, @ NC A&T, @ Florida State, East Carolina, @ Duke, VCU, @ Richmond, @ Miami

Additions:
- 6'-1" PG Derrell Armstrong - JUCO (Mechanicsville, MD) 21.4 pts, 8.9 rebs, 4.5 assists, 2.2 steals
- 6'-7" SF Nick Paulos - ESPN Rated 80 (Salt Lake City, UT)

Losses:
- Brandon Evans (Graduated) 11.9 pts, 4.1 rebs, 1.4 assists, 1.2 steals
- Darius Sellers (Early Graduate) 0.2 pts, 0.6 rebs (9 games)

Top Returners:
- Trevis Simpson - 11.8 pts, 3.6 rebs
- Aloysius Henry - 9.5 pts, 4.8 rebs
- Kyle Randall - 9.4 pts, 2.3 rebs, 3.4 assists
- Korey Van Dussen - 8.7 pts, 3.0 rebs, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals

SoCon League Preview - Samford

Samford
Last year: 12-19 (4-14)
Finish: 6th North Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 1-9
Coach: Jimmy Tillette (14th yr)

OOC Games:
Youngstown State, @ Jacksonville, Ga State, @ UT-Arlington, UT-San Antonio, Mercer, Lindsey Wilson, Spring Hill, @ Kentucky, @ Sam Houston State

Additions:
- 6'-0" PG Devin McNeil - ESPN Rated 79 (Birmingham, AL)
- 6'-4" SG Raijon Kelly - ESPN Rated 77 (Maplewood, MN)
- 6'-3" SG Brandon Hayman - ESPN Unrated (Braselton, GA)
- 6'-3" SG Conner Miller - ESPN Unrated (Stanley, WI)

Losses
- Josh Bedwell (Graduated) 8.3 pts, 2.5 rebs, 1.7 assists
- Josh Davis (Graduated) 7.5 pts, 3.0 rebs
- Andy King (Graduated) 6.6 pts, 2.3 rebs, 2.1 assists
- Gaby Bermudez (Graduated) 2.7 pts, 1.9 assists

Top Returners:
- Jeffrey Merritt - 10.3 pts, 6.3 rebs, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals
- Gregg Wooten - 7.6 pts, 1.7 rebs, 1.5 assists

Socon League Preview - Ga Southern

Georgia Southern
Last year: 5-27 (1-17)
Finish: 6th South Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 1-9
Coach: C.Y. Young (3rd yr)

OOC Games:
Valparasio, @ Wake Forest, Webber International, @ South Florida, @ SMU, @ Eastern Kentucky, @ Jacksonville St, @ South Alabama, @ Georgia State, @ Auburn, Brewton Parker

Additions:
- 6'-8" C Kameron Dunnican - ESPN Rated 89 (Sumter, SC)
- 6'-9" PF Tyrone Brown - ESPN Rated 87 (Milen, GA)
- 6'-1" PG Jessie Pernell - ESPN Rated 80 (North Augusta, SC)

Losses:
- Rory Spencer (Graduated) 9.4 pts, 5.1 rebs
- Zuri James (Transfer) 5.2 pts, 1.3 rebs, 1.1 assists

Top Returners:
- Ben Drayton III - 15.8 pts, 3.6 rebs, 4.5 assists, 1.9 steals
- Eric Furguson - 12.0 pts, 5.6 rebs, 1.5 steals
- Jelani Hewitt - 9.0 3.6 2.6 1.9
- Willie Powers (Medical Redshirt) 14.7 pts, 3.3 rebs, 5.5 assists 1.3 steals (2009-2010)

SoCon League Preview - Furman

Furman
Last year: 22-11 (12-6)
Finish: 3rd South Division
Postseason: CIT
Last 10: 5-5
Coach: Jeff Jackson (6th yr)

OOC Games:
@ Columbia, Mercer, Loyola (IL), @ Clemson, Virginia-Wise, Jacksonville, @ Western Kentucky, @ Presbyterian, @ Georgia, @ UNCW

Additions:
- 6'-7" F Bryant Irwin - St Joseph's Transfer (Bridgeport, WV) 4.1 pts, 2.3 rebs 2009-2010
- 6'-2" SG Jordan Loyd - ESPN Rated 83 (Atlanta, GA)
- 6'-6" SG Keith Belfield - ESPN Rated 80 (Charlotte, NC)
- 6'-5" PF Dominic Early - ESPN Rated 80 (Atlanta, GA)

Losses:
- Amu Saaka (Graduated) 15.6 pts, 6.5 rebs, 1.1 assists
- Noah States (Graduated) 10.4 pts, 4.6 rebs, 1.8 assists
- Jordan Miller (Graduated) 11.3 pts, 2.5 rebs, 1.7 assists
- Justin Dehm (Graduated) 6.1 pts, 1.5 rebs, 1.5 assists
- Darryl Evans (Graduated) 8.7 pts, 3.0 rebs, 3.5 assists

Top returners:
- Brandon Sebirumbi - 7.5 pts, 3.7 rebs
- Colin Reddick - 5.3 pts, 4.6 rebs

SoCon League Preview - Elon

Elon
Last year: 14-17 (7-11)
Finish: 4th North Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 4-6
Coach: Matt Matheny (3rd yr)

OOC Games:
@ UMass, South Carolina, @ Princeton, @ NC State, Navy, Lynchburg, @ Dartmouth, @ San Diego State, @ UNC, Columbia

Additions:
- 5'-11" PG Austin Hamilton - ESPN Rated 75 (Herndon, VA)
- 6'-7" F Egheosa Edomwonyi - Sophomore Rice Transfer (Newark, NJ) Appeared in 6 games in 2009-2010

Losses:
- Chris Long (Graduated) 14.7 pts, 2.5 rebs, 6.1 assists, 1.7 steals
- Scott Grable (Graduated) 3.5 pts, 3.7 rebs
- David Meyer (Graduated) appeared in 5 games

Top Returners:
- Drew Spradlin - 13.6 pts, 4.1 rebs
- Jack Isenbarger - 10.4 pts, 3.2rebs, 1.9 assists
- Lucas Troutman - 8.8 pts, 4.1 rebs

SoCon League Preview - Davidson

Davidson
Last year: 18-15 (10-8)
Finish: 4th South Division
Postseason: CBI (Quarterfinals)
Final 10: 7-3
Coach: Bob McKillop (23rd yr)

OOC Games:
Guilford, Richmond, @ Duke, Presbyterian, @ UNCW, Vanderbilt, @ Charlotte, @ Kansas, @ UMass, Pennsylvania

Additions:
- 6'-3" SG Tyler Kalinoski - ESPN Rated 75 (Olathe, KN)
- 6'-7" SF Youssef Mejri 0 ESPN Unrated (Hammam Lif, Tunisia)

Losses:
-Brendan McKillop (Graduated) 9.5 pts, 2.3 rebs,2.3 assists

Top returners:
- J.P. Kuhlman 12.8 pts, 3.5 rebs, 3.1 assists
- Jake Cohen 12.2. pts, 6.2 rebs
- De'Mon Brooks 9.0 pts, 5.1 rebs

SoCon League Preview - Citadel

The Citadel
Last year: 10-22 (6-12)
Finish: 5th in South Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 1-9
Coach: Chuck Driesell (2nd yr)


OOC Games:
VMI, Clemson, Florida Christian College, @ High Point, Coastal Carolina, Charleston Southern, @ James Madison, @ Denver, @ Tennessee, Virginia-Wise


Additions:
- 5'-10" PG Marshall Harris - ESPN rated 80 (San Antonio, TX)
- 6'-7" C Jordan Robertson - ESPN Rated 79 (Greensboro, NC)
- 6'-9" C Michael Hundley - ESPN Rated 79 (Farmington Hills, MI)
- 6'-7" PF C.J. Bray - ESPN Rated 79 (Charleston, SC)
- 6'-5" SF Dylan Setzekorn - ESPN Rated 79 (Gainesville, GA)
- 6'-8" PF P.J. Horgan - ESPN Rated 78 (Rio Rancho, NM)
- 6'-0" G Ashton Moore - ESPN Unrated (Suffolk, VA)


Losses:
- Cameron Wells (Graduated) 17.3 pts, 5.1 rebs, 4.3 assists
- Zach Urbanus (Graduated) 10.6 pts, 3.0 rebs, 2.9 assists
- Austin Dahn (Graduated) 10.0 pts, 4.3 rebs


Top Returners:
- Mike Grosselle 11.5 pts, 6.4 rebs
- Bryan Streeter 5.8 pts, 4.9 rebs

SoCon League Preview - Chattanooga

UT - Chattanooga
Last Year: 16-16 (12-6)
Finish: Tied 1st North Division
Postseason: None
Final 10: 4-6
Coach: John Shulman (8th yr)

OOC Games:
@ Indiana, @ Butler, Kennesaw State, Warren Wilson, Savannah State, Gardner-Webb, @ Mercer, Spalding, @ Kentucky, Hiwassee College, Longwood

Additions:
- 6'-5" F Z. Mason - Ole Miss Football Transfer (Nashville, TN)
- 6'-9" F Drazen Zlovaris - Georgia Transfer (Novi Sad, Serbia) 0.9 pts, 0.5 rebs 2009-2010 season.
- 6'-6" SF Lance Stokes - ESPN Rated 87 (Orlando, FL)
- 6'-1" SG Ricco White - ESPN Rated 77 (Knoxville, TN)
- 6'-7" PF Jared Bryant - ESPN Rated 77 (Cincinnati, OH)
- 6'-7" SF Trey Brown - ESPN Unrated (Brandon, MS)

Losses:
- DeAntre Jefferson (Graduated) 8.2 pts, 6.4 rebs
- Jeremy Saffore (Graduated) 3.4 pts, 3.3 rebs
- Troy Cage (Graduated) 4.1 pts, 2.5 rebs
- Jeff Smith (Graduated) 1.5 pts, 0.5 rebs

Top returners:
- Omar Wattad 14.3 pts, 3.7 rebs, 2.0 asists
- Keegan Bell 9.7 pts, 3.3 rebs, 5.7 assists, 0.9 steals
- Ricky Taylor 13.0 pts, 3.7 rebs
- Chris Early 9.3 pts, 6.3 rebs

SoCon League Preview - Charleston

College of Charleston
Last year: 26-11 (14-4)
Finish: Tied 1st South Division
Postseason: NIT (Quarterfinals)
Last 10: 6-4
Coach: Bobby Cremins (6th yr)

OOC Games:
Holy Cross, Morehead State, @ Clemson, @ Central Florida, Tennessee, Charleston Southern, @ Louisville, @ Coastal Carolina, George Mason

Additions:
- 6'-9" C Adjehi Baru - ESPN Rated 95 (Abidjan, Ivory Coast)
- 6'-1" PG Anthony Stitt - ESPN Rated 83 (Charlotte, NC)
- 6'-4" SG Trevonte Dixon - ESPN Rated 82 (Florence, SC)
- 6'-1" SG Patrick Branin - ESPN Unrated (Richmond, VA)

Losses:
- Andrew Goudelock (Graduated) 23.7 pts, 3.9 rebs, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals
- Jeremy Simmons (Graduated) 13.3 pts, 6.2 rebs
- Donovan Monroe (Graduated) 12.4 pts, 2.7 rebs, 2.6 assists
- Jordan Turok (Graduated) 04 pts, 0.3 rebs (8 games)
- Garrett Campbell (Graduated) Appeared in 10 games

Top Returners:
- Willis Hall 8.4 pts, 5.9 rebs
- Trent Wiedeman 8.4 pts, 6.6 rebs
- Antwaine Wiggins 7.9 pts, 5.6 rebs, 1.0 steals

*UPDATE: According to this article Willis Hall has torn his ACL and is out for the 2011-2012 season.

SoCon League Preview - App State

Appalachian State
Last year: 16-15 (10-8)
Finish: 3rd North Division
Postseason: None
Last 10: 8-2
Coach: Jason Capel (2nd yr)

OOC games:
Lees McRae, @ ETSU, @ Tenn Tech, East Carolina (in Charlotte), Miligan, @ Minnesota, ETSU, @ North Carolina, Campbell, @ Miami (FL)

Additions:
- 6'-0" G - Rodney Milum - JUCO (Houston, TX) 9.7 pts, 2.4 rebs, 1.0 assists
- 6'-6" F/G - Jamaal Trice - JUCO (Los Angeles, CA) 8.3 pts, 2.7 rebs
- 6'-2" SG Michael Neal - ESPN Rated 84 (Greensboro, NC)
- 6'-3" SG Tabarris Hamilton -ESPN Rated 79 (Winston-Salem, NC)

Losses:
- Donald Sims (Graduated) 21.0 pts, 3.7 rebs, 3.6 assists, 1.7 steals
- Jeremi Booth (Graduated) 8.7 pts, 3.1 rebs
- J.R. Archer(Graduated) 1.1 pts, 0.4 rebs (7 games)
- Anthony Breeze (Early Graduate) 4.7 pts, 3.1 rebs (14 games)
- Marcus Wright (Transfer) 4.4 pts, 1.8 rebs, 1.2 assists
- Josh Nirenberg (Transfer) 0.5 pts, 1.5 rebs (4 games)
- Anthony Thomas (Transfer) 1.1 pts, 0.5 rebs (8 games)

Top Returners:
- Omar Carter 16.3 pts, 5.8 rebs, 1.3 assists
- Andre Williamson 8.7 pts, 6.3 rebs
- Isaac Butts (Medical Redshirt) 8.5 pts, 8.1 rebs (2009-2010)

SoCon League Preview - Intro

We're less than a week away from the start of practice. So, I decided that I would take a quick snapshot of the entire SoCon. Where they finished last year. What they've lost. What they've gained. Who are they playing this year. Looking at all of this info should help give you a better idea of how the teams stack up.

I am going to try to post at least 1 or 2 of these every day. Enjoy!

New 2012 Commitment

With 3 open scholarships for the class of 2012, UNCG has used one of them on 5'-10" PG Jordan Potts (Columbus, OH). According to Rivals, the Northland HS senior picked the Spartans over James Madison, Western Kentucky, Bethune-Cookman and a large group of other mid-majors.

- ESPN Recruiting rates Jordan at 80.

Strengths: A sturdy point guard whose body type borders on stocky, Potts runs the teams and distributes the ball for a highly talented All Ohio Red team. He rarely looked to create anything off the dribble and was typically content to keep the ball moving along the perimeter.

- Jordan's former HS teammate is Jarred Sullinger who was a McDonald's All-American and now plays at Ohio State.

- Jordan's AAU program All-Ohio Red won the 2011 Under-17 National Chamionship.

Here's a Youtube clip of Jordan from several years ago.


- UNCG won't released any information about Jordan until he officially signs his National Letter of Intent to play for the Spartans. We will post a link to that article when it becomes available.

-Welcome to the Spartans, Jordan !!!

Tanner New Spartan Director of Basketball Operations

Former UNC walk-on and VCU graduate assistant J.B. Tanner is the newest Spartan coach. Tanner will take over the Director of Basketball Operations duties from Brian Judski for the 2011-2012 season. Here is some of Tanner's bio from the UNCG Athletics website.

With the Spartans Tanner is responsible for many administrative duties including team travel, film, administrative recruiting and summer camps.

Tanner comes to UNCG after spending the previous two seasons as a graduate assistant on Shaka Smart’s staff at VCU, helping the Rams to a remarkable run through the 2011 NCAA Tournament which culminated with an appearance at the Final Four in Houston. Overall, the Rams won 55 games during Tanner’s two seasons in Richmond.

Tanner spent two seasons as a walk-on at North Carolina (2007-09), helping the Tar Heels to the 2009 National Championship. Tanner appeared in 39 games in two seasons as UNC won a pair of ACC championships under Roy Williams. Tanner spent his first two years at UNC as a member of the UNC Junior Varsity squad.

Newest Spartan - Derrell Armstrong

Wow, this post is a longtime overdue. Former Alleghany CC 6'-1" PG Derrell Armstrong (Mechanicsville, MD) has joined Nick Paulos as the newest faces for the Spartans for this upcoming season.

Armstrong was a teammate of Spartan player Aaron Bracket for one season before going on to earn honorable mention JUCO All-American status this past season at Alleghany. For the 2010-2011 season, Derrell averaged 21.4 pts, 8.9 rebs, 4.5 assists and 2.2 steals. Derrell was a 2009 graduate of Chopticon HS in Morganza, MD.

- According to Rivals, Derrell picked UNCG over Towsen.

- In HS, Armstrong was a 2009 All-Beltway 1st team player.

Armstrong led the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference with a 25.3 points per game average. Armstrong surpassed the 1,000-point plateau in just two seasons playing for Chopticon. Led team with 31 blocked shots. Produced averages of 7.9 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 2.4 assists per game. Shot over 70 percent from the free-throw line.

Surpassed 30 points on six different occasions during the season. Scored season-high of 33 points on two occasions, in overtime win over Glen Burnie on Dec. 22 and again against Leonardtown on Feb. 13. Scored in double digits every single game. Armstrong led the Braves to a 19-5 mark – with three one-point losses – and a 3A South semifinal appearance.

- Here is the article from the UNCG Athletics website after he signed his LOI.

Welcome to the Spartans, Derrell !!!