When: Monday, December 30 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: ESPN3
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
NC State Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last game: @ Va Tech (W 55-52) Recap
PPG: 72.1
RPG: 37.0
APG: 13.6
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.1)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.6)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 45.4
3 Pt %: 36.5
FT %: 68.3
NC State Stats
Last Game: Missouri (L 64-68) Recap
PPG: 75.9
RPG: 36.6
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: TJ Warren (23.9)
Leader Rebounds: TJ Warren (7.8)
Leader Assist: Anthony Barber (4.4)
FG %: 49.0
3 Pt %: 30.5
FT %: 65.2
Thoughts
48 hours after the first UNCG win against an ACC team in 6 years is a game against another ACC team. Thanks to the magic of the Greensboro Coliseum schedule makers deciding to put the Elon-Duke game on New Year's Eve, the Spartans have a super quick turnaround to face a team that they don't particularly match up well against. Shooting, and particularly the type of shots each team takes, could be the key to this one.
NC State is again one of the best teams at shooting inside the arc. Their kryptonite, however, is the zone defense. Teams have been daring the Wolfpack to beat them from behind the arc. So far, NC State really hasn't proven to be a team that can make a boatload of 3's. However, their freshman PG Cat Barber can use his quickness to be a zone breaker all by himself. Keeping Barber out of the lane is a must if the Spartans want to have any success.
TJ Warren is the best individual player UNCG will face all year. He's a scorer that finds about a billion different ways to light up the scoreboard. He's not a proficient shooter, but he'll make a few. He makes his living around the rim. He find all kinds of ways to put the ball in the basket and he rarely doesn't finish plays. The Wolfpack have 7'-0 Jordan Vandenberg on the back line. His job is to dunk the ball and block shots. It will be up to UNCG's post players to pull him away from the basket with their face up game.
This game is going to require that UNCG hit some 3 pointers. In order to open driving lanes up against the bigger Wolfpack, the outside shots will have to go in with some frequency. Beyond that, it wouldn't hurt to see Barber and Vandenberg get into some foul trouble. It goes without saying that UNCG will have to limit their turnovers and continue to build on 5 straight halves of solid team defense.
If G can again limit the number of possessions in this game and keep the score in the 60's, they will stand a much better chance of pulling off a second straight shocker. Go Spartans !!!
Showing posts with label OOC preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OOC preview. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
UNCG (6-7) @ Virginia Tech (7-4)
When: Saturday, December 28 12:00 noon
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: ESPN3
Virginia Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Wake Forest (L 51-59) Recap
PPG: 73.5
RPG: 37.2
APG: 13.8
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 46.0
3 Pt %: 37.1
FT %: 67.2
Virginia Tech Stats
Last Game: VCU (L 52-82) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.9
Leader Points: Jarell Eddie (18.6)
Leader Rebounds: Jarell Eddia (6.5)
Leader Assists: Devin Wilson (5.4)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 44.0
FT %: 69.6
Thoughts
Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday week. Now it's time for basketball once again. The first game back after the Christmas break is always a "crap shoot". Will the home ACC team see UNCG on the schedule and not bother to show up? Will the Spartans be able to focus after a full week layoff? Will there be any defense played? Offense? See, it's all a guessing game.
Last time out, UNCG didn't play particularly well. However, they still pushed Wake Forest all the way to the final 3 minutes before losing by 8. For the second straight game, the Spartans did a good job of taking care of the basketball. Turnovers have been the real key to how well the team has played this season. In games when they've valued the ball, the outcomes have been favorable. Also, over the last 3 halves of basketball, UNCG has really played some solid defense. This is the other major key to this team. If the Spartans can carry over their defensive intensity to the game in Blacksburg, they can compete with the Hokies.
As for Tech, they don't appear to be a great offensive team. However, they do have some very dangerous shooters. Five VT players are shooting +40% (all with 10+ makes) from behind the arc. Best among the group is wing player Jarell Eddie who leads the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting almost 50% from 3 point land. I expect UNCG to run several defenders at Eddie throughout the day. Look for Paulos, Outlaw, Locke and maybe even Saddler to take turns guarding Eddie.
Can UNCG beat Virginia Tech? Of course. Will it happen? Who knows. With all of games at this time of year, it will require UNCG playing well, Tech napping and the Spartans getting some of favorable breaks. I can't wait to see how UNCG responds after having one ACC team on the ropes and then having a week to think about it. I think they can be very competitive. Hope they can bring the "W" back to Greensboro. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Cassell Coliseum (10,052)
TV: ESPN3
Virginia Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Wake Forest (L 51-59) Recap
PPG: 73.5
RPG: 37.2
APG: 13.8
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 46.0
3 Pt %: 37.1
FT %: 67.2
Virginia Tech Stats
Last Game: VCU (L 52-82) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.9
Leader Points: Jarell Eddie (18.6)
Leader Rebounds: Jarell Eddia (6.5)
Leader Assists: Devin Wilson (5.4)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 44.0
FT %: 69.6
Thoughts
Well, I hope everyone had a great holiday week. Now it's time for basketball once again. The first game back after the Christmas break is always a "crap shoot". Will the home ACC team see UNCG on the schedule and not bother to show up? Will the Spartans be able to focus after a full week layoff? Will there be any defense played? Offense? See, it's all a guessing game.
Last time out, UNCG didn't play particularly well. However, they still pushed Wake Forest all the way to the final 3 minutes before losing by 8. For the second straight game, the Spartans did a good job of taking care of the basketball. Turnovers have been the real key to how well the team has played this season. In games when they've valued the ball, the outcomes have been favorable. Also, over the last 3 halves of basketball, UNCG has really played some solid defense. This is the other major key to this team. If the Spartans can carry over their defensive intensity to the game in Blacksburg, they can compete with the Hokies.
As for Tech, they don't appear to be a great offensive team. However, they do have some very dangerous shooters. Five VT players are shooting +40% (all with 10+ makes) from behind the arc. Best among the group is wing player Jarell Eddie who leads the team in scoring and rebounding while shooting almost 50% from 3 point land. I expect UNCG to run several defenders at Eddie throughout the day. Look for Paulos, Outlaw, Locke and maybe even Saddler to take turns guarding Eddie.
Can UNCG beat Virginia Tech? Of course. Will it happen? Who knows. With all of games at this time of year, it will require UNCG playing well, Tech napping and the Spartans getting some of favorable breaks. I can't wait to see how UNCG responds after having one ACC team on the ropes and then having a week to think about it. I think they can be very competitive. Hope they can bring the "W" back to Greensboro. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 20, 2013
UNCG (6-6) @ Wake Forest (9-2)
When: Saturday, December 21 2:00 pm
Where: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (14,665)
TV: ESPN3
Wake Forest Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: James Madison (W 78-65) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 37.0
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG%: 47.3
3 Pt %: 39.3
FT: 68.0
Wake Forest Stats
Last Game: St. Bonaventure (W 77-62) Recap
PPG: 79.2
RPG 43.8
APG: 15.8
Leader Points: Codi Miller-McIntyre (18.1)
Leader Rebounds: Devin Tomas (9.5)
Leader Assists: Codi Miller-McIntyre (4.4)
FG %: 45.8
3 Pt %: 35.3
FT%: 64.7
Thoughts
Wake Forest has been the one of the ACC's little whipping boys for the past few seasons. The last two years, all UNCG have have pointed to Wake Forest as the one big named team on our schedule that we might could take down. Well, all of that has change this year. The Demon Deacons are much improved on both ends of the floor. They have more talent and are deeper than in years past. The one major hopeful spot for UNCG is this will be played on the Saturday before Christmas. There will be very few students there and probably few fans in general will be at the LJVM.
As for what to look for in this game, Wake Forest has several good shooters in their lineup. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Travis McKie and new addition Coron Williams all shoot the 3 well. It will keep teams for doubling down into the post to stop Devin Thomas. Thomas will be a problem for UNCG all day. I assume we will see every big man take a turn guarding him.
For UNCG to be successful, they will need to do the same things they did to win on Wednesday night. They must continue to take care of the ball, look to make the right extra pass and get quality shots every time down the floor. On nights when they've done those things this season, their offense has been very good. To beat an ACC opponent on their home floor, the Spartans need to keep their composure and focus for a full 40 minutes. And they need to make shots. Another 11-19 from 3 performance would go a long way to pulling the upset.
If Wake is already mentally on Christmas break and UNCG can carry over it's good play from Wednesday, then they have a very real chance to make things interesting. The Spartans will need to seize every opportunity though. I hope they can do just that. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum (14,665)
TV: ESPN3
Wake Forest Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: James Madison (W 78-65) Recap
PPG: 75.3
RPG: 37.0
APG: 14.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.0)
Leader Reboudns: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG%: 47.3
3 Pt %: 39.3
FT: 68.0
Wake Forest Stats
Last Game: St. Bonaventure (W 77-62) Recap
PPG: 79.2
RPG 43.8
APG: 15.8
Leader Points: Codi Miller-McIntyre (18.1)
Leader Rebounds: Devin Tomas (9.5)
Leader Assists: Codi Miller-McIntyre (4.4)
FG %: 45.8
3 Pt %: 35.3
FT%: 64.7
Thoughts
Wake Forest has been the one of the ACC's little whipping boys for the past few seasons. The last two years, all UNCG have have pointed to Wake Forest as the one big named team on our schedule that we might could take down. Well, all of that has change this year. The Demon Deacons are much improved on both ends of the floor. They have more talent and are deeper than in years past. The one major hopeful spot for UNCG is this will be played on the Saturday before Christmas. There will be very few students there and probably few fans in general will be at the LJVM.
As for what to look for in this game, Wake Forest has several good shooters in their lineup. Codi Miller-McIntyre, Travis McKie and new addition Coron Williams all shoot the 3 well. It will keep teams for doubling down into the post to stop Devin Thomas. Thomas will be a problem for UNCG all day. I assume we will see every big man take a turn guarding him.
For UNCG to be successful, they will need to do the same things they did to win on Wednesday night. They must continue to take care of the ball, look to make the right extra pass and get quality shots every time down the floor. On nights when they've done those things this season, their offense has been very good. To beat an ACC opponent on their home floor, the Spartans need to keep their composure and focus for a full 40 minutes. And they need to make shots. Another 11-19 from 3 performance would go a long way to pulling the upset.
If Wake is already mentally on Christmas break and UNCG can carry over it's good play from Wednesday, then they have a very real chance to make things interesting. The Spartans will need to seize every opportunity though. I hope they can do just that. Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
James Madison (3-8) @ UNCG (5-6)
When: Tuesday, December 18 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
James Madison Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Rutgers (L 72-89) Recap
PPG: 75.1
RPG: 37.6
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 47.0
3 Pt %: 67.4
FT %: 37.4
James Madison Stats
Last Game:@ High Point (W 84-69) Recap
PPG: 62.6
RPG: 34.6
APG: 8.8
Leader Points: Charles Cooke (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Taylor Bessick (5.3)
Leader Assists: Ron Curry (2.9)
Team FG %: 40.6
Team 3 Pt %: 25.6
Tean FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
This is going to be a bit of a root canal. UNCG has been completely ground to a halt by any team that will occasionally run a zone defense against them. Well, the Dukes play a zone all the time. They play it on purpose, not just occasionally. So, they have practiced it and are very good at playing it. I'm not expecting this to be a 85-86 game with +74 possessions.
With fewer possessions, UNCG will have to value the ball each time they possess it. Uh oh. This is not the strong suit of the Spartans. UNCG will have to change that on Wednesday in order to pick up a win. They will have to get good looks at the basket and make them.
On the opposite side, James Madison hasn't shown themselves to be very good on the offensive end. They've only broke 70 points twice on the season. If UNCG can buck another of their season long trends by not giving the Dukes easy transition points, they can make life a little easier for themselves.
I'm really just looking for a game where UNCG can show focus and intensity for a full forty minutes. If that happens, I will live with whatever happen on the scoreboard. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
James Madison Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ Rutgers (L 72-89) Recap
PPG: 75.1
RPG: 37.6
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.6)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.5)
FG %: 47.0
3 Pt %: 67.4
FT %: 37.4
James Madison Stats
Last Game:@ High Point (W 84-69) Recap
PPG: 62.6
RPG: 34.6
APG: 8.8
Leader Points: Charles Cooke (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Taylor Bessick (5.3)
Leader Assists: Ron Curry (2.9)
Team FG %: 40.6
Team 3 Pt %: 25.6
Tean FT %: 72.0
Thoughts
This is going to be a bit of a root canal. UNCG has been completely ground to a halt by any team that will occasionally run a zone defense against them. Well, the Dukes play a zone all the time. They play it on purpose, not just occasionally. So, they have practiced it and are very good at playing it. I'm not expecting this to be a 85-86 game with +74 possessions.
With fewer possessions, UNCG will have to value the ball each time they possess it. Uh oh. This is not the strong suit of the Spartans. UNCG will have to change that on Wednesday in order to pick up a win. They will have to get good looks at the basket and make them.
On the opposite side, James Madison hasn't shown themselves to be very good on the offensive end. They've only broke 70 points twice on the season. If UNCG can buck another of their season long trends by not giving the Dukes easy transition points, they can make life a little easier for themselves.
I'm really just looking for a game where UNCG can show focus and intensity for a full forty minutes. If that happens, I will live with whatever happen on the scoreboard. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 13, 2013
UNCG (5-5) @ Rutgers (4-7)
When: Saturday, December 14 4:00 pm
Where: Louis Brown Athletic Center* (8,000)
TV: ESPN3
* Formerly known as the Rutgers Athletics Center. Still called the RAC by most.
Rutgers Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Claflin (W 75-70) Recap
PPG:75.4
RPG: 37.7
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.4)
FG%: 47.4
3 Pt %: 37.3
FT %: 67.6
Rutgers Stats
Last Game: Princeton (L 73-78) Recap
PPG: 76.9
RPG: 37.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Myles Mack (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kadeem Jack (7.3)
Leader Asisst: Jerome Seagears (4.5)
FG %: 44.9
3 PT %: 36.8
FT %: 70.1
Thoughts
UNCG and Rutgers are somewhat similar in that both teams are pretty solid on the offensive end of the court and both have zero desire to play any defense whatsoever. The Scarlet Knights have dropped 4 straight games and 6 of their last seven. Their lone win cam over non-D1 Stillman, and losses include mid-majors schools such as William & Mary, Farleigh Dickinson and Princeton. So it would be easy to conclude that Rutgers is ripe for a Spartan upset.
Except that UNCG hasn't been playing particularly well over the last 3 weeks. The intensity hasn't been great (or consistent), the turnovers have been numerous and the defense just hasn't been there period. On the bright side, it seems less likely that UNCG will have to spend much time facing their kryptonite, the zone defense. In that case, look for Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke to have good games. Spartan guards should be able to drive the ball to the basket. However, this Rutgers team does feature size and is averaging over 4 blocks per game. So the guys need to have an idea what they are going to do with the ball before getting into the lane with it. As bad as UNCG has been on defense this year, it would be a shame to give up a bunch of easy baskets too.
I think this is definitely a team that UNCG can compete with and even defeat. It will require a lot more than we've seen out of the Spartans recently. The team will need to play focused, smart and intense basketball for a full 40 minutes and do a better job of valuing ever single possession. If that happens, UNCG has a strong chance to defeat a power conference team on its home floor. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Louis Brown Athletic Center* (8,000)
TV: ESPN3
* Formerly known as the Rutgers Athletics Center. Still called the RAC by most.
Rutgers Athletics
Preseason preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Claflin (W 75-70) Recap
PPG:75.4
RPG: 37.7
APG: 14.2
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (15.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.1)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.4)
FG%: 47.4
3 Pt %: 37.3
FT %: 67.6
Rutgers Stats
Last Game: Princeton (L 73-78) Recap
PPG: 76.9
RPG: 37.5
APG: 13.4
Leader Points: Myles Mack (16.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kadeem Jack (7.3)
Leader Asisst: Jerome Seagears (4.5)
FG %: 44.9
3 PT %: 36.8
FT %: 70.1
Thoughts
UNCG and Rutgers are somewhat similar in that both teams are pretty solid on the offensive end of the court and both have zero desire to play any defense whatsoever. The Scarlet Knights have dropped 4 straight games and 6 of their last seven. Their lone win cam over non-D1 Stillman, and losses include mid-majors schools such as William & Mary, Farleigh Dickinson and Princeton. So it would be easy to conclude that Rutgers is ripe for a Spartan upset.
Except that UNCG hasn't been playing particularly well over the last 3 weeks. The intensity hasn't been great (or consistent), the turnovers have been numerous and the defense just hasn't been there period. On the bright side, it seems less likely that UNCG will have to spend much time facing their kryptonite, the zone defense. In that case, look for Kyle Cain and Kayel Locke to have good games. Spartan guards should be able to drive the ball to the basket. However, this Rutgers team does feature size and is averaging over 4 blocks per game. So the guys need to have an idea what they are going to do with the ball before getting into the lane with it. As bad as UNCG has been on defense this year, it would be a shame to give up a bunch of easy baskets too.
I think this is definitely a team that UNCG can compete with and even defeat. It will require a lot more than we've seen out of the Spartans recently. The team will need to play focused, smart and intense basketball for a full 40 minutes and do a better job of valuing ever single possession. If that happens, UNCG has a strong chance to defeat a power conference team on its home floor. Go Spartans !!!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Claflin (3-4) @ UNCG (4-5)
When: Tuesday, December 11 12:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Claflin Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ UNC (L 50-81) Recap
PPG: 75.4
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG %: 46.9
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 66.4
Claflin Stats
Last Game: @ West Alabama (L 62-85) Recap
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 32.4
APG: 12.7
Leader Points: Marcellus Dunn (15.2)
Leader Rebounds: Marcellus Dunn (5.7)
Leader Assists: Brandon Curry (5.1)
Team FG %: 42.1
Team 3 Pt %: 32.0
Tean FT %: 72.8
Thoughts
I just spent 30 minutes working out all of Claflin's stats by hand because their website sucks. So, I hope UNCG beats them by 60. damnit that was annoying. Moving on ...
Claflin likes to take a bunch of 3's and can hit their fair share. Since defending the 3 has shown to be a weakness of UNCG so far this season, that worries me a little bit. However, this is a non-D1 team with a (3-4) record. The Spartans should spent the first half putting some distance between themselves and Claflin before spending the second half getting a lot of guys some time on the court.
The scary part of this game is that UNCG continues to come out slow and not slow a lot of energy at teh start. This is a noon tip that will have 4,000 GCS students in attendence. The atmosphere will be completely different than a normal game. The Spartans will have to start fast and put their foot on this team early. I think they cna do it. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Claflin Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: @ UNC (L 50-81) Recap
PPG: 75.4
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.3
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.6)
FG %: 46.9
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 66.4
Claflin Stats
Last Game: @ West Alabama (L 62-85) Recap
PPG: 73.7
RPG: 32.4
APG: 12.7
Leader Points: Marcellus Dunn (15.2)
Leader Rebounds: Marcellus Dunn (5.7)
Leader Assists: Brandon Curry (5.1)
Team FG %: 42.1
Team 3 Pt %: 32.0
Tean FT %: 72.8
Thoughts
I just spent 30 minutes working out all of Claflin's stats by hand because their website sucks. So, I hope UNCG beats them by 60. damnit that was annoying. Moving on ...
Claflin likes to take a bunch of 3's and can hit their fair share. Since defending the 3 has shown to be a weakness of UNCG so far this season, that worries me a little bit. However, this is a non-D1 team with a (3-4) record. The Spartans should spent the first half putting some distance between themselves and Claflin before spending the second half getting a lot of guys some time on the court.
The scary part of this game is that UNCG continues to come out slow and not slow a lot of energy at teh start. This is a noon tip that will have 4,000 GCS students in attendence. The atmosphere will be completely different than a normal game. The Spartans will have to start fast and put their foot on this team early. I think they cna do it. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, December 6, 2013
UNCG (4-4) @ UNC (5-2)
When: Saturday, December 7 7:00 pm
Where: Dean E. Smith Center (21,750)
TV: ESPNU
UNC Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Presbyterian (L 99-87) Recap
PPG: 78.6
RPG: 38.4
APG: 14.9
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.8)
FG %:47.6
3 Pt %: 39.4
FT %: 67.1
UNC Stats
Last Game: @ #1 Michigan State (W 79-65) Recap
PPG: 77.0
RPG: 40.9
APG: 15.1
Leader Points: Marcus Paige (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Brice Johnson (7.0)
Leader Assists: Marcus Paige (4.0)
FG %: 47.7
3 Pt %: 31.0
FT %: 61.8
Thoughts
Well this game has certainly taken on a different feel over the past few days. UNC went out and totally dominated the #1 ranked team on their home floor. Meanwhile UNCG went out and got totally crushed by what was the worst offensive team in D1. This game was always going to be a stretch to see the Spartans really being able to compete in for long periods of time. I still feel like that is the case due to UNCG's inability to defend and the fact that UNC is a very, very talented offensive team.
But if I was looking for things to feel positive about, the fact that UNC is not a good 3 point shooting team (something that has really hurt UNCG this season). The Tar Heels have played very well against major competition, but have struggled against the mid majors on their schedule. Hopefully the trend of playing to their competition will continue.
UNCG will need to shoot the ball well (which it has done most of the year) and do a much better job of taking care the ball. They will always need a lot of luck. In the end, this will be a game that I probably won't be as concerned about the score as what I'm seeing out of the Spartans. I hope UNCG comes out focused and prepared.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Dean E. Smith Center (21,750)
TV: ESPNU
UNC Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Presbyterian (L 99-87) Recap
PPG: 78.6
RPG: 38.4
APG: 14.9
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (16.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.0)
Leader Assist: Tevon Saddler (3.8)
FG %:47.6
3 Pt %: 39.4
FT %: 67.1
UNC Stats
Last Game: @ #1 Michigan State (W 79-65) Recap
PPG: 77.0
RPG: 40.9
APG: 15.1
Leader Points: Marcus Paige (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Brice Johnson (7.0)
Leader Assists: Marcus Paige (4.0)
FG %: 47.7
3 Pt %: 31.0
FT %: 61.8
Thoughts
Well this game has certainly taken on a different feel over the past few days. UNC went out and totally dominated the #1 ranked team on their home floor. Meanwhile UNCG went out and got totally crushed by what was the worst offensive team in D1. This game was always going to be a stretch to see the Spartans really being able to compete in for long periods of time. I still feel like that is the case due to UNCG's inability to defend and the fact that UNC is a very, very talented offensive team.
But if I was looking for things to feel positive about, the fact that UNC is not a good 3 point shooting team (something that has really hurt UNCG this season). The Tar Heels have played very well against major competition, but have struggled against the mid majors on their schedule. Hopefully the trend of playing to their competition will continue.
UNCG will need to shoot the ball well (which it has done most of the year) and do a much better job of taking care the ball. They will always need a lot of luck. In the end, this will be a game that I probably won't be as concerned about the score as what I'm seeing out of the Spartans. I hope UNCG comes out focused and prepared.
Go Spartans !!!
Monday, December 2, 2013
Presbyterian (1-7) @ UNCG (4-3)
When: Tuesday, December 3 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Presbyterian Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Stetson* (W 75-68) Recap
PPG: 80.4
RPG: 38.4
APG: 15.0
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (17.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (7.6)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.7)
FG %: 49.7
3 Pt %: 39.7
FT %: 68.6
Presbyterian Stats
Last Game: Ga Southern* (L 66-76) Recap
PPG: 59.5
RPG: 31.5
APG: 12.6
Leader Points: Jordan Downing (17.6)
Leader Rebounds: William Truss (9.8)
Leader Assists: Austin Anderson (5.0)
FG %: 39.0
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 58.3
* - Game played at a neutral location
Thoughts
The Blue Hose is not a very good offensive team. That is just putting it bluntly. UNCG is not a very good defensive team. That is also very blunt. Which team will be more adequate in their weakest spot is now the question.
Presbyterian has went over 70 point only once this season (their lone win versus Toccoa Falls) and is led by Davidson transfer Jordan Downing. Also playing a big part with Presbyterian is freshman Reggie Dillard from Greensboro Day. There was some interest in Dillard from UNCG during the recruiting process. Besides Downing, Dillard and William Truss, there is no Blue Hose player averaging over 6 points per game. Presbyterian has already lost to SoCon members Citadel and Georgia Southern. They will play Furman, App State and Samford before this month is over.
While on paper this looks like a game UNCG should win, I won't go quite that far. It's a game UNCG can win. But this is a D1 OOC opponent, and the Spartans haven't defeated many of those in the past 5 years. So, I have no desire to start counting chickens or eggs. UNCG will need to take better care of the basketball and try to force Presbyterian into playing a fast pace. The team will need to do a better job on the defensive end and stayed focused for the entire 40 minutes. If those things happen, I feel better about their chances to pick up the win. Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Presbyterian Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Stetson* (W 75-68) Recap
PPG: 80.4
RPG: 38.4
APG: 15.0
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (17.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (7.6)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (3.7)
FG %: 49.7
3 Pt %: 39.7
FT %: 68.6
Presbyterian Stats
Last Game: Ga Southern* (L 66-76) Recap
PPG: 59.5
RPG: 31.5
APG: 12.6
Leader Points: Jordan Downing (17.6)
Leader Rebounds: William Truss (9.8)
Leader Assists: Austin Anderson (5.0)
FG %: 39.0
3 Pt %: 37.8
FT %: 58.3
* - Game played at a neutral location
Thoughts
The Blue Hose is not a very good offensive team. That is just putting it bluntly. UNCG is not a very good defensive team. That is also very blunt. Which team will be more adequate in their weakest spot is now the question.
Presbyterian has went over 70 point only once this season (their lone win versus Toccoa Falls) and is led by Davidson transfer Jordan Downing. Also playing a big part with Presbyterian is freshman Reggie Dillard from Greensboro Day. There was some interest in Dillard from UNCG during the recruiting process. Besides Downing, Dillard and William Truss, there is no Blue Hose player averaging over 6 points per game. Presbyterian has already lost to SoCon members Citadel and Georgia Southern. They will play Furman, App State and Samford before this month is over.
While on paper this looks like a game UNCG should win, I won't go quite that far. It's a game UNCG can win. But this is a D1 OOC opponent, and the Spartans haven't defeated many of those in the past 5 years. So, I have no desire to start counting chickens or eggs. UNCG will need to take better care of the basketball and try to force Presbyterian into playing a fast pace. The team will need to do a better job on the defensive end and stayed focused for the entire 40 minutes. If those things happen, I feel better about their chances to pick up the win. Go Spartans !!!
Friday, November 22, 2013
Gulf Coast Showcase - Day 2
University of Illinois-Chicago (1-3)
UIC Athletics
UIC Stats
PPG: 67.5
RPG: 31.0
APG: 12.5
Leader Points: Marc Brown (18.0)
Leader Rebounds: Jordan Harks (5.3)
Leader Assists: Kelsey Barlow (5.5)
FG %: 42.2
3 Pt %: 37.5
FT %: 62.5
University of San Diego (5-0)
USD Athletics
San Diego Athletics
PPG: 70.3
RPG: 40.4
APG: 11.0
Leader Points: Johnny Dee (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Dennis Kramer (6.6)
Leader Assists: Christopher Anderson (6.4)
FG %: 49.1
3 Pt %: 30.8
FT %: 66.0
UIC Athletics
UIC Stats
PPG: 67.5
RPG: 31.0
APG: 12.5
Leader Points: Marc Brown (18.0)
Leader Rebounds: Jordan Harks (5.3)
Leader Assists: Kelsey Barlow (5.5)
FG %: 42.2
3 Pt %: 37.5
FT %: 62.5
University of San Diego (5-0)
USD Athletics
San Diego Athletics
PPG: 70.3
RPG: 40.4
APG: 11.0
Leader Points: Johnny Dee (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Dennis Kramer (6.6)
Leader Assists: Christopher Anderson (6.4)
FG %: 49.1
3 Pt %: 30.8
FT %: 66.0
Louisiana Tech (2-1) vs UNCG (3-1)
When: Monday, November 25 12:00 pm
Where: Germain Arena (7,000)
TV: TBD
La Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Greensboro College (W 92-62) Recap
PPG: 88.8
RPG: 46.5
APG: 17.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (19.3)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.8)
FG %: 53.3
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 66.2
La Tech Stats
Last Game: @ Central Arkansas (W 94-57) Recap
PPG: 90.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 18.0
Leader Points: Raheem Appleby (17.3)
Leader Rebounds: Michale Kyser (6.3)
Leader Assists: Alex Hamilton (6.0)
FG %: 49.2
3 Pt %: 28.6
FT %: 75.0
Where: Germain Arena (7,000)
TV: TBD
La Tech Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Greensboro College (W 92-62) Recap
PPG: 88.8
RPG: 46.5
APG: 17.5
Leader Points: Kyle Cain (19.3)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain (8.5)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.8)
FG %: 53.3
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 66.2
La Tech Stats
Last Game: @ Central Arkansas (W 94-57) Recap
PPG: 90.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 18.0
Leader Points: Raheem Appleby (17.3)
Leader Rebounds: Michale Kyser (6.3)
Leader Assists: Alex Hamilton (6.0)
FG %: 49.2
3 Pt %: 28.6
FT %: 75.0
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Greensboro College (2-1) @ UNCG (2-1)
When: Wednesday, November 20 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Greensboro College Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Chowan (W 97-58) Recap
PPG: 87.7
RPG: 45.0
APG: 15.7
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Tyrone Outlaw (7.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.3)
FG %: 51.5
3 Pt %: 39.1
FT %: 65.1
Greensboro College Stats
Last Game: Guilford College ( L 65-77) Recap
PPG: 71.1
RPG: 44.7
APG: 11.7
Leader Points: Damian Dixon (18.7)
Leader Rebounds: Damian Dixon (11.3)
Leader Assists: Will Griffin (2.7)
FG %: 34.3
3 Pt %: 21.3
FT %: 67.1
Thoughts
This is the last tune up for UNCG before things get a bit more stout. The Pride is another non-D1 opponent and a chance for UNCG to continue working through any chemistry issue and get valuable playing time for many of the new guys. After this game, the Spartans will travel to Florida to take on some seasoned mid-major teams (La Tech to start).
As for Greensboro College, they were picked 4th in the preseason of the D3 USA South Conference. The Pride fell to NC A&T by 27 in an exhibition game earlier this season. They are led by Damian Dixon, who was named second team All-State by the NCCSIA. Dixon (G 6'-1 210) is a stout scorer and rebounder from his guard spot. He should present a good challenge to the young UNCG guards.
In the end, this is another game that UNCG should win handily. It also another game where fans should focus more on the team and less on the score. It's time to start really finding a rhythm before heading out on the road.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Greensboro College Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: Chowan (W 97-58) Recap
PPG: 87.7
RPG: 45.0
APG: 15.7
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (19.7)
Leader Rebounds: Tyrone Outlaw (7.7)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.3)
FG %: 51.5
3 Pt %: 39.1
FT %: 65.1
Greensboro College Stats
Last Game: Guilford College ( L 65-77) Recap
PPG: 71.1
RPG: 44.7
APG: 11.7
Leader Points: Damian Dixon (18.7)
Leader Rebounds: Damian Dixon (11.3)
Leader Assists: Will Griffin (2.7)
FG %: 34.3
3 Pt %: 21.3
FT %: 67.1
Thoughts
This is the last tune up for UNCG before things get a bit more stout. The Pride is another non-D1 opponent and a chance for UNCG to continue working through any chemistry issue and get valuable playing time for many of the new guys. After this game, the Spartans will travel to Florida to take on some seasoned mid-major teams (La Tech to start).
As for Greensboro College, they were picked 4th in the preseason of the D3 USA South Conference. The Pride fell to NC A&T by 27 in an exhibition game earlier this season. They are led by Damian Dixon, who was named second team All-State by the NCCSIA. Dixon (G 6'-1 210) is a stout scorer and rebounder from his guard spot. He should present a good challenge to the young UNCG guards.
In the end, this is another game that UNCG should win handily. It also another game where fans should focus more on the team and less on the score. It's time to start really finding a rhythm before heading out on the road.
Go Spartans !!!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Chowan (0-1) @ UNCG (1-1)
When: Sunday, November 17 2:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Chowan Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: East Carolina (L 84-85) Recap
PPG: 83.0
RPG: 42.5
APG: 13.0
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain, Kayel Locke (Tied - 8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.5)
FG %: 48.1
3 Pt %: 37.9
FT %: 68.0
Chowan Stats
Last Game: Apprentive School (L 91-97 OT) Recap
PPG: 91.0
RPG: 55.0
APG: 20.0
Leader Points: Ashante Ross (20.0)
Leader Rebounds: Phoenix Bulter-Poole (15.0)
Leader Assists: Tiron Brown (7.0)
FG %: 35.5
3 Pt %: 35.6
FT %: 70.0
Thoughts
The Spartans are playing a team that East Carolina beat by 50 on Thursday. The same ECU team that I thought UNCG should have defeated on Tuesday. Does that mean UNCG should win by 50 too? Not really. I just am saying that I expect UNCG to win easily.
I'm looking for UNCG to get off to another good start and get some separation from the Hawks early and to have this one wrapped up by halftime. I'm also interested to see how this team responds to a tough loss on Tuesday. The Greensboro Coliseum has had bigger crowds and energy for the first two game. Sunday afternoon will have a different feel. An early afternoon start against a non-D1 opponent will keep most fans away. The Spartans will have to make their own energy in this one. It should be fun to see how well they handle it.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
Chowan Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: East Carolina (L 84-85) Recap
PPG: 83.0
RPG: 42.5
APG: 13.0
Leader Points: Tevon Saddler (22.0)
Leader Rebounds: Kyle Cain, Kayel Locke (Tied - 8.0)
Leader Assists: Tevon Saddler (4.5)
FG %: 48.1
3 Pt %: 37.9
FT %: 68.0
Chowan Stats
Last Game: Apprentive School (L 91-97 OT) Recap
PPG: 91.0
RPG: 55.0
APG: 20.0
Leader Points: Ashante Ross (20.0)
Leader Rebounds: Phoenix Bulter-Poole (15.0)
Leader Assists: Tiron Brown (7.0)
FG %: 35.5
3 Pt %: 35.6
FT %: 70.0
Thoughts
The Spartans are playing a team that East Carolina beat by 50 on Thursday. The same ECU team that I thought UNCG should have defeated on Tuesday. Does that mean UNCG should win by 50 too? Not really. I just am saying that I expect UNCG to win easily.
I'm looking for UNCG to get off to another good start and get some separation from the Hawks early and to have this one wrapped up by halftime. I'm also interested to see how this team responds to a tough loss on Tuesday. The Greensboro Coliseum has had bigger crowds and energy for the first two game. Sunday afternoon will have a different feel. An early afternoon start against a non-D1 opponent will keep most fans away. The Spartans will have to make their own energy in this one. It should be fun to see how well they handle it.
Go Spartans !!!
Monday, November 11, 2013
East Carolina (1-0) @ UNCG (1-0)
When: Tuesday, November 12 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
East Carolina Atheltics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: High Point (W 82-74) Recap
PPG: 82.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.0
Leader Points: Locke, Cain (Tied - 21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Locke, Outlaw (Tied - 9.0)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4.0)
FG %: 46.4
3 Pt %: 29.4
FT %: 62.5
East Carolina Stats
Last Game: NC Wesleyan (W 97-51) Recap
PPG: 97.0
RPG: 50.0
APG: 26.0
Leader Points: Paris Roberts-Campbell (21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Marshall Guilmette (11.0)
Leader Assists: Antonio Robinson (6.0)
FG %: 56.7
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 50.0
Thoughts
As this season gets underway, UNCG and East Carolina find themselves in very similar situations. The pirates and Spartans both lost almost all returning contributors from 2012-2013. ECU's leadership and experience last season led them to win the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) Championship. From that team, only one starter remains. So as much as UNCG was a mystery going into this season, so are the Pirates.
The Pirates do return 2 good guards in Paris Roberts-Campbell and Akeem Richmond and got good play from 2 freshmen (Caleb White and Brandan Stith) in their opener against NC Wesleyan. However, it hard to take a lot away from a game against a lower level team at home. Due to the large point difference, 11 ECU players played at least 8 minutes in the game.
East Carolina did manage to bring in several transfers, but all are ineligible to play this season (their last in C-USA). Next season, the Pirates move into the AAC full time. I think they are trying to be more prepared for that jump next season. So, this is just a very long way of saying that I honestly have no idea what to expect out of the Pirates. In their first game, they took 1/3 of their shots behind the arc and shared and rebounded the ball well. They didn't shoot free throws well and didn't get to the line as often as I would have expected.
For their parts, UNCG needs to bring that same attitude and excitement back to the court that they showed on Friday. The Spartans started fast and really never looked back. I would love to see that same thing again on Tuesday. Both of these teams are young and inexperienced. Both will be somewhat fragile emotionally. High Point was an older team that didn't go down when UNCG hit them hard. ECU might, though. Or it could be the other way around? UNCG hasn't faced any adversity so far. How will they handle it if it comes from the Pirates? I guess we will all find out soon enough.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
East Carolina Atheltics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats
Last Game: High Point (W 82-74) Recap
PPG: 82.0
RPG: 42.0
APG: 12.0
Leader Points: Locke, Cain (Tied - 21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Locke, Outlaw (Tied - 9.0)
Leader Assists: Saddler (4.0)
FG %: 46.4
3 Pt %: 29.4
FT %: 62.5
East Carolina Stats
Last Game: NC Wesleyan (W 97-51) Recap
PPG: 97.0
RPG: 50.0
APG: 26.0
Leader Points: Paris Roberts-Campbell (21.0)
Leader Rebounds: Marshall Guilmette (11.0)
Leader Assists: Antonio Robinson (6.0)
FG %: 56.7
3 Pt %: 41.7
FT %: 50.0
Thoughts
As this season gets underway, UNCG and East Carolina find themselves in very similar situations. The pirates and Spartans both lost almost all returning contributors from 2012-2013. ECU's leadership and experience last season led them to win the CollegeInsider.com Tournament (CIT) Championship. From that team, only one starter remains. So as much as UNCG was a mystery going into this season, so are the Pirates.
The Pirates do return 2 good guards in Paris Roberts-Campbell and Akeem Richmond and got good play from 2 freshmen (Caleb White and Brandan Stith) in their opener against NC Wesleyan. However, it hard to take a lot away from a game against a lower level team at home. Due to the large point difference, 11 ECU players played at least 8 minutes in the game.
East Carolina did manage to bring in several transfers, but all are ineligible to play this season (their last in C-USA). Next season, the Pirates move into the AAC full time. I think they are trying to be more prepared for that jump next season. So, this is just a very long way of saying that I honestly have no idea what to expect out of the Pirates. In their first game, they took 1/3 of their shots behind the arc and shared and rebounded the ball well. They didn't shoot free throws well and didn't get to the line as often as I would have expected.
For their parts, UNCG needs to bring that same attitude and excitement back to the court that they showed on Friday. The Spartans started fast and really never looked back. I would love to see that same thing again on Tuesday. Both of these teams are young and inexperienced. Both will be somewhat fragile emotionally. High Point was an older team that didn't go down when UNCG hit them hard. ECU might, though. Or it could be the other way around? UNCG hasn't faced any adversity so far. How will they handle it if it comes from the Pirates? I guess we will all find out soon enough.
Go Spartans !!!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
High Point (0-0) @ UNCG (0-0)
When: Friday, November 8 7:00 pm
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
High Point Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats*
Last Game: Lees-McRae Exh. (W 104-76) Recap
PPG: 71.7
RPG: 36.2
APG: 12.1
Leader Points: Kayel Locke (9.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kayel Locke (4.4)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (2.6)
FG %: 41.8
3 Pt %: 34.1
FT %: 67.3
High Point Stats*
Last Game: Bridgewater Exh. ( W96-53) Recap
PPG: 71.7
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.8
Leader Points: John Brown (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Allan Chaney (8.1)
Leader Assists: DeJuan McGaughy (2.5)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 31.2
FT %: 71.8
* - "Stats" are from 2012-2013 season. "Leaders" are best of the returning players.
Thoughts:
Well, it's time for real college basketball to start again. It feels awful good to be writing that sentence. It's the time when "wait til next year" becomes reality and everyone has that feeling of hope. All teams are potential conference champions and NCAA Tournament participants.
For the second straight year, UNCG opens with the High Point University Panthers. Last season, UNCG was coming off a North Division Championship and was predicted to win another. High Point had lost several major contributors and had a major college transfer plus freshmen with potential. The Millis Center was full of electricity and HPU rode that wave (and the strong play of their new players) to a pretty convincing win. UNCG wasn't able to achieve at a level of those lofty preseason expectations. Meanwhile HPU went on to win their conference's division title.
This season's game sees an almost identical script, just reversed. The Panthers return almost everyone from last season and are predicted to win the Big South and head to the NCAA Tournament. UNCG has lost almost all major contributors. A lot of the Spartans talent lies in potential, not experience. Also, this year's game will be played on UNCG's home court at the Greensboro Coliseum. Will the outcome change around too?
Well, let's first look back on what happened last year. UNCG dug a huge hole by turning the ball over and the Panthers exploited their weakness by pounding the ball inside. UNCG also didn't help itself by taking some ill advised early shots. By the time the Spartans settled down in the second half, they couldn't come all the way back and lost by 8. Those deficiencies stuck with UNCG almost all season. This season, though, UNCG seems to have fixed at least one of those problems. Kyle Cain, Jordy Kuiper and RJ White will add skill, size and depth to the lone returning post player (Kayel Locke). I expect our big guys to match up relatively well with the HPU big men. John Brown is a special player. He is going to make some plays. UNCG just needs to stay solid and continue to play focused, fundamental defense. I am afraid that the turnovers could be a problem in this game again. I'm not sure what's going on with Jordan Potts. If he's not available, Drew Parker is the only returning player with PG experience. That doesn't fill me with tons of hope. However, his team does appear to want to share the ball and find the best shot available. That should serve them well.
Just like last season, this game only counts as 1 in the win-loss column. This one game is not going to make or break the entire season. But it's a home game against a county rival. The will be some electricity in the coliseum and the game will count. I'm excited and looking for a good showing. On paper it's not as good of a match up as I'd like to see. But it's a chance to see my favorite team play again and there's always hope.
Go Spartans !!!
Where: Greensboro Coliseum (7,617)^
TV: None/Spartan All-Access
^ - Greensboro Coliseum is undergoing renovations and will not be using the upper deck for any seating at UNCG games this season. I do not have the official seat totals with these changes.
High Point Athletics
Preseason Preview
UNCG Stats*
Last Game: Lees-McRae Exh. (W 104-76) Recap
PPG: 71.7
RPG: 36.2
APG: 12.1
Leader Points: Kayel Locke (9.9)
Leader Rebounds: Kayel Locke (4.4)
Leader Assists: Drew Parker (2.6)
FG %: 41.8
3 Pt %: 34.1
FT %: 67.3
High Point Stats*
Last Game: Bridgewater Exh. ( W96-53) Recap
PPG: 71.7
RPG: 37.2
APG: 14.8
Leader Points: John Brown (16.4)
Leader Rebounds: Allan Chaney (8.1)
Leader Assists: DeJuan McGaughy (2.5)
FG %: 44.7
3 Pt %: 31.2
FT %: 71.8
* - "Stats" are from 2012-2013 season. "Leaders" are best of the returning players.
Thoughts:
Well, it's time for real college basketball to start again. It feels awful good to be writing that sentence. It's the time when "wait til next year" becomes reality and everyone has that feeling of hope. All teams are potential conference champions and NCAA Tournament participants.
For the second straight year, UNCG opens with the High Point University Panthers. Last season, UNCG was coming off a North Division Championship and was predicted to win another. High Point had lost several major contributors and had a major college transfer plus freshmen with potential. The Millis Center was full of electricity and HPU rode that wave (and the strong play of their new players) to a pretty convincing win. UNCG wasn't able to achieve at a level of those lofty preseason expectations. Meanwhile HPU went on to win their conference's division title.
This season's game sees an almost identical script, just reversed. The Panthers return almost everyone from last season and are predicted to win the Big South and head to the NCAA Tournament. UNCG has lost almost all major contributors. A lot of the Spartans talent lies in potential, not experience. Also, this year's game will be played on UNCG's home court at the Greensboro Coliseum. Will the outcome change around too?
Well, let's first look back on what happened last year. UNCG dug a huge hole by turning the ball over and the Panthers exploited their weakness by pounding the ball inside. UNCG also didn't help itself by taking some ill advised early shots. By the time the Spartans settled down in the second half, they couldn't come all the way back and lost by 8. Those deficiencies stuck with UNCG almost all season. This season, though, UNCG seems to have fixed at least one of those problems. Kyle Cain, Jordy Kuiper and RJ White will add skill, size and depth to the lone returning post player (Kayel Locke). I expect our big guys to match up relatively well with the HPU big men. John Brown is a special player. He is going to make some plays. UNCG just needs to stay solid and continue to play focused, fundamental defense. I am afraid that the turnovers could be a problem in this game again. I'm not sure what's going on with Jordan Potts. If he's not available, Drew Parker is the only returning player with PG experience. That doesn't fill me with tons of hope. However, his team does appear to want to share the ball and find the best shot available. That should serve them well.
Just like last season, this game only counts as 1 in the win-loss column. This one game is not going to make or break the entire season. But it's a home game against a county rival. The will be some electricity in the coliseum and the game will count. I'm excited and looking for a good showing. On paper it's not as good of a match up as I'd like to see. But it's a chance to see my favorite team play again and there's always hope.
Go Spartans !!!
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Preseason Preview: NC State
North Carolina State University
@ UNCG 12/30
Mascot: Wolfpack
Location: Raleigh, NC
Enrollment: 34,767
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 24-11 (11-7)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament (L 1st Round)
Coach: Mark Gottfried (3rd Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
C.J. Leslie F - 32.4 mpg, 15.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg
Richard Howell F - 31.6 mpg, 12.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg
Scott Wood G - 34.0 mpg, 12.6 ppg
Lorenzo Brown G - 34.2 mpg, 12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7.2 apg
Rodney Purvis G - 25.5 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg
Top Returners:
T.J. Warren F - 27.0 mpg, 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg
Tyler Lewis G - 12.1 mpg, 3.5 ppg, 1.4 apg
Additions:
Ralston Turner G - 6-5 205 (Transfer LSU)
Desmond Lee G - 6-4 200 (Transfer New Mexico JC)
Anthony Barber G - 6-2 270
BeeJay Anya F/C - 6-9 325
Kyle Washington F - 6-9 225
Lennard Freeman F - 6-8 245
@ UNCG 12/30
Mascot: Wolfpack
Location: Raleigh, NC
Enrollment: 34,767
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 24-11 (11-7)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament (L 1st Round)
Coach: Mark Gottfried (3rd Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
C.J. Leslie F - 32.4 mpg, 15.1 ppg, 7.4 rpg
Richard Howell F - 31.6 mpg, 12.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg
Scott Wood G - 34.0 mpg, 12.6 ppg
Lorenzo Brown G - 34.2 mpg, 12.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7.2 apg
Rodney Purvis G - 25.5 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg
Top Returners:
T.J. Warren F - 27.0 mpg, 12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg
Tyler Lewis G - 12.1 mpg, 3.5 ppg, 1.4 apg
Additions:
Ralston Turner G - 6-5 205 (Transfer LSU)
Desmond Lee G - 6-4 200 (Transfer New Mexico JC)
Anthony Barber G - 6-2 270
BeeJay Anya F/C - 6-9 325
Kyle Washington F - 6-9 225
Lennard Freeman F - 6-8 245
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Preseason Preview: Virginia Tech
Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech)
VS UNCG December 28*
Mascot: Hokies
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Enrollment: 31,087
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 13-19 (4-14)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: James Johnson (2nd Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Erick Green G - 36.4 mpg, 25.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg
Robert Brown G - 27.3 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 2.1 apg
Malik Mueller^ G - 6-3 210
Top Returners:
Jarell Eddie F - 30.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Cadarian Raines F - 24.7 mpg, 6.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg
Additions:
Adam Smith G - 6-1 170 (Transfer UNCW)
Ben Emelogu G - 6-5 205
Maurice Kirby F - 6-9 235
Trevor Thompson F - 6-11 210
^ - Incoming freshman declared ineligible
* - Game to be played at Cassell Coliseum on campus of Va Tech
VS UNCG December 28*
Mascot: Hokies
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Enrollment: 31,087
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 13-19 (4-14)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: James Johnson (2nd Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Erick Green G - 36.4 mpg, 25.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.8 apg
Robert Brown G - 27.3 mpg, 8.3 ppg, 2.1 apg
Malik Mueller^ G - 6-3 210
Top Returners:
Jarell Eddie F - 30.3 mpg, 12.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Cadarian Raines F - 24.7 mpg, 6.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg
Additions:
Adam Smith G - 6-1 170 (Transfer UNCW)
Ben Emelogu G - 6-5 205
Maurice Kirby F - 6-9 235
Trevor Thompson F - 6-11 210
^ - Incoming freshman declared ineligible
* - Game to be played at Cassell Coliseum on campus of Va Tech
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Preseason Preview: Wake Forest
Wake Forest University
VS UNCG December 21*
Mascot: Demon Deacons
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Enrollment: 4,815
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 13-18 (6-12)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Jeff Bzdelik (4th Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
CJ Harris G - 32.8 mpg, 15.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Top Returners:
Devin Thomas C - 27.3 mpg, 9.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg
Codi Miller-McIntyre G - 28.9 mpg, 8.1 ppg, 2.6 apg
Travis McKie F - 32.2 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Arnaud Adala Moto F - 16.3 mpg, 5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Additions:
Coron Williams G - 6-1 175 lbs(Transfer Robert Morris)
Greg McClinton F - 6-7 185 lbs
Miles Overton G - 6-4 210 lbs
* - Game to be played at Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.
VS UNCG December 21*
Mascot: Demon Deacons
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Enrollment: 4,815
Conference: ACC
2012-2013 Record: 13-18 (6-12)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Jeff Bzdelik (4th Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
CJ Harris G - 32.8 mpg, 15.4 ppg, 2.3 rpg
Top Returners:
Devin Thomas C - 27.3 mpg, 9.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg
Codi Miller-McIntyre G - 28.9 mpg, 8.1 ppg, 2.6 apg
Travis McKie F - 32.2 mpg, 13.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Arnaud Adala Moto F - 16.3 mpg, 5.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg
Additions:
Coron Williams G - 6-1 175 lbs(Transfer Robert Morris)
Greg McClinton F - 6-7 185 lbs
Miles Overton G - 6-4 210 lbs
* - Game to be played at Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, NC.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Preseason Preview: James Madison
James Madison University
@ UNCG Decemebr 18
Mascot: Dukes
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Enrollment: 19,927
Conference: Colonial
2012-2013 Record: 21-15 (11-7)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament (L 1st Round)
Coach: Matt Brady (6th Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
A.J. Davis G - 23.5 mpg, 12.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg
Rayshawn Goins F - 27.8 mpg, 12.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Devon Moore G - 33.9 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.9 apg
Alioune Diouf G - 20.0 mpg, 4.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Andre Nation^ G - 27.3 mpg, 9.3 ppg
Top Returners:
Andrey Semenov F - 19.6 mpg, 10.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.1 apg (7 Games)
Additions:
Yohanny Dalembert F - 6-8 225
Jackson Kent G - 6-7 185
Ivan Lukic F - 6-8 220
Tom Rivard F - 6-7 205
Paulius Satkus F - 6-8 215
Tom Vodanovich F - 6-8 220
^ - Suspended for the first 15 games of the season (UNCG game included)
@ UNCG Decemebr 18
Mascot: Dukes
Location: Harrisonburg, VA
Enrollment: 19,927
Conference: Colonial
2012-2013 Record: 21-15 (11-7)
Postseason: NCAA Tournament (L 1st Round)
Coach: Matt Brady (6th Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
A.J. Davis G - 23.5 mpg, 12.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg
Rayshawn Goins F - 27.8 mpg, 12.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg
Devon Moore G - 33.9 mpg, 11.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.9 apg
Alioune Diouf G - 20.0 mpg, 4.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg
Andre Nation^ G - 27.3 mpg, 9.3 ppg
Top Returners:
Andrey Semenov F - 19.6 mpg, 10.0 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.1 apg (7 Games)
Additions:
Yohanny Dalembert F - 6-8 225
Jackson Kent G - 6-7 185
Ivan Lukic F - 6-8 220
Tom Rivard F - 6-7 205
Paulius Satkus F - 6-8 215
Tom Vodanovich F - 6-8 220
^ - Suspended for the first 15 games of the season (UNCG game included)
Preseason Preview: Rutgers
Rutgers University
VS UNCG December 14*
Mascot: Scarlet Knights
Location: Piscataway, NJ
Enrollment: 58,788
Conference: American Athletic Conference
21012-2013 Record: 15-16 (5-13)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Eddie Jordan (1st Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Eli Cater G - 28.8 mpg, 14.4 ppg, 2.1 apg
Dane Miller G/F - 25.8 mpg, 6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Austin Johnson F - 17.5 mpg, 5.7 ppg
Mike Poole G - 18.6 mpg, 4.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg
Derrick Randall F - 8.2 mpg, 2.1 ppg
Top Returners:
Myles Mack G - 30.3 mpg, 13.6 ppg, 2.7 apg
Wally Judge F - 22.2 mpg, pg, pg
Jerome Seagears G - 27.2 mpg, 6.5 ppg
Additions:
J.J. Moore F - 6-6 215 lbs (Transfer Pittsburg)
Kerwin Okoro G/F - 6-5 220 lbs (Transfer Iowa State)
Craig Brown G/F - 6-5 220 lbs (Transfer Broward College)
Junior Etou F - 6-7 225
* - Game to be played at Rutgers Athletics Center (RAC) on the campus of Rutgers University
VS UNCG December 14*
Mascot: Scarlet Knights
Location: Piscataway, NJ
Enrollment: 58,788
Conference: American Athletic Conference
21012-2013 Record: 15-16 (5-13)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Eddie Jordan (1st Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Eli Cater G - 28.8 mpg, 14.4 ppg, 2.1 apg
Dane Miller G/F - 25.8 mpg, 6.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Austin Johnson F - 17.5 mpg, 5.7 ppg
Mike Poole G - 18.6 mpg, 4.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg
Derrick Randall F - 8.2 mpg, 2.1 ppg
Top Returners:
Myles Mack G - 30.3 mpg, 13.6 ppg, 2.7 apg
Wally Judge F - 22.2 mpg, pg, pg
Jerome Seagears G - 27.2 mpg, 6.5 ppg
Additions:
J.J. Moore F - 6-6 215 lbs (Transfer Pittsburg)
Kerwin Okoro G/F - 6-5 220 lbs (Transfer Iowa State)
Craig Brown G/F - 6-5 220 lbs (Transfer Broward College)
Junior Etou F - 6-7 225
* - Game to be played at Rutgers Athletics Center (RAC) on the campus of Rutgers University
Friday, October 25, 2013
Preseason Preview: Claflin
Claflin University
@ UNCG December 11
Mascot: Panthers
Location: Orangeburg, SC
Enrollment: 1800
Conference: SIAC (NCAA D2)
2012-2013 Record: 10-16 (8-10)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Ricky Jackson (1st Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Michael Henry F - 21.5 mpg, 5.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Mounda Williams G - 7.6 mpg, 2.4 ppg
Davis Glover G - 22.3 mpg, 7.0 ppg
Brandon Curry G - 21.4 mpg, 1.7 ppg
Jerrod Denard G - 15.3 mpg, 7.9 ppg
Bradley Knox G - 3.7 mpg
Quinton Nance G - 10.2 mpg, 4.4 ppg
Barry Mullen Jr G - 5.9 mpg, 2.0 ppg
Harrison Gibson F - 10.0 mpg, 1.4 ppg
Mark Harp F - 19.7 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg (6 games)
Top Returners:
Marcellus Dunn F - 27.1 mpg, 8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Terrence Bowman - 28.6 mpg, 13.4 ppg
Michael Jones - 21.0 mpg, 11.8 ppg(12 games)
Additions:
Montel Williams G - 5-11
Brian Newsome G - 6-6
Calvin Long G - 6-4
@ UNCG December 11
Mascot: Panthers
Location: Orangeburg, SC
Enrollment: 1800
Conference: SIAC (NCAA D2)
2012-2013 Record: 10-16 (8-10)
Postseason: N/A
Coach: Ricky Jackson (1st Season)
School Homepage
Athletics Homepage
Losses:
Michael Henry F - 21.5 mpg, 5.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Mounda Williams G - 7.6 mpg, 2.4 ppg
Davis Glover G - 22.3 mpg, 7.0 ppg
Brandon Curry G - 21.4 mpg, 1.7 ppg
Jerrod Denard G - 15.3 mpg, 7.9 ppg
Bradley Knox G - 3.7 mpg
Quinton Nance G - 10.2 mpg, 4.4 ppg
Barry Mullen Jr G - 5.9 mpg, 2.0 ppg
Harrison Gibson F - 10.0 mpg, 1.4 ppg
Mark Harp F - 19.7 mpg, 7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg (6 games)
Top Returners:
Marcellus Dunn F - 27.1 mpg, 8.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Terrence Bowman - 28.6 mpg, 13.4 ppg
Michael Jones - 21.0 mpg, 11.8 ppg(12 games)
Additions:
Montel Williams G - 5-11
Brian Newsome G - 6-6
Calvin Long G - 6-4
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