Utah

Turnarounds: 31 Teams to Watch For: Part Three

Raphielle Johnson — Thu, 15 May 2008 07:50:42 -0700

With the off-season now upon us and the spring signing period well under way, this is a good opportunity to attempt to forecast some of the teams who could make the jump next season. Is there a team out there like this past season’s Drake Bulldogs, who went from ninth place to a dominating run through the Missouri Valley? Or how about Arizona State, a team that went from dead last in the Pac-10 to fifth place and could have the makings of a conference title run this season? With one pick for each conference, here are 31 teams you should keep an eye on next season.

Part Three

MEAC: Hampton

2007-08 Record: 18-12 (11-5)

Yes, the Pirates finished tied for second in the MEAC last season, but they saw their season come to an abrupt end with a harsh 75-74 loss to eventual conference champ Coppin State in the MEAC Tournament. They do have to replace leading scorer Rashad West, but of the five leading scorers on last year’s team three will be back. Look for Vincent Simpson, Matthew Pilgrim and Michael Freeman to take on even more scoring responsibility next year in attempts to win the MEAC. I think they’ve got a shot at getting to the NCAA Tournament next season, but they will have a fight on their hands from the likes of Morgan State and Delaware State.

Missouri Valley: Creighton

2007-08 Record: 22-11 (10-8)

Head coach Dana Altman was in Fayetteville for about two days before he decided that he had to remain at Creighton. His decision worked out for all parties involved as the Blue Jays notched another 20-win season and won a Postseason NIT game in the process. But more can be done, most notably contend for the MVC championship. With the exciting P’Allen Stinnett and many other key contributors due back next season, Creighton can definitely contend for the crown in 2008-09.

Mountain West: Utah

2007-08 Record: 18-15 (7-9)

Make no mistake about it; UNLV and BYU (if Lee Cummard and Trent Plaisted both return) are the favorites to win the Mountain West. But the slots in the standings behind those two are practically wide open, and the Utes could be the team that moves to the top of that list. The lone contributor to leave was guard Johnnie Bryant, who moved to the bench to make way for JUCO transfer Tyler Kepkay when the season began. Along with Kepkay due back is seven-footer Luke Nevill, who can score with either hand on the low block. With the number of players they have due back, look for Jim Boylen’s bunch to make a move up the standings to an area close to where we’ve been accustomed to seeing their program.

Northeast Conference: Monmouth

2007-08 Record: 7-24 (4-14)

It would be easy to choose Central Connecticut State here and proclaim them a favorite to win the NEC. But why not go way out on a limb and expect a team that only scored 59.2 points per game to compete in the top half of the conference? Last year’s team featured seven freshmen, four sophomores and two juniors. Jhamar Youngblood led the team in scoring with twelve points per game, but the year of experience should help this entire team when it comes to winning basketball games. Not sure how good they can be, but don’t expect the Hawks to be anyone’s whipping boy when conference play rolls around.

Ohio Valley: Southeast Missouri St.

2007-08 Record: 12-19 (7-13)

The Redhawks will welcome back three of their top five scorers next season, most notably forward Jaycen Herring and guard Kenard Moore. And their top departing scorer, Brandon Foust, only played in eighteen games last season so the core of this team should be used to playing without him. Six of their losses last season, five of which were in OVC play, were by four points or less and a little change in luck could put them in position to challenge at the top of the league. A change in those five results gives them a 12-8 record in the OVC last year, which would have been good enough for third place in the conference. They’re not too far off; it’s just a matter of finishing the job in crunch time.

Pac-10: Arizona State

2007-08 Record: 21-13 (9-9)

After the abomination that was the Sun Devils’ 2006-07 season, not too many went into last season thinking that come Selection Sunday they’d be debating the NCAA worthiness of Arizona State. But we were, and with stars James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph both returning to Tempe, Herb Sendek may have a team talented enough to make a run at a Pac-10 title. Granted, UCLA will head into the season as the overwhelming favorite and they should. But this has the makings of a big year for Sun Devil basketball, and they should have no problem whatsoever reaching the NCAA Tournament.

Patriot: Bucknell

2007-08 Record: 12-19 (6-8)

Talk about a shocker. Both the Bison and rival Holy Cross were the trendy picks to win the Patriot League; instead they both end up at the bottom of the standings. But the Bison went into the off-season on a positive, knocking off Navy in a Patriot League quarterfinal before losing at Colgate. John Griffin, who hit the miraculous game-winner at Navy, Darren Mastropaolo and Rob Thomas are the only departing seniors. The key to how much of an improvement the Bison make next season will be how they go about replacing head coach Pat Flannery, who retired after fourteen seasons on the job.

Part One: ACC, Big East, Big Ten etc

Part Two: Big 12, CUSA, etc

Part Four tomorrow: SEC, WAC, WCC

Poll: Who is the Best Australian in College Basketball?

Shawn Siegel — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:32:35 -0800

Daily Dribble: Top 10 Players in the MWC

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 10:49:08 -0800

Continuing with my conference player rankings, its on to the Mountain West. This list was compiled just before the season started, but some names not listed have gotten off to quality starts: Andrew Henke of Air Force is averaging 15 and 7 after two consistent games. Senior Alvarado Parker is averaging 14 and 10 after two games, including a double-double in a blow out win over Rice. Top 10 Players in the MWC 1. Brandon Ewing, G, Wyoming 2. Luke Nevill, C, Utah 3. Trent Plaisted, C, BYU 4. Wink Adams, G, UNLV 5. JR Giddens, G, New Mexico 6. Lorenzo Wade, F, San Diego State 7. Brad Jones, G, Wyoming 8. Johnnie Bryant, G, Utah 9. Tim Anderson, G, Air Force 10. Kevin Langford, F, TCU Next In Line Ryan Amoroso, F, San Diego State Lee Cummard, G, BYU Tony Danridge, G/F, New Mexico Kyle Spain, F, San Diego State * Richie Williams, G, San Diego State - Williams was on the list originally, but has been removed since he has been suspended indefinitely. * Beas Hamga, C, UNLV - The freshman big man is not ineligible currently, but was originally included in the Next in Line section. The final ranking of the WAC will be up soon.

Interview Series: Utah Coach Jim Boylen

Shawn Siegel — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:23:39 -0700

After a disappointing 11-19 season, things are looking up for Utah in part due to the arrival of Jim Boylen. Boylen, the lead assistant under Tom Izzo the past two year, brings impressive NBA coaching experience to the table and a focus on toughness. With some good tools to work with such as possible future pro Luke Nevill, the Utes have a shot to reach the postseason:

CHN) Based on what you saw last year, what's the biggest improvement your team needs to get to the next level?

Jim Boylen) Toughness and competitiveness. I like our talent level. I think we have some strengths – shooting, inside presence with Luke Nevill. But the intangible parts of the game – toughness, competitiveness, playing for each other, taking ownership of our play, responsibility for our actions on the floor – all have to improve for us to get where we have to be.

CHN) Are you settled with your starting lineup? Expect any particular battles for the open spots?

JB) No. There is a lot of competition at all three of our perimeter spots, which should make everybody better. (Going into practice) our starting lineup is not set there. Nobody has separated themselves for those positions yet. Lawrence (Borha) and Stephen (Weigh) had good Australia trips, but still are not where they need to be in consistent play. Luka Drca, Kepkay, Chris Grant and Johnnie Bryant will fight it out for the starting point guard position. Luka Drca could play all three perimeter positions and also handle the ball from those three positions. Kepkay and Johnnie are unique, because they have the ability to play point guard, but also have the ability to play off the ball, score and contribute by being a receiver. Chris Grant has the toughness and the intelligence to play either guard spot.

CHN) It might be hard to pick out one, but who is the most talented player you've ever coached?

JB) Hakeem Olajuwon (Ed: Boylen spent 11 years on the staff of the Houston Rockets)

CHN) Talk about one or two guys that stand out as being underrated contributors to your team's success?

JB) Kim Tillie, Luka Drca and Stephen Weigh. I think Kim Tillie can be a double-double sort of guy. Luka Drca is one of my smartest players. He's one of my players who understands how to play the game. Stephen Weigh has the potential to become a complete player.

CHN) What do you think will be the hardest game on this year's schedule?

JB) Right now, the hardest game on our schedule is the first one.

6) Realistically, what should Utah fans and media expect from your team this year?

JB) Our fans can expect us to be more competitive and tougher.

Complete Top 144 Ranking | 2007-08 Preview & Awards | Coach Interviews | Discuss the Preview

2007-08 Utah Basketball Preview

Joel Welser — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 09:12:05 -0700

Utah Utes

Overall Rank: #130

Conference Rank: #6 Mountain West

2006-07: 11-19, 6-10, 6^th (t)

2006-07 postseason: none

Utah is still trying to find a way back to its quickly diminishing glory days of Andrew Bogut. Enter Coach Jim Boylen. Being prepped for a head coaching job by Judd Heathcote, Rudy Tomjanovich and Tom Izzo is an impressive pedigree and Boylen is working hard to get the Utes basketball program back to where it wants to be. Boylen has a nice blend of NBA ties and collegiate experience and that is expected to help immensely on the recruiting front.

Who’s Out:

It helps that Utah returns five of their top six scorers. Ricky Johns started 18 contests during his senior season, averaging 7.5 points per game and will be the most difficult player to replace. The problem is that much of the depth is gone. Daniel Deane and Misha Radojevic are transferring and David Foster will be spending the next two years on his LDS Church mission. Deane, Radojevic and Foster were not big impact players, but that is a lot of frontcourt depth that is heading out of Salt Lake City.

Who’s In:

The newcomers will need to be ready to come off the bench right away. Power forward Morgan Grim may end up to be the best of the bunch. The 6-9 Riverton, Utah native could stand to bulk up a bit, but he can move around the basket and will step out and hit the mid-range jumper. Point guard Tyler Kepkay is a hardworking junior college transfer. He is a smart player who can pass and score. The NJCAA All-American led the juco ranks with 27.9 points per game and will, at the least, be a quality option off the bench from day one. Carlon Brown was a prolific prep scorer and should add another long range threat to the team. Redshirt freshman walk-on Craig Cusick will add emergency depth to the backcourt.

Who to Watch:

This team is all about Luke Nevill. The lack of a winning team has kept the 7-1 center out of the national spotlight, but as the team gets better that will change. They better improve quickly though since Nevill only has two years left to make a Bogut-like splash. Nevill averaged 16.8 points and 7.7 rebounds as a sophomore and is only getting more consistent with more experience. For 7-1, he is a decent shooter and can step out and hit the short jumper and will knock down about three-quarters of his attempts from the charity stripe. The emergence of forward Shawn Green makes the frontcourt even more dynamic. The 6-8 junior has terrific range and hit over half of his attempts from beyond the arc. He is a tough rebounder and a nightmare to guard and compliments Nevill’s skills quite well.

Final Projection:

Johnnie Bryant is a proven scorer, but getting more production out of the backcourt will be the difference between a surprisingly good season and another sixth place finish. Bryant, a 6-0 senior, averaged 15.1 points and 2.7 assists and made nearly three shots from long range per game. Lawrence Borha and Stephen Weigh have starting experience, but neither are consistent shooters. Yet, with another year of experience for the youngsters, expectations for them are rising. Weigh showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman and he can score from anywhere on the court. If that develops into a little more consistent scoring from the 6-6 Australian, the Utes will be better than last year. Guards Luka Drca and Curtis Eatmon are candidates to earn some more minutes off the bench after receiving spot starting duty last season.

Projected Post-season Tournament: none

Projected Starting Five:

Johnnie Bryant, Senior, Guard, 15.1 points per game

Lawrence Borha, Junior, Guard, 4.9 points per game

Stephen Weigh, Sophomore, Guard, 7.5 points per game

Shaun Green, Junior, Forward, 11.1 points per game

Luke Nevill, Junior, Forward, 16.8 points per game

Complete Top 144 Ranking | 2007-08 Preview | Discuss the Preview

One of the season's best games marred by two things...among other musings

Raphielle Johnson — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 22:31:55 -0800

If you're wondering what game I am referring to in the title, that would be the overtime thriller between Utah and Rhode Island, won 85-84 by the homestanding Rams on Saturday. What could possibly taint a game like this? For starters, the game was nowhere to be found on television. Of course, a game between these two programs would be left off the major networks schedules, but shouldn't the game at least be televised locally? I don't live in either state, so I had to refer to the NCAA's TV schedule (http://www.ncaasports.com/broadcast/schedule/divi-m-basketball) to figure this one out. Had this game been on TV, we all would have some visual evidence to see whether or not the second negative was justified. After the game, decided by two Jimmy Baron free throws with 18 seconds left in OT, Utah head coach Ray Giacoletti voiced his displeasure with the officials who "missed" a foul call in the game's final moments. Giacoletti referred to the lack of a foul call on Luke Nevill's attempt to win the game as "the most gutless thing" he had ever seen in his 21 years of coaching. It should also be noted that Coach Giacoletti led off the press conference by stating that the Utes needed to play better defense if they were going to win games. Of course, the Mountain West reprimanded Giacoletti for his comments, but what are we supposed to make of the statement if we can't at least see a replay? If you're a Utah fan, you most likely follow your coach and reason that your team was robbed on the road by the officials. If you're a fan of the Rams, you reason that he's whining because his team lost. The whole point of what I just wrote: ESPN Full Court needs to find a way in the future to include more games, and fledgling networks such as CSTV and ESPNU need to become more accessible. It wouldn't be fair to mention the Rams without also noting that Saturday's contest is just another piece of evidence that we may need to bring back the "Runnin' Rams" moniker that the team answered to back in the day. In previous years, head coach Jim Baron had his teams play a half court at a time, relying on defense to carry the day. Now, with Will Daniels, Jimmy Baron (yes, he's the coach's son) and Kaheim Seawright leading the way, the Rams can play an uptempo brand of basketball. Of course, this comes with the negative of a sometimes porous defense (see: 102 points allowed to Houston, 95 points allowed to Providence), but the Rams could end up being one of the more entertaining teams to watch in the Atlantic 10 this year. Speaking of changes, did you notice who's tied with Vermont for the best record in America East (5-4) right now? The Hartford Hawks, led by first-year head coach Dan Leibovitz, a former assistant to John Chaney at Temple. Hartford played seven of their first nine games on the road, and while they haven't played a murderous schedule, getting through their first nine with a winning record says something for a program that's pretty much been down on its luck since the days of Vin Baker. The Hawks, winners of five of their last six, take on St. Francis (NY) and Brown in their next two games. The Terriers have yet to win this year, and who knows what to expect from the Bears, who at 3-7 own a win over Providence. A win over Brown on the 22nd would make the Hawks 4-0 this year against the Ivy League, with wins over Dartmouth, Cornell and Yale to this point in the season. Drexel, a team thought by many to have a chance to win the CAA this season, knocked off Villanova 81-76 on Saturday. While the result shouldn't be considered a shock, the fact that the Wildcats had just whipped Oklahoma in Norman just a few days prior caught my eye. Hangover or not, Bruiser Flint's Dragons notched an impressive road win that could have a lasting effect on Drexel and the rest of the CAA come NCAA selection time. Maybe it's just me, but I think that UMass can make a run at an NCAA bid in the Atlantic 10 this year. Their leader is Rashaun Freeman, but Stephane Lasme has come leaps and bounds on the offensive end of the floor. On Saturday, Lasme put together a 19-point, 14-rebound effort in the Minutemen's 79-66 victory over Central Connecticut State. As Virginia transfer Gary Forbes becomes even more comfortable with his new teammates on the floor (as well as head coach Travis Ford's system), he should make this team even better. And with eleven points and eight assists on Saturday, I think he's making some strides. Lastly, did anyone think that Sacred Heart would get through the first weekend of play in the NEC atop the league at 2-0? Probably not, but take a look at who the Pioneers played before heading into league play. North Carolina in Charlotte, and Connecticut on the road. You're bound to improve when facing that kind of competition. Five players average double figures in scoring for Dave Bike's ballclub, led by senior guard Jarrid Frye. It's still early in the year, but Sacred Heart should be able to hang around in the NEC. And don't expect Robert Morris (0-2 NEC) to stay at the bottom of the standings for too long either. Thanks for reading. Good day.

2006-07 Preview: #96 Utah

Joel Welser — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 13:39:05 -0700

Young Luke Nevill (12 ppg) is ready to emerge as an MWC star in his sophomore season.