Davidson

Flash: Curry Scores 44, but Davidson Falls to OU

Press Release — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 01:54:39 -0500

NORMAN, Okla. - Stephen Curry scored a career-high 44 points, but the No. 21 Davidson Wildcats fell 82-78 at No. 12 Oklahoma Tuesday night in the second round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off.

Curry was 12-of-29 from the field, 6-of-15 from 3-point range and 14-for-14 from the free-throw line. Andrew Lovedale added 10 points for the Wildcats (2-1).

Blake Griffin led the Sooners (3-0) with 25 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, while Willie Warren scored 20 points, and Taylor Griffin added 16.

The Wildcats are back in action Fridy when they host Winthrop at John M. Belk Arena.

- From Marc Gignac. Davidson Media

NIT Season Tip-Off Preview: OU, Davidson, Purdue, Arizona

Kevin McNeill — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:12:51 -0500

Usually, with all the hope and excitement that naturally accompanies the start of yet another great season, college basketball fans anxiously gather around their sets in November to take in all the...blowouts.

Whether you're awaiting Duke's season opener against the always dangerous Presbyterian College Blue Hose, or mighty UConn testing their mettle against the likes of Bryant and Delaware State, there doesn't seem to be much to look forward to in the very early season.

But there is. The early season tournaments are getting better and better, and this year's might be the best in a long while. So here's a preview of what's to come, and proof that November basketball might not be so bad after all.

2008 Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament (Regionals Nov 17-18, Semifinal and Final Nov 26 and 28)

Key Games (assuming no unexpected upsets in the first round):

Oklahoma vs. Davidson
Arizona vs. UAB / Santa Clara winner
Purdue vs. Georgia
Boston College vs. St. Johns / Cornell winner

Possible Semifinals:

Purdue vs. Boston College
Oklahoma vs. Arizona / UAB

Call this the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately tournament. Just about every participating team was a complete surprise last season...or a disappointment.

Arizona, ranked 17th in the preseason polls, ended up with a 19-15 record, a NCAA Tournament berth, and their very own reality show when it came to their head coach. First, Hall of Fame Coach Lute Olson took a leave of absence from the program just before the start of the season, catching the entire University by surprise. Turns out he was battling a particularly ugly divorce. He left assistant Kevin O'Neill in charge, going so far as to label him the "coach-in-waiting" for when the 74 year old legend decided to gracefully exit the stage, to try to create some semblance of stability.

Then things got interesting. After the Wildcats got off to a mediocre start, several credible reports claimed that Olson was holding private team meetings with the players, more or less to tell them that their "coach-in-waiting" couldn't coach. Olson all but confirmed his impression of O'Neill by refusing to let him have his old job back on the sideline as an assistant when he returned.

But hope was running high in Tucson. Chase Budinger decided to come back. Arizona received commitments from some of the top prospects in the nation to come to Tucson. Lute Olson said he was "excited" and energized to be coaching again (and getting married again). Then, just as practice was underway, Olson abruptly retired due to health reasons, once again throwing the program into disarray right before the start of the season.

Three of Olson's top recruits immediately de-committed. Assistant coach Mike Dunlap turned down the top job because he didn't want the "interim" label, so the school went instead with assistant coach Russ Pennell. The best part? Before joining Olson's staff, Pennell was an assistant coach for the hated, arch-rival Sun Devils for eight years, and actually provided color commentary for the Arizona State University radio network last season.

Suffice it to say, this tournament will be more than just a challenge for the Wildcats.

Davidson and Purdue were both unranked in the preseason polls, with Purdue not even picked to contend in the Big 10, yet ended the season in the Top 25 (Top 10 for Davidson). As a result, both enter the current season on everyone's radar. For Davidson, they have to manage simply unheard of expectations for them following their Elite Eight run and the surprise return of Stephen Curry. Big 10 Coach of the Year Matt Painter has a loaded team coming back, led by Robbie Hummel, and fans are looking for a breakout year from JaJuan Johnson.

Oklahoma is coming off a 20 win season, but a 30-point thrashing to Louisville in the NCAA Tournament still lingers. However, the unexpected decision by Blake Griffin to turn down NBA lottery riches to return to Oklahoma, in addition to the fanfare surrounding incoming freshman Willie Warren, has created a buzz not felt in Norman since their Final Four season seven years ago. With virtually the entire Kansas national championship team now playing in the NBA, the Sooners are the favorites to win the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles, something they haven't done in 20 years, when the conference was still called the Big 8.

Georgia won the SEC tournament, right after losing 11 out of their last 13 games, and finishing with a 4-12 conference record. To win that automatic bid, all the Bulldogs had to do was beat Ole Miss on a banked buzzer-beater in overtime, and then go on to beat Kentucky and the SEC West's #1 seed Mississippi State on the same day, thanks to a tornado ripping apart the Georgia Dome and sending the tournament to Alexander Coliseum at Georgia Tech. They then beat Arkansas in the final with what seemed to be a formality at that point. With Dave Bliss and Sundiata Gaines gone, this figures to be another long season for the Bulldogs. But hey, there's always the SEC Tournament.

UAB is coming off a disappointing loss in the second round of the NIT, after watching their bubble burst on Selection Sunday. The Blazers are looking for redemption, and a ticket back to the NCAA Tournament, but all that depends on Robert Vaden. He needs to be able to continue his school-record setting ways while staying clear of trouble off the court. Whether or not C-USA is once again a one-bid conference could depend on it.

Boston College posted a 14-17 record last season, and the last time we saw them they were nipped by Clemson in the ACC Tournament 82-48. Yet, with four sophomores returning, the arrival of freshman guard Reggie Jackson, and more importantly, all-everything senior Tyrese Rice, team expectations are focused squarely on a winning ACC record.

An Oklahoma - Purdue title game would obviously be the most anticipated matchup of the NIT, but it will be especially interesting to see whether the much-hyped Warren can hold his own against Curry and the speedy Wildcats should the Sooners face Davidson in the earlier game.

Better Pro Prospect: Stephen Curry or Blake Griffin?

Shawn Siegel — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:18:50 -0500

College Basketball: Top Juniors

Joey Whelan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:42:04 -0500

In this day and age of one and done phenoms, it is rare to see a large group of talented upperclassmen. While this years crop of juniors is very strong at the top, the talent quickly dwindles once you get below the top 20-25 players; at least when comparing this class to the freshman or sophomores. Luckily this list will only be dealing with the best of the best from the juniors. While some of these players were stars before they even suited up for their first college game, some have built their reputation over the years and have climbed to the top of their class.

Pick Six: Top Seniors

CHN's Pick Six series highlights the Top 6 players by position, league, and class.

1. Stephen Curry - Davidson

When it’s all said and done, he won’t be the best pro player on this list, he wont even be the highest drafted; but for now Curry is king. The Wildcats’ sharp shooter captivated the nation last year with one of the greatest individual performances in NCAA Tournament history and will likely continue to post gaudy numbers this year (if his 41 points in Davidson’s first exhibition game are any indication). Few players can match his shooting prowess at this level and his non stop movement off the ball makes him a nightmare for defenders. Even with teams focusing almost all of their attention on Curry this season, he’ll still likely manage to torch many of his opponents.

2. Hasheem Thabeet – Connecticut

While Thabeet has already proven to be a game changing force, this selection is mainly a potential pick. The 7’3” shot blocking machine showed tremendous flashes last season and if he has gotten stronger in the off season and improved his post game, Big East opponents better watch out. The Husky big man has more than enough potential to emerge as the top defensive player in the country this year, and with his frame and length, if he puts it together offensively, could be a go to force inside.

3. Luke Harangody – Notre Dame

His game may not be pretty, in fact more often than not it isn’t, but you simply have to respect a 20 and 10 season in the Big East. Harangody is a bruising force inside, with an almost immovable frame, great hands and a soft touch. He almost always seems to know where he is in relation to the basket and just finds a way to get his points night in and night out. More than anything though, you have to love the effort that the big man gives each and every time out on the floor despite the physical beating he takes. It’s been said before, but he is the next closest thing to Tyler Hansbrough.

4. Chase Budinger – Arizona

This high-flyer could have left for the NBA after each of the last two seasons, but opted to return. This year will likely be his last, but could also be his best. There isn’t a player in the Pac-10 with a better combination of athleticism and a perimeter skill set than Budinger. His ability to connect from the perimeter or mid-range has definitely improved since his freshman season and now is a consistent threat to beat teams from the outside. Of course, if team’s play him to shoot he can burn them with a solid first step and do serious damage in the lane with his 40-inch vertical leap. In all, Budinger is a devastating perimeter player who will see his name on All-American lists at the end of the season.

5. Tyler Smith – Tennessee

The SEC has plenty of young talent this season, but it’ll be the upperclassmen Smith who stands above them all as the conference’s top player. The junior does a little bit of everything, rebounding well from his position, and proving to be a solid passer. His shooting numbers improved dramatically from his freshman to sophomore seasons, and with his quickness is a constant threat to attack the basket. Defense is Smith’s bread and butter, showing the ability to guard multiple positions. He has very good lateral quickness, great length and a high basketball IQ on this end of the floor. While the Vol’s have plenty of talent this season, Smith will be the key to how far they go come March.

6. Earl Clark – Louisville

Statistically, Clark will never completely jump off the page due to the number of weapons Louisville trots out each night; that doesn’t mean the junior isn’t a big time inside/outside presence. Clark brings a great physical package to the floor, with good length, quickness and athleticism. Much of his game centers on his dribble drive game; he has a nice first step and solid handles, able to attack with either hand. Clark’s jump shot has improved during his career but certainly still needs some work before it is a consistent weapon. Clark has also shown some nice flashes of ability when he catches the ball on the block. He may not even be the best player on his team this season, but Clark will certainly be one of the top juniors in the country.

Next in Line: Wayne Ellington, North Carolina; Gerald Henderson, Duke; Damion James, Texas; Ty Lawson, North Carolina; Greivis Vasquez, Maryland; Derrick Brown, Xavier

Love it or hate it, let’s hear it! Post Your Comments Below:

College Basketball Top Lists: Dunkers, Shooters, Rebounders

Jason Brubaker — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:33:36 -0500

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We’ve covered the preseason All-Americans, Final Four picks and individual team previews. Now it’s time for the fun stuff – the guys who make college basketball so fun to watch. Let the debates begin.

Best Dunkers: Jump with these guys at your own risk.

1) Sam Young G/F, Pittsburgh: Chiseled forward simply overpowers people at the rim.
2) Terrence Williams G/F, Louisville: Looks like he’s jumping off a trampoline at times.

3) Gerald Henderson G/F, Duke: Gets eye-level with the rim on a regular basis.
4) Derrick Brown F, Xavier: When he decides to attack the rim, there’s no stopping him.
5) Demar DeRozan G USC: Has yet to complete first college dunk, but YouTube his name for his resume…he’s flat-out nasty.

Best Shooters: These guys are in range as soon as they enter the gym.

1) Stephen Curry G, Davidson: Simply the best shooter in the country (139 3's, 44%)
2) AJ Abrams G, Texas: Capable of filling it up in a hurry from outside, quickest release in college basketball (99 3's, 37%)
3) Kyle McAlarney G, Notre Dame: Textbook form on his jump shot, shoots a great percentage from beyond the arc (103 3's, 45 %)
4) Tyrese Rice G, Boston College: Nailed eight 3’s against UNC last year in memorable performance

5) Robert Vaden G, UAB: Tied Curry for most 3’s last year, capable of getting hot in a hurry (139 3's, 41 %)

Best Rebounders: These guys crash the glass like their life depends on it

1) Tyler Hansbrough F, UNC: As Jay Bilas says, he thinks every rebound belongs to him

2) Jon Brockman F, Washington: Rugged big man relishes contact in the post

3) Luke Harangody F, Notre Dame: Knows how to use his body to get perfect position

4) Blake Griffin F, Oklahoma: Super hops combined with incredible strength equals a great rebounder

5) Damion James F, Texas: Always seems to be around the ball

Tomorrow: Top shot blockers, inside/outside combos, and floor leaders. Disagree with Jason's picks? Let us know your top lists below!

College Basketball: Bust Teams

CHN — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:59:21 -0500

BUST TEAMS

CHN writers were asked a simple question: Who will be this year’s biggest disappointment? Here’s what our guys had to say.. let us know who you would choose below:

	UCONN: I don't see anyone on the roster capable of taking over a game. AJ Price and Jeff Adrien are solid but not spectacular, and Hasheem Thabeet is still awkward offensively. They'll be good, but I don't see a deep tourney run. Jason Brubaker
	Arizona: The program is just in shambles with top recruits bolting. With Lute gone, I don't expect them to do much, despite having some talented pieces. Jeff Fox
	Arizona: This pick may be seen as piling on, but there are just too many questions in regards to their bench. Not to mention an entirely new coaching staff. If they make the NCAA Tournament Russ Pennell should be considered for National Coach of the Year honors. Raphielle Johnson
	Pittsburgh: The Panthers live and die by the talented but injury-prone Levance Fields. Kevin McNeill
	Davidson: Listen, I want Davidson to dominate every team they face, and for Steph Curry to become the face of college basketball. It would be good for business. But the Wildcats simply don’t have enough talent to be the world-beating team everyone is hoping for. Shawn Siegel
	Notre Dame: They will be good, but definitely not Top 10 good. Due to a still porous defense, they weren't able to win the tough games last year and there are going to be a ton of slugfests in the Big East this year. Jason Tomassini
	Texas A&M: It will take a huge effort to replace the interior game of Joseph Jones and DeAndre Jordan. And Dominique Kirk was more important than his numbers would indicate. Joel Welser
	Arizona: Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill will not be enough to keep 'Zona from slipping to the middle of the pack in an increasingly young and talented Pac-10. Joey Whelan

More Writers Picks: Overrated Players - Underrated Players - Breakout Stars - Surprise Teams

Who do you think belongs on this list? Post your comments below:

Daily Conference Poll: Who Will Win the Southern Conference?

Shawn Siegel — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 09:42:49 -0500

Clip of the Day: Steph Curry Outscores Chattanooga

Shawn Siegel — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:54:57 -0500

Clip of the Day

Thanks to the genius of YouTube, the world has access to thousands of great college basketball videos to keep us busy every second of every day. We'll be featuring daily movies to whet your college basketball appetite. Even if you've seen them before, some clips are just too good not to watch again and again.

Stephen Curry: Outscores UTC

Curry puts up 27 in a half against Chattanooga, while the the Mocs only score 26

- Watch all of CHN's favorite College Basketball Videos!

- Also check out past Cheerleaders of the Day!

- And finally the Picture of the Day!

Southern Conference Basketball Preview: 08-09

CHN — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:38:50 -0500

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Conference Rank: 17th

10 year average: 19th

Southern Conference Page

All-Southern Team
Pos.	Player	Team	Yr.

G	Stephen Curry	Davidson	Jr
G	Donald Sims	Appalachian St	So
G	Tony White	Charleston	Jr
F	Nicchaeus Doaks	Chattanooga	Sr
F	Jermaine Johnson	Charleston	Sr
CHN Award Winners		Returning Leaders
CHN All-Americans Stephen Curry Mid-Major All-Americans Stephen Curry* *Mid-Major POY		Points: Stephen Curry 25.1 Rebounds: Jermaine Johnson 8.5 Assists: Cameron Wells (Citadel) 3.8

Southern Conference Standings
Nat'l	Team	League	Tourney

40	Davidson	Southern	1	NCAA
116	Appalachian St	Southern	2
141	Charleston	Southern	3
169	Chattanooga	Southern	4
205	Georgia Southern	Southern	5
216	UNC Greensboro	Southern	6
239	Furman	Southern	7
269	Elon	Southern	8
278	Wofford	Southern	9
292	Samford	Southern	10
293	Western Carolina	Southern	11
324	Citadel	Southern	12

*Click on links for full Top 144 team preview

** returning conference champion

Poll: Who Do You Think Will Win the SoCo? (soon)

Other Southern Content

Conference Media/Coaches Poll

Other

Rise & Fall: Patriot

Top SG's: Stephen Curry

Top Non-BCS Players: Stephen Curry

College Basketball: Top Shooting Guards

Joey Whelan — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:56:23 -0400

It can be tough to draw a distinction sometimes between the shooting guard and small forward positions at the collegiate level. So often these two spots are interchangeable, labeled simply as the two perimeter players not running the point position. With that in mind, some of the players listed here may be considered as small forwards by some, while the small forward list may contain players that are often used as shooting guards. One thing isn’t in question about this list though; all of these players are or will be big time scorers and playmakers.

Pick Six: Top SG's

Throughout the week, check back for articles highlighting the Top 6 players at each position. Tomorrow we’ll be rolling out the Top 6 at shooting guard.

1. Stephen Curry – Davidson

Curry isn’t the best pro prospect on this list; heck he might not crack the top three depending on team needs. There is no question though; the pint sized scoring assassin from the SoCon is one of the best returning players in the country, and certainly the most electrifying. Curry is a lights out shooter and a threat to fire seemingly as soon as he crosses half court. He shot a ridiculous 43.9% from beyond the arc on 10.3 three-point attempts per game last season, the third highest percentage of anyone who attempted at least 7 shots per game from this range. He is equally dangerous inside the arc, able to knock down tough shots off the dribble regardless of how tight defenders play him. Curry reminds a lot of Reggie Miller and Richard Hamilton in that he is constantly moving on the offensive end making him a nightmare for whichever defender draws him as an assignment. In a weak Southern Conference expect Curry to have big scoring numbers again this season, especially with little offensive support.

Stats: 25.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.9 apg

2. James Harden – Arizona State

Fans in Tempe have plenty of reason to be excited this season; they return the best player from last year’s loaded freshman class not named Blake Griffin. Harden is an old school guard in an up-tempo conference. Not blessed with tremendous athleticism (though he has improved his conditioning coming into this year) the sophomore relies on his craftiness and excellent instincts. He does very well when attacking the basket, able to read the defense and take what it gives him. His numbers don’t drop off as he moves further out either, connecting on 41% of his three-point attempts last season. The biggest area that Harden needs to improve in is shooting off the dribble; he has yet to make this a fluid part of his game. In addition, Harden shows flashes of being an above average passer for a player relied on so heavily to score points.

Stats: 17.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.2 apg

3. Demar DeRozan – USC

It may seem somewhat audacious to rank an unproven freshman as the third best shooting guard in the country, but it isn’t often a player of DeRozan’s physical ability comes along to the college game. Possessing a 6’6” frame that is capable of flying through the air, DeRozan has a plethora of highlight videos on YouTube that fully display the aerial assaults he mounted against high school defenders. Chances are this scoring machine will continue to torture defenders in the Pac-10 with his combination of freakish athleticism and excellent perimeter shooting. Still not sold on DeRozan as a big time college player? Ask his teammates about the 29 points he dropped on them just a few days ago in USC’s first open scrimmage.

Stats: DNP Freshman

4. Wayne Ellington – North Carolina

Ellington may be a surprise pick to some people because he doesn’t immediately come to mind when thinking of the elite shooting guards in the country. When you look at the numbers and the tape though, the junior becomes a no-brainer for this list. Ellington made great strides in his development last season, adding all kinds of wrinkles to his offensive arsenal. He improved in every single statistical category last year as he took on a greater role for the Tar Heels, getting touches on nearly 20% of Carolina’s possessions last year. While he doesn’t do anything extraordinarily well, Ellington does a lot of things very solidly. He is a good perimeter shooter, slashes to the basket well and has continued to improve his mid-range game, adding a pretty pull up jumper as last season progressed. In all, he has one of the most well developed offensive games in the ACC regardless of position.

Stats: 16.6 rpg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg

5. Lester Hudson – Tennessee-Martin

Hudson was one of the most interesting stories in college basketball last season; his game was one of the most impressive. This is a guy who absolutely fills up every square inch of a box score; the quintessential stat sheet stuffer. In addition to finishing 5^th in the country with 25.7 points per night, Hudson chipped in 7.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals. While he isn’t very tall for an off-guard at 6’3” (although some reports have him a couple of inches shorter) Hudson has a huge wingspan which allows him to play much bigger than he actually is. Offensively he has all kinds of weapons at his disposal. Showing a fantastic ability to create for himself off the dribble, Hudson is equally dangerous from the perimeter and mid-range. While he can attack the rim as well, he is more of a perimeter player at this point. He may not project well as a pro prospect, but he has the physical capabilities to dominate at the college level as he has shown.

Stats: 25.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 4.5 apg

6. Dionte Christmas – Temple

Often overshadowed by other Atlantic-10 stars like Pat Calathes and Gary Forbes, Christmas put together a fantastic junior season. The 6’5” guard has a very perimeter oriented game, with eight of his fourteen shot attempts coming from beyond the arc last season. Christmas shows a quick release and the ability to get his shot off from essentially anywhere on the floor, although his shot selection isn’t always the greatest. His great length allowed him to pull down nearly six rebounds per game, a great number for a player who spends so much time away from the hoop. While his statistics may not show it, Christmas is also a solid passer, possessing good court vision and instincts. With teammate Mark Tyndale having graduated, expect to see even more looks this year for Christmas, and likely some additional attention from defenders.

Stats: 19.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg

Next in line: Tyreke Evans, Memphis; Gerald Henderson, Duke; Robert Vaden, UAB; Patrick Christopher, California.

Tomorrow: Small Forwards

Archive: Pick Six (including Top 6 per league/position) -- The Big List: CHN's Preview Index

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