A weekly round-up of men’s basketball in the Metro-Atlantic Athletic Conference.
Team-first, stronger Brown readies new era at Manhattan
Peter Wehye noticed a difference in Rhamel Brown the moment he laid eyes on him this summer. The former East New York Transit Tech forward had finished his first year playing basketball at Manhattan College and was back for a second season with Wehye’s X-Men team at Rucker Park’s Entertainer’s Basketball Classic.
“When you saw him walk in the door you saw the physical difference immediately,” Wehye said. “Once he played, we saw it automatically.”
Brown was always strong, but now he was more chiseled and solid after going through a strength and conditioning program at the Riverdale school. His time with the Jaspers added confidence to his game on both ends of the floor and a greater assertiveness. His improved conditioning allows him to play more minutes.
The directors heard presentations from Rich Oriolo, a principal with Stafford Sports, the MAAC’s arena consultant on the process that led to the site selection by the MAAC Council of Presidents at their December 2009 meeting. He also detailed the league’s partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the hosting agreement and the availability of the Hall for many of the league’s events including its Preseason Awards Show on October 25 at 10 a.m.
Promoting Next Tourney Well Under Way
Preparation began immediately after the league decided to allow the MassMutual Center to host the event for a three-year window starting this coming season. And, the results were evident at this past season’s conference tournament in Bridgeport, Conn., as officials from the Springfield facility had a daily booth set up to distribute brochures and other promotional items all centered around the new slogan “MAACachusetts.”
Iona’s Machado (#13 Brasil) gets game-high 27 points at World University Games
Canisius announces staff changes
Canisius College Director of Athletics Bill Maher announced several staff changes, effective immediately.
Maher announced that Tim Paul has been hired as the College’s new director of student-athlete academic support services. In this role, Paul will be responsible for advising student-athletes and ensuring that they all continue to meet NCAA satisfactory progress requirements and the College’s graduation regulations. He will serve as the athletic department’s liaison with the school’s academic administration and he will also oversee the College’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Prior to this new role, Paul served as an assistant coach on the Canisius men’s basketball staff for five seasons. In addition to in-game coaching, practice planning and opponent scouting, he coordinated the team’s academic support efforts and community relations activities. During his time on the men’s basketball staff, he helped 10 members of the men’s basketball team earn their undergraduate degrees from the College.
Canisius cross-town rival gets pub in SI
Following in the footsteps of Faried, McCrea looks like the next undersized, forward who’ll make a huge impact in a smaller conference. He didn’t turn 18 until Nov. 5 of last year and is just 6-foot-6, but his per-minute numbers in the MAC were amazing. McCrea had an excellent efficiency rating despite his elevated usage, plus ranked fifth nationally in offensive rebound percentage (17.0) and 50th in block percentage (8.5). Had McRea cracked the U.S. Under-19 roster for the FIBA world championships — he was one of the final cuts from the camp in Colorado Springs — he wouldn’t be so far under the radar heading into his sophomore year.
The Fairfield University men’s basketball team started its tour of Italy with an 89-45 win over Roma Selezione, the first of four games that the Stags will play over the next 10 days.
Colin Nickerson led all scorers with 16 points, one of six student-athletes in double digits. The game also featured the return of Rakim Sanders and Desmond Wade, who missed last season after sitting out following their transfer to Fairfield University. Sanders netted 14 points in his Fairfield debut. Jamel Fields also reach 14 points for the Stags.
“Tonight we played well and got a good win,” Head Coach Sydney Johnson said after the game. “The guys played hard and unselfishly tonight. I liked how we shared the ball and were willing to make the extra pass. Defensively, we want to make things difficult for our opponent and we were able to do that tonight. Overall, it was a nice effort from the entire team.”
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Fairfield announces non-conference schedule
FAIRFIELD, Conn. – It’s the type of topic that could spark some debate among Fairfield University men’s basketball fans. But there is certainly some validity to the premise that this year’s non-conference schedule could rank as one of the most challenging in Fairfield history. But if you ask Head Coach Sydney Johnson, it is just what he was looking for in his first year at the helm.
“Every coach looks to provide his team with the best opportunity to compete at the highest level so that it can learn valuable lessons leading into conference play,” Coach Johnson said. “By playing teams from the Big East, Big Ten, and Pac 12, our team will be battle-tested when the MAAC season gets in full swing. It is a very challenging schedule but I know that our team wants to face these types of challenges.”
Consider that the Stags will face the defending national champions as well as a date with former Fairfield University Head Coach Ed Cooley and his Providence College Friars and you can see the genesis of that premise. The Stags will host Cooley and his team on November 14 at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.
Mihalich adds Farrelly to coaching staff
NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Niagara men’s basketball head coach Joe Mihalich has named Mike Farrelly as the newest assistant coach to join the Purple Eagle staff.
“We are extremely lucky to have Coach Mike Farrelly join the Purple Eagle coaching staff,” Mihalich said. “Coach Farrelly excels in every single area: on the floor, recruiting, scouting, basketball knowledge and basketball contacts. I have no doubt we have hired someone who will help bring some more championships to Monteagle Ridge.”
Broncs announce non-conference schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE-The Rider Broncs will play twice in the famed Palestra in Philadelphia, host two Philly schools, travel to Western PA for two games, play a pair of nationally ranked teams and play a pair of Garden State rivals during the first half of the 2011-12 men’s basketball season.
“Once again this year we will challenge our players with a tough non-league schedule,” said Rider head coach Tommy Dempsey, who has won a program-best 82 games over the last four seasons. “Our philosophy is that we need to play quality opponents early in the year so we can find out something about our group.”
The season begins with a two-game road trip at former Northeast Conference rival Robert Morris in Moon Township, PA and a return to the University of Pittsburgh, where the Broncs lost to the third ranked Panthers last year.
Rider’s Jason Thompson and Camden Riversharks host fundraiser
In the midst of an ongoing NBA lockout, Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson has devoted much of his time to giving back to the community. Thompson, a native of Mount Laurel, N.J. who played for the local Rider University, has promoted his foundation and the L.I.V.E. (Learn, Imagine, Voice, Educate) Like JT campaign, which emphasizes the importance of sports and academics for underprivileged youth.On Saturday August 20, the Camden Riversharks minor league baseball team will host a fundraising auction for special game-worn jerseys featuring the Jason Thompson Foundation logo. For more information on how to donate and to purchase tickets, click here; proceeds from the winning jersey bids and ticket sales will go directly towards supporting the worthy cause.
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The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has partnered with the University of Massachusetts, American International College (AIC) and Springfield College to host the inaugural Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase at the MassMutual Center on Friday, December 9.
The tripleheader will include featured match-ups from all three NCAA Divisions, highlighted by the UMass-Siena contest in the final game.
“We are excited to work in conjunction with three of our neighbor institutions to develop a great celebration of college basketball for Western Massachusetts,” said John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “The Hall of Fame hopes that the Holiday Showcase becomes an annual mainstay in our basketball community.”
Siena-First Niagara sneak preview set for Tuesday, September 13
Capital Region basketball fans will have the opportunity to meet the 2011-12 Siena Saints, pick out their season tickets and win great prizes all while enjoying a complimentary reception featuring extensive dining options and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the annual First Niagara Sneak Preview. The annual event has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 13 at the Times Union Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Season ticket holders and fans interested in attending are asked to simply RSVP by completing THIS FORM. Several fans in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions to players from the men’s and women’s teams the night of the event. Stay tuned to the Official Siena Saints Facebook page for more details.
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