PC's Xavier to play for Cape Verdean national team
Providence College's Jeff Xavier will join the Cape Verdean national team as it attempts to qualify for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, according to the PC Athletics Department.
Xavier, who went to St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, led the Friars in scoring last season. He will leave Rhode Island on Sunday for training camp, then continue to Athens, Greece, where his team will face New Zealand on July 15. Cape Verde will attempt to become one of 12 teams competing in Greece to receive an Olympics invitation.
ESPN: Dwain Williams to join Craig Robinson at Oregon State
ESPN's Andy Katz, quoting Dwain Williams' AAU coach, says Williams will not transfer to Long Beach State, as was reported by the school last week, but instead will join former Brown coach Craig Robinson at Oregon State.
J.J. Santa Cruz, Williams' AAU coach, called Long Beach State's announcement a "miscommunication." Williams, said Santa Cruz, "wants to go to Oregon State to help them turn it around." Katz reported that Long Beach State coach Dan Monson said he would release Williams from their agreement, allowing him to attend Oregon State.
Williams and Robinson got to know each other this year, when Williams played at Providence College and Robinson coached at Brown.
PC to compete in Anaheim Classic over Thanksgiving weekend
Providence College is one of eight schools that will participate in the Anaheim Classic, a college basketball tournament played over Thanksgiving weekend at the Anaheim Convention Center adjacent to Disneyland. The games will be played on Nov. 27, 28 and 30.
Tournament pairings and game times will be announced at a later date. The complete tournament will air live on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.
Three of the eight schools earned berths in the 2008 NCAA Tournament -- Baylor of the Big 12, Cal State Fullerton of the Big West and St. Mary’s of the West Coast Conference. Two others -- Arizona State of the Pac-10 and Charlotte of the Atlantic 10 -- participated in the National Invitation Tournament. UTEP, of Conference USA, participated in the inaugural College Basketball Invitational (CBI).
Completing the field, in addition to PC, is Wake Forest of the ACC.
The Anaheim Classic features four games each day, with the two undefeated teams competing in the championship game on ESPN2 on Nov. 30.
Jim Calhoun treated for skin cancer, will remain at UConn
STORRS, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun is being treated for a second bout of skin cancer but expects to be on the bench this fall for his 22nd season with the Huskies.
"I want to coach basketball at UConn," the 66-year-old Hall of Famer said Friday. "At this moment I love what I do and feel very, very comfortable in doing that."
His physician, Dr. Jeffrey Spiro, attended the news conference with Calhoun and said he believes the coach is now cancer free and has a good prognosis.
Calhoun is to undergo six weeks of radiation treatments next month at the UConn Health Center to minimize any chance of the cancer returning. His doctors told him there will be short-term side effects from the radiation, but they expect Calhoun to return to his normal lifestyle, including coaching.
"I have one more step to go," Calhoun said. "I feel much, much better, thank God."
Calhoun said doctors determined last month that a lump in the upper right side of his neck near the jaw line was squamous cell cancer. He had surgery May 6 to remove the lump, several surrounding lymph nodes and part of his salivary gland. Subsequent tests revealed all the cancer had been removed.
Calhoun was first treated for squamous cell cancer last year when doctors found it on his cheek. Doctors told him the recurrence this spring is related to his prior skin cancer but not related to the prostate cancer he was treated for in 2003.
"Squamous cell cancer of the skin is not generally a very aggressive disease," Spiro said.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, with more than 250,000 new cases a year in the United States.
At UConn, Calhoun has turned a regional program into a perennial national power that includes two NCAA titles (1999, 2004). Twenty-one former Huskies under Calhoun were drafted by the NBA, with 14 of those first-rounders. In 2006, UConn became the first school to have five players taken in the first two rounds of the draft.
Calhoun was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005 and has 750 wins during his 35-year coaching career. He was 248-137 during 14 years at Northeastern and is 502-191 at UConn.
Despite his latest health setback, Calhoun, a grandfather of six, said he never considered retiring.
"All I thought was how do we defeat this," Calhoun said. "I love my family, I love my life, I love my kids. I love what I do."
Louisville center quits basketball due to genetic disorder
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Louisville center Clarence Holloway has ended his career after being diagnosed with Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder marked by lengthened features and cardiovascular defects.
Holloway had hoped to return to the Cardinals in the fall after sitting out his freshman year following open-heart surgery to repair the wall of his aorta and the aortic valve.
The 7-foot-1 Holloway, who is from Chicago, will remain enrolled at Louisville.
Marfan syndrome is a disease of the connective tissue. Patients typically are tall and lean, with disproportionately long arms, legs, fingers and toes, plus a variety of skeletal, eye, lung and heart problems. Diagnosed patients who show signs of aorta trouble often are told to not exercise vigorously.
Holloway averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds at the Chicago Boy to Men Math and English Academy in 2006 and filed for the 2006 NBA draft before removing his name.
We've been buried by coverage of the Boston Celtics' playoff run for a few weeks now (with no end in sight) so PC news is slim at the moment. Here are a few nuggets:
COACHING STAFF: Keno Davis is a few days away from announcing his coaching staff. It will contain Chris Davis and Rodell Davis from Drake, giving PC its first Midwest-based recruiters since the Rick Barnes Era. Barnes came with extensive ties in that area from his days at Ohio State.
Davis will also hire Pat Skerry, the URI assistant who's led an effort to stock that program with several good, young prospects. Skerry could be very useful right away since the New England area is set to produce one of its best classes of seniors and juniors in the last 10 years. Kevin Kurbec, the administrative asst. to Tim Welsh, is also expected to be on this staff.
RECRUITS: While the Friars say goodbye to Dwain Williams (a huge loss in my eyes; just ask Jim Calhoun) and Chuck Burch, they're set to welcome one recruit, big forward Bilal Dixon. He wasn't originally comfortable with the coaching switch but he really feels he fits in at PC right now. Keno Davis is also shopping for a guard for the fall. Right now the leads are few. Some could develop over the summer, perhaps, in the form of a sudden qualifier, European, D-2 transfer, ect.
INJURIES: Both Geoff McDermott (sprained knee) and Sharaud Curry (broken foot) are not allowed to play hoops right now. PC doesn't play next week so that's not a problem, but this is not good news. McDermott's knee can best be termed "balky." Rest won't make all his issues disappear. Curry had surgery in April and will miss most, if not all, of the summer. How close will he be to 100 percent in October for the start of practice? Who knows? But with no other PG in the program right now, this is Davis' biggest concern. He knows how Tim Welsh must have felt all last season.
SCHEDULE: The change in coaching staffs disrupted scheduling and the Friars are behind in the quest to secure games. Davis would like to create a four-team tourney hosted in Providence, ala the Fleet Classic, but that's not likely to happen for a few years. Bottom line? With games set against BC and URI, plus a strong tournament in Anaheim, the Friars might need only one other tough game. The problem is filling up the slate with weaker foes who've already been spoken for.
CHARITY: Finally, my most important note. Spoke with Ryan Gomes last week and just received correspondence for a charity dinner/golf tourney he is hosting in Southington, Conn., next month. Gomes has started a Hoops For Heart charity with a goal of preventing sudden cardiac arrests at basketball games. This has been an issue at AAU events and Gomes and his supporters, with a big shout out to Wayne Simone, would like a working defibrillator and someone trained to use one at every practice and game in Div. 1 college basketball.
Gomes is holding a charity dinner on June 16 and a golf outing June 17. Keno Davis, Tim Welsh and Billy Donovan are some of the coaches expected to attend. Gomes wants to welcome all PC fans to attend either event or donate to the cause.
LANGSTON, Okla. (AP) - New Oklahoma State basketball coach Travis Ford will make about $9 million over seven years under a deal revealed Friday at a regents meeting.
The contract calls for Ford to make $1.3 million per year.
He replaces Sean Sutton, who resigned April 1 under pressure.
Sutton's original buyout package called for him to make $2.7 million over 10 years, but tax considerations have led officials to restructure the deal to give him $2.2 million, with him to receive full payment by the end of this year.
Ford, who took Massachusetts to the NIT the last two seasons, was introduced as Oklahoma State's new coach Thursday. Earlier this month, he turned down the PC job and received a new contract from UMass.
Bill Reynolds took questions from projo.com readers today about PC basketball. He was a late substitution for Kevin McNamara, who is in Boston today covering the Celtics (hence the questions addressed to Kevin). Here's a full transcript of the hour-long chat.
Bill Reynolds: hello everybody, i'm pinch-hitting for Kevin McNamara, who has disappeared somewhere, so here goes
gboy: KMac, what was the extent of Keno's playing career?
Bill Reynolds: Gboy, keno played through high school, then went to Iowa where his father was the coach and he became a glorified grad assistant and worked out with the team
ggrossi: since the PC team is senior laden, any ideas about what type of player Keno favors and if anyone he had targeted for Drake might end up at PC/ thanks
Bill Reynolds: ggrossi, i have no idea about what kind of players keno prefers, but I know that he likes pressure defense and his team this year took a lot of threes. But, as you said, it's a senior laden team and he needs players, a lot of them. that's the real work right now, as he is getting the job late and after next season this program is bereft of talent.
Fitzy: Any leads on where Brown is going with its search process?
Bill Reynolds: Fitzy, i have no idea on the brown job, for they haven't even gotten all the applications yet. Their time frame is to have a coach in about a month. stay tuned.
magmay77@verizon.net: Is the recruiting year over or is it still going on
Bill Reynolds: magmay77, the recruiting year is never over, especially now when the entire process has been speeded up, many of the top juniors having already committed. The point is that recruiting now is a 12-month process.
Big Hoops Fan: Kev - Do you find it humorous that Davis looks like Bruschi's brother? As a Pat's fan, I hope he brings the same amount of intensity to Friar's hoops as Bruschi did to the Pat's "D".
Bill Reynolds: Big Hoops Fan, I didn't see the connection to bruschi until you brought it up. but you're right. if he brings the same intensity things will be great
THL: Good afternoon Kevin. My question centers around the ultimate make up of Coach Davis' staff. Do you have any opinions that relate? Do you feel that Griffin and Kurbec will ultimately end up as part of that staff? If, I believe his name is Chad Davis, does not become the new HC at Drake, he will come to join the staff here and KD will need to hire another coach with northeast ties. If he does not come to PC, obviously 2 more coaches will need to be hired. I do have the opinion that both Griffen and Kurbec will be retained.
Bill Reynolds: THL, you're right. the makeup of davis's staff will depend on who gets the drake job. he said the other day that he is definitely looking for someone who has experience recruiting on the east coast, which only makes sense. what that means for either griffin or kurbec I have no idea, but history tells us that most coaches bring their own people in.
steve: 1. Will coach Davis bring in any recruits for next season?
Bill Reynolds: Steve, the friars have one kid already signed, and don't have room for any more in next year's class unless someone leaves. there's been talk of Dwain Williams doing that, but so far anyway, that's just talk. So I suspect that next year's team will look very much like last year's.
Fabulous Friar: Hi Kevin - how much was Keno involved in the recruitmen of players at Drake, and what is the 'word on the street' about his recruiting prowess?
Bill Reynolds: Fabulous Friar, the word is he was very involved.
Dan: Hi Bill, question. Do you think Providence got lucky considering the long drawn out search?
Bill Reynolds: Dan, I think davis is an excellent choice, a smart young coach on the way up, exactly the kind of coach I always thought they should have hired. And he's the coach of the year to boot. hey, you roll the dice with any new coach, but it seems to me that this was a real good get.
steve: 2.how much of a disadvantage is it in recruiting players on the east coast given the fact that most of your recruiting as an assistant and head coach have been rooted in the midwest and west?
Bill Reynolds: Steve, yes, it's a disadvantage. In a perfect world you would want guy with great eastern ties, but it's not a perfect world. It's the reason why davis will hire someone like that on his staff. But it's a national game in ways it never was before, so, ultimately, I don't think it's going to matter in the long run.
southie: any word on where TW and his staff may end up?
Bill Reynolds: Southie, I heard welsh could have had the toledo job and backed out, and that he is involved with the Florida Atlantic job.
THL: Jeff Goodman has Dwain Williams on his list of players who are transferring. I have heard that he has already received his release from PC.
Bill Reynolds: THL, that would not surprise me at all, as that rumor has been around since the end of the year and makes a lot of sense for Williams, especially since Curry is due back. It also would give the friars an extra scholarship to play with and that would be good, for they could really use another big body - maybe a juco? - who would be ready to help next year.
bfriar: Kevin: Do you anticipate that Coach Davis will be in attendance at this weekend's AAU "JamFest" at PC? Are you hearing any names for potential recruits, especially a true point guard?
Bill Reynolds: bfriar, davis said the other day that he has a commitment in Iowa, but that all games of the JamFest are on tape.
BrownFanatic: Kevin, any word on who Brown is targeting to replace Robinson? Any chance that Tim O'Shea might be in the mix?
Bill Reynolds: Brownfanatic, I have heard that Tim O'Shea might have an interest, but don't know that for sure. because of Robinson's success, the perception is that this is a better job than it was one two years ago.
Rock: Hi Kev, you expressed some belief that the Friar search for a coach was going to attract only such lowly candidates as the Tim O'Shea and Will Browns of the world. Does the naming of the national COY in Keno Davis give you thought that perhaps the program is not as bleakly seen as you may have forecasted? Thanks.
Bill Reynolds: rock, I'm not speaking for Kevin, but any time a school is paying roughly a million dollars a year for a coach it is going to get someone good, so I'm not sure I understand your phrase ``lowly'' candidates.
THL: Kevin, when do you think KD will begin recruiting for 2009...and, with DW probably gone, for that elusive backup PG we need so badly?
Bill Reynolds: THL, I think he will begin recruiting for 2009 immediately, given that his roster for next year is virtually set and that the entire recruiting process has been speeded up. and, you're right, they need a backup point guard.
bfriar: Aside from the Anaheim Classic, any word yet on other OOC opponents?
Bill Reynolds: bfriar, i haven't heard a thing about that.
THL: Kevin, do you believe that KG will encourage a transfer by a frontcourt player to open another spot? Your opinion on the JUCO question. Do you feel that there will be an easing by the administration so a JUCO big man could be recruited?
Bill Reynolds: THL, that's a good question about the school's opinion of juco players. I know that some of them don't always work out, but Eric Williams, Ruben Garces and Derek Brown certainly did.
THL: Bill, do you have an opinion on PC's current place in the Big East compared to the 80's and early 90's? In other words, do you feel that the BE is more difficult now than what it was during the years of Pitino and Barnes?
Bill Reynolds: THL, it is definitely more difficult, for the simple reason that there are more teams. Sports Illustrated just came out with a proposed top 25 for next year and they had eight Big East teams on it. That's the reality. For you can be a good team and still finish ninth or 10th in the league and not go to the NCAA Tournament and everyone thinks you've failed. That's the other reality.
pc guy: Who's the better coach in your opinion, TFord or Keno Davis?
Bill Reynolds: pc guy, good question, with no real answer. Not now anyway. Ford has more experience, certainly, davis had a great year last year and is the national coach of the year. But when all is said and done? I think PC got the best guy, because he obviously wants to be here more than Ford did.
jimmy626: Name your starting five for next year
Bill Reynolds: jimmy626, McDermott, Curry, Efejuku, Hanke, Xavier, with McKenzie and Kale off the bench.
jimmy626: Do you expect Chris Davis to be one of the assistants?
Bill Reynolds: Jimmy626, is that the Drake assistant coach's name? If he doesn't get the Drake job I expect to see him here.
pc guy: Looking back Bill, would you still have rather seen Robinson get the job over Davis, who the Friars ultimately ended up with?
Bill Reynolds: pc guy, that's impossible for me to really answer because I know Robinson, saw what he did at Brown, think he is a future star in coaching, and believe he would have been a great hire at PC. But everything I''ve heard tells me that Davis is an excellent hire, too.
Bill Reynolds: thanks for your interest. sorry about the typos, i flunked typing in high school.
Kevin McNamara had a late conflict come up -- it involves the basketball team that wears green and plays near North Station -- and so he had to back out on today's scheduled PC hoops chat. Fortunately, Bill Reynolds is in the house and ready to take your questions. He'll answer from noon to 1 p.m. today.
You can submit your questions now: Go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Type in your question, but remember not to press enter or click send until you have finished your thought. Questions will display to the room as Bill answers them.
STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) - Oklahoma State had no announcement planned Wednesday amid conflicting reports that Massachusetts' Travis Ford was expected to take the job as the Cowboys' basketball coach.
Spokesman Mike Noteware said Oklahoma State had no plans for a news conference despite a report from ESPN that had unnamed sources indicating that Ford intended to meet with his players at UMass in the afternoon regarding the position in Stillwater.
"Right now, he's still here, still our coach at UMass," Massachusetts assistant athletic director Jason Yellin said.
Ford, 38, turned down a job offer from Big East school Providence and had also previously been linked to an opening at LSU that was eventually filled by Trent Johnson, who left Stanford. UMass athletic director John McCutcheon announced last week that Ford intended to stay with the Minutemen, but did not discuss terms of the coach's new contract.
A former player at Kentucky, Ford led UMass to a 25-11 record this season and an appearance in the NIT championship game, where it lost to Ohio State. He is 62-35 in three seasons at Massachusetts.
Ford previously took over a losing program at Eastern Kentucky and guided it to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 26 years.
Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder told The Oklahoman there was no deal in place for Ford to coach the Cowboys. Holder has been looking for a replacement for Sean Sutton, who resigned under pressure on April 1.
Kansas coach Bill Self turned down the Cowboys last week, instead signing an extension to remain with the national champion Jayhawks.
Kevin McNamara will take your questions about new PC Friars coach Keno Davis in a live chat from noon to 1 p.m. Friday. You can submit your questions now: Go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you do not need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Type in your question, but remember not to press enter or click send until you have finished your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them on Friday.
New coach Davis to PC: ' We can do something special here'
Journal photo / Ruben W. Perez
New basketball coach Keno Davis, is given a PC jersey by athletic director Bob Driscoll, as he is greeted by the students and players during a news conference late this afternoon to announce his hiring.
PROVIDENCE -- Keno Davis, introduced today as Providence College's new men's basketball coach, said at a news conference that the team "is at a tipping point where we can do something special here."
With as many as 300 people, including cheerleaders and a band, attending the 5 p.m. announcement in Alumni Hall, Davis expressed thanks to Drake University, where he has been coach this season and assistant coach for four prior seasons.
"They did everything they could and more to try to keep me there," Davis said. "It was a tough decision."
But he said the lure of playing in the Big East and one of the biggest conferences in the country drew him to Providence College.
Davis, 36, won the Associated Press' National Coach of the Year award at the Final Four last week after leading Drake to a 28-5 record in his first season as head coach. Davis arrived in Providence on Monday and discussed particulars of the job into the night with athletic director Bob Driscoll. A contract was apparently agreed upon this morning.
The question of who would replace former PC coach Tim Welsh had been hovering over the program for a month. The Friars thought they had a new coach twice before in this laborious process and were ultimately turned down, first by George Mason’s Jim Larranaga and then by UMass’ Travis Ford.
-- With reports from Journal sports writers Paul Kenyon and Kevin McNamara
Davis is the son of Dr. Tom Davis, who was the head coach at Boston College from 1977-82. Keno was born in 1972 and raised as a BC fan before his dad left to take a job at Stanford and then moved on to Iowa and then Drake from 2003-07 where he was joined by his son, Keno.
Bob Driscoll, Providence College's athletic director, said at the news conference: "This is a great day to be a Friar."
Driscoll introduced the coach and the coach's wife, Krista. Driscoll said the good news is Davis spent part of his childhood in Boston and his father coached ar Boston College -- and that the new coach is a Red Sox fan. (His wife is a Cardinals fan).
Father Brian Shanley, Providence College's president, was involved in the search for the new coach. "Keno is an answer to prayer. I really believe that," Shanley said.
Shanley noted that Keno has gotten several coaching awards.
"To get the consensus national coach of the year to come to Providence College, is a great treat for us," Shanley said.
The Drake University Bulldogs were picked to finish ninth in the 10-team Missouri Valley Conference but blossomed into the most surprising team in the nation on the way to a conference title with a 15-3 record. At one point, Drake won 21 games in a row.
Drake advanced to the NCAA's for the first time since 1971. The Bulldogs lost to Western Kentucky in the first round on a last-second 3-point shot in overtime.
Keno Davis was previously an assistant coach at Drake from 2003–2007, Southeast Missouri State 1997–2003, Southern Indiana 1995–1997, as well as an undergraduate assistant coach at Iowa from 1991–1995. He and his wife Krista, whom he married in 2005, have a son, Brady, who was born in November 2007.
We've been asking projo.com readers all day whether Keno Davis is a good choice to lead the PC Friars. We've had 300 votes as of 2:30, and by a 5-1 margin, the public is saying that this is a good move. Here is a sampling of reader comments:
"GREAT BLOODLINES, NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR. JIM WHO?"
"Davis is a better choice than either Larranaga or Travis Ford. I trust that he'll build a program and stay around long enough to sustain that program."
"Mass, guy... local to the area... Travis Ford would have left quickly and Larranaga coaches in a real weak conference and was too old."
"ONE year coaching? Sure he got to the NCAAs, but blew the game, once they played. No track record. It's like hiring an assistant coach."
"I'm not sure really. He has only 1 year of coaching experience and has been a mid-western based coach. I hope he has recuiting contacts on the East Coast. I kind of liked [Karl] Hobbs who is based in DC and from NE."
"When he finds out how hard (or should I say impossible) it is to win here then he will leave like the others."
"PC is set to hire " a young, second-generation coach with limited head-coaching experience, but a winning record during his tenure at a mid-major"....is it 1998 and is his name Tim Welsh?"
"AP coach of the year, not 10 years ago but this year, took his team to the NCAAs for the first time since the 70's in his first year as coach. Are you kidding me? PC is lucky to have Keno. Great job Bob! Send me my season ticket renewal package I'm ready to sign up."
"I'm happy, 2008 coach of the year, gives choice some credibility. Are they overpaying him, yes. Will I answer my phone when the PC students soliciting money call again, Not unless he wins."
PROVIDENCE COLLEGE NAMES KENO DAVIS MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH
2008 National Coach Of The Year Becomes PC's 14th Head Coach
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College President Reverend Brian Shanley, O.P. and Athletics Director Bob Driscoll announced today the appointment of Keno Davis as the head basketball coach of the College. Davis, who becomes the 14th head coach at Providence College, comes to PC after spending the 2007-08 season as the head coach at Drake University. Davis, a 1995 graduate of the University of Iowa, was named the 2008 National Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and the Sporting News.
"We are very excited to have Keno Davis leading our men's basketball program," Father Shanley said. "Over the last several weeks, we have conducted a thorough search. During this process, we talked to some of the most knowledgeable members of the college basketball community. It was our task to find a coach who would lead our student-athletes and embrace the College's mission. Keno Davis met all of our selection criteria."
In his first season as a head coach, Davis led the Drake Bulldogs to a 28-5 mark, which included a 15-3 record in the Missouri Valley Conference. His team captured its first MVC regular season title since 1971 and its first ever MVC Tournament title. Drake became the first MVC school to win both the regular season and league tournament titles since 2002. For his efforts, he was named the Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year. The Bulldogs also made their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1971. Drake was defeated in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament by Western Kentucky, 101-99, in overtime.
During the 2008 season, Drake was nationally ranked for a school-record eight consecutive weeks. The Bulldogs finished ranked 14th in the Associated Press Poll and 23rd in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. Davis had all this success in his first season after inheriting a team that was 17-15 in 2007 and lost four starters to graduation. His 2008 squad was picked to finish ninth in the MVC.
"I believe Keno Davis has the knowledge, passion, commitment and ability to bring Providence College basketball to another level," Driscoll said. "Throughout his career he has demonstrated that he is an excellent leader and teacher. From the first moment I met Keno, I was impressed with his competitive nature and his desire to return Friar basketball to national prominence. His hiring is one of the many steps we have taken to improve the Friar men’s basketball program."
Prior to being selected as the head coach at Drake, Davis served as an assistant under his father, Dr. Tom Davis, at Drake from 2003-07. He began his coaching career in 1995 as an assistant under Bruce Pearl at Southern Indiana. He left Southern Indiana in 1997 and took an assistant position under Gary Garner at Southeast Missouri State.
He has written two books on basketball, "Pressure Defense" which was published in 1994 and "Camp Success" published in 2004.
Davis is no stranger to New England. His father served as the head coach at six colleges, including Boston College where he posted a 100-47 mark from 1977-82.
Davis and wife, Krista, have one son, Brady, who was born on November 12, 2007.
Providence College has just confirmed that it will hire Drake coach Keno Davis has its next basketball coach.
Davis will be introduced at a news conference at 5 p.m. today at PC's Alumni Hall. Fans and friends of the program are encouraged to attend the new coach's introduction.
Davis, 36, won the Associated Press' National Coach of the Year award at the Final Four last week after leading Drake to a 28-5 record in his first season as head coach. Davis arrived in Providence on Monday and discussed particulars of the job into the night with athletic director Bob Driscoll. A contract was apparently agreed upon this morning.
Davis is the son of Dr. Tom Davis who was the head coach at Boston College from 1977-82. Keno was born in 1972 and raised as a BC fan before his dad left to take a job at Stanford and then moved on to Iowa and then Drake from 2003-07 where he was joined by his son, Keno.
The Bulldogs were picked to finish ninth in the 10-team Missouri Valley Conference but blossomed into the most surprising team in the nation on the way to a conference title with a 15-3 record. At one point, Drake won 21 games in a row.
Drake advanced to the NCAA's for the first time since 1971. The Bulldogs lost to Western Kentucky in the first round on a last-second 3-point shot in overtime.
Keno Davis was previously an assistant coach at Drake from 2003-2007, Southeast Missouri State 1997-2003, Southern Indiana 1995-1997, as well as an undergraduate assistant coach at Iowa from 1991-1995. He currently lives with his wife Krista, whom he married in 2005. They have a son, Brady, who was born in November 2007.
We're awaiting official word from Providence College, but it appears that the Friars have found their next coach in Drake's Keno Davis. A press conference will happen this afternoon (5 p.m.).
One media outlet, FoxSports.com, has reported that the contract with Davis is complete, citing unnamed sources. We're going to wait for official word, which should be coming soon.
Here are some online resources to get you up to speed on Davis:
Providence College's search for a new basketball coach has focused on Drake's Keno Davis. The 36-year old coach has emerged as the favorite to be the next Friar coach.
On Monday, the rumor mills focused on Karl Hobbs and Kevin Willard. However it is Davis who could be hired as the next PC coach, as early as tomorrow.
More in Tuesday's Journal.
Providence College's basketball program is just about to wrap up its annual team banquet downtown at the Biltmore.
There is no news on the coaching front. Athletic director Bob Driscoll was not in attendance and is said to be actively chasing a replacement for Tim Welsh. It is not clear whether Driscoll is in town or traveling, although it appears he was out of town talking to a one particular prospect.
Just an informed guess here but I'm hearing George Washington's Karl Hobbs is still alive in this race. Iona's Kevin Willard and Hofstra's Tom Pecora are not viable names, it was learned on Monday.
More on the dinner in Tuesday's Journal.
On Monday night, Providence College is holding its annual end-of-season basketball banquet at the Biltmore Hotel. Will the program have a new head coach to unveil at the event?
That was the hot tip that interrupted the Masters this afternoon. PC athletic director Bob Driscoll has been working the phones the last few days in search of a new coach and it would not be a surprise if he’s settled on someone who will actually take the job this time around. The question, of course, is who?
After initially hearing rumblings about GW’s Karl Hobbs and Florida associate coach Larry Shyatt from high-level basketball people, we now know that Driscoll has been urged to think about Iona coach Kevin Willard by none other than Rick Pitino. Pitino is the same man who listened to an offer for himself to come back to Providence (not sure just how long that offer was considered by the King of Louisville) and then pushed PC to chase UMass coach Travis Ford. Ford turned PC down last Thursday in a major embarrassment for the Friar faithful.
Now it’s Willard. He just finished his first season at Iona where he went 12-20 and 8-10 in the MAAC. He inherited a 2-28 train wreck from Jeff Ruland and is considered a coach with potential but this would be a major risk for the Providence program. What would make it a little more palatable is if Kevin brings along his father, Ralph, the current Holy Cross head coach and use him in an associate head coach role. Something to think about.
Will Driscoll keep listening to Pitino, a conference rival whose job demands that he keep beating the Friars? He has not called Florida’s Shyatt but has done some background work on Hobbs, an interesting candidate. Hofstra’s Tom Pecora is another interesting name but as of yesterday his athletic director hadn’t heard of any interest from Providence.
No doubt shook by the public nature of his courtship of Ford, Driscoll seems to be playing his next move close to the vest. Wrapping it up Monday in time for a dinner expected to draw a few hundred fans wouldn’t be a bad idea at all.
AMHERST, Mass. -- Travis Ford has told Providence College officials he will not accept their offer to become the next coach at PC, deciding instead to remain at the University of Massachusetts.
There is no word on the Friars' next move in their coaching search, which began when they fired Tim Welsh nearly a month ago.
We do not expect a decision on PC's courtship of Travis Ford tonight.
Ford and his wife spent all day with PC athletic boss Bob Driscoll and schools president Rev. Brian Shanley. They were still on campus tonight but no announcement from the school is forthcoming. No press conferences are set for tomorrow at this point either.
Ford has a team banquet at the University of Massachusetts scheduled for Thursday night. It would be a major shock if he doesn't give PC his decision by then.
Could Ford turn the Friars down? Sure. He'd be walking away from a huge payday, Big East notoriety and a chance to live in a more vibrant, urban community than Amherst but he's done a very good job at UMass and proven he can win a lot of games (49 in the last two years) in the Atlantic 10. Only fear that he can't do the same (or something remotely close) at Providence should keep him from saying yes to the Friars.
PROVIDENCE -- Providence College's search for a new basketball coach has focused on Massachusetts coach Travis Ford.
Ford, 38, is in Providence today and meeting with athletic director Bob Driscoll. He and his wife just finished a tour of the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
There are no indications that an agreement between the two sides is complete but this is the strongest sign yet that the four-week search could be nearing an end.
"I have not scheduled any press conference for today.'' PC associate athletic director Arthur Parks said.
Ford met with Driscoll at the Final Four in San Antonio. On Tuesday, he issued a statement from his office at UMass that said he no longer wished to be considered for the coaching job vacancy at LSU.
"I would like to make clear that I do not want to be considered for the head job at LSU," Ford said in the statement. "There has been a lot of misinformation circulating about me and the job at LSU. I feel that it is necessary to state that I do not want to be considered for the job."
Ford's interest in other jobs was not addressed, however. UMass finished 25-11 this past season in Ford's third year at the school and the Minutemen lost the NIT championship game to Ohio State, 92-85.
PROVIDENCE -- All Providence College basketball fans hungry for a press conference to announce the next coach can rest easy today. Go watch the Red Sox' Opening Day game.
First off, no New England school in its right mind would ever announce anything on Opening Day. This is a true Holy Day for the majority of sports fans in the region.
More importantly, PC isn't closing in on a new coach. Bob Driscoll is set to fly home from San Antonio today. No candidate has met with Fr. Brian Shanley, which clearly must happen before anyone gets hired. In theory, that could occur in the next 2-3 days but we've learned not to hold our breath during this search. We think a search that's already taken plenty of twists and turns has more twisting and turning ahead.
Larry Brown? We hear he's listened to Driscoll in San Antonio. Would he really come here? You can find some long odds somewhere on that one but it sure would make things interesting in Friar Town.
By the way, PC's Driscoll is NOT attending the Frozen Four in Denver this week. He's on the NCAA Hockey committee but has cancelled do to the basketball situation.
Robinson expected to be introduced as Oregon State coach tonight
Here's word from Oregon State's athletic web site.....
Corvallis – Oregon State University Director of Athletics Bob De Carolis is asking “Beaver Nation” to turn out for Monday’s welcoming press conference for the new men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University.
The formal introduction will take place at 4 p.m. in legendary Gill Coliseum.
Brown coach Craig Robinson is expected to be the coach introduced at OSU. He traveled to Oregon this morning but had yet to accept the job. Obviously a press conference will seal the deal.
There is a report from FoxSports.com that Brown coach Craig Robinson is ready to accept the coaching job at Oregon State.
That's bad news for Brown and bad news for Providence College, which clearly took a pass on Robinson or at least was caught dragging its feet if it indeed wanted Robinson to be the next Friars' coach.
We're trying to confirm this report as we speak.
ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla has emerged as a candidate for the vacant PC job. Fraschilla hasn't coached since he was bought out of his contract by New Mexico in 2002 but he is a `name' coach who is an ex-PC assistant under Rick Barnes and was the head coach at St. John's from 1997-98.
Albany coach Will Brown is also in the mix. The New York Daily News reported Sunday that PC had `focused' its search on Brown, Ohio's Tim O'Shea and Brown's Craig Robinson.
More on the PC search in Monday's Journal
Providence College athletic director Bob Driscoll is traveling to San Antonio today. The city is the site of Saturday's Final Four and the national title game Monday night.
Once he checks into his room, Driscoll will be inundated with `Who are you going to hire?' questions from the hundreds of AD and coach-types who fill Final Four cities every year. Driscoll is expected to meet with the candidates he says are on his `short list' beginning Saturday.
One name that's appeared in The Journal since Tim Welsh was fired three weeks ago is that of Tim O'Shea, the former URI and Boston College assistant who is now the head coach at Ohio University. O'Shea is one of the coaches likely to sit with Driscoll over the next few days.
O'Shea has compiled an impressive resume at Ohio, a member of the Mid-American Conference which happens to be one of the most competitive leagues in the country. Over the last 18 seasons, only one school (Kent State, 2001-02) has repeated as conference tournament champion.
Ohio won that tourney in 2005 and put a major scare into Billy Donovan and Florida before losing, 67-62. The Bobcats finished 21-11 that season and that success has continued with O'Shea's teams winning 19, 19 and 20 games the last three years. In his seven years as coach, Ohio has beaten North Carolina, DePaul, Virginia, Cincinnati, Rhode Island (twice), St. Joseph's, Maryland and St. John's.
Ohio finished 20-13 this season, including the win at Maryland and over SJU in Hawaii. Interestingly, the Bobcats thumped Jim Larranaga's George Mason team, 69-57, in February when it erupted for 50 second half points. Larranaga is the coach who turned down an offer to come to PC on Wednesday.
Neither Driscoll or O'Shea will comment publicly about a potential meeting. That means we can't report it. But it seems likely the two will talk. Who else will get Driscoll's ear. Brown's Craig Robinson seems likely. So does UMass' Travis Ford but the Kentucky native is reported to be waiting to see if he can get involved at LSU.
We've been posting today on the ProJo's Sports Blog. Don't want to short change the Hoops Blog, however.
Here are the last 3 entries on a busy day for the Friars.
Larranaga Gets 3-year extension
Not a shock. Jim Larranaga has reached agreement on a 3-year extension to his contract at George Mason.
Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Tom O'Connor announced today that Larranaga has signed a three-year extension at George Mason. Larranaga is now signed through the 2014-15 season.
"Jim (Larranaga) is a terrific ambassador for George Mason University,"
O'Connor said. "Obviously with the 2006 run to the Final Four, our basketball program and the University have garnered a lot of national attention. On top of that he is a tremendous basketball coach, he's our coach and I'm proud to say that he will continue to be our coach for the next seven years."
"I've made it clear over the years that my family and I have loved it here at George Mason," Larranaga said. "I feel very fortunate to work under the great leadership of President Merten and Tom O'Connor. I feel very connected to both the George Mason and the greater Fairfax County communities. We have enjoyed their great support and it continues to grow. I've said before that I hope to retire here at George Mason and this contract extension allows me to do just that."
Posted by Kevin at 4:48 PM | Permalink
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PC renews search for coach
PC athletic director Bob Driscoll just issued a press release. Here's what it says:
"Over the last several days it became public knowledge that we were in discussions with George Mason head coach Jim Larranaga about becoming our men's basketball coach. We offered him a very substantial package but he was too comfortable in his current situation and opted to stay at George mason. As a result, I will continue to have ongoing discussions with the other finalists in this search. I remain very optimistic that we will find a head coach who will embrace the rich tradition of Friar basketball and move the program forward."
Who's next for the Friars? Certainly not clear at this point but they're likely to look at Davidson's Bob McKillop (who won't be interested), Brown's Craig Robinson, UMass' Travis Ford, Arizona's Kevin O'Neill and Ohio U's Tim O'Shea. But this race is now wide open.
-- KEVIN McNAMARA
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Larranaga says no to Providence
Jim Larranaga has decided to remain as coach at George Mason and not accept an offer to come to Providence College, according to PC associate athletic director Arthur Parks. A release from athletic director Bob Driscoll is due at any moment.
Jim Larranaga has decided to remain as coach at George Mason and not accept an offer to come to Providence College.
PC athletic director Bob Driscoll just issued a press release. Here's what it says:
"Over the last several days it became public knowledge that we were in discussions with George Mason head coach Jim Larranaga about becoming our men's basketball coach. We offered him a very substantial package but he was too comfortable in his current situation and opted to stay at George mason. As a result, I will continue to have ongoing discussions with the other finalists in this search. I remain very optimistic that we will find a head coach who will embrace the rich tradition of Friar basketball and move the program forward."
Who's next for the Friars? Certainly not clear at this point but they're likely to look at Davidson's Bob McKillop (who won't be interested), Brown's Craig Robinson, UMass Travis Ford, Arizona's Kevin O'Neill and Ohio U's Tim O'Shea. But this race is now wide open.
It appears that George Mason coach is understandably torn between staying in Virginia and leaving for the basketball coaching job at Providence College. We expect word one way or the other some time today.
Here's a good story from today's Washington Times.
No fresh news today on the PC-Jim Larranaga courtship. But the day isn't over yet.
The George Mason coach is weighing an offer to become the next Providence College hoop boss and it's certainly possible that a decision could come later today or tonight. Larranaga has been in contact with several notable PC people, including high-ranking alumns and his former coach, Dave Gavitt.
At this stage of the process, it's quite normal for both sides to be talking money and length of contract but also for the coach to be asking for things that can help him win: money for staff, charter flights, scheduling control, ect. It is unclear, however, if Larranaga has decided if he's going to take the job.
Now, as this morning's Journal reported, the ball is in his court. We'll see how much longer it takes before he makes his move.
Good news Friar fans. There is movement on the PC coaching front. We'll be posting a story on projo.com in the next few hours.
Speaking from the NCAA hockey tournament in Madison, Wisc., tonight, athletic director Bob Driscoll said he's remained busy with the basketball search. PC could be closing in on their man.
It was a very productive first day of the NCAA Tournament for Providence College fans. Many of the candidates the school could be looking at for its vacant basketball head coach position are now free.
Jim Larranaga, George Mason. Lost. Kevin O'Neill, Arizona. Lost. Jim Christian, Kent State. Lost. Not a bad day.
Larranaga's Mason team was blitzed early by Notre Dame and never made a serious run. O'Neill is Arizona's interim HC but with Lute Olson set to return in 2008-09, it's safe to assume O'Neill will move on to a good job like Providence if he can get it. The Wildcats lost to West Virginia in one of the better games of an uneventful (nay Belmont's near-miss upset of Duke) first day of the tournament.
Kent's Christian was downright embarrassed in a blowout loss to UNLV. The Flashes set a record for offensive ineptness (12 first half points?). Not exactyl a ringing endorsement.
You can add Brown's Craig Robinson to this list. The Bears lost at Ohio on Tuesday and PC athletic director Bob Driscoll can dial over to the East Side anytime now.
Who's still playing? We still hear that Saint Joe's coach Phil Martelli wants to listen to what Providence is all about. His Hawks play Oklahoma tonight. Also, a smart AD will at least talk to Davidson's Bob McKillop, who also plays tonight.
Kevin McNamara chatted with projo.com readers at noon today about college hoops. Here is the transcript of the chat.
Kevin McNamara: Hello hoop fans. We'll be here for about an hour answering your questions on the NCAA tournament, PC, URI and Brown hoops. We don't have many questions in our Q already so fire away and I'll give it my best shot for a return volley.
THL: I don't believe there are very many Friar fans who give a damn about the NCAA Tournament. All we want to know about is the status of Tim Welsh, and who is going to be the coach come next season. I writing this question on last Friday afternoon, so maybe you've got some answers by now to the questions that everybody wants answers to.
Kevin McNamara: Here's what we know about the PC job. Bob Driscoll is clearly focusing on a few coaches who are still working with their current teams. That makes this week a pretty slow one on the search process. He'll certainly do backround checks on some of his top choices. Who are the 3-4 guys he's focusing on? Too early to tell. At this point, he won't contact coaches until their teams are done playing so I wouldn't say anybody is a leader. Some coaches also won't get involved unless they are contacted by PC first. So who is going to be the next PC coach? I don't know and I know Bob Driscoll doesn't either at this point.
james donald: What about the Georgte Maswon Coach
Kevin McNamara: Is this Jimmy Donaldson? If so, come on in here and you do this chat.
b1: Kevin you do a great job. Jim O'Brien has been a popular name in the coaching rumor mill but he hasn't been mentioned so far in the press. Is he at all being considered to be replace Welsh?
Kevin McNamara: If i was doing this search, I'd think about Jim O'Brien and speak with him but it seems as if PC is scared away by his transgressions with the NCAA while at Ohio State.
Bobbyg: While a little early in the procedings, the obvious question is who might be in the mix to replace Timmy W?
Kevin McNamara: These are the guys I'd be talking to, in no particular order: Phil Martelli, Bob McKillop, Jim Larranaga, Craig Robinson, Kevin O'Neill. Other guys who I wouldn't suspect would have an interest who I'd call on include Anthony Grant (VCU), Jeff Van Gundy (likely NBA return) and Sean Miller (Xavier). That's called shooting for the moon.
Red: Kevin: Does the URI administration have any idea how restless the natives are? Not just the few of us on the projo board, but others I talk to are frankly embarassed at the way things went down the dumper. We need change -- what will it take?
Kevin McNamara: You are wasting your breath. First of all, URI is more than happy with a 21-win season and return to NIT for first time in several years. Now the next step is geting to the NCAA's. I think the Rams are positioned to remain in that mix over the next few years. They've recruited well and have talent in every class in their program. Did things fall apart at the end of this season? Of course. But the big picture is a positive. Besdies, there is absolutely no way URI can get out of Jim Baron's contract even if it wanted to. He is owed 5 more years. Barring an unforeseen embarrassment, URI would have to privately raise big $$ for a buyout. That is not on anyone's radar screen, even if a small pocket of fans think it should be.
kurtsletten: Kevin, it seems to me that a coach with a solid recruiting background should be a high priority. Both Rick Barnes and Pete Gillen seemed to be able to pry away blue chippers away from the bigger schools (i.e. Michael Smith, God Shammgod) while Welsh always seemed to be searching for a a diamond in the rough (i.e. Gomes). Your thoughts?
Kevin McNamara: The perfect staff at Providence would include an innovative coach willing to try something different in X's and O's. He'd also be someone who loves recruiting and the challenge of trying to target top 100 players and getting them. More importantly, PC needs a coaching staff filled with recruiters and guys with connections. If someone can be hired and bring a top recruit along `a package deal' all the better. Finally, the staff needs to be good at individual workouts so the players in the program get better once they are here. That's asking a lot and I don't know if a staff with that makeup is even possible but that is my goal if I'm Bob Driscoll.
nelsonstmafia: kevin - 34 at large bids, 26 went to "bcs" schools, leaving just 8 to smaller conferences. what does it say about the a-10 and the level of competition that URI played against this season?
Kevin McNamara: The A-10 made great strides this season to get back into that upper echelon of leagues. Now it has to build on it. Three bids this season, 4 or 5 next year. Repeating its N-C success is clearly paramount because RPI's for all the schools slide once conference play begins..The A-10 will get its share of bids if it is the 7th or 8th conference, staying ahead of the Missouri Valley and Colonial, for example. If it slides back to 10th or 11th, it will struggle to get at-large bids.
kurtsletten: Kevin, any thoughts as to where Welsh ends up next?
Kevin McNamara: I keep hearing from other coaches and plugged=in media types that Tim Welsh could get hired by another school in the next few months. I believe that. The question is would Welsh want to coach at a school like Toledo, which just opened? Good league (MAC) but you have to live in Toledo. That's a question only Tim can answer.
jim: On name I haven't heard menioned is Tommy Amaker at Harvard who has Big East ties. Assuming that PC can't persuade a big name coach to come here, what about a top assistant coach. Maybe a guy like Chris Collins or even Richard Pitino.
Kevin McNamara: Tommy Amaker is not on the radar, and should not be. He's at Harvard for a reason. he didn;t get it done at Michigan. Michigan. PC will not hire an assistant coach. That is suicide in a conference where you coach against Pitino, Boeheim, Calhoun, Huggins, ect.
Bobbyg: I am hopeful that the returning PC team will entice a decent coach into realizing that they are not inheriting a broken program, but one that could (make that "should" with the right coaching) get into the NCAA next year. When I hear Larranaga and O'Brien I think their better days have come and gone. Of course, when you bring the hot young coach in you risk another Pitino or Barnes situation where they are exiting in 2 - 3 years after some quick success. It ain't easy being a small school in a big league. Driscoll has his work cut out for him. But I have faith in Driscol and more in Fr. Shanley.
Kevin McNamara: Right now I think PC would be thrilled with a 3-5 year run by a coach that is good enough to send him on to greener pastures. Winning is what it's all about. if that wasn't the case, Tim Welsh would still be the coach. As for your take that PC should be in the NCAA's nexty season, I doubt they will be selected pre-season in the Big East's top 7.
rhody85: How about Travis Ford, or is he to smart to think he could win on a consistent basis at PC, I do think you can win at PC, just not consistently.
Kevin McNamara: Travis Ford belongs in the South, not in Rhode island. I think he needs to get UMass into the NCAA's before he moves on. He's doing a fine job in Amherst right now.
Eileen: What about Tim O'Shea?
Kevin McNamara: Good coach who's won a lot of games in a difficult league. Someone who is on the radar, for sure.
rhody85: How good is Ben Eaves supposed to be?
Kevin McNamara: I haven't seen Ben play in a while but reports from URI's coaching staff were that he will help right away next season. He needs to shoot the ball well from outside to play a lot of minutes. He'll compete with LUlmer and Delroy james for minutes.
Friar Fan: Kevin- I was shocked when Driscoll said he was going to be a one man search commitee. He said his experience as a hockey coach allows him to make the call. That scare you?
Kevin McNamara: I much prefer the 1-man committee approach to the URI-like Gang of 10. That is unweildly and insulting to candidates, in all honesty. PC is a private school and can run searches anyway it chooses. URI and other public schools are bound to use committees for important hires. I think Bob knows enough people that he wil listen to important ones to get names to explore and then do his homework to investigate and meet ones he really likes. Then they come to PC and meet Fr. Shanley and others. That's how it'll play out. It could take awhile to get to the end.
rhody85: Is Eaves in anyway a Will Daniels substitute? Or is that asking too much?
Kevin McNamara: It's asking too much. Will was a 2-time all-league player. Ben has yet to prove he can play at this level. Just getting him to play 20 minutes a game and score 8-12 points a game would be a good 1st year in my book.
rf1: It seems that the A-10 has a perception problem. Everyone was talking about the league's great OOC season. Yet the league is later crucified because some of its top teams lose to teams in conference. The converse is not true for teams in the Big East. You hear very little when it comes to bubble talk about WV losing to Cinci, Villanova losing to Rutgers, or Syracuse losing to South Fla and Cinci. You instead hear how tough a league like the Big East is. The Big East was the RPI fifth rated league ( the A-10 was the RPI 7th rated league). It is the opposite for the A-10. Why is this? Do you think it is fair?
Kevin McNamara: The numbers don't lie. I think the Big East had six teams in the top 25 or so of the RPI. The A-10 had 1 (Xavier). Huge difference there. When you play so many good teams in conference, you can't damage yourself all that much with a `bad' loss. Not the case in the A-10. I agree with your premise that the A-10 has a perception problem. Dayton, for example, should've really been considered stronger for the NCAA in my eyes. The issue there was a horrid final 12 games. The conference RPI's do not matter. At all. ACC was #1 and it got 4 teams in. Look at individual resumes and then ask yourself, is this team's records better than another. Do that with Dayton and Villanova, for example. It's very, very close but I'm sure the committee members would say Villanova had better wins later in the year. Dayton's wins over Louisville and Pitt were somehow downgraded. I'm not sure why.
rhody85: Any word on Scott Cordischi being picked up by another local radio station to do an afternoon sports talk show, I already miss having a Rhode Island option during tourney time. Find myself trying to get the FAN out of NYC, although you did a great job on EEI yesterday they don't do a good job with college hoops.
Kevin McNamara: Losing The Score is a tragedy for RI hoop fans. A real tragedy. No word this early on local sports radio getting back into Rhode Island and I'd say it is a long shot. The Score's ratings were very low and that led to its demise. In retrospect, talking Pats/red Sox 52 weeks a year and trying to mirror WEEI was a knockout mistake. That may be what `the public' wanted but it didn't help the station very much. I find it hard to believe there isn't a market for a station that does Sox/Pats and PC/URI a little more often. ..I'm with you. hearing defensive line talk in March turns my stomach. I also think its a shame and downright sinful for Citadel to dump the Score as quickly as it did and not give these guys more of a going away package. Radio is an awful business.
Kevin McNamara: Out of questions guys. Fire away. How about the NCAA tourney??
rhody85: Will Billy Baron prep after next year or is he ready for D1 play?
Kevin McNamara: I think Billy Baron should go to prep for the next 2 years. My opinion only.
kurtsletten: Kevin, can you tell us anything about PC's lone recruit for next year, the kid from New Jersey? Is the consensus that he is a Big East type player?
Kevin McNamara: Bilal Dixon enjoyed a very good senior season in New Jersey. He's seen as a typical Tim Welsh recruit: a sleeper. Good news is he owns the type of physical body to perhaps play some right away. He's a little bigger than Jon Kale. We'll see if he's better.
Red: Out of questions? You haven't answered my follow-up yet.
Kevin McNamara: Repeat please, Red.
rhody85: Is there a small station in RI that has sports talk, I thought I heard that. Is Cordischi doing the broadcast of the Brown game tonight?
Kevin McNamara: I do not know of it. If you do, fire it my way. In know that Scott and Russ Tyler are doing the Brown-Ohio game tonight on 790-am. There's a note on that in our paper today.
nelsonstmafia: kevin - do you see any big surprises in the coaching carousel? every year, someone gets fired or leaves a good job for another out of the blue. what do you predict for this year?
Kevin McNamara: There always are Nelson. Like Tubby Smith leaving Kentucky to go to Minnesota a year ago. I think PC would love to get lucky like that. Tough to predict who would be that big domino to fall.
CranstonFriar: Is there a surprise candidate people haven't heard about who might be a candidate for the PC job? and how long can the search go before it impacts recruiting?
Kevin McNamara: I'm sure a name or three will sirface over the next few weeks that you'd call a `surprise.' That's the nature of the beast. As for recruiting, its effected recruiting all year. Big Time. I'll be writing on that in the next few days.
rhody85: I thought there was a small station in Woonsocket that did sports talk for a few hours, although I can't remeber where I heard that. The score should have made a run at the rights to URI after losing PC. I think PC made a mistake on going to EEI.
Kevin McNamara: You're wrong on that one. If PC didn't go to WEEI, it would be up sh&%#'s creek right now. The Score would be gone and they'd be on an oldies station. if this happened last year, PC would have no leverage with its negotiations with WEEI. They snuck in just in time. The URI-WHJJ relationship has been a good one for URI but signal issues are a major problem with stations around Rhode Island.
Red: You said the administration is happy wih 21 wins and a trip to the NIT. Those 21 wins are an ilusion for a numbe of reasons, not the least of which is the 30-game regular season. We were picked to finish at or near the top of our league, but we finished, what, eighth? And who did we beat? Nobody playing in the NCAA. And when we started circling the drain in the last seven-eight weeks, what adjustments were made? He had the best pure shooter in the country and couldn't even get him open. And how many point guards abused us on simple pick-and-rolls? You need at least two hands to count them. And they're satisfied with all this?
Kevin McNamara: Got it, Red. Satisfied, sure. Thrilled? Of course not. I think URI's talent base was exposed in A-10 play. Not enough big men and lack of point guard depth was a real issue. As for defense, that'll be priority numbert one in the off-season. I know this doesn't answer your question but, believe me, there is no `Get Baron' sentiment in Kingston with the people that matter. None.
SU Fan: Kevin you think there will be any kids flunk out from PC with the staff gone? Bye the way word on campus here is Greene is not going to class and is gone for next year.
Kevin McNamara: If you mean Donte Greene, that's too bad. He said after Big East loss that he's back if he's not in top 5. I'll believe that..Too early to guess if PC has any academic issues.
CranstonFriar: How secure is Paul Hewitt at GaTech?
Kevin McNamara: I hear he's secure now. After next year could be another matter. I'd try to talk to him, for sure. I think he'd be an excellent fit at Providence.
rhody85: Ideally both Rhody and PC would have consitent success, do think Rhody in the A10 is set up to have more consistency than Providence in the BE?
Kevin McNamara: Define consistent success? Winning seasons, NIT's, NCAA's?
rhody85: You and PK do a great job, I hope you both get to follow the teams on the road next year.
Kevin McNamara: Plans are a go. Right now anyways. It helps when you avid fans keep reading our stuff. Please keep it up.
rhody85: 4 out of 5 years in either NIT or NCAA's.
Kevin McNamara: I feel that's asking an awful lot for both schools. If I had to answer your question, I'd say it's easier to get to the NIT at URI than PC. It may be easier to get to NCAA at Providence since the Big East gets 6-8 bids every year and th A-10 gets 2-3. But it's very, very hard at both of these schools.
SU Fan: I read where PC's AD said he expects thenm to be in the top 5 or 6 in the conference every year. You know what schools he thinks you guys should be ahead of?
Kevin McNamara: I am not in agreement with that. Just my opinion. I agree with you. PC finishes 7th next year. Name the 9 teams it finishes ahead of?
617rhodyfan: kevin - USC/kansas state, who do you like?
Kevin McNamara: I like So. Cal. To go a long ways. Final Four is possible.
Kevin McNamara: Thanks a lot everyone. Enjoy the tournament. This is the best time of the year for us basketball-crazed fans.
Kevin McNamara will be online from noon to 1 p.m. to take your questions about the NCAA Tournament and other college basketball matters. You can submit your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, pick a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them.
Just wanted to pass this note along to Friar fans. It comes from one of our all-time favorites, John Linehan...
Hello Kevin,
This is John Linehan, former PC point guard. I hope you remember me! Just kidding. I just heard the terrible news over here in Paris about Coach Welsh. I am truly upset by his firing. Tim Welsh, from nearly his third or fourth year as head coach, has really been plagued with injuries to key players in the line-up. Just take the season in which I was injured. We had literally one of the worst seasons ever in PC history. The following season, we had one of the best seasons where we tied and set records for number of wins in the Big East, largest margin of victory against a Georgetown team, etc. I am just saying this because I think everyone can agree that if Coach Tim Welsh has a 100% healthy ball club, we would have seen more consistency in style of play which leads to more victories and trips to the NCAA tournament. If given another year, Tim, having gotten Sharaud and the other upper classmen back, could have had a dream season.
I know it’s a situation where I am saying what if, but it just seems to be a little unjust. Ten years ago, we had a really talented and energetic young coach in Tim Welsh who was struck with a bit of bad luck when trying to build a nationally competitive program. I’m sorry I’m venting on you, but I’m just a little sad for my coach.
I hope all is well! Take care and Go Friars!
You never know until kids show up on campus but Bilal Dixon, PC's only recruit for next year, says he still wants to come to the school despite Tim Welsh's firing.
More on the story in Monday's Journal.
We're back from a long afternoon at Providence College where Tim Welsh was relieved of his duties. We'll have three stories in Sunday's Journal on the news.
Here are excerpts from AD Bob Driscoll's press briefing:
“Ultimately as the athletic director I’m responsible for the successes or the failures of my programs and basketball is my primary responsibility,” he said. “I just felt that at this juncture, looking at the body of work and where we need to do, that a change in leadership was necessary. It’s not personal to Tim. It’s part of the business and having been in this business for a long time, you trust your gut instinct in terms of change."
"With change comes great opportunity and renewed energy. That was the reason why I made the decision. The other reason is I have a high expectation for men’s basketball here at Providence College. This perception that we can never be successful or that we’re happy with just getting to the Big East (Tournament), well that goes against every bit of my core being. My goal is to win the Big East championship. Will we get there? Time will tell. But there’s no reason we can’t finish in the upper half of that league and if you do that on a consistent basis, you’ll get to the (NCAA) Tournament.
“I can look at Georgetown and at Marquette, particularly Georgetown four or five years ago, and they were nowhere near in the mix. Those schools have been able to do it. If you look at the leadership here and the facilities we’ve built, with what’s happening downtown at the new Dunk, the money we’re raising, there’s no question in my mind that we can get there. Now we have to prove that we can get there but that’s the reason I made this decision, because of the expectations that we have.”
"A number of the people that we’ll hopefully start looking at are in the Tournament,” he said. “Out of respect for them, we’re not going to start those conversations (yet). But there’s ways to find out whether people are interested without messing that whole system up for them.”
“I’d like to do it as quickly as I can but I don’t want to put a strict time line on it because if there are people I want to talk to who are continuing on, obviously I can’t do that. In an ideal world you’d want someone on board by the conclusion of the Final Four but I don’t know. I want to take as much time as necessary to do the best job I can to get the right person. It’s fluid.”
Here is PC's official release on the firing of Tim Welsh....
WELSH WILL NOT RETURN AS PROVIDENCE COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL COACH
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll announced today (March 15) that men’s basketball Head Coach Tim Welsh will not return to coach the Friars in 2008-09. Driscoll met with Welsh today to discuss the situation.
“I appreciate all the hard work and dedication that Tim has put into this program over the last 10 years,” Driscoll said. “He represented the College with dignity and class. However, I felt that it was in the best interest of the program and Providence College to make a change in leadership.”
His 2007-08 Friar squad registered a 15-16 record and a 6-12 mark in the BIG EAST. The Friars finished 12th of 16 teams in the BIG EAST this season. The Friars’ season ended on Wednesday when they were defeated by West Virginia, 58-53, in the First Round of the BIG EAST Tournament.
Welsh was named the 13th head coach of Friar men’s basketball team on April 2, 1998. In his 10 seasons as a head coach at Providence, he led the team to a 160-143 mark (.528) and a 72-92 record (.439) in BIG EAST regular-season play. In five of his 10 seasons the Friars qualified for post-season action. Providence was selected to participate in the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2004. The team also played in the NIT in 1999, 2003 and 2007.
Driscoll plans to begin a search immediately for a new head coach.
“This is a very important decision and I will work diligently to find someone who will lead our men’s basketball program and guide our student-athletes,” Driscoll said. “Providence College has a rich tradition in men’s basketball. I have very high standards for the program and I expect that we will find the best person to move the program forward.”
Tim Welsh Coaching Record at Providence College
AT PC: 10 years 160-143 .528; Big East: 72-92 (.439)
Providence College will have a new basketball coach next season.
The school is set to announce that it has fired Tim Welsh with one year left on his contract. More details to come. An official announcement is expectred at any moment.
PC has lost its Big East Tournament game to West Virginia, 58-53. PC finishes its season 15-16.
The Friars had poor offensive execution down the stretch with turnovers and missed shots at the rim. Joe Alexander led WVU with 22 points. Weyinmi Efejuku led the Friars with 12 points.
West Virginia is digging in a bit tougher on defense and is now in the lead at the 10:39 mark. A truly shocking sight just unfolded. Greedy Peterson, one of the best dunkers on this earth, just flubbed a wide open look. Maybe the ball came out of his hand too quickly. Not sure.
But it's another example of PC not capitalizing on easy scoring chances. That has to stop, and the Friars' D needs to stay strong. Joe Alexander (16 points) is getting too many wide open looks.
The Friars just watched Joe Mazzulla drive and kick to an open Joe Alexander who nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game, 28-28.
The shot deflates a PC team that should be up by several points at this point. PC has played tough defense and done a good job on the boards but West Virginia rebounded from a 26-17 deficit and closed the half with a 11-2 run. Joe Alexander is playing like a pro, hitting shots inside and out. He has 10 points.
PC's offense let a load of easy chances slip through the fingers. The Friars didn;t convert on several fastbreaks, either with missed layups or turnovers. PC has gotten a lot of energy and a lift from its bench with Greedy Peterson and Chuck Burch.
The Friars are playing gritty defense and lead, 26-21, with 3:52 to play. PC is scrambling for loose balls and doing a good job at limiting WVU to one shot. If PC could make some layups in traffic (Greedy, Randall Hanke), they'd be up double digits.
The crowd isn't exactly into this one. The Syracuse fans are in shock knowing they have to head back to the Tundra later today.
The Friars are here in Madison Sqaure Garden, getting ready to play West Virginia in the first round of the Big East tourney. A few weeks ago, this did not seem possible.
PC won two games down the stretch that the rest of the league didn't expect and that punched the team's ticket to New York.
A lot going on here, needless to say. Villanova just beat Syracuse, 82-63. The Orange led big early but couldn't stop Nova's shooting. They canned 11 threes, 8-of-10 in the second half when they exploded for 55 points. The win moves Nova a step closer to an NCAA bid. Syracuse, however, may just end up at home for the second straight season. If that doesn't tell fans just how hard it is to make the NCAA Tournament, nothing will.
There is nothing like the scene here at MSG. Fans from all over the league get into the games but a large majority sit, watch and judge. Fans of the teams playing certainly make plenty of noise when their players do something snazzy. PC has its share of fans here, as does West Virginia, but nothing like the contingents from Villanova and Syracuse.
The Friars are finishing their warmups. No referees around so Greedy Peterson is doing a few windmill jams. Nice touch.
The Friars are more aggressive on offense than they were down in Morgantown and its helped. They lead, 16-13. Just put together a 10-2 run.
Geoff McDermott's ballhandling and passing have sparked the early play. Shockingly, Tim Welsh's first sub was Greedy Peterson. We haven't seen him in a game in about 3 weeks.
In the first game of today's Big East Tournament quadruple header, the Villanova Wildcats outscored the Syracuse Orange by 20 points in the second half to win, 82-63. Scottie Reynolds led Villanova with 22 points. Click here to see the box score. Up next, it's Providence vs. West Virginia.
Multimedia: Kevin McNamara previews PC-West Virginia
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Kevin McNamara previews the Friars' Big East Tournament game this afternoon against the Mountaineers.
URI's the lower seed, they just lost to Charlotte on Saturday night, and they closed out their season by losing seven of their last nine games. Yet URI is a one-point favorite in tonight's rematch with the 49ers. Projo.com readers so far don't agree with the Vegas oddsmakers; we've been asking for people to predict whether either URI or PC will win a first-round conference tournament game, and the fans aren't giving either team much of a chance, so far.
With 152 votes in, 62 people (41 percent) are predicting a URI victory, 48 (32 percent) are predicting a PC victory, and 53 people (35 percent) are picking both teams to lose. Just 16 voters (11 percent) say both local teams will win today.
Kevin McNamara: Hello everyone. Obviously one of the busiest times of the year for college hoop mavens. I'm headed to NYCity later today to get ready for tomorrow's PC-West Virginia game. I'm packing right now. Should I go light or heavy?
Kevin McNamara: Please forward your questions. I have about 15 in the Q right now. I will not answer the PC coaching situation over and over and over. I will take questions on URI and Brown as well as NCAA tourney questions. We'll go for about an hour.
BedfordPenthouse: What does Tim Welsh have to do at this point to get an extention going into next year?
Kevin McNamara: Here goes with the Tim Welsh category. The PC coach is obviously on very shaky ground right now. You can debate whether that is fair or not but it is fact. No decision has been made on whether his contract is extend or not. I know this as fact. Can he save himself at this point? That's debatable but he can make it interesting with, say 2 wins this week. Getting to Big East semis with team would be a major achievement....As to new coaching names, let's just say that I've done my share of research. Most of the names fans are tossing about have NO interest in coming to Providence. They either can get better jobs, have a better job or don;t like the chances to win here. I do think that if TW were to get fired, the Friars can find a good coach and won;t have to pay $800K-plus. I think Bob Driscoll will aim high and see if he can get a proven winner. If that doesn't happen, he'll have to get creative and think broadly. That is risky but if Welsh isn't the coach next year, there are no guarantees that the next coach is `better' than he is. If this reads like I am not going to discuss Larranaga, O'Brien, Christian, Van Gundy, ect. you are correct.
BedfordPenthouse: The two names that people have been throwing around to become the next Friars coach have been Jim Larranaga and Jim O'Brien. Of the two, who is better for this job?
Kevin McNamara: Ditto.
THL: Have you heard anything new regarding a coaching change at PC?
Kevin McNamara: Ditto.
pcfan: Hello, Kevin: Should PC be eliminated tomorrow, and the season officially end, do you have any sense of a timeframe for when (or if) PC will replace Welsh? Is it likely that he will "resign" or do you think PC will fire him? Thank You.
Kevin McNamara: As for timing, if PC goes down tomorrow, I would think early to middle next week they have an annoucement on whether the coach is in contract negotiations or moving on.
FriarFan: When will PC make a coaching announcement? What do anticipate regarding their decesion? Thanks.
Kevin McNamara: See above.
BedfordPenthouse: Will Greedy Peterson be in a Friars uniform next season?
Kevin McNamara: I think Greedy has the potential to be a good Big East player. He is undersized, however, and needs to learn how to play without the basketball on offense. That's been his issue late in this season. Tim Welsh would love to have Greedy back. if he's not the coach, you'd have to ask the new guy.
BedfordPenthouse: While his brother will most likely go to UCONN, what are the chances that Majok Majok ends up with the Friars?
Kevin McNamara: All recruiting is up in the air at Providence. That's been the main problem with the decision to let this season be a `referendum' on Tim Welsh. No way anyone would commit to PC in this scenario. The staff has worked the junior class but fallen behind other competitors. Majok Majok is just a name. PC doesn't `lead' for him, in any way shape or form.
matt: kevin ,next year coach baron will give us the excuse that when you lose seniors like Will Daniels and Parfait Bitee that it is tough to replace them. Knowing that will be his excuse next year - what possibly could his excuse be for the collapse we witnessed this year? I think he needs to take responsibility for this. 2007-2008 was supposed to be THE YEAR. Not qualifying for any tournament is totally unacceptable. I hope Thorr Bjorn recognizes this.
Kevin McNamara: I am as surprised as anyone that the Rams have faded here in February-March. I hope they can win a game in Atlantic City and find their way into the NIT or CBI but it will be tough, as Paul Kenyon's article in today's Journal correctly points out. What is the `excuse?' It's lack of defense. Why is this? URI patterned its game after the run-and-gun NBA teams and when its offense was roaring, the Rams were very good. When the O stalls a bit, the defense isn't there to back things up. Losing WDaniels, PBitee and Joe Mbang is very big for this team. URI fans are learning how tough it is to get to the NCAA's.
Ben: Hi, Kevin. URI basketball has seen yet another embarrassing, horrific collapse under Jim Baron. While this guy seems like a nice man who appears to run a clean & honest program, I (and other URI fans) feel that he is not a good coach and has worn out his welcome as coach of the Rams. His teams ALWAYS finish worse than they started. He has never won an NCAA tournament game & has only been there twice in well over 2 decades as a head coach. In fact, neither of those trips were with URI. His offensive strategies are incredibly simple, predictable, and easy to defend once you see what they're doing. This man is not capable of better than getting to the occasional NIT. Do you think that URI would make a coaching change if the state's financial situation were better and/or his contract was closer to its end? And, do you personally feel that Jim Baron has performed adequately in his 7 years (that's almost a decade) at URI?
Kevin McNamara: I won't speculate about Baron's future at URI. I will state that he isn't going anywhere. URI's decision to lock him up for 10 years was an odd one at the time and severely handcuffs the school. It's a 1-way deal that only favors the coach. It also gets very expensive as the years roll on so buying him out is not an option. I personally feel they shouldn't even think about that and no one at Rhody is. Baron has rebuilt the program to his liking and winning 21-22 games this season is a very good year. Obviously expectations were raised once the Rams got off to such a hot start and now people are disappointed. The good news is the staff is working hard to stock the program with good players, more needed size and some additional athleticism. I think a core of Jimmy Baron, KSeawright, Ulmer, Cothran, Delroy James is pretty good. If some of the newcomers can help a bit, the Rams will be in the A-10 mix once again. That's very different from the poorer years that Baron endured trying to get the program back on track.
rhodewarriorlm: Tough question Kev! Baron is a really likable guy and the job he first took over in Kingston was far from a tea party. He has done good things for the program yes. With all of that good will acknowledged Coach cannot seem to get any team to the NCAA's? His best teams at Rhody (this year) and the (Dustin Hellenga) team both had swoons that cost them post season play under Baron. Putting the good will aside for a moment do you really think Jim Baron is anything more than a NIT coach in his best? Do you think Rhody fans have a point in being really upset with the coaching staff regarding this years collapse?
Kevin McNamara: Look above. Getting to the NCAA is hard, especially at a school like URI which is not a top 5 Atlantic 10 program. Not yet, anyways. I think the student-athlete center being talked about will help a lot and recruiting the last 2-3 years is clearly going well. Getting ahead of Xavier, UMass, Temple, Dayton, St. Joe, St. Louis (on the rise) consistently is asking a lot if you cheer for the Rams. If the A-10 remains a 1-3 bid league, do the math. Cracking the NCAA's is a tall order.
rhodewarriorlm: With the swoon in full scale at Rhody do you see them inning any games in the A-10 tourney. If they get eliminated in the 1st or 2nd round do you even see them getting an NIT invite or will the severity of the swoon keep them out of even the NIT?
Kevin McNamara: If URI loses to Charlotte, I think there is a very good chance the NIT passes on them. Hope not. Beat the 49'ers and things clearly improve. problem is A-10 is loaded with NIT-type teams (Charlotte, Temple, Dayton, St. Joe).
rhodewarriorlm: Lets get things flowing for next year.... who has the better recruting class for next year- URI or PC? Can you tell us about either class?
Kevin McNamara: That's for the easyt question. URI in a landslide. The Rams have signed a good, deep class that was badly needed. Lots of promise anyways. PC had one scholarship and used it on Bilal Dixon, a player who could see time right away. URI's class depends on several players academically qualifying. Things look good now but anything can happen with kids these days. Big men Ryan Brooks and Orion Outerbridge are the keys. Both aren't bangers but are athletic and can run the floor. Think Will Daniels, minus 20 pounds. Raw but talented. Remember, the Rams also welcome transfer Ben Eaves, who PC badly wanted out of prep school. He's impressed all year in practice.
rhodewarriorlm: Where (if you do) do you have Will Daniels going in the NBA draft? Do you see him having a productive career or will he ride the pine and be out of the league in a year or two?
Kevin McNamara: I am not hearing much on Will and the NBA. I see his name on some web sites (nbadraft.net, for example) but no scout I've talked to says they see him as a 1st rounder. Will is an NBA 3-man who lacks quickness and will have major defensive issues. He needs to go to pre-draft camps and prove that scouting report wrong. We all know he can score. He'd have a great European career because of those skills but he'll try to make a run at the NBA first. We all wish him luck. He's a good kid.
THL: Is there any serious recruiting being done at this time by the Friars?
Kevin McNamara: I would say no. Any HSchool coach with a clue would know PC's coaching sitaution has to be cleared up before I can take what PC's assistant are saying seriously.
mando11522: Rhode Island's chances of winning the A-10...semms there path isn't to bad
Kevin McNamara: Winning the tournament? Let's just beat Charlotte first. URI lost to the 49ers at Ryan Center just a few days ago. That sounds like a very tough first round game.
friar fan: Kevin- Do you think Gonzo is in trouble for his actions Sunday with his press conference and screaming at a SHU official to "get out of my face"?
Kevin McNamara: That's one of the issues I can't wait to hear more on once we get to New York. I know Gonzo is intense but his inability to control that intensity is one of his major faults. It's not winning him any friends, that's for sure.
mando11522: thoughts on uri chances at winning the a-10
Kevin McNamara: see above.
THL: With San Diego winning the WCC by beating Gonzaga last night, do you feel that the Zags will still get a bid to the dance using up an at large bid?
Kevin McNamara: Thanks for the NCAA question. Best time of year speculating on who does and does not get in. Gonzaga will definitely be an at-large pick. The Zags play a great schedule, won enough games out of conference and were regular season champs in a good league. The West Coast will now get 3 bids: Zags, SDiego and St. Mary's. All three should be watched closely in your pools next week.
Blue Elvis: Looking ahead to next year for the Friars, it seems to me that getting Randal Hanke into the weight room should be a priority. It seems when he plays tough, the Friars play better as a whole team. (I live in DC, and rarely get to see PC games, so I am basing this opinion off of what I read. Let me know if I am off-base).
Kevin McNamara: That's a good call. Randall has enjoyed a very good season after coming in with all sorts of question marks hovering over him. Fans expected him to be good right away and that didn't happen. Tim Welsh didn't play him early on, which was based on shoddy practice efforts, but may have been a mistake. Obviously the Friars needed Hanke to be a legitimate offensive team. He's playing well in the post right now. Hanke will never be the Incredible Hulk but does work in the weight room. Not sure what his upside physically is, though. That's why getting Bilal Dixon, a banger, was so important for next year. Jon Kale's inability to fill that role consistently has hurt this team.
THL: Dwain Williams....In your opinion, has he played his last game in black and white? What are his issues?
Kevin McNamara: Word is Dwain is in the doghouse and is `concentrating on his academics.' Don't know for sure but sounds like he's struggling academically and needs to go to every class. Just a guess, which I guess we're allowed to do in a chat but not the newspaper.
mando11522: As everyone knows san diego won the WCC and south alabama and VCU lost in there conference torney's...who's bubbles just burst because of those teams winning/losing...
Kevin McNamara: These are the teams on the bubble right now. They don't want to see anymore upsets. I think South Alabama (RPI 24) had better watch out. It has 20 wins against teams ranked 100 or higher on RPI. I'd take Dayton over that every day. Dayton, St. Joe, Villanova, Syracuse, Florida, Kentucky, Ohio State, Oregon are just some of the teams that better win a game or two to lock up bids. It would be a shame of the A-10 only got 2 bids. They don't deserve more, however. Beat teams you're supposed to (re:Dayton & St. Joe) at home and you'd be in...I look at quality wins and playing well late. Those are the 2 things I like best.
rodfromcranston: Come on Kevin. CFL's teams always fade at the end of the season. This is THE biggest collapse in URI history, and yet not ONE word of media criticism.
Kevin McNamara: Rod. Let's get JHarrick back! Just bustin'. It is a major collapse but I think URI fans got juiced up over a team that was always flawed. Then the flaws came through. Look at you 5-man. An unheralded JUCO who can't score. That led to rebounding an interior defense issues. Also, the schedule didn't help. URI played great in the Syracuse win but didn't have to play great to win any of its other NC games (Providence included). Once they started playing good teams (especially on the road) at least once a week in a much-improved Atl-10 then things began to crack. You want to kill the coach? Go ahead. But I fault talent issues more than X's-and-O's. They need better players, especially on the interior. That's the coach's fault, too.
mando11522: Florida, Ohio st., Cuse, or Kentucky...which outta those 4 do you think will legit get in the NCAA
Kevin McNamara: Good question. If it's those four, I'd probably have to go with Ohio State. They beat SYR head-to-head back when Eric Devendorf was playing. They're playing well now. Excellent coach. I think what kentucky and Florida did in the N/C season cannot be overlooked. You can't whack bad teams, lose to ALL the good ones and then get healthy in conference. That tells me your conference isn't all that good.
THL: Your old friend, Ron Borges wrote in the Attleboro paper that Dwain Williams was told not to go anywhere near the team....Does this relate to your answer above that he is/has to devote time to academics?
Kevin McNamara: Ron Borges? Peter Gobis covers PC up in Attleboro. My reference to Dwain's academic issues was cut out of a PC Journal I wrote for Sunday's paper. Dwain is out for the season with an ankle injury, by the way. You should probably focus on the guys who are healthy.
URIGONZO: Kevin, a lot of blame on URI Projo board has been placed on Coach Baron for the late season collapse. I for one think it is lack of effort on the part of the player's i.e. not playing hard on defense and letting a guard go from the 3-pt arc to the hoop without stopping him. Do you feel the player's could have done better, or does the task of motivating them fall squarely on the coaching staff??
Kevin McNamara: It's a team game and the coaches & players work together. Coach's fault? That's what the fans always say. It's the player's job to execute and URI's players obviously have not done a good job with that. As I stated somewhere above, I think this team was always flawed with its lack of size and once opponents figured out how to slow the offense down, the Rams' main strength was sapped....Growl all you want Ram fans. You've won 21 games and I like the talent in the program. Getting to that next, NCAA ,level is hard.
KD: What's your read on W. Efejuku? Coaching challenge? Out of position? Why the incredible inconsistency?
Kevin McNamara: I think Weyinmi Efejuku is a talented player but not nearly as talented as PC fans think. His mental approach to the game has clearly been hurt by inconsistent playing time and clashes with the coaching staff. If he gave a better effort on defense and off the glass, he'd play more. He also needs to improve his ballhandling so he can get his own shot more often. That is PC's number one problem. Without a PG, there are few players who can break a defender down a get their own shot. Watch tomorrow's WVU game closely and count how many times a guy makes a move and gets off a clear jumper or continue past a defender or three and makes his way to the rim...You'll be amazed at the low number.
Kevin McNamara: Guys. I have to wrap this up. I saw all of your questions but i do have to pack. So what's the answer, light or heavy???
Talk college hoops at 11 a.m. today with Kevin McNamara
Kevin McNamara will stop by the office today just before heading down to New York City for the Big East Tournament to take your questions about the Friars and the Rams, who are on their way to the A-10 tourney in Atlantic City. Kevin will be in the college hoops chat room at projo.com to answer your questions from 11 a.m. to noon.
You can submit a question now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chatm, choose a display name (you don't need a password), enter the college hoops chat room and begin typing. Do not hit enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them.
PC has just lost to Villanova, 73-63. The Wildcats defnese held the Friars in check all night and did the job and gave the visitors a win they badly needed to keep their NCAA tourney hopes alive.
Villanova improved to 19-11 overal and 9-9 in the Big East.
PC fell to 15-15 and 6-12 in the conference. The Friars can only make the Big East Tournament if Pittsburgh defeats DePaul Sunday afternoon at the Peterson Center in Pittsburgh.
PC is struggling with the Villanova defense and is shooting 45 percent with 12 turnovers and trails, 34-28, at the half.
The Wildcats have a load of quick defenders and are bothering PC's offense. We'll see if they settle down in the second half.
PC is looking for its thrd straight win tonight at The Dunkin' Donuts Center. PC's Big East tourney scenario was helped this afternoon when West Virginia out-lasted St. John's in overtime. A big thanks to Johnston's Joey Mazzulla who hit a tying shot with one second left to force the O.T.
PC is in the Big East if ti wins tonight. The Friars can now lose and still get in if DePaul loses at Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Key to tonight's game is how Villanova's defense deals with Geoff McDermott and his ballhandling.
At last.
After a Big East season filled with near-misses, the Providence Friars finally closed one out tonight with a 85-76 upset of No. 13 Connecticut at The Dunk.
The Friars got a huge game from Weyinmi Efejuku (25 points) and 19 from Jeff Xavier.
PC does not clinch a Big East tournament spot with the win but certainly took a giant step closer. The Friars improve to 15-14 overall and 6-11 in league play. UConn falls to 23-7 and 12-5.
With the game tied at 48-48, the Friars took off and opened up a 57-51 lead and never lost the lead again..
Two cars in one season. Thanks a lot Belise Auto Group.
A lucky fan just sank a halfcourt shot. That's good for a car. That's the second car giveaway this season during PC games.
UConn 41-38 at the 15:58 mark.
The Friars closed the half well and trail by one at the break, 33-32. PC finished the half on a 9-5 run.
Weyinmi Efejuku looks good and is very active on offense. The Friars are having trouble off the boards and Hasheem Thabeet is blocking shots and causing havoc around the hoop. He has one foul and UConn was called for just three in the half. The Huskies have 12 turnovers against PC's zone defense.
The Friars got off to a solid start but UConn is on a 10-4 run and leads, 20-18. There is 7:13 to play.
The Friars are doing a decent job on the boards but Hasheem Thabeet has blocked three shots and intimidated Randall Hanke into several errors. PC is 1-of-6 on the threes and needs to heat up to stay in this game.
Lots of names in the (very late-arriving) crowd tonight. Dave Gavitt is here as is Otis Thorpe, back at PC for the first time since he left in the mid-1980's.
PC is set to begin its final gasp at a Big East tourney spot with tonight's game against Connecticut. The Huskies are 12-1 in their last 13 and playing well. We'll see if the Friars can pull the upset for the second time this season.
The Friars are starting Brian McKenzie, Weyinmi Efejuku, Geoff McDermott, Jeff Xavier and Randall Hanke. We'll see if this group can get off to a good start and hit some of the 3-pointers that were falling (14 of them) so quickly in Hartford.
It seems UConn's players remember all too well that beating that Providence put on them back in Hartford in January. PC hit 14 threes in a 77-65 victory.
In stories throughout the Nutmeg state today, the Huskies are `talking trash' and promising to rip the Friars tonight in a rematch at The Dunk.
Guard AJ Price told the Hartford Courant, ``Real disrespectful. They don't know how to win, and it showed. They were laughing, mocking. I usually have a lot of respect for other teams, but they showed a lack of respect last game. They beat up on us and made a mockery of it."
"We'll be ready to go. ... We want to blow them out. That's what we're going there to play for."
And from the New Haven Register...."They were name-calling,” said forward Jeff Adrien said. “It was something to remember. They beat us the last two times we played them, so it’s payback. We’re going out to end that team’s season.”
Sounds like Jim Calhoun is no Bill Belichick. Plenty of bulletin board material for the Friars.
The streak is over.
PC has just beaten Cincinnati, 81-79 in overtime. The star was Marshon Brooks who canned the tying shot in regulation and then blocked a potential game-winner by John Williamson in the final five seconds.
Geoff McDermott led the Friars with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists. Brooks had 15 points in the win, which snaps a 5-game losing streak and keeps PC's Big East tourney hopes alive.
PC led 65-56 with 6:28 left but Cincinnati closed hard. They not only hit a few fluky shots, like Deonta Vaughn's banked 3-pointer with 1:13 left, but also hit the offensive boards hard over the final few minutes.
Vaughn's trey made it 71-69 Cincy but a Jeff Xavier drive tied it. Cincy went ahead on an offensive rebound hoop by Marcus Sikes with 21 seconds left. PC milked the clock for the tying shot but Brian McKenzie's 3-pointer was blocked. Marshon Brooks caught the ball in mid-air and turned and banked in a 10-footer with 3.4 seconds left to fice overtime at 73-73.
PC fell behind 78-75 in the extra session but a free throw by Brooks and Weyinmi Efejuku 3-pointer tied it at the 1:18 mark. A steal set up a break where Brooks was fouled. He made one of two shots with 39 seconds left for the lead, 80-79.
Cincinnati then called timeout with 20 seconds left and the shot clock at 16. John Williamson caught the ball inside with 4 seconds left but Brooks blocked it at the rim to preserve the win.
It's 73-73 and heading into o.t.here. Marshon Brooks just hit a lucky bank shot with 3.4 seconds left to tie the game.
The shot trumps an earlier 3-pointer by Deonta Vaughn off the glass with a little over a minute left that sparked a late Cincinnati comeback.
PC led 65-56 with 6:28 left but could not hold the lead. We'll see what happens in the extra session.
The Friars are fighting hard in this one and lead, 55-50, at the 12 minute mark.
PC needs to limit its turnovers (11 right now) and keep rebounding the ball against an aggressive, scrappy Cincinnati team. John Williamson (14 points) is heating up for the Bearcats.
How did Cincy get Williamson, an All-American JUCO two years ago? They hired his JUCO coach. Easy deal.
The Friars have completed one of their better halves in a while and lead Cincinnati, 40-34. The Friars shot 50 percent from the field and canned 6-of-12 shots from the 3-point line. Brian McKenzie had three treys and leads all scorers with 12 points.
Geoff McDermott is doing the bulk of the ballhandling and hasn't cracked very often. PC has 8 turnovers while its zone has forced seven. McDermott has 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
The Friars' newfangled starting 5 got the team off to an impressive 12-2 start. Cincy has come back to make it 20-18 at the 11 minute mark.
It'll be interesting to see if the Friars revert back to their original five to get the game back in order. PC has made 8 of its first 12 shots and lead by two points.
We're here at Fifth Third Arena, which is rapidly filling. Capacity is a shade over 13K. We'll see how close to that number UC can get against the Friars.
PC is starting frosh Alex Kellogg today. No idea why except to guess that Randall Hanke's broken pinky fiinger is bothering him more than it has in the last week. Jeff Xavier isn't starting either. He continues to hobble with a foot injury.
Kellogg is joined in the starting 5 by Geoff McDermott, Chuck Burch, Weyinmi Efejuku and Brian McKenzie. PC will play McDermott at the point guard. We'll see if he can keep his turnovers under control.
Because of a late change in his schedule, Kevin McNamara will not be able to do today's hoops chat as planned. He sends his apologies and encourages readers to still send in questions; he will answer some of them later this week on the College Hoops Blog.
To send a question: go to projo.com/chat, click the red "launch chat" button, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, do not press enter or click send until you have finished your thought.
West Virginia ran away from Providence College in an ugly second half for a xx-xx victory at WVU Coliseum.
The news wasn't any better at Cornell as the Big Red hung on in the second half and beat Brown, 74-65. The loss all but ends the Bears' chances of an Ivy League title.
West Virginia led 33-27 at the half but dominated the final 14 minutes of the second half as PC's man-to-man defense collapsed. Jeff Xavier led the Friars with 15 points and Brian McKenzie added 10.
The Friars have now lost 5 in a row and 9 of the last 10 games. PC is under .500 (13-14) for the first time this season.
PC is going to lose yet again tonight in West Virginia. It's Mountaineers 63-42 at the 7:54 mark. Over and out.
The Brown Bears are another story. With 1:21 left it Cornell 68-61. We'll keep you updated.
This one is slip-sliding away...
West Virginia has just strung up six points in a row and WVU leads Providence, 50-38 at the 12:33 mark. The Friars had clawed back to within six points but continued turnover issues are killing PC and WVU's Da'Sean Butler just hit a 3-pointer to make it a 12-point lead.
The rifle just went off here at WVU Coliseum marking the end of a typical Big East half. The Friars trail 33-27 but actually battled hard to stay this close.
PC led 16-15 after 12 minutes but WVU scored the next 10 straight top open up a 25-16 lead. PC was down 31-22 but closed the half with two Efejuku free throws and a McKenzie trey to make it six at the break.
PC is being hurt bu turnovers (12) and is shooting just 34 percent. Going to have to dig in on D and get someone off.
The game is off to a physical start with the Friars doing a good job digging in on defense and rebounding. Tim Welsh has played much of his bench already (M.Brooks, J. Kale, A. Kellogg) and the Friars are causing problems with their man-2-man defense.
It's PC 13-10 at the 11 minute mark.
The Friars and West Virginia are ready to tip in Morgantown.
Randall Hanke is sporting a bulky wrap on his left (shooting) hand. He has a broken finger. Dwain Williams is out with an ankle injury. Weyinmi Efejuku is starting in his place.
Stranded at TF Green Airport waiting for a flight to Pittsburgh...What glamour. Anyone want to go to Morgantown?
We have a bit of news for Friar fans watching the snow fall outside this Friday and, as usual, it `aint good. Randall Hanke has broken a finger on his left (shooting) hand. He is expected to try to play tomorrow night against West Virginia but this isn't good news.
Obviously the Friars (and Tim Welsh) cannot catch a break. With one final, two-week window to make a push for the Big East Tournament (and a post-season tourney) at hand, the Friars suffer yet another injury. So we have Hanke, point guard Dwain Williams' ankle and Jeff Xavier's foot. Williams can be termed doubtful for the WVU game but is likely to dress. Xavier is simply tough as nails. Only reason he's playing with an (almost) broken foot.
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A few different media outlets are chiming in on the Welsh situation. Obviously the PC coach is on extremely thin ice here. Reports in The Journal over the last few months have made that pretty clear. Barring a run to get into the Big East tourney and the NIT, Welsh is likely to be replaced at the end of the season.
We're not going to be fleshing out candidates for the job until the school makes a decision on the 10-year coach.
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It only takes a bit of research but here's the story on PC and the Big East tourney. The Friars have to hope that St. John's and DePaul don't win another game. That's highly probable looking at schedules. Then the Friars have to win one of their final four games. The probability on that one is anyone's guess.
If PC finishes in a tie with DePaul, the Friars would win and move into the top 12 and MSGarden. The two teams split and PC owns the best win (UConn) of the two teams. However, all sorts of ties could develop and the Friars don't fare well right now with either Seton Hall or St. John's, both of whom beat PC head-2-head. PC has yet to face Villanova, which is also in the same `pod' in the Big East standings.
There are games to be played - the most important of the year. Who actually takes the floor for the Friars over that period remains to be seen
Mike Marra, the All-State shooter from Smithfield, has verbally committed to play at Louisville. Marra will sign with the Cardinals this November and enroll in the fall of 2009.
"I feel excellent," Marra said today from his prep school, Northfield Mt. Hermon. "It was a little overwhelming at first but I'm excited it's over and I'm going to Louisville."
Marra ended his recruitment when Cards coach Rick Pitino saw him play Wednesday against Winchendon School. It was the first time Pitino saw Marra play in person.
Marra becomes the second Rhode Island junior to commit to a big-time school. South Kingstown's Erik Murphy picked Florida last month.
More on Marra's pick in Friday's Journal.
Speaking on a Big East conference call, PC coach Tim Welsh said he's largely ignored what is being written and said about his job status for the future. he says he's focused on the final four games of the season and getting to New York for the Big East Tournament.
Asked if he expected to return for the final year on his contract in 2008-09, Welsh answered, "Absolutely. I’ve been here 10 years. It’s obviously been a tough road this year. Losing Sharaud (Curry), when you lose your leading returning scorer it’s very, very difficult. We would have had four or five more wins with him. People here have always been great to me and I've been loyal to them. My athletic director told me before this season that the program is in as good a shape as it’s been in the last four or five years.’
That’s part of the business, speculation. You’ve go to know where you stand within the gates of your house. I feel very comfortable knowing where I stand with my president and athletic director."
PC returns to action this Saturday at West Virginia.
Jim Donaldson: Good afternoon, everyone! Looking forward to chatting with you.
Bill Reynolds: Hello everyone: welcome. fire away
Friar Fan: I am a 20 year season ticket holder and sit court side. Jim I haven't seen you at many games how many have you gone to? I think Welsh should be able to coach his kids thru their senior years. PC should give him an extension with a no buyout clause. What team cane win without their starting point guard? When you say Pitt just remember to check out their record without Fields.
Jim Donaldson: Friar Fan: Here's the crux of the matter. This is Tim's 10th season at PC. Unless there's a dramatic turnaround down the stretch, the Friars will miss out on the Big East tournament for the second time in three years. Under Welsh, PC has won only one conference tourney game. The Friars have been to two NCAA tournaments and are 0-2, including a disappointing loss as a #5 seed. It's time for a change. He's had more than enough time to establish the program.
PCBobby: This is for Bill. You've been insistent over the years that PC fans are unreasonable in their expectations for their basketball program. Do you think that PC fans have been unreasonable in their treatment of Tim Welsh? In other words do you think that we've been impatient with him? Do you believe that the product he has put on that court is the best that PC fans are entitled to expect?
Bill Reynolds: to PCBpbby: My main point is that in a league where the top teams have goals to get to the final four and win the national championship, and PC's unofficial goal is to get to the NCAA Tournament once every three or four years that it's apples and oranges. That being said, I understand fans' frustrations
massfriar: Last month, Jim O'Brien was cleared to return to coaching by the NCAA. Do you think that his infraction would be too damning for Father Shanley and the rest of the PC administration to overlook? I think it was a minor but my opinion isn't what matters. Weren't the rumors about O'Brien coming to PC when he was still a BC? It seems too good to be true - O'Brien is available and PC needs a new coach - but I think he would be a great fit for the school. What do you guys think?
Jim Donaldson: massfriar: Check out today's paper. I quote Dick Vitale, who is a big fan of Jim O'Brien's. I also mention that Fr. Shanley might be willing to give O'B absolution for past sins if he promises to transgress no more.
shuffs: assuming that pc fires welsh, which in my opinion is a no brainer, who are the likely candiates pc will look at to replace him??
Jim Donaldson: shuffs: Wrote a whole column about that today. Buy a paper.
Bill Reynolds: to Shuffs: assuming PC is looking for a new coach next year, i would think the school would want a young, hungre coach with his career ahead of himt
Steve L.: Why are so many coaches and media people quick to jump to Tim Welsh's defense, when he has proven he can't inspire and teach his teams to play the type of in-your-face defense needed to win at this level in the big games? I have no doubt he knows what to do but he obviously doesn't have the ability to make the players go above and beyond. PC's next coach needs to be a charismatic leader as X's and O's are not enough to win at PC. Do you guys agree? Thanks.
Jim Donaldson: SteveL. -- I don't think you could say I have jumped to Welsh's defense. I don't think he's done a bad job. But he hasn't been good enough, as his postseason record clearly indicates. A decade is a long time to go without an NCAA win and only one conference tourney win.
lou: An awful lot has been written or said over the last few weeks concerning the status of the Friars and the coaching situation. While we as fans have become increasingly frustrated with this team's performance this year, I think it is really difficult to place blame on either the coach, his staff or even the players. What I think has happened is that the days of Coach Welsh and his staff have outgrown their stay here. While you can point to the number of losses in close games over the years, the failure to win in post season , the number of players who have left and gone elsewhere, the many recruits who simply are not Big East Caliber players, the failure to develop players (Did it really take Herb Hill 4 years to be able to be a good player?), etc., etc., etc., it's time for change simply for change's sake. While we've all heard about all the reasons why this situation is so difficult compared to other schools in the conference, other coaches such as Gillen, Barnes, Pitino found a way to overcome these difficulties. We need a new face with a new attitude and a new outlook on this program
Jim Donaldson: lou: brevity is the soul of wit.
Bill Reynolds: Lou: i think you make a great point. 10 years is a long time in this day and age and maybe it has played out for Welsh here. But let's not forget that has had only two seasons isince the Big East started where they have won an NCAA Tournament game.
crowesman'66: My biggest issues with Tim's teams are freethrows and turnovers. Issues that have not improved from his first season at the helm. How many times are you going to lose a game by three or four points and miss eight,ten or twelve freethrows and have twenty turnovers.
Also why does he refuse to recruit local players. Jeff Xavier grew up dreaming of playing for PC but Tim wouldn't even give him a sniff. The only reason he's here now is because Seton Hall fired Louis Orr(the same season he made the NCAA tourney) and hired Bobby G. from Marshall. How about Jeff Mazulla(sp) from West Viginia. He also dreamed of playing for PC. And to a lesser extent TJ Sorrentine from UNH. I know RI does not have the pool of talent to draw from like Indiana but these are quality D1 players he didn't even have to recruit to play here.
Bill Reynolds: Crowesman: The sad truth is that there are not enough local players to live off. it doesn't mean they don't make mistakes once in a while.
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: It's not that PC won't recruit local kids. They've recruited Mike Marra, from Smithfield, but he appears to be more interested in Louisville. Now, Bobby G. came Manhattan, not Marshall. It's Joe Mazzulla, not Jeff. And Sorrentine went to Vermont, not UNH. Other that that, you're right on target. Could we please raise the discussion level here, just a bit.
crowesman '66: Why didn't Welsh reconize the talent of Gomes(a player he saw everyday in practice) he was going to red shirt him,he didn't even play his first eight games I believe. I guess my question really is if Ryan Gomes hadn't fallen into Welsh's lap we would have been having this same discussion four or five years ago?
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: Ask Jim Calhoun about not recognizing Gomes' talent. Just be prepared for an obscene reply, like the one he directed at a New Haven reporter who asked him that question at a postgame press conference a couple of years ago.
Bill Reynolds: crowesman66. He did recognize the talent of gomes. he recruited him. that question would be better asked to schools that didn't recruit him, namely in-state UConn..
gman: who is going to be the next coach
Jim Donaldson: gman: Better you should ask Bob Driscoll that question
friarfanatic: Wouldn't you both agree Welsh's biggest coaching fault is the lack of consistancy with his substiutions and playing time? How does Jonathan Kale play great against URI earlier this season and then not play the next game? How does Greedy or Alex show promise early in the season and then not play for the likes of Hall or Brooks? Why does Welsh yank players as soon as they mess up one play? There's hardly and flow or rhythm with his teams because there's never any flow or rhythm with his substitutions.
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: I don't know as I'd say it's Tim's "biggest" coaching fault, but it is an issue. There sometimes seems to be little rhyme or reason as to who plays and who doesn't, and when.
Bill Reynolds: Friarfanatic: good question. Obviously, this team has struggled, and most struggling teams have players going in and out of the lineup, that just comes with the territory.
friarfanatic: Why, in a year when URI cracked the top-25 and PC probably won't make the Big East tournament, does PC still get more than or at least equal media attention as URI? Is URI that far behind PC?
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: Look at Tuesday's paper, when there were two pieces about the Rams on the front sports page, and both PC stories were inside, and today's paper, when Billy's column about Jimmy Baron's scoring problems led the section.
Bill Reynolds: friarfanatic: PC still gets a lot of media attention because even when they in the midst of a struggling season there is still huge interest, by all standards of measure, eveything from crowds to website traffic here at the journal
hello: I loved Kevin Mac's quote the other day about PC having too many people wanting Stanford during the day and Memphis at night, thoughts?
Jim Donaldson: hello: PC would be better off wanting to be Stanford at night. As in, in their dreams.
Bill Reynolds: Hello:I think wanting to be stanford during the day and memphis at night is at the root of PC's problems. They built their reputation as the little school that deified the odds and now the odds are fighting back
Jimmy: What is the buzz with respect to any PC players transferring after this season?
Bill Reynolds: Jimmy: I haven't heard any specifics, but any time there is a season like this, with rumors of a coaching change, it puts players in an anxious state. So nothing would surprise me..
crowesman'66: I'm so sic of hearing about only twoseasons with tourney wins. What does that have to do with a 5 seed getting beat by #12 Pacific?
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: Nothing
Bill Reynolds: Cowesman66: you maybe sick of hearing about it. but those are the facts. As for a 5th seed getting beat by a 12th seed? that's basketball. it happens every year.
Jimmy: Do you think Greedy can be a solid contributor for PC in the next three years?
Jim Donaldson: Jimmy: No reason he shouldn't be. He has tremendous athletic ability.
Bill Reynolds: Jimmy: I think greedy can be a contributor, but he's always going to be undersizeed for his position and must improve his skills
Jimmy: Let's say that PC wins two more games. Will that be enough to keep Timmy around?
Jim Donaldson: Jimmy: Shouldn't be. Whether he stays or goes is a decision that should be based on what he's done over the past decade, not what happens in the next two weeks.
Jimmy: Brooks does not deserve to play even a minute against anyone. He is awful.
Bill Reynolds: Jimmy: as for brooks, he is not now ready to play in these kind of games.
crowesman'66: It's always been said Providence is a steppingstone job. Is that such a bad thing? Aren't about 75% of headcoaching jobs really steppingstone jobs? Don't you want a coach who is drawing interest from bigger programs? That means his program is successful. Give me a hungry young coach looking to make a name for himself.
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: Providence IS a steppingstone job in today's basketball world. Unless, perhaps, you bring in an older coach, such as O'Brien or Larranaga. Pitino stepped from PC to the Knicks; Barnes stepped from PC to Clemson; Gillen stepped from PC to Virginia. That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Bill Reynolds: crowesman66: I agree with you about PC being a stepping stone job, for that means t- by definition - that for the coach to move on to a bigger job that means he would have great success here.
crowesman'66: Allow me to vent for a minute. After the game at DePaul last month Kevin Mac had a blurb in the Friar notes about how Dickey Simpkins(who did the TV for the game) was an AAU coach and how the assistant coaches had exchanged business cards with him. I could have put my fist through a wall. You mean to tell me after ten years you're just making contact with a guy like Dickey Simpkins now. To be successful at a place like PC you have to you have turn over every stone to find players. For every Dickey Simpkins ther are twenty other guys with PC connections who would love to send players to Prov. Just what are these asst coaches doing? Alot of Gillen's success was due to his asst coaches.
Bill Reynolds: Crowesman66: i agree with your larger point that PC must overturn evey rock. It's all about getting players. Criticize welsh all you want for who he plays, and when he takes his timeouts, and all the rest of it, but the sad truth is that the best players usually win .and in this league welsh does not have the best players.
friarfanatic: For awhile, fans and students have had problems with Welsh. Do you think part of it (aside from wins/losses) is that he does little to excite PC students and is often curt with media and fans? By contrast, coach Baron goes to the cafeteria to get the students revved up and shakes hands of students lined up outside the stadium before the game. And the Ryan Center's been rocking this year because of it!
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: Can't tell you about Welsh's relationship with students, but I assure you that, in my dealings with him, he always has been pleasant and insightful. I like him, personally.
Jimmy: Where could you see Welsh coaching next if he does get canned?
Jim Donaldson: Jimmy: No idea. But there's no reason he shouldn't get another coaching job somewhere else.
friarfanatic: Do either of you feel like PC rushed Curry back initially? He came back and played one game a little earlier than the timeline Welsh had previously talked about. Then, he's done for the season because he reaggrevated the foot.
Bill Reynolds: friarfanatic: I have no idea of whether curry was rushed back too soon. I do know that his absence has hurt this team very much, especially against good defensive teams that pressure the guards..
Preston: any chance they will cut Welsh loose now and try to salvage the season?..can't get any worse
Jim Donaldson: Preston: Bob Driscoll has said no decision would be made until after the season. That's the right call.
Preston: How long will Driscoll be around? From my observation all PC sports are underperforming. Start from the bottom of the standings (it will save you time) when looking for PC's record.
Jim Donaldson: Preston: I'd say Driscoll be around about as long as the next basketball coach he hires.
Bill Reynolds: Preston: or until he can get a better job
friarfanatic: Do you think Driscoll will talk to the players before he makes a decision on Welsh or will that not even play a factor? Seems to me that if the players are for Welsh, keep him because next year the team will be senior-laden. If they have had problems with him, maybe it's time to experiment and try to catch lightning in a bottle next season when this team will probably be its best for the next 2-3 years.
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: The inmates should not be allowed to run the asylum
ken: Any sens on where Driscoll and Shanley stand on Welsh? After all, they're the ones who will make the decision once the season ends.
Jim Donaldson: ken: If they have any sense, they'll know it's time for a change.
Bill Reynolds: Ken: I don't have any real sense, other than what we heard in the pre-season that he would be evaluated by this season. which, of course, got complicated when curry went down, and the face of the booing in the Dunk and the amount of obvious fan dissatisfaction..
chrisherren: Bill, I understand that they have only won NCAA games two 2 out of 28 seasons, but Welsh has been here for more than 1/3 of that time, so he is partly responsible. Also, after this season it will have 5 seasons out of 10 that ended in an under .500 record - and you think he should be extended????
Jim Donaldson: Chris: Bill says that it's bad enough he has to deal with you in real life, he doesn't want to have to deal with you in virtual reality. Personally, Chris, I think it's been all downhill for Bill after "Fall River Dreams."
Jimmy: Let's be realistic, can PC pay someone like O'Brien the money needed for him to take the job?
Jim Donaldson: Jimmy: You get what you pay for. They're playing in the big leagues. That means they have to pay the big bucks. It also puts more pressure on Driscoll to hire the right guy.
Bill Reynolds: JIimmy: I don't think money for a coach's salary is the real impediment here, unless you're talking about a heavyweight who is going to coammnd huge money.
crowesman'66: How much of the blame goes to the administration in this whole mess? Tim seems to bite his tongue but how many players have they refused to admit. He sure could use some juco players.
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: It is rare -- I repeat, rare -- for the Friars (or most other Div. I schools, for that matter) to refuse to admit a "qualifier" under the not-exactly stringent NCAA standards.
friarfanatic: But how can the players have NO SAY in who coaches them? From your article Jim, it seems like Efejuku has major problems with Welsh and if he had a coach who appreciated him more, the team might be better off for it. If Driscoll talked to the players at least for their thoughts on their coach, I bet he'd get an inside perspective that might help him make a decision.
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: Let's put this in another context -- too many students give higher ratings and evaluations to teachers who are "nice" or "easy" than to those who are demanding.
Jimmy: This school needs a heavyweight after the Welsh debacle.
Jim Donaldson: Jimmy: What they need is a guy who can win.
Bill Reynolds: Jimmy: Speaking of heavyweights, Rick majerus is already under contract.
dailey7779: Hey guys do you think PC might go after Sean Miller, head coach of Xavier? Xavier seems to have great coaches who always do well making the jump to bigger conferences....Madda, Prosser, and of course Gillen! Go Friars!
Jim Donaldson: dailey7779: No reason he shouldn't be a candidate. The questions with him, as with other top coaches, is whether they can get him, and whether they'll pay him. Frankly, if he's moving, it's probably to what is generally perceived as a "better" situation.
crowesman'66: If you look at the teams roster doesn't it look like they could make some kind of run with the right coach?
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: Yes
friarfanatic: Do you think playing at the Dunk, as opposed to a place like the Ryan Center, really hurts the Friars that much? In terms of the face the Friars can't always practice there the night before and it's not on campus.
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: If you've got guys who can play, they can play anywhere. You think Tiger Woods worries about what golf course he's playing on?
friarfanatic: Jim, I don't think that analogy quite works here. Classes aren't viewed on how they win or lose games to other classes. If there's a problem with a class, then you should talk the students for what's wrong. If there's a problem with a team and they're not winning, you should talk to the players and see if there's something wrong between them and the coach that you can fix. Driscoll should at least listen to them. Listening and allowing them to run an asylum are compeltely different.
Jim Donaldson: friarfanatic: The players will be gone in, at most, four years. Driscoll would like to stay longer than that. That's why it's decision, based on his criteria, not theirs.
friaredup: pc has big probs coming up.....aging blue haired fan base, lowering attendance, apathy, and they better pick the next coach real carefully.....we need a winner in town at all costs.....
Bill Reynolds: Friared-up: Good points. But there's no guarantee that if there is a next coach he is going to have any more success thna Tim Welsh has had. Not in this league. Not now. That's the reality. It doesn't mean it can't change, but, as you say, this program has problems and it's going to take a lot of winning to to deal with them.......the game's over for me today, folks. thanks for you questiomns.
Jim Donaldson: friaredup: Would that be Rhody Blue hair?
crowesman'66: Jim-what do think of Barnes now-you were quite critical when he was here?
Jim Donaldson: crowesman'66: He could always recruit 'em, he just couldn't coach 'em. He's doing a better job now, but, when it comes to X's and O's, he doesn't belong in the same gym with PC legends such as Joe Mullaney and Dave Gavitt.
friaredup: we have the worst home fans in America......no atmosphere there at all...
Jim Donaldson: friaredup: Allow me to point out that, with the Friars down a couple of buckets in the second half against Georgetown, I'd have preferred to hear a rousing rendition of the fight song, and see the crowd (or at least the students) up and cheering, than watch three guys in blindfolds crawl around the court. Not exactly the sort of thing to fire up the crowd -- or the team.
Mike: Jim--What would have been a realistic goal for PC this year if they knew from the start Curry would miss the season?
Jim Donaldson: Mike: Clearly, the loss of Curry has resulted in more L's than W's. As that relates to Welsh, however, he's being judged on his decade's work.
Jim Donaldson: It's after one, loyal readers. The final buzzer just sounded. Sayonara.
The questions about coach Tim Welsh's future are only getting louder, and projo columnists Jim Donaldson and Bill Reynolds have their own takes on what that means. Is a new coach really what the Friars need? Is Welsh really to blame for the team's inability to win in the postseason -- and more immediately, its ability to win big games this year? And will a new coach make a difference?
Bill and Jim will take projo.com readers' questions about these issues Wednesday at noon in a live chat. You can send in a question now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Do not to press enter or click send until you have finished your question. Questions will display to the room as Jim and Bill answer them on Wednesday.
Smithfield shooter Mike Marra, a top recruit in the class of 2009, may be set to pick Louisville. The Scout.com recruiting web site is reporting that Cards coach Rick Pitino is going to watch Marra play in person for the first time this season on Wednesday. Marra is a post-grad at Northfield-Mt. Hermon School in the Berkshires.
Here's the lihttp://scouthoops.scout.com/a.z?s=75&p=2&c=730245nk.
Both PC and URI have recruited Marra but PC essentially took itself out of the running by letting coach Tim Welsh's contract situation linger. Marra could wait until the summer or even next fall's signing period before making a decision but he has visited Louisville and the Cards are the one school recruiting him the hardest right now.
It's four in a row and 8 of 9 losses for the Friars. This time Georgetown put together an impressive second half and the No. 12 ranked Hoyas beat Providence, 68-58.
Weyinmi Efejuku played great for PC and finished with 25 points. Only one other Friar (BMcKenzie, 16) reached double figures.
Roy Hibbert led the Hoyas with 18 points. Jonathan Wallace stroked 4 threes and finished with 14 points.
Georgetown has pulled away and is up 62-51 with 3:36 to go. The Hoyas got hot from the 3-point line at the right time, going on a binge with five threes in six field goal to go up, 52-43.
PC is having trouble scoring and keeping the Hoyas off the glass (38-25).
PC shot out to a 41-35 lead early in the second half but Georgetown is not going away. The Hoyas answer with dagger threes by Tyler Crawford (Who?) and Jonathan Wallce to tie it.
Game is still very physical and PC must keep finding a way to score. G'Town is in a man-2-man defense for one of the first periods of the ball game.
Weinmi Efejuku has 18 points.
PC is up, 30-29, at the half. Georgetown is struggling to score despite a heavy advantage on the backboards.
Geoff McDermott and Randall Hanke both have two fouls but luckily didn't pick up a third through a very physical first half.
Weyinmi Efejuku is carrying the Friars with 15 of the team's 30 points. Where has this been??
PC's Geoff McDermott picked up two fouls in the opening two minutes, sending him the the bench. Chuck Burch and Greedy Peterson have filled in. Ray Hall is next up ofd the bench.
Georgetown is ahead 13-11 at the 11:12 mark despite shooting 38 percent. PC is 4-12 (33%) and struggling to get clean looks at the basket.
A few pre-game notes.
Dwain Williams is not dressed and won't play. He has an ankle injury, apparently suffered in the Louisville game. That gives the Friars no point guard. Against the Georgetown press. Great.
Also, Sharaud Curry has re-injured his broken foot. He's back in a boot and this time will get surgery on his foot in the next few weeks. That kid catch catch a break.
PC is starting Weyinmi Efejuku in Williams' place along with Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott, Brian McKenzie and Randall Hanke.
PC guard Jeff Xavier grabbed his foot late in the Louisville game and is clearly bothered by pain but he's playing today against G'Town. In fact, he and Weyinmi Efejuku are the first players out shooting at The Dunk right now.
The hustle award today goes to Associated Press basketball writer Jim O'Connell. He drove up from New York this morning and will cover both PC-Gtown and URI-Xavier. Haven't asked him yet, but my guess is he's driving back to New York after the game in Kingston wraps up.
On another front, URI AD Thorr Bjorn is disagreeing with a note in Sunday's Journal that intimated that the Rams bussed to Philly for last week's loss to Temple because of budgetary concerns. Bjorn said the plan for months was to bus to the game and drive home afterwards.
"It was a department decision," Bjorn said. "When you think about the two hours before the flight and security at the airport, it's almost the same time to take the bus."
URI has chosen to bus to Philly several times over the years. While the 5-hour drive (on a good day) is bothersome, it does allow the coaching staff the freedom to leave when they want and the team to stop and eat when it chooses.
Providence College fought the good fight but that wasn;t good enough as the 22nd ranked Louisville Cardinals hung on to win today at The Dunk, 80-72.
PC led 40-39 at the half but Louisville went ahead at the nine minute mark and never looked back. The Friars cut the deficit to three points for the final time at 62-59 but a scoreless stretch hurt the comeback attempt.
PC is now 13-12 and 4-9 in the Big East. Louisville improves to 20-6 and 9-4. Geoff McDermott led PC with 18 points. Randall Hanke added 14.
Louisville's defense is stiffening and the Friars are fading a bit. They need a pick-me-up but it's not clear if there is one lying around on the bench.
The Cards are up, 53-51 at the 10:45 mark.PC has 11 points in 9 minutes and is 4 of 13 from the field in the half.
PC is up at the half, 40-39.
The Friars are playing aggressively and have lived at the free throw line all day to hang onto the lead. Louisville is going to the line a lot as well. A late McKenzie 3-pointer gave the Friars the current margin.
The Friars are playing tough and hanging in with a 33-31 lead at the 3:54 mark.
Geoff McDermott has 12 of the 33 points and PC is shooting 36 percent. The Cards are off as well, hitting 36 percent and throwing the ball away 7 times. Andre McGee has 3 threes and 9 points for the Cardinals.
Both Tedy Bruschi and Herbert Hill have been introduced to the crowd. Good ovations for both. Who's left? No one with that star power.
The Friars have started this game with plenty of energy and life. They went up 15-8 after threes by McKenzie and Xavier and a 3-point play by McDermott.
Louisville came back and it's now tied, 15-15 with 11:57 left.
Besides Bruschi, Herb Hill of the 76ers is in the crowd. Fun game so far but PC has to keep manufacturing offense.
We're up and running here at The Dunk. The place is chock full and electric. Rick Pitino, ESPN, even Tedy Bruschi of the Patriots in the house.
PC is starting Brian McKenzie, Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott and Randall Hanke. Louisville is going with a slew of studs who've drawn several NBA scouts to the arena today.
Spread is Cards by 4.5. We'll see..
We're posting this late because of technical problems we were having in Pittsburgh. These are the coach's postgame comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara:
In men's hoops, Pittsburgh breaks out in the second half and coasts past PC, 82-63. Also, the Red Sox begin their quest for another World Series title with few changes to last year's lineup, including the pitching staff, and Bill Reynolds tells of a local High Schooler chasing his hoops dreams. Download file
An impressive second half start by No. 22 Pittsburgh delivered a 82-63 win over Providence College tonight at the Petersen Center.
Pitt began the second half on a 21-4 run to blow the Friars out. The lead was only 42-37 at the half. PC has now lost 6 of 7 and fallen out of the Big East race.
An impressive second half start by No. 22 Pittsburgh delivered a 82-63 win over Providence College tonight at the Petersen Center.
Pitt began the second half on a 21-4 run to blow the Friars out. The lead was only 42-37 at the half. PC has now lost 6 of 7 and fallen out of the Big East race.
Pitt leads at the half, 42-37, after shooting 56 percent. PC is in the game because its offense is humming along as well at 57 percnet. The Friars have connected on 5-of-11 threes.
Pitt leads rebound battle 14-11 and has 7 offensive boards. PC has 8 turnovers.
Pitt leads at the half, 42-37, after shooting 56 percent. PC is in the game because its offense is humming along as well at 57 percnet. The Friars have connected on 5-of-11 threes.
Pitt leads rebound battle 14-11 and has 7 offensive boards. PC has 8 turnovers.
It's a good sign when you open a ball game hitting all five of your shots but probably not a good sign that that brings only a 13-12 lead.
Thanks to three Jeff Xavier threes, PC is up on Pitt early. But the Panthers are shooting 5-of-8 and PC clearly will have problems dealing with frosh big man DeJuan Blair. The big man hails from Schenley High, which is literally about 2 football fields from Petersen Events Center. That's what they call a recruit falling into your lap.
We're here at one of our favorite on-campus arenas tonight, Pittsburgh's Petersen Events Center. The Pete is six years old and has helped usher in the Golden Age of Pitt basketball. Led first by Ben Howland and now Jaime Dixon, the Panthers are an amazing 93-9 all-time in the building. That's a 91 percent winning percentage. Maybe that's why the Friars are a 9-point underdog tonight.
Providence will be the `Dogs in its next three games with Louisville and Georgetown coming to The Dunk this weekend (Sat-Monday).That three ranked teams in seven days, the toughest stretch of the season for the Friars.
First comes Pitt. PC is starting Dwain Williams, Brian McKenzie, Randall Hanke, Geoff McDermott and Jeff Xavier. The biggest test of the night will come in keeping Pitt's big men off the boards and the ball out of the inside of the Friars' zone.
We're here at one of our favorite on-campus arenas tonight, Pittsburgh's Petersen Events Center. The Pete is six years old and has helped usher in the Golden Age of Pitt basketball. Led first by Ben Howland and now Jaime Dixon, the Panthers are an amazing 93-9 all-time in the building. That's a 91 percent winning percentage. Maybe that's why the Friars are a 9-point underdog tonight.
Providence will be the `Dogs in its next three games with Louisville and Georgetown coming to The Dunk this weekend (Sat-Monday).That three ranked teams in seven days, the toughest stretch of the season for the Friars.
First comes Pitt. PC is starting Dwain Williams, Brian McKenzie, Randall Hanke, Geoff McDermott and Jeff Xavier. The biggest test of the night will come in keeping Pitt's big men off the boards and the ball out of the inside of the Friars' zone.
Below is the transcript for this week's college hoops chat, with Bill Reynolds. Next week, we'll have URI guard Jimmy Baron at 1 o'clock Thursday. More details on that later.
Bill Reynolds: Hi everyone, i'm in the house and ready go
marchessau: I can understand how you can attack PC fan's booing at the Dunk. It is college sports and the student athletes shoild not be exposed to booing. However, how else do you suggest fans who are totally frustated with Welch show their concern when the college administration seems completely oblivious to their concerns?
Bill Reynolds: Fans can express their displeasure by e-mailing the AD, e-mailing the president, whatever. in other words, there are better and more effective ways to it.
PC 71: Bill- Great article the other day about Welsh. I have been a fan sense 71 but will never give one more dollar if the powers to be get rid of Welsh this year.When you look at his record of getting us to post season { NIT, NCAA} why can't folks see he is right in line with every other coach during the Big east years?
Bill Reynolds: PC '71, let's forget welsh for a second. in the 30-year history of the Big East the Friars have one had two years where they've won an NCAA Tournament game, '87 and '97, and have never been a consistent winner in the Big East. that's just a fact. So it seems to me that fan dissatisfaction - however understandable - should be put in a larger context.
friarfem: bill, i read your article today about welsh and the fans--i'm part of that fan base, but not a booer--i don't think its good for the kids trying to win nor the recruits sitting there--some of your comments though are confusing--it doesn't sound like you think we should be in the big east 'cause we can't recruit the players we need--reasoning being we're recruiting against some heavy hitters, true, but why than can baron recruit-yes, the a10 is not as strong top to near bottom as the big east, so baron is probably recruiting against several teams for top players rather than 7-8 schools--what i see is though is that each year under welsh we've had this wishy washy type seasons--
Bill Reynolds: Friarfem, good question, and sorry i'm confusing. PC should be in the Big East, because it's too much of a cash cow not to be in it. But to think it's somehow the school's birthright to be very successful in it - when it really hasn't been in 30 years - is unrealistic. which doesn't mean it can't happen - history tells us it can - but it's not easy. History tells us that, too. It seems to me that the real problem is not Welsh's coaching - regardless of what you think about it - but the fact that there's not one player on the Friar roster that any of the top teams wanted. Take away McDermott - recruited by Duke, every other Friar is essentialy here because the glamour teams didn't want them. The result? Up and down seasons, just what we have now.
THL: Thank you for your time today. At this stage of the season...do you feel that Tim Welsh will be the coach of the Friars next year?
Bill Reynolds: I wouldn't went to bet my life on it.
PC4eva: whooooooooooooooaaaa. I understand that expectations need to be tempered. But is it too much to ask to win more than 2 Big East tourney games?
Bill Reynolds: PC4eva, no, it is not too much to ask to be better than 1-7 in Big East tournament games, as Welsh has been.
Josh M: Bill, as usual, many thanks for all your great material. What do you think are going to be URI's biggest strengths and weaknesses down the line? Do they have the talent to pull off an upset if they make it to the big dance?
Bill Reynolds: Thanks for the kind words, Josh. I think URI definitely has the potential to make a run in the NCAA Tournament. Their biggest strength? Multi-dimensional. The fact they could pound Dayton last week with Will Daniels being a non-factor is a great sign. Weakness? Their lack of a big defensive presence underneath.
THL: Bill, do you believe that Sharaud Curry, if cleared by the doctor, should play rather than red-shirting and saving the year for the future?
Bill Reynolds: THL, if were advisiog Sharaud Curry I would tell him to red-shirt. certainly it's in his best interest at this point. Whether it's in the coaching staff's is another question.
PCfan78: But don't you agree at some point a coach has done as much as he can with a program. Isn't a new or a different approach sometimes a positive.
Bill Reynolds: PCfan78, I do agree that at some point a coach as done about as much as he can with a program, and I also know that 10 years is a long time to be anywhere in this day and age, but that's for the school to decide. In regards to Welsh, I just don't like the booing
Wally: Hey Bill really enjoy your column and keep the book referrals coming. First of all I am releasing a statement: This whole booing thing from Friar fans is upsetting. Friar fans have a history of showing their ignorance by leaving early win or lose and chooosing the wrong venue when displaying their frustration with the coach. For the most part though Friar fans are very loyal and passionate about their team. I get so mad and embarassed at the booing. Anyway, what do you think the Administration has planned for Coach Welsh? I believe that if they don't want him they should buy out his contract at the end of the season. Of course they better have a replacement in mind that can recruit and has thick skin, so that leaves Bobby Knight out. Hey Bill remember our days in the Air National Guard ond our basketball tournaments with the Army. I have meetings from 12 - 2 today, but I am looking forward to your response! Thanks Bill!
Bill Reynolds: hey wally, I know that PC fans are loyal and passionate. I also know it's frustrating when you are paying good money to watch a team that doesn't live up to your expectations, and I know that coaches in this day and age get bought out all the time. It's the booing I don't like.
rhody74: Bill, I know you're not the URI beat reporter .... but have you heard how Will Daniel's ankle is doing? Will he be available against UMass?
Bill Reynolds: rhody74, i hear that Will Daniels will play.
THL: If Tim is gone next year, where do you feel the Friars will look for a replacement. a mid major head coach, an assistant from a big time program, or a head coach currently at a so called high major program?
Bill Reynolds: THL, if PC were to replace Welsh odds are they would go out and find the Tim Welsh of 10 years ago, a successful coach at a mid-major school.
riron: bill what is the problem with weymi Ef.. he makes PC a much more explosive team when he's on the floor yet welsh is not playing him--is there a problem?
Bill Reynolds: riron, i really don't know the problem with Weyinmi. He's the ultimate trick or treat player, and I've long thought that as he goes the Friars go. He is the best athlete on the team, can be explosive, and I always think the Friars are better off when he's in the game, but that's just me.
PC4eva: and if we are going to punt on being competitive in the Big East, why stay in the league?
Bill Reynolds: pc4eva, if PC were not in the Big East they'd be back in Alumni Hall and no one would care. We've all been too spoiled.
friar: Thanks for your time today Bill. Any word on Curry being redshirted?
Bill Reynolds: Friar, I would bet anything that he will be red-shirted, but then I would have bet on the Pats winning the Super Bowl, too.
rhody74: Bill .... as a URI fan, I'd be thrilled if PC gave Tim a 10-year extension, but that's just me. ;-)
Bill Reynolds: rhody74, great line. you should be doing this chat, not me. Just as long as you don't fire Baron and bring back Harrick and give him a 10-year extension
Josh M: Bill, what are your thoughts on RIC's potential in tournament play? They started off with a bang with the Holy Cross win, played Umass Dartmouth tough (with a rematch still to come) but got wiped out by Amherst and havent received any top 25 votes in a couple of weeks.
Bill Reynolds: Josh M, you just made history with the first RIC question.
All i know is they're not as good as they were last year - no crime in that - so I wouldn't get my hopes up.
PC4eva: BIll, thanks for taking the questions. I know that I made a comment earlier which was critical of Welsh...and I am. His biggest failure to me is his inability to a) consistently develop players and b) the systematic loss of players throughout their 4 years. Thoughts? Having said all that though, PC fans have to decide for themselves what type of coach they want. A solid, apologize the phrase, "mediocre" coach, or a bright s"shooting star" who always has eyes for the next job. You cant have it both ways. I dont think Welsh fits either bill, which is why I am not a huge supporter.
Bill Reynolds: PC4eva, good question, eva, a sold ``mediocre'' coach or a shooting star? In a perfect world I think any program would want the bright shooting star, for when he leaves that means he had great success or he wouldn't be leaving, if that makes any sense.
friarsb: Hi, Bill..Many people are thinking that if Coach Welsh is not back next year, that the decision process for a replacement may involve not only Fr. Shanley, but also folks like Dave Gavitt and even Rick Pitino. If this is the case, do you think Richard Pitinio would be a legitimate candidate for the PC job?
Bill Reynolds: friarsb, i love Richard Pitino and think that someday he will make a great coach. But he is in no way ready for a job like this. Not now.
THL: Bill, on the other hand, if the Friars somehow make a comeback and manage to finish the season strong, and Tim is extended...do you see a three year extension so he can recruit being to tell the kids that he will be at PC in the future?
Bill Reynolds: THL, if PC does decide to extend Tim Welsh it would probably be in the two- or three-year range.
Bill Reynolds: I've got 10 minutes left if you're still in the house here
ladygrad: Bill, lately you have been like a rational parent getting kids to stop squabbling. If we are passioante about our teams, we are accused by media (Giacobbe) of pretty much having no life. If we do not express pasion about our teams, we are accused of having no spirit or loyalties. So how do we show our balance?
Bill Reynolds: ladygrad, you're right, it's like a balance beam. Just don't cross the line, and booing does that. anyhting short of that? go to it
THL: Bill, thanx for answering these questions....one more quickie...in your opinion, what was the best Friar team of the BE era?
Bill Reynolds: THL, I think the most talented Friar team of the Big East era was the '97 team, which had three guys who eventually spent time in the NBA on it, but the '87 team was the most fun. no one could have made up that year.
ladygrad: Do you think Coach Baron is a target for being recruited by other schools?
Bill Reynolds: ladygrad, jim baron absolutely becomes a target for bigger schools with his great season. that's how the system works.
friarsb: Bill...another question: Do you have any insight relative to the new CBI tournament? Does it start this year, and is it designed for teams that don't even make the NIT?
Bill Reynolds: friarsb: the new CBI tournament starts this year and will be selected after the NIT field is selected. There's no truth to the rumor the Friars are a lock.
ken: I couldn't disagree more . . . booing does not cross the line. Yelling obscenities and throwing things crosses the line. Welsh has earned the booing with zero NCAA wins, 2 NIT wins, and 1 Big East tourney win in 9 years. When I'm frustrated at a game I cant email the AD!!!
Bill Reynolds: ken, you can if your bring your Blackberry. just kidding. I understand your frustration, i just think booing hurts a progam more than it helps it, regardless of the circumstances.
Bill Reynolds: Thanks everybody. I'm told there will be a full transcript of this chat online later today at projo.com, and I apologize for any questions i didn't have time for. Over and out.
Tim Welsh spoke to reporters on Tuesday night after the Friars got back on the winning track against DePaul. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
Sports columnist Bill Reynolds will answer projo.com readers' questions in a live chat today from noon to 1 p.m. You can send in your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. When typing a question, remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Bill answers them.
Providence College has snapped its 4-game losing streak with a convincing 79-65 win over DePaul tonight at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
The Friars erased a 7-point halftime deficit and rolled to a 33-10 start to the second half to break the game open. A deep, balanced scoring attack was led by Randall Hanke who led all scorers with 21 points. Dwain Williams added 18 points, including four 3-pointers in the second half. Brian McKenzie added 11 points.
PC is now 13-9 overall and 4-6 in the Big East with a trip to St. John's up next. The Friars are now tied with DePaul (9-13, 4-6) in the conference standings.
PC's offense continues to click and the Friars appear poised to snap a four-game loss streak.
PC began the second half on a 33-10 run that's broken this one open. But it's not over. Yet.
The Friars have put together an impressive offensive start to the second half and lead 53-44 at the 11:30 mark.
Randall Hanke (18 points) and Brian McKenzie (11) lead the way. PC outscored DePaul 21-5 to start the second half as DePaul's offense settled for too many quick shots.
PC is trailing at the break, 35-28. The offense is only running in fits and starts while the defense just can't blank the Blue Demons on multiple trips down the floor.
Randall Hanke leads the Friars with 10 points. He scored 10 of the team's first 19 points.
It's a battle of the turnovers. PC has 11, DePaul has 8.
PC is trailing DePaul by two points at the 7:18 mark. The Friars are shooting 46 percent and DePaul is at 44 percent.
The place is deader than dead at this point. Lack of passion on the court and in the stands at the moment. Not sure what attendance is but we'd say about 7K.
Tim Welsh was booed slightly at introductions but that's nothing new. Crowd has behaved otherwise.
Good news for the Friars. Geoff McDermott is in the starting 5 and hoping to play as much as he can after dealing with a sore knee for the last few days.
PC has lost four games in a row. DePaul has dropped three in a row. Something's got to give.
Tim Welsh isn't changing anything up. Same starting five as the last game: Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Brian McKenzie, Randall Hanke and McDermott.
Watch out for Blue Demon freshmen Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker. They're legit.
PC men's basketball coach, Tim Welsh, is on the hot seat, but does he deserve it? Also, it was the Giants' last chance, and Eli Manning took full advantage of it in stunning the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Download file
West Virginia pulled away in the final 10 minutes and beat PC tonight at The Dunk, 77-65.
Point guard Darris Nichols led the Mountaineers with 23 points. The Friars did not play well offensively for more than 25 minutes and struggled badly over the final 10 minutes. Randall Hanke led the Friar offense with 18 points.
PC has lost four in a row and is now 12-9 overall and 3-6 in the Big East.
West Virginia leads PC 52-48 at the 11 minute mark. The games has ground to a halt as both teams are struggling to score.
PC is playing a tough zone defense at the moment but not getting anything going on offense. PC's offense has been better inside with Hanke (team-high 11 points) than outside with errant 3-point shooting (6-of-16).
The Friars began the game looking good by making 7 of their first 13 shots. Ten of the opening 20 points came from centers Randall Hanke and Ray Hall.
Weyinmi Efejuku entered the game at the 13:53 mark.
It's PC 20-15 at the 11:24 mark.
It's a must win for both teams tonight at the Friars entertain West Virginia. PC has lost three in a row. WVU has dropped two straight, both at home. Now they need to get one back on the road.
PC is starting Jeff Xavier, Dwain Williams, Geoff McDermott, Randall Hanke and Brian McKenzie. We'll all be on the Weyinmi Efejuku watch to see if he sits out all 40 minutes for the second straight game.
Notre Dame survived a major scare in regulation and then pulled way in overtime for a 81-74 win at the Joyce Center.
PC led 61-59 with a minute left and forced two Notre Dame missed trips at the offensive end yet still couldn't put the game away. A missed front end of a one-and-one by Ray Hall and a huge turnover by Geoff McDermott with 18 seconds left doomed the Friars.Luke Harangody led the Irish with 31 points.
PC has lost three games in a row for the first time all season and is now 12-8 and 3-5 in the Big East.
PC let a golden opportunity for an upset win slip away in regulation. It's now overtime at the Joyce Center.
PC led 61-59 with a minute left but a missed one-and-one by Ray Hall and two turnovers by Geoff McDermott let Notre Dame survive and force a 61-61 tie.
It's the firts two minutes of o.t. and ND now leads 69-64 after 3-pointers by Rob Kurz and Ryan Ayers.
A little too much Luke Harangody (22 points right now) and a lack of 3-point shooting luck (PC is 4-of-23) has combined to give the Irish a 54-48 lead with 7:34 left.
PC needs to keep Harangody in check and make a few deep jumpers in order to get back into this one.
Good game here in South Bend. PC has settled into a good defensive focus and is playing the Irish tough. ND's offense is very explosive and could get going at any moment but the Friars are playing much tougher and making the home team work.
Ray Hall, yes, Ray Hall - has provided a huge lift inside. PC down by 2 with 15:43 left.
Notre Dame holds a 32-31 halftime lead over Providence. Tory Jackson's layp at the 2 second mark gives the Irish the lead.
The Friars haven't played great but did batten down the hatches on defense for a long stretch after a switch to man-to-man and that resulted in a 16-3 run to give PC a lead for long stretches of the half. Luke Harangody leads all scorers with 12 points.
Threes by Dwain Williams and Jeff Xavier have given PC a slim lead. Heavy input from the bench has really helped tighten the defense.
5:18 left and PC up by two.
After falling behind 21-9 after a barrage of Notre Dame shooting, the Friars have regrouped and cut the lead to 21-17 at the 7:52 mark.
Jonathan Kale played well at the Joyce Center last season and is doing it again. The junior has six points off the bench to help the cause.
Tim Welsh made one swithc in his starting 5 with Dwain Williams spelling Weyinmi Efejuku. So far Weyinmi has yet to play. We'll see how long that lasts.
We're here at Notre Dame where it's cold and snowy (as usual) and the irish are playing well.
After scoring the game's opening four points, PC has swooned and Notre Dame has shot the ball great. It's 21-9 ND at the 13 minute mark.
Syracuse held off a nice Providence second half rally and just defeated the Friars, 71-64, at the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse led by 12 points early in th esecond half but some 3-point shooting from Dwain Williams and Jeff Xavier sparked a PC comeback. The Friars went ahead, 49-47 with seven minutes left. The game was tied at 56-56 with 4:22 left after a Xavier 3 but the Orange scored the game's next nine points to take control again.
Freshman Donte Green was oustanding all day for Syracuse. he finished with 24 points. Williams' 18 points led the Friars. PC has lost two in a row and falls to 12-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big East.
Live and die by the 3..
After bricking from outside most of the day, the Friars have caught fire with Dwain Williams and Jeff Xavier draining consecutive threes. It's 46-44 Syracuse with 8:44 to play.
The Friars are on the verge of getting blown out here at the Dome. PC's shooting trouble persist and Syracuse is getting it done inside in a major way.
PC cut the deficit to six (39-33) but Donte Green is really heating up for Syracuse. He leads all scorers with 18 points.
A horrible half of basketball for the Friars as Syracuse plays marginally well and leads by 9 points.
PC can't get inside SU's long zone and when they see open looks outside, the bricks are flying. Ugly.
The Friars can't solve Syracuse's long zone defense and their offensive woes are very deep today.
PC made 4 of its first 20 shots to fall behind 19-11. Now it's 24-17 at the 3:44 mark. It'll be interesting to see if the Friars can get to 20 points by halftime. Ugly.
Providence and Syracuse are in a rock fight, bricking their way out of the gate at the Carrier Dome.
The Friars got off to a 3-for-16 shooting start. The Cuse was 3-of-10 with 6 turnovers.
It's SU 13-11 at the 10 minute mark.
It seems like I was just here.
Actually it was the night of Dec. 8th when Syracuse was beaten by URI in a wild shootout.
The Orange's team has changed quite a buit since then. SU has just 8 healthy players and one, starting guard Scoop Jardine, is not dressed for this game. The remaining seven players are young but tall. This game will boil down to how well the big men - Donte Greene, Arinze Onuaku, Rick Jackson - rebound the ball and score inside.
The Friars need a big game from Geoff McDermott and lots of help from Randall Hanke, Jon Kale and probably even Alex Kellogg.
It's a big road test for the Friars but about as fortunate an opportunity to win at the Carrier Dome as you're going to find.
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Kevin McNamara previews the Friars game Saturday night against the Orange, at 2 on Sunday afternoon.
Kyle Tibbetts, the PC sophomore from Milford, Mass., who won a new Nissan from Balise after hitting a halfcourt shot at halftime of last night's Friars game, began the day in anonymity. He ended the day as they guy with the number one play on SportsCenter's "Top Plays." Not bad.
Tim Welsh spoke to reporters on Thursday night after the Friars lost in disappointing fashion to Seton Hall. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
Sparked by an outstanding second half effort, Seton Hall has come into the Dunkin' Donuts Center and knocked off Providence, 88-75.
Seniors Brian Laing (22) and Jamar Nutter (19) led the Pirates, who've won three games in a row in the league. Seton Hall is now 13-6 and 3-3 in the Big East.
PC loses for the first time at home. The Friars fall to 12-6 and 3-3. Weyinmi Efejuku led the Friars with 23 points.
With 4 minutes to go, the fans are heading for the exits with Seton Hall up, 76-64. The Pirates are absolutely on fire and everything Tim Welsh tries defensively does not work.
Not good news for the Friars. Barring a shocking collapse by the Hall, PC is about to lose its first home games of the season.
Seton Hall's explosive offense has grabbed control of the game and it's getting ugly for the home team.
The Pirates have made 11 of 15 shots to start the half and are leading, 70-54 with 8:30 left.
PC's offense has hit the skids with too many players settling for 3-pointers. The Friars are back on their heels and the Pirates are smelling blood.
Minor correction. The PC student who drained a halfcourt shot during a time out did not win a trip to the Big East tourney. But he can drive there.
Kyle Tibbetts won a new Nissan with the shot. He is a sophomore from Milford, Mass.
PC leads at the half, 38-37. They should be up by more.
The Friars jumped out to a 17-7 lead and built a 26-11 lead. But The Hall battled back with some good shooting of its own.
Jamar Nutter leads the Hall with 12 points. Jeff Xavier has 13 points and Weyinmi Efejuku has 11.
PC and Seton Hall are almost set to tip off in a very big Big East games for both teams.
The Friars are looking for a 4th consecutive Big East win. The Hall is gunning for win number three in a row.
Geoff McDermott's knee looks fine. He's starting along with Jeff Xavier, Weyinmi Efejuku, Brian McKenzie and Randall Hanke. Hanke, by the way, is sporting a serious shiner. He was elbowed in last week's win at UConn by Hasheem Thabeet. It gives him a good boxing look.
Former Friar assistant Bobby Gonzalez knows Providence more than most. As a single guy during his term at PC with Pete Gillen, Gonzo got to know the city and enjoy its finer points.
During a Big East conference call today, Gonzalez made sure to crack a few lines like his old boss when the subject of winning in Providence came up.
``I was an assistant there. i know how hard it is to win there. People will be booing at me in Italian,'' said Gonzo. ``They'll be throwing food at me from Federal Hill.''
We'll see Gonzo. We'll see.
The Friars are preparing for a key Big East home game Thursday against Seton Hall at The Dunk. Here are a few notes to note:
*Geoff McDermott is dealing with a sore knee. Now before PC fans head for the Washington Bridge, Tim Welsh says that while McDermott needed his knee drained earlier in the week, he's missed a few practices but is expected to be ready to go. McDermott is an absolute must, of course. He's played as well as any forward in the BEast over the last two weeks and is clearly PC's heart and soul. He's broken down with injury the last two seasons and that must be avoided this time around.
*The Friars practiced at the John Hope Settlement House on Tuesday. For some reason, PC's women's team played an afternoon game vs. Villanova on Tuesday right smack in the middle of the men's team normal practice time. Welsh chose to take the team off-campus instead of scrambling for another time that would fit around scheduled class times. Wonder if Seton Hall had to practice in downtown Newark any time this week?
*Ex-PC assistant Bobby Gonzalez is as pumped up as ever. Just got off the phone with the Seton Hall coach and he's excited to be playing the Friars and looking for his team's third straight conference win. The Hall just shocked Louisville in Newark, a win Gonzo termed `monumental for our program.'
*PC will turn around and fly to Syracuse at noon on Saturday, via charter. The Friars play the Orange Sunday at 2p.m. SU has been planning for that game since Tuesday. The Orange lost in o.t. at Georgetown Monday night.
Paul Kenyon: Hi everyone. It’s nice to be here on game day. I’m not like the players and coaches. I’m happy to talk on game day. So let’s get started.
Pam: I'm a Duquesne alum -- why do you think the Atlantic 10 is so competitive this year?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Pam. There certainly is no doubt about how competitive the A-10 is with everyone having at least one loss already.My personal opinion is that there are two big reasons for the upswing. One is that the schools have done a good job hiring coaches. The league went through a down cycle when it lost coaches like John Calipari, Thad Matta and Oliver Purnell to higher paying jobs and John Chaney to retirement.Your alma mater, for one, made what looks to be a great move with the hiring of Ron Everhart from Northeastern. The Dukes are good this year and will be even better next year. It takes coaches some time to get their program in place. To coin a phrase, it’s a process. The fruits of the process are now becoming visible at Duquense, URI and many of the conference schools.The second factor, I think, is just normal a normal cycle. The top conferences do not have ups and downs. But conferences like the A-10 must deal with that issue. There were losses to the MAC and Colonial and other conferences in the last several years. Those conferences are in more of a down cycle now, the A-10 very much on the up side.
rocky rhode: Paul, if URI does not win the A-10 tournament, is there any shot at an at-large NCAA bid?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Rocky. There most certainly is a chance for URI and all the conference schools to receive NCAA Tournament bids this year beyond the one automatic for winning the A-10 tournament.The conference is holding strong at seventh on the RPI. It has eight schools in the top 100 in the RPI. It has had so much success on non-conference games that it is now all but a certainty that the conference will get multiple bids.Virtually every forecast I’ve seen in the last couple weeks has the A-10 getting at least three bids and perhaps four. I’d agree with that. Some are worried that the conference teams will beat each other up, as has been happening already. But the position is so strong there will be a strong A-10 representation in the tournament this year.
gorhodyMA: Paul, George Washington's defense seems to be almost as good as St. Louis's. Do you see URI continuing to struggle tonight, or do you think they'll break out of their slump?
Paul Kenyon: Hi GoRhody. It will be a major surprise if URI does not get back to scoring well tonight. GW is second to Saint Louis in a number of defensive categories, but it plays very differently than the Billikens do. Saint Louis made it a half court game. GW is more willing to move, maybe not as much in the past, but it still has some excellent athletes. Besides that, the game is at the Ryan Center, where URI’s numbers have been outstanding this season. The Rams shoot very well in their building. Finally, if you have been around the tam you have heard the emphasis on ending the GW hex after six straight losses. I know GW has struggled a bit offensively, but I expect a lot of points tonight
woosterbilligs has entered the room "college hoops"
friar1: Hi Paul - will URI be able to retain JB is he is approached by higher eschelon schools who could double his current salary?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Friar. Welcome. As you saw last week, the Baron talk already has begun. Former Friar coach Fran Fraschilla recommended him to Big East and ACC schools in his blog. If one of those schools does come calling and really wants Baron, there is nothing URI can do. If it does offer him a chance to double his salary, he obviously would have to listen. That being said, I think the only way that happens is if URI not only makes the NCAA Tournament but wins a couple games in the tournament. I fully expect Jim Baron to be back coaching the Rams next season
Paul Kenyon: Hi Wooster. If one game can be considered a stall, then yes, that is where the Rams are.
woosterbilligs: Hi Paul, Just wondering if you think the Rams have stalled a bit since URI has played a relatively scant schedule since mid-December?
Paul Kenyon: To continue with the response to Wooster. The Saint Louis game was the first I have seen all season in which the Rams had a bad day. Saint Louis dictated the pace and feel of the game, URI never got in a rhythm and it lost a game it would expect to win. Unless a team is Memphis or Kansas, you have to expect some nights like that. URI is good, but not so strong that it cannot expect to have an off night. With six days to regroup, there is no reason not to expect the team to return to playing better tonight
woosterbilligs: But, It really isn't a one game situation. They played some poorer teams that gave them a game, like those games in Texas, and then looked tired against Dayton and downright confused against an assailed St. Louis squad. Don't get me wrong, I like this team and where they are headed, but this seems a longer trend than one game, no?
Paul Kenyon: I don’t know if I would agree with you, Wooster. I did not see the games in Texas so I can’t speak for those, but for the vast majority of time URI has done a good job of getting games played the way it wants. It has played hard and it has played well
tomg: Paul, will Providence red shirt Curry? It seems the injury is taking a long time to recover from.
Paul Kenyon: If we see Curry playing again this season I think it will be a major surprise. It gets less and less likely that he will return with each passing day. Not only does Curry have the foot problem, but his family situation is difficult, too, with a younger brother who is going through difficult times. From all I hear, the odds are strong that Curry will sit out the rest of the season.
woosterbilligs: Not questioning the effort or the results, just noticed a trend watching from afar in comparison to some other highly touted teams. Trust me, after a long hiatus from owning season tickets, Jim Baron has brought me back into the fold with his playing style, his players on a talent and overall basis, and his approach to our fan base. Sorry if my question seemed negative because I am not when it comes to my Rhode Rams.
Paul Kenyon: I’m sure the Rams are happy to have you back, Wooster. Your questions are fair. I just disagree. The loss at Dayton had much more to do with Dayton playing well than the Rams playing poorly. URI was good in that game. Dayton was excellent. I was impressed with Duquesne, I think the Dukes are going to be very good. URI did not play great in that game, but I thought it played solidly. The SLU game is the one game that was a poor outing for the Rams. Their job now is to make sure it is only one game.
rhodyrudder: Hi Paul. So you expect that the problems displayed in the SLU game (bad fouls by Will, poor shooting by everyone, a lack of sharing the basketball) are a minor blip, and the team will be able to get back to running on all cylinders tonight?
Paul Kenyon: Hi Rudder. I think you describe my view well. That is very much the feeling I get from the team. It did not play well in Saint Louis, even with support from fans like you who were there. It was just one game. There is every reason to expect the team to get back to scoring a lot of points tonight. The job will be to stop GW from scoring. I can’t believe GW is only averaging 62 points. I like its personnel. If point guard Travis King was not out with a knee injury I would have expected the Colonials to be a major factor again this season.
URI Rams beat writer Paul Kenyon will take your questions in a live chat Wednesday at noon. You can send in your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room. Remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought; questions will display to the room as Paul answers them on Wednesday.
The Providence Friars pulled off what could be termed a `mild' upset here in Hartford, dominating Connecticut in the second half to roll to a 77-65 victory.
The Friars, now 12-5 overall and 3-2 in the Big East, won for the first time on the road this season thanks to some impressive 3-point shooting. PC made 14 threes on the night, eight in the second half. Dwain Williams led PC with 23 points, while Brian McKenzie added 20.
It's a great win for PC, which now has a week off and will next host Seton Hall on Thursday.
UConn falls to 11-5 and 2-3 in the Big East. The Huskies were very bad offensively all night and with their ballhandling. The loss of AJ Price to foul trouble for much of the second half was a killer for the Huskies.
The second half has been very kind to the Friars thus far. It's Providence 49-42 at the 10:44 mark.
UConn has reverted to form and really struggling to score in the halfcourt. The Huskies are 3-of-17 with 3 turnovers in the half. More importantly, AJ price has 4 fouls and will be sitting for awhile longer. That is a huge loss for Connecticut.
PC is being patient on offense and sticking close off the glass. Lots of time left, but the Friars can certainly get this one.
It's been a very ragged first half here in Hartford. UConn leads by two despite 10 turnovers and a very slow shooting start. AJ Price leads all scorers with 12 points and his quickness and passing ability are keys for UConn.
PC has lived and dies by the 3-point shot. The Friars have canned 6 of 12 threes but are 6 of 17 from in front of the line. Dwain Williams has three 3-pointers. Pc hasn't helped itself with 9 turnovers.
The Friars fell behind early13-7 but have roared back and lead, 21-15. The Huskies are really struggling with errant shooting and sloppy turnovers against the Frioar zone defense.
Three-point shots by McKenzie, McDermott and two from Dwain Williams have sparked the offense. PC's offense isn;t exactly getting good shots but the 3-ball is falling.
It's PC 21-15 at the 7:52 mark.
We're almost set to get up and rolling here at the XL Center in Hartford. Don't ask what XL is (insurance). It's always the Hartford Civic Center to me.
The Friars are here trying to steal a huge Big East road win. Such victories look to be few and far between in the conference this season so this would be a big one for Providence.
It is also huge for UConn. As 9-point favs, this looms as a must-win for the Huskies. We'll see if they can get it done.
The Friars are starting Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott, Weyinmi Efejuku, Brian McKenzie and Randall Hanke. That's four juniors and a sophomore. UConn counters with three sophomores and two juniors.
Northfield Mt. Hermon junior Mike Marra, a native of Smithfield, recently visited Louisville and reports are that he may picks the Cardinals soon. Marra is a top recruit of both Providence and URI.
According to the Scout. com network, Rick Pitino’s Cardinals are in the lead for his services.
“We visited Louisville Dec. 29 and it was a great visit,” Marra’s mother told InsideTheVille.com. “Louisville has offered him and it was good to see the school. We loved it and so did Michael.”
“I loved it a lot,” Mike Marra said. “We came down the day of the Iona game. I watched the game at Freedom Hall which was great. Then I got to stay in the dorm that night which was nice. I (toured) the campus and saw the new practice facility which was amazing.”
Speculation abounds in basketball recruiting circles that Marra could end his recruitment with an early verbal commitment to Louisville soon. Mrs. Marra said that is very likely to happen.
“He’s very excited about Louisville,” Mrs. Marra said. “Right now they are his number one choice. We’re kind of holding out a little longer to see what happens and we also want Coach Pitino to see him play because he hasn’t seen him play in person yet.”
“I’m not ruling out making a commitment and I definitely like Louisville a lot – I can see myself going there,” Mike Marra said. “But I don’t know if I’m ready to make the commitment right now. It’s possible that I do make the commitment, though. As of now, Louisville is my favorite of the teams who have offered.”
Kevin McNamara: Hello college hoops fans. Just left the TV where George Mitchell is going on and on about his steroids report. Needless to say, spending an hour with you folks is more enjoyable. Keep the questions coming. We have about a half dozen in the Q right now.
THL: Good afternoon. During the last chat I asked about the field for next year's Annaheim Classic. You told me that you would check on it. Were you successful?
Kevin McNamara: I am sorry but I have not checked. I promise to follow up on that and get the teams in the paper this week. Thanks for reminding me.
Friar Rob: Kevin, thanks for your terrific coverage of college hoops. Keep up the good work. What is the story with Curry redshirting this season? I thought the decision had to be made before the USF game?
Kevin McNamara: Thanks for the kind words. I do not feel Curry will play this year. With 14 regular season games remaining, I don’t see it as a wise choice for Sharaud to make a comeback. Will he get to close to 100 percent by the end of this season, or perhaps by Feb. 1? I believe he will. But I do not feel playing in 10-12 games helps his future or the teams at this point. He has not practiced at all and just getting him up to game speed and integrating him into the lineup doesn’t make sense to me.
As for the redshirting issue, the act of applying for a redshirt doesn’t occur until a player needs one. In this case, Curry would not have to apply for one until after NEXT season. He has one year of eligibility left that he will use next season. Then he can apply for a fifth year, which he undoubtedly would get. Tim Welsh has taken the stance that there is nothing to talk about with Curry until he is healthy enough to at least practice. We are not there yet. However, I can certainly see the writing on the wall
terwilliger: Kevin Re the foul shots at the end of the uri game sunday. Once the official has awarded a foul shot to a player and he shoots it, doesn't it have to stay in the books? Suppose Jimmy Baron had missed that first shot (one and one-8th team foul), would the URI coach have had the privilege of getting the call switched to Kareem after Duquense scored (potentially) a game winning hoop? (Remember Tyus Edney from UCLA?). It seemed bizarre, and it might be important next time. In my mind the call is akin to a baseball appeal.. Once the next pitch is made (in this case once the foul shot is taken) there is no appeal. The Dukes coach cleverly earned himself two options. In other words two players had to make the same shot!
Kevin McNamara: Good question. The rules do not state that you can't wipe off a foul shot. The officials are obliged, however, to make sure the correct shooter goes to the line. That was the error that the refs corrected. The scenario you bring up is an excellent one. If Baron misses and the Dukes go down and score can URI say the wrong shooter was at the line. I guess they could but since Coach Baron thought jimmy was the one who was fouled, that would not have happened. I will ask on official that one and get back to you. Excellent question.
GoRhodyMA: Kevin - which St. Louis will show up on Thursday, the one that took Dayton to overtime or the one that scored 20 pts vs. GW?
Kevin McNamara: I am willing to give SLU the benefit of the doubt and say they will play tough at home against the Rams. Scoring 20 points in a game is just bizarre, to say the least. The Billikens are better than that, but not very good. They must try to slow the tempo against URI and will certainly do that. I don't see Rick Majerus' best attempts as being good enough. Give the Rams another hard-fought win and a needed road victory. BTW, Dayton's injury to Chris Wright is a major one fo the Flyers. They will be in trouble the next two games, hosting Umass and going to Xavier.
hoop fan: Kevin- Sunday night Len Robbins on the Big East show on SNY said PC was one of the 3 hardest jobs along with South Florida and Seton Hall. He also along with the moderator said PC was lucky to have Welsh. Your thoughts?
Kevin McNamara: First of all, I respect Lenn Robbins a lot. He’s a close friend and we’ve talked about these subjects a lot. The question of which is the hardest job in the Big East is a good one. I think everyone would agree that South Florida tops the list. It’s a football school in a football state, although Billy Donovan has showed that all things are possible and the plethora of talent in the state give Stan Heath a fighting chance, for sure. I also agree that Seton Hall is a tougher job than Providence. The move out of the Meadowlands was a huge positive for the Pirates but moving into a similar sized building (18,500) still is not what college teams need. Not playing on campus hurts all of the Catholic schools very badly and is the reason why Villanova is ahead of the game in that regard. Now which is the third hardest job? Providence looks like it to me. St. John’s would be right after PC but I feel the Red Storm is a good recruiting class away from getting back into the top half of the Big East. Whether the current head coach can deliver that is another question.
PC lacks a lot of things other schools in the league take for granted. The biggest is recruiting ability. Look at the long history of PC hoops. They do it with under-the-radar kids, not studs. Best example is the fact that two high-major kids are in Rhode Island right now: Erik Murphy and Mike Marra. I’d be surprised if PC gets either one. Murphy has 7 schools and PC isn’t one of them. That tells me a lot and it isn’t good.
Is PC lucky to have Tim Welsh? I think PC’s ability to win in the New Big East is unclear right now. This isn’t the league Rick Pitino and Rick Barnes faced. It’s much better and more challenging. Is Welsh the coach to keep PC in the top 6-10 every year in that environment? I am not convinced. This year and next, with a veteran team, will answer that question. Many Big East people feel that the results Welsh has delivered at PC are about what the school should expect. Which Big East jobs do you see as tougher than PC?
Analyst: Kevin - can Brown which lives and dies with the 3 beat out a much more athletic Cornell and a comparable Yale for the League title or will there be too many nites when both McAndrew and Huffman are off to win the12 games it will take to win the title? Have you noticed that is is rare when both of them score 20 or more together (is that a psychological/ sibling rivalry thing)?
Kevin McNamara: I am high on Brown. I think Craig Robinson is doing an excellent job with a team that lacks an awful lot of answers. Obviously, the Bears cannot have a game where Mark McAndrew and Damon Huffman both struggle shooting the ball. Can 1 be good and the other shaky? That wouldn't be good either. I think the good news is the league will be wide open enough for you to stub your toe 2-3 times. I see 11-3 as a Ivy title-winning record. Brown is at Yale Saturday. Needless to say, that is a very big game. The good news is the Bears have played so well on the road this season that I'm sure they are looking forward to the trip.
THL: At this stage of the season have you changed your mind on where the Friars will finish in the BE? An extension of that Q is do you think they will make the Big Dance...and if not, does TW get fired?
Kevin McNamara: I do not think that making the NCAA's is an all-or-nothing proposition for Tim Welsh's future at PC. I feel it should not be. Bob Driscoll has publicly stated that he wants to see continued improvement from the team this season. The loss of Sharaud Curry to injury certainly should be considered and will be. I see the Friars as a 2nd tier Big East team that can still make an NIT-NCAA run but also will have trouble making the Big East Tournament, if you can believe that statement. The difference between 7-8th place and 12th place will be very slim in this conference. I see the Friars fitting in that spot. Obviously, the teams that play with the most consistency will be the ones that qualify for New York and be in position to go to the NIT/NCAA.
joey the ram fan: hi kevin great job with all the info... i know rhody has some decent guys locked up for next year with orion outerbridge and the 5-7 point guard from mass... any others of note and pc is losing only burch so what does the freshman class consist of????
Kevin McNamara: The URI recruiting class holds excellent promise. You mentioned Outerbridge, who is talented but a bit of a project, and Stevie Mejia, who will compete with Marquis Jones for PG playing time. The Rams also like Ryan Brooks, a long 6-8 forward who has played very well in S. Jersey; Canadian athlete Randy Dezourve; and Jamal Wilson, a big-time athlete from Philly. Getting them all academically qualifed is now the focus.
Kevin McNamara: PC has one signee ro replace Burch. They could sign another player for 2008 and the staff is looking at PG and a big man.
ramfan: Kev- you do a great job for both pc and uri, especially for a Cuse grad! thanks, any thoughts on the Friars playing Kale, Hanke and Mcdermott together? with 5 guards rotating, and Hall and Peterson backing up the 3 front spots it could give the friars some size and strength while still keeping the offense flowing and some pressure D out front.
Kevin McNamara: You mentioned virtually everyone on the roster in the frontcourt and that's probably who'll you see play. Tim Welsh clearly likes to use his bench this season and thinks the depth can be a factor. I know that McDermott/Hanke do tire and that's hurt the Friars in the past. If they can get something out of Greedy/Kale/Hall every game, they'll be better for it. Playing McDermott/Hanke/Kale together is not the team's best defensive lineup, by a long shot. I don;t think you'll see that often at all.
terwilliger: Thanks Kevin (re uri foul shooter)I still think that coach Everhart got a two for one special. He must have brought his CVS card to the RYAN center.
Kevin McNamara: I know that CVS is big in Pittsburgh, too. Wouldn't be surprised if Coach Ron is a card-carrier.
mjsback04@hotmail.com: In 2002-03 and 2003-04 PC had the following players: Kabba, McGrath, Douthit, Sanders, Gomes, Augustin, Mills, and Hill. In those two years, PC had as much talent as anyone in the country yet they did not win a tournament game. Do you agree with this assessment? Can you do a where are they now segment on former PC players?
Kevin McNamara: I do not agree with that assessment at all. As much talent as anyone in the country? How about as much talent as anyone in the Northeast! I'd say Boston College (Craig Smith, Jared Dudley, Sean Williams) had more. PC fans always overrate their talent and that's the case this year, too. That PC group has one sure-fire pro (Ryan Gomes) and a fringe one (MDouthit). That's fair talent, not a lot. They needed more, clearly, to make a deeper run in the NCAA's. Now should that team in 2003 have beaten Pacific? Yes. Wonder how that win would change people's perception of the program. By the way, that team would face long, long odds in its second round game: versus Kansas in Kansas City.
chris: Can and will URI go 4-0 leading up to the Dayton rematch? URI has given up too many points vs Dayton and Duquesne compared to previous games...what will they need to do to solidify the defense?
Kevin McNamara: URI's next 4 are at St. Louis, home to GWashington, at the Bonnies and home vs. Richmond. You could say this is the `easiest' stretch of the A-10 season but going on the road twice is never easy. I do agree that Rhody will win all four and host Dayton at 5-1 in the league. The best defense for this team is either better offense or defensive rebounding. They aren't built to be a lock-down defensive team. It's just the way it is. Doing a better job off the defensive boards is key.
GoRhodeIslandURI: Kevin, ESPN Bracket logy has URI a 6 Seed. If/when Rhody makes the Tourney what do you think their seed will be? Also ESPN has PC out do you think PC can make the dance?
Kevin McNamara: As a 6 seed, that means the Rams are one the 20-24 line in the field. Sounds about right. The Rams have a strong RPI and need additional road wins over good teams to solidify their place both in the NCAA field and as a top 5-6 seed. Remember this: URI will face an absolute killer 1st round game in the NCAA unless it someone finds its way into a top four seed, which looks like a stretch. Even then, a 4 plays a 13 seed and those teams are dangerous. So 5 seed, 6 seed, 7 seed. Doesn't matter much. What you want to avoid is a 2nd round matchup against a 1-2 seed.
ramfan: Kev- last question for this week. Coach Baron seems far more creative this year. Can the rams win the A-10 and make a run in the tourney?
Kevin McNamara: Certainly can. Their offensive ability makes them a very dangerous team. Looks around the country at plenty of teams that struggle to score (Michigan State, for one). That will not be a problem for the Rams, almost no matter who they play. Defense and rebounding are the keys for URI to make any kind of a post-season run.
THL: Recruiting----Kevin, with TW's status up in the air, how do you look at current recruiting for the very important 2009 class?
Kevin McNamara: I think it is hard for any recruit to commit to PC without the school commiting to its coach. It's that simple. And, yes, the class of 2009 is a very, very important one if the Friars don't want to take a big-time dip after the McDermott/Hanke/Efejuku/Xavier/Curry/Kale class leaves after next season.
terwilliger: thanks Kevin Coach Baron is the definition of integrity but in theory he could have created that scenario. How loudly would coach Everhart have yelled if Jimmy missed the shot? Ans. not at all! And, how distracted could he have possibly been at that moment (and his assts). not to see that it was Jimmy shooting. I think that he got two for one. It was a great game!
Kevin McNamara: It was a great game. One of the best I've seen this year. You can go `round and `round with the end of the game scenario in that one. Enjoy the spinning!
Kevin McNamara: Almost set to wrap things up guys. Fire away any late 3-pointers.
I HATE PC: will Will Daniels win A-10 player of the year? Or is that Roberts award to lose?
Kevin McNamara: Will Daniels can certainly win the PofY award in the A-10. Roberts has played very well but if the Rams beat Dayton in two weeks and go on to finish 1 or 2 in the conference, I can't see where Will can't be the choice. He's having an outstanding senior season.
ernieDwannabe: Kevin. there are a number of good RI players outside of Marra and Murphy- Can URI or PC help Jerrell Gomes through Juco to the big time, and what about Bruce Sobers in WestWarwick (a GeoffMcdermott clone!)
Kevin McNamara: I hear good things about Gomes and Sobers, although they may not be D-1 prospects. I haven't seen either myself so I don't want to say that for sure. I know that both PC and URI monitor the locals and have AAU ties in Rhode Island. Marra and Murphy, however, are a cut above.
rhody22: Kevin, Baron uses Cothran at the point sometimes. Do you think he can handle those duties?
Kevin McNamara: Keith is an interesting player. I'd say he's a developing offensive player without a true position. A combo, for sure. Defensively, he's as good as you're going to find. I'll take him on my team and over time he has a chance to be very, very good.
rf321: How good is Jeff Xavier ?
Kevin McNamara: Jeff X is very good. A better deep shooter than I realized and PC's fiercest defender. He needs to keep being a stronger leader and shake up a few teammates who don't play as hard as he does. He is another guard I'll happily take on my team.
I HATE PC: How many teams have a better 1-2 scoring punch then URI's dynamic duo of Jimmy Baron and Will Daniels?
Kevin McNamara: Not many. I think that's pretty clear. Don't see another one in the entire A-10.
THL: Bilal Dixon is having a great HS season...can he be an impact player on this Friar team as a freshman....and Thanks for your time today.
Kevin McNamara: Hearing good things on Bilal. Next year he'll have to beat out Hanke, Hall and Kale for playing time. Tough to do.
Kevin McNamara: That's all folks. I'll be back in this forum in a week or two. You can always forward questions to us and either myself or Paul Kenyon will answer them for you. Take care.
Talk PC and URI hoops on Tuesday with Kevin McNamara
Kevin McNamara will answer your questions on Tuesday at noon in our next projoSports hoops chat. While we said in today's newspaper that this would be a PC chat specifically, Kevin is happy to take your URI questions as well. You can send your questions to Kevin now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, pick a display name (you don't need a password) and enter the college hoops chat room.
Remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them on Tuesday.
The Friars played one of their finer games of the season today in easily dispatching South Florida, 86-70.
PC, which is now 2-2 in the Big East and 11-5 overall, led by 12 points at halftime. An early push out of th egate in the second half elevated the lead to 20 points by the 13 minute mark. The Bulls (10-7, 1-3) didn't get within 10 points the rest of the way.
Geoff McDermott led the Friars with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Dwain Williams and Jeff Xavier added 16 points apiece.
The Friars have put some distance between themselves and the South Florida Bulls and are now coasting with a 65-45 lead with 11:32 to play.
Geoff McDermott is playing very well. He has 18 points and 4 rebounds. Jeff Xavier has 14 points and 6 assists. Kentrell Gransbury leads USF with 17 points but no one else is doing much of anything for the Bulls.
Providence just wrapped up one of its finest halves in a while with a 43-31 lead over South Florida.
PC received a boost from two unheard of players in Ray Hall and Dwain Williams. Williams hit three 3-pointers and Hall came off the bench to grab 4 rebounds and hit a layup in 5 busy minutes. Hall was roundly cheered when he left the lineup.
The Friars shot 50 percent from the floor and did a good job defensively in limiting the Bulls to 40 percent.
It's PC 23-19 over USF with 7:44 to play. South Florida has hit the offensive boards a bit and that's kept the Bulls in it. The visitors are very athletic and aggressive and already have 3 threes.
Dwain Williams has returned for the Friars. Not surprisingly, he hit his first 2 shots and they were both 3-pointers. The Friars are shooting 53 percent from the floor.
The Friars and South Florida Bulls are off and running. PC went up 10-2 out of the gate on 4-of-5 shooting but the Bulls have battled back. It's 14-12 Friars at the 13:47 mark.
A bit late here because we had to watch a whale of a Big East game wrap up. Georgetown has just hung on to nip UConn, 72-69. The Hoyas got a 3-pointer from 7-2 center Roy Hibbert with six seconds left that provided the margin of victory. UConn has to be crushed. It played a great game. The Huskies next game is Thursday at home against......Providence.
Big one for the Friars today. The Big East is shaping up as very deep and beating a team in the bottom quadrant like USF at home is a must.
Providence College recruit Bilal Dixon is shining at Queen of Peace in New Jersey. QoP is ranked second in North Jersey and Dixon is averaging 14.3 points, 12 rebounds and 7.5 blocks. The 6-8 center is seen as one of the underrated players in the state. is a fine feature story on Dixon from the Bergen Record.
Tim Welsh spoke to reporters on Wednesday night after the Friars picked up their first Big East victory of the season over Rutgers. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
Providence has ripped Rutgers tonight at the Dunk, 76-50.
Rutgers scored just two field goals and shot 10 percent (2-20) in the second half. Brian McKenzie pumped home 24 points for the Friars. Randall Hanke (12) and Jeff Xavier (11) also reached double figures. PC is now 10-5 while Rutgers falls to 8-8. PC hosts South Florida on Saturday (4pm).
It took 20 nervous minutes for Friar fans but the Rutgers that's struggled badly in the Big East has checked in at The Dunk. PC has out-scored the Knights 20-5 to open the second half and is rolling, 59-43 with 8:20 to play.
The Friars lead at halftime, 35-34. PC is shooting 46 percent but has 10 turnovers (4 by Geoff McDermott) and is just 1-of-8 from the 3-point line.
Rutgers started quickly, making its first six shots, and is shooting 50 percent (12-24). Also shooting 50 percent from the 3-point line. Randall Hanke leads all scorers with 10 points.
Rutgers may be the Big East's worst offensive team but they've just made their first 6 shots and jumped out to a 16-9 lead after six minutes.
The Scarlet Knights promptly missed their next four attempts and it is 16-15 with 11:38 to play. The crowd at The Dunk isn't all that bad. That's a surprise considering the big URI-Dayton game is being televised.
PC has 5 turnovers. Geoff McDermott has three.
PC and Rutgers are ready to tip off in the Friars' Big East opener. The Dunkin' Donuts Center suites are open for the first time tonight. They are sharp and pretty full, which is a surprise since this game isn't exactly a high-profile affair.
The Friars are starting their usual 5 of Jeff Xavier, Weyinmi Efejuku, Randall Hanke, Brian McKenzie and Geoff McDermott.
Xavier always is out on the floor early to get up plenty of pre-game shots. He was joined tonight by Efejuku, a good sign for the Friars. We'll see if it helps the Friars get up and running.
It's a very big night for the URI basketball team. The Rams are tipping off at Dayton in easily its most important game of the season. Ram fans who think the URI-PC game tops all are wrong this year as nationally ranked Rhody plays nationally ranked Dayton at the Flyers' sold out arena.
NCAA tourney organizers look for big wins when they pick and seed teams and there's no bigger way to make an impression that winning on the road against a power team. Right now Dayton is the best team URI has played all season. Better than Providence, better than Syracuse. The Flyers are a top 10 RPI team and represent a chance for a huge win that URI may not see again this season.
The Rams' story is certainly catching on. Jim Baron and his team are front page national news today in the USATODAY newspaper.
PC opens its Big East home schedule tonight. To say this is a must-win for the Friars certainly isn't over-stating the Friars' plight in life. PC is 0-2 in the conference and while there are 16 more conference games to play, Tim Welsh's Friars aren't playing well. They need to get rolling or teams in the Big East will welcome a visit from PC.
For you PC bashers out there, check this out. It's obviously still early to predict any NCAA brackets but that's what ESPN's Bracketology does on a weekly basis. While URI is in the field as a 5 seed, PC is also safely in. The Friars are a 10 seed. This is a direct reflection on PC's strong schedule thus far and not on how the Friars are playing. It does, however, point out that it is much too early to write any team off. Especially a Big East team with an RPI at around 30.
Two disturbing games in the Big East last night if you're a PC person. Marquette, the same team that drubbed the Friars by 29 last week, struggled mightily to fight off Seton Hall, 61-56. Only a 3-pointer by Dan Fitzgerald in the final 10 seconds secured the win. The Warriors put 96 points up on Providence last week.
Then DePaul, which looked good in beating Villanova and PC last week, was crushed by Georgetown at home. The bottom line? If the Friars don't start playing better quickly, they're in for a long Big East season.
Audio slideshow: Kevin McNamara previews PC-Rutgers
Click the play button below to see and hear the show, as Kevin McNamara previews the Friars' in-conference home opener. It's a game the Friars really need, against a team they should really beat.
Assumption College won its 1,000th men's basketball game on Dec. 29, becoming the 16th school in New England to reach that milestone. Adding wins from 2007-2008 to the won-lost records at the start of the season as listed in the current Assumption newsletter, the University of Rhode Island is third and Providence College seventh in total victories. URI has 1,299, PC 1,249. According to the newsletter, this is Rhody's 103rd season, PC's 84th.
Connecticut is New England's all-time leader with 1,454 victories. Springfield College, basketball's birthplace, is second with 1,305. After URI come Williams (1,206), Yale (1,274) and Holy Cross (1,256).
After Providence, the list includes Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Amherst, Boston College, Northeastern, Trinity, Tufts, Saint Michael's and Assumption in that order.
Tim Welsh spoke to reporters on Saturday night in Chicago, after the PC Friars fell short in their attempt at a comeback win against DePaul. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
PC just lost a tough one to DePaul, 70-65. The Friars trailed by as many as 17 in the first half but showed a lot of life in the second and cut the lead to three points on two occassions.
The Friars had the ball with a chance to tie in the final seconds but an inbounds pass by Geoff McDermott was stolen by Will Walker with four seconds to play.
Weyinmi Efejuku led all scorers with 20 points. McDermott had 15 rebounds and Jeff Xavier hit for 15 points.
PC falls to 0-2 in the Big East and 9-5 overall. DePaul is 2-0 and 6-7 overall.
PC has cut the lead to 5 (60-55) and is within sight of the Blue Demons. DePaul keeps answering but it's good to see the Friars showing some life both on offense and defense.
6:22 to play.
The Friars' offense has arrived! PC has scored 10 of the opening 13 points in the seocnd half and cut DePaul's lead 40-34. Randall Hanke has six of the 13. He just NEEDS to play, even if he's not boarding.
The Friars are getting knocked around in the Windy City. They trail Depaul at the half, 37-24. The Demons were up by as many as 17 points (30-13) as PC suffered through an awful start by hitting 5 of its first 25 shots.
DePaul is winning the hustle plays, too. It's is crushing PC off the boards. No excuse there. Demons are also getting to the foul line way too much: 13 times. Just more aggressive.
We'll see if the Friars can make a push in the second half.
The Friars are getting plenty of good shots but they can't make a jumper and aren't converting inside chances. They are also getting mauled off the boards.
Marshon Brooks and Ray Hall have both been in.
It's 30-14 with 5 left.
The Friars aren't rebounding but they lead early on, 7-5. The Friars are in a zone defense and that's frsutrated the Blue Demons. It looks like they have a set of bricklayers from outside. They've begun 1-of-9 . PC is 2-of-10.
I like Mac Koshwal, a DePaul frosh. He's big and strong and gets to the rim. A keeper.
The wireless connection at old, dreary Allstate Arena is good so we'll be blogging a bit from tonight's PC-DePaul game.
The Friars look for their first road win of the season tonight. They've lost at Rhode Island and Marquette and both games were a bit ugly. Correct that. Marquette was very, very ugly. PC needs to show up and show that it's ready to compete tonight. That was not the case vs. Dominic James & Co.
PC is starting the same five: Efejuku, Xavier, McKenzie, McDermott and Hanke.
DePaul may be the best 5-7 team in the country. The Demons have their share of bad losses but took undefeated Vanderbilt to overtime and just knocked off Villanova. They're hot and will be ready to protect their home court.
The stat of the night: PC is 2-13 in its last 15 road games. They won at UConn and South Florida last year. That's it. We'll see if they can get an elusive roadie tonight.
Great seat tonight. On the baseline but I can shoot spit-balls and hit Sharaud Curry on the bench.
Audio slideshow: Kevin McNamara previews PC-DePaul
Before leaving Milwaukee for Chicago, Kevin McNamara took some time this morning to talk about the Friars' game on Saturday against the DePaul Blue Demons. You can see the game at 8 on Saturday night on ESPN Classic. Click the play button below to see and hear the show.
An obviously disappointed Tim Welsh spoke to reporters after Thursday's blowout loss to Marquette. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
Audio Slideshow: Kevin McNamara previews PC at Marquette
Kevin McNamara took some time this morning to talk about the Friars' big game tonight against the Marquette Golden Eagles. Click the play button below to see and hear the show.
Kevin McNamara: Hello hoops fans. Happy to be with you again. I certainly am not heading outside. It's about 5 degrees here in Milwaukee. I'll answer as many questions as I can in the next hour or so.
THL: By your article in yesterday's projo, neither Sharaud or Dwain will be available for Marquette or DePaul. What is the cut off date for the possibilty of using a medical redshirt for either, or both players...and do you think it may be used, especially in Sharaud's case?
Kevin McNamara: The Friars play Marquette tonight and Sharaud Curry will not play. We may not see him all season and a decision on that front is right around the corner.
The NCAA redshirt rules state that if you play in a game that’s beyond 50 percent of the team’s schedule – the halfway point – you cannot apply for an injury redshirt. PC plays 30 games so if Curry plays in any game past No. 16, which is next Saturday against South Florida, he cannot redshirt. More on this in Friday’s newspaper.
Dwain Williams is nursing an ankle injury but he will return this season
THL: Obviously, it is now 2008 and the early signing period for 2009 recruits is 10 months away. Although we, at this point, will be looking for six recruits for that season, we have a grand total of zero commitments. In your opinion, is this because recruits are shying away from PC because no one knows if TW will be coaching PC at that time? To follow up, do you know if there is at least one verbal that will be coming shortly? Thank you.
Kevin McNamara: PC does not have any commits from the 2009 class right now. They’ll need 5-7 to fill out the roster so working the junior class is a major priority right now. The Friars are in good with several juniors but they rarely secure commitments from young players at this early date.
Does this have anything to do with the head coach’s contract situation. I can’t imagine that it helps. The PC administration made a decision to have Tim Welsh work with two years left on his deal and they have to live with the consequences. That’s bound to effect recruiting.
Is a verbal coming shortly? Not that I know of. I think the staff is still considering whether to add another player for 2008-09, which is possible with only Chuck Burch graduating
friardad: what is the reason for the lack of playing time for jonathan kale?
Kevin McNamara: Jon Kale started and played a lot of minutes early in the season but that was before Randall Hanke was healthy and productive. Now that Hanke is playing very well again, Kale has disappeared. But he’ll be back. If Hanke and Geoff McDermott are playing well and don’t get into foul trouble, Kales minutes will be limited. But frontcourt depth in Big East games is always important and I see him getting time, as early as tonight.
The emergence of frosh Greedy Peterson has also hurt Kale. Right now he’s behind the freshman because of Greedy’s ability to finish plays close to the rim
DustyC: Kevin, in your opinion, why has Tim Welsh had such difficulty getting his teams to play defense. We were told for the second year in a row that defense was going to be emphasized and yet, this team appears to be just as inept as ever defensively. Is it the players? Does Tim Welsh and his staff have the ability to teach defense? What is the problem? You have to know that this is a burning question for many PC fans.
Kevin McNamara: Dee-Fence. It’s been an elusive quality for the Friars for three years now. Obviously, the coaching staff has emphasized defense every day since practice began. More than at any time, as far as I can recall. But it is not catching on consistently. I think it will be very interesting to see if the Friars defend better against the Big East teams, which sounds crazy but when your back in pushed against the wall, players do seem to respond better.
Tim Welsh has had some good defensive teams in his 9 years at PC so he knows how to coach defense. But that was with different players. He feels this group can be much better defensively and right now the focus in on the perimeter trio of Jeff Xavier, Weyinmi Efejuku and Brian McKenzie. They’re going to play a lot of minutes and are the first `wave’ of defense.
joey the ram fan: kevin whats the truth about sharod curry??is he coming back??when??also how can the pc staff give Ray Hall a scholarship??? Im not friar bashing but if this team doesnt make the nit how can welsch keep his job????
Kevin McNamara: Joey is fired up this morning. He should be after the Rams whacked another foe last night in Kingston. See above for Curry. Not a mystery. He's hurt and it's looking like he will not return this season. That's a major, major loss for PC. Kind if like URI losing Parfait Bitee for the year. How would that play in Kingston? I won't justify the Ray Hall question. He's a sophomore and a project and it's good to have your projects be 6-11 and 270 pounds. He'll contribute before he's done at PC. I know Joey The Ram fan would never `Friar Bash' but we'l see how the season plays out - NCAA/NIT/Nowhere - before we make a call on Tim Welsh's job status.
Jeff: Hi Kevin, I first want to say that I really enjoy reading you this time or year and its great to have someone as good as you following the Friars. Do you think the Friars can realistically compete for an NCAA tourney bid without Curry in the lineup? As good as I think Ekejuku can be, his inconsistent play tends to wear off on this whole Friars team (think Brown last year).
Kevin McNamara: The loss of Sharaud Curry is a huge one for PC and cannot be overstated. He’s Levance Fields and Eric Devendorf, the two key injured players for Pitt and Syracuse. Without him I think the Friars are hard-pressed to make the NCAA’s. I’d be surprised if they can win more than 7-9 Big East games. Now a PC team that’s 9-9 in the league would finish 18-12, which is more than pretty good. The key is who you beat. Will it be DePaul, Rutgers and St. John’s or those teams with an upset of Marquette, West Virginia or Georgetown thrown into the mix? That would get PC into the NCAA discussion, for sure
friar1: Kevin - who raised Tim's ire after the St. Peter's game w/ the questions about playing time?
Kevin McNamara: I'm not going to bash another media member but let's just say it was someone who mis-pronounced Jon Kale's name when he asked the question. Don't think that got Welsh off on the right foot. I could see his point, too. If the Friars lost or a big man didn't play well, then why didn't Jon Kale play? But they won the game, they needed their best players in because it was a tight game and Randall Hanke had 23 points and 14 rebounds. You want to take him out
THL: This is a bit premature, but I heard that the Friars will play in a Thanksgiving weekend exempt tournament in Annaheim next season. Joining PC in the field will be Arkansas once again. Do you have any info on who else will be competing?
Kevin McNamara: You are correct. The Friars will be in Disney next Turkey Day. Book your flights now. I can't recall some of the other teams but this is an ESPN event so the field will be good. I believe there are a few Western teams involved like New Mexico and Utah State, perhaps. I'll check on this and get it in somewhere for you guys.
Jeff: kevin, is there anyway hanke can take over the roll of Herbery Hill from last year's squad? Pc used to have a great rebounding team last year, and that could help alot in the Big East.
Kevin McNamara: Hanke and Hill are very different players. The emergence of Hill as an offensive force was the key to last year's NIT finish. PC needs that inside scoring and Hanke is capable of providing it more than anyone else on the team. Hill was not a defender. Neither is Hanke. That is a major issue for the team. Both players are good offensive rebounders but Hanke needs to hit the defensive boards more. That is a major concenr heading into the Big East. PC was a plus-6 rebounding team last year. Right now they are plus-4.8. Needs to be better.
PC78: The Friars are 9 - 3 at this point and need to get into the NCAA in order for Tim W to return(in my opinion). My guess is they need another 10 wins to make the tourney, even with the strength of schedule working for them. Every game is crucial. On paper they should not have much of a shot tonight, but this game will tell us a bunch about a)if Timmy can get these guys motivated, and b)if these kids really want to get it done. Playing in front of 18,000 screaming fans will be interesting. McDermott and Efejuku have their typical strong showings and Xavier goes a little nuts from beyond the arc... Friars by a bucket at the wire. 2008 off to a very good start.
Kevin McNamara: Like your enthusiasm, especially since this may very well be THE toughest road game of the season for the Friars. They are 11.5 point dogs. If they get this one, the Big East season will be off to a GREAT start. How many wins do they need for the NCAA's. If they get to 19 heading to New York and some come against NCAA-bound teams (GTown, Marq, WVirginia, Pitt all look good now) then you are right on. I'd be surprised if they come out `flat' tonight but remember, Marquette can make a good team look flat. Watch for UM to really pressure PC and try to exploit its lack of a proven PGuard.
Friar91: Is it a policy not to recruit any JUCOs for PC now, Gillen had some good luck there now it seems dried up?
Kevin McNamara: PC has backed off of JUCO's of late, for a few reasons. One prominent JUCO wanted to enroll a few years back (Quinton Hosley) and was denied admission. That spooked the coaching staff away from JUCO's. I think Providence needs to take JUCO's and non-qualifers (like St. John's has done) in order to win big in the Big East.
RayC: Has PC lost the upcoming generation of fans and if it isn't too late, can they be won back?
Kevin McNamara: How have they been lost? I see young adults and children at every game. Not sure what you mean. I did read Bill's column and agree with him that college BKB in our state is over-shadowed by the Patriots/Red Sox. It's apples and oranges right now. We have the best football team ever and the World Series champs playing in our region. Everything else (college BB & FB/ Celtics/Bruins) pales in comparison. But there are college basketball fans out there and plenty of them. URI attendance will be strong the rest of this season (it better be) and PC has several games sold out already. Don't regard talk radio as a barometer of fan interest. If this was the case, the NFL and MLB would be the only sports in the universe.
mgreul: Kevin - why isn't Marshon Brooks getting a chance to play? It seems with PC down two point guards they may need a little depth. Is he just not ready or are they looking to red shirt him for this year?
Kevin McNamara: I would've liked to see Marshon in the Sacred Heart-Saint Peter's games but they were tight and I'm sure the coach wasn't eager to experiment much. Marshon is a good prospect and may yet get his chance this season but with vets like Efejuku, McKenzie, Xavier and Williams, his chances are limited. I don;t see them redshirting him.
friarfan: how does PC counter if Marquette goes with a 4-guard line-up? I read that they actually played with 5 guards at times this year.
Kevin McNamara: PC can counter with four ballhandlers and Hanke. Geoff McDermott plays like a guard the way he handles and passes. I don't see Marquette going small because Tom Crean is very concerned about Hanke's scoring ability.
Chet: Kevin, i have not been to the rebuilt Dunk - what should i expect when i attend a game there in February....will i be pleasantly surprised?
Kevin McNamara: The Dunk is a work in progress. That's what you should expect. If you want the Full Monty, come back next November. The place is a work zone with construction literally going on during games but out of the public's eye. I trust that the building will be done very well when it's finally done. Right now it is a construction zone that's open for business.
Chet: What is the likelihood that PC buys out Welsh if they don't make the Dance this year.....do they have the funds to do so?
Kevin McNamara: If the Friars have a miserable Big East season, a decision on the coach will have to be made. I think Curry's injury clouds this issue quite a bit. PC does have the money to make a change if one is needed.
movo42: i beleive that we need a new coach. coach welsch has only one style of coaching. and that is okay for some coaches coach k, williams, knight, and others it seems to me the best coaches coach to the style of talent they have. not the other way around. what do you think about this?
Kevin McNamara: You have to clarify this a bit. Not sure what you are asking.
RayC: Just an opinion, but I prefer this setup for basketball chats, i.e. all PC basketball or all URI basketball, over a general chat for basketball. PC fans aren't likely to sit through a bunch of questions about URI and vice-versa.
Kevin McNamara: We'll take that under advisement Ray. I prefer a banter between both sets of fans, but it's not my call.
THL: maybe I can ask that aborted Q once again. If Burch is the only player leaving, and he has already been replaced by Bilal Dixon, Another player will have to leave if the Friars aare going to add another freshman for the 08-09 season. Any opinions?
Kevin McNamara: Another play does NOT have to leave for PC to add another recruit with Dixon. It's a bit confusing but many schools (Louisville for one) have players with scholarship ability paying their own way. That could happen here. Someone could always leave, of course, but right now I don't hear any rumblings on that front.
friarfan: did you get a chance to see Marquette's practice facility? That's what PC needs to stay competitive in the BE
Kevin McNamara: I can't disagree more. Go up to Alumni Hall right now. There's your practice facility. The Friars have a great locker room, a great practice floor, a new weight room and a state-of-the-art training room that is about 70 percent complete. The focus for spending now should be on additional recruiting budget, jobs for players in the summer and charter flights to games in order to keep up with the rest of the Big East
Chet: do you know what game PC will be offering a Marvin Barnes bobblehead doll?
Kevin McNamara: Can't wait to get my Marvin bobble. It's going right in the Sports Dept. I believe it was the Seton Hall game, Jan. 24. Look for additional ads in the Journal. I saw one last week.
RayC: With Dwain and Sharaud both out, do you think that Brooks will get more playing time or is he just too inexperienced for the upcoming portion of the schedule?
Kevin McNamara: I think the focus will be on Efejuku and McDermott to do most of the playmaking. Obviously Jeff Xavier and Brian McKenzie are important here, too. I'm sure Tim Welsh is leery about playing a little-used frosh at point guard in the Big East. That is not Marshon's natural position right now but he's getting a lot better in that area.
THL: Thank you---Just a note re:Dixon---He is off to an outstanding HS season. His team just won a tourney in NJ, defeating two teams from a higher rated league. He played like he is the real deal.
Kevin McNamara: I took note of Bilal's good start. Seems like he's on a good team which is most important. I hope to catch up with him later in the season.
Chet: do you think it was warranted for Welsh to complain about not having access to the Dunk over the Xmas week.....what message was he sending, especially by stating he'd consider playing at the Ryan Center. What was his agenda?
Kevin McNamara: I do think it is warranted. PC has many issues with the Dunk but finding play dates may be number one. It is a major, major issue and adversely effects the team's chances of wining games. The problem is it probably isn't going away. The Dunk has to book money-making events and as many as possible. Then it fits the Friars and PBruins into the schedule. That squeezes dates for the Friars and makes it very difficult to find non-league opponents who can play on those dates. It also hurts in the Big East. PC has started its BE sked on the road 7 of 8 years. That hurts. Also, because the PB's play Fri-Sunday, the Friars have to play Thursday-Saturday twice this season instead of Thurs-Sunday. That hurts, too.
Kevin McNamara: Guys, we're set to wrap it up here. Any buzzer-beating questions?
(Note: Last question was somehow lost, so we're not sure who asked it, but the question was:) Any players on the team who have a shot at making the NBA?
Kevin McNamara: I'd say no although Hanke, McDermott and Efejuku all have a shot.
Kevin McNamara: Gotta fly everyone. Sorry if I didn't get to your question. Hope you enjoy the game tonight. It's at 9pm on Cox 3.
Chelsea Marandola of Johnston, the best player on the Providence College women's basketball team, is out for the season, according to coach Phil Seymore.
The junior guard is still recovering from a herniated disk in her lower back, an injury she suffered last May during a workout. She has not played for the 10-3 Friars this season and will have two years of eligibility starting with the 2008-2009 season.
Marandola averaged 12.5 points per game as a freshman and 17.3 as a sophomore. She made the Big East all-freshman team in 2006 and the all-conference second team in 2007.
Tim Welsh spoke to reporters after Monday's somewhat shaky victory over the St. Peter's Peacocks. Here are his comments, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
The Friars face 10th-ranked Marquette on Thursday night, and Kevin McNamara will take some time to answer your questions on game day. Kevin will log on from Milwaukee at noon Eastern time. You can send in your questions now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, choose a display name (you don't need a password), and type in your question. Questions will display to the room as Kevin answers them on Thursday.
Sharaud Curry has returned from his home in the Atlanta area but he is not going to play this week when the Friars travel to Marquette and DePaul. Curry spent a few extra days at home to be with his younger brother and mother in advance of an operation his brother is schedule to go through. He is still wearing a boot on his foot and isn't ready to try things out at practice.
PC worked out today and will travel to Milwaukee tomorrow. The Marquette Golden Eagles are up to No. 10 in the Associated Press poll. While PC is hurting (Dwain Williams is also doubtful for the trip), Marquette is getting healthy. Tom Crean had played without valuable subs Dan Fitzgerald and David Cubillan but they both returned in a drubbing of Savannah State. PC-Marquette tips at 9pm Thursday.
Speaking of the AP poll, we're happy to have a vote and admit it's often difficult to sit down and hash everything out correctly but how did nine guys not vote for Dayton. At all. Do they watch the scores? They obviously don't watch the games, especially the Flyers' drubbing of Pittsburgh last week.
The Friars have defeated Saint Peter's, 83-78, before a New Year's Eve crowd of 5,973.
PC could never shake the Peacocks and led by only three points in the final seconds after the visitors drained two 3-pointers in the final 45 seconds.
PC is now 9-3 and SPU is 3-9. Randall Hanke led the Friars with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Jeff Xavier added 18.
The Friars are clinging to a 74-70 lead at the 3:28 mark.
Defense continues to be the issue, as does keeping the Peacocks off the offensive boards. The Friars will have to close fast to hold off the visitors who smell an upset.
Hanke continues to play well with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Jeff Xavier has 15 points.
SPU is 9-of-22 from the 3-point line.
The Friars opened the second half with an 11-5 run and now lead, 60-54, at the 11:45 mark.
PC's defense is a bit better but still slow getting to shooters. The Friars have played out of a zone defense the entire second half.
Randall Hanke has a game-high 19 points and also has 11 rebounds..
The Friars' defensive problems continue and they trail Saint Peter's at the half, 45-44.
PC had given up 89 and 95 points in the previous two games and now 45 in a half to a MAAC team. What will Marquette do?
That answer comes Thursday night. In the meantime, the Friars have to find a way to win this game. PC is allowing the Peacocks to shoot 51 percent from the field and they've made 7-of-12 shots from the 3-point line. Just as importantly, the Friars have forced a mere four turnovers. The lack of defensive pressure on the ball is a major issue right now and there doesn't seem to be many answers in that department.
PC's offense continues to humm along. The Friars have 44 points on 61 percent shooting with just five turnovers. Great numbers. But right now PC can't stop anyone.
The Friars began the game in a zone but eventually switched to man-2-man after Saint Peter's settled in.
Tim Welsh's first subs were forwards Alex Kellogg and Chuck Burch. Kellogg hasn't played in quite a while but his defense in practice has made an impact on the coaching staff.
It's 29-27 Peacocks with 7:51 to play.
The Friars shot out to a relatively easy 10-2 and 20-12 leads but that's been wiped out.
PC's defense has softended and Saint Peter's is on a 13-2 run and now leads, 25-22. Raul Orta has four 3-pointers for the Peacocks who have five treys in all.
The Friars are (finally) ready to play again and set to tip off against St. Peter's. The Peacocks upset Rutgers a month ago and recently lost to Seton Hall. This should be their stiffest Big East test.
PC is starting Jeff Xavier, Weyinmi Efejuku, Brian McKenzie, Geoff McDermott and Randall Hanke.
The Friars are without point guard Dwain Williams who has injured a bone in his ankle. It's unclear how long he'll be out.
The Friars have beaten Florida State, 101-95, at the Dunk in an impressive offensive showing by both teams.
Jeff Xavier led the Friars with an outstanding shooting game as he poured home 27 points and canned 7 threes. Weyinmi Efejuku was tough as well with 25 points and Randall Hanke added 15.
PC put together an 11-2 run that broke open a tight game and made it 88-77 with 4:20 left. PC still led by 11 points with three minutes to play but Florida State made one more push and cut the lead to 96-91 with 28 seconds left but the Friars hung on to win.
PC is now 8-3 on the season. FSU falls to 10-4.
Now this is a classic.
At the half, one net appeared ripped so the Dunk staff was asked to change it and did. When the officials noticed, they said rules state both nets have to be changed if one is ever altered during a game. So change them both, right?
Not. The Dunk has 1 spare net in The House today. So the workers are putting the `ripped' net back up as we speak.
Tim Welsh is steaming but we are finally ready to go again..
The Friars are up at the half, 49-41, after playing one of their best 20-minute stretches of the season.
PC is shooting 58 percent against what was a stingy defensive club entering the game. Randall Hanke has 13 points and Weyinmi Efejuku has 10. Jeff Xavier has 3 threes for 9 points.
The Friars have shook off a slow start with some nice adjustments and lead 31-27 at the 7 minute mark.
Tim Welsh junked his man-to-man out of th egate and the zone defense is giving FSU trouble. Also, Geoff McDermott is now the PG and running the show. That's cut down on turnovers and allowed PC to shoot 57 percent from the floor.
Defense remains an issue, of course. FSU is at 64 percent and making lots of shots going to the hoop. PC is 6-of-9 from the 3-point line.
The Friars are off to a slow start, junking their man-2-man defense for the zone already.
FSU has hit its first three shots and is up, 11-6. PC missed its first 4 shots and is 2-for-7 with the two makes being tough Jeff Xavier 3-pointers.
The Friars are still searching for answers getting into their offense. Dwain Williams at the point is a bit over-matched physically by the Seminoles right now.
It's 11-6 at the 15:42 mark.
PC and Florida State are set to tap off at the Dunk.
Starting 5's: PC is going with Williams, Xavier, Hanke, McDermott and McKenzie.
FSU counters with Isaiah Swann, Jason Rich, Toney Douglas, Julian Vaughn and Uche Uchefu.
The Friars are a slim, 2 point favorite. FSU would merit a slim fav in my book.
Word is the corwd is stuck in traffic but PC is expecting a good turn out for this one.
Providence College guard Sharaud Curry will not play tomorrow against Florida State because of lingering soreness in his foot.
Curry made his season debut Wednesday against Sacred Heart and played nine minutes. He said after the game that his foot was `sore' but shrugged it off as an expected condition after being out with a broken foot for nearly three months. But PC coach Tim Welsh said today that Curry isn't 100 percent and the Friars hope additional rest will get him to that point.
``He's not ready. He's sore and we want him to be 100 percent,'' said Welsh.
When will Curry play next? Impossible to tell. He'll go home to Atlanta for Christmas and return Dec. 27 and potentially be back on the practice court. After tomorrow's key game with Florida State, the Friars do not play again until Dec. 31 against St. Peter's. Then the Friars hit the Big East running with games Jan. 3 at Marquette and Jan. 5 at DePaul.
For more on Curry and the PC-FSU game, see tomorrow's Journal.
Audio slideshow: Kevin McNamara previews PC vs. Florida State
Kevin McNamara took some time this morning to talk about Saturday's game between the Friars and the Seminoles at the Dunk. Click the play button below to hear Kevin's comments, and see pictures of the two teams and their key players.
Here are some excerpts from Kevin's comments:
On the Sacred Heart game: "At this point in the season a win is definitely a win, and you just forget about it and move on. But I'm sure Tim Welsh has thought an awful lot about his defense the last couple of days heading into Florida State."
On Randall Hanke: "He provides that low-post scoring that any team needs -- shoots an extremely high percentage, has his entire career, and certainly will be counted on against Florida State and throughout the Big East season. Providence needs more help inside, because Hanke has never been a 30-35 minute-a-game player because of foul trouble ... They really need to get Jon Kale up and running again. He didn't play much in the last game. He's a vital player to get back in the mix."
On Florida State: "I happen to like Florida State very much. They have a very good group of guards; they're similar to Providence in that the strength of their team are the guards. The big guys are young and kind of progressing, but the focus is Jason Rich, Isaiah swann and Toney Douglas, their three perimiter players. ... It's going to be a very stiff test for Providence's perimeter players to be able to score and play as well as they have most of the season, because that group that Florida State has is very impressive."
Tim Welsh spoke after last night's scary Friars victory. We meant to put up the audio early, but we were having some technical problems. In any case, here it is, as recorded by Kevin McNamara.
After coughing up a 14-point lead in the second half, the Providence Friars came from behind and beat Sacred Heart tonight at The Dunk, 94-89.
The Friars regained the lead at the 8 minute mark but clung to one-point leads several times down the stretch. Only some late free throw shooting and defensive stops bailed out PC. The Friars improve to 7-3 while Sacred Heart is now 3-7.
Geoff McDermott led PC with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Weyinmi Efejuku led all scorers with 22 points and Randall Hanke added 20 points.
PC fell behind, 70-67, but has fought back for a 73-71 lead. If the Friars dig in on defense at all they'll be okay. But we haven't seen a lot of that tonight.
Randall Hanke has 4 fouls and is on the bench. Sharaud Curry is on the floor and playing during crunch time.
After building a 14-point lead early in the second half, the Friars have broken down on defense and let Sacred Heart back into the game.
The Pioneers put together a 12-3 run to slice the lead to 63-59 just inside the 13 minute mark.
We now have a game.
The Friars finally have their entire team together and in the 10th game of the season the offense sparkled in a 49-38 halftime lead over Sacred Heart.
Defense is another matter entirely. The Pioneers are getting too many open looks and shooting 45 percent at the break.
Randall Hanke has 14 points and Weyinmi Efejuku has 13.
Tim Welsh has played all sorts of lineups and the Friars have snuck ahead, 27-21 at the 8 minute mark.
Sharaud Curry played just under four minutes earlier in the half and had two quick assists and missed his two driving layup attempts.
Tim Welsh just inserted Sharaud Curry into the lineup at the 12:27 mark. He received a standing ovation from some PC fans.
Poor defense is killing the Friars. Sacred Heart is shooting 61 percent (8-13 FG) and leads, 19-18..
The word is major, major traffic woes habe gripped the downtown Providence area tonight. They've certainly limited the corwd at tonight's PC-Sacred Heart game. At tipoff, the crowd at the Dunk was sparsely.
Tim Welsh juggled his starting 5 with the insertion of Randall Hanke. He replaced Jon Kale. Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Brian McKenzie and Geoff McDermott rounded out PC's starters.
Hanke has made his first 4 shots and the Friars are out to a 15-14 lead at the 14 minute mark.
The sounbd is on. There will be music and starting lineups announced. Credit goes to the Dunk staff and Gilbane officials who solved the mini-crisis.
Also, Dwain Williams is indeed in The House and now taking shots. We'll give you the starting lineups when we get them.
The Friars are set to take on Sacred Heart, the small school from Fairfield, CT., that has enjoyed good success ever since it moved to Division One in 2000.
But fans heading to the game may receive a shaky experience. The Dunkin' Donuts Center has run into problems with its sound system. Right now there is no sound in the building. No Frank Carpano and his starting lineups, no timeout entertainment, no loud music.
We'll dig into this a little deeper if the system never pops on.
Also, the Friars may not be playing with Dwain Williams. His sore shoulder remains an issue and today he woke up complaining of an upset stomach. He has yet to be seen for warmups.
We'll see....
Kevin McNamara took questions from projo.com readers today from noon to 1. Click below to read the questions and Kevin's responses.
Kevin McNamara: First off, welcome everyone. I haven’t done a chat on projo.com in some time but the tools we now have available for this exercise are much improved. Hope everyone enjoys the give-and-take.
I will answer as many `good’ questions as I can in 1 hour. I am the judge and jury on the `good’ questions. Let me also get a few things out of the way. Yes, I went to Syracuse and URI’s victory was a painful one for all Orange People. However, I learned long ago that we do not `root’ in my business. Was I rooting for SU to win the national title in 2003? Absolutely. Do I root for them to win every regular season game they play, no. I frankly don’t care that much. In fact, I was thrilled for URI because they clearly needed to get a big win much more than The `Cuse. They’ve had plenty over the years.
I want URI and PC to do well. Every year. BOTH of them. Not just the Rams. Not just the Friars. This helps our readership, keeps the coaches and players happy and even keeps the fandom happy (sometimes). I can’t emphasize these points more strongly
thl: Kevin, what do hear, if anything, about an extension in the works for Coach Welsh?
Kevin McNamara: There is no news on any extension talk with Tim Welsh and PC. He has this year and next on his contract.
thl: Any news available regarding recruiting for 2009?
Kevin McNamara: PC is out of scholarships for the frosh class of 2008. However, the staff is always monitoring players and it’s fair to say that center-power forward and point guard are the two positions they’re looking at. Right now it seems as if the more pressing need is at point guard and a few players are being evaluated. Think pass-first PG, not a big scorer.
RhodeWarrior: URI's athletic style and number of people who can flat out score makes us a tough match up for others. We also seem to lack a true inside presnece and our rebounding can be suspect. Based on these observations how far can URI go in the tournament assuming they make it at their current level?
Kevin McNamara: I think URI’s team this year is very, very hard to defend. Its ability to score from multiple angle and multiple people are it’s strong points. Defense, rebounding, inside presence are all concerns. But as a coach you try to maximize your strengths and that’s what URI has done thus far.
If the Rams face an opponent that can lock down on defense (perhaps like Providence did in the first half a few weeks back), then they’ll be in trouble. That’s why rebounding (which I do not see as a weakness) and defense are all Jim Baron is talking about these days. Those are difference makers for the squad
RhodeWarrior: Over the years we have heard Jim Baron refer to "the process" many times. The terminology "process" has almost left the vocabulary now that he is having some success. Have you ever had the opportunity to ask him what exactly the process entailed and what his timeline was against this "process"?
Kevin McNamara: I don’t think JBaron ever had a timeline on his `process.’ He was clearly speaking about assembling a team of players who understood what hard work, good study habits and buying into a system is all about. That took 6 years. Even in the early years when the Rams went to the NIT, Baron knew he didn’t have everything in place. He is always looking for more help from the administration and that’s part of the process, too.
RhodeWarrior: Where would Syracuse team this year fare in the A-10? Where would PC fare in the A-10 this year? Where would URI fare in the Big East this year? What is your opinion as it has been an ongoing chat on the ProJo message board?
Kevin McNamara: The weight of URI’s win at Syracuse took a serious blow over the weekend when SU lost Eric Devendorf to a season-ending injury. Without him (and Andy Rautins, another knee casualty), the Orange will be hard-pressed to get into the NCAA’s.
Where would this team finish in the Atlantic 10, without Devendorf? I think in the top 3. URI and UMass winning at the Dome is a major, major deal. It is very hard to do. Syracuse wouldn’t lose many at home. Donte Green and Jonny Flynn would be candidates to win Player of the Year honors in the A-10 and Jim Boeheim would be as good as any coach in the league.
Put it this way. SU would have a MUCH easier time squeezing its way into the Big Dance this year playing in the A-10 instead of the Big East. It just would never (or rarely) be on TV
Kurtnyc: Has there been a shift in strategy for recruiting at PC over there last few years. It seems that the Welsh staff doesn't even attempt to go after the top 100 recruit, but focus's on the "diamond in the rough" and hopes they get the next Ryan Gomes. The Barnes and Gillen staff's maybe didn'y get all the top 100 guys they went after (they got a few) - but it seems this staff doesn't even try to compete with other Big East team in going after those top kids anymore. Is this the the real strategy of this staff? Thanks
Kevin McNamara: While PC does not currently sign many top 100 players, I would say it’s false that they don’t get any and don’t compete with Big East schools for players. That’s clearly wrong. In the last few years, Dwight Brewington, Gerald Brown, DeSean White, Geoff McDermott, and Greedy Peterson were all on someone’s top 100 list. McDermott chose PC over Duke and BC. Not Big East but tall timbre. Greedy chose PC over Rutgers and Cincinnati.
This staff has targeted several highly-rated players and lost them. This list is a long one but includes Rakim Sanders, Demetris Nichols, Andy Rautins, James Gist, Allen Chaney and many others. While still trying for some of them, reality hits and this staff cuts to Plan B kids when a Florida, Syracuse, Ohio State turns up the heat
Mbanghasups: Kevin, In the most recent polls URI is ranked 28th. Xavier drops from 17 to out of the polls with one loss and no other A-10 team is ranked despite 4 teams from the A-10 having better RPI's than some already in the poll with similar records? Am I paranoid or is the A-10 being slighted?
Kevin McNamara: Does the A-10 get slighted? I think it does. URI, X, UMass and Dayton are all off to great starts. I vote in the AP poll and have voted Xavier every week. I voted them 18th this week. URI was 21st. The fact that the league’s TV package stinks really hurts.
The only way to garner more respect and separate from the Colonial and Mizzou Valley is to win games, get into the NCAA's and win some more. That hasn't happened in the A-10 for three years now. Maybe it changes in 2008
Rebound 1: If PC goes .500 in the Big East do you think they will make the tournament or have the early season losses made it that that they have to win 10 or 11 games to get in?
Kevin McNamara: PC's early-season play has not hurt its NCAA chances. Miami and Rhode Island are both off the excellent starts with the Hurricanes truly one of the nation's surprises. The Rams are going to win a lot of games in the A-10. South Carolina is the game PC should not have lost. That one clearly can hurt them. Beating Florida State this weekend is extremely important for the Friars. If they can go 9-3 into the Big East, their RPI and sched strength will be a real asset
TONY: HOW MANY TEAMS WILL THE a10 HAV E IN THE ncAA TOURNEY THIS YEAR
Kevin McNamara: Tony, impossible to tell right now. How many times have we seen a team start well, roll up a 14-1 record and lose 7 of 9 and go to the NIT. A lot. I do think the A-10 is looking at multiple at-large teams so, to answer the question, I see 3 teams Dancing. At a minimum.
friar1: Does TW need to WIN an NCAA game to come back next season?
Kevin McNamara: That would not be my measuring stick. But I do not make the call.
Rebound 1: What is Sharrod Curry's status?
Kevin McNamara: Check out today's paper or go online at projo.com/pc. Curry update is there. I'm holding my breath that he steps on the court some tomorrow. We'll see.
hoopsaholic: Kevin, do you ever want to punch Sam the Ram in the face?
Kevin McNamara: Daily.
hoopsaholic: Kevin, what do you think of Brown's chances in the Ivy League this season?
Kevin McNamara: At last, a Bruno fan! I think Cornell is the heavy favorite to win the Ivies. The Big Red is very impressive. After that, I feel brown can play with everyone in the league. Penn and Princeton have fallen back to the pack, which is great for Brown. If Craig Robinson's younger players develop, there's hope for an IVy title soon. This year may be asking a lot. The keys will be consistent play from the inside talent like Friske, MacDonald and development of a frosh or two. I like the perimeter players but they need help.
RhodeWarrior: Kevin, it is consensus of URI fans that the ProJo slights URI mens basketball while continuing to give PC a better shake. I think this arguement has merit. What is your honest opinion and why do you think this happens if indeed the coverage is not equal?
Kevin McNamara: I think I answer this question every time I address URI fans in a speech/talk/chat. Contrary to popular opinion, we do not sit in our offices on Fountain Street and think of ways to stick it to URI fans. Coverage questions are best addressed to my editors. I go where they point me. I am the beat writer for PC’s men’s team and college basketball in general. This fall I was also assisting in covering URI’s team, which I enjoy. Frankly, many papers would have a writer cover two teams like this, although the Journal realizes that this isn’t possible due to the schedules the two teams have.
The examples of the paper favoring PC are often based in error. The URI bulletin board (which we all do read) is a frequent fountain of those errors. For example, the coverage of the URI-Syracuse game. Someone who obviously did not see our paper on Dec. 9, claimed the game story was minimized. In fact, it was placed in the news lead position, stripped down the side of the Sunday paper with a big headline. Inside was a full, complete Rams Journal. You will not receive better coverage for a road game. Ever.
Our previews of the two teams this year were extensive and, in my opinion, URI’s was more prominently played in the paper. Again, if you don’t actually see the newspaper and are only reading online, it is impossible to see how a story is played/pictures, ect.
Do we favor PC in years the Friars are strong in the Big East and the Rams aren’t very good. Of course. We should. That’s news judgment. Do we play up a sellout PC game against a ranked Big East team over a URI-St. Bonny game that doesn’t mean much? Of course. We should. Will we play up Xavier visiting URI this year over whoever PC plays that day? Of course. That’s a huge game. It’s a case-by-case basis. It changes by the year, if not the week.
So, in summation, I do not agree with your `consensus opinion.
Kevin McNamara: Good news everyone. Bill Reynolds is in The House.
Kevin McNamara: But Bill does not chat. Sorry.
THL: friar1: Does TW need to WIN an NCAA game to come back next season? Kevin McNamara: That would not be my measuring stick. But I do not make the call. What would your "measuring stick be?"
Kevin McNamara: Sorry about that. If PC makes the NCAA's this year, I would extend the coach.
Rebound 1: What's going on with Hanke? Do you ever think he will ever turn into a decent Big East Player? Or should he head to the golf course?
Kevin McNamara: Never played golf with Randall but I hear he rips the *#%& out of it. Probably can't putt. Randall is doing better every day. His timing isn't there and when he's not rebounding at all his defensive liabilities are magnified. That is why he was not playing. Now he's improving and it is clear to everyone that he owns the biggest upside of any big man the Friars have. Will he be as good as the player we saw two years ago? Don't know if that will happen.
TONY: HEre is an off the wall question. WHen I was at URI they had a player named John Fultz. I know he played in the ABA but what is he doing now?
Kevin McNamara: Can't help you there. I know of John but have no idea where he is now.
Wally: I watch PC play. i.e. Miami, South Carolina and it actually hurts to watch. Crazy shots, lethargic passes, no disipline and just not taking care of the ball. My ? is, do they actually practice?
Kevin McNamara: I agree with you Wally. My biggest issue with the Friars - Tim Welsh agrees - is their offensive inconsistency. Turnovers are a problem. This is directly attributed to the lack of good point guard play. Dwain Williams is a PG in name only. He is a fine shooter who hasn't shot very well. GMcDermott and Weyinmi Efejuku actually have more assists at this point of the season. An offense cannot run smoothly without good PG play.
friar1: Could you ever see Jeff Van Gundy being interested in the PC job if it were to be available in the next year or two?
Kevin McNamara: No. I cannot. Pro guys do not want to go to college and deal with kids. You can't cut your mistakes.
Mbanghasups: How would you classifly yourself-- more of a PC fan or more of a Rhody fan? Please be honest and dont be political. I am just curious.
Kevin McNamara: Mr. Mbang...nice name. I use my own. I am not a fan of either team, as I addressed earlier. I do want both teams to do well, however. It helps me, you, the players and the coaches.
RhodeWarrior: Please tell us what you are hearing about URI recruiting?
What do you know about the players he has signed for next year? Will the ProJo be doing any stories on these players?
Kevin McNamara: URI has assembled a strong group of recruits and I think doing stories on some of them is a great idea. Like all classes, the academic progress of several of them needs to be watched. If they all project, Jim Baron will be a happy man and welcome lots of needed talent to the program. I hear good things about all of the recruits.
Mbanghasups: What do you know about Delroy James? Can he make an impact this year? next?
Kevin McNamara: Last one for Mr. Mbang. Delroy James is reputed to be a versatile, strong forward who can score. Who wouldn't want one of those? While he's been working out at home in Brooklyn he has not spent a day or practice with the team. Don't see how you can throw a kid like that into the mix in the next few weeks. Will he make an impact at all this year? I say he will. Next year he and transfer Ben Eaves will help replace Will Daniels.
FriarFan: Pitino was (supposedly) quoted as saying that he left Providence too soon. Any chance he'll ever come back? Does PC have the funds to pay that type of salary?
Kevin McNamara: I don't take what Rick Pitino says as Gospel. After all, he's the guy who once explained himself by saying, ` well, I meant it when I said it.' Did Rick leave PC too early/ Of course not. He went to the NY Knicks. Then to Kentucky. That is the Big Time. He will never coach again at Providence. Ever.
jfrech21: In your opinion, is Jimmy Baron Jr. the best pure shooter in the country?
Kevin McNamara: Yes he is. Look this up, Ram fans. After his first EXHIBITION game as a Ram, I wrote that Jimmy would be the best shooter the state has seen since Joe Hassett. I stand by those words. I love watching shooters and Baron is as good as it gets.
BH: Kevin, what do you think of the new-look Dunk? The locker-rooms (including a flat-screen TV), bigger facility, etc.? Will this lead to a bevy of high-quality recruits? If so, does TW have any more excuses?
Kevin McNamara: The Dunk is in Stage 2 of a three stage process. Right now it looks like a construction zone, or an unfinished project. Like it should. Ask me this next November when everything is in place. Will the Dunk help PC get recruits? Well TWelsh may actually choose to take recruits to the arena in the future. He does not now if someone visits and a game isn't being played. The `new' Dunk is badly needed, for the entire state. But what it does is get PC into the game, not above too many programs. When it is done, I'd still rather see games at a half dozen other Big East arenas.
FriarFan: While were on the subject of mascots, what's your perspective on URI-PC relations? PC got a bad rap last year for the mascot assault but this year PC students were having bottles thrown at them and the Ram in front of the section making obscene gestures but no outcry and newspaper articles. I may be biased but it seems unfair. Do you think its a healthy rivalry between the schools or should it change?
Kevin McNamara: In all honesty, what goes on in the stands with fans is the last thing I'm looking at during a game. I did not see any obscene gestures. They normally `stick out.' I do not think it's a healthy rivalry, for a lot of reasons, but it is a game that should be played. Only once a season, by the way. If the two schools are ever in the same conference (that `aint happening) they'll play twice a season.
Dave: Why did it take Randall Hanke so long to get "game-ready". Specifically why wasn't Tim Welsh called to task on Randall not playing or only playing minimal minutes against Maine and Harvard? Shouldn't those games been critical with regards to Randall's being game-ready??
Kevin McNamara: The kid wasn't ready to play. That's what the Coach determined. Isn't that his job? I wanted to see him play earlier and so did you but it did not happen. Coach's Decision, as Bill Parcells used to say. Good thing is he's playing now.
ALice: Do you think that PC and/or URI will ever be able to compete with teams like DUke, UCLA, Kansas, FLorida or do yuo think they are at best hoping to be " the best of the rest?"
Kevin McNamara: Absolutely. Not. Ever. No chance. Sports are all about talent and Duke, UCLA, Kansas, Florida always get the best players in the country. Can PC/URI occassionally shock one of those schools. No doubt. It's happened. But they will NEVER be able to do it on a consistent basis.
Kevin McNamara: Actually, maybe they can. If PC/URI decides to pay $3 million a year for a big-time coach, it could happen. But that is not going to happen.
gary: What is your true opinion on this Friars team and do they have a shot of winning any postseason games????
Kevin McNamara: I need to see how Sharaud Curry is integrated into a team with a healthy Randalll Hanke and new players like BMckenzie and Greedy to make a proper call. I think it'll take all they have to make the NCAA's. That would be a major achievement. After all, they're all back (save Chuck Burch) next year.
ALice: I agree it is all about coaches facilities, recruits URI/PC does ot have the fan base to afford it.
Kevin McNamara: You got it. But they do have a chance to be competitive on a national basis, just not a top 10 basis every year.
THL: How is 2009 recruiting going for both the Rams and the Friars?
Kevin McNamara: PC is actively chasing a host of good juniors for the class of 2009. That class is not as important for the Rams, who can afford to be a bit more choosy. PC could need as many as 6-7 players so getting a few early is important. Obviously the head coach's contract situation can be hurting that effort.
FriarFan: Hey...I loved Basketball Warfare. How are the sales going? I scooped one up for a Christmas gift....Any plans for another book in the future? Also, did it kill you to have to portray PC so negatively as they had such a poor season?
Kevin McNamara: Gratuitous commercial. Thanks for the kind words. I enjoyed writing the book and it's been received very well. Connecticut's loss to George Mason hurt sales more than anything else. Get your copy now (Borders, Brown Bookstore, Barrington Books). Billy Reynolds and I are signing this Sunday in Barrington.
Kevin McNamara: That's all folks. We will be holding other chats with Journal writers as the season progresses. Thank you for all the good questions.
PROVIDENCE - In spurts yesterday, Sharaud Curry looked like the top-flight Big East guard Providence College basketball fans have come to expect.
As Friars’ practice wore on, Curry showed little negative effects from the broken foot that’s sidelined him for the opening nine games of the season. He’s clearly making progress but when he’s set to return to the lineup is unclear.
``He’s practiced lightly for a few days now and he looks good,’’ said PC coach Tim Welsh. ``But I’d say he’s day-to-day right now. We won’t rush him.’’
Curry began work last Thursday and also participated in practice Friday. He took the weekend off but came back yesterday and was involved in virtually every drill and scrimmage that Welsh put his team through. PC’s exam break ends with a game Wednesday against Sacred Heart and while Curry likely could play some minutes in that game, Welsh termed the junior guard ``doubtful.’’ The Friars conclude their pre-Christmas schedule this Saturday when they host a talented Florida State team at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center
College basketball writer Kevin McNamara will take questions from projo.com readers in a live chat on Tuesday at noon. The chat will last about an hour. You can submit your questions about PC and URI basketball now: go to projo.com/chat, click launch chat, pick a display name and enter the college hoops chat room (you do not have to enter a password; do not check "enter as member"). Type in your question -- remember not to press enter or click send until you have completed your thought -- and Kevin will see them when he enters the room on Tuesday. Questions will display as he answers them.
Tim Welsh spoke after Providence's victory on Sunday night over Brown, and Kevin McNamara caught the audio. Click below to hear the seven-and-a-half-minute clip.
At the beginning of a four-game stretch that began last Saturday against Boston College, Friar fans probably would've been content with a 2-2 record. or maybe not.
PC wrapped up the stretch with a 2-2 mark after tonight's 70-51 win over Brown. After beating BC in stunning fashion and losing to URI and South Carolina with ragged play, Friar fans were boiling into a frenzy. Not sure how much last night's win does to calm the masses but Tim Welsh is simply happy exam break has arrived.
``It’s been a long haul this week, four games in nine days,” said Welsh. ``A coaching friend of mine called me and said `I checked your schedule out. Are you insane? But I think we’ve gotten better and I’ve learned a lot about our team that I probably wouldn’t know if we were playing an easy schedule.”
PC could've opted for an easier road but work to the Dunk limited chances to play home games in November and the opportunity to play on national TV five times in the season's opening nine games was too attractive to turn down.
Randall Hanke returned to play his first extended minutes of the season tonight. He looked good offensively but was only fair defensively and off the boards. If the Friars can get a healthy Sharaud Curry back by the Florida State game on Dec. 22, PC fans will finally get a glimpse at the team they feel holds plenty of promise.
PC has defeated Brown, 70-51, to snap a two-game losing streak.
The Friars are now 6-3 and Brown falls to 5-4. Greedy Peterson, Randall Hanke and Brian McKenzie all scored 13 points for the Friars.
Ten minutes, 50 seconds left and PC and Brown are still locked in a tight game. The Friars have been on the verge of distancing themselves from the Bears but cannot do it. Defensive breakdowns and some sloppy passing (9 turnovers) in the halfcourt have prevented a major run.
Brown is 6-14 for the half. PC is 6-13.
Randall Hanke started the second half in place of Jon Kale.
The Friars have pushed their lead back to 10 points at the half. PC shot 58 percent and its defense held Brown to 34 percent.
PC recieved a big spark from Randall Hanke who leads with 9 points and he also had two big blocks.
After trailing23-12, brown has regrouped a bit and run its offense much better. It's PC 26-22 at the 3:58 mark.
PC has become a bit tentative against Brown's extended 2-3, trapping zone.
The Friars have jumped out to a 17-10 lead at the 10:27 mark. The biggest contributor has been....Randall Hanke. The big man was the 6th man for the Friars and he has 6 points and is going to the foul line. He also picked up to quick fouls and is due to come out of the game after his freebies (Ray Hall is lurking).
Brown is shooting 3-13 with Mark McAndrew missing a few chippies (2-of-7).
We're ready to get going at The Dunk for what is shaping up as a very interesting PC-Brown game. Clearly, this is one the Friars HAVE to win.
Remember, Brown beat the Friars last season and have extreme confidence coming into the game. PC had better be ready for a strong start from the Bears.
They just dimmed the lights for the first time this season for the starting lineups. The Dunk is indeed working out the kinks. Progress is good. Here are the starters:
PC: Dwain Williams, Brian McKenzie, Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott, Jon Kale.
Brown: Mark McAndrew, Damon Huffman, Scott Friske, Chris Skrelja, Mark MacDonald.
Tim Welsh spoke Thursday night in Philadelphia after the Friars' second loss in as many games, a heartbreaker against South Carolina. Here are his comments, broken down by topic.
The Providence Friars just lost to South Carolina, 67-66, in the Big East/SEC Invitational at the Wachovia Center.
PC trailed by as many as 12 points in the second half but cut it to two (61-59) with 2:59 to play. South Carolina stayed in it with some good work on the free throw line.
PC had a key steal in the final minute and a Brian McKenzie 3-pointer cut the lead to 67-64 with 33 ticks left. PC had a final chance to tie the game when Weyinmi Efejuku was fouled with 0.2 seconds left. But he missed the first of two free throws and the Friars (5-3) lost for the second straight game.
The Friars are trying to get back in this game but S.Carolina has madetwo straight 3-pointers to stay in control at the 9 minute mark. Randall Hanke is more than holding his own. He's playing in place of Jon Kale but right now it looks as if the Friars may have to junk their zone and go man-to-man to make a final push down the stretch.
Trailing by 12 points (43-31) and clearly out of whack, the Friars just insertd Randall Hanke into the game. Is this desperation or just a sign that Hanke is getting back into the mix after a year of mostly sitting and watching college basketball. We'll see.
The 6-11 center needs to be a defensive presence to some degree and convert inside offensively. Right now the Friars are looking like a team incapable of scoring 60 points. Maybe Hanke can spark something.
We're off and running at the Wachovia Center. PC is starting its normal five of Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Jon Kale, Brian McKenzie and Geoff McDermott.
It seems as if the Providence Friars are playing an NBA schedule these days.
The Friars are back in action tonight in yet another NBA arena. This time it's the Wachovia Center for a Big East/SEC event against South Carolina. PC played at the Garden in Boston on Saturday where it edged Boston College in overtime. Then came the disappointment in Kingston.
Now it's time for a bounce-back game. The Friars certainly need it.
There will be next to no one in the stands for the start of this one. Villanova-LSU is the `marquee' game and that won't get going until 9:30 or so so the home crowd won't be here for awhile. Even so, organziers are expecting less than 10,000 fans in the 20,000-seat arena that serves as the home of the 76ers.
The Rhody Rams just completed a 77-60 whitewashing of Providence College at a jam-packed (7,657) Ryan Center.
Will Daniels led the Rams with 18 points. He was one of 5 Rams in double figures.
The Friars struggled to shoot 30 percent and never found any groove on offense. Geoff McDermott and Weyinmi Efejuku, perhaps PC's two best players, combined to shoot 1-17 and finished with 9 points.
URI's offense has put too much pressure on the PC defense and has allowed the Rams to get into control heading down the stretch, 56-47.
URI is shooting 48 percent from the floor and getting contributions from all corners. Daniels has 14 points and 8 rebounds. Cothran and Baron have 11 each.
PC continues to struggle offensively, shooting 31 percent from the floor and 4-20 from the 3-point line.
URI has jumped out to a 44-32 lead out of the gate in the second half. The Rams have started 11-4 with Kahiem Seawright hitting two tough shots and Jimmy Baron finishing the run with a deep three-pointer (aren't they all for him) that he secured after Joe Mbang missed a jam.
Right now, the Friars aren't making shots they normally do. Running layups, offensive put-backs, ect. If they don't perk up, this one could get messy.
URI leads at the break, 33-28, after Will Daniels banged home a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds to play. Daniels has a game-high 10 points on 4-10 shooting.
URI is shooting 42 percent at the break and has 10 turnovers. If it ever calms down and runs its offense with a bit more patience, Rhody would be in excellent shape.
PC is simply not making shots. The Friars are shooting 27 percent, missing not only from downtown (3-11) but also from point-blank range. Big men Ray Hall, Jon Kale and Greedy Peterson have all missed shots inside, but in traffic. PC has also been hurt by its 11 turnovers, several that turned into points (14) for the Rams.
PC just went up, 24-21, after two deep Jeff Xavier threes but a deep trey by Jimmy Baron (his second) right in front of Tim Welsh gave the Rams back the lead. It's 26-24 Rams with 3:08 left.
Both coaches have emptied their benches with a whopping 19 players seeing action thus far. Geoff McDermott and Jason Francis have 2 fouls apiece but McDermott was on the floor when the Friars roared back from behind.
Both teams were shooting very poorly but just a little bit of punch by X and Baron helped pick up the tempo a bit.
The nerves should be out of the hands by now but both URI and PC are playing a ragged game, struggling to deal with each other's defense. URI leads, 18-16, at the 7:53 mark despite 6 turnovers and 36 percent shooting.
The Friars are at just 26 percent (6-23) and have 6 turnovers.
SOUTH KINGSTOWN _ Bethany Larkin and Jennifer Collard were the lucky ones last night. They got the last two student tickets to the PC-URI game.
``We’re freezing,’’ said Collard, a senior from Burrillville. ``But it was worth it.’’
``We got here about 5 o’clock,’’ said Larkin, a senior from North Kingstown. ``I can’t believe we got the last two tickets.’’
The two were part of a wild scene outside the Ryan Center in the hours leading to the game. URI allows students to attend athletic events for free. It has tried a number of different methods to handle that situation in the more than four years since the building opened. For last night’s game, students could not pick up tickets until 5:30 p.m. on game night.
URI’s 8-1 start and the amtch against archirival Providence Colelge generated serious student interest.
``Everyone is talking about it. Everyone’s into it,’’ said Craig Haverly, a junior from North Kingstown.
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That point was hammered home, almost too well, in what had to be the rowdiest scene ever before a URI game. Two lines, one at each of the two entrances, began forming at 1 p.m.
``I got here a little after four,’’ said grad student Kent Rudasill. ``There were about 200 people ahead of me in this (the north side) line. I went to the line at the south entrance first and there had to be three times as many in that line.’’
By the time the doors opened at 5:30, the two lines were long and curling, one going through the parking lot, the other all way to the front of Keaney Gym. With wind chills not much above zero, the students got a bit antsy at times.
``People would boo when somebody tried to cut in line,’’ Collard said. At one point, police had to be called to deal with what was described as a ``disturbance’’ in the south line.
Once the doors opened, the students moved in as quickly as ticket takers could check their student identifications and give them a ticket. The 1,500 tickets disappeared in 30 minutes.
When Larkin and Collard were given the last two tickets in the north line, the door closed behind them. After a several minute delay, a sign saying student entrance was taken down and replaced by one saying the game was sold out.
Several hundred students, at least, stood outside for a short time, obviously not happy. School officials did all they could to maintain the atmosphere.
The dining services provided hot chocolate for those waiting in line. Students were given Keaney blue t-shirts as they entered. They also were given a sheet welcoming them to the game and asking them to behave properly.
``We need you to be our Sixth Man and cheer as loudly as you can! Let’s show all of Rhode Island and the television audience what we’re all about!’’ Other suggestions included asking the students to treat the game officials with respect.
Those who were unable to get in, were told that a special arrangement had been set up at the new Hope Commons dining hall.
``We have four big screen televisions and we’re going to give everyone free hot chocolate and snacks,’’ said university vice president Tom Dougan. ``Hopefully they can go there and enjoy the game together.’’
URI shot out to a 7-2 lead, lost it for a breath and then streaked to a 11-7 lead at the first timeout (14:32).
More importantly, Geoff McDermott just picked up his 2nd foul. He's replaced in the lineup by Ray Hall.
The doors at the Ryan Center are officially closed and several students, maybe as many as a few hundred, were left out in the cold.
URI doesn't hand out its student tickets until game night, meaning students don't really know if they'll get in the building when they line up. Of course, plenty of students tickets normally go unused but not tonigth with Providence College in town.
The official attendance won't be announced until later tonight.
It is two hours to game time and the Ryan Center already is buzzing. At least it is on the outside.
While all tickets available to the public are gone for tonight's PC-URI game, the 1,500 tickets kept for URI students are yet to be distributed. The tickets, which are free, are available only at the door on game day.
Normally, doors open an hour before game time. However, they will open at 5:30, 90 minutes before game time, tonight because of the larger than usual crowd. Students began lining up at the student door about 4 p.m. As we speak, there are about 200 students in line right now. Coffee and hot chocolate has been made available for the students as they wait in the cold air.
Gregg Burke, URI’s deputy director of athletics, expects no problem using the 1,500 tickets. In fact, he said the school is likely to have to disappoint some students.
``We probably could have 5,000 students here tonight if we had room,’’ he said. ``Twice already this year we’ve had more than 1,300 students for games. That’s why the line is so long already, they know the 1,500 tickets are going to be gone.’’
In this audio file, about six minutes long, basketball writer Kevin McNamara discusses the keys to victories and the players to watch in tonight's matchup at the Ryan Center.
On the doorstep of one of the most crushing defeats in years, Providence College survived in regulation and then ran away from Boston College in overtime for a 98-89 win at the Garden.
The Friars did everything they could to lose the game in the second half, blowing a 24-point lead. PC missed 5 straight free throws and turning the ball over twice in crunch time. But 3-pointers by Jeff Xavier and Weyinmi Efejuku in the final 1:05 of regulation tied the score, 76-76.
In the extra session, Efejuku dominated and led PC to the win. Efejuku led PC with 21 points, Xavier added 20.
Frosh Corey Raji had BC with 24 points and Tyrese Rice added 25
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PC's lead has shrunk to 70-68 with 3:24 left.
Geoff McDermott has fouled out and BC is shredding the Friar defense much too easily. BC has nearly wiped out a 24-point second half lead. A 17-0 run did much of the trick. The Friars are going to have to regroup on defense in order to pull this one out.
BC has figured out how to attack Providence and has ripped off 13 straight points to cut a 24-point lead down to 11. It's 62-51 at the 9:42 mark.
PC has gone cold from the outside and isn't dominating the backboards anymore. The Friars need to regain control on both ends or this one is going to get very interesting.
The Friars have to be opening some eyes right now at the Garden. They are thumping Boston College, 62-38. 13 minutes remain.
BC trailed by 15 at the half and needed a quick start to the 2nd half but has played even worse. PC is doing whatever it wants on offense (62% FG) and cleaning up on the glass as well.
Game 2 of the Harftford Hall of Fame Showcase is off to a slow start. Both teams look a bit tight and are content to run their halfcourt offense and shy way from racehorse ball.
BC is in some quick foul trouble with both Rakim Sanders and Shamari Spears picking up 2 quick fouls in the first 3 minutes. BC is in the bonus at the 12:07 mark.
The Friars just put together a 8-0 run to go up 13-8 but two turnovers led to two BC layups and PC is up 16-12 with 10:30 left.
Providence College's matchup with Boston College is set to tip off at TD Banknorth Garden (it's The Garden the rest of the night).
UConn just lost to Gonzaga, 85-82. A missed chance for the Big East to get a win over a ranked team. AJ Price scored 24 points.
The atmosphere here is a good one. There is a lot of buzz and the building was nearly full at the end of UConn-Gonzaga. We'll see how many scorned Husky fans stick around for the nightcap. A notable sign was when BC ran on the floor, they were booed. Those UConn fans (not to mention PC's strong contingent) have long memories.
PC will start Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Jon Kale, Geoff McDermott and Brian McKenzie. BC counters with the splendid guard Tyrese Rice, shooter Rakim Sanders, Tyrelle Blair, Shamari Spears and Tyler Roche.
Game time in 2:10.
The Providence College Lady Friars beat Fordham tonight, 63-45, in New York. Providence, which got 26 points and 16 rebounds from Shantee Darrian, improved to 5-2 while Fordham dropped to 0-7. Click here to see the box score from projo Stats.
The Lady Friars' next game is Saturday at 3 at URI.
Some over-powering offense has broken open the Friars' season opener against Harvard.
PC hit seven of its first nine second half shots to go up 60-38. Jeff Xavier added his sixth 3-pointer and now has 22 points. Weyinmi Efejuku just had his nightly highlight jam off an alley-oop feed from Dwain Williams.
It's 67-47 Friars.
A few Dunk tidbits. The lighting in the upper bowl area is quite dim and probably will remain so until the suite level opens in January.
The PC cheerleaders have nice, new white uniforms after too many years wearing black as the dominant color. The crowd has been nice, decently loud and is hearty for a November game against Harvard.
We'll check back in with an attendance and if the Crimson make much of a rush.
The Friars shook off some early defensive breakdowns and lead Harvard at the break 39-29.
PC managed to dig out of an 18-13 hole with a 12-2 run midway through the half. The Friars are shooting 54 percent but Harvard has run its offense well too and is shooting 57 percent at the break.
Jeff Xavier has shot the ball extremely well with 13 points and three 3-pointers. The Friars are 5-9 from the 3-point line.
PC has gained a 30-27 lead at the 3:33 mark but isn't playing well. Sloppiness on offense and some disturbing defense that is allowing way too much inside for HARVARD is downright scary.
Tim Welsh has mixed and matched some lineups but none is cracking down defensively. Check in again at the half.
We're here at the refurbished Dunk that still is a long, long, long way from being finished. More on that later.
Starting 5 for the Friars against Harvard is the same group that started games in San Juan: Dwain Williams, Jeff Xavier, Geoff McDermott, Brian McKenzie and Jon Kale. Weyinmi Efejuku will come off the bench.
This is the first home game in years without John Dolan, the PC MC. The word is the Friars will use a host of contenders to replace the red-headed one.
Sharaud Curry is here and not wearing his stabilization boot but word on his return isn;t good. The chance that he's back for next week is very slim.
Providence College's women's basketball team outscored Florida International by 20 points in the second half to claim a 71-60 lead tonight in Florida. Kendria Holmes led PC (4-1) with 19 points. Click here to see the box score from projo Stats. The Golden Panthers fell to 1-3.
Thanks to official at the Queen of Peace School in New Jersey (above) for forwarding this picture of star center Bilal Dixon signing his letter-of-intent with Providence a few days ago.
PC has announced Dixon's signing in thge following release:
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College men’s basketball coach Tim Welsh announced on Friday, November 23 that student-athlete Bilal Dixon of Jersey City, N.J. signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence College beginning in September 2008.
Dixon, a 6-foot-8-inch, 228-pound forward attends Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, N.J. Last season, Dixon averaged 14 points per game and 12.8 rebounds. He helped lead Queen of Peace to a 19-9 record and the second round of the North Non-Public Group A state playoffs. Dixon spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City before transferring to Queen of Peace prior to his junior season.
“We believe that Bilal Dixon will be a great addition to our roster next season,” Welsh said. “He is an agile power forward with skill. Bilal knows how to use his strength against smaller opponents down low, but he also has good range from 15 feet out."
Dixon is PC's only fall recruit and may be the only new Friar for the 2008-09 season. Dixon will replace the team's only senior, Chuck Burch.
The Providence College Lady Friars beat Manhattan, 55-51, tonight in Providence. Freshman Mi-Khida Hankins had 13 points and six rebounds to lead Providence (3-1) in both categories. The Lady Jaspers (2-2) got 17 points from Aubrie Dellinger. Click here to see the box score from projo Stats.
Providence plays Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Florida International.
