College newswatch: Vikings open to 'madness' Friday night--Cleveland Plain Dealer
Viking Madness Marks Start to B-Ball Seasons--The Fan Home of the Cleveland State Vikings
Catching Up With: Shawn Hood--The Fan Home of the Cleveland State Vikings
New Quartet Of Recruits Set To Make Impact For Vikings--The Fan Home of the Cleveland State Vikings
Tip Off The Basketball Season With The Titans Next Wednsday--detroittitans.com
UIC--The Chicago Sun-Times
With his Flames returning their top scorers in guard Josh Mayo and 7-foot center Scott VanderMeer -- also the Horizon League's top rebounder and shot blocker -- coach Jimmy Collins has reason to feel good.
''We're going to make some noise not just in our league, but outside our league,'' Collins said. ''I'm really pleased with our overall attitude and work ethic. Anytime you work hard and have a positive attitude, good things are going to happen.''
Unlike last summer -- when three top veterans, including the leading scorer and rebounder, left the team -- there have been only positive developments this offseason. Now seniors Mayo and Vandermeer hope to close out their college careers with outstanding seasons.
''These guys really like, respect, listen to and obey the coaching staff,'' Collins said. ''More important, they like each other. That wasn't the case last year. So we are way ahead in team chemistry.''
Other key contributors returning from a team that finished 18-15 and 9-9 in the Horizon League are guards Robert Kreps and Spencer Stewart and forwards Jeremy Buttell and Tori Boyd. Newcomers include guard Josh Anderson, son of former Illinois and NBA star Nick Anderson, and forward DeMarkus Isom-Jones from Englewood.
Lacy J. Banks
LOYOLA--The Chicago Sun-Times
After a 12-win season in 2007-08, expectations aren't high for the Ramblers. They were picked to finish eighth in the 10-team Horizon League.
But coach Jim Whitesell's team could be poised to surprise. The Ramblers return a senior-laden team, led by 6-1 point guard J.R. Blount, who was fifth in the league in scoring (15.1) and has started 67 consecutive games. They also have experience in the frontcourt with 6-6 senior Leon Young, 6-8 senior Darrin Williams and 6-7 junior Andy Polka, a starter most of the last two seasons.
Another senior, Justin Cerasoli, will be eligible for the entire season after playing only in the second half last season as a transfer. Cerasoli averaged 12.1 points in his seven starts and 9.5 overall. If the former West Aurora standout stays focused, he could be a key to a successful Loyola season.
Last season was the first stumble in Whitesell's rebuilding plan. The fifth-year coach is known for turning programs around, as he did in making Division II Lewis University a perennial power. His vision for the Ramblers will face a challenge this season.
Toni Ginnetti
Students lacking in providing Phoenix athletics with support--UWGB Fourth Estate
Green Bay Basketball Starts Practice Friday--uwgbathletics.com
More On The GSR--Panther Blog Zone
Basketball Season Is Here--Panther Blog Zone
YSU basketball begins drills--Youngstown Vindicator
Women, men seek respect in league--Mahoning Valley Tribune Chronicle
Martin, Student-Athletes Meet With Media Prior to First Practice--ysusports.com
Men's Basketball Greets Media at Annual Media Day--ysusports.com
No comments:
Post a Comment