Wednesday, October 23, 2024

News On The Horizon 10/23/2024

Horizon League Media Day Recap and Response--Hoops HD
Meet the ‘All-Intriguing’ team of Wisconsin’s Division I men’s college basketball players--Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

STARTING LINEUP

AJ McKee played for UW-Milwaukee coach Bart Lundy at NCAA Division II Queens College.
AJ McKee played for UW-Milwaukee coach Bart Lundy at NCAA Division II Queens College.  (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports)

Shooting guard: AJ McKee, UW-Milwaukee

The Panthers needed a bucket-getter to help ease the loss of leading scorer B.J. Freeman, who transferred to Arizona State.

So head coach Bart Lundy turned to a familiar face in McKee, who played for Lundy at NCAA Division II Queens College.

McKee led Queens with at 18.8 points per game on 44.7% shooting. Lundy has also praised McKee's grit as a defender.

It will be interesting to see how McKee's success translates to the Horizon League, but there will be plenty of oportunities.

Preston Ruedinger opted to return to UW-Green Bay after a coaching change.
Preston Ruedinger opted to return to UW-Green Bay after a coaching change.  (Dave Kallmann / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Point guard: Preston Ruedinger, UW-Green Bay

The former Oshkosh Lourdes High School standout is one of just five players to return to the Phoenix to play for new coach Doug Gottlieb.

The 6-2 Ruedinger averaged 8.4 points and 2.2 assists per game last season. He should benefit from the tutelage of Gottlieb, who was an excellent college guard at Notre Dame and Oklahoma State.

BENCH

Faizon Fields, UWM, power forward

The Panthers finished strong last season, thanks in part to the 6-10 Fields joining the starting lineup.

He does all the dirty work that successful teams need. He had the best offensive-rebounding percentage in Horizon League games while also finishing third in block percentage.

Anthony Roy, UWGB, guard

The 6-5 Roy's backstory is as interesting as predicting what he might provide the Phoenix on the court this season.

He's had four stops in his previous four seasons: San Francisco, Wenatchee Valley junior college, New Mexico State and NAIA Langston University.

Last season, he was a NAIA All-American who averaged 18.4 points per game. Can he get close to that at the Division I level?

Isaiah Miranda, UWGB, center

Players that measure 7-1 are always going to be intriguing.

Miranda was a four-star recruit who didn't unlock his potential at North Carolina State or Oklahoma State. But coaches will never stop giving chances to 7-footers.

Learic Davis, UWM, forward

The 6-7 former Bradley Tech High School star is a highlight waiting to happen with his otherworldly leaping ability.

Throw in good length and Davis has the profile of a defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions.

Head coach: Doug Gottlieb, UWGB

There is little precedent for Gottlieb's situation. He plans to keep his national radio show while coaching a college basketball team for the first time.

Gottlieb clearly has a fertile hoops mind, so can certainly excel. Or he could be overwhelmed with juggling two demanding jobs.

One thing for sure is that it will be intriguing to watch.



Kielsmeier Named To Kathy Delaney-Smith Mid-Major Coach Of The Year Watch List--csuvikings.com



Titan Profile: No Shortages Of Motivation For Nadeau--detroittitans.com



The Other Top 25: Memphis begins year in top spot--Mid-Major Madness

The Other Top 25: 2024-25 Preseason

Others Receiving Votes:

UNLV 13; Charleston 12; South Florida 11; East Tennessee St. 10; Vermont 9; UC Irvine 9; Louisiana Tech 9; Milwaukee 9; Drake 8; George Mason 7; Yale 3; Chattanooga 3; Florida Atlantic 2; Western Kentucky 2; Northern Iowa 2; Little Rock 1



 Kampe sees room for growth after Oakland falls to Michigan in exhibition--The Oakland Post

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