HOUSTON - The Cougars won 24 games last season, their highest total since 1992, and they also reached the semifinal round of the inaugural CBI. The program even finished in third place (11-5) in the C-USA standings, but with only one starter back, head coach Tom Penders has a lot of work ahead of him. The lone returning starter in Kelvin Lewis, a 6-4 guard that is a better defender than scorer. Still, he averaged 10.2 ppg last season, so there is potential to put points on the board. Zamal Nixon (5.9 ppg) showed a glimpse of what he is all about as a freshman last season and could contend for a starting role along with reserve DaShaun Williams (5.8 ppg). Brockeith Pane is another player that could make the leap into a starting role after the 6-2 guard averaged 6.3 ppg off the bench in 2007-08. Inside, the Cougars will need some major help and they are hoping 6-11 Marcus Cousin can develop into a big time player after posting 4.4 ppg and 4.0 rpg a year ago. Juco transfers are expected to add depth to the frontcourt and make an immediate impact for the Cougars.
Houston (7) vs Ga Southern
- Thread starter shawn555
- Start date
. GEORGIA SOUTHERN - The Eagles grabbed a 13-7 record in league play this past season, but with only two starters returning, it could be tough for Georgia Southern to duplicate last year's success. Coach Jeff Price has brought in a good amount of junior college talent in hopes of keeping the team from struggling through a rebuilding year. The two starters back in the mix are guards Willie Powers and Julian Allen. Powers is only a sophomore, but the explosive guard proved last year he is a dangerous scoring threat. The 6-2 guard averaged 11.5 ppg, and there is no question he will put forth an even better showing this year. As for Allen, he is a bigger, stronger guard that does not have the speed of Powers, but the senior plays with a mean streak which helps him on the glass (4.7 rpg last year). The trouble for the Eagles lies in the frontcourt where the team has very little experience. However, this is where hopefully the newcomers make an immediate impact. Coach Price will look for Trumaine Pearson and Tyler Troupe to step in and lead the team in the paint.
Men’s Basketball Opens Season against Houston in Durham
Courtesy: GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com Release: 11/07/2008
Game Notes
Courtesy: GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com
http://GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com
The 2008-09 men’s basketball season is here and Georgia Southern will have their hands full when they take on Houston Monday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The battle with the Cougars is the first NCAA Division I game of the season and is part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The game will start at 4 p.m.
“I think everyone is excited to see a different opponent and see where we’re at,” said GSU head coach Jeff Price. “We want to get started and get an in-season feel instead of the three-week grind in practice.”
Duke and Presbyterian will face off in the second game of the doubleheader Monday night at 7 p.m. The winners will play at 9 p.m. on ESPNU while the losers play at 6 p.m.
Houston is coming off a 24-10 season that saw them advance to the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational. UH went 11-5 in Conference USA, good for third place behind national runner-up Memphis and UAB, but only return one starter.
“They’re a really athletic, aggressive, high-pressure team,” said Price. “They pressure you on both ends of the floor, both offensively and defensively and we’re going to have to take care of the ball.”
As far as the biggest key to Georgia Southern winning, Price said, “We need to keep our turnovers down and find a way to keep them off the glass.”
One of the Eagles’ two returning starters is sophomore Willie Powers. Powers is the team’s top returning scorer and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team after averaging 11.5 ppg. While he shared the load amongst three seniors last year, his role and production will need to increase.
“I want to see him not try to do too much,” said Price. “He’s still just a sophomore, even though he’s coming off a good freshman year. I want to see him let the game come to him and not try to do too much. Obviously we need his leadership and experience. My biggest concern with him is trying to do too much – he needs to just get in the flow and let the game come to him.”
Of GSU’s six newcomers, the three junior college transfers – Antonio Hanson, Sandy Perry and Tyler Troupe – will jump right into the action. Hanson provides an excellent outside shot while Perry and Troupe will be filling huge holes on the frontline due to the graduation of Louis Graham and Matthew Fields.
“I think Antonio Hanson has to (step in and play) and Sandy Perry and Tyler Troupe as well,” said Price. “Those three guys were brought in to have an immediate impact and all three need to do just that.”
Both of Georgia Southern’s possible second-day opponents provide their own challenges.
“Obviously Duke has a large majority of their team back and is one of the top teams in the nation,” said Price. “You don’t have to say a whole lot more on them. Presbyterian is a team, if we play, that’s a big concern. They played 20-some road games against high-major schools and were in just about every game. Regardless of their record, they have a lot of players back and will be really hard to play against.”
Courtesy: GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com Release: 11/07/2008
Game Notes
Courtesy: GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com
http://GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com
The 2008-09 men’s basketball season is here and Georgia Southern will have their hands full when they take on Houston Monday at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The battle with the Cougars is the first NCAA Division I game of the season and is part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The game will start at 4 p.m.
“I think everyone is excited to see a different opponent and see where we’re at,” said GSU head coach Jeff Price. “We want to get started and get an in-season feel instead of the three-week grind in practice.”
Duke and Presbyterian will face off in the second game of the doubleheader Monday night at 7 p.m. The winners will play at 9 p.m. on ESPNU while the losers play at 6 p.m.
Houston is coming off a 24-10 season that saw them advance to the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational. UH went 11-5 in Conference USA, good for third place behind national runner-up Memphis and UAB, but only return one starter.
“They’re a really athletic, aggressive, high-pressure team,” said Price. “They pressure you on both ends of the floor, both offensively and defensively and we’re going to have to take care of the ball.”
As far as the biggest key to Georgia Southern winning, Price said, “We need to keep our turnovers down and find a way to keep them off the glass.”
One of the Eagles’ two returning starters is sophomore Willie Powers. Powers is the team’s top returning scorer and was named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team after averaging 11.5 ppg. While he shared the load amongst three seniors last year, his role and production will need to increase.
“I want to see him not try to do too much,” said Price. “He’s still just a sophomore, even though he’s coming off a good freshman year. I want to see him let the game come to him and not try to do too much. Obviously we need his leadership and experience. My biggest concern with him is trying to do too much – he needs to just get in the flow and let the game come to him.”
Of GSU’s six newcomers, the three junior college transfers – Antonio Hanson, Sandy Perry and Tyler Troupe – will jump right into the action. Hanson provides an excellent outside shot while Perry and Troupe will be filling huge holes on the frontline due to the graduation of Louis Graham and Matthew Fields.
“I think Antonio Hanson has to (step in and play) and Sandy Perry and Tyler Troupe as well,” said Price. “Those three guys were brought in to have an immediate impact and all three need to do just that.”
Both of Georgia Southern’s possible second-day opponents provide their own challenges.
“Obviously Duke has a large majority of their team back and is one of the top teams in the nation,” said Price. “You don’t have to say a whole lot more on them. Presbyterian is a team, if we play, that’s a big concern. They played 20-some road games against high-major schools and were in just about every game. Regardless of their record, they have a lot of players back and will be really hard to play against.”
Men's Basketball Opens Season Monday at 2K Sports College Classic
Cougars to Meet Georgia Southern at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday
Nov. 9, 2008
GAME 1
2K Sports College Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer
Houston Cougars (0-0 • 0-0 C-USA) vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (0-0 • 0-0 Southern)
Nov. 10, 2008 • Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314) • Durham, N.C. • 3 p.m. (CST)
RADIO: Houston-ISP Sports Network • 790 AM The Sports Animal-Houston * Tom Franklin, PxP
TELEVISION: none
INTERNET AUDIO/VIDEO: live broadcast at UHCougars.com
LIVE STATS: live stats at GoDuke.com
DURHAM, N.C. - The University of Houston men's basketball team tips off the 2008-09 season for the entire country when it faces Georgia Southern at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday during the first round of the Durham Regional at the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Tom Penders, the Cougars begin their 64th season of intercollegiate competition and are looking for their fourth postseason appearance in the last five seasons.
With a win over Georgia Southern, the Cougars will face the winner of the #8/5 Duke-Presbyterian game at 8 p.m. (CST), Tuesday. That game also will be televised live on ESPNU with Beth Mowins calling the play-by-play action and Bob Wenzel serving as analyst.
The winner of the Durham Regional advances to the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Championship Rounds to be held Nov. 20-21 in New York's Madison Square Garden.
If the Cougars lose to Georgia Southern, they meet the loser of the #8/5 Duke-Presbyterian game at 5 p.m. (CST), Tuesday.
Whoever UH faces in this two-day tournament will be a first-time Cougar opponent.
RADIO/TV INFORMATION
All Cougar Men's Basketball games can be heard live on 790 AM The Sports Animal or on the Internet at UHCougars.com with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action.
ABOUT HOUSTON
The Cougars return eight lettermen but only one starter (junior guard Kelvin Lewis) from last season's team which finished with a 24-10 record and advanced to the semifinals of the inaugural 2008 College Basketball Invitational.
Lewis averaged 10.2 points per game, scoring a career-high 28 points against Valparaiso during the CBI Quarterfinals at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Senior guard and senior center Marcus Cousin each snared four rebounds per game a year ago to lead all returning players.
Lewis, Williams and junior guard Aubrey Coleman were named team captains prior to the start of the season by Penders and his coaching staff.
In addition to the veterans, the Cougars also welcome four newcomers in Coleman, freshman guard Desmond Wade, junior guard Jamon Wilson and junior forward Jason Hurns.
ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN
Georgia Southern finished with a 20-12 overall record (13-7 in Southern Conference) in 2007-08. Sophomore guard Willie Powers enters the year as the team's leading returning scorer with 11.5 points per game and was named to the league's All-Freshmen Team.
Senior guard Julian Allen is the team's leading rebounder with 4.7 boards per game and recorded two double-doubles a year ago.
HISTORY IN SEASON OPENERS
The Cougars have enjoyed tremendous success in season openers during the program's all-time history. Entering Monday's game against Georgia Southern, UH has posted a 45-18 (.714) all-time mark during season openers.
In addition, the Cougars have won each of their last four season openers, all under head coach Tom Penders. That four-game winning streak snapped a four-game losing skid in season openers from 2000 to 2004.
REGULAR-SEASON TOURNAMENT HISTORY
For the third consecutive season, the Cougars will compete in a regular-season tournament. The Cougars have posted a 108-59 (.647) record during regular-season tournaments in their all-time history and enter the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer on a two-game winning streak.
A year ago, the Cougars went 2-1 at the ESPNU Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan, P.R. After falling 73-72 to VCU on Nov. 15, the Cougars posted back-to-back wins against Marist and College of Charleston.
Guard Robert McKiver was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 23.8 points in three games, including 37 points during the finale against College of Charleston.
This is the first time that the Cougars have competed at the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Cougars to Meet Georgia Southern at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday
Nov. 9, 2008
GAME 1
2K Sports College Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer
Houston Cougars (0-0 • 0-0 C-USA) vs. Georgia Southern Eagles (0-0 • 0-0 Southern)
Nov. 10, 2008 • Cameron Indoor Stadium (9,314) • Durham, N.C. • 3 p.m. (CST)
RADIO: Houston-ISP Sports Network • 790 AM The Sports Animal-Houston * Tom Franklin, PxP
TELEVISION: none
INTERNET AUDIO/VIDEO: live broadcast at UHCougars.com
LIVE STATS: live stats at GoDuke.com
DURHAM, N.C. - The University of Houston men's basketball team tips off the 2008-09 season for the entire country when it faces Georgia Southern at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday during the first round of the Durham Regional at the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Under the leadership of fifth-year head coach Tom Penders, the Cougars begin their 64th season of intercollegiate competition and are looking for their fourth postseason appearance in the last five seasons.
With a win over Georgia Southern, the Cougars will face the winner of the #8/5 Duke-Presbyterian game at 8 p.m. (CST), Tuesday. That game also will be televised live on ESPNU with Beth Mowins calling the play-by-play action and Bob Wenzel serving as analyst.
The winner of the Durham Regional advances to the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer Championship Rounds to be held Nov. 20-21 in New York's Madison Square Garden.
If the Cougars lose to Georgia Southern, they meet the loser of the #8/5 Duke-Presbyterian game at 5 p.m. (CST), Tuesday.
Whoever UH faces in this two-day tournament will be a first-time Cougar opponent.
RADIO/TV INFORMATION
All Cougar Men's Basketball games can be heard live on 790 AM The Sports Animal or on the Internet at UHCougars.com with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action.
ABOUT HOUSTON
The Cougars return eight lettermen but only one starter (junior guard Kelvin Lewis) from last season's team which finished with a 24-10 record and advanced to the semifinals of the inaugural 2008 College Basketball Invitational.
Lewis averaged 10.2 points per game, scoring a career-high 28 points against Valparaiso during the CBI Quarterfinals at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Senior guard and senior center Marcus Cousin each snared four rebounds per game a year ago to lead all returning players.
Lewis, Williams and junior guard Aubrey Coleman were named team captains prior to the start of the season by Penders and his coaching staff.
In addition to the veterans, the Cougars also welcome four newcomers in Coleman, freshman guard Desmond Wade, junior guard Jamon Wilson and junior forward Jason Hurns.
ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN
Georgia Southern finished with a 20-12 overall record (13-7 in Southern Conference) in 2007-08. Sophomore guard Willie Powers enters the year as the team's leading returning scorer with 11.5 points per game and was named to the league's All-Freshmen Team.
Senior guard Julian Allen is the team's leading rebounder with 4.7 boards per game and recorded two double-doubles a year ago.
HISTORY IN SEASON OPENERS
The Cougars have enjoyed tremendous success in season openers during the program's all-time history. Entering Monday's game against Georgia Southern, UH has posted a 45-18 (.714) all-time mark during season openers.
In addition, the Cougars have won each of their last four season openers, all under head coach Tom Penders. That four-game winning streak snapped a four-game losing skid in season openers from 2000 to 2004.
REGULAR-SEASON TOURNAMENT HISTORY
For the third consecutive season, the Cougars will compete in a regular-season tournament. The Cougars have posted a 108-59 (.647) record during regular-season tournaments in their all-time history and enter the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer on a two-game winning streak.
A year ago, the Cougars went 2-1 at the ESPNU Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan, P.R. After falling 73-72 to VCU on Nov. 15, the Cougars posted back-to-back wins against Marist and College of Charleston.
Guard Robert McKiver was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 23.8 points in three games, including 37 points during the finale against College of Charleston.
This is the first time that the Cougars have competed at the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Men's Basketball Names Team Captains
Guards DaShaun Williams, Kelvin Lewis and Aubre Coleman Selected by Coaching Staff
Nov. 7, 2008
HOUSTON - University of Houston senior guard DaShaun Williams and junior guards Kelvin Lewis and Aubrey Coleman recently were named team captains for the 2008-09 season.
The Cougar trio was selected by head coach Tom Penders and his coaching staff.
Lewis enters the 2008-09 season as the team's leading returning scorer after averaging 10.2 points per game a year ago. The Fort Worth native made 23 starts and scored a career-high 28 points, including seven treys, against Valparaiso during the quarterfinals of the inaugural 2008 College Basketball Invitational at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Williams overcame a broken finger on his shooting hand a year ago to establish himself as one of the team's steadiest performers. The Chicago native scored a career-high 23 points at Conference USA rival UAB and grabbed four rebounds per game, tying for the team high among returning players this season.
Coleman begins his first year in the Cougar program this season after an award-winning two seasons at Southwest Mississippi Community College. The Houston native averaged 23 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals as a freshman and scored a team-high 25 points against Hinds Community College a year ago.
Lewis, Williams and Coleman and their Cougar teammates open their 2008-09 season at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday when they face Georgia Southern during the first game of the Durham Regional of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The game can be heard live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action.
Guards DaShaun Williams, Kelvin Lewis and Aubre Coleman Selected by Coaching Staff
Nov. 7, 2008
HOUSTON - University of Houston senior guard DaShaun Williams and junior guards Kelvin Lewis and Aubrey Coleman recently were named team captains for the 2008-09 season.
The Cougar trio was selected by head coach Tom Penders and his coaching staff.
Lewis enters the 2008-09 season as the team's leading returning scorer after averaging 10.2 points per game a year ago. The Fort Worth native made 23 starts and scored a career-high 28 points, including seven treys, against Valparaiso during the quarterfinals of the inaugural 2008 College Basketball Invitational at Hofheinz Pavilion.
Williams overcame a broken finger on his shooting hand a year ago to establish himself as one of the team's steadiest performers. The Chicago native scored a career-high 23 points at Conference USA rival UAB and grabbed four rebounds per game, tying for the team high among returning players this season.
Coleman begins his first year in the Cougar program this season after an award-winning two seasons at Southwest Mississippi Community College. The Houston native averaged 23 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals as a freshman and scored a team-high 25 points against Hinds Community College a year ago.
Lewis, Williams and Coleman and their Cougar teammates open their 2008-09 season at 3 p.m. (CST), Monday when they face Georgia Southern during the first game of the Durham Regional of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The game can be heard live on 790 AM The Sports Animal with Tom Franklin calling the play-by-play action.
Men’s Basketball Preseason Report No. 6
Release: 11/06/2008
STATESBORO, Ga. --- The start of the 2008-09 men’s basketball season is just days away and head coach Jeff Price is still evaluating his talent.
The six new players, most of whom will become key contributors early on, include three junior college transfers and three true freshmen.
“We just continue to look at more of the personnel than our team,” said Price. “You want to look at both but we have so many new guys that I think we’re in a process of feeling out personnel and positions and things like that. As the season goes on you’ll see that come together but right now that’s where we’re at.”
With the start of the season so close, Price and the staff have already begun to prepare for Houston.
“We have been a little bit,” said Price. “They’re a new team – they have some new players also – so more than anything we’re trying to get an idea of how they play. We started a little bit this week on preparing for their style of play.”
CENTERS OF ATTENTION
While not playing with a true center, the Eagles have two players that embody the physical attributes necessary for the position.
With a lack of size on the frontline, Price will need senior Kenith Ward and junior Krzysztof Janiszewski to play an increased role this season.
“They’re our two physical players on the front line,” said Price. “I’ve been really pleased with Kenny’s play. He does all the little things, he’s strong and physical so those two guys give us a physical presence up front.”
Ward has appeared in 76 games in his career, including all 32 last season, but has yet to start. He averaged 10.6 minutes per contest last year.
“You can tell he has great leadership skills, he knows what’s expected of him, he never tries to do things he can’t do, plays within himself and has gotten better and better at how our team is and what’s expected of him,” said Price.
Janiszewski is the largest member of the team at 6-11, 280 and gives the Eagles a significant size advantage in the low post.
“He needs to come in and give us some solid minutes on the defensive end of the floor and make things difficult for people in the lane,” said Price. “He needs to get what he can offensively but be more of a presence with his size defensively.”
Release: 11/06/2008
STATESBORO, Ga. --- The start of the 2008-09 men’s basketball season is just days away and head coach Jeff Price is still evaluating his talent.
The six new players, most of whom will become key contributors early on, include three junior college transfers and three true freshmen.
“We just continue to look at more of the personnel than our team,” said Price. “You want to look at both but we have so many new guys that I think we’re in a process of feeling out personnel and positions and things like that. As the season goes on you’ll see that come together but right now that’s where we’re at.”
With the start of the season so close, Price and the staff have already begun to prepare for Houston.
“We have been a little bit,” said Price. “They’re a new team – they have some new players also – so more than anything we’re trying to get an idea of how they play. We started a little bit this week on preparing for their style of play.”
CENTERS OF ATTENTION
While not playing with a true center, the Eagles have two players that embody the physical attributes necessary for the position.
With a lack of size on the frontline, Price will need senior Kenith Ward and junior Krzysztof Janiszewski to play an increased role this season.
“They’re our two physical players on the front line,” said Price. “I’ve been really pleased with Kenny’s play. He does all the little things, he’s strong and physical so those two guys give us a physical presence up front.”
Ward has appeared in 76 games in his career, including all 32 last season, but has yet to start. He averaged 10.6 minutes per contest last year.
“You can tell he has great leadership skills, he knows what’s expected of him, he never tries to do things he can’t do, plays within himself and has gotten better and better at how our team is and what’s expected of him,” said Price.
Janiszewski is the largest member of the team at 6-11, 280 and gives the Eagles a significant size advantage in the low post.
“He needs to come in and give us some solid minutes on the defensive end of the floor and make things difficult for people in the lane,” said Price. “He needs to get what he can offensively but be more of a presence with his size defensively.”
Here's the numbers I have from last year on these two teams. Looks like the spread is close as well. Interested in the total, looks like this will be an up tempo game.
Location Predicted Line
at Houston Houston 83.0 Georgia Southern 73.0 -10.0
Neutral Houston 82.0 Georgia Southern 74.0 -8.0
at Georgia Southern Houston 80.0 Georgia Southern 76.0 -4.0
Average Pace of Game 156.4
Away Team Controls Pace 156.0
Home Team Controls Pace 156.9
Location Predicted Line
at Houston Houston 83.0 Georgia Southern 73.0 -10.0
Neutral Houston 82.0 Georgia Southern 74.0 -8.0
at Georgia Southern Houston 80.0 Georgia Southern 76.0 -4.0
Average Pace of Game 156.4
Away Team Controls Pace 156.0
Home Team Controls Pace 156.9
How much can we factor your numbers? Houston is only returning 1 starter and GS is a whole new team also with 3 jucos jumping into the lineup. I agree it should be up tempo, Houston will press a lot.
houston writer preview:
Cougar basketball preview..........
The Cougar men's basketball team opens the season tonight with a tilt against Georgia Southern. The game will take place on the campus of Duke University as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament. If Houston can win that one, they will have a Tuesday matchup with the winner of the Duke/Presbyterian game later in the day. (Guess who that'll be?)
Georgia Southern put together a very respectable 20-12 campaign year last year, including a win over UAB. They'll be hurt by the loss of their two leading scorers and rebounders; Louis Graham and Matt Fields. While there's nobody with any size on the GSU roster who should trouble the Cougars too much, there is some skill at the guard position. The Cougars will have to key up defensively on 6'2" sophomore Willie Powers, 6'5" senior Anthony Marshall and 6'4" senior Julian Allen.
The Eagles' lack of size leaves me very curious to see two things: first, will a healthy Marcus Cousin play with the fire and intensity Cougar fans have been hoping to see out of him for a long time, and finally dominate smaller competition. (And, frankly, will the Coogs be able to find him on the offensive end and give him a chance to shine?) Second, if tenth-year GSU head coach Jeff Price does try to go super small on the Cougars, will Penders be willing to sit Cousin and simply try to outrun the Eagles? A lineup of Qa'rraan Calhoun, DaShaun Williams, Kelvin Lewis, Aubrey Coleman and Desmond Wade would have easily enough size and talent to handle GSU defensively, and would be amazingly fast up and down the court.
So I'm trying not to get too optimistic early in the season, with a team that has a lot of newcomers who need to learn to mesh together, but I think the Cougars should pull out the victory on Monday.
Cougar basketball preview..........
The Cougar men's basketball team opens the season tonight with a tilt against Georgia Southern. The game will take place on the campus of Duke University as part of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament. If Houston can win that one, they will have a Tuesday matchup with the winner of the Duke/Presbyterian game later in the day. (Guess who that'll be?)
Georgia Southern put together a very respectable 20-12 campaign year last year, including a win over UAB. They'll be hurt by the loss of their two leading scorers and rebounders; Louis Graham and Matt Fields. While there's nobody with any size on the GSU roster who should trouble the Cougars too much, there is some skill at the guard position. The Cougars will have to key up defensively on 6'2" sophomore Willie Powers, 6'5" senior Anthony Marshall and 6'4" senior Julian Allen.
The Eagles' lack of size leaves me very curious to see two things: first, will a healthy Marcus Cousin play with the fire and intensity Cougar fans have been hoping to see out of him for a long time, and finally dominate smaller competition. (And, frankly, will the Coogs be able to find him on the offensive end and give him a chance to shine?) Second, if tenth-year GSU head coach Jeff Price does try to go super small on the Cougars, will Penders be willing to sit Cousin and simply try to outrun the Eagles? A lineup of Qa'rraan Calhoun, DaShaun Williams, Kelvin Lewis, Aubrey Coleman and Desmond Wade would have easily enough size and talent to handle GSU defensively, and would be amazingly fast up and down the court.
So I'm trying not to get too optimistic early in the season, with a team that has a lot of newcomers who need to learn to mesh together, but I think the Cougars should pull out the victory on Monday.
Airportis, the teams philosophy shouldn't change that much. I just posted the numbers to give people an idea that the line is not much different than last year. By looking at the teams you can adjust the numbers on your own based on returning starters/freshman etc..
The books have to have something to use to set these lines. They are adjusting off of last years numbers as well. I'm hoping a line difference may lead me to a play on some of these early games, it looks like this game is about what I thought the line should be. I'd like to see a total posted as well.
The books have to have something to use to set these lines. They are adjusting off of last years numbers as well. I'm hoping a line difference may lead me to a play on some of these early games, it looks like this game is about what I thought the line should be. I'd like to see a total posted as well.
Hey, thanks for all the info guys...I'm sooo pumped for college hoops to start. Time to hang another banner in Chapel Hill this year! Anything less will be a disappointment.
Yes, unreal!
I'm going under for sure now. With a little reasearch, a few things have stuck out.
#1- Both teams have lost pretty much everything from last years teams. Houston was #4 in 3pt FGA's. Houston and GSouthern were both in the 130-140's in 2pt %.
#2- I'm not dead set on how the 3pt line will effect the teams.
#3- It's the 1st game, could they reall come out hot or wouldn't they come out nervous and rusty?
I'm going under for sure now. With a little reasearch, a few things have stuck out.
#1- Both teams have lost pretty much everything from last years teams. Houston was #4 in 3pt FGA's. Houston and GSouthern were both in the 130-140's in 2pt %.
#2- I'm not dead set on how the 3pt line will effect the teams.
#3- It's the 1st game, could they reall come out hot or wouldn't they come out nervous and rusty?
Georgia Southern
*
Houston U
Pos
Player
Pos
Player
F
Trumaine Pearson
F
Qa'Rraan1 Calhoun
C
Kenith Ward
C
Marcus Cousin
G
Antonio Hanson
G
Kelvin Lewis
G
Julian Allen
G
Aubrey Coleman
G
Willie Powers
G
Desmond Wade
*
Houston U
Pos
Player
Pos
Player
F
Trumaine Pearson
F
Qa'Rraan1 Calhoun
C
Kenith Ward
C
Marcus Cousin
G
Antonio Hanson
G
Kelvin Lewis
G
Julian Allen
G
Aubrey Coleman
G
Willie Powers
G
Desmond Wade
- Mar 19, 2006
- 38,645
- 557
- 113
- 75
I don't think disappointment is a strong enough word to describe it..
on the heels of a Championship the year before.
Florida 2006-2007 showed how to take the absolute best team in the country and withstand the pressure..
Will be very interesting to watch this North Carolina SUPER TEAM and see if they can get it done..
Not only are the North Carolina Tar Heels No. 1 in The Associated Press' preseason Top 25, they are the first unanimous No. 1 since the preseason poll began in 1981-82.
North Carolina has the top six scorers -- including national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough -- back from a team that had a school-record 36 wins and reached the Final Four.
The Tar Heels, No. 1 in the final poll last season, are the preseason No. 1 for the second straight year, joining UNLV in 1989-90 and 1990-91 as the only schools to do that. It also marks North Carolina's record sixth time atop the preseason rankings, breaking a tie with Duke.
"We have a really good group of kids who are working very hard to get ready for a challenging season," head coach Roy Williams said. "They've worked so hard because they know they have to prove it on the court. No one gives you any awards for preseason rankings.
Go Heels
The production and experience from guys like Danny Green, Marcus Ginyard, and Deon Thompson will be big for us. Hopefully Bobby Frasor can return healthy because I love what he brings to the team. He's a great guy off the bench because he can shoot the 3 and play solid defense.
Damn it !! Had no idea it was such an early start. I would have joind some here on the under for sure
