IUPUI: Last season, George Hill was named the MVP of the Summit League, but he decided to leave school early and enter the NBA Draft. It is hard to question that decision, as he was a first-round pick of the San Antonio Spurs. Clearly, his 21.5 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 4.3 apg will be missed tremendously. So, too, will the 13.7 ppg of fellow departed starter Austin Montgomery. On a positive note, Gary Patterson and Billy Pettiford are back in place to lead the squad. Patterson scored 12.9 ppg and dished out 2.6 apg in 2007-08. As for Pettiford, he tallied 8.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 2.8 apg. Jon Avery provided 10.7 ppg off the bench a year ago, and he is ready to take his game to the next level.
IUPUI vs Northeastern (6)
- Thread starter shawn555
- Start date
IUPUI picked fourth in Summit
By Jeff Rabjohns
jeff.rabjohns@indystar.com
Even with George Hill in the NBA, IUPUI is expected to be one of the better teams in the Summit League.
The Jaguars received one first-place vote and were picked to finish fourth in the 10-team league according to the preseason poll released this afternoon.
"I think everyone expects us to fall off with George being in the NBA," IUPUI coach Ron Hunter said in a news released. "We think we've got a pretty good team here. We've got a deep and talented basketball team.
"We've got one of the best shooters in America, two of the top forwards in our league and a lot of depth at every position."
IUPUI senior Gary Patterson, who shot 44.5 percent from 3-point range as a junior, is the Jaguars' top returning scorer at 12.9 points per game. Juniors Jon Avery and Billy Pettiford are back at forward from last year's team that won a school-record 26 games.
Hill was a first-round pick of the San Antonio Spurs after being Summit League Player of the junior.
By Jeff Rabjohns
jeff.rabjohns@indystar.com
Even with George Hill in the NBA, IUPUI is expected to be one of the better teams in the Summit League.
The Jaguars received one first-place vote and were picked to finish fourth in the 10-team league according to the preseason poll released this afternoon.
"I think everyone expects us to fall off with George being in the NBA," IUPUI coach Ron Hunter said in a news released. "We think we've got a pretty good team here. We've got a deep and talented basketball team.
"We've got one of the best shooters in America, two of the top forwards in our league and a lot of depth at every position."
IUPUI senior Gary Patterson, who shot 44.5 percent from 3-point range as a junior, is the Jaguars' top returning scorer at 12.9 points per game. Juniors Jon Avery and Billy Pettiford are back at forward from last year's team that won a school-record 26 games.
Hill was a first-round pick of the San Antonio Spurs after being Summit League Player of the junior.
Senior guard Gary Patterson was tabbed Second Team Preseason All-Summit after averaging 12.9 points per game last season. The 5-foot-10 sharpshooter is expected to miss 3-4 weeks to begin the season due to a recent hand injury.
COACH AND PROGRAM
The "Big E" looms in Boston, and we're not talking about Elvin Hayes. Rather, coach Bill Coen is facing the prospect of no longer being an underdog in the tough CAA. This year, for the first time since the Huskies joined the CAA, there are legitimate expectations of success.
Northeastern Huskies
Last Season 14-17 (.452)
Conference Record 9-9 (t-6th)
Starters Lost/Returning 0/5
Coach Bill Coen (Hamilton College '83)
Record At School 27-36 (2 years)
Career Record 27-36 (2 years)
RPI Last 5 years 154-54-90-184-170
After all, Coen returns all five starters and every single major bench contributor, save Mark Washington's 10 minutes and 1.0 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. What's more, last season's 9-9 conference mark doesn't seem so mediocre when you consider the Huskies lost six of the nine games by five points or less.
For the third consecutive season, the Huskies finished with at least a .500 record in the CAA, and that makes them one of only four teams in the conference to do so, along with VCU, George Mason, and Old Dominion. The difference: those three teams are longtime heavyweights and survived the battles.
The signs are there, and while Northeastern aims to join the old school favorites at the top, Coen remains nonplussed.
"We're taking the same approach that we've had since we inherited the program," he said. "We're going to focus on what we do and we're going to judge ourselves on effort and execution. We can't control others' expectations. The only thing we can control is our own focus, effort, and execution. It's been our approach from day one and it will serve us in good times and in bad."
PLAYERS
The Huskies are led by 6-4 junior Matt Janning (#23, 16.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.4 apg), a name you probably don't know but had better learn. Put briefly, Janning, second-team All-CAA honoree, does it all.
We could list that he finished last season third in the CAA in scoring, third in free-throw percentage (.810), third in minutes, and 10th in three-point field-goal percentage. We could note that Janning finished the season on a 19-game double-digit scoring streak, the longest in the CAA. Or we could say he was voted the team captain as a sophomore. Or that Janning gets better as the competition gets better: he scored 26 points against Maryland, 29 against Connecticut, and 26 against Syracuse. Pick any criteria for "great player" and Janning stacks up.
"When he came to us he was a quiet individual, but he was all about the right things," Coen said. "I thought it important that we nudge him into a leadership role. Last year he did a terrific job with that challenge. It takes energy, and Matt managed his energy very well."
Blue Ribbon Previews
Take an Inside look at the Colonial with Blue Ribbon's 2008-09 team reports:
Delaware
Drexel
George Mason
Georgia State
Hofstra
James Madison
Northeastern
Old Dominion
Towson
UNC Wilmington
VCU
William & Mary
Another junior, 6-8 forward Manny Adako (#32, 10.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.6 bpg), doubled his production from his first collegiate season despite probably being underutilized.
In fact, Adako is a sleeper for all-conference honors because he's an efficient scorer down low, a key to Northeastern's success this year. Unlike other big men, Adako shot well from the field (.570, fourth in the CAA) without the benefit of a plethora of trash put-backs. He has an array of low post moves and is comfortable stepping out to 15 feet.
Adako is also unafraid -- his only career three-pointer (and only attempt last season) was a game-tying shot
with eight seconds to play at Maryland that sent that game into overtime.
"Manny is blessed with ability," Coen said. "He rightfully deferred to upperclassmen, but it's time for Manny now."
Chase Allen (#3, 9.2 ppg, 3.5 apg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 spg) had a freshman season that was far more effective than glamorous. Allen started all 31 games, and the 6-5 sophomore led CAA rookies in assists, steals and minutes. His steals total (63) is the most of any returning player in the conference, and he's the team's best defensive player. Allen was a CAA all-freshman team selection, and he features two differentiators from other guards: size and confidence.
His primary weakness last season was shooting (17-of-72, .240 from three), but Allen spent his summer launching hundreds of jump shots and should have improved at least enough to keep defenders -- who sloughed off him late last year -- honest.
"Point guard is the most difficult position to transfer from high school to college because you are responsible for so many things," Coen said. "He was terrific in absorbing and executing with that stress. What suffers is that he served everyone else first. Our hope is that he can do that more efficiently and he can become a better scorer while maintaining a level of service to others."
It's a known fact among coaches that few transfers meet expectations. Most either fall below the line, or exceed expectations. Nkem Ojougboh (#54, 9.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 0.9 bpg) is clearly among the latter group. The 6-9 junior came to Northeastern from Texas-San Antonio and led the Huskies in blocks (29) and finished ninth in the CAA in rebounding. Ojougboh is active around the basket. If the other known fact about transfers holds true -- that they are much better in the second season -- Coen will have a valuable inside option.
Versatility is the hallmark of 6-8 senior Eugene Spates (#24, 6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Spates is comfortable using his size on the block, but he specializes in wing play. The 6-8 senior is the second most prolific sharpshooter to Janning, and though Spates made just 28 percent of his three-pointers, a mid-season slump was the culprit.
The most important aspect is that Spates has become the sixth man and relishes the role. For whatever reason, Spates seems to shine beginning about five minutes into each game. On display: Spates drilled Drexel for 19 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
The third 6-8 player that will man the low blocks is senior Chris Alvarez (#2, 3.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg). The transfer from Dayton mans the "doing the little things" role to allow the stars on this team to shine. Alvarez is truly a hard-nosed player, but he can score if needed, witness his 12-point, nine-rebound game against James Madison.
It may well be Lima Time in Boston, as in 6-10 sophomore Vinny Lima (#11, 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg) is getting very comfortable after joining the Huskies team in mid-season last year. Lima saw limited time -- about nine minutes per game -- as he became acclimated to collegiate basketball, but he showed signs of promise. Lima, who played for the Cape Verde national soccer team, hit half of his threes (8-of-16) and showed a nose for the basketball -- 10 of his 18 rebounds were on the offensive end.
Though he started nine times for the Huskies last season, 6-6 senior Matt Smith, (#20, 2.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 9.5 mpg) saw his role slowly diminish last season. There's a reason he started those games; he's a good shooter with the size to shoot over defenses, and he takes his demotion as a sign to work harder. Smith will continue to see action because he is able to overcome difficulty with a great attitude.
Coen's front line already features five players 6-8 or taller. That's why red-shirt freshman Ben Felix will need to work hard to forge playing time. Felix isn't your typical 6-11 basketball recruit. He ran cross country and also rowed in high school.
There will be a battle for backcourt minutes behind Janning and Allen. Practices will certainly be scrappy.
Johan Gunterberg (#10, 1.3 ppg, 3.5 mpg) is a 6-4 sophomore who hails from Stockholm, Sweden. Gunterberg is a fearless shooter who won't be affected by the line moving; he's been shooting from international distance his entire life.
Baptiste Bataille (#25, 2.8 ppg, 1.2 apg), a 5-10 junior from Ferin, France, is the primary backup to Allen at point guard and a very steady ball-handler. While Bataille may never be a difference-maker, he also won't hurt the team with spot minutes.
Allen Aragbaye (#31, 1.1 ppg, 4.4 mpg), is more of a pure point guard who saw limited action last season. The 6-4 sophomore is strong with the ball and a good passer but will need to develop consistency to see extended playing time. Brian McDonald (#15, 0.5 ppg) is a 6-2 junior who played in four games and appears to have a similar role this year.
The lone new player is 6-7 Erik Ethlerly, who faces an uphill climb for playing time his freshman season. He's from Annandale High School in Alexandria, Va., where he once had a 26-point, 22-rebound game.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
BACKCOURT: A
BENCH/DEPTH: B-
FRONTCOURT: A
INTANGIBLES: B-
Coen took his team on an extended tour of Canada in August and September, and the extra work paid dividends.
He was able to experiment with lineups and combinations -- mostly geared toward shoring up what he believes is his team's most glaring deficiency.
"We have to be more efficient on offense," Coen said. "I was happy with our defensive effort. We defended and rebounded very well. But we were poor in terms of offensive production -- shooting percentage and so on."
Coen believes that even a marginal improvement there is huge.
"We lost something like 12 games by five points or less," he said. "We were knocking on the door. An extra bucket or free throw here or there &"
The key to the extra bucket or free throw?
"Matt, Manny, Chase, and Nkem are the known factors," Coen said. "That second layer of guys is the X-factor. We have three seniors in that group, and all are great character kids. We hope they provide the leadership and character to win ballgames we lost. Our success will depend upon how well that group steps up to the plate."
The "Big E" looms in Boston, and we're not talking about Elvin Hayes. Rather, coach Bill Coen is facing the prospect of no longer being an underdog in the tough CAA. This year, for the first time since the Huskies joined the CAA, there are legitimate expectations of success.
Northeastern Huskies
Last Season 14-17 (.452)
Conference Record 9-9 (t-6th)
Starters Lost/Returning 0/5
Coach Bill Coen (Hamilton College '83)
Record At School 27-36 (2 years)
Career Record 27-36 (2 years)
RPI Last 5 years 154-54-90-184-170
After all, Coen returns all five starters and every single major bench contributor, save Mark Washington's 10 minutes and 1.0 points and 1.4 rebounds per game. What's more, last season's 9-9 conference mark doesn't seem so mediocre when you consider the Huskies lost six of the nine games by five points or less.
For the third consecutive season, the Huskies finished with at least a .500 record in the CAA, and that makes them one of only four teams in the conference to do so, along with VCU, George Mason, and Old Dominion. The difference: those three teams are longtime heavyweights and survived the battles.
The signs are there, and while Northeastern aims to join the old school favorites at the top, Coen remains nonplussed.
"We're taking the same approach that we've had since we inherited the program," he said. "We're going to focus on what we do and we're going to judge ourselves on effort and execution. We can't control others' expectations. The only thing we can control is our own focus, effort, and execution. It's been our approach from day one and it will serve us in good times and in bad."
PLAYERS
The Huskies are led by 6-4 junior Matt Janning (#23, 16.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.4 apg), a name you probably don't know but had better learn. Put briefly, Janning, second-team All-CAA honoree, does it all.
We could list that he finished last season third in the CAA in scoring, third in free-throw percentage (.810), third in minutes, and 10th in three-point field-goal percentage. We could note that Janning finished the season on a 19-game double-digit scoring streak, the longest in the CAA. Or we could say he was voted the team captain as a sophomore. Or that Janning gets better as the competition gets better: he scored 26 points against Maryland, 29 against Connecticut, and 26 against Syracuse. Pick any criteria for "great player" and Janning stacks up.
"When he came to us he was a quiet individual, but he was all about the right things," Coen said. "I thought it important that we nudge him into a leadership role. Last year he did a terrific job with that challenge. It takes energy, and Matt managed his energy very well."
Blue Ribbon Previews
Take an Inside look at the Colonial with Blue Ribbon's 2008-09 team reports:
Delaware
Drexel
George Mason
Georgia State
Hofstra
James Madison
Northeastern
Old Dominion
Towson
UNC Wilmington
VCU
William & Mary
Another junior, 6-8 forward Manny Adako (#32, 10.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.6 bpg), doubled his production from his first collegiate season despite probably being underutilized.
In fact, Adako is a sleeper for all-conference honors because he's an efficient scorer down low, a key to Northeastern's success this year. Unlike other big men, Adako shot well from the field (.570, fourth in the CAA) without the benefit of a plethora of trash put-backs. He has an array of low post moves and is comfortable stepping out to 15 feet.
Adako is also unafraid -- his only career three-pointer (and only attempt last season) was a game-tying shot
with eight seconds to play at Maryland that sent that game into overtime.
"Manny is blessed with ability," Coen said. "He rightfully deferred to upperclassmen, but it's time for Manny now."
Chase Allen (#3, 9.2 ppg, 3.5 apg, 4.6 rpg, 2.0 spg) had a freshman season that was far more effective than glamorous. Allen started all 31 games, and the 6-5 sophomore led CAA rookies in assists, steals and minutes. His steals total (63) is the most of any returning player in the conference, and he's the team's best defensive player. Allen was a CAA all-freshman team selection, and he features two differentiators from other guards: size and confidence.
His primary weakness last season was shooting (17-of-72, .240 from three), but Allen spent his summer launching hundreds of jump shots and should have improved at least enough to keep defenders -- who sloughed off him late last year -- honest.
"Point guard is the most difficult position to transfer from high school to college because you are responsible for so many things," Coen said. "He was terrific in absorbing and executing with that stress. What suffers is that he served everyone else first. Our hope is that he can do that more efficiently and he can become a better scorer while maintaining a level of service to others."
It's a known fact among coaches that few transfers meet expectations. Most either fall below the line, or exceed expectations. Nkem Ojougboh (#54, 9.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 0.9 bpg) is clearly among the latter group. The 6-9 junior came to Northeastern from Texas-San Antonio and led the Huskies in blocks (29) and finished ninth in the CAA in rebounding. Ojougboh is active around the basket. If the other known fact about transfers holds true -- that they are much better in the second season -- Coen will have a valuable inside option.
Versatility is the hallmark of 6-8 senior Eugene Spates (#24, 6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg). Spates is comfortable using his size on the block, but he specializes in wing play. The 6-8 senior is the second most prolific sharpshooter to Janning, and though Spates made just 28 percent of his three-pointers, a mid-season slump was the culprit.
The most important aspect is that Spates has become the sixth man and relishes the role. For whatever reason, Spates seems to shine beginning about five minutes into each game. On display: Spates drilled Drexel for 19 points, eight rebounds, and three steals.
The third 6-8 player that will man the low blocks is senior Chris Alvarez (#2, 3.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg). The transfer from Dayton mans the "doing the little things" role to allow the stars on this team to shine. Alvarez is truly a hard-nosed player, but he can score if needed, witness his 12-point, nine-rebound game against James Madison.
It may well be Lima Time in Boston, as in 6-10 sophomore Vinny Lima (#11, 2.8 ppg, 1.2 rpg) is getting very comfortable after joining the Huskies team in mid-season last year. Lima saw limited time -- about nine minutes per game -- as he became acclimated to collegiate basketball, but he showed signs of promise. Lima, who played for the Cape Verde national soccer team, hit half of his threes (8-of-16) and showed a nose for the basketball -- 10 of his 18 rebounds were on the offensive end.
Though he started nine times for the Huskies last season, 6-6 senior Matt Smith, (#20, 2.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 9.5 mpg) saw his role slowly diminish last season. There's a reason he started those games; he's a good shooter with the size to shoot over defenses, and he takes his demotion as a sign to work harder. Smith will continue to see action because he is able to overcome difficulty with a great attitude.
Coen's front line already features five players 6-8 or taller. That's why red-shirt freshman Ben Felix will need to work hard to forge playing time. Felix isn't your typical 6-11 basketball recruit. He ran cross country and also rowed in high school.
There will be a battle for backcourt minutes behind Janning and Allen. Practices will certainly be scrappy.
Johan Gunterberg (#10, 1.3 ppg, 3.5 mpg) is a 6-4 sophomore who hails from Stockholm, Sweden. Gunterberg is a fearless shooter who won't be affected by the line moving; he's been shooting from international distance his entire life.
Baptiste Bataille (#25, 2.8 ppg, 1.2 apg), a 5-10 junior from Ferin, France, is the primary backup to Allen at point guard and a very steady ball-handler. While Bataille may never be a difference-maker, he also won't hurt the team with spot minutes.
Allen Aragbaye (#31, 1.1 ppg, 4.4 mpg), is more of a pure point guard who saw limited action last season. The 6-4 sophomore is strong with the ball and a good passer but will need to develop consistency to see extended playing time. Brian McDonald (#15, 0.5 ppg) is a 6-2 junior who played in four games and appears to have a similar role this year.
The lone new player is 6-7 Erik Ethlerly, who faces an uphill climb for playing time his freshman season. He's from Annandale High School in Alexandria, Va., where he once had a 26-point, 22-rebound game.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
BACKCOURT: A
BENCH/DEPTH: B-
FRONTCOURT: A
INTANGIBLES: B-
Coen took his team on an extended tour of Canada in August and September, and the extra work paid dividends.
He was able to experiment with lineups and combinations -- mostly geared toward shoring up what he believes is his team's most glaring deficiency.
"We have to be more efficient on offense," Coen said. "I was happy with our defensive effort. We defended and rebounded very well. But we were poor in terms of offensive production -- shooting percentage and so on."
Coen believes that even a marginal improvement there is huge.
"We lost something like 12 games by five points or less," he said. "We were knocking on the door. An extra bucket or free throw here or there &"
The key to the extra bucket or free throw?
"Matt, Manny, Chase, and Nkem are the known factors," Coen said. "That second layer of guys is the X-factor. We have three seniors in that group, and all are great character kids. We hope they provide the leadership and character to win ballgames we lost. Our success will depend upon how well that group steps up to the plate."
BASKETBALL TEAM TO TIPOFF 2008-09 AT 2K SPORTS CLASSIC
Jaguars to take on Northeastern University in opener
Ed Holdaway, IUPUI Sports Information
Email to a Friend | Print
11/10/2008 2:30:06 PM
Game Notes I Live Audio I Live Stats
INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI basketball team will open the 2008-09 campaign against Northeastern University as part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.. Tuesday's game marks the first-ever meeting between IUPUI and NU.
The winner will take on the winner of the Michigan/Michigan Tech game on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. with that game being aired on ESPNU.
The Jaguars fended off a feisty University of Indianapolis squad in its lone exhibition game last Thursday, 83-75. Freshman Alex Young had 21 points and hit four threes and junior forward Billy Pettiford had 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Jags' superior length and athleticism led to a 42-32 rebound advantage and the Jaguars hit better than 48 percent of their field goal tries.
Sophomore Leroy Nobles had 16 points and eight rebounds and JUCO-transfer Robert Glenn contributed 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench.
Tuesday's game can be heard live on IUPUIJags.com and will be aired on a tape delayed basis on XL 950. Greg Rakestraw will call the action with that broadcast beginning at 10:00 p.m..
Jaguars to take on Northeastern University in opener
Ed Holdaway, IUPUI Sports Information
Email to a Friend | Print
11/10/2008 2:30:06 PM
Game Notes I Live Audio I Live Stats
INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI basketball team will open the 2008-09 campaign against Northeastern University as part of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich.. Tuesday's game marks the first-ever meeting between IUPUI and NU.
The winner will take on the winner of the Michigan/Michigan Tech game on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. with that game being aired on ESPNU.
The Jaguars fended off a feisty University of Indianapolis squad in its lone exhibition game last Thursday, 83-75. Freshman Alex Young had 21 points and hit four threes and junior forward Billy Pettiford had 11 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The Jags' superior length and athleticism led to a 42-32 rebound advantage and the Jaguars hit better than 48 percent of their field goal tries.
Sophomore Leroy Nobles had 16 points and eight rebounds and JUCO-transfer Robert Glenn contributed 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench.
Tuesday's game can be heard live on IUPUIJags.com and will be aired on a tape delayed basis on XL 950. Greg Rakestraw will call the action with that broadcast beginning at 10:00 p.m..
Thanks Shawn, any leans for you in this game? I see you're posting all this info, wasn't sure what your exact thoughts on the games were.
I was leaning towards Northeastern!
I was leaning towards Northeastern!
Already got down on Northeastern for a decent amount at 6.
Think the line rises tomorrow.
Patterson being out for IUPUI is huge tomorrow and northeastern should win by double digits.
Think the line rises tomorrow.
Patterson being out for IUPUI is huge tomorrow and northeastern should win by double digits.
Experience on Northeastern?s side
Five questions facing the Huskies:
The Northeastern Huskies have been granted a new respect by their basketball brethren in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Proof of that respect came when the Huskies, entering their fourth season of CAA play, were picked to finish second in voting done by coaches, sports information directors and media in a preseason poll involving all 12 CAA schools this fall.
?It?s hard to judge a recruiting class, so people rank you by your returning players, and we have the most experience coming back,? said NU third-year coach Bill Coen. ?I thought we were underrated over the last couple of years and this year we are getting the benefit of the doubt.?
The Huskies have the numbers to support their place in the poll. NU graduated one senior from the team and have five returning starters and several key reserves back.
The Huskies? attack will flow through junior guard Matt Janning (16.1 points per game last season), a preseason first-team all-CAA. Sophomore point guard Chaisson Allen (9.2 ppg) will direct the traffic while Baptiste Bataille, Allen Aragbaye and Brian McDonald add depth in the backcourt. Manny Adako (10.6 ppg) has evolved into a legitimate low-post threat while center Nkem Ojougboh cleans the glass and blocks the shots. Chris Alvarez, Matt Smith and Eugene Spates bring diverse skills to the frontcourt. Going into today?s 2kSports Classic against IUPUI in Ann Arbor, Mich., there are five questions facing the Huskies this year.
1. Can a full complement of returning starters carry the day in the CAA?
Game experience is the premium currency at the mid-major level. The Huskies? front five started a combined 140 games and compiled 4,662 minutes of floor time last season. That group was comprised of one junior, three sophomores and a freshman point guard.
?We had a very young club last year that graduated one senior,? said Coen. ?We have a very experienced unit coming back.?
2. Can the Huskies find the end-game success that eluded them last season?
Seven Northeastern losses came by five points or less last season, including an overtime setback at Maryland and a two-point defeat at Boston College.
NU was within striking distance of UConn in the waning moments before the other Huskies prevailed by nine. The most painful loss was a 57-55 give-back at Georgia State in February while the league was jockeying for postseason placements.
?We?ve talked about that a lot and about finishing games,? said Janning. ?We have to have the same intensity throughout and set a threshold and stay above it the whole time.?
3. Can Matt Janning continue his climb up the CAA food chain?
Everything Janning had done in his first two seasons on Huntington Avenue suggests he can continue to ascend in the league ranks. As a lightly recruited prospect, Janning came to a program undergoing a complete face-lift and became the CAA?s Rookie of the Year. Last season, his 16.1 points per game were third best in the league, and he earned second-team all-CAA honors even though opposing defenders knew he was getting the ball. Janning was a natural choice for preseason first-team nomination.
?I don?t want to put a particular number on it, but he needs to be more efficient and he?s capable of that,? said Coen. ?He?s a consistent go-to guy who can live up to the preseason rankings because Matt is completely committed to become the best basketball player he can.?
4. Will power forward Manny Adako be the low-post threat NU needs?
Like Janning, Adako has plenty of upside going into this season. The junior has started 57 games and he doubled his offensive output last season. Adako averaged 5.3 points as a freshman and improved to 10.6 last season. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Adako is effective because he is remarkably efficient with a team-high .568 field goal percentage.
?His field goal percentage is very good and he made a huge jump after his freshman year,? said Coen. ?He?s developed into a low-post threat, and I think he has an opportunity to go to another level.?
5. Can Chaisson Allen increase his own production while still serving others?
Coen is counting on that transformation from the get go. Allen focused all his energies on the passing and playmaking aspects while being careful to avoid the landmines of Division 1 basketball. Allen averaged a very respectable 9.2 points per game and he topped all CAA rookies in assists (108) and steals (63).
?I think the point guard position is the hardest position to transition from high school to college, and Chaisson did it about as seamlessly as possible,? said Coen. ?But I think his personal offense suffered and we are hoping with a year experience his offense will increase.?
Five questions facing the Huskies:
The Northeastern Huskies have been granted a new respect by their basketball brethren in the Colonial Athletic Association.
Proof of that respect came when the Huskies, entering their fourth season of CAA play, were picked to finish second in voting done by coaches, sports information directors and media in a preseason poll involving all 12 CAA schools this fall.
?It?s hard to judge a recruiting class, so people rank you by your returning players, and we have the most experience coming back,? said NU third-year coach Bill Coen. ?I thought we were underrated over the last couple of years and this year we are getting the benefit of the doubt.?
The Huskies have the numbers to support their place in the poll. NU graduated one senior from the team and have five returning starters and several key reserves back.
The Huskies? attack will flow through junior guard Matt Janning (16.1 points per game last season), a preseason first-team all-CAA. Sophomore point guard Chaisson Allen (9.2 ppg) will direct the traffic while Baptiste Bataille, Allen Aragbaye and Brian McDonald add depth in the backcourt. Manny Adako (10.6 ppg) has evolved into a legitimate low-post threat while center Nkem Ojougboh cleans the glass and blocks the shots. Chris Alvarez, Matt Smith and Eugene Spates bring diverse skills to the frontcourt. Going into today?s 2kSports Classic against IUPUI in Ann Arbor, Mich., there are five questions facing the Huskies this year.
1. Can a full complement of returning starters carry the day in the CAA?
Game experience is the premium currency at the mid-major level. The Huskies? front five started a combined 140 games and compiled 4,662 minutes of floor time last season. That group was comprised of one junior, three sophomores and a freshman point guard.
?We had a very young club last year that graduated one senior,? said Coen. ?We have a very experienced unit coming back.?
2. Can the Huskies find the end-game success that eluded them last season?
Seven Northeastern losses came by five points or less last season, including an overtime setback at Maryland and a two-point defeat at Boston College.
NU was within striking distance of UConn in the waning moments before the other Huskies prevailed by nine. The most painful loss was a 57-55 give-back at Georgia State in February while the league was jockeying for postseason placements.
?We?ve talked about that a lot and about finishing games,? said Janning. ?We have to have the same intensity throughout and set a threshold and stay above it the whole time.?
3. Can Matt Janning continue his climb up the CAA food chain?
Everything Janning had done in his first two seasons on Huntington Avenue suggests he can continue to ascend in the league ranks. As a lightly recruited prospect, Janning came to a program undergoing a complete face-lift and became the CAA?s Rookie of the Year. Last season, his 16.1 points per game were third best in the league, and he earned second-team all-CAA honors even though opposing defenders knew he was getting the ball. Janning was a natural choice for preseason first-team nomination.
?I don?t want to put a particular number on it, but he needs to be more efficient and he?s capable of that,? said Coen. ?He?s a consistent go-to guy who can live up to the preseason rankings because Matt is completely committed to become the best basketball player he can.?
4. Will power forward Manny Adako be the low-post threat NU needs?
Like Janning, Adako has plenty of upside going into this season. The junior has started 57 games and he doubled his offensive output last season. Adako averaged 5.3 points as a freshman and improved to 10.6 last season. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound Adako is effective because he is remarkably efficient with a team-high .568 field goal percentage.
?His field goal percentage is very good and he made a huge jump after his freshman year,? said Coen. ?He?s developed into a low-post threat, and I think he has an opportunity to go to another level.?
5. Can Chaisson Allen increase his own production while still serving others?
Coen is counting on that transformation from the get go. Allen focused all his energies on the passing and playmaking aspects while being careful to avoid the landmines of Division 1 basketball. Allen averaged a very respectable 9.2 points per game and he topped all CAA rookies in assists (108) and steals (63).
?I think the point guard position is the hardest position to transition from high school to college, and Chaisson did it about as seamlessly as possible,? said Coen. ?But I think his personal offense suffered and we are hoping with a year experience his offense will increase.?
