SMC Notes
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SMC Notes
As a reminder, Zack Farmer predicts this order of finish in the WCC:
1. GU
2. SMC
3. BYU
4. LMU
5. USD
6. SCU
7. USF
8. UP
9. PU
Here’s his review of #2 St. Mary’s:
1. GU
2. SMC
3. BYU
4. LMU
5. USD
6. SCU
7. USF
8. UP
9. PU
Here’s his review of #2 St. Mary’s:
What do reigning champions react to being the reigning champion? This is what we will find out about Saint Mary’s this year.
While Saint Mary’s went into last season with a share of the league title, Gonzaga was still attached to that title. Now the Gaels are alone on top and have the target squarely on their backs.
They lost three key players but return a wealth of guards and experience. Let’s take a look at this year’s team.
Outlook
The defending WCC champions have to deal with something new: being the hunted. Since Randy Bennett had arrived at Saint Mary’s, Gonzaga had at least a share of the WCC title. That was the norm.
Now with Gonzaga looking up, the Gaels are now the team to beat. But there are also concerns on the court. How do you replace Rob Jones? What about Clint Steindl? It’s going to be tough to hold onto the top spot in the WCC but the Gaels have been doubted before and welcome the challenge.
Backcourt
The depth at the guard position came into question last season, especially when Stephen Holt and Matthew Dellavedova dealt with varying injuries late in the season but this year should be a different story.
Dellavedova, the reigning WCC Player of the Year, has already made many preseason All-American lists and that has to do with his intelligence on the floor. While he may not be the most athletic, the senior guard may be the smartest guard in the conference with how he is able to set up his teammates for open looks.
Holt and fellow returning starter Jorden Page have a great deal of athleticism and quickness. Paul McCoy, who is coming off of a medical redshirt last season, should add an offensive spark. But there should be a concern about their ability to hit the three consistently.
Citrus College transfer James Walker will also come off the bench and should be productive. He averaged 19 points per game and was named the CCCAA state Player of the Year.
Their best three-point shooter last season was Steindl and he shot 43 percent from distance. The best returner is only at 37 percent. The Saint Mary’s has always had someone to stretch the defense in that way. Paul Marigney, Todd Golden, Mickey McConnell, Steindl. Always somebody.
It is an explosive and athletic group but they will need to have somebody step up and be that three-point shooter.
Frontcourt
Replacing 11 rebounds per game is no easy task. Without Jones, that is what Saint Mary’s must do. Specifically, that is what Brad Waldow must do.
The sophomore center played well last season but battled injuries down the stretch, which limited his production. Waldow, who averaged 8.1 points and 4.4 rebounds, will be looked to carry more of the load without Jones around.
It will also be the task of senior forward Mitchell Young, redshirt junior Matt Hodgson, and freshman Chris Reyes to fill the power forward position. The power forward will be the position to watch early on for Saint Mary’s with unproven (Hodgson, Reyes) or inconsistent (Young) players vying for the starting spot and minutes.
Senior 7-footer Kyle Rowley will also be battling for early minutes and can clog the lane, making it easier for Saint Mary’s to fill the rebounding void.
Notes
Saint Mary’s knocking off Gonzaga for the league title was no small feat. Not only was it Saint Mary’s first outright title since 1989, it was the first time Gonzaga did not win either the regular season title nor the tournament title since 1997.
Saint Mary’s has benefited from Citrus College players in the past. Tron Smith played for the Gaels from 2006 to 2008 and averaged eight points, while shooting 36 percent from three.
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Re: SMC Notes
It would appear SMC is setting up a bit of a pipeline to Citrus College (yep, Derrick's old school) as they've now picked up a 6-6 shooting guard, junior to be Kerry Carter.
Last year they signed junior guard James Walker, the CCCAA Player of the Year from Citrus.
Last year they signed junior guard James Walker, the CCCAA Player of the Year from Citrus.
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Re: SMC Notes
More good news for the Pilots....or NOT good news for St. Mary's
.......after more than a month since Remy Abell announced that he was transferring from Indiana, he's finally come to a decision on his next destination......the 6-foot-4 Louisville native is heading to Xavier.
St. Mary's has been working hard to land him, and have kept a scholarship open and waiting, but the lure of big-time Big East basketball won out over life in the tiny gym and small town feel of Moraga, I guess.
The only other school in the mix for Abell, besides Xavier and SMC, was St. Louis....and they already picked their big player for the year when they signed Tanner Lancona.
.......after more than a month since Remy Abell announced that he was transferring from Indiana, he's finally come to a decision on his next destination......the 6-foot-4 Louisville native is heading to Xavier.
St. Mary's has been working hard to land him, and have kept a scholarship open and waiting, but the lure of big-time Big East basketball won out over life in the tiny gym and small town feel of Moraga, I guess.
The only other school in the mix for Abell, besides Xavier and SMC, was St. Louis....and they already picked their big player for the year when they signed Tanner Lancona.
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Re: SMC Notes
I moved this discussion from the PU notes to SMC notes
Both Duffy and Giusti have been considered shooting guards to this point…but if Duffy is worthy of an eventual starting role, one would think he’s he’d be worth of a scholarship too.
Another PG we’ve overlooked is redshirt senior Paul McCoy who came to the program highly rated but was injured and stayed on the bench behind Delly…
And what about James Walker? Walker game to the Gaels from Citrus College last year and is a true PG, but just like everyone else, didn’t get much playing time and is now a senior.
It will be an interesting fall for Coach Bennett, but I bet whoever finally gets the starting job, the team will do just fine.
I was very impressed with Giusti during his redshirt freshman year, and I understand he did play PG in high school and during AAU ball, so you may be correct on him being the starter before too long.PilotsFan20 wrote:In 2014-15, at point guard Saint Mary's will have Jordan Giusti (RS Junior), Jorden Page if he is unable to play this season and comes back for a 6th year, and walk-on Treaven Duffy (RS Sophomore).
But whoever Saint Mary's has at point guard this season will have no experience play point guard since Dellavedova essentially played all 40 minutes for 4 years (alongside another PG McConnell for the first 2).
Both Duffy and Giusti have been considered shooting guards to this point…but if Duffy is worthy of an eventual starting role, one would think he’s he’d be worth of a scholarship too.
Another PG we’ve overlooked is redshirt senior Paul McCoy who came to the program highly rated but was injured and stayed on the bench behind Delly…
And what about James Walker? Walker game to the Gaels from Citrus College last year and is a true PG, but just like everyone else, didn’t get much playing time and is now a senior.
It will be an interesting fall for Coach Bennett, but I bet whoever finally gets the starting job, the team will do just fine.
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Re: SMC Notes
Aha, here's a bit of an update on the guard situation at SMC.....it's from ESPN:
Saint Mary's has landed Minnesota transfer Joe Coleman.
The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 8.7 points last season in 26 minutes per game, but decided to play elsewhere shortly after the coaching change in which Richard Pitino replaced Tubby Smith.
"It came down to the fact that coach (Randy) Bennett has been able to develop guards and also that they have playing time available," Coleman told ESPN.com. "When coach Smith left, I decided I wanted to go somewhere that I could expand my game."
Coleman will sit out this season and have two years left with Bennett and the Gaels. He also visited Creighton, and drew interest from Gonzaga, Florida State and Oregon.
The addition of Coleman should help ease the blow in 2014-15 from losing three senior guards in Stephen Holt, Jorden Page and James Walker III.
Saint Mary's, which was 28-7 this past season, graduated star guard Matthew Dellavedova and also lost signee Cullen Neal, who was released from his letter of intent in order to play for his father, Craig, at New Mexico.
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Re: SMC Notes
Good move Randy….
SMC Head Coach Randy Bennett just hired former UP Assistant, and friend, Jim Shaw as his "special assistant."
Jim was an assistant to Rob Chavez at UP for five seasons, and an assistant to Kelvin Sampson at Oklahoma for five years, but he’s probably best known for serving with Lorenzo Romar for the past nine years at UW.
Coach Shaw should be able to help a lot with coaching, compliance, and with Bennett “campused” for the next year or so because of NCAA sanctions, Coach Shaw should be able to pick up the recruiting slack, and then some.
SMC Head Coach Randy Bennett just hired former UP Assistant, and friend, Jim Shaw as his "special assistant."
Jim was an assistant to Rob Chavez at UP for five seasons, and an assistant to Kelvin Sampson at Oklahoma for five years, but he’s probably best known for serving with Lorenzo Romar for the past nine years at UW.
Coach Shaw should be able to help a lot with coaching, compliance, and with Bennett “campused” for the next year or so because of NCAA sanctions, Coach Shaw should be able to pick up the recruiting slack, and then some.
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Re: SMC Notes
RS-Freshman forward Chris Reyes has left St. Mary's and has apparently enrolled at Citrus College (Derrick Rogers' old school).
With the graduation of Mitchell Young, Reyes would certainly have gotten some playing time this year, but Beau Levesque has a chance to be All-WCC, and transfer Garrett Jackson has to be number two on the depth chart. Both Levesque and Jackson can play either SF or PF, in my opinion.
Reyes will have three years of D-1 ball eligibility if he leaves Citrus after one year.
With the graduation of Mitchell Young, Reyes would certainly have gotten some playing time this year, but Beau Levesque has a chance to be All-WCC, and transfer Garrett Jackson has to be number two on the depth chart. Both Levesque and Jackson can play either SF or PF, in my opinion.
Reyes will have three years of D-1 ball eligibility if he leaves Citrus after one year.
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Re: SMC Notes
PG Jorden Page has left St. Mary's.
Jorden was my favorite SMC player, but I guess two ACL injuries that would have required him to try for a 6th year next year was just too much for him. I think once he heals and rehabs in his native Australia he'll hook-up with some pro team.
Also PG, and former walk-on, Zach Sanchez left the team going into his junior year.
Jorden was my favorite SMC player, but I guess two ACL injuries that would have required him to try for a 6th year next year was just too much for him. I think once he heals and rehabs in his native Australia he'll hook-up with some pro team.
Also PG, and former walk-on, Zach Sanchez left the team going into his junior year.
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Re: SMC Notes
SMC Coach Bennett will have a nice 3 game holiday tournament in Hawaii, but then begins his 5 game suspension that includes SMC's trip to Spokane and Portland.
From the NCAA today:
From the NCAA today:
Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett must serve a five-game suspension and won’t be allowed to recruit off campus this season as the NCAA has upheld penalties against the successful mid-major program for recruiting violations.
In making the announcement Monday from the NCAA’s infractions appeals committee, the NCAA has denied Bennett’s appeal that included the claim of a procedural error involved. The school says Bennett’s penalty begins on Dec. 30 at midnight for five games, including one non-conference contest.
In March, the NCAA put Saint Mary’s on four years of probation for a “failure to monitor its men’s basketball program,” reducing scholarships by two for the 2014-15 and 15-16 seasons.
Saint Mary’s will still be allowed to participate in the league tournament and the NCAA tournament but can’t play in preseason or in-season tournaments not already contractually obligated to attend.
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Re: SMC Notes
Funny how that early January game against William Jessup managed to sneak its way onto the schedule.
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Re: SMC Notes
My second thought exactly when I saw the schedule....a good way to reduce Bennett's penalty to 4 games.DeanMurdoch wrote:Funny how that early January game against William Jessup managed to sneak its way onto the schedule.
My first thought was what a great opportunity for Jim Shaw to be the interim head coach. Jim's been a number 1 assistant forever, and is apparently comfortable in that role, but it will be great to see him at the helm.....even if it's only for 5 games.
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Re: SMC Notes
SMC lost Sunday to South Carolina in a tournament in Hawaii. Tonight they are playing against U. Hawaii, and are in a tight game.
Plus, there was a Keith Shamburger sighting, playing for the 'Bows.
Update: SMC loses, 76-74.
Plus, there was a Keith Shamburger sighting, playing for the 'Bows.
Update: SMC loses, 76-74.
Last edited by up7587 on Mon Dec 23, 2013 10:36 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: SMC Notes
Shamwow?
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Re: SMC Notes
Caught it just in time 76-74 warriors. Shamberger assisted on the last shot with :02 left. 6 points, six assists, no turnovers.
Levesque hit a three near the end, then missed the free throw that came with it.
Wow. The Gaels lost two games going into conference against lesser ranked teams.
Levesque hit a three near the end, then missed the free throw that came with it.
Wow. The Gaels lost two games going into conference against lesser ranked teams.
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Re: SMC Notes
My goodness, SMC lost again to George Mason this morning 65-63, to go 0-3 in Honolulu... that is some coal in the stocking, for sure.
Talk about stumbling into conference play... and they will be without their head coach for the next 5 games. This could get dicey if they don't turn things around back on the mainland.
Talk about stumbling into conference play... and they will be without their head coach for the next 5 games. This could get dicey if they don't turn things around back on the mainland.
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Re: SMC Notes
Wow. Pretty stunning to get beat by a team who's biological clocks are set for 1:00 AM at game time.
I'm kind of hoping it takes more than Four games to turn it completely around on the mainland...😏
I'm kind of hoping it takes more than Four games to turn it completely around on the mainland...😏
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Re: SMC Notes
We'd heard that Stanford PG Aaron Bright would be transferring to St. Mary's for his senior year to fill the gap left by the graduation of Stephen Holt. Now we learn Boston College PG, Joe Rahon, will also transfer to SMC and will have two years left after his mandatory 1-year redshirt season.
I consider that very good recruiting........
LINK
I consider that very good recruiting........
LINK
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Re: SMC Notes
Disappointing to see SG Jordan Giusti is transferring after only one year (plus one redshirt year and one year at D-II Cal Baptist). It seemed to me he was ready to be a starter this year.....
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Re: SMC Notes
SMC Associate Head Coach, and former Hawaii assistant, Eran Ganot, has been hired as the new head coach at Hawaii.
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Re: SMC Notes
A number of SMC fans were expressing their concerns that Coach Bennett would leave Moraga for Cal, but that is no longer a concern after former LMU player, Wyking Jones, was promoted from assistant to head coach at Cal.
IMO the rumor of Bennett to Cal was unfounded....his situation at SMC is a lot better even though it may "only" be in the WCC.
Of some interest to those who follow UP recruiting, former UP commit, Grant Anticevich, now a Cal commit, was apparently asked by former Cal coach Cuanzo Martin to follow him to Missouri to play with Michael Porter Jr., but with Jones as the new head coach, there's now a much greater chance he'll sign with Cal next month.
IMO the rumor of Bennett to Cal was unfounded....his situation at SMC is a lot better even though it may "only" be in the WCC.
Of some interest to those who follow UP recruiting, former UP commit, Grant Anticevich, now a Cal commit, was apparently asked by former Cal coach Cuanzo Martin to follow him to Missouri to play with Michael Porter Jr., but with Jones as the new head coach, there's now a much greater chance he'll sign with Cal next month.
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Re: SMC Notes
Wow, this is a surprise, Angus Glover, considered by many to be the top high school player in Australia in 2017, has been given his release from the NLI he signed in November.
That's not at all like Coach Bennett!
I'm quite sure the release was condional on his not signing with any other WCC school....
That's not at all like Coach Bennett!
I'm quite sure the release was condional on his not signing with any other WCC school....
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Re: SMC Notes
A year at a community college solves that.
Bennet did it with Jones for four months.
Bennet did it with Jones for four months.
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Re: SMC Notes
The Pick and Roll wrote: Angus Glover on the Nike Hoop Summit and bypassing college to turn pro
http://bit.ly/2n6tzQb
After playing for the World team in the Hoop Summit in Portland in a couple of weeks, Glover plans to play in the professional National Basketball League in Australia....
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Re: SMC Notes
If you sign a NLI and just don't show up, are there any consequences? Is the release more for the school so they can sign someone else?
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Re: SMC Notes
No consequences!up7587 wrote:If you sign a NLI and just don't show up, are there any consequences? Is the release more for the school so they can sign someone else?
From what I've been reading, Glover's academics were "marginal" and he much preferred to play basketball full-time instead of going to classes/college.
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