No.10.5 (Basketball Preview)

D E H S I N .

I S F S E N U USIN B

2016-2017 Basketball Preview

2 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Table of Contents 4 MEET THE COACHES 6 SENIORS 7 JACKIE KEMPH 8 2016-2017 ROSTER 10 CHAIFETZ

Coach Stone looks to top last year’s run, while Coach Ford preps for his debut season

Mike Crawford and Reggie Agbeko are eager to bring energy back into Chaifetz Arena

Last year’s Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year pursues greatness in her junior season

The “Who’s Who” of SLU Basketball

View the home of Billiken basketball by the numbers

11 SPORTS PERFORMANCE Riley Allen pushes players to new heights in the weight room

12

RECRUITING

13

SCHEDULE

Men’s basketball nabs its most vaunted high school recruit since 1997

The path to a championship for both squads

14 A-10 PREDICTIONS Our picks on what to expect out of this season

U unewsonline.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KYLE SMITH

SPORTS EDITOR LAUREN TONDL

DESIGN EDITOR DANI COLYER

MANAGING EDITOR MAGGIE CIPRIANO

ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR VIVEK GORIJALA

COPY EDITORS BRENDAN WILLIAMS MACK KORRIS

SPECIAL THANKS TO VALERIE CROOK KALEE GOTTSACKER PATRICK HYLAND BOBBY STILWELL

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

T

he annual Basketball Preview is the University News’ introduction to SLU’s basketball season. We cover the major highlights in the men’s and women’s upcoming year, including everything from rosters to schedules to conference standing predictions. Both squads are about to embark on a competitive and exciting five months of intense play, and we would like to be one of the first to give you a taste of the action.

There isn’t a superlative in the dictionary that completely encompasses the women’s team’s accomplishments last season. Led by head coach Lisa Stone, they tied for the regular season title and went to the WNIT. This season, expectations will naturally be higher following that breakout performance. However, with players such as junior guard Jackie Kemph, they could compete for the conference title once again.

The men’s basketball team may not hit the heights that it reached only a few years ago when led by players such as guard Jordair Jett and head coach Rick Majerus, but new coach Travis Ford, previously of Oklahoma State, will come in hoping to reverse the lethargy that has set in over the last couple years. SLU is a young team, and with exciting recruits set to come in over the next two years, the team should only improve.

However, for this season, the two remaining seniors on the team will have a lasting impact both on and off the court.

Without further ado, enjoy the 2016-2017 Basketball Preview, and we hope to see you cheering on our Billikens at Chaifetz Arena!

2015-16 Women’s Records 26-8 Overall Record

13-3 Conference Record

Most points: 2390 Most assists: 573 Most three-pointers: 205 Most field goals made: 852 Most rebounds: 1304 Best free-throw percentage: .763

Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year: Jackie Kemph Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year:

Lisa Stone

3

4 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Stone pushes team to keep their edge

Quick Facts:

1 2 3

2016-2017 marks Stone’s 31st season as a head coach.

So far, she has a 568-298 record, including a 65-61 mark in her first four seasons at SLU. Stone has coached at three schools previously. She spent eight seasons at Wisconsin, three seasons at Drake, 12 seasons at Wisconsin Eau-Clair, and three seasons at Cornell

4

Stone was named A-10 Coach of the Year in 2016. She has earned eight conference Coach of the Year awards during her career.

5

19 of her teams have competed in postseason play (14 NCAA tournaments, five WNIT appearances)

By VALERIE CROOK Staff Writer

SLU women’s basketball coach Lisa Stone has spent the last four years building a dynasty and family. After a shocking buzzer-beater loss put an end to SLU’s successful season last spring, her team has pushed through the devastation and is ready to take over conference yet again.

“One shot doesn’t a game make. One shot does not a season make, and nor does a game,” Stone said. That one incredible shot was from an opposing player who hadn’t made a three-pointer all season. Stone told her players they had a remarkable year, and while it was tough for it to end in general, but it was even tougher for it to end that way. However, it only means that the expectations for the upcoming season are off the charts.

This year, SLU is the preseason Atlantic 10 Conference favorite. While Stone is flattered, considering the work she and her team have put in, she knows there’s work and consistency to keep up. It’s not where you start that matters — it’s where you finish. “It’s all about the fact that we have to keep that edge. We have to remember what it felt like to end the season last year,” she said. SLU has been talked

about before, but this time the women’s team is vying for the title and not on the outskirts of conference play.

“We’re the hunted now. We’re not going to sneak up on anybody anymore. Because when you get to the top it’s harder to stay there. There’s a lot of work going in, but this is even harder.” Stone says that for the team to stay on top, it’s imperative that they push and challenge each other every day so they don’t get comfortable.

She couldn’t ask for a better team to do that with.

The players hold each other accountable. Stone regards, “When you sit back and you watch them huddle together and say ‘This is unacceptable,’ they are vocalizing that instead of just the coaches. You know you are getting somewhere.”

Coach Stone loves her players like daughters. When asked who her favorite team is, the Wisconsinite might be tempted to mention the Green Bay Packers, but her highest love is her basketball team.

“This is a team that every coach dreams of,” Stone admits. “They’re wonderful human beings. They’re great students, nearly half of them are 4.0 students. We’re one of the top academic teams in the country.

We have a point guard on the Lieberman list. My seniors are playing with that se-

nior urgency. They’re at a new level.”

The Nancy Lieberman Award is like the Heisman Trophy for women’s basketball point guards. Junior Jackie Kemph is in the running. Stone mentions that the impact Jackie has made on her team and the program is tremendous. She will graduate in two years and leave a mark on SLU and women’s basketball.

Stone acknowledges that Jackie Kemph is the best player she has ever coached. She handles the ball well. She runs the team. When she gets a head of steam she’s a highlight reel in actual time.

Stone explains that the best thing about Jackie is that she’s so humble, competitive and wants to win. She’s “a mini coach, a competitor, a high achieving young woman” that can score, has improved her defense and her three-point shooting, and someone who wants to win not just for herself, but for the team.

Despite Jackie’s clear betterment of the lineup, Coach Stone knows she has more than a one-woman team. She names every player and highlights every talent each of them brings to the table. She adores her team, and she loves coming to practice. Stone explains, “It’s been a dream of mine to sell out [Chaifetz], and hopefully that will happen this year.”

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

5

Ford focuses on instilling life, intensity and excitement back into Chaifetz

By BOBBY STILWELL Staff Writer

Travis Ford is entering his first season at the helm of the men’s basketball team.

The Billikens have seen preseason action against Greenville College, a D-III school, and won 124-85. While this performance is exciting, there’s still work to be done in a number of areas. Ford believes “the list is too long to start naming

them all. There’s a lot of areas we’ve got to get better at.” Ford plans to build on the strengths of the team and “certain aspects we can control: attitude, effort, togetherness. That’s what we’re focused on.”

Ever since the announcement last season that Ford would become head coach, Ford has wanted to “get Chaifetz Arena rocking.” To Ford, that would first include getting people in Chaifetz, in order to “make it a fun place to be, a loud place

to be, an exciting place to be. We need to do our part and try to win games and make it fun and exciting for our fans, but we need fans to come in here and help us win games, to help us recruit, to help us create some excitement.”

Ford is creating a little bit of that excitement himself. During the exhibition game, Billiken fans saw him becoming involved in the game and coaching the players both verbally and with gestures.

Ford hopes that “[his] intensity level is an extension of my team at times,”. I’m not afraid to show some emotion, some intensity; I don’t try to hide it. I’m locked into the game, and I hope my players can feed off of it.” For those of you who worry that Ford will be extremely negative on the court, don’t. In Ford’s own words: “I try to focus on being more positive. It’s a focus that I’m trying to get better.”

Being a transplant to St. Louis, Ford is adjusting to life in the city, but he’s enjoying it so far. “It’s been terrific. I’ve enjoyed the city of St. Louis. It’s fun to be a part of a city where there’s so much passion for their sports teams.” Ford also hopes that the Billikens can be included in that passion. “We’re wanting to be not just Saint Louis University’s team; we’re wanting to be the city of St. Louis’ team. That’s important for us, and we would love for the whole city to rally around Billiken Basketball. We need it. Hopefully we can put a product on the court they enjoy watching, a style of play they enjoy watching, and hopefully we get Chaifetz rocking.”

Despite the weaknesses that the team will work on, Ford praised aspects of the exhibition game. “Hopefully, you will continue to see the same intensity, the same hard work, the same playing together as a team. We had 27 assists, so hopefully we can continue to pass the ball. I liked our intensity, I liked how our guys passed the ball, I thought we played with some passion, and those are the things we are going to continue to look for.”

Ford is bringing a new style to men’s basketball in comparison to previous years. “The expectation for our team is to be aggressive, play extremely hard, try to outwork our opponent; these are all going to be goals every single game.”

This season, Ford is excited about Chaifet’z atmosphere, wants players to take control — especially seniors — and plans to have the team continue playing together. Combined with new recruits and transfers, men’s basketball has a lot to look forward to in this season and the future.

Quick Facts: The new Billikens coach will embark on his 20th season as a head coach in the fall.

345-257 entering record.

He has had head-coaching stints at Oklahoma State (eight years, 2008-16), Massachusetts (three years, 2005-08), Eastern Kentucky (five years, 2000-05) and Campbellsville University.

1 2 3

Ford has led his team to the NCAA Tournament six times.

4

He has coached six players who have gone on to play in the NBA and five who have been named conference player of the year.

5

He recruited three McDonald’s All-Americans to Oklahoma State during his tenure.

6

6 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Take it from experience: Older and wiser, Billikens seniors hope that change will lead SLU to greater heights

Mike Crawford and Reggie Agbeko have seen a lot of change in their four years on the men’s basketball team: a new coach, a new staff and even a new mascot. While it may seem difficult to adapt to so many changes as a senior, both players agree that for their team, change is good.

“It’s definitely different with the new coaches,” Crawford says. “New defense, new offense, new everything. But it’s definitely worth it. The future looks bright.”

The Billikens’ win last Friday proved just that, with the team beating Greenville 124-85 in an exciting exhibition game to kick off the season. But as

Mike and Reggie begin this season, they reflect on how they and the team have changed since their freshman year.

“The team is so different than when I started,” says Agbeko. “We had guys that could’ve probably played without a coach, there were so many seniors.

Sometimes the coach even asked them for plays. It was a great experience to learn from.”

Crawford agrees, saying that he came in with “a good group of guys who set good examples.”

With this in mind, both men acknowledge the importance of serving as role models for their team. “It’s just me and Mike, so we’re trying to do our best to help the young guys,” Agbeko says.

But the two are still changing along with the rest of the team, learning offense and defense strategies from new

“

Two to three years down the line, I want people to remember what great basketball we played.

“

Senior Mike Crawford

Mike Crawford

“

It’s gonna be more exciting basketball than previous years.

We want to bring it back and make this place energetic again.

“

By KALEE GOTTSACKER Contributer

Reggie Agbeko

Senior Reggie Agbeko

coach Travis Ford. Crawford, coming back from a hamstring injury, says he’s excited to be here at this time of transition. “I’m excited to be a senior,” he says.

“It’s definitely worth it to learn all this new material.”

Reggie has seen a more personal advantage to the new style: “This system allows me to have a lot more touches than I did previously. I like it. It’s structured, but we still have freedom.”

Both Crawford and Agbeko played in all 32 games last year, each starting 28 games for SLU. Crawford was second on the Billikens with 10.3 points per game and 11.0 points per game in A-10 games.

He was the top three-point shooter for SLU, with 43 made and 127 attempted.

His career high for the season was 22 points, against George Mason.

Agbeko led last year’s squad in re-

bounds, with 6.2 per game. He was first on the team in field-goal percentage (.570, 81-of-142). The forward had two double-doubles, his best against St. Bonaventure when he scored 20 points and 16 rebounds against the Bonnies.

Crawford and Agbeko want their work to translate on the court not only for themselves, but for the SLU fans as well. Agbeko says, “We want people to see us this year because it’s gonna be more exciting basketball than previous years. We want to bring it back and make this place energetic again.”

Crawford also has high hopes for the year, saying that, “Two to three years down the line, I want people to remember what great basketball we played.”

The two seniors look forward to making this season one to remember and are ready to step into the role of leading the Billikens to success.

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

Kemph comes back for more As she enters her junior year, Jackie Kemph takes on the leadership role for the Billiken offense. The reigning A-10 Co-Player of the Year returns to top last season’s success.

“

She’s the best player I’ve ever coached. She’s a highlight reel just watching her play.

Jackie Kemph is starting her junior year as a Billiken, and, at only the halfway point of her college career, she may already be one of the most decorated players to pass through Chaifetz Arena.

“She’s the best player I’ve ever coached,” head coach Lisa Stone said. “She’s a highlight reel just watching her play.”

Last season alone, she racked up accolades left and right. She was named Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Year, received honorable mention as an AllAmerican and ranked third in the nation in assists per game (7.0). She became the first Billiken women’s basketball player to earn All-American plaudits, including the Associated Press honorable mention and College Sports Madness High Major first team. At SLU, she set the record for assists in a season (239).

She helped the team advance to their best postseason placement in history, and helped post the best season record ever, 26-8. Kemph’s ability to handle the ball well and at an extremely fast pace allows her to run the court at an elite level and dominate just about anyone in the A-10 and beyond.

She was among the top scorers and assisters for the Billikens almost every game. She had a season high of 28 points against St. Bonaventure.

She gathered nine rebounds against bothWestern Kentucky and George Mason, and completed 14 assists against Dayton and Tulsa. Against Bradley, she made four steals. Starting this season, Kemph is on her way to shatter the career assists record.

She is currently sitting in the second spot with 413.

Not only does she excel on the court, but she also values academics just as highly. She’s a 4.0 student in finance and accounting and earned a spot on the A-10 All-Academic Team.

Stone feels that Jackie’s talent and her teamoriented attitude are the most influential to the

By LAUREN TONDL Sports Editor

team’s success. “She’s so competitve and she wants to win. You have a mini-coach, you have a competitor, you have a high-achieving young woman on your team that can score. She’s really improved her defense and three-point shooting, and has just put in a lot of time in the off-season,” Stone said. “Her game has grown, and all these accolades are just coming at her. She just says, ‘Thank you, but I just want to win this for the team.’ She’s all team and she’s just a great kid.”

Kemph is joined by fellow juniors guard Aaliyah Covington, guard Jenny Vliet, guard Paige Rakers, forward Maddison Gits and forward Shea Shipman. All six of these Billikens have been a large part of the process of transforming the Billiken women’s basketball program from a struggling group of women into a cohesive and competitive dynasty that is always wanting to push the envelope.

With the help of her teammates and her hard work throughout her years as a Billiken, Kemph has been selected to the Preseason All-Conference first team and to the Nancy Lieberman Award Watch List for point guards this year.

Even after she leaves the program, her legacy will live on. “The impact that Jackie has made on our team and on our program is tremendous. She will graduate as a core member of this junior class that will leave their mark on Saint Louis University women’s basketball,” Stone said.

“

Head Coach Lisa Stone

7

8 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

2016-2017 Men’s Roster Seniors Mike Crawford Position: Guard Hometown: Tipton, Indiana Major: Master of Accounting candidate

Reggie Agbeko Position: Forward Hometown: Buffalo, New York Major: Communication

Juniors D.J. Foreman Position: Forward Hometown: Spring Valley, New York Major: Communication

Javon Bess Position: Guard/ Forward Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Major: Communication

Davell Roby Position: Guard Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee Major: Education

Adonys Henriquez Position: Guard Hometown: Orlando, Florida Major: Communication

Aaron Hines Position: Guard Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Major: Sports Business

Austin Gillman Position: Center Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Major: Accounting

Sophomores Jermaine Bishop Position: Guard Hometown: Queens, New York Major: Deciding

Matt Neufeld Position: Center Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia Major: Business Administration

Markos Psimitis Position: Guard Hometown: Mytilene, Greece Major: Business Administration

Freshmen Jalen Johnson Position: Forward Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Major: Communication

Zeke Moore Position: Guard/ Forward Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Major: Deciding

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Travis Ford Assistant Coach: Will Bailey Assistant Coach: Van Macon Assistant Coach: Corey Tate

Director of Basketball Operations: Chris Tifft Director of Player Development: Ford Stuen Support Services Coordinator: Michael Wilson

Elliott Welmer Position: Forward Hometown: Columbus, Indiana Major: Business Administration

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

2016-2017 Women’s Roster Seniors Olivia Jakubicek Position: Forward Hometown: Cary, Illinois Major: Occupational Sciences

Erin Nelson Position: Forward Hometown: Ballwin, Missouri Major: Business Administration

Sadie Stipanovich Position: Center Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri Major: Business Administration

Juniors Jackie Kemph Position: Guard Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois Major: Business Administration

Aaliyah Covington Position: Guard Hometown: Edwardsville, Illinois Major: Social Work

Jenny Vliet Position: Guard Hometown: Arlington Heights, Illinois Major: Business Administration

Paige Rakers Position: Guard Hometown: Carlyle, Illinois Major: Health Sciences

Maddison Gits Position: Forward Hometown: Fitchburg, Wisconsin Major: Business Administration

Shea Shipman Position: Forward Hometown: Olathe, Kansas Major: Business Administration

Sophomores Kerri McMahan Position: Guard Hometown: Novi, Michigan Major: Business Administration

Jordyn Frantz Position: Guard Hometown: Wakarusa, Indiana Major: Nursing

Tara Dusharm Position: Center Hometown: Foley, Minnesota Major: Deciding

Freshmen Hannah Frazier Position: Forward Hometown: Batavia, Illinois Major: Deciding

Kendra Wilken Position: Forward Hometown: Bartelso, Illinois Major: Radiation Therapy

Coaching Staff Head Coach: Lisa Stone Assistant Coach: Jordann Plummer Associate Head Coach: Mike Geary Graduate Assistant: Olivia Applewhite Assistant Coach: Ty Margenthaler Director of Operations/Video Coordinator: Taylor Morano

9

10

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

Chaifetz by the numbers As the home site to Billiken basketball and volleyball, the eight-year-old arena has plenty of amenities packed into its walls. The new arena was dedicated on April 10, 2008 in honor of 1975 SLU alumnus Richard A. Chaifetz.

in 10,600 seats main arena

since 8 years dedication

269,300 total square feet in 800 seats Chaifetz

pavillion

foot 4 14x45 scoreboards

LED 959 foot ribbon board

14

to 591 days construct

private suites in main arena

the arena

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

11

Sports Performance Coach Riley Allen keeps players on the court and away from injury

By PATRICK HYLAND Staff Writer

After working at five different universities — and earning a graduate degree in neuromechanics — Riley Allen finally has his dream job, working with male and female basketball athletes to ensure that athletes perform their best on game day. This means that Allen is at every practice, encouraging players to make use of a “refueling station” with Gatorade, protein bars and vitamin mixes.

The final instructions from last Thursday’s men’s basketball practice did not come from Travis Ford, the new head coach, but from Allen: “Your lunch is in your locker.” A turkey sandwich, a peanut butter sandwich, chips and pieces of fruit were just about all that most players had time for before their afternoon classes.

Besides these “grab-and-go” lunches, basketball players eat nearly every meal together, with breakfast and dinner

“

People and the athletes make the room — not the weights or the equipment.

“

Riley Allen, assistant director for athletics in Sports Performance

available at Lorenzini’s, located within Chaifetz, and pre-game meals at Vito’s.

Allen stresses the importance of nutrition and refueling as soon as possible after a workout, with protein and carbs being a priority within 30 minutes of exercise. While “water is king,” when exercising for more than two hours, Gatorade can also replace electrolytes.

Allen suggests chocolate milk for both student athletes and the casual athlete for a post-workout drink, citing research that proves the old-fashioned favorite is just as good as more-expensive alternatives.

Although the facilities at Chaifetz are extensive, with players only steps away from the court, athletic training room, weight room and cafeteria, Allen stresses that it’s the “people and the athletes who make the room — not the weights or the equipment.” That said, Tendo Units help ensure athletes are training at exactly the speed they should be. This is important since “power equals speed plus strength,”

so the ability to quantify speed holds athletes accountable. A wire that connects to the weight bar measures the speed at which athletes are weightlifting, meaning that Allen doesn’t necessarily need to be watching every rep for players to know whether or not they are exercising appropriately and with the right intensity.

Even then, Allen offers to both the student athletes, as well as to the average SLU student, the mantra that “consistency beats intensity.” Better to stick to a regular exercise plan than to have intense, exhaustive workouts sporadically.

One of the common mistakes Allen finds himself correcting in the weight room is improper squatting techniques.

Footwear that is hard on an athlete’s ankles, such as high heels or tall boots, means that ankle mobility becomes an issue. The often-sedentary life of a student, sitting for hours a day either in a lecture hall or at a desk, can also contribute to hip issues, which must be combated in order

to achieve proper squatting technique.

Tendo Units are not the only technology utilized by Allen. Four hours before each game, players undergo hydration testing.

Using a urine refractometer, Allen assesses the hydration needs of each player, allowing players to adjust their fluid intake accordingly, and ensuring that each is at his or her best in games. The technology proves to be more accurate than regular weigh-ins, which may not be as accurate depending on the food an athlete eats the day of or day before a game.

From proper exercise speed and technique to the latest technology used to measure hydration needs, Allen’s goal is, among other things, injury reduction.

Together with two assistants, each with responsibilities for about seven collegiate athletic teams, they work to keep Billiken Athletes on the field or court and operating at their very best level. Allen’s job, while crucial, is only one part of an entire support network for student athletes.

12 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Top recruits show promising future for Billiken basketball

By VIVEK GORIJALA Associate Sports Editor

The future of Saint Louis men’s basketball looks bright, with two vaunted recruits already committed to SLU to kick off the Travis Ford era.

The first big-name commitment secured by Ford and his staff was small forward Jordan Goodwin, who will join the team in 2017. Goodwin is a local, having graduated from Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Ill. He stands at 6-foot-4, and is the number 53 prospect in the country as rated by Rivals.com and is the number 56 rated prospect according to Scout.com.

Goodwin was an integral part of Althoff High School’s capture of the Class 3A state championship this past season. Over the season, he averaged 18 points and 5 rebounds. Goodwin took an official visit to meet with head coach Travis Ford and visit the school, and promptly made his decision. Goodwin, a player for the St. Louis Eagles AAU team, also knew SLU coach Corey Tate from his time on the Eagles’ program.

Tate joined Ford’s staff from Mizzou.

Even bigger news for SLU basketball is the commitment of power forward Carte’Are Gordon. The recruitment of Gordon, who is another St. Louis native, is a coup for Ford, as Gordon is listed

Jordan Goodwin (Class of 2017) Prospect Ratings

as ESPN’s number nine prospect in the ESPN 60. Gordon is the highest-ranked player to commit to Saint Louis since Larry Hughes in 1997. Hughes reached the NBA and played for several teams before retiring in 2012.

Gordon credited Tate as one of the reasons he wanted to stay in St. Louis, along with the desire to stay close to friends and family. He plays at Webster Groves High School and averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds before transferring to Webster Groves. He played up an age group with MoKan Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, contributing 10.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

A trend in recent years had been for promising St. Louis basketball players to leave the city to play college basketball elsewhere. Any Billikens fan can hope that the commitments of Goodwin and Gordon signal the start of a new trend, one in which St. Louis high schoolers dream of playing for the Billikens.

With these outstanding prospects lined up, and with the fresh leadership of coach Ford, Saint Louis men’s basketball appears poised for drastic improvements within the next few years. One thing is for sure — SLU basketball, in recent memory, has never had the raw talent that they will have when these individuals step onto the hardwood in the next couple of years.

Carte’Are Gordon (Class of 2018) Prospect Ratings

ESPN 100 Ranking: No. 57

ESPN 60 Ranking: No. 9

Scout Grade: 85, 4 stars

Scout Grade: 92, 5 stars

ESPN Ratings: 15th in Position ESPN Ratings: 5th in Position

8th in Region 2nd in State

1st in Region 1st in State

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

13

2016-2017 Schedules Men 11/4 Greenville (exh.)

Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

11/11 Ball State Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

11/14 Southern Utah Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

11/17 Eastern Illinois Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

11/21 BYU Las Vegas, Nev., 8:30 p.m.

11/23 Alabama or Las Vegas, Nev., TBA Valparaiso 11/29 Samford Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

12/3 Kansas State Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

12/6 Wichita State Wichita, Kan., 7 p.m.

12/11 Chicago State Chaifetz Arena, 2 p.m.

12/14 Southern Illinois Carbondale, Ill., 7 p.m.

12/17 SIUE Chaifetz Arena, 4 p.m.

12/22 Winthrop Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

12/30 Rhode Island Chaifetz Arena, 6 p.m.

1/4 La Salle Philadelphia, Pa., 6 p.m.

1/8 Davidson Chaifetz Arena, 1 p.m.

1/11 Duquesne Pittsburgh, Pa., 6 p.m.

1/14 George Mason Fairfax, Va., 1:30 p.m.

1/17 St. Bonaventure Chaifetz Arena, 8 p.m.

1/22 Dayton Dayton, Ohio, 1 p.m.

1/25 Massachusetts Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

1/28 George Washington Washington, D.C., 3 p.m.

2/1 George Mason Chaifetz Arena, 6 p.m.

2/4 North Carolina A&T Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/8 St. Bonaventure St. Bonaventure, N.Y., 6 p.m.

2/11 Duquesne Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/14 Dayton Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/18 Fordham Bronx, N.Y., 1 p.m.

2/22 VCU Richmond, Va., 6 p.m.

2/25 Saint Joseph’s Chaifetz Arena, 3:30 p.m.

3/1 La Salle Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

3/4 Richmond Richmond, Va., 3 p.m.

Women 11/4 Maryville (exh.)

Chaifetz Arena, 4:30 p.m.

11/11 UC Irvine Irvine, Cali., 4 p.m.

11/13 Loyola Marymount Los Angeles, Cali., 4 p.m.

11/17 SIUE Chaifetz Arena, 4:30 p.m.

11/20 Bradley Peoria, Ill., 2 p.m.

11/23 Morgan State Chaifetz Arena, 2 p.m.

11/26 Little Rock Little Rock, Ark., 3 p.m.

11/29 SEMO Cape Girardeau, Mo., 6:30 p.m.

12/3 Eastern Kentucky Chaifetz Arena, 2 p.m.

12/6 Indiana State Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

12/15 Tulsa Tulsa, Okla., 7 p.m.

12/18 Washington State Chaifetz Arena, 2 p.m.

12/21 Missouri Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

12/29 Lipscomb Nashville, Tenn., 6:30 p.m.

12/31 Davidson Davidson, N.C., 10 a.m.

1/4 George Mason Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

1/8 VCU Richmond, Va., 12 p.m.

1/11 St. Bonaventure Chaifetz Arena, 11 a.m.

1/15 Dayton Chaifetz Arena, 11 a.m.

1/18 Duquesne Pittsburgh, Pa., 6 p.m.

1/21 Rhode Island Kingston, R.I., 1 p.m.

1/26 George Washington Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

1/28 Fordham Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/1 Massachusetts Amherst, Mass., 6 p.m.

2/5 Saint Joseph’s Chaifetz Arena, 3 p.m.

2/8 VCU Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/11 St. Bonaventure Olean, N.Y., 12 p.m.

2/15 La Salle Philadelphia, Pa., 6 p.m.

2/18 Richmond Chaifetz Arena, 7 p.m.

2/22 Dayton Dayton, Ohio, 6 p.m.

14 November 10, 2016

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Men’s Atlantic 10 Preview Dayton tops this year’s standings with Davidson and Rhode Island close behind DAVIDSON (20-13 overall, 10-8 A-10)

MASSACHUSETTS (14-18 overall, 6-12 A-10)

Davidson is among the youngest members of the A-10 (joined in July 2014), but they have proven themselves to be formidable competitors.

Look for the Wildcats to challenge the Flyers for the conference title. Davidson has three of their top five scorers returning, along with a lot of depth on the bench. Davidson might be weak defensively, but we should see a strong offensive showing this year. Expect Davidson to punch through a lot of defenses in conference play.

One of Coach Ford’s former schools only has one of their top five scorers returning this season. With a young team, look for the Minutemen to be a competitor next year. The Minutemen should be decent on offense, but they will lack at the free-throw line, and their defense will be abysmal, too.

A-10 teams should be able to easily punch through their defense and stop their offense. The Minutemen should finish this season in the bottom of the conference rankings.

DAYTON (25-8 overall, 14-4 A-10)

RHODE ISLAND (17-15 overall, 9-9 A-10)

Dayton is the favorite to win the A-10 this year, but their top two scorers are gone. Expect the Flyers to be near the top this year and maybe win the conference. However, it is entirely possible that we will see the Flyers transition to more of a defensive team. One concern for the Flyers still exists. They took a lot of bad shots last season, and that trend should continue. Any A-10 team competing against the Flyers should prepare for a defensive battle.

Rhode Island will be neck-and-neck with the Flyers and the Wildcats. The Rams have four of their top five scorers returning, along with depth on the bench. The Rams look like a solid offensive and defensive group, so they should be able to stop almost every offense and punch through almost every defense in the A-10. Look for a fast-paced offense and a lot of scoring in the paint, which will make them one of the most dangerous teams in the conference.

DUQUESNE (17-17 overall, 6-12 A-10)

RICHMOND (16-16 overall, 7-11 A-10)

With only two of their top five scorers returning (neither of which averaged double digits), expect Duquesne to bring up the rear this year in the conference. Duquesne looks to be an even match for anybody, with their turnover problem, foul trouble, and dismal three-point shooting percentage. SLU should have no problem punching through their defense and shutting down their offense. Duquesne may be a competitor next year if their grad students have extra eligibility.

Richmond has four of their five top scorers returning, but only has three that averaged double digits last season. The Spiders do have some depth on the bench, but don’t look for that to help with scoring. Most A-10 teams should be able to punch through the Spiders defense. Look for Richmond games to be one-sided if their opponents can keep them out of the paint.

Richmond will likely finish near VCU in the upper-middle of the pack.

FORDHAM (17-14 overall, 8-10 A-10)

SAINT JOSEPH’S (28-8 overall, 13-5 A-10)

With three of their top five scorers returning, look for Fordham to be competitive on the offensive side. In terms of playing style, Fordham may also be one of the roughest teams in the A-10. Defensively, Fordham looks to be weaker than most of the A-10. Fordham will likely focus on offense, so getting offensive rebounds will be key. Fordham also has a knack for blocking shots, so shooting around traffic is also vital. Fordham will likely finish in the middle of the pack.

St. Joseph’s lost their top three scorers this year, so we won’t see them near the top like we did last year. If anything, the Hawks will be near the lower part of the conference. However, having only two seniors makes this team a likely contender next season. The Hawks will be an easy team to beat in conference play, both offensively and defensively. SLU should have no problem with this rebuilding team, but look for them to improve in the long run.

GEORGE MASON (11-21 overall, 5-13 A-10)

SAINT LOUIS (11-21 overall, 5-13 A-10)

George Mason will be returning three of their top five scorers, but with two of them just barely averaging double digits per game, look for George Mason to attempt to build an offense throughout the season. The same goes for their defense. Opponents out-rebounded the Patriots last season, and the Patriots had a bad turnover problem. The Patriots will be near the bottom of the conference this year, barring any major surprises, and most A-10 teams should easily handle them.

SLU is in a rebuilding year. Ford brings a lot of energy and passion to the game, and fans should look forward to what the future brings. This year, the Billikens will fight for every bucket they can get and improve their 3-point game. They’ll also improve on defensive stops and make it difficult for other teams to score. While some of the struggles of the last two seasons may continue, there should be some improvement. This may be a rough season, but the future certainly looks bright for the Billikens.

GEORGE WASHINGTON (28-10 overall, 11-7 A-10)

ST. BONAVENTURE (22-9 overall, 14-4 A-10)

George Washington is going through some staff changes similar to SLU, so we will find them trying to learn a new way of doing things, like SLU is. In addition, there is a lot of young, new talent on the team, similar to Saint Joseph’s. Like Saint Joseph’s, GW could be a contender in the A-10 next year. However, as far as this season goes, games against the Colonials should be rather one-sided, and they may experience their fair share of blowouts.

St. Bonaventure won’t be too far from the top. The Bonnies graduated two of their top scorers, but they will have increased depth this year. The Bonnies will also have a mix of young and old talent, which will make their ages on the court diverse. Look for the Bonnies to have more of an offensive focus this year. We may very well see them neck-and-neck with Dayton at some point during conference play, although expect them to fall off by the time the season starts coming to a close.

LA SALLE (9-22 overall, 4-14 A-10) LaSalle is returning all of their top five scorers, but only two of them averaged double digits last year. Opponents were able to out-rebound and out-score the Explorers last season. The Explorers’ percentage in threepointers, two-point shots, and free throws was abysmal. In addition, the Explorers won’t have much depth. Look for the Explorers to finish near the bottom with the rest of the rebuilding teams, with plans to compete next season.

VCU (25-11 overall, 14-4 A-10) VCU won’t have much depth this year, but is returning three of their top five scorers. In addition, VCU managed to out-shoot and out-rebound their opponents last year. Look for VCU to be near the upper-middle of the pack as they try to rebuild. Every game against VCU will be a tough battle, and the Rams will prevail in many of their games, but with concerted effort they are still beatable. SLU may have trouble with the Rams, but SLU will not lack for chances to beat VCU.

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

November 10, 2016

15

Women’s Atlantic 10 Preview Saint Louis looks to repeat as regular season champions, Flyers and Dukes tied for silver DAVIDSON (11-19 overall, 5-11 A-10)

MASSACHUSETTS (12-18 overall, 5-11 A-10)

The Wildcats were picked to finish second to last this coming season as they finished in the same place in last year’s regular season. Junior forward Mackenzie Latt will return to lead Davidson’s attack, but the team lost some key players for both their offense and their defense. Head coach Michelle Savage will lead the Wildcats into their seventh season and is looking to make her team a bigger presence in the A-10 conference as they enter their third year in the league.

Massachusetts finished in eleventh place last season with an 11-13 record in conference play. This year’s squad is on the younger side and the team lost two of their strongest attacking players, freshman Brian Stallworth and sophomore Cierra Dillard. Redshirt junior Alyssa Lawrence is left to raise up the level of their offense this season. Four freshmen may be the difference maker for the women and will need to help out the team on both sides of the ball.

DAYTON (14-15 overall, 7-9 A-10)

RHODE ISLAND (12-18 overall, 5-11 A-10)

The Flyers were picked to finish second, tied with Duquesne, in the 20162017 season. While they started strong on the front end of the season, injuries kept their success at bay, and they finished with a losing record in conference play. However, they will be returning Preseason AllConfernce honorees junior guard Jenna Burdette, redshirt senior guard Kelley Austria and senior center Saicha Grant-Allen. These three were all members of the 2014-15 squad that advanced to the Elite Eight.

The Rhody Rams bring a rookie roster into play this season, including one senior and six sophomores. Junior guard Charise Wilson, a Preseason All-Conference First Team selection, led their 2015 offense with 17.2 points per game. Rhode Island’s strength lies in their suffocating defensive pressure. The squad was fourth in the league in blocked shots last year with 4.3 per game, and second in steals with 8.3 per game. However, they can lose tight games with their lack of discipline in the paint on rebounds.

DUQUESNE (28-6 overall, 13-3 A-10)

RICHMOND (13-18 overall, 5-11 A-10)

Last year’s A-10 regular season co-champions and A-10 Championship runner-ups are returning to the top of the rankings this season. They joined George Washington at the NCAA Tournament last season as they earned an at-large bid. They advanced to the second round of the tournament. Sophomore guard Kadri-Ann Lassand and senior forward Amadea Szamosi return to lead their team to another victorious season, each having over 11 points per game last sesason.

The Spiders are predicted to finish in the middle of the pack this season. Senior guard Janelle Hubbard was selected to the Preseason AllConference First Team, scoring 15.9 points per game. Much like Fordham, this squad wins games with their defense. They only allowed 59.6 points per game last season, but only managed 55.8 points per game themselves.

Their offense comes mainly from behind the arc, their top three scorers from last year’s team are all guards who look for success from a distance.

FORDHAM (14-17 overall, 8-8 A-10)

SAINT JOSEPH’S (14-15 overall, 8-8 A-10)

While Fordham had a losing record overall and a tied conference season record, they were still picked to finish fifth in the A-10 this season. Senior forward Samantha Clark returns as their most valuable player. She was a major key in their offense last season, and was second on last year’s team in assists. This team definitely plays with the mindset that “defense is the best offense,” as they finished at the bottom of the A-10 in scoring offense but finished third in scoring defense.

Junior guard Chelsea Woods led the Hawks’ offense last year, but will be missing two graduated seniors who were key contributors in the 20152016 season: guard Ciara Andrews and forward Sarah Fairbanks. The Hawks are one of the best rebounding teams in the conference on both sides of the ball. The team averaged 62.8 points per game and allowed 63.7 points per game lsat year. Another advantage for them is their experienced coaching staff, led by Cindy Griffin, who is entering her 16th year.

GEORGE MASON (12-19 overall, 6-10 A-10)

SAINT LOUIS (26-8 overall, 13-3 A-10)

The Patriots lost two of their strongest offensive players, but senior guard Kara Wright and senior forward Tiffany Padgett are looking to move their team up the ranks this season. They had one of the worst defenses last season, letting in 68.2 points per game and not finding a way to make up for it offense. If the Patriots’ younger players can make an impact early in the season, they may have a chance at changing their predicted placement of eleventh place this season.

The Billikens tied for the regular season title last season and were picked to do much of the same according to the league’s annual women’s basketball Preseason Poll. They are led by A-10 Co-Player of the Year, junior Jackie Kemph and Preseason All-Conference Second Team senior center Sadie Stipanovich. The team reached the third round of the WNIT, making the second-ever appearance in postseason play. Head Coach Lisa Stone will lead the Billikens for her fourth year at the helm.

GEORGE WASHINGTON (26-7 overall, 13-3 A-10)

ST. BONAVENTURE (24-8 overall, 12-4 A-10)

George Washington has high expectations to live up to this year as they are the two-time defending A-10 Champions. They were chosen to finish fourth in the conference this season. Senior forward Caira Washington returns for the Colonials with 13.2 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game. After graduating forward Jonquel Jones, one of their most powerful forwards, and guard Lauren Chase, the Colonials will have big shoes to fill going into this season.

St. Bonaventure had one of the best limiting defenses last year, with only 55.9 points allowed per game. They finished just behind Saint Louis in free throw percentage, with .762, and had the sharpest field goal percentage (.424). Junior Mariah Ruff returns for the Bonnies to keep their offense sharp. This year’s squad is much younger, with five freshmen and only two seniors. However, a bulk of their offense was because of graduated players, so the Bonnies will need to find a way to keep their offense rolling.

LA SALLE (5-25 overall, 2-14 A-10)

VCU (23-10 overall, 10-6 A-10)

Despite finishing last in the conference last year with a 2-14 record, the Explorers were not chosen to repeat that fate this season according to the Preseason Poll. They return junior guard Amy Griffin, who scored 17.7 points per game last season, and impactful defensive player senior guard Jasmine Alston. La Salle was able to compete last year due to one of the most important areas of the game: free throws. If this team can tighten up their defense, they will have a chance at a successful season.

Despite losing some key seniors from last year’s team, the Rams will have a multitude of experienced players among their ranks this season. Senior guard Isis Thorpe and junior guard Camille Calhoun look to keep their relentless offense going. They averaged 63.9 points per game last year and only lost five home games due to their strong fanbase at home. Head coach Beth O’Boyle will be entering her third season and has helped guide her team to end nine out of their last ten seasons with winning records.

16 November 10, 2016

All-inclusive rates include your utilities (with $30 electric cap) Controlled building access, gated parking structure, & courtesy patrol 4th floor outdoor deck with lounge pool Fully furnished apartments 24 hour gym VIP & Backstage unit upgrades

2016-17 BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Why live the #LOOPlife?

We're Pet Friendly!

Studio, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom options Private bathrooms Individual leasing Roommate matching In-unit washer & dryer Stainless steel appliances Hard hat tours coming soon Rates as low as $960