It's hard to top a good buzzer beater video, I don't care who the teams are.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Another honor for a Davidson athlete
Davidson’s Brenna Burns Named TIAA-CREF Student-Athlete of the WeekSpartanburg, S.C. -- The Southern Conference today named Davidson distance runner Brenna Burns as the TIAA-CREF Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for the week of Jan. 31.
Burns, a junior from Weaverville, N.C., finished first and set a new school record in the 3000 meters at the UNC Fast Times, hosted on the campus of North Carolina over the weekend. She finished with a time of 9:53.37 and shattered the Davidson record of 10:08.62 set last season by Megal Atias. Burns bested the field of 19 runners to claim the individual title.
In the classroom Burns boasts a 3.979 GPA and is majoring in psychology. She is a member of the Southern Conference Academic All-Conference team.
Burns, a junior from Weaverville, N.C., finished first and set a new school record in the 3000 meters at the UNC Fast Times, hosted on the campus of North Carolina over the weekend. She finished with a time of 9:53.37 and shattered the Davidson record of 10:08.62 set last season by Megal Atias. Burns bested the field of 19 runners to claim the individual title.
In the classroom Burns boasts a 3.979 GPA and is majoring in psychology. She is a member of the Southern Conference Academic All-Conference team.
Observations | Davidson vs. Elon
From the Observer:
• Elon coach Ernie Nestor chose to double-team Davidson forward Thomas Sander, and the Wildcats junior made the strategy backfire.
Sander passed out of the ploy effectively with five assists in the first half, and added eight rebounds.
• Davidson guard Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters in the Southern Conference when he squares up to the basket.
He had 17 points in the first half Tuesday, including three 3-pointers.
• Davidson freshman guard Bryant Barr has looked lost at times this season, but he is getting more confident.
Barr was aggressive in the first half and scored five points.
• Southern Conference contender Appalachian State must wonder how it lost to Elon, which has won three games against Division I schools and has been overwhelmed by Davidson in both games.
• Davidson guard Max Paulhus Gosselin is becoming a good shot blocker. He swatted a shot by Elon's Brett James in the first half.
• Davidson has escaped injury most of the season, but the Wildcats lost guard Will Archambault to a right ankle sprain midway through the first half. Observations Kevin Cary
• Elon coach Ernie Nestor chose to double-team Davidson forward Thomas Sander, and the Wildcats junior made the strategy backfire.
Sander passed out of the ploy effectively with five assists in the first half, and added eight rebounds.
• Davidson guard Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters in the Southern Conference when he squares up to the basket.
He had 17 points in the first half Tuesday, including three 3-pointers.
• Davidson freshman guard Bryant Barr has looked lost at times this season, but he is getting more confident.
Barr was aggressive in the first half and scored five points.
• Southern Conference contender Appalachian State must wonder how it lost to Elon, which has won three games against Division I schools and has been overwhelmed by Davidson in both games.
• Davidson guard Max Paulhus Gosselin is becoming a good shot blocker. He swatted a shot by Elon's Brett James in the first half.
• Davidson has escaped injury most of the season, but the Wildcats lost guard Will Archambault to a right ankle sprain midway through the first half. Observations Kevin Cary
Observer article on Elon game
Wildcats outhustle Elon, run up a rout
Rebounding effort for Davidson offsets tough night shooting
KEVIN CARY
ELON - Davidson's 88-58 win against Elon featured a lesson in effort Tuesday.
The win wasn't artistic -- Davidson shot 42 percent -- but the effort overcame the errant shots.
Davidson (19-4, 10-1 Southern) leaped, scrambled and hustled for 60 rebounds, including 21 offensive, while Elon eased up. Forward Thomas Sander, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, recalled a telling sequence in the game.
"I got fouled, and missed three free throws (with a lane violation)," he said. "But then I grabbed the rebound and kicked it out to (point guard) Jason (Richards), who hit a 3-pointer.
"When that happens for you, it's like `all right, here we go.' But that kills the other team."
Richards' shot gave Davidson a 44-25 lead in the second half, but the game had been decided from the outset. Davidson never trailed, and opened the game with a 13-2 run.
Elon never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Davidson's rebounding effort came from more than Sander. Richards and Stephen Curry each had eight rebounds, and forward Boris Meno had 10.
"You have to miss a lot of shots to get 60 rebounds," Wildcats coach Bob McKillop said, smiling. "But I was really pleased with our energy. We really came after them."
Elon (5-15, 3-7) didn't respond. The Phoenix had offense from guard LeVonn Jordan (24 points), but little else.
"You have to compete, and we didn't do that," Elon coach Ernie Nestor said. "You find out, when you don't do that, you get pounded."
Davidson looked sharp from the start as Curry scored 10 of the Wildcats' first 20 points. Nestor tried an unusual strategy -- double-teaming Sander when he caught the ball in the post. Few opponents had tried that, because it opens up shots for Davidson's outside shooters.
Sander had burned the Phoenix for 30 points and 14 rebounds in their first meeting, but his passing stopped Elon in the first half. He had five of his six assists before halftime, after never having more than three in any game.
"Maybe I should play point guard," said Sander, who had one turnover.
He laughed after that, but the Wildcats had a lot to smile about. Davidson dominated Elon for
the second straight game and has won 15 of its past 16 games.
Rebounding effort for Davidson offsets tough night shooting
KEVIN CARY
ELON - Davidson's 88-58 win against Elon featured a lesson in effort Tuesday.
The win wasn't artistic -- Davidson shot 42 percent -- but the effort overcame the errant shots.
Davidson (19-4, 10-1 Southern) leaped, scrambled and hustled for 60 rebounds, including 21 offensive, while Elon eased up. Forward Thomas Sander, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, recalled a telling sequence in the game.
"I got fouled, and missed three free throws (with a lane violation)," he said. "But then I grabbed the rebound and kicked it out to (point guard) Jason (Richards), who hit a 3-pointer.
"When that happens for you, it's like `all right, here we go.' But that kills the other team."
Richards' shot gave Davidson a 44-25 lead in the second half, but the game had been decided from the outset. Davidson never trailed, and opened the game with a 13-2 run.
Elon never got closer than eight points the rest of the way.
Davidson's rebounding effort came from more than Sander. Richards and Stephen Curry each had eight rebounds, and forward Boris Meno had 10.
"You have to miss a lot of shots to get 60 rebounds," Wildcats coach Bob McKillop said, smiling. "But I was really pleased with our energy. We really came after them."
Elon (5-15, 3-7) didn't respond. The Phoenix had offense from guard LeVonn Jordan (24 points), but little else.
"You have to compete, and we didn't do that," Elon coach Ernie Nestor said. "You find out, when you don't do that, you get pounded."
Davidson looked sharp from the start as Curry scored 10 of the Wildcats' first 20 points. Nestor tried an unusual strategy -- double-teaming Sander when he caught the ball in the post. Few opponents had tried that, because it opens up shots for Davidson's outside shooters.
Sander had burned the Phoenix for 30 points and 14 rebounds in their first meeting, but his passing stopped Elon in the first half. He had five of his six assists before halftime, after never having more than three in any game.
"Maybe I should play point guard," said Sander, who had one turnover.
He laughed after that, but the Wildcats had a lot to smile about. Davidson dominated Elon for
the second straight game and has won 15 of its past 16 games.
From Davidson website
Curry and Rebounding Lead Wildcats to 88-58 Victory at Elon
Box Score
ELON, N.C. – Davidson dominated the boards 60-32 and got 25 points from Stephen Curry for the second consecutive outing as the Wildcats cruised to an 88-58 victory over Elon in men’s basketball action Tuesday evening at Alumni Gymnasium. The Wildcats have won 15 of their last 16 dating back to their first meeting with the Phoenix earlier in the campaign as they improve to 19-4 overall and 10-1 in SoCon play. With the loss, Elon falls to 5-15 and 3-7.
Click here for entire article.
Box Score
ELON, N.C. – Davidson dominated the boards 60-32 and got 25 points from Stephen Curry for the second consecutive outing as the Wildcats cruised to an 88-58 victory over Elon in men’s basketball action Tuesday evening at Alumni Gymnasium. The Wildcats have won 15 of their last 16 dating back to their first meeting with the Phoenix earlier in the campaign as they improve to 19-4 overall and 10-1 in SoCon play. With the loss, Elon falls to 5-15 and 3-7.
Click here for entire article.
From Elon website
Curry Paces Davidson Past Elon
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
ELON, N.C. – Stephen Curry poured in a game-high 25 points as Davidson sprinted past Elon 88-58 in Southern Conference men’s basketball action Tuesday night at Alumni Gym.
The Wildcats (19-4 overall, 10-1 SoCon) charged to a 32-16 lead on a three-pointer by Jason Richards with 4:23 left in the first period and eventually settled for a 39-23 halftime advantage following a trey by Curry in the stanza’s final seconds.
Click here for entire article.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
ELON, N.C. – Stephen Curry poured in a game-high 25 points as Davidson sprinted past Elon 88-58 in Southern Conference men’s basketball action Tuesday night at Alumni Gym.
The Wildcats (19-4 overall, 10-1 SoCon) charged to a 32-16 lead on a three-pointer by Jason Richards with 4:23 left in the first period and eventually settled for a 39-23 halftime advantage following a trey by Curry in the stanza’s final seconds.
Click here for entire article.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Wildcats crush Elon by 30 points
Davidson 88, Elon 58
ELON, N.C. (AP) -- Stephen Curry scored a game-high 25 points, and a pair of double-doubles from Boris Meno and Thomas Sander helped Davidson cruise past Elon 88-58 on Tuesday night.
Sander scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, while Meno added 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Davidson (19-4, 10-1 Southern Conference). Jason Richards added 12 points.
LeVonn Jordan led Elon (5-15, 3-7) with 24 points but didn't get much help. Devan Carter and Jon Ogolo added nine points each, while Ola Atoyebi grabbed 10 rebounds.
ELON, N.C. (AP) -- Stephen Curry scored a game-high 25 points, and a pair of double-doubles from Boris Meno and Thomas Sander helped Davidson cruise past Elon 88-58 on Tuesday night.Sander scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, while Meno added 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Davidson (19-4, 10-1 Southern Conference). Jason Richards added 12 points.
Davidson, which led 39-23 at the break, made 42.3 percent field goal attempts and held Elon to 36.5 percent shooting. Davidson was 71.4 percent from the free throw line, including a perfect 4-for-4 from Meno and an 8-for-12 from Sander.
LeVonn Jordan led Elon (5-15, 3-7) with 24 points but didn't get much help. Devan Carter and Jon Ogolo added nine points each, while Ola Atoyebi grabbed 10 rebounds.
Sorry for the lack of posting...
...but I've been tied up a good bit lately, and had the kids alone for 5 days. I'm geting back in the swing of things here again. I guess that was my mid-season break of sorts. Now I'm geared up for the home stretch. You may recall that tournament time was pretty intense on here last year for me. I'm getting ready for it again this year.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Good Curry article from AP
Stephen Curry's a deadeye, just like dad
When freshman shoots, the swish evokes memories of Fort, Hokie star
The Associated Press
DAVIDSON, N.C. — As Stephen Curry walked into Davidson's basketball office earlier this month, coach Bob McKillop looked him up and down before finally asking, "Did you grow again last night?"
The son of Fort Defiance graduate and former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry merely shook his head and pointed to his new shoes.
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, the slight freshman didn't have the size to attract scholarship offers from Virginia Tech, his famous father's alma mater, and other schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But McKillop recruited him hard, and Curry's quickly become a star in the Southern Conference.
He scored 32 points in his second college game — at Michigan. He's averaging a team-leading 19 points and inherited his father's shooting touch, making nearly 40 percent of his 3-pointers in helping the Wildcats to their best start in 11 seasons.
And while it might not happen overnight, he insists he's got some growing left to do.
"I was 5-6 and about 130 (pounds) in my sophomore year in high school," Curry said. "I grew to 5-9 my junior year and I had a big growth spurt, to about 6-foot, going into my senior year.
"Right now I'm jumping up to about 6-2. My dad actually grew two or three inches in college, so I think I've got a couple of more inches in me."
There was little doubt the 18-year-old Curry, "Baby Face" to his teammates, would be a basketball player. His mother Sonya recalls Stephen, only weeks old, stayed awake for an entire game when she brought him to watch his 6-5 dad play for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988.
A few months later, Dell Curry was taken in the expansion draft by the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent the next 10 seasons. The Hornets became Stephen Curry's second family as his father developed into one of the best pure shooters in NBA history.
"He was around me all the time, at practices and games," Dell Curry said. "Being around the best players in the world, that is a tremendous advantage for a young player learning the game."
And Stephen (pronounced STEF-in) Curry took advantage, at times watching his father — instead of the ball — for an entire game. That basketball IQ is evident, McKillop said, and is one reason Curry has adjusted so quickly to the college game.
"He's one step ahead on so many plays," McKillop said. "He has a feel, a vision, and to me that's a big attribute that you gain from being around the game a lot."
Dell Curry's final season in the NBA was with the Toronto Raptors in 2001-02, when Stephen was in eighth grade. The family then moved back to Charlotte and Curry starred in high school at Charlotte Christian, while adjusting to his father's insistence that he change his shooting release from near his waist to above his head to avoid getting shots blocked.
As he began his senior year, Curry acknowledges he dreamed about playing at Virginia Tech, where his father's No. 30 jersey is retired. But the Hokies, worried about Curry's size, didn't offer him a scholarship and wanted him to walk on.
"That's what they told me, straight up, that I had to get bigger and stronger," Curry said. "But I'm still growing and I wanted them to take a chance on me, and eventually I would get stronger through their program. But they wanted it right away. It didn't work out for me, but coming here I knew I would get to play even with my size."
Curry wears his father's old number at Davidson, where he's scored 20 or more points eight times this season and is the Southern Conference's second-leading scorer. But unlike his father, whose reluctance to guard people is well-known, he's a tough defender and leads the team in steals.
"I don't do much one-on-one with him anymore, he's quicker and a better ball handler than I ever was," the elder Curry said. "But as far as getting your feet set and shooting, I'm still the main guy in the house."
While impressed with his young star, McKillop said Curry isn't perfect. He needs to get stronger and cut back on an overly aggressive style of play that leads to too many turnovers. But McKillop also applauds Curry's work ethic and said he's no spoiled rich kid of a former professional athlete.
"He sees how incomplete he is as a player," McKillop said. "He's far beyond his years in terms of maturity and his willingness to work and being challenged."
Curry insists he's put the disappointment of not playing in the ACC with the Hokies behind him. Playing at Davidson, a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, allows his parents to attend nearly every home game.
It also means Curry can occasionally play a game of HORSE against his dad, who is now the Charlotte Bobcats' director of player development. He still struggles to beat his old man, who ranks 15th in NBA history with 1,245 3-pointers.
"I might have gotten lucky once or twice, but it doesn't happen often," the younger Curry said
When freshman shoots, the swish evokes memories of Fort, Hokie star
The Associated Press
DAVIDSON, N.C. — As Stephen Curry walked into Davidson's basketball office earlier this month, coach Bob McKillop looked him up and down before finally asking, "Did you grow again last night?"The son of Fort Defiance graduate and former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry merely shook his head and pointed to his new shoes.
At 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, the slight freshman didn't have the size to attract scholarship offers from Virginia Tech, his famous father's alma mater, and other schools in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But McKillop recruited him hard, and Curry's quickly become a star in the Southern Conference.
He scored 32 points in his second college game — at Michigan. He's averaging a team-leading 19 points and inherited his father's shooting touch, making nearly 40 percent of his 3-pointers in helping the Wildcats to their best start in 11 seasons.
And while it might not happen overnight, he insists he's got some growing left to do.
"I was 5-6 and about 130 (pounds) in my sophomore year in high school," Curry said. "I grew to 5-9 my junior year and I had a big growth spurt, to about 6-foot, going into my senior year.
"Right now I'm jumping up to about 6-2. My dad actually grew two or three inches in college, so I think I've got a couple of more inches in me."
There was little doubt the 18-year-old Curry, "Baby Face" to his teammates, would be a basketball player. His mother Sonya recalls Stephen, only weeks old, stayed awake for an entire game when she brought him to watch his 6-5 dad play for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988.
A few months later, Dell Curry was taken in the expansion draft by the Charlotte Hornets, where he spent the next 10 seasons. The Hornets became Stephen Curry's second family as his father developed into one of the best pure shooters in NBA history."He was around me all the time, at practices and games," Dell Curry said. "Being around the best players in the world, that is a tremendous advantage for a young player learning the game."
And Stephen (pronounced STEF-in) Curry took advantage, at times watching his father — instead of the ball — for an entire game. That basketball IQ is evident, McKillop said, and is one reason Curry has adjusted so quickly to the college game.
"He's one step ahead on so many plays," McKillop said. "He has a feel, a vision, and to me that's a big attribute that you gain from being around the game a lot."Dell Curry's final season in the NBA was with the Toronto Raptors in 2001-02, when Stephen was in eighth grade. The family then moved back to Charlotte and Curry starred in high school at Charlotte Christian, while adjusting to his father's insistence that he change his shooting release from near his waist to above his head to avoid getting shots blocked.
As he began his senior year, Curry acknowledges he dreamed about playing at Virginia Tech, where his father's No. 30 jersey is retired. But the Hokies, worried about Curry's size, didn't offer him a scholarship and wanted him to walk on.
"That's what they told me, straight up, that I had to get bigger and stronger," Curry said. "But I'm still growing and I wanted them to take a chance on me, and eventually I would get stronger through their program. But they wanted it right away. It didn't work out for me, but coming here I knew I would get to play even with my size."
Curry wears his father's old number at Davidson, where he's scored 20 or more points eight times this season and is the Southern Conference's second-leading scorer. But unlike his father, whose reluctance to guard people is well-known, he's a tough defender and leads the team in steals.
"I don't do much one-on-one with him anymore, he's quicker and a better ball handler than I ever was," the elder Curry said. "But as far as getting your feet set and shooting, I'm still the main guy in the house."
While impressed with his young star, McKillop said Curry isn't perfect. He needs to get stronger and cut back on an overly aggressive style of play that leads to too many turnovers. But McKillop also applauds Curry's work ethic and said he's no spoiled rich kid of a former professional athlete.
"He sees how incomplete he is as a player," McKillop said. "He's far beyond his years in terms of maturity and his willingness to work and being challenged."
Curry insists he's put the disappointment of not playing in the ACC with the Hokies behind him. Playing at Davidson, a 30-minute drive from Charlotte, allows his parents to attend nearly every home game.It also means Curry can occasionally play a game of HORSE against his dad, who is now the Charlotte Bobcats' director of player development. He still struggles to beat his old man, who ranks 15th in NBA history with 1,245 3-pointers.
"I might have gotten lucky once or twice, but it doesn't happen often," the younger Curry said
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Cats complete comeback against Ga Southern
From Davidson website:Richards Leads Comeback at Georgia Southern with 32 Points
STATESBORO, Ga. -- After trailing 55-46 at the half on the road at Georgia Southern, the Davidson men's basketball team turned that deficit into a nine-point win, 101-92, on Tuesday evening at Hanner Fieldhouse. Junior point guard Jason Richards scored 20 of his career-high 32 points in the first half to help the Wildcats improve to 17-4 on the season and a Southern Conference-best 8-1 in league play. The Eagles dipped below .500 with the loss to 9-10 overall and 2-6 in the SoCon.
A native of Barrington, Ill., Richards led five Wildcats in double digits going 8-of-13 from the field, including four three-pointers, while missing just two of his 14 free throws. Along with scoring in double figures for the 10th consecutive outing, the SoCon’s leader in assists per game set up nine other Davidson buckets.
Click here for entire article.
Monday, January 22, 2007
A couple of videos from the App State game
Thomas Sander hits a three-pointer:
Richards to Sander for 2:
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Gameday crowd and atmosphere today
For this post, I'm going to put aside my allegiance to Davidson, and just approach today from the viewpoint of a basketball fan.
The crowd today was absolutely incredible. Belk Arena was PACKED. There were literally almost no available seats. There were people sitting all the way up in the upper corners of the upper sections. The total announced attendance was 5,580. It was amazing to look up and see people filling both sides, all the way to the top.
I'm making an assumption - but I feel pretty confident in it - that the crowd today was the largest EVER to witness a game between two Southern Conference teams in Belk Arena. When I was at Davidson (fall 1990 - spring 1994), a pretty good crowd was having the lower bowl pretty full and a couple of hundred people in the upper sections. My how things have changed.......and, isn't it wonderful?!
The only time I know of that Belk Arena was that full was when Duke came to town back in 1989-90. I happened to attend that Duke game as a senior in high school (I had just gotten my early acceptance to DC, so my dad took me). The big difference (as far as I remember) was that a large portion of the crowd for the Duke game was actually Duke fans. Today most of the crowd were Davidson fans.
I also want to say that the App State fans are to be commended for showing up in large numbers. They did a great job of cheering for their team in a positive and sportsman-like manner. Their significant presence today only helped to rev up the atmosphere for the game.
There was a certain electricity in Belk today that I don't recall ever having witnessed. The game was a big one, for sure....With both teams having great years, there was a great deal of anticipation and tension in the arena. The crowd was as loud as I've ever heard it, and it didn't really stop until the final buzzer.
Overall, the game today was a great place to be for a basketball fan.
(I'll review the game from a Davidson-biased standpoint tomorrow evening. Many thanks go to the Davidson Village Inn for having free internet access in their lobby, which allowed me to post tonight.)
The crowd today was absolutely incredible. Belk Arena was PACKED. There were literally almost no available seats. There were people sitting all the way up in the upper corners of the upper sections. The total announced attendance was 5,580. It was amazing to look up and see people filling both sides, all the way to the top.
I'm making an assumption - but I feel pretty confident in it - that the crowd today was the largest EVER to witness a game between two Southern Conference teams in Belk Arena. When I was at Davidson (fall 1990 - spring 1994), a pretty good crowd was having the lower bowl pretty full and a couple of hundred people in the upper sections. My how things have changed.......and, isn't it wonderful?!
The only time I know of that Belk Arena was that full was when Duke came to town back in 1989-90. I happened to attend that Duke game as a senior in high school (I had just gotten my early acceptance to DC, so my dad took me). The big difference (as far as I remember) was that a large portion of the crowd for the Duke game was actually Duke fans. Today most of the crowd were Davidson fans.
I also want to say that the App State fans are to be commended for showing up in large numbers. They did a great job of cheering for their team in a positive and sportsman-like manner. Their significant presence today only helped to rev up the atmosphere for the game.
There was a certain electricity in Belk today that I don't recall ever having witnessed. The game was a big one, for sure....With both teams having great years, there was a great deal of anticipation and tension in the arena. The crowd was as loud as I've ever heard it, and it didn't really stop until the final buzzer.
Overall, the game today was a great place to be for a basketball fan.
(I'll review the game from a Davidson-biased standpoint tomorrow evening. Many thanks go to the Davidson Village Inn for having free internet access in their lobby, which allowed me to post tonight.)
Charlotte Observer notes about the game
APPALACHIAN STATE (13-5, 5-2)at DAVIDSON (16-3, 7-0)
2 p.m., Belk Arena
WHO'S HOT
BORIS MENO (DAVIDSON): Averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds in past two games.
DONTE MINTER (APPALACHIAN STATE): West Rowan graduate has made 16 of 21 shots in past two games.
WHO'S NOT
THOMAS SANDER (DAVIDSON): Foul trouble has contributed to his averaging fewer than nine points in his past two games.
NATHAN CRANFORD (APPALACHIAN STATE) Central Cabarrus graduate is 4-of-18 in his past three games.
MATCHUPS
APPALACHIAN STATE'S HOUSTON FANCHER VS. DAVIDSON'S BOB MCKILLOP: McKillop won last season's game, a 33-point rout at Appalachian State. Fancher's team has played well away from home this season, beating Virginia, Vanderbilt and Virginia Commonwealth.
D.J. THOMPSON VS. STEPHEN CURRY: Curry is the leading contender for conference freshman of the year but is prone to fouls. Thompson can drive to the basket or make outside shots.
OBSERVATIONS
• Davidson has won 30 of its past 31 games at Belk Arena.
• Don't expect a lot of zone defense from Davidson. The Wildcats prefer man-to-man, and Cranford (10 3-pointers against Chattanooga) can bust zones when he is hot.
• The first half could be key. Appalachian State is playing its fourth game in eight days and has lost two of the first three. The Mountaineers can't afford to fall behind early and get the Davidson crowd going.
2 p.m., Belk Arena
WHO'S HOT
BORIS MENO (DAVIDSON): Averaging 19 points, 11 rebounds in past two games.
DONTE MINTER (APPALACHIAN STATE): West Rowan graduate has made 16 of 21 shots in past two games.
WHO'S NOT
THOMAS SANDER (DAVIDSON): Foul trouble has contributed to his averaging fewer than nine points in his past two games.
NATHAN CRANFORD (APPALACHIAN STATE) Central Cabarrus graduate is 4-of-18 in his past three games.
MATCHUPS
APPALACHIAN STATE'S HOUSTON FANCHER VS. DAVIDSON'S BOB MCKILLOP: McKillop won last season's game, a 33-point rout at Appalachian State. Fancher's team has played well away from home this season, beating Virginia, Vanderbilt and Virginia Commonwealth.
D.J. THOMPSON VS. STEPHEN CURRY: Curry is the leading contender for conference freshman of the year but is prone to fouls. Thompson can drive to the basket or make outside shots.
OBSERVATIONS
• Davidson has won 30 of its past 31 games at Belk Arena.
• Don't expect a lot of zone defense from Davidson. The Wildcats prefer man-to-man, and Cranford (10 3-pointers against Chattanooga) can bust zones when he is hot.
• The first half could be key. Appalachian State is playing its fourth game in eight days and has lost two of the first three. The Mountaineers can't afford to fall behind early and get the Davidson crowd going.
Another Charlotte Observer article
Davidson's Richards steady but not flashy
PG stepped up to lead Wildcats
KEVIN CARY
DAVIDSON - No one notices Jason Richards as he sits next to his Sleep America Tournament Most Valuable Player trophy at the Davidson Student Union.
He's in a black Davidson basketball sweatshirt and jeans, but you'd think someone would come over, at least to ask about his unusual trophy. It has real black and white bird feathers sprouting all over it. It looks like something you'd win at a local fair, not in a December tournament with Division I schools N.C. A&T, Ohio and Arizona State.
To other teams, Richards must look like someone Davidson plucked off an intramural team. A 6-foot-2 junior, he is not the fastest point guard and doesn't jump high. He hadn't started a game for before this season.
His looks make him blend in. His play makes him stand out.
Richards ranks second nationally with almost eight assists a game and is third on the team in scoring, averaging almost 14 points. He rarely comes out of games -- Davidson (16-3, 7-0 Southern) struggles when Richards sits -- and his steady play has helped the Wildcats build a 12-game winning streak entering today's game with Appalachian State (13-5, 5-2).
"He's been an incredibly consistent quarterback for our team," coach Bob McKillop said. "He's been the full package -- a leader, scorer and playmaker."
That kind of contribution seemed unlikely from a player who came off a disappointing NCAA Tournament game against Ohio State in March. Richards played six minutes and had three turnovers in the 70-62 loss.
"When you don't play well, it sticks with you," he said. "I learned a lot from that game."
Richards came back ready to erase all doubts. Seven seniors graduated, including starting point guard Kenny Grant. Richards knew this had to be his team.
"He just took over what was his role -- being a leader and running the team," senior John Falconi said.
"You could tell how good he was going to be."
That wasn't always the case. He had always been in the basketball shadows -- his older sister Lindsay was a McDonald's All-American in high school and she went on to play at Iowa. His parents played at Pittsburgh. Jason struggled to get Division I offers before finally choosing Davidson over Colgate.
"Oh yeah, I kept hearing `Man your sister is better than you,' " Richards said. "I was just known as `the brother of Lindsay Richards.' "
With that, he leans back and laughs. He's comfortable with where he is -- he chose Davidson for its community atmosphere, where the basketball players are treated the same as the chemistry majors. There are only 1,700 students, so most everybody knows each other.
"It's pretty peaceful here, and that's kind of nice," Richards said. "It's such a different atmosphere than the bigger schools."
That allows Richards to blend in even more. So, even though he's become the anchor of the team and one of the best players in the Southern Conference, Richards can hide behind his gaudy trophy.
"I'm just gaining more confidence with each game," he said. "I know some people look at me as nothing to worry about, but I want to prove them wrong."
PG stepped up to lead Wildcats
KEVIN CARY
DAVIDSON - No one notices Jason Richards as he sits next to his Sleep America Tournament Most Valuable Player trophy at the Davidson Student Union.
He's in a black Davidson basketball sweatshirt and jeans, but you'd think someone would come over, at least to ask about his unusual trophy. It has real black and white bird feathers sprouting all over it. It looks like something you'd win at a local fair, not in a December tournament with Division I schools N.C. A&T, Ohio and Arizona State.
To other teams, Richards must look like someone Davidson plucked off an intramural team. A 6-foot-2 junior, he is not the fastest point guard and doesn't jump high. He hadn't started a game for before this season.
His looks make him blend in. His play makes him stand out.
Richards ranks second nationally with almost eight assists a game and is third on the team in scoring, averaging almost 14 points. He rarely comes out of games -- Davidson (16-3, 7-0 Southern) struggles when Richards sits -- and his steady play has helped the Wildcats build a 12-game winning streak entering today's game with Appalachian State (13-5, 5-2).
"He's been an incredibly consistent quarterback for our team," coach Bob McKillop said. "He's been the full package -- a leader, scorer and playmaker."
That kind of contribution seemed unlikely from a player who came off a disappointing NCAA Tournament game against Ohio State in March. Richards played six minutes and had three turnovers in the 70-62 loss.
"When you don't play well, it sticks with you," he said. "I learned a lot from that game."
Richards came back ready to erase all doubts. Seven seniors graduated, including starting point guard Kenny Grant. Richards knew this had to be his team.
"He just took over what was his role -- being a leader and running the team," senior John Falconi said.
"You could tell how good he was going to be."
That wasn't always the case. He had always been in the basketball shadows -- his older sister Lindsay was a McDonald's All-American in high school and she went on to play at Iowa. His parents played at Pittsburgh. Jason struggled to get Division I offers before finally choosing Davidson over Colgate.
"Oh yeah, I kept hearing `Man your sister is better than you,' " Richards said. "I was just known as `the brother of Lindsay Richards.' "
With that, he leans back and laughs. He's comfortable with where he is -- he chose Davidson for its community atmosphere, where the basketball players are treated the same as the chemistry majors. There are only 1,700 students, so most everybody knows each other.
"It's pretty peaceful here, and that's kind of nice," Richards said. "It's such a different atmosphere than the bigger schools."
That allows Richards to blend in even more. So, even though he's become the anchor of the team and one of the best players in the Southern Conference, Richards can hide behind his gaudy trophy.
"I'm just gaining more confidence with each game," he said. "I know some people look at me as nothing to worry about, but I want to prove them wrong."
Friday, January 19, 2007
News Flash: This game is HUGE
At this point of the season, the game tomorrow against App. State is the biggest conference game of the year. I would expect the App. State fans to come to Davidson in large numbers. I would also venture to guess that the crowd could be over 5,000 at Belk Arena. It should be a great atmosphere for a game. If you can get there, by all means, come cheer on the Wildcats.
GAME TIME: 2:00 P.M., BELK ARENA
At halftime, Davidson will honor the most recent inductees into the Davidson Athletics Hall of Fame.
If you can't make it to Belk Arena tomorrow, here's how you may catch the game:
Radio: WFNZ/WAME/WEGO/WHIP
Internet audio: TEAMLINE.
Internet video: SoCon.TV
GAME TIME: 2:00 P.M., BELK ARENA
At halftime, Davidson will honor the most recent inductees into the Davidson Athletics Hall of Fame.
If you can't make it to Belk Arena tomorrow, here's how you may catch the game:
Radio: WFNZ/WAME/WEGO/WHIP
Internet audio: TEAMLINE.
Internet video: SoCon.TV
Davidson/App St preview
Game Notes:
From App State
From Davidson
From App State website:
Apps and Davidson Meet in Cross-Divisional Clash
by Appalachian Sports Information
January 19, 2006 - Appalachian State University men’s basketball makes the short trip to league-leading Davidson in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the Southern Conference.
The Mountaineers are currently second in the North Division after falling to 5-2 with a 80-76 loss at UNCG on Thursday evening. The Mountaineers are 13-5 overall and 8-2 in their last 10 games.
The Wildcats are 16-3 overall and have run through the early portion of the league schedule with a perfect 7-0 record. The team hasn’t lost in nearly two months, dating back to a 75-44 defeat at Duke on November 25.
The team is also 8-0 at home this season and has only lost five home games in the last five seasons.
Click here for entire article.
From App State
From Davidson
From App State website:Apps and Davidson Meet in Cross-Divisional Clash
by Appalachian Sports Information
January 19, 2006 - Appalachian State University men’s basketball makes the short trip to league-leading Davidson in a highly anticipated matchup between two of the top teams in the Southern Conference.
The Mountaineers are currently second in the North Division after falling to 5-2 with a 80-76 loss at UNCG on Thursday evening. The Mountaineers are 13-5 overall and 8-2 in their last 10 games.
The Wildcats are 16-3 overall and have run through the early portion of the league schedule with a perfect 7-0 record. The team hasn’t lost in nearly two months, dating back to a 75-44 defeat at Duke on November 25.
The team is also 8-0 at home this season and has only lost five home games in the last five seasons.
Click here for entire article.
Article from Charlotte Observer
Wildcats worried about Applalachian matchup
The two teams are battling for Southern Conference supremacy
KEVIN CARY
DAVIDSON - Davidson men's basketball coach Bob McKillop couldn't watch.
His wife Cathy turned on Appalachian State's televised game with Western Carolina on Monday night to get a glimpse of the Mountaineers before Davidson hosts Appalachian State on Saturday.
Bob McKillop locked his door and listened to Frank Sinatra on his iPod.
It might be a good thing McKillop managed to stay away. Appalachian State won its game 100-91, and showed why it is battling Davidson for the top spot in the conference. The Mountaineers feature guard D.J. Thompson and forward Donte Minter, who scored 22 points and blocked six shots despite playing only 21 minutes Saturday.
Those players have helped the Mountaineers (13-4) beat teams such as Virginia and Vanderbilt this season and post a 5-1 record in conference play.
"We know it is a big game," Davidson guard Will Archambault said. "We know we have to come out and play hard to earn it."
As good as Appalachian State has played, Davidson has been even better. The Wildcats (16-3) have won 12 straight games and lead the Southern Conference with a 7-0 record. They also beat the Mountaineers 102-69 last season, and have lost only one game at Belk Arena since the 2005-06 season.
Point guard Jason Richards leads the NCAA in total assists, and Davidson has five players averaging at least 10 points a game. More than 5,000 people are expected for the game, and the winner will emerge as the front-runner in the Southern Conference. The regular-season champion in the conference will earn a NIT berth if it is not selected for the NCAA tournament.
All that shows how pivotal the game is, but Bob McKillop wasn't ready to focus on it Monday night. "Every game in this conference is vital," he said. "We know Appalachian State is a good team, but we couldn't start looking toward them until after we played The Citadel. You can't afford to look ahead." (Davidson beat The Citadel 79-54 on Tuesday.)
Davidson will induct four new members into its Hall of Fame during halftime of the men's basketball game. Former basketball player Brandon Williams, former women's soccer player Claudia Lombard, former men's soccer coach Charlie Slagle and former cross country runner and athletic team doctor Angus McBryde will be in this year's class.
Fans can learn about the other 76 members at a new interactive kiosk installed in Davidson's Hall of Fame room. Biographical information and a portrait on each of the other members is available. Visitors can look up members by sport, name, year inducted or class year.
• Women's basketball: Davidson (15-3, 6-1 Southern) still leads the Southern Conference, but the Wildcats face two home games in the coming days. Davidson hosts Wofford on Saturday, then hosts Appalachian State on Monday. Davidson defeated Elon 68-49 Tuesday behind 16 points from Danielle Hemerka.
The two teams are battling for Southern Conference supremacy
KEVIN CARY
DAVIDSON - Davidson men's basketball coach Bob McKillop couldn't watch.
His wife Cathy turned on Appalachian State's televised game with Western Carolina on Monday night to get a glimpse of the Mountaineers before Davidson hosts Appalachian State on Saturday.
Bob McKillop locked his door and listened to Frank Sinatra on his iPod.
It might be a good thing McKillop managed to stay away. Appalachian State won its game 100-91, and showed why it is battling Davidson for the top spot in the conference. The Mountaineers feature guard D.J. Thompson and forward Donte Minter, who scored 22 points and blocked six shots despite playing only 21 minutes Saturday.
Those players have helped the Mountaineers (13-4) beat teams such as Virginia and Vanderbilt this season and post a 5-1 record in conference play.
"We know it is a big game," Davidson guard Will Archambault said. "We know we have to come out and play hard to earn it."
As good as Appalachian State has played, Davidson has been even better. The Wildcats (16-3) have won 12 straight games and lead the Southern Conference with a 7-0 record. They also beat the Mountaineers 102-69 last season, and have lost only one game at Belk Arena since the 2005-06 season.
Point guard Jason Richards leads the NCAA in total assists, and Davidson has five players averaging at least 10 points a game. More than 5,000 people are expected for the game, and the winner will emerge as the front-runner in the Southern Conference. The regular-season champion in the conference will earn a NIT berth if it is not selected for the NCAA tournament.
All that shows how pivotal the game is, but Bob McKillop wasn't ready to focus on it Monday night. "Every game in this conference is vital," he said. "We know Appalachian State is a good team, but we couldn't start looking toward them until after we played The Citadel. You can't afford to look ahead." (Davidson beat The Citadel 79-54 on Tuesday.)
Davidson will induct four new members into its Hall of Fame during halftime of the men's basketball game. Former basketball player Brandon Williams, former women's soccer player Claudia Lombard, former men's soccer coach Charlie Slagle and former cross country runner and athletic team doctor Angus McBryde will be in this year's class.
Fans can learn about the other 76 members at a new interactive kiosk installed in Davidson's Hall of Fame room. Biographical information and a portrait on each of the other members is available. Visitors can look up members by sport, name, year inducted or class year.
• Women's basketball: Davidson (15-3, 6-1 Southern) still leads the Southern Conference, but the Wildcats face two home games in the coming days. Davidson hosts Wofford on Saturday, then hosts Appalachian State on Monday. Davidson defeated Elon 68-49 Tuesday behind 16 points from Danielle Hemerka.
NCAA's Top 20 Freshmen
From CNNSI.com:#9 Stephen Curry 6-0 guard, Davidson
Del Curry's kid -- who pronounces his name STEFF-ON -- was completely under the recruiting radar coming out of high school in Charlotte, but he has already emerged as one of the top mid-major scorers in the country. He's led the Wildcats, who are currently on a 12-game winning streak, to a 16-3 start.
Sporting News mentions tomorrow's game
PICKS:Appalachian State at Davidson (Saturday): Here's why you should care: Davidson hasn't lost since November. Appalachian State had been in the RPI top 10 since taking charge of the San Juan Shootout. Both are leading their respective divisions of the Southern Conference. Davidson by 11.
Appalachian State at Davidson (Saturday): Pay attention to this gem; one of these teams could cause first-round trouble in the NCAA tourney. It's the best of the Southern Conference North division (Appy State) against the best of the South division (Davidson). Davidson is riding a 12-game winning streak and is the pick here. Davidson by 3.
Note from me: knock on wood.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Another school known as the Davidson Wildcats??
Yes, there is a high school called Hilliard Davidson High School.....and, yes, their mascot is the Wildcat.
The Hilliard Davidson Wildcats. At least their colors are not red and black.
From their website:
The Hilliard Davidson Wildcats. At least their colors are not red and black.
From their website:
About Davidson High:
As our mission statement reads, we believe the best education is the result of a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and community members, and taking an interest in your child's school is a first step to becoming an active part in our educational community.
At Davidson High School, we are proud of our strong academic, fine arts, and athletic programs, and I encourage you to carefully navigate through this site to learn more about the great things happening in our building. You'll find we're a school that is home to a myriad of courses, clubs, teams, activities, and events designed to best meet the needs of all Davidson High School students.
With Wildcat Pride,
John Bandow
Principal
Article on Rossiter in Staten Island Advance
Rossiter still learning lessons Former Farrell standout still discovering the ins and outs at Davidson College
By DANIEL O'LEARY
Post moves are a way of life in the Rossiter household.
But Stephen Rossiter, who in his time as an Advance All Star at Monsignor Farrell looked like he had been drop-stepping and jump-hooking since birth, says he's always learning more about how to be an effective big man.
Last season at Davidson College, the 6-foot-7 forward injured his foot two practices before the first game of the season. But, he'll be the first one to tell you it wasn't all bad.
"It was kind of rough, but I look at it like I had the benefit of months of practice," said Rossiter. "I learned a lot by just watching last year."
It seems he learned well.
The redshirt freshman has locked up a spot in the regular rotation as the second forward off of the bench for the red-hot Wildcats, which have won 12 straight and improved to 16-3 overall and 7-0 in the Southern Conference with a 79-54 win over The Citadel last night.
The three losses, it is worth noting were at Michigan, at Missouri and at No. 9 Duke.
"I feel like I'm fitting in well," he said.
"I think he keeps improving," said Steve Rossiter, Stephen's dad and an assistant coach at Farrell, a former D-I player himself at Loyola of Maryland. "A year off like that can take away from a guy as a basketball player. You're practicing every day, but that's not game conditions.
"But I think he looks good," added Steve, who attended the game on Tuesday night.
And, now Stephen's been able to provide a glimpse into the Division I basketball world for his younger brother Ryan, currently a senior at Farrell who is committed to Siena next season.
"He was back for Christmas break," said Ryan, after a recent win over Susan Wagner. "He was showing me some stuff he's learned, but he was basically just telling me how much more physical it is."
Ryan thought about Davidson, but said that the Wildcats needed a point guard and wanted him to go to prep school for a year, and he ended up choosing Siena.
"It would've been nice to play with (Stephen)," said Ryan. "But I'll get down there eventually to see him."
So, for the Rossiter family, Davidson-Siena looks like a budding rivalry.
"When we played when we were little, I used to beat up on him," said Stephen. "In fact, my dad always says that's why Ryan has pretty decent footwork, because he used to play me and I was always bigger than him. Now, he might be bigger than me."
So, when the brothers talk, there's little doubt to the subject matter.
"The biggest difference I try to tell (Ryan) about is that you can't take a play off," said Stephen. "It's not like high school. You'll get beat. Everybody you face is big and fast and strong. But it's such a challenge, that I love it.
"You work so hard every day at practice," he added. "But when it's game time and you're winning and your team is hitting big shot after big shot, it really is worth it."
Davidson apparently a good bet...
...against the spread.
I'm almost embarrassed to post this, since I don't gamble and think it's a basically pointless, but I find it humorous to know that bookmakers even consider Davidson. I guess you can bet on just about anything.
College hoops top 5: Unranked ATS teams
(ATS = against the spread? Like I said, I don't gamble, so I'm not into the lingo.)
Davidson Wildcats (9-3)
Davidson is beating teams straight up and against the spread with regularity this season.
They’ve won of 12 of 15 games SU so far, including their last eight straight. The Wildcats are 6-1 ATS during this stretch, and showed they can cover a big spread with an 86-61 win over Elon University on Dec. 1 as 18-point favorites.
The Wildcats` backcourt trio of Max Paulhus Gosselin, Jason Richards and Stephen Curry have received a lot of credit for the team’s hot streak, especially after they combined for 71 points in a 92-80 win as 2 ½-point favorites over Chattanooga on Dec. 18.
I'm almost embarrassed to post this, since I don't gamble and think it's a basically pointless, but I find it humorous to know that bookmakers even consider Davidson. I guess you can bet on just about anything.
College hoops top 5: Unranked ATS teams
(ATS = against the spread? Like I said, I don't gamble, so I'm not into the lingo.)
Davidson Wildcats (9-3)
Davidson is beating teams straight up and against the spread with regularity this season.
They’ve won of 12 of 15 games SU so far, including their last eight straight. The Wildcats are 6-1 ATS during this stretch, and showed they can cover a big spread with an 86-61 win over Elon University on Dec. 1 as 18-point favorites.
The Wildcats` backcourt trio of Max Paulhus Gosselin, Jason Richards and Stephen Curry have received a lot of credit for the team’s hot streak, especially after they combined for 71 points in a 92-80 win as 2 ½-point favorites over Chattanooga on Dec. 18.
ESPN's "Drive to 65"
Davidson was given some recognition by ESPN.com in their NCAA tournament bubble watch column:"Work left to do:
Davidson [14-3 (7-0), RPI: 52, SOS: 210] A late inclusion in Week 1 after further review. The Wildcats haven't really beaten anyone (although the 28-point win over Charlotte is noted) and are 1-3 against the RPI Top 100, but they are 8-3 away from home and are unbeaten in the SoCon, so I guess anything is possible with a gaudy record. If you read our Stephen Curry piece from earlier in the season, you know they have some talent on the roster."
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
From Davidson website
Balanced Offense Leads Men to 79-54 VictoryBox Score
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Behind 12 trifectas and five players in double figures led by Stephen Curry's 17 points, the Davidson Wildcats won their 12th straight with a 79-54 victory over The Citadel in SoCon men's basketball action Tuesday evening at Belk Arena. Along with building on the nation's fourth longest stretch, the Wildcats won their 11th consecutive at home and remain unbeaten in the league improving to 7-0 and 16-3 overall. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 6-12 and 3-4 in the conference...
Click here for entire article.
From The Citadel website
Davidson Tops Citadel, 79-54Davidson, N.C. – Five Davidson players scored in double-digits to lead the Wildcats to a 79-54 victory over The Citadel on Tuesday night at Belk Arena. The Bulldogs drop to 3-4 in Southern Conference action and 6-12 overall, while Davidson remains undefeated in the SoCon at 7-0 and 16-3 overall...
Click here for entire article.
Box Score
Davidson defeats The Citadel: articles
New-look Wildcats rout Dogs Davidson increases winning streak to 12
Davidson 79, The Citadel 54
BY JEFF HARTSELL
DAVIDSON, N.C. - After absorbing a 79-54 loss to Davidson on Tuesday night, The Citadel basketball team discussed the topic in the locker room.
Is it possible that Davidson lost seven seniors from last year's Southern Conference championship team ... and got better?
"I think last year was somewhat of a better team, individually," Bulldogs guard Donny McLendon said. "But this team here plays better together. You have to take your hats off to them."
Click here for entire article.
***********************
Davidson scores in 3sWildcats fortify 12th straight win with 12 3s
KEVIN CARY
DAVIDSON - Davidson players couldn't explain their shooting touch in their 79-54 win against The Citadel on Tuesday night.
Davidson made 12 3-pointers, including a sizzling 7-of-8 stretch, but the Wildcats couldn't give a reason for their success in their 12th straight win.
Maybe it came from the extra shooting practice of freshmen Stephen Curry and Will Archambault. They spent several minutes after practice each day firing up outside shots, and that work showed. They combined to hit eight 3-pointers, after shooting 30 percent from that range in their previous five games.
Click here for entire article.
Observations Davidson vs. Citadel
Kevin Cary
• Davidson struggled against the 2-3 zone early in the game. The Wildcats missed seven of their first nine shots, as The Citadel collapsed inside and forced them to fire from the outside.
• Davidson forward Thomas Sander plays aggressive, but that style created foul trouble for the second straight game. Sander sat out the final nine minutes of the first half.
• Davidson reserve forward Andrew Lovedale is one of the best rebounders in the Southern Conference. He plays only 18 minutes per game, but averages seven rebounds.
• The Citadel lost its first 14 conference games last season, but the Bulldogs have improved. They won three of their first six conference games this season, and showed why early in the first half with strong outside shooting and aggressive defense.
• Davidson redshirt freshman Stephen Rossiter doesn't play much, but he's efficient. He's 14-of-21 from the field this season and had a nice assist in the first half Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Davidson rolls past Citadel, 79-54
Davidson has now won 12 in a row, and is 16-3 overall and 7-0 in the SoCon.
Saturday night's game against App. State is going to be HUGE.
More to come......
Saturday night's game against App. State is going to be HUGE.
More to come......
Mid Major Top 25: Davidson #4
1. Butler 15-22. Southern Illinois 13-4
3. Winthrop 13-4
4. Davidson 15-3
5. Gonzaga 12-3
Click here for entire top 25.
Blurb in the Observer
Gameday: Davidson...playing at home tonight THE CITADEL (6-11, 3-3) at DAVIDSON (15-3, 6-0)
7 p.m., Belk Arena
Davidson has won 11 straight but can't look ahead to a key Southern Conference game Saturday against Appalachian State. The Citadel has won four of its past five games. Davidson's free-throw shooting has been a big factor in its success. The Wildcats make 77 percent.
-- Kevin Cary
Article in Charleston paper
Davidson's Richards making his point BY JEFF HARTSELL
As Davidson's basketball team rides an 11-game win streak in today's game with The Citadel, coach Bob McKillop is bemused by all of the "Are you surprised?" questions he receives - even though his fellow Southern Conference coaches picked the defending league champion to finish a lowly fourth in the South Division.
As McKillop told one out-of-town reporter last week, "I've seen a lot more practices than you have."
Case in point, and at point guard - junior Jason Richards, a two-year backup who is making a case for all-SoCon honors this season, averaging 13.7 points and a league-best 7.7 assists for the 15-3 Wildcats, who lead the SoCon South with a 6-0 record.
For two seasons, Richards seemed just a reliable role player on teams that went 43-20 and were dominated by standouts such as Brendan Winters, Ian Johnson, MattMcKillop and Kenny Grant. But when point guard Grant and six other seniors left after leading the Wildcats to the NCAAs last season, McKillop had no qualms about turning over his team to the 6-2, 190-pound Richards.
"He knows it is his team," McKillop said. "We've clearlydefined his role this year, and I told Jason he had to put his imprint on this team and play 30 to 35 minutes a game. He's embraced that, and has really taken control of this team in the backcourt."
Richards is from Barrington, Ill. - McKillop's roster includes players from five states and four countries - and comes from a basketball family. His sister plays at Iowa, and both parents played at Pittsburgh. And he showed flashes of his current form last year, when as Grant's backup he scored 13 points in an overtime win against St. Joseph's and went for sevenassists in 12 minutes in a 80-55 win over Chattanooga in the SoCon championship game.
"It was really a roller-coaster ride for Jason last year," McKillop said. "But this year, he's been much more consistent."
Richards has led the team in assists in 14 of 18 games this season, including 19 in a 116-55 win over Mount St. Mary's on Dec. 15. And he scored 25 points as Davidson upset Arizona State on Dec. 22. In an 81-73 win over College of Charleston on Jan. 6, Richards had 18 points and eight assists.
Many of those assists go to freshman guard Stephen Curry, son of ex-NBA star Dell Curry. Stephen is averaging 19.1 points and looks like a lock for SoCon freshman of the year. "(Jason) lets me get open shots on the wing, and feeds our post player so well," Curry said after the Charleston game. "He really takes the pressure off."
Video clips for the Citadel game
FELLOW WILDCATS: I NEED YOUR HELP!!
I will not be at the game against The Citadel. Therefore, I won't be able to bring you any video highlights as I have the past few games.
Traffic on this site has been very high since the video clips have been posted, so I assume that you all enjoy being able to see the highlights....especially those of you that are in far-away places. Since the video seems to be a popular feature on the site, I need you all to help me out, so that we can all enjoy the action.
If any of you are going to be at the game and have a camera, please feel free to video a some short clips of the game. Then you can do one of two things. First, you can upload the video to YouTube yourself (or whatever hosting site you prefer) and send me the link to the video. Then I can embed the video here on the blog. Second, you could email the video file to me if it's not too big, and I can upload it myself. However, most video files would probably be too big to email.
(Man, when did I turn into a computer geek?)
STUDENTS: I know that some of you read this site, and I know that you also have the ability to make short videos......especially you water-ballooning guys on 4th Richardson. Help me out, students!
To the guys on 4th Richardson: my son loved the water-ballooning clip so much he made me take his picture in the very spot where it came crashing down. (See photo on left.)FYI: I will be attending the App. State game on Saturday with my wife and two children, and spending the night at the Davidson Village Inn. So, I should be able to post video clips from Saturday's game. Dinner at the Brickhouse after the game?
Citadel game to be on SoCon TV
SoCon TV has been a bit of a letdown, from what I've heard and seen. However, the game is supposed to be broadcast on SoCon TV via the internet. Let's hope it will be functioning properly for the game.
Preview from Citadel website
Bulldogs Take On SoCon's Undefeated Davidson Courtesy: CitadelSports.com
Release: 01/15/2007
Davidson, N.C. – The Citadel Basketball will take on the Davidson Wildcats for the first time this season on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at Belk Arena in Davidson, N.C. Tip-off is 7 p.m. and Bulldog fans can listen to the SoCon action on CNN Radio 1450 with Robby Robinson.
The Bulldogs and the Wildcats will meet for the 127th time this season when they hit the court on Tuesday. The last time these teams met was in the Southern Conference Tournament on March 3, 2006 when the Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs in a close semifinal match-up, 79-73, at the North Charleston Coliseum. Davidson, who leads the series, 83-43, has claimed the last nine games against the Bulldogs, with The Citadel’s last win in 2002.
Prior to the Bulldogs’ loss to Davidson in the SoCon Tournament last season, The Citadel played them in another close game at home on Feb. 13 in an 81-77 final that ended in the Wildcats’ favor. Donny McLendon led The Citadel with 26 points, while J’Mel Everhart added 16 points and nine boards in 37 minutes of action. The last time these teams met in Davidson was on Jan. 10, 2006. The Wildcats defeated the Bulldogs, 85-49. Everhart recorded 11 points, while Aaron Xia led the team with 12.
The Bulldogs enter Tuesday’s game coming of another thrilling SoCon overtime win against Georgia Southern on Saturday, Jan. 13. The Citadel claimed their sixth win of the season and their third Southern Conference win in four games when topping the Eagles, 74-69. Senior guard Kevin Hammack had a career-performance, totaling 32 points, hitting 16-of-17 free throws. Davidson (15-3 overall; 6-0 SoCon) is on an 11-game winning streak with their most recent victory at Wofford on Saturday, Jan. 13. The Wildcats defeated the Terriers, 83-78.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Davidson gets a vote for the AP Top 25
Davidson received one vote for the AP Top 25 poll that was released today. This marks the first vote Davidson has received for a national top 25 poll since the 1995-96 season.Both the men's and women's teams have received a vote within one week of each other.
Congratulations to both teams, and keep on rolling!
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Davidson mentioned on CollegeHoops.net
Daily Dribble: 1/14January 14th, 2007
By Shawn Siegel
"...All the love for Appalachian State got in the Mountaineers heads. Coming in at 12-3 (and a brief member of CHN's Top 50), App St lost to a bad Elon team at home. App St was up big at half before collapsing in the 2nd. The loss drops them to 4-1 in conference play and allows Davidson to take a commanding lead at 6-0 (though the SoCo is divided into 2 divisions). Davidson is now 15-3 overall after beating Wofford yesterday. Junior F Boris Meno had the best game of his left (life??) with 25 points and 14 boards. Davidson faces App St next Saturday in a huge conference game..."
Articles from the Wofford game
Box Score: click here
Davidson official website: Meno and Men's Basketball Wins 11th Straight with 83-78 Victory at Wofford
Wofford official website: Davidson escapes Terriers 83-78
Charlotte Observer:
Wildcats survive scare
Spartanburg Herald-Journal: Terriers' tailspin continues
******************************
Around the SoCon:
The Citadel and Elon Victories Highlight Five League Games on Saturday
*Davidson remains lone unbeaten team in SoCon play
A few more videos from the Wofford game
Steph Curry drives to the basket for a reverse layup.
Steph Curry hits a nice 3-pointer in the second half.
Stephen Rossiter throws a beautiful pass to a cutting Jason Richards for a quick layup.
On his way to the locker room for halftime, Coach McKillop lets the referee know what he thinks about some of the calls the refereeing crew made. Tell 'em about it, Bob!
Steph Curry hits a nice 3-pointer in the second half.
Stephen Rossiter throws a beautiful pass to a cutting Jason Richards for a quick layup.
On his way to the locker room for halftime, Coach McKillop lets the referee know what he thinks about some of the calls the refereeing crew made. Tell 'em about it, Bob!
Separated at birth: Big Willie & Don King?
Will: We kid because we love. Super clutch shot against Wofford!
Photos from the game
Richards shoots a free throw.
Davidson on defense.
Boris at the line.
Sander listens during a time-out.
Steph on the court.
Boris on D (or just waving at me).
The kids love Boris.
McKillop gives instruction during a time-out.
MPG on the floor.
Will eyes the clock before knocking down a huge 3.
The team leaves the floor victorious, as Boris Meno waves to the crowd of Davidson fans.
Will gets interviewed by the press.
Kilgo has Boris and Big Willie on the post-game show.(All of these bad photos by W. Black)
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