Basketball 2009-2010

I know this basketball season isn't over; We could still make the NCAA tournament if we... blah blah blah. Anyway, since this season is over...

I know that everyone is excited about next season, and I wanted to talk about the hopes that I place in our players. I'm going to break down all 13 scholarship players (sorry scrubs).

PG:
Chris Warren - We all know everything about Warren. If he can return from his knee injury at 100% (a big if), there is no doubt in my mind that he will steal primary PG duties back from Terrico. Terrico's really good, but Chris is a more complete player (as far as skill set) to man the point. Some of you may have forgotten that Chris was tearing it up at the beginning of the season and well on his way to being named first team All-SEC at point guard. He's a phenomenal player who can be counted on in the clutch.

Will Bogan - We saw him have a good game against Arkansas, but I'm still not convinced that wasn't just an anomaly. Kennedy says that he saw things in that game that told him Will was adjusting to SEC play and starting to actually come into his own. That is to say, Kennedy didn't think it was too big of a fluke. Next year, Bogan's minutes will be very limited, but it will be good to have someone capable of coming off the bench and holding onto a lead.

SG:
David Huertas - Some of you may have simply glanced over my recent post about Dahveed and think I don't want him on the team. That couldn't be further from the truth. As I stated in the article, if we don't have to rely so heavily on him to create, David is a great player. It's no coincidence that he played so exceptionally when Chris Warren was still healthy. With Warren there, David had someone else to draw pressure who was capable of passing off shots to Huertas who hit a lot of open threes before Warren went down. The Chris Warren/David Huertas chemistry was evident from the beginning of the season, and hopefully it will continue to next season. Huertas is our second or third best perimeter defender, and it's great to have a player who is so good offensively and defensively.

Terrico White - Terrico White can walk on water. Some people have said that White has only scratched the surface of his ability. I'm not sure that's the case, since his game is pretty great all around. Still, I would love to see him improve his free throw percentage. For a player who can drain threes with a hand in his face, he sure can't make uncontested, stand-still shots.

Trevor Gaskins - Rumors surfaced during the off-season that Gaskins had developed his shot to the point that Kennedy was considering starting him over Huertas. I don't know if that was the case. I was never too enthusiastic about Gaskins as a freshman due to his inability to handle the ball efficiently, but Gaskins is a pure shooter with great form. I'll describe him as a "barely-under-poverty-level man's David Huertas." While I haven't seen him play in a year, I remember suspect defense from Gaskins which he'll have to improve if he wants to see any significant minutes with the competition he faces

SF:
Eniel Polynice - I think that a lot of our fans have forgotten just how good Polynice was on defense and in shot creation. Granted, much like Terrico, Polynice suffered from the charity stripe, but his on ball defense is unmatched on our team. Polynice shut down a lot of great players as a sophomore, and it's exciting to know that we'll have him for two more years.

Zach Graham - Graham is a player about whom I was very excited last season. He didn't get the minutes that he deserved, and it resulted in a lack of significant progression over the course of the season. This year, he is playing with a partially torn ligament in his knee and shutting down opposing teams' best players. Graham has become what Polynice was last year. Oh, and he can shoot free throws.

PF:
Murphy Holloway - Alright. I know that Murphy is only 6'5" or so, but he plays like he's a lot bigger than that. Holloway leads the SEC in offensive rebounds. I could have put him at the 3, but I think that taking him away from the basket limits his ability to best contribute to the team. Murphy Holloway plays like you wish everyone would play. Reckless abandon, unyielding effort, and spectacular ability with the ball in his hands.

Terrance Henry - Henry has shown the ability to contribute to the team, but he's going to have to bulk up to be a presence down low. It's great to have a player who's 6'9" and can be the main cog in the press, but Henry is obviously disadvantaged by his size. He is unable to fight for rebounds. It's exciting to have a player with his ball skill down low, and I think that his potential thusfar has been relatively untapped due to sheer lack of bulk. If he can gain ten or fifteen pounds in the offseason, he can really contribute a lot to the team next year.

Reggie Buckner - Buckner plays the 3 for his high school and in AAU, but I think it's safe to say that his future is at the 4 spot. At 6'9", he would have to prove himself as a phenomenal ball-handler in order to be utilized at the 3. Buckner is probably the most highly touted basketball recruit in our program's history. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but he's four players away from a five star rating on rivals. Buckner is a force down low and holds the Memphis record for career blocked shots. The short video on ITG (I assume it's still there after they went premium) showcases his ability to block shots, dunk, rebound and handle the ball. I think he's going to be exceptional at Ole Miss.

C:
Malcolm White - Malcolm has used the immense amount of minutes he has seen this season to evolve into the player that many had hoped for. In case you missed it, Malcolm had 18 rebounds against Auburn. Obviously, Malcolm still has a lot to work on in terms of consistency, but since SEC play started, he has been a solid player.

DeAundre Cranston - Cranston is probably out of position at the 5 spot, but he's the second best player we have at the position. Like Murphy, Cranston goes hard after every loose ball. I've been really surprised with how helpful he is to the team. At the beginning of the season, he seemed like a slow and bumbling oaf on the court, but he has really stepped up his game and is a very important part of the team now.

Kevin Cantinol - I think that if we can sign another big man (Demarcus Cousins), Cantinol is the odd man out. I know. A crazy prediction seeing as Cantinol doesn't even see minutes now that we have eight healthy players (not including white guys not named Bogan) on roster. I haven't even really had an opportunity to evaluate Cantinol, but there's no chance that he'll graduate from Ole Miss in my opinion. He's just too mediocre to take a scholarship for five years.

Prediction:

I know that it's early to make a prediction for what will happen over a year from now, but there's just so much hope in next season. If we don't make the NCAA tournament, it will be because half of our guards had their knees chopped off again. I don't think we have any realy chance at a championship or final four appearance, but I also don't think we'll be one and done in the big dance. I'm saying we'll go to the Sweet 16. Coupled with my football prediction (which doesn't come until the summer), it's going to be a prosperous year for "money" sports.

Final: Ole Miss 85 Kentucky 80

I'll be the first to say it: I was dead wrong about this game. I thought it would take a 60 point performance by Huertas and Terrico White combined to win this game.

Surprisingly, Malcolm and Terrico White along with Huertas scored over 60 in the victory.

When Ole Miss hits the floor with Terrico White, David Huertas and Chris Warren next year, we're going to take down a lot of teams. 

Malcolm White "grabbed up his nuts and played like a man" as the legendary sound bite Bam Doyne used to say.

Everyone thought the Rebels were doomed when they came out of the tunnel to face the Big Blue, but this group wanted to prove what is in store for the future of Ole Miss basketball. These players are gaining valuable experience for next season. Even if they only marginally improve, the leadership and skills of Chris Warren and Eniel Polynice plus the team I saw on the floor tonight has me thinking about at least the Sweet Sixteen next year. Obviously, Warren and EP need to come back 100% from their injuries. 

There's plenty of big IF's, but let's enjoy this win for now.

I don't think this game means "WE GOIN' TO DA 'SHIP." We'll probably struggle to win four more games and break even for the season. We're not in a Disney movie, so let's get back in touch with reality shortly after a raucous celebration.

FAMU Preview

Ole Miss is set to usher in the Will Bogan era tonight against Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, an era that Rebel fans hope is not going to last any longer than necessary. 

FAMU (2-8) has faced three other SEC opponents this season and have not fared too well.  They lost by significant amounts to Florida, Alabama, and what should be a hapless Arkansas team.  The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. and if you want to listen to it find it on the radio or sign up for RebelVision, I’ll probably stick to MNF.

Ole Miss Notes

It is going to be interesting to see how the staff handles the point guard position tonight.  I read some quotes from Michael White claming that Will Bogan had been having some good practices and it helps that he has been going against Chris in practice.  However, the staff also said I would be pleased with Kevin Cantinol, I am not.  Needless to say my expectation for Bogan are minimal right now.  

It is definitely going to have to be a point guard committee operation.  I know Terrico White played some point in high school, so he’ll get an opportunity, but beyond him and Bogan I don’t know who else is going to be running the point. 

Huertas has never impressed me with his ball control or handles, so I don’t know if we will see him bringing the ball up, but I guess Zach Graham is an option?  It is tough to say what the point guard rotation will be when your three-deep at the position is out for the season. 

These next few games will show us just how good of a shooter David Huertas is.  Kennedy is claiming he is the best shooter he has coached, and I will believe that if Huertas is able to maintain his numbers while fending off the double teams that are undoubtedly coming his way.

I thought the post game showed some improvement against Louisville.  Malcolm would have contributed if it weren't for foul trouble the entire game, Murphy Holloway was active on the boards and efficient from the floor, and Terrance Henry showed some good effort rebounding. The front court can also breathe a sigh of relief because with new weakness at point guard, they will no longer be the sole focal point of criticism regarding the team.

The Rebels need this game in the worst way.  The matchup against FAMU should allow the Rebels to do some experimenting with the lineup, while still being able to come away with an easy victory.  (I am knocking on wood)  Kennedy and his staff will use this game to figure out the point guard position and also hopefully continue the process of getting Malcolm White to multi task (think and play) while he's in the game.

Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University

FAMU holds a special place in my heart because it is one of my earliest memories of a live sporting event, when I witnessed them lose to Memphis State in basketball by 50 points and saw the infamous Scientific Mapp man the point guard for the Rattlers.

FAMU has become famous for its marching band, known as the “Marching 100” that has been featured at the Grammy's and played with Prince at the Super Bowl.

Scouting the Rattlers

Lamar Twitty, another good name, leads FAMU with 11.8 points per game and Brandon Bryant who is averaging just less than 10 ppg is another key player for the Rattlers.  FAMU, as a team, has shot poorly from the field and behind the arc shooting 37% from the field on the season and in the high 20s from beyond the arc.  They are also awful from the free throw line at 53.4% on the season.  Defense has not been much better as opponents are averaging around 77 points against the Rattlers defense.

Notable Alumni

Some of FAMU’s notable alumni in sports include Andre “The Hawk” Dawson, Marquis Grissom (one of the oddest looking players in baseball), Quinn Gray, Jerome James* (one of the signings that highlighted Isiah Thomas debacle with the Knicks), and Fox sideline reporter Pam Oliver.

Politically, the oft-troubled mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick is an alumnus. 

Another alumnus that caught my eye is Cannonball Adderley.  If you are into jazz at all you probably know who he is, but if you do not get the Somethin’ Else album.

**Here are a few Jerome James quotes I was able to gather from Wikipedia.  If you are a follower of the NBA, you know James does not exactly have a sterling reputation and is better known for his laziness and the fact that he is a walking personal foul than he is for his basketball prowess. 

 James, when asked about his legacy with the Knicks, replied, "that’s not me. I’ve always had a passion for basketball and unfortunately, due to me not getting playing time, I wasn’t able to show ‘em that side of me. I want to show them that side and then I’ll get my ass out of here. I’ll leave. But y'all still gotta pay me though."

Once, when asked if he was concerned about his former coach commenting that he has a selfish attitude, replied, "I don't even know what he's talking about, I just worry about Jerome."

Chris Warren RSCUMOR

Word from a source close to the team, I am being legit here, is that Warren is out for the season.

I am guessing it is an ACL injury, which was the first thing that popped into my head when he went down.

Anyways, I am praying that this is not true but I think it is bad news no matter what the outcome. 

Score one more for the sports gods.

EDIT: The Clarion Ledger is confirming that Rebel basketball 2008-2009 is officially a mulligan.

Not Very Brief Louisville Preview

Ole Miss is set to face what will more than likely be its toughest opponent of the year Thursday as it faces off against #9 Louisville in Cincinnati. The game tips at 8 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN, hooray!*

Louisville is 6-1 on the season with their lone loss coming to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, which shows that this team is definitely fallible. With the loss of Courtney Lee to the NBA, the Hilltoppers are not the upset threat that they were last season so their win against Louisville should provide a small glimmer of hope for the Rebels.

The game is going to be a homecoming of sorts for Rebels head coach Andy Kennedy as he spent a few years under West Virginia head coach Bob Huggins in Cincinnati and served as the Bearcats interim coach for the 2005-2006 season and developed strong support from the Bearcat faithful. The fans in Cincinnati have not forgotten the run Kennedy had in the 05-06 season where he nearly (read: should have but was looked over by the selection committee) put the Bearcats in the Tournament after its rocky start due to suspensions, injuries and controversy. This could provide the Rebels with a few more fans than expected in Cincinnati.

It’s also helpful that Louisville, traditionally, plays its worst basketball at the start of the season. It seems that Louisville starts every season around the top 10 in the nation because they are consistently overrated, and then fades until they make some noise in Big East play. I am sure someone can correct me on that stat because I put zero research into it and am just going on what I have seen over the past few seasons.

If the Rebels want to be competitive against Louisville they are going to have find a way to rebound the basketball. Malcolm White showed promise against Alabama State collecting 9 rebounds for the Rebels, and Deaundre Cranston has shown he can be a capable rebounder at times (see 12 rebounds against UCF). It’s the freshmen that will have to step it up for the Rebels. Holloway and Henry are undersized, but they have to increase their aggression on the glass, Huertas is 6’5” and is out rebounding those two.

They also have to establish a post game offensively. Louisville is going to have an answer for the Warren/Huertas combination, they’re too good of a team not to: a) be able to scheme around those two. b) have a player capable of hanging with them on the perimeter

Holloway has come on as of late and put it in 15 against Alabama State. His athleticism and knack for finishing around the basket when necessary could be beneficial for the Rebels against an athletic Louisville team. Malcolm White will also have to go above and beyond his 12-point output against Alabama State. White needs to establish himself early and realize that he can back down defenders. He is too complacent offensively and really needs to gain confidence on the blocks. The third player the Rebels need to break out is Terrance Henry. Henry is rail thin so I see why he is having trouble adapting to Division 1 basketball, but he needs to put his athleticism and ability to stretch the floor to more use. Down the road, if he bulks up, Henry can be a Wayne Chism type player, but right now the Rebels need him to increase his tenacity on the boards and take players off the dribble.

Defensively, the Rebels need to hope for a poor shooting night by the Cardinals. I have not seen anything from the Rebel defense that leads me to believe that they have an answer for anyone’s offense, especially after they just let Alabama State put up 81 points.

The Matchups:

Chris Warren versus Jerry Smith

OM – Warren is second on the team in scoring and third in the SEC in scoring so far this season. A lot has been demanded of Warren with the injuries to Polynice and Gaskins and he is doing more than his fair share in trying to get the Rebels back on track. Warren is still one of the best point guards in the SEC and should prevent some problems for Louisville.

UL – Smith has been platooning the point guard spot with senior Andre McGee. Smith is averaging eight points a game and is shooting over 40 percent from beyond the three-point line this season. The other potential starter at point for Louisville, McGee, is averaging nearly five points a game and is second on the team in steals, but has a less than stellar assist to turnover ratio.

Advantage Ole Miss

David Huertas versus Preston Knowles

OM – Huertas is tearing up the league right now averaging 21 points per contest, which puts him second in the SEC and in the top 20 nationally. Huertas isn’t compiling these numbers by putting up 20 shots a game, but rather by hitting everything he puts up. Huertas is scorching the net shooting 47% from long range, 54% overall and 80% from the charity stripe

UL – The two spot is another area where the Cardinals have been rotating starters, at least that’s the way it seems from the box scores and season stats. Knowles will probably get the start here after putting up 21 points on 8-11 shooting in their last game against Austin Peay. One advantage the Rebels could have is that both Knowles and his counterpart Edgar Sosa are a bit undersized for the two guard and will give up four inches to David Huertas.

Advantage – Ole Miss

Terrico White versus Terrence Williams

OM – Terrico White seems to be slowly adapting after a rocky start to his college career. He has posted 6, 8 and 11 in his last three games and is averaging 7 points per game on the season. White has been inconsistent from the free throw line, but has been respectable from beyond the arc shooting near 40%. The Rebels will need him, or Graham, to step up on both ends to shut down Terrence Williams and neutralize him with a strong offensive showing.

UL – Terrence Williams is a 6’6” senior who is averaging nearly 11 points and nine rebounds per game thus far. Williams has the ability to stretch the floor, but has struggled mightily with his jump shot and from the foul line this season. He is a player who plays bigger than his listed height and could cause some problems for the Rebels with his strong defensive presence. Ole Miss need to contain Williams’s production offensively and cannot let him get lost while they focus on shutting down the Cardinal big men.

Advantage – UL

Murphy Holloway versus Earl Clark

OM – Holloway has been playing very well lately for the Rebels and will probably get the starting nod Thursday, whether it is at the four or the three in place of Terrico/Graham. Holloway scored 15 against Alabama State and collected 6 rebounds by doing a little bit of everything for the Rebels. The freshman from Irmo, SC is third on the team in points per game and could use his athleticism to create mismatches offensively if he plays at the four.

UL – Earl Clark is as solid as they come. Clark is a 6’9” tweener who is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per contest. He is second on the team in blocked shots and will be handful for whomever the Rebels throw at him.

Advantage – UL

Malcolm White versus Samardo Samuels

OM – The good news is that White had his best game as a Rebel against Alabama State. The bad news is that it was against Alabama State and it was nothing too eye popping. White has to grow up quickly before Thursday. Samuels is one of the best centers in the NCAA and is showing that on the stat sheet, albeit against not so great competition. White has to stay out of foul trouble and find a way to keep Samuels out of the paint, I know that sounds obvious but it is just what has to be done. I expect White to be in foul trouble early and often trying to handle Samuels and you will see Cranston, Henry, Cantinol (unfortunately) get a shot at limiting UL’s freshman phenom.

UL – Samuels has been exactly what Cardinal fans expected when they inked the 6’8” freshman from St. Benedict Prep (who has produced players like J.R. Smith, Corey Stokes and Lance Thomas). Samuels is putting up 17 ppg while shooting a ridiculous 63% from the field. Samuels should have a field day with our post defense and should be the reason the Cardinals beat us. That and our inability to defend/rebound.

Advantage – UL

Interesting note:

A player that Ole Miss fans are familiar with, Reginald Delk, is seeing playing time for the Cardinals. Delk is one of the Delk brothers from Rick Stansbury’s squad that transferred a year or so ago.

*indicates sarcasm

I Guess I'll Take It

Well, it was not pretty, but the Rebels and Andy Kennedy are definitely going to take tonight’s win over Alabama State as they prepare for its biggest contest of the season Thursday night against Louisville in the SEC/Big East Challenge in Cincinnati. 

Alabama State jumped out early and blistered the net in the first half shooting 58.6% from the field, while the Rebels posted 42% first half performance from the floor, which put them down five going into half time.

Down five points going into half time is never a desirable position to be in when your coach is Andy Kennedy and the team is already fragile physically and mentally.  However, the Rebels came out shooting lights out in the second half, unfortunately Alabama State did not simmer down too much either.

Ole Miss was able to close the Hornet lead thanks to some clutch shots from Chris Warren and David Huertas.  They took the lead  with just under ten minutes to play and didn’t look back as they preserved an 85-81 victory over the Alabama State Hornets. 

Per usual, Chris Warren and David Huertas led the way offensively combining for 41 points (16 and 25 respectively).  Huertas continued his lights out shooting going 8-13 from the field and 3-6 from beyond the arc.

The output from Warren and Huertas is not that shocking, but the performances of the Rebels post players, at least on offense, should be cause for optimism for the fans and Kennedy. 

Malcolm White may have finally broken out and overcame whatever mental hindrance was causing him to play like John Engstrom and make the decisions comparable to the Auburn Athletic Department.  White had 12 points on the night and was one rebound away from a double double.  The numbers are nice, but it was his key and one play towards the end of the game that really stood out for White.  Kennedy and the Rebels have to be hoping that White is able to use this game to his advantage and help the Rebels, because God knows they will need it, against Louisville on Thursday.

White was not the only post player who showed some things tonight.  Murphy Holloway poured in fifteen points on the night and finished the game with 6 rebounds.  The Rebels will take what they can get at this point.  The overall ball movement looked much better tonight than it has in games past.  We had more open looks under the basket and saw more players get an opportunity to do something with the rock.  The Rebels need to continue to work on their ball movement and look for easy opportunities with that extra pass.  That or just let Huertas shoot every possession.  

Reality check though.  Alabama State is much better than their record (1-6) and has played decent talent throughout the season.  Still, this victory is nothing to get too excited over.  Ole Miss only out rebounded the Hornets by one and never really put the game away at any point. 

The defense has to show up at some point.  I saw flashes of effort from players like Terrance Henry last night with his hustle on the press and even in the post, but it’s just not there on a consistent basis.  The post players must continue to develop and keep trying, they cannot continue to rely on Warren and Huertas to shoot them back into games because of their porous defense. 

So, do not get too excited over tonight’s victory, I hope you are sane enough to realize that without me having to tell you to.  We won, that is good.  We won by four against Alabama State, that is kind of bad.  This team still has the potential to do well, it is just a matter of time and whether or not the coaches can find a way to make them gel.  

Oh no...

Well, expectations just went up a lot.

Now, in order to be good, Chris Warren is going to have to do several behind-the-back assists per game. Everyone, please temper your excitement. Warren will only be working with Nash for three days. It's not like he's spending the whole summer training with the guy.

Yes. He was invited by Nash. Warren is a beast. That doesn't mean he's as good as Steve Nash fellas. Don't get me wrong. I hope he's better than Steve Nash, but that's unlikely.


Next thing you know, the message boards will "leak" a story about how Will Bogan actually turned down the Skills Academy, so Nash "settled" fro Warren. Honestly, could we stop pumpin up our inbound players to heights they cannot reach?


I saw a post that compared Terrence Henry to Jarvis Varnado "with offensive ability". He has never played a minute in college. Varnado led the NCAA in blocked shots last year. Do you see how long his arms are? They almost drag on the ground! Can we set our expectations just a little lower? If we set our expectations low, we don't have do deal with too many of these or these next year.