Drew Wins 3-Point Competition!!

What a beast! Way to dominate Drew! It was so incredible that the reporter's face exploded out of pure amazement.

Counting Down the Best Moments from the 10-11 Season

After having a few days to digest everything that happened in Cougar basketball this past season, I think it's about time we take a look back at the best of the best. The 2010-2011 Cougar men's basketball season started with high expectations and a few question marks. By the end of March, the Cougars were not where they wanted to be, but I'd still say the season was a success. To celebrate all of their accomplishments this year, and to have something to write about during the offseason, I've decided to compile the Top 5 Moments from the 10-11 season. 

Starting on Monday, I'll release a new "moment" every day or two starting with 5. Rankings are purely subjective and based on my flawless logic. 

To wet your appetite a little bit, I'll begin with the honorable mentions. These are things that Cougar fans will remember from the season, but just missed the cut into the Top 5. 

Goudelock Selected to Participate at Final Four

This just in from the P&C. Goudelock is headed to Houston to participate in the 3-point competition. The competition will air this Thursday on ESPN 2 and is part of the pre-Final Four festivities. The rest of the field will be announced in the next couple days. Represent the Cougars in Houston Drew!

Epic Cougar Comeback Falls Just Short

As much as I would've liked to see the Cougars play in Madison Square Garden, last night was the type of performance that all the CofC faithful can be proud of. Down 23 points in a hostile environment, the Cougars showed a lot of heart by clawing back into the game late in the 2nd half before losing by 7. Andrew Goudelock put on an absolutely dazzling performance that overshadowed the Shocker victory in the eyes of SportsCenter. Even during the game, announcers discussed the merits of Drew's NBA-caliber talent and how he was one of the best sharp shooters they had ever witnessed. 

Willis Hall, Trent Wiedeman and Donovan Monroe also wowed viewers and WSU fans alike with their determination. Nineteen year old Wiedeman refused to quit bodying up on a 23 year old grown-ass man in JT Durley. Hall provided one of the Cougars only highlight plays inside the arc with his first half put back dunk. Monroe fought tooth-and-nail to make sure this wasn't his last game in a Cougar uniform. 

Wichita State was just too much bulk for the Cougars to handle. Their front line absolutely dwarfed ours and prevented Willis and Trent from providing balance offensively. Turnovers also cost us big. As awesome as Goudelock's shooting was, his 8 turnovers (many in the last few minutes of the first half) really dug us into a hole. 

Let's look at some more positives from last night:

• Can't be upset when Andrew Goudelock's highlights accounted for 100% of ESPN's postgame coverage. Link is here (thank cofcfan's CofCcougars1 for the vid)
• Goudelock also got a lot of attention on Twitter and the blogosphere for his performance. Here is former Clemson star and current Wizards starter Trevor Booker commenting
• Trent Wiedeman is going to be such a stud for the next 3 years
• Because of the ref's slow response to a clock error, the Cougars had 22 more seconds to shoot lights out
• Going against one of the best rebounding teams in the entire country, the Cougs cleaned up on the glass in the first half

No more Cougar basketball this season, which means no more game coverage, but that doesn't put an end to my blogging career. Look for some wrap-up pieces and some fun articles up til next season starts. 

Cougars Depart For Kansas Today at 2

Based on my research the Cougars will be landing in an environment similar to this one. But seriously, wear your Maroon and cheer on the Cougars from the comfort of your living room tomorrow!

What to Expect in Wichita

All indications point to a rocking, shocking Charles Koch Arena for the CofC game

After a crazy finish in Blacksburg, the Cougars will be traveling to someplace called Kansas to take on the Shockers of Wichita State. Being from Virginia myself I would've liked nothing more than to see my beloved Cougars further justify my reasons for leaving the Old Dominion by crushing the Hokies in VA. Ever since the refs at Tech crushed that dream, I'm gonna have to settle for an upset over WSU (yes I said upset, allow me explain).

WSU is an experienced team that shares the ball and demonstrates some of the most balanced scoring in the country. They play inside-out ball and have some beasts inside including All-Conference selection JY Durely and a 7 footer named Garrett Stutz. They rarely settle for threes and use a soft press defense coupled with a little man-to-man depending on their opponent's set. They rebound very well and this usually results in easy put-backs and layups.

Now let's look at what the Cougars do well. We have a highly potent backcourt combination of seniors who can score at will when guarded lightly. The majority of our shots are put up by one player and as he goes, the team goes. When he struggles, other players have the capability of stepping up. Our inside game is solid for the guard-heavy Socon, but the thought of Willis Hall trying to cover Goliath scares the hell out of me. Our coach let's the players play. This is not always a bad thing, as players have gotten so accustomed to each others games that they are good at complimenting one another.

There are some things that really scare me about this game. Let's go over the worst case scenario first:

• The Cougars enter an extremely hostile Koch Arena and are immediately intimidated by the 10,000+ screaming Kansas-folk (Kansans?). Goudelock starts off slow like he did in the Dayton game. Wiedeman and Hall struggle to score inside. WSU controls the glass and gets a ton of second chance points. Durley goes off for a double-double and the Shockers go on to win by double digits.

Sound grim? If the Cougs don't come out to play, this could very well happen.

BUT there is hope...

Cougars Will Play Wichita State in NIT Quarter Finals

Not the matchup I wanted, but it is what it is. Wichita State is the type of team that is Kryptonite to the Cougars; well-coached, disciplined and deep. That would be bad enough, but we also have to play them in Wichita as well. Not an easy place to win. 

Quarter-Finals Here We Come!

Norris Cole looks like the dude from House Party

What goes up must come down. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Whatever law of physics you want to reference, one has to admit that the Cleveland State game yesterday was almost the polar opposite of the Dayton game in Charleston. After all, every statistical infrequency will normally be followed by a regression toward the average. Here are some comparisons between the Dayton and CSU games:

• A 39 point outburst by Drew Goudelock on Tuesday? How about just 13 points this afternoon?
• A jam-packed Carolina First Arena that was rocking for the better part of two hours? Compare that to the measly group of just over 2,000 in the Mistake by the Lake
• Two of the nations best scorers go a combined 9-34 in front of a bunch of NBA scouts

It was an ugly game to say the least, but the Cougars toughed out another Ohio opponent and will move on to face the winner of Virginia Tech/Wichita State (currently in OT as I write this).

Going into yesterday's contest, both teams had similar game plans: shut down the other team's best player and let everyone else try and beat you. The Cougars planned on stopping Norris Cole and the Vikings looked to take out Drew. The good news was that both teams accomplished their goal, the bad news was that no one told CSU that the Cougars have other players who can step up. 

Of course it didn't hurt the Cougars that the Vikings shot 1-25 from beyond the arc for the game. In the postgame conference, both coaches touched on this glaring statistic. Bobby Cremins said he wished it was because of our defense, but shots just weren't falling for Cleveland. CSU coach Gary Waters said he has never coached a team that was so flat from deep. 

Donovan Monroe deserves a game ball for the game. His offense came through a little bit with Drew struggling, but he was most effective at shutting down Cole. The one thing about Norris Cole that commentators kept coming back to was his explosiveness in driving to the rim. He has a strong first step and can get to the basket from the arc with a few quick dribbles. Monroe did a fantastic job of adjusting to Cole's first few layups and keeping him away from the paint for the majority of the game. 

Trent and Antwaine also deserve credit for stepping up their games. Against a weak front line, Wiedeman finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds while Wiggins finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds and a tie-breaking three that set off the decisive Cougar scoring run. 

In my humble opinion, the Cougars needed a game (and more important, a victory) like this. The rest of the team needed to be reassured that they can win when Drew is not on. Now we're one step closer to playing at the Garden in NYC. It was a tough way for a great player like Norris Cole to end his career, and I feel for the Cleveland fans. At least they'll always have the Cavs. 

*UPDATE: Wichita State escapes Blacksburg with a victory after a bizarre no call in the final second. This was not the team I wanted to face, 

Goudelock Scores 39 as Cougars Top Flyers

Can't stop him

Great atmosphere, great performance and great publicity for the College of Charleston Cougars last night. Who said all the madness happens in the NCAA bracket?

Before I get into the game summary, I have to give major props to the athletic and sports marketing departments at the College. In the span of just a few days, they were able to get the word out to the public and build the game up to students and casual fans. The CFA was absolutely electric last night and the crowd certainly helped pull the Cougars through. I've been in attendance for a couple ESPN network games and I've never seen the camera crew so enthralled by our crowd. 

Scouting the Flyers

I'm trying to uncover some more information on tomorrow's opponent from the ol' Interweb. Here's what I've gotten so far:

• Their best player seems to be senior forward Chris Wright (above). He's contributing a team-high 12.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game
• Significant games this year- a win over Arkansas, an OT win at Ole Miss, close loss at ODU, win vs George Mason, and a win vs #20 Xavier
• There are a couple teams that played both CofC and Dayton this year for comparison's sake:
• Dayton lost 73-68 to ETSU at home (Cougars beat ETSU at home by 20)
• Dayton beat Western Carolina in Ohio 71-60 (we crushed Western at home, then had that stinker to end the regular season)
• Dayton lost at URI 67-53 (Cougars lost to URI in Coaches v Cancer Tourney, 75-66)
• They're taller than us and defend the 3 pretty well, but their offense does not put up many points
• The Flyers, like the Cougars, have been inconsistent at times. They have given up huge leads in games but have also erased large deficits in the 2nd half.
• The most telling stat- the Cougars have only lost 7 games in 3 years at the CFA

Cougars to Face Dayton Flyers in Charleston

The NIT bracket was announced about an hour ago on ESPNU and things look good for the Cougars. The athletics department was able to pull the rabbit out of the hat and win a home game, despite being a lower seed than our opponent. The Cougars will be hosting the Dayton Flyers this Tuesday at 7pm on ESPN 2. The Flyers finished 7-9 in a tough A-10 conference and upset Xavier in the conference tourney. As the picture above shows, they also captured the NIT championship last year (added incentive for the Cougars to dominate). 

In my humble opinion, things could not have turned out much better for the Cougars. The fans here in Chucktown get to see Goudelock and the boys play again, Dayton is a competent but very beatable team and the bracket is in our favor (a rematch against Vermont in the 2nd round is possible). 

Tickets will be $20 for adults and $4 for students. 

The "Not Invited Tournament"

Amongst the festivities of Spring Break, I was unable to construct a proper Socon Championship game summary. I take it many of you witnessed the game on ESPN2 like I did so I'll keep the summary to a minimum: 

• Simmons was sorely miseed. Wiedeman and Hall did an admirable job on Dahlman, but the issue of depth came back to haunt us.
• Goudelock's three first half fouls dramatically changed his playing style
• Monroe played his heart out
• There's a reason why Dahlman was the 2010 Socon Player of the Year and Wofford was the 2010 Socon champs; they are well-coached and highly disciplined
• The number of fouls didn't allow the Cougars to ever get into a comfortable offensive rhythm
• Like it or not, the better team won
• It is not the end of the world 

Now on to the future. I know the NIT is never the ideal place to find your team in March, but when you compare it to the last 3 years (losing record, CBI, CBI) I'll take the limited exposure and recognition of ESPN's second-tier tournament any day. Each of the NIT games will also be televised and it has been confirmed that the College is looking to host a first-round game. Both those facts make the tournament a little easier to swallow. 

While participating in the Madness would've been spectacular, the Cougars now have a legitimate opportunity to make a lot of noise in a postseason tournament. Every team goes into the NIT with a chip on their shoulder and a mentality that they can prove their worth and win the whole gosh-darn thing. I think the Cougars will possess the same killer instinct. Goudelock and Monroe have talked all year about not wanting to end their collegiate careers with any regrets. The injury to Simmons couldn't have been predicted, but I'm sure it stings to once again fail to make the Big Dance. 

A home game against a big time opponent would be the ideal scenario. It's a win for everyone. The fans get to see the seniors play in one last game, the team gets to play within the comforts of the CFA and the NIT committee gets a first round game in a major tourist destination. We won't know for sure whether or not this will happen until the NIT Selection Show on ESPNU this Sunday at 8pm. 

One last tidbit. There have been rumors circulating that Jeremy Simmons could be cleared to play in time for the postseason. If that happens, especially at home, it will dwarf the story of a first round win or loss. 

SOCON Championship Final: CofC vs. Wofford

Wofford 

College of Charleston

McKenzie Arena

Tipoff at 9pm on ESPN2

First off let me say, I don't know how the Cougars pulled out the win last night. I just finished watching the replay online and there were so many moments when I thought it was all over. I was able to check the score on my phone and when I saw the 11 point deficit at the start of the second half, a huge pit formed in my stomach. Then the Cougars started chipping away. Down 11, down 6, down 4, tie game....2 minutes to go...up 1, tie game, up 3....

Watching the replay, it was all heart and determination by the seniors. Goudelock, Monroe and Wiggins picked up on defense and Drew was finally able to get his shot going. Cremins stayed calm and collected the entire time and trusted his players to make plays. Unbelievable comeback.

That just goes to show you how difficult it is to beat a team three times in a single season. Furman knew exactly what they needed to do to win (shut down Goudelock and dump the ball inside). Now the Cougars have to duplicate their second half from last night against the defending champs-Wofford.

We were able to sneak away with a victory over Wofford in Spartanburg. Then we smoked them at Carolina First Arena. The biggest difference between those two games and now? Jeremy Simmons. Simmons was able to more or less neutralize Dahlman and prevent Wofford's star player from killing us inside. Now it will be up to Trent Wiedeman and Willis Hall to clog the paint and make things difficult for Noah.

It will be quite a test for the Cougars, but if they show some of the energy they did last night, things will get interesting. They should, an NCAA Tournament appearance is on the line. Go Cougars!

Socon Tournament Preview: Round 2

Day one is over and in the books and we've already seen one upset. Greensboro stunned the Davidson Wildcats 71-64. Here's a preview of what's to come today:

UNC Greensboro vs. Western Carolina

Saturday at 2pm

I guess that brutal schedule that UNCG opened with is finally paying off for them. They used a stifling defense to absolutely shut down the Wildcat offense yesterday in Game 1. Look for this one to be close, but I think Western rolls past the Spartans with little effort. WCU knows what they need to do to win and will be on fresh legs. If WCU doesn't pull this one out, expect UNCG to be an outside favorite to make a title run.

*UPDATE: WCU wins 77-66

Wofford vs. Appalachian State

Satuday around 4:30

This could end up being one of the best games of the whole conference tourney. In a matchup of last year's title game you have two of the best players in the conference going head-to-head: Dahlman in the paint and Guido on the perimeter. I'd rather the Cougars not play either of these opponents so let them beat each other up this afternoon. App State will be seeking revenge for last year, but I'm going with the defending champs.

*UPDATE: Wofford whoops App State 69-56, Dahlman and co. playing some good basketball

Furman vs. Chattanooga

Saturday at 7pm

Probably going to be the most well-attended game of the weekend (you can already see my prediction). I honestly believe Furman could easily dismantle the Mocs. The Paladins have a star player in Saaka and a chip on their shoulders for being overlooked in the preseason. However, it's all going to come down to how the refs call things. If the home cooking BS continues like normal at McKenzie arena (with the crowd moaning and booing until it sways the ref's calls), expect a tough game for Furman. I think the Paladins win this one, but I would not be surprised either way.

*UPDATE: In a game of 43 fouls, Furman outlasts Chatty and moves on to face the Cougars.

Elon vs. College of Charleston

Saturday at 9:30

Awww yea first look at the postseason Cougars. From everything I've read, the seniors are so f-ing jacked for this tournament I hope they don't come out the gates at 100 miles and hour and wear out. Elon has a player in Chris Long, but he's going to be worn out from 39 minutes against the Citadel. We should take care of business. If we don't, I'll be a Moody Rudy all Spring Break. Go Cougars!

*UPDATE: Cougars win 78-60, Drew had 25 and Wiedeman posted a double-double with 20 and 12. I feel good about our chances against Furman tonight.

Socon Tournament Preview: Round 1

The postseason kicks off in just a few days up in Chattanooga and everyone but the Cougars, Terriers, Mocs and Catamounts will be playing on Friday. Unfortunately, the allure of Spring Break was a little too much for me and I will not be able to attend the conference tournament this time. However, I'll do my best to provide some coverage of the games as they take place. The full bracket can be found here, so feel free to follow along.

Game 1: Davidson vs. UNC Greensboro
Friday at 2pm
Oh how I would love to see UNCG upset Davidson in round 1. To me Wofford, Davidson and Chattanooga are the three biggest threats to CofC, in that order. Greensboro will not roll down to Davidson, the Spartans have beaten the Wildcats once already this season and are coming off a humbling loss to the same team. In the end though, McKillop Sr. will out-coach UNCG. Davidson wins.


*UPDATE: Davidson loses to UNCG 71-64. Wildcats shot a blistering 21% from the floor. 0 for 1 on my predictions. Crap.


Game 2: Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern
30 minutes after Game 1 ends
I can see this game turning into a run-and-gun scorefest. GSU likes to get out in transition since that's the only time their athleticism helps them. The Eagles are terrible in the half-court. App State can always count on Sims to put up at least 20 points and he has the potential to go for much more. The Mountaineers showed some defensive grit in the game against us. I'll pick ASU to advance.

*UPDATE: App State wins 65-57. Sims had a game-high 20.


Game 3: Furman vs. Samford
Friday at 7pm
Poor Furman. What was once a three-team chase for the two South division byes ended up with the Paladins being left out. Their consolation prize: lowly Samford. This might be the easiest game to call, Amu Saaka and Furman win this one easily. The ideal scenario? Furman gets a little sore from running in Game 1, gets their butt in gear to pull off a hard-fought victory against home town Mocs and are mentally and physically drained when they face CofC in the semi finals.

*UPDATE: Furman wins 61-48. Samford cut the lead to 8 at one point, but was too incompetent to offer any real competitive threat.


Game 4: Elon vs. Citadel
30 minutes after Game 3
Elon won the lone regular season matchup between these teams, 79-72 in Charleston. Both teams suck but each one brings something to the first contest of the tournament. Elon has senior guard Chris Long, who can light it up or get other people shots (5.8 assts/game). Citadel on the other hand has a trio of senior players in Wells, Urbanus and Dahn. They say senior leadership wins postseason games and the Citadel could provide an upset. I think the Bulldogs actually pull this off, but that might just be my subconscious asking for one last rivalry game.


*UPDATE: Elon wins by 11, will play CofC at 9pm on Saturday