s ’ n Me l l a b t e k s a B w e i v e r P
www.anchorweb.org
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview Rhode Island College
Basketball
Roster 2 3 4 5 11 12 15 21 23 24 32 33 35 41 44 50
Ethan Gaye Tahrike Carter William Williams Nick Manson Alex Cruz Tom DeCiantis Darius Debnam Keith Hamilton Kadeem Francis Michael Palumbo Mason Choice Steven Roberts Carl Lee Corey Andrews Ashton Watkins Mike Akinrola
Fr. So. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr.
Who’s Back?
Guard Guard Guard Guard G/F Guard F/C Guard Guard Guard G/F Center Forward Forward Center Center
5-10 6-2 5-9 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-0 5-8 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-6
Junior guard/forward Mason Choice was named First Team All-Little East last season. Choice averaged 13.0 points per game last season and will take over as the starting point guard this season. Senior forward Darius Debnam returns as team captain once again this season. Debnam averaged 7.2 points, 6.0 rebounds last season.
155 180 165 160 180 180 220 165 180 150 200 200 200 190 230 230
Providence, RI/Mt. Pleasant Brooklyn, NY/Benjamin Banneker Bronx, NY/Mt. St. Michael Newport, RI/Rogers East Hartford, CT/East Hartford N. Kingstown, RI/N. Kingstown Dorchester, MA/Minuteman Queens Village, NY/MSGR. McClancy White Plains, NY/Archbishop Stepinac Providence, RI/Classical Newport, RI/Rogers New Haven, CT/Hillhouse Warwick, RI/Toll Gate Waterbury, CT/Sacred Heart Providence, RI/Classical Woonsocket, RI/Woonsocket
Who’s Missing?
Senior Second Team All-Little East point guard Antone Gray is not on the roster this season due to an off-the-court issue. Gray was second on the Anchormen in scoring last season, averaging 14.2 points per game. Jake Grimes was a First Team AllLittle East selection as a senior last season. Grimes led the team in scoring averaging a team-high 14.9 points per game. Grimes was named team MVP last season.
Week of November 1, 2010
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview Newcomers 2 11 12 23 24 41 44
Ethan Gaye Alex Cruz Tom DeCiantis Kadeem Francis Michael Palumbo Corey Andrews Ashton Watkins
Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Guard G/F Guard Guard Guard Forward Center
5-10 6-4 6-3 6-0 5-8 6-5 6-4
155 180 180 180 150 190 230
Providence, RI/Mt. Pleasant East Hartford, CT/East Hartford N. Kingstown, RI/N. Kingstown White Plains, NY/Archbishop Stepinac Providence, RI/Classical Waterbury, CT/Sacred Heart Providence, RI/Classical
Last Season Results Rhode Island College 2009-10 Results (22-8, 12-2 Little East Conference) Date / Time
Opponent
Result Score
Leading Scorer
11/15/09 1:00 p.m. 11/18/09 7:00 p.m. 11/21/09 3:00 p.m. 11/24/09 7:30 p.m. 11/28/09 2:00 p.m. 12/01/09 7:30 p.m. 12/5/09 3:00 p.m. 12/08/09 7:30 p.m. 12/10/09 7:00 p.m. 12/12/09 3:00 p.m. 01/06/10 7:00 p.m. 01/09/10 3:00 p.m. 01/12/10 7:30 p.m. 01/16/10 3:00 p.m. 01/19/10 7:45 p.m. 01/21/10 7:00 p.m. 01/23/10 3:00 p.m. 01/26/10 7:30 p.m. 01/30/10 3:00 p.m. 02/02/10 7:00 p.m. 02/06/10 3:00 p.m. 02/09/10 7:30 p.m. 02/13/10 3:00 p.m. 02/16/10 7:30 p.m. 02/20/10 3:00 p.m. 02/26/10 5:30 p.m. 02/27/10 5:00 p.m. 03/05/10 6:00 p.m. 03/06/10 7:00 p.m. 03/12/10 6 p.m.
Springfield College Clark Colby Bridgewater State Roger Williams Johnson & Wales Eastern Connecticut Salve Regina Manhattanville UMass Boston Becker Keene State College Southern Maine Plymouth State Western Connecticut Emmanuel College Eastern Connecticut UMass Dartmouth UMass Boston Amherst College Keene State University Western Connecticut Southern Maine UMass Dartmouth Plymouth State UMass Dartmouth Western Connecticut Rutgers-Newark Middlebury Brandeis
W W L L W L W W L W W W W L W W W L W L W W W W W W W W W L
(16) Antone Gray (27) Antone Gray (19) Mason Choice (19) Carl Lee/Gray (16) Mason Choice (21) Antone Gray (30) Jake Grimes (12) Derek Libbey (15) Antone Gray (12) Antone Gray (27) Jake Grimes (24) Mason Choice (21) Jake Grimes (15) Mason Choice (24) Jake Grimes (21) Carl Lee (14) Mason Choice (24) Jake Grimes (16) Mason Choice (22) Carl Lee (27) Jake Grimes (14) Jake Grimes (16) Darius Debnam (26) Jake Grimes (19) Mason Choice (20) Mason Choice (16) Grimes/Choice (19) Grimes/Gray (15) Carl Lee (20) Jake Grimes
Little East Conference Matchup Little East Conference Tournament NCAA Tournament
62-59 74-72 62-75 92-95 84-59 70-72 89-87 79-53 53-66 64-54 63-56 80-75 74-59 60-62 81-65 76-60 72-71 89-91 62-61 84-105 95-90 96-70 84-53 92-78 84-65 74-72 81-80 72-60 75-59 65-76
Page 3
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
THis SEASON Wednesday, Nov. 3
vs. URI (Exhibition) 7 p.m. URI last season 26-10 overall, 9-7 ACC
How RIC fared last season
RIC lost 101-76 in their exhibition contest against URI in the Ryan Center on Nov. 10.
Tuesday, Nov. 30
vs. Johnson & Wales 7:30 p.m. JWU last season 13-13 overall, 9-9 GNAC
How RIC fared last season
The Anchormen were upset 72-70 by their in-state rivals early last season.
Monday, Nov. 15
vs. Becker 7 p.m.
Becker last season 19-10 overall, 13-1 New England Collegiate Conference (NECC)
How RIC fared last season
RIC defeated Becker 63-56 on the road last season.
Saturday, Dec. 4 Saturday, Jan. 22
vs. Eastern Connecticut
7:30 p.m.
ECU last season 20-10 overall, 9-5 Little East Conference How RIC fared last season
RIC pulled off a 72-71 victory on the road in their conference opener, then defeated the Warriors 89-87 late last season.
Wednesday, Nov. 17
vs. Clark 7 p.m.
Clark last season 17-13 overall, 4-8 NEWMAC
How RIC fared last season
Antone Gray scored a career-high 27 points to lead RIC over Clark 74-72 at home.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
vs. Salve Regina 7:30 p.m.
Salve Regina last season 4-21 overall, 3-10 CCC How RIC fared last season
The Anchormen blew out the Seahawks 79-53 at home.
Tuesday, Nov. 23
vs. Bridgewater State 7:30 p.m.
Bridgewater last season 17-7 overall, 11-1 MASCAC How RIC fared last season
Carl Lee and Antone Gray had 19 points each in a last minute 95-92 loss on the road.
Saturday, Dec. 11 Saturday, Jan. 29
vs. UMass Dartmouth 7:30 p.m. UMD last season 5-20 overall, 3-11 Little East Conference Fast fact RIC junior Mason Choice averaged 13.5 points per game in two LEC victories over the Beacons.
Week of November 1, 2010
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
Saturday, Jan. 8 Friday, Feb. 11
vs. Keene State 3 p.m.
Keene State last season 13-13 overall, 6-8 LEC
Fast fact The Anchormen have won eight of their last nine meetings with Keene State and swept the season series last year.
Tuesday, Jan. 11 Saturday, Feb. 12
vs. Southern Maine 7:30 p.m.
Southern Maine last season
2-23 overall, 0-14 Little East Conference
How RIC fared last season
The Anchormen recorded their largest victory with an 84-53 game at Southern Maine last season.
Thursday, Jan. 13
vs. Colby College 7 p.m.
vs. Plymouth State 3 p.m.
Fast fact RIC junior forward Mason Choice’s older brother, Adam, is the senior captain for the Colby Mules.
How RIC fared last season
Tuesday, Feb. 1
Colby College last season 19-6 overall, 13-2 NESCAC
Tuesday, Jan. 18 Tuesday, Feb. 8
Thursday, Jan. 20
Tuesday, Jan. 25 Tuesday, Feb. 15
vs. Western Connecticut
vs. Emmanuel College 7:30 p.m.
vs. UMass Dartmouth 7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
WCSU last season 19-7 overall, 9-5 Little East Conference Fast fact WestConn’s DaQuan Brooks was named Little East Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore last season.
Emmanuel last season 4-21 overall, 3-15 GNAC
How RIC fared last season
Carl Lee scored 21 points to lead the Anchormen to a 7660 win on Jan. 21.
Saturday, Jan. 15 Saturday, Feb. 19
UMD last season 18-9 overall, 9-5 Little East Conference
How RIC fared last season
RIC split the regular season series against the Corsairs, and defeated them74-72 in the semifinal game of the LEC tournament on Feb. 26.
Plymouth last season 16-11 overall, 8-6 LEC
Damien Strahorn was named the 12th head coach in the 64-year history of the Panther men’s basketball program this November.
vs. Amherst 7:30 p.m.
Amherst last season 14-11 overall, 3-6 NESCAC How RIC fared last season
Amherst defeated RIC, 10584, handing the Anchormen their largest margin of defeat (21 points) all of last season.
Page 5
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
2
3
Meet The Anchormen
Ethan Gaye
Tahrike Carter
Freshman Guard Providence, RI/Mt. Pleasant
5’10” 155 lbs
Alex Cruz Freshman Guard/Forward East Hartford, CT/East Hartford
6’2” 180 lbs
A shutdown one-on-one defender, Carter grew into a defensive stopper off the bench for the Anchormen as a freshman last year. While Carter may be one of the best individual defenders in the Little East, he is still developing his offensive game. Carter has the potential to be the best sixth man in the conference if he takes his game to the next level as a sophomore this season.
12
11
A slasher with excellent vision as both a passer and a scorer, Gaye is the Anchormen’s point guard of the future. Gaye can knock down any open shot. Gaye is a local product from who will be looking to make an impact off the bench as a freshman this season.
Sophomore Guard Brooklyn, NY/Benjamin Banneker
Tom DeCiantis 6’4” 180 lbs
Cruz is a solid all around player who will look to carve out a role off the bench for the Anchormen as a freshman this season. Cruz was a standout player at East Harford High School and will be looking to have an impact as a role player off the bench for RIC this season.
Freshman Guard N. Kingstown, RI/N. Kingstown
6’3” 180 lbs
DeCiantis is an athletic guard, whose size makes him a matchup nightmare for smaller defenders. DeCiantis is a highly touted recruit for RIC who was named Second Team All-State and a Top Ten Division I player by the R.I. Basketball Coaches Association as a senior at North Kingstown High School.
Week of November 1, 2010
4
5
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
William Williams
Nick Manson
Sophomore Guard Bronx, NY/Mt. St. Michael
Senior Guard Newport, RI/Rogers
5’9” 165 lbs
Darius Debnam Senior Forward/Center Dorchester, MA/Minuteman
Manson emerged as a key contributor for the Anchormen last season after earning the starting job at shooting guard and not giving it up. Manson may be the deadliest shooter in the entire Little East Conference. His ability to knock down any shot on the floor makes him a deadly weapon especially from three-point range. Manson is also a tenacious defender.
21
15
Williams made tremendous strides late last season, playing a key role in the team’s run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III Tournament. Williams will be the Anchormen’s primary backup at point guard this season and will run the point when Choice is not on the floor. Williams has excellent vision and the ability to knock down three pointers when left open.
6’0” 160 lbs
Keith Hamilton 6’4” 220 lbs
A versatile big man with a blend of size, strength and athleticism, Debnam is the silent leader of the Anchormen both on and off the court. A force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor, he has the ability to step back and hit shots from beyond the three point line that sets him apart from other big-men. Debnam is the complete package for a power forward.
Junior Guard 6’0” 165 lbs Queens Village, NY/MSGR. McClancy
A sharp-shooting sniper capable of burying a three pointer from anywhere on the floor, Hamilton will be a key contributor off the bench for the Anchormen once again. A transfer from Queensboro Community College last season, Hamilton has made strides improving his defense, but his ability on the offensive end makes him a deadly weapon off the bench.
Page 7
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
24
23
Meet The Anchormen
Kadeem Francis
Michael Palumbo
Freshman Guard 6’0” 180 lbs White Plains, NY/Archbishop Sepimic
Freshman Guard Providence, RI / Classical
Carl Lee Senior Forward Warwick, RI/Toll Gate
At first glance, Palumbo doesn’t look like threat, but he is deadly from three point range. If Palumbo is given an ounce of daylight, he will bury three pointers. Palumbo, a Second Team All-State selection as a senior at Classical High School will have an immediate impact off the bench for RIC as a freshman this season.
41
35
Francis, a highly touted recruit from New York, is a very smooth and athletic guard. Francis makes smart decisions with the ball, is excellent at both setting up his teammates, and making plays defensively. As a freshman, Francis will be a key contributor off the bench for RIC, but he has the makings of a superstar with his all-around skill set.
5’8” 150 lbs
Corey Andrews 6’3” 200 lbs
Lee’s athleticism is virtually unmatched, allowing him to be a factor on both ends of the floor. In addition to being a powerful offensive force with his ability to slash through the lane and finish at the rim, Lee is also a tremendous shot-blocking presence on the defensive end. If Lee gets a fast break opportunity, watch out, he may be the best dunker in all of Division III.
Freshman Forward Waterbury, CT/Sacred Heart
6’5” 190 lbs
A versatile big man with speed and athleticism, capable of playing both guard and forward, Andrews will be another long-term project with tremendous upside for the Anchormen. As a freshman, Andrews will need to work on his offensive game, but his athleticism and size make him an impact defender and shot-blocker in the paint immediately this season.
Week of November 1, 2010
32
33
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
Mason Choice Junior Guard/Forward Newport, RI/Rogers
Steven Roberts 6’4” 200 lbs
6’5” 200 lbs
Roberts is a developing post-presence with off-thecharts potential thanks to his extraordinary athleticism. He combines his large frame with outstanding leaping ability that not only allows him to compete for rebounds, but finish with a slam dunk at the rim either off a rebound or on a fast break. Roberts will be a key contributor off the bench as a sophomore this season.
50
44
A unique blend of speed, athleticism and size allows Choice to be a factor as both a perimeter and interior scoring threat. Choice will be making the transition to point guard this season after primarily playing forward last season. An All-Little East performer as a sophomore last season, Choice has the potential to be the best player in the Little East Conference this season.
Sophomore Center New Haven, CT/ Hillhouse
Ashton Watkins
Mike Akinrola
Freshman Center Providence, RI/Classical
Junior Center Woonsocket, RI/Woonsocket
6’4” 230 lbs
What he lacks in speed, he more than makes up for in strength. A huge frame, Watkins can also dunk with the best of them. Watkins will be a project for the Anchormen, but has the potential to dominate the Little East Conference in the future. Watkins will likely see limited playing time as a freshman, but he is an intriguing prospect to watch this season.
6’6”
230
lbs
Akinrola will step into the spotlight as the starting center for the Anchormen this season after not starting a single game all of last season. Akinrola was a key role player off the bench after recovering from a hand injury that sidelined him for the first half of his sophomore year. Akinrola has the size to become a dominant post presence this season.
Page 9
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview
Little EAST CONFERENCE preview Eastern Connecticut State Warriors Eastern Connecticut State graduated just one player from last year’s core group comprised of four experienced seniors and four juniors that saw significant playing time. The Warriors were bounced from the LEC Tournament by Western Connecticut State and went on to the ECAC championship game where they lost to Elms College last year. The Warriors will rely heavily on their experienced players in order to make a deep postseason run. Key Player Nick Nedwick (14.0 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: RIC 89-87, RIC 72-71
Keene State Owls Keene State posted a 13-13 record last year despite being the best defensive team in the Little East Conference. The Owls finished the season with a 6-8 conference record and were eliminated by Eastern Connecticut State in the first round of the Little East Tournament. The Owls will be led by First Team All-Conference and LEC Defensive Player of the Year from last season, Derek D’Amours, as they look to make some noise in the Little East this season. Key Player Derek D’Amours (23.8 pts/game)
Plymouth State Panthers Plymouth State University will be in full scale rebuilding mode after graduating five seniors from last year’s squad, including five of their top seven scorers. First year head coach Damian Strahorn takes over at the helm for the Panthers this season. The Panthers finished last season with a 16-11 record including an 8-6 conference record, but were dropped from both the LEC and ECAC Tournaments in the first round. Plymouth State upset RIC at home last year, but will have a tough time repeating that feat this season. Key Player Ryan Lambert (12.7 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: PSU 62-60, RIC 84-65
Last Year’s Results: RIC 80-75, RIC 95-90
Week of November 1, 2010
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview Southern Maine Huskies Southern Maine had a tough time last year and it looks as if the struggles will continue this season. The Huskies’ went 2-22 overall last season, and were winless, 0-14 in conference play. The Huskies will expect a lot from their incoming freshman class as well as returning leader Otis Smith. Smith took over a leading role after their best player Cortez Isaac went down early in the season with an injury. Isaac averaged just under 26 points per game in 15 games last season. Key Player Otis Smith (16.2 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: RIC 74-59, RIC 84-53
UMass Boston Beacons UMass Boston is another young team in the Little East with just one senior and three juniors to lean on this season. Last year the Beacons went 3-11 in conference play, and just 5-20 overall. The Beacons will return their top three scores from last season (Justin White, Pat Joseph and Mo Johnson) that averaged nearly 40 points per game combined. UMass Boston will need these big three to stay healthy and productive in order to have a chance this season. Key Player Pat Joseph (13.7 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: RIC 64-54, RIC 62-61
UMass Dartmouth Corsairs UMass Dartmouth is RIC’s biggest rival in the Little East Conference, and the biggest challenger in the conference this season. The Corsairs were eliminated by RIC in the second round of the LEC Tournament last season, but will be back looking for revenge this season. UMass Dartmouth posted a 20-10 overall record and went 9-5 in conference play last season. Senior forward Brandon Stevens leads an experienced group that consists of eight upperclassmen into battle this season. Key Player Brandon Stevens (18.4 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: UMD 91-89, RIC 92-78
Western Connecticut Colonials The Western Connecticut State Colonials posted a 19-7 record including a 9-5 record in conference play last season. RIC swept the regular season series and defeated the Colonials, 81-80, in the Little East Championship Game last season. The Colonials will certainly have a chip on their shoulder this year and will be led by junior guard DaQuan Brooks. Brooks was named the Little East Conference Player of the Year last season, averaging 19.6 points per game. Western Connecticut is one of the premier challengers in the Little East this season. Key Player DaQuan Brooks (19.6 pts/game)
Last Year’s Results: RIC 81-65, RIC 96-70
Page 11
2010-2011 MEN’S BASKETBALL Preview MEET THE head COACH
bob walsh Bob Walsh begins his sixth season as Rhode Island College’s head men’s basketball coach. Walsh has presided over one of the most successful periods in program history as RIC has made five consecutive trips to the postseason and four straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Walsh has led RIC to the Sweet 16 twice and the Elite Eight once during his tenure. Walsh owns a 114-35 record (.765 winning percentage) and has won three Little East Conference Regular Season and three LEC Tournament Championships. Over the last four years, the Anchormen have won 95 games, the most of any four-year stretch in program history.
“Coach Walsh has done an outstanding job with the program. There is no doubt that he eats, sleeps and drinks basketball,” said RIC Athletic Director Don Tencher. “That’s what you have to do to be a successful coach.”
Walsh, 38, spent seven seasons as an assistant coach with the Providence College basketball program prior to coming to RIC.
Walsh joined the staff of Providence College’s then-head coach Tim Welsh in 1998 after spending the 1997-98 campaign as an assistant coach at the University of San Diego. Walsh formerly served as an administrative assistant on Welsh’s staff at Iona from 1994-1996.
Little East Coach of the Year 2007, 2009
Rhode Island Media Coach of the Year 2007, 2009, 2010
head coach record 2009-10 RIC 22-8 LEC Reg. Season/Tourn. Champs - NCAA Sweet 16 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 2005-06
RIC RIC RIC RIC
23-6 23-7 27-4 19-10
LEC Reg. Season Champs - NCAA First Round LEC Tourn. Champs - NCAA Second Round LEC Reg. Season/Tourn. Champs - NCAA Elite 8 ECAC Finalist
5 YEARS 114-35 (.765)
assistant coach record 2004-05 Providence 14-17
2003-04 2002-03 2001-02 2000-01 1999-00 1998-99 1997-98 1996-97 1995-96 1994-95 1993-94 1992-93
Providence Providence Providence Providence Providence Providence San Diego IONA IONA IONA Hamilton Hamilton
20-9 #5 SEED NCAA TOURNAMENT 18-14 NIT THIRD ROUND 15-16 21-10 #10 SEED NCAA TOURNAMENT 11-19 16-14 NIT FIRST ROUND 14-14 22-8 MAAC REG. SEASON CHAMPS/NIT 21-8 MAAC REG. SEASON CHAMPS/NIT 10-17 17-9 ECAC SEMI-FINALIST 22-5 ECAC FINALIST
13 YEARS 221-160 (.580)