in cooperation with the UTA basketball teams, presents THE FALL 2010 BASKETBALL PREVIEW
the final act
Stories of the basketball teams’ last full season playing on the Texas Hall stage.
FEATURING
SCOTT CROSS
As the hopeful men’s coach rebuilding a team. Page 5
TAMARA SIMMONS AND
Shalyn Martin As the domineering seniors ready for a championship. Page 7 THE
MOVIN’ MAVS
As the wheelchair basketball team set to avenge its rivals. Page 8
The Shorthorn: Thea Blesener
Page 2
The ShorThorn BasketBall Preview
ADM
The Closing Curtain
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Wednesday, November 10, 2010
NE
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Texas Hall will be remembered as a unique venue by alumni and current students alike.
A
fter 45 years and more than a thousand games played at Texas Hall, UTA athletes will perform one last full season in the auditorium before the stage is set for a new act in a new venue. For over four decades, Texas Hall has been a significant piece of the UTA athletics puzzle. From volleyball to basketball to the Movin’ Mavs, the unique arena has been the central hub for many athletic events. With the completion of the new College Park Center set for next winter, the venue will change gears from sports arena to solely a performing arts center. As its final full season approaches, past alumni and future players take a look at ‘the court on a stage.’
Looking Back What sits at 701 S. Nedderman Drive was completed in October 1965 and was called the Arlington State College Multipurpose Auditorium before later changing its name to Texas Hall in 1968. President Emeritus Jack Woolf served as president of then Arlington State College. “We needed an auditorium and a place to play basketball. So we asked our architect to appease both purposes,� he said. Before Texas Hall, Woolf said the teams used a building where the Chemistry and Physics Building currently sits, and said that moving into Texas Hall was a huge step above from what they had before. “It was not even regulation size — the locker rooms were horrible,� he said. “The court was three-fourth size [of a court]. Texas Hall was doggone nice compared to what else we had.� Having a dedicated arena for UTA has been long in the works for the school. The university presidents before current president James Spaniolo tried to get funding for a new venue but were unable to do so, Woolf said. “Dr. Nedderman tried but he failed to get the funding,� he said. “I’d rather congratulate President Spaniolo for getting it together. I don’t know how he did it, but he did.� Alumnus Ralph McPherson played for the Mavericks basketball team from 1980-82 and led the team in points during those seasons. “I was very comfortable playing at the very unique design that is Texas Hall,� he said. “It was like playing in my backyard.� With its court on the stage, McPherson said playing at Texas Hall gave the Mavericks homecourt advantage. “With any sport, a lot of it is physical and a lot of it is mental,� he said. “When other teams came into Texas Hall, you could read their body language say, ‘Oh man, what kind of place is this
Student Publications: Wade Gates
Former guard Jeff Stewart turns on the afterburners to try and beat a McNeese State Cowboy to a loose ball in a 1981 game at Texas Hall. The mens basketball team has played in Texas Hall since 1965 and will move to the College Park Center when it’s completed next December.
to play basketball?’� In 1979, McPherson was shown plans for a facility that was going to replace Texas Hall. And 30 years later, they finally got around to it, he said. “There’s memories at Texas Hall, but with the top-of-the-line facilities, it’s time to start new traditions,� he said. “I know it’ll definitely help recruiting.� Bob “Snake� LeGrand was the Mavericks assistant coach from 1975-76 before taking over as the head coach from 1976-87. He said that despite his recruiting struggles, players get used to playing on a stage. “It was unique, but it was hard to recruit for that thing,� he said, referring to Texas Hall. “You try to tell players that it’s a unique place and good for home-court advantage.� “Contrary to popular belief, no one ever fell off the stage,� he added. Like McPherson, LeGrand was shown plans for the new facility, complete with artist’s renditions, and said he would put the renditions on cards and send them out to potential players to try and recruit them to UTA. “Back then, they said they’re building a new place,� he said. “I bet that guy’s still waiting out there with a shovel. Somewhere around the south 40 parking lot.� While LeGrand was told that they just weren’t able to get the funding, he said they used their best efforts to make Texas Hall more attractive. “We had some good times in there, though,� he said. “I know that through the years, they probably put on 47 coats of paint. They certainly tried to make it better.� Willie Brand played guard for the Mavericks from 1987-91, and whose .437 career 3-point percentage is the second-best in school history, said he remembers the first time he walked in Texas Hall. “I thought it was very — interesting,� he said
with a laugh. “I was disappointed to a certain extent. Just the atmosphere wasn’t the normal arena setting.� With the opening of the new venue finally set for next winter, Brand said the College Park Center is an overdue project that has been a long time coming. “It’s going to be a major benefit for the city of Arlington as well as the university,� he said. “They’re going to have all kinds of events.�
The Final Act and Looking Ahead For forward Brandon Edwards, this is his first season with the men’s basketball team. The freshman will soon experience the auditorium in an in-game situation and said he was surprised when he first stepped foot onto the court. “It kind of threw me off a little bit,� he said. “But now that we’ve practiced on it a little bit and I got the feel, it feels good.� As the team makes the transition next year to College Park Center, he said he’s looking forward to getting into the new arena and putting its footprint on the court to see the effects that it will have on the team. “I think since it’ll be a new crowd, we’ll play better. It’s our new home, and we’ve got to represent it,� he said. With two practice courts, weight rooms and locker rooms among other features, the College Park Center’s amenities will shift the focus from Texas Hall, an auditorium that held sporting events, to a dedicated sports arena that also holds events. The novelty of Texas Hall being the home for many UTA sports has gained some national attention recently as well. In 2008 when the men’s team traveled to play in the NCAA Tournament, commentators even noted the unique stage that UTA plays on. Sports Illustrated recognized the unorthodox
STORY BY BRYAN BASTIBLE AND ANDREW PLOCk
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court as one of college basketball’s best places to view a game. Sophomore guard Rivest Aduku said he had to explain the court to people who ask him about playing there. “I told people that it’s pretty much a stage converted into a basketball gym with bleachers on the other end — pretty much like the backstage of the show is the bleachers,� he said. Aduku watched many games at Texas Hall before he was on the team this year and said he’d taken note of the tradition that came from playing on the court and said he sees it moving with them next year at College Park Center. “I actually watched a lot of games last year while not being on the team, so I get the feeling of it,� he said. “But it’s also cool to play in a brand new facility and we’re going to be the first people to play in there so it’s special.� For senior Mavericks like women’s guard Tamara Simmons, Texas Hall’s final season will be their last season as well. Over Simmons’ career as a shooting guard, she’s seen first-hand how much of an effect the stage has had on not only her teammates, but opponents that step on the court as well. “We’re used to playing here,� she said. “When other teams come here, they’re scared that they’re going to fall off the stage or how far to go where as we do. So for us, we’re comfortable, we’re fine, we can come out here and perform and it might be different for them and take them longer to adjust.� Because it’s her and every other Mavericks’ last year in the auditorium, she thinks the teams should take it one day at a time and go out with a bang. “You don’t want to leave it as bad memories here or leave it as a loss for your last season,� he said. “So just get out there and take care of business and take care of our home floor — because this is the original home court.�
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
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THE SHORTHORN BASKETBALL PREVIEW
THE VENUES
Student Publications: Wade Gates
Former Maverick basketball coach Bob “Snake” LeGrand is dissatisfied with a decision on the court. LeGrand was known for his on-court vigor and animated personality.
Courtesy: Texas Hall
Courtesy: UTA
TEXAS HALL
VS.
COLLEGE PARK CENTER
October 1965
Year Opened
Set to open December 2011
3,309 (600 bleachers, 1,357 lower level, 1,352 balcony)
Seating Capacity
6,500
76,000
Square Footage
218,000
• Arlington State College Multipurpose Auditorium (1965-1968) • Texas Hall (1968-present)
Previous Names
• Special Events Center (2009-10) • College Park Center (2010-present) Source: uta.edu
THE GAMES IN THE HALL
MENS BASKETBALL 1965
Dec. 1, 1965: First game in Texas Hall Texas A&M-Commerce 67, UTA 61
WOMENS BASKETBALL
100th win: Nov. 6, 1971 UTA 95, South Dakota State 81 First NCAA win: Feb. 12, 1973 UTA 36, North Texas 20
100th win: Nov. 13, 1979 UTA 64, Texas Woman’s 50 200th win: Feb. 21, 1981 UTA 93, La.-Lafayette 83
Student Publications: Wade Gates
Julie Coleman squares up to play defense during a game in 1982. Coleman scored 504 points that season and ranks sixth on the UTA all-time scoring list. 200th win: Feb. 2, 1987 UTA 64, Texas Wesleyan 51
300th win: Jan. 2, 1991 UTA 108, Nicholls 84
300th win: Feb. 15, 1996 UTA 73, Nicholls State 55 400th win: Dec. 19, 1998 UTA 87, Air Force 78
400th win: Feb. 6, 2003 UTA 69, Stephen F. Austin 61 SLC Tournament title: 2005 NCAA Tournament berth: 2005
500th win: Dec. 22, 2005 UTA 87, UT-Tyler 72
SLC Tournament title: 2007 NCAA Tournament berth: 2007 SLC Tournament title: 2008 NCAA Tournament berth: 2008
500th win: Jan. 31, 2008 UTA 97, Sam Houston State 53
Student Publications: Craig Fujii
2010
Source: UTA Sports Information
Jimmy Strader maneuvers for the shot in an archived photo of the Freewheelers. The Freewheelers became a recognized intercollegiate program in 1988 and changed their name to the Movin’ Mavs.
Traffic Tickets? CONTACT
Jim Lollar
Attorney at Law
General Practice; Licensed TexasSupreme Supreme Court General Practice; Licensed by by Texas Court Principal Office 6200 Airport Freeway Ft.Ft. Worth, TX TX Principal Office 6200 Airport Freeway Worth Attorney available by by appointment M-F atM-F all office Attorney available appointment at alllocations. offices Not certified by Texas Board of Legal Specialization
1904 S. Cooper Arlington, Texas 76013 Monday-Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm
(817) 860-4467
Page 4
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The ShorThorn BasketBall Preview
adm
New Mavericks expect to ride in with guns blazing
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A roster filled with new players will be challenged this season as they prepare to play Texas Hall out with a bang.
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By Josh Bowe
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n the east side of UTA’s campus, construction is underway on the men’s basketball team’s future home — the College Park
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The Shorthorn staff
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Center. On the west side of that construction site, Texas Hall will house another construction project of its own. This one isn’t a mess of rocks, dirt and equipment, and there aren’t any workers with hard hats. Just 14 players and five coaches constructing a new basketball team. The Mavericks lost the entire starting lineup because of graduation last year. With only five players left from last year’s roster, a new group will be formed to replace them. “It’s going to have to be production by committee,” head coach Scott Cross said. “But I really like this group.” Among the returning players, junior forward LaMarcus Reed played the most last year. He was a starter early in the year before injuring his hand . He missed a month, and his starting spot was lost in his absence.
Reed and Cross now expect him to take control of the team. “Since I’ve been here the longest, I feel like it is my team,” Reed said. “I try to lead the guys by example, mostly.” Not only will Reed be asked to step up his game on the court, but he’ll be the elder statesman of the team and incorporate the new freshman class. Six freshmen are on the Maverick roster along with four new transfers. Cross said Reed showed his work ethic and leadership during an off-season workout earlier this year. “At six in the morning we had boot camp,” Cross said. “We have one in the morning and then another one in the afternoon. I left the MAC after working out after the first one. I saw him walking to his car and asked him what he was doing. He said he just put up 1,000 jump shots.” Reed will need to lead a group of newcomers that will be thrown into the fray early this season. Cross expects a majority of the new players to step into their roles right away. Junior forward Bo Ingram, who transferred out of South Plains College in Levelland, is one of those players. Cross said he wants him to be one of the starting forwards and hopes he can stretch other teams’ big men away from the basket with his shooting range. Ingram shot 37 percent on 3-pointers last
year. “He can shoot the ball as well as anyone on our team,” Cross said. “That’s going to open up things for the rest of us.” Ingram understands that at 6 feet 5 inches, he’ll have to play against taller competition. He said he welcomes the challenge. “I’m strong enough but there are going to be some post men where their coaches will tell them to get in my head,” Ingram said. “I’ve just got to work on my strength during the season.” Another newcomer expected to contribute right away is freshman guard Darius Richardson. Richardson hails from Bush High School in Fort Bend. He led his team to the Class 5A State Championship last season, and was named most valuable player of the 2010 Texas 5A state championship game. When in high school he had to do a lot – score, rebound and defend. But at UTA he said he will be contributing a lot more defensively while his offense adjusts to the college level. “I can contribute on defense and then whenever they need me for offense,” he said. While Maverick fans will have to get used to new faces, they’ll also have to get used to a new men continues on page 10
THE CAST
55 JoRdan ReveS Sophomore forward | 6-10 Pregame ritual: Before away games I go to my favorite Chinese place and get to-go. Player he tries to emulate: Pau Gasol most embarrassing moment: In high school we got a rebound and I ran off and I was looking back and going to get my first dunk. But I tripped. And no one was around.
24 BRyant Smith Freshman guard | 6-1 Pregame ritual: Eat two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Player he tries to emulate: Rajon Rondo most embarrassing moment: I thought I was fouled out and walked to the bench. All I heard were people screaming to me saying get back in. Finally I screamed “I’m fouled out,” and my coach said “no, that’s four.”
31 LamaRcuS Reed iii Junior forward | 6-5 Pregame ritual: I like to take a shower and a quick nap right after we have our pregame meal. I also try to be the first player dressed and on the court ready to shoot. Player he tries to emulate: Kevin Durant and Paul Pierce most embarrassing moment: Last season I was held to goose eggs across the board in the SLC tournament.
5 StuaRt LageRSon Freshman center | 7-0 Pregame ritual: I just listen to music mostly. Slow rap. Player he tries to emulate: I try to be halfway between Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. most embarrassing moment: In high school we were on defense and the other team was shooting free throws. I stepped in, got the rebound and put it right back in for their team.
1 Bo ingRam Junior forward | 6-5 Pregame ritual: I meditate and not really have my mind on the game but maybe something that will motivate me, like my mother. Player he tries to emulate: Kobe. Just his work ethic off the court and on the court. most embarrassing moment: Nothing really specific. Basketball has mistakes, you’re not perfect. If you get dunked on, just keep playing.
12 Shaq White Freshman guard | 5-9 Pregame ritual: I just pray that no one will get hurt on the court. Player he tries to emulate: Chris Paul. He’s good, but he’s also a great leader. most embarrassing moment: A championship game in high school. We were down one and I had two free throws and I missed the first one. My mom ran under the goal and she started talking out loud and telling me if I didn’t make it she wasn’t cooking for me.
20 aRmani WiLLiamS Sophomore guard | 6-2 Pregame ritual: I usually listen to music and just get something to eat like a chicken breast or pasta. I try to meditate before the game too. Player he tries to emulate: Ray Allen or Richard Hamilton most embarrassing moment: In high school I was getting the ball out of bounds and I skipped the ball off one of their hands and it went into our hoop and the other team got the points.
22 danieL FRanciS Senior forward | 6-6 Pregame ritual: Usually take some time to calm myself down, say a prayer and just focus. Player he tries to emulate: Dirk Nowitzki most embarrassing moment: Right before halftime, we were up two. They threw it ahead to a guy at halfcourt and the guy behind me pushed me into the guy shooting a half-court shot and they shot three free-throws.
10 BRadLey gay Junior guard | 6-4 Pregame ritual: I always have to listen to my playlist called “game mix” on my iPod. Player he tries to emulate: My brother, Brandon Gay. most embarrassing moment: At the Great American Shootout in Denton in 2007, I was dribbling the ball up the court and I thought my teammates were to my left. I passed the ball, and the ball when straight into the stands.
25 cameRon catLett Sophomore guard | 6-3 Pregame ritual: Get mentally prepared by visualizing the good things I want to happen in the game Player he tries to emulate: Chris Paul most embarrassing moment: In high school a team was pressing us and my teammate faked me out by acting like we was going to run up the court so it looked like I just passed the ball out of bounds.
11 RiveSt aduKu Sophomore guard | 6-2 Pregame ritual: Just getting stretched and loose as usual, nothing different from what we normally do. Player he tries to emulate: I’m a huge Dwyane Wade fan so I watch him the most. most embarrassing moment: Getting a tech from the refs for dunking in a pre-game warm up.
21 Kevin ButLeR Junior forward | 6-5 Pregame ritual: Music, either gospel music or rap. Player he tries to emulate: Kobe Bryant. most embarrassing moment: During varsity year of high school, we were playing DeSoto High School and there was a big crowd. And I went up for a dunk and got hung up on the rim in front of everyone.
35 BRandon edWaRdS Freshman forward | 6-6 Pregame ritual: I visualize and listen to the playlist I created on my iPod, which consists of gospel, R&B, hiphop and rap. Player he tries to emulate: Kevin Durant most embarrassing moment: When I sprinted down the court for a block and I got ready to jump for it and I slipped and fell.
2 daRiuS RichaRdSon Freshman guard | 6-4 Pregame ritual: I pray at least four or five times. Player he tries to emulate: Probably Brandon Roy and Joe Johnson. They make it look so easy. most embarrassing moment: I did a crossover and went into the lane and I wanted to drop the ball off to my teammate. I ended up throwing it straight to the ref.
15 Ryan BRuce Freshman guard | 6-2 Pregame ritual: I listen to the same playlists that usually have country and rap. Player he tries to emulate: I try to play like Steve Nash. most embarrassing moment: I got dunked on real bad in high school.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
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THE SHORTHORN BASKETBALL PREVIEW
THE COMPETITION SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE EAST
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE WEST
1. Nicholls Location: Thibodaux, La. Coach: J.P. Piper 2009-10 Record: 11-19 (7-9) Key Player: Anatoly Bose Coach’s Take: “They return a lot of guys like Anatoly Bose who should be our conference’s leading scorer. They’re very system oriented.”
1. Stephen F. Austin Location: Nacogdoches Coach: Danny Casper 2009-10 Record: 23-9 (11-5) Key Player: Eddie Williams Coach’s Take: “I think they’re the team to beat in the league. They return their top six guys, all seniors. At Stephen F. is one of the toughest games of the year.”
2. Southeastern Louisiana Location: Hammond, La. Coach: Jim Yarbrough 2009-10 Record: 19-12 (10-6) Key Player: Trent Hutchin Coach’s Take: “They lost Patrick Sullivan who was one of the two best post players in the league. All of their other supporting guys are really talented though.”
2. Sam Houston State Location: Huntsville Coach: Jason Hooten 2009-10 Record: 25-8 (14-2) Key Player: Gilberto Clavell Coach’s Take: “They might have the best frontline in the league and they return everybody. They’re going to be very talented. Their picked as one of the top two or three in the league.”
3. Northwestern State Location: Natchitoches, La. Coach: Mike McConathy 2009-10 Record: 10-19 (5-11) Key Player: Devon Baker Coach’s Take: “They should be a much improved team and playing on the road doesn’t help. It’s not going to be easy.”
3. Texas State Location: San Marcos Coach: Doug Davalos 2009-10 Record: 15-16 (9-7) Key Player: Cameron Johnson Coach’s Take: “They’re returning the majority of their guys. But they have three transfers, one from Kentucky, one from Miami and one from New Mexico. Really talented. They may be the most talented team in the league on paper.”
4. Lamar Location: Beaumont Coach: Steve Roccaforte 2009-10 Record: 14-18 (5-11) Key Player: Anthony Miles Coaches Take “They have eight new guys. Tons of new guys. But three or four of them were 20-plus scorers in junior college. We’ve got to play tougher to have a chance to win.”
4. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Location: Corpus Christi Coach: Perry Clark 2009-10 Record: 17-15 (10-6) Key Player: Demond Watt Coach’s Take: “Another great frontline. They always have great size and athleticism.”
5. McNeese State Location: Lake Charles, La. Coach: Dave Simmons 2009-10 Record: 10-20 (5-11) Key Player: Patrick Richard Coach’s Take: “They return all their guys. They run a ball-screen offense and play a matchup zone on defense. That’ll be a tough game.”
5. UT San Antonio Location: San Antonio Coach: Brooks Thompson 2009-10 Record: 19-11 (9-7) Key Player: Devin Gibson Coach’s Take: “They lost everybody kind of like we did. They have a lot of young guys but they always do a great job recruiting. That’ll be an interesting game.”
6. Central Arkansas Location: Conway, Ark. Coach: Corliss Williamson 2009-10 Record: 9-21 (3-13) Key Player: Mike Pouncy Coach’s Take: “They have a new coach. Most of polls have them picked near the bottom of the league. We have to win this game at home.”
6. UT-Arlington Location: Arlington Coach: Scott Cross 2009-10 Record: 16-14 (8-8) Key Player: LaMarcus Reed
PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TEAMS FIRST TEAM SCHOOL POSITION Anatoly Bose . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nicholls . . . . . . . . . G/F . . . . . . . . . . . . Gilberto Clavell . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Houston . . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen F. Austin . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Devin Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . UT-San Antonio . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cameron Johnson . . . . . . . . . Texas State . . . . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEIGHT CLASSIFICATION 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 6-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 6-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 6-0 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior
SECOND TEAM SCHOOL POSITION HEIGHT CLASSIFICATION Demond Watt . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas A&M-CC . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior Will Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Northwestern . . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior Patrick Richard . . . . . . . . . . . McNeese State . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . junior Justin Reynolds . . . . . . . . . . . Texas A&M-CC . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior Josten Crow . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sam Houston . . . . . G/F . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior
THE SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME Nov. 12 . . vs. Texas Lutheran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 14 . . at Oregon State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corvallis, Ore. . . . . . . . . . . . 3:30 p.m. Nov. 16 . . vs. UT-Tyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 20 . . at Houston Baptist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 . . vs. Hardin-Simmons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 27 . . vs. St. Edward’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 . . at North Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Denton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Dec. 11 . . at Samford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Birmingham, Ala . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 p.m. Dec. 18 . . at Louisiana Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruston, La. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Dec. 22 . . at Texas Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lubbock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Dec. 29 . . at Kansas (ESPNU) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence, Kan. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 p.m. Dec. 31 . . at Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fayetteville, Ark. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 5 . . vs. Houston Baptist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 8 . . at Nicholls State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thibodaux, La. . . . . . . . . . . . 3:30 p.m. Jan. 15 . . vs. Lamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 19 . . vs. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 22 . . at Stephen F. Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nacogdoches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 p.m. Jan. 29 . . vs. Texas State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 2 . . . at UT-San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 5 . . . vs. Central Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon Feb. 9 . . . vs. Sam Houston State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 12 . . at Texas State TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Feb. 16 . . vs. Stephen F. Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 19 . . at Southeastern Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hammond, La.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 p.m. Feb. 23 . . vs. McNeese State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 26 . . at Northwestern State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natchitoches, La. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. March 2 . at Texas A&M Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. March 5 . vs. UT-San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT March 9 . TBA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA
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The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
Great expectations follow head coach Scott Cross into this season after last year’s early dismissal from the Southland Conference Tournament. Over the offseason, Cross poured over player profiles, stats and more to prepare for the upcoming season with the young squad.
Crossing his Mind Men’s basketball head coach keeps committed to his team, alma mater blossomed. “It helps when you’re able to cott Cross didn’t speak much work for someone you trust and beof the future. The young, en- lieve in,” Young said. “We see how ergetic coach had just suf- much time and effort he spends at fered his worst loss at the South- it. He outworks all of us and that land Conference Tournament in sets the bar to make us all do our March, and thinking about the part.” It’s for these reasons that Carlon next season seven months away brought in Cross. Carlon described wasn’t something he had in mind. His choice words; however, were the hiring of Cross as the “longest and toughest process of my life.” important. Carlon interviewed several can“We’re going to get tougher,” didates before settling on Cross. Cross said. Carlon went to Indianapolis That was it. After the 77-54 beating at the hands of Stephen early in 2006 to the NCAA CoachF. Austin, fans were disappointed. es Convention to personally look at The team won the Southland Con- some of the candidates. But right ference Tournament in 2008, fin- under his nose, Cross was waiting ished second in 2009 and had the back in Arlington for a shot at an nation’s third-leading scorer, Mar- interview. “Once he got an interview, I quez Haynes, on the 2010 team. think it’s safe But that’s to say that the the progress comments from the program everyone in the has made. room were, ‘He UTA has gone blew everyone from a ‘hapaway,’” Carlon py-to-be-here’ said. “Not only mentality to that, but he had an expectasupport from tion of wincurrent players, ning. And former playa lot of that ers and family has to do with members close Cross. to the pro“Absolutely Pete Carlon, athletic director gram.” it does,” athWhen the letic director job became his, Pete Carlon said. “People expect great things Cross had finally realized one of from our program now. That’s a his dreams. Cross was a player at UTA from 1995-98 and was the great feeling to have.” Since Cross’s hire as head coach definition of a student athlete. He in April 2006, Cross has tirelessly averaged 11.9 points per game his recruited, networked and strived senior year, and maintained a 4.0 to bring in players of talent and grade point average in his marketmore importantly, character, Car- ing degree. “It was like a dream come true lon said. “I think that’s the most impor- for me,” Cross said. “I had put so tant thing — the character of the many years into this program and players he’s bringing in,” Carlon to finally see this goal realized it said. “He has a lot of connections was a truly an amazing feeling.” The dream is starting to show in a lot of places too.” The player that’s most exempli- results for the program. Cross is fied this is Haynes, who came from already the fastest coach in school Boston College, a touted Atlantic history to 50 wins. The 2008 SLC Coastal Conference school, and be- Tournament championship was the came a superstar at UTA last year. first in the school’s program, which But Haynes was never a diva. In led to its first NCAA Tournament berth. fact it was quite the opposite. “It was unbelievable all the way “He was one of the first players to practice and the last to leave,” around. It’s an experience I will never forget for the rest of my life,” Cross said. Now the burden has fallen on Cross said. “All the media exposure, Cross to replace his entire starting to the hotel, to the bands playing, lineup from last year. It’s one of the and the fans waving their blue and many chores of the college basket- orange pom-poms, to the police escort where you never stop at a ball coach’s offseason. Cross worked around the clock stoplight or stop sign, to signing since last season’s tournament exit, autographs after practice with the a testament to his work ethic. In- kids there.” Cross isn’t satisfied with a oneside his office are tools of his trade: a TV (with VCR and DVD in it), time deal, nor is he looking to leave and his bookshelf with countless UTA anytime soon. Cross is still folders full of stats, player bios, in his early 30s, and one of the reasons Carlon hired him was befiles, etc. The workload has never both- cause he knew Cross wasn’t going ered Cross, who said it’s what he to jump ship anytime soon. “He isn’t using our program as a loves to do. steppingstone to somewhere else,” “The offseason is extremely busy for me,” he said. “But you have to Carlon said. “He considers himself do it. If you want to get anywhere, home here.” Cross is hopeful that while he’s you have to do the work behind the at home, he goes to more NCAA scenes.” But he doesn’t have to tackle tournaments. After all, it’s expectthe offseason by himself. Last year, ed of him now. “Hopefully it wont take us that assistant coach Greg Young joined long to get back there,” Cross said. his staff, bringing with him more than 10 seasons as a junior college head coach, especially his final stint at Jacksonville College. This is only his second year with Cross, JOSH BOWE sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu but the relationship has already BY JOSH BOWE
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The Shorthorn staff
“He isn’t using our program as a steppingstone to somewhere else. He considers himself home here.”
Page 6
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The ShorThorn BasketBall Preview
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Trio of seniors needs fresh characters to evolve quickly
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Head coach Samantha Morrow believes the womens team will avoid a rebuilding year led by a strong veteran presence.
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The Shorthorn staff
he time has come. The women’s basketball team is preparing for its last full season in Texas Hall, with the College Park Center set to open in late 2011, giving the basketball team a new home court. But for now they use the auditorium, and this year brings something new to the table for head coach Samantha Morrow’s team. With senior guard Tamara Simmons and Defensive Player of the Year Shalyn Martin returning for the Mavericks, Morrow said the three senior leaders will play a big role this season. Senior LaNell Taylor has also fought through injuries and worked hard through the offseason in preparation for the season. “The leadership of these seniors is huge throughout a season,” Morrow said. Joining the three returning seniors will be six freshmen, giving UTA a mix of veterans and young players. Morrow hopes the new girls can replace key players lost last year, like Meghan Nelson, who
graduated. “There have been a few injuries this fall but a few of the girls will be able to step in and play immediately,” she said. The Mavericks non-conference schedule this season brings them challenges in Kansas, Oklahoma State and California. But Morrow said the girls are excited about the schedule because they want to compete as underdogs. That bodes well for senior guard Tamara Simmons, who steps up in big games because she loves to compete. “I feel like each game is important because it is great learning tools to prepare us for conference,” she said. As the Mavericks prepare for the season, they have been focusing on the basic fundamentals, especially for the seven newcomers. Morrow has added size and athleticism to her squad this year, trying to iron out what has been lost. Freshman Hailee Rhymes comes into this season with high expectations. She brings the Mavericks length and height for the defensive side of the ball. “Hailee has had a good offseason and will be able to polish her game before the start of conference,” Morrow said. WoMen continues on page 10
File Photo: Andrew Buckley
Head coach Samantha Morrow talks to players in a game vs. McNeese State last season.
THE CAST
21 Briana Walker Freshman forward | 6-0 Pre-game ritual: Listen to my music and eat a good meal. Player she tries to emulate: Lebron James Most embarrassing moment: When I played with mix-matched shoes.
23 MiCHelle roDriGuez Freshman guard | 5-7 Pregame ritual: Listen to my iPod, preferable Drake and Alicia Keys. Player she tries to emulate: Ray Allen. He’s a quick release shooter who is capable of knocking down any shot. Most embarrassing moment: When I was a sophomore in high school, I had to sell candy for the Spanish club and I was rushing upstairs to get to class before I was late. I ran up the stairs with my box of candy and somehow missed a step and fell on my face. All my friends laughed at me, but I laughed at myself, too.
10 lanell taylor Senior guard | 5-8 Pre-game ritual: Eat, sleep and listen to my game-day playlist. Player she tries to emulate: Ron Artest...I’m kidding. Honestly, I don’t know. I’m guaranteed energy, so whoever does that. Most embarrassing moment: Tripping in open court by myself on a fast-break lay-up.
11 SaBreena Denure Sophomore guard | 5-5 Pregame ritual: I’m not superstitious, but before games I braid my hair and think about the game and what I have to do to be successful and help the team win. Player she tries to emulate: Steve Nash. I may not be that quick, but I like to think of myself as a leader on the court. Someone who can view the court well. Most embarrassing moment: In high school I was in class and went to sharpen my pencil and dropped it. I went down to pick it up and ripped my pants in front of everyone.
34 Hailee rHyMeS Freshman forward | 6-2 Pregame ritual: Pray, then sing to my Slow Jams playlist. Player she tries to emulate: Kevin Garnett Most embarrassing moment: My freshman year in high school when I tripped and fell doing layups during warmups.
32 SHalyn Martin Senior forward | 5-11 Pre-game ritual: Listen to music Player she tries to emulate: I don’t know Most embarrassing moment: I can’t remember.
44 DeSHerra nWanGuMa Freshman forward | 6-1 Pregame ritual: I can’t eat an hour before a game and I must listen to loud music with bass to pump myself up. Player she tries to emulate: Pau Gasol from the LA Lakers because of his game and attitude. He likes to win and he hustles, but he doesn’t show off. Most embarrassing moment: In one of my high school basketball games, I was running back to play defense and I tripped and fell flat on the ground in front of a large crowd of people.
3 Malaika Green Freshman guard | 5-4 Pregame ritual: I sleep well the night before and listen to slow music on the bus. But as the game gets closer, the music gets faster to help me focus. And then I pray. Player she tries to emulate: Rajon Rondo or Chris Paul Most embarrassing moment: I scored on the other team’s basket in middle school.
20 taMara SiMMonS Senior guard | 5-7 Pre-game ritual: Listen to my iPod to get focused for the game. Player she tries to emulate: LeBron James Most embarrassing moment: I don’t have one.
5 Donna Dike Sophomore forward | 5-10 Pregame ritual: My pregame ritual is to listen to music that calms me down because I’m always anxious before games. Player she tries to emulate: I would compare myself to Venus Williams because she seems humble and down to earth. She’s also into fashion and different styles just like I am. Most embarrassing moment: When I slipped on the carpet in front of our hotel in Queens, N.Y.
24 CHe’Van GoinS Freshman forward | 5-11 Pregame ritual: I listen to Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne and Aaliyah, and talk to my parents. Player she tries to emulate: Candace Parker, because we’re both versatile. Most embarrassing moment: When my pants ripped in front of all my classmates in sixth grade.
15 kiara Parker Sophomore guard | 5’8” Pregame ritual: I call my daddy. Then I listen to ‘Lyte As A Rock’ by MC Lyte, then I put the iPod on shuffle before saying a prayer to myself. Player she tries to emulate: Candace Parker, just because her last name is Parker. Most embarrassing moment: My junior year, I was at a Carter/Lincoln game at Ellis Davis Field House and I fell going up the stairs in heels trying to be cute.
33 JaSMine SMitH Junior forward | 6-0 Pregame ritual: Good meal before the game. My music is playing and I always pray before a game. Player she tries to emulate: Scottie Pippen Most embarrassing moment: In the conference tournament in my sophomore year at Blinn College, my right shoe rubber came off so I couldn’t play the rest of the first half.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Page 7
THE SHORTHORN BASKETBALL PREVIEW
THE COMPETITION SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE EAST
SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE WEST
1. Lamar Cardinals Location: Beaumont Coach: Larry Tidwell 2009-10 Record: 26-8 (13-3 SLC) Key Player: Jenna Plumley Coach’s Take: “Conference champions last year. And I’m sure they will be one or two this year.�
1. UT-San Antonio Location: San Antonio Coach: Rae Rippetoe-Blair 2009-10 Record: 16-14 (10-6 SLC) Key Player: Whitney York Coach’s Take: “Another rival for us. We always battle with them in conference and in the tournament.�
2. Central Arkansas Sugar Bears Location: Conway, Ark. Coach: Matt Daniel 2009-10 Record: 21-8 (11-5 SLC) Key Player: Megan Herbert Coach’s Take: “They won the East last year and had the freshman player of the year on their team. They will be a tough group.�
2. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Location: Corpus Christi Coach: Robert Robinson 2009-10 Record: 24-11 (12-4 SLC) Key Player: Jade Davis Coach’s Take: “Also predicted to finish one or two in the conference, a very good team with a lot of confidence.�
3. Northwestern State Location: Natchitoches, La. Coach: Jennifer Graf 2009-10 Record: 15-16 (7-9 SLC) Key Player: Brittany Houston Coach’s Take: “Another athletic team that upset a lot of teams last year in the tournament. If they get things rolling they are a scary team.�
3. Stephen F. Austin Location: Nacogdoches Coach: Brandon Schneider 2009-10 Record: 18-11 (13-3 SLC) Key Player: Tammara Marion Coach’s Take: “Big rival for us and always give us good games.�
4. Southeastern Louisiana Location: Hammond, La. Coach: Lori Davis Jones 2009-10 Record: 12-18 (6-10 SLC) Key Player: Chelsea Hix Coach’s Take: “Very athletic and solid team. We beat them last year at their place. Probably one of the better games we played all year.�
4. UT-Arlington Location: Arlington Coach: Samantha Morrow 2009-10 Record: 15-16 (9-7 SLC) Key Player: Shalyn Martin
5. McNeese State Cowgirls Location: Lake Charles, La. Coach: Brooks D. Williams 2009-10 Record: 7-22 (3-13 SLC) Key Player: Kendra Wells Coach’s Take: “Going to their place this year, which is a hard place to play. They have a good recruiting class coming back this year.�
5. Texas State Location: San Marcos Coach: Suzanne Fox 2009-10 Record: 7-20 (3-13 SLC) Key Player: Chika Ofoegbu Coach’s Take: “Down season for them last year, but they have a very good recruiting class that will help them out.�
6. Nicholls Location: Thibodaux, La. Coach: Dobee Plaisance 2009-10 Record: 4-24 (1-15 SLC) Key Player: Ricshanda Bickham Coach’s Take: “Glad we have them at home this year. Went there last year and had a doubleovertime game and won by the skin of our teeth.�
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
After playing together for nine years, senior guard Tamara Simmons, left, and senior forward Shalyn Martin have cultivated a bond that reaches beyond the court as best friends and roommates. Simmons and Martin have become dominant forces at UTA as they aim to take the conference championship this season.
The Inseparable Seniors Seniors Tamara Simmons and Shalyn Martin’s childhood friendship sets the tone for this season’s championship run. Their work ethic and leadership has brought them both to the top of their here is something unique about games, and it showed when the Mavseniors Tamara Simmons and ericks finished third in the SLC last season. Shalyn Martin. “The team knows we are supposed to Not only are they best friends and roommates, they also dominate on the be loud and vocal so it helps us all out,� court. Together, they hope to use their Simmons said. Martin, a broadcast student, is the leadership and experience to take down first women’s player in UTA history to the Southland Conference. Simmons, also known as “Tam,� and be named the defensive player of the Martin both grew up in Arlington. They year in the SLC last season. “It was definitely a milestone in my have been best friends since eighth grade when they started playing ball career,� Martin said. “I like defense and together at T.A. Howard Middle School. take pride in hustling down the court.� Martin’s athleticism and competitive At Mansfield Summit High School they played four years together, and mind-set not only place her among the in their senior year went to the state top defensive players in the conferchampionship game together. In 2007 ence but offensively as well. She’s only six points shy of they were both reaching 1,000 canamed first reer points, which team All-Region. would make her Martin was also the 18th player in named the 4-5A school history to do Defensive MVP so. her senior year. “Shalyn is like “My first year another coach out was when they on the floor,� Morarrived on camrow said. “She is pus.� said head long, fast and her coach Samantha voice carries on the Morrow, who Shalyn Martin, senior forward defensive side of took over as head the ball.� coach in 2007 . Since the eighth Their special bond has carried over to college as both grade, Simmons and Martin have learned to play exceptional basketball have excelled on the court. “We are so different off the court, but together by understanding each other we come together so well when we are on and off the court. They said experience has been the key to each other’s on it,� said Simmons, senior guard. From improving her basketball skills success. “It’s nice knowing that Tam will give on the court to becoming a role model her best game every time she hits the off, Simmons has learned a number of things in her time at UTA. The psychol- court,� Martin said. “Knowing Shalyn as we grew up toogy student’s actions speak for herself on the court as she returns as the lead- gether has been a special relationship ing scorer for the Mavs, and she isn’t that we built on the court,� Simmons said. afraid to be loud either. The expectations that Simmons and “Tam is very vocal on the court, which helps the other players com- Martin have this year are more than municate throughout a game,� Morrow just making the tournament — they want it all. Simmons has improved her said. Simmons averaged 13.2 points per defensive game this off season, which game last season and takes over this she hopes will give her more confidence. Whether it’s the four years of livseason as the Mavericks’ top scoring ing together or playing ball in middle threat. Simmons and Martin have been col- school, the two basketball stars have lege roommates since they arrived at figured out how to win in Maverick uniUTA four years ago. They share a spe- forms. Martin certainly thinks so. “I don’t think there are two players cial bond that they believe no other still playing together with a relationship players have on the court at one time. “Playing for nine years together defi- like ours.� BRIAN NEPHEW nitely helps us out because we know sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu how each other plays,� Martin said. BY BRIAN NEPHEW
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6. Sam Houston State Location: Huntsville Coach: Brenda Welch-Nichols 2009-10 Record: 11-18 (8-8 SLC) Key Player: Chanice Smith Coach’s Take: “Very much improved team from last year. Our players respect that because we split with them last year.�
PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TEAMS FIRST TEAM SCHOOL POSITION Jenna Plumley . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar . . . . . . . . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan Herbert . . . . . . . . . . . . Central Arkansas . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jade Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas A&M-CC . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Whitney York . . . . . . . . . . . . . UT-San Antonio . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ricshanda Bickham . . . . . . . . Nicholls . . . . . . . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEIGHT CLASSIFICATION 5-4 . . . . . . . . sophomore 5-11 . . . . . . . . sophomore 5-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 5-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . junior 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior
SECOND TEAM SCHOOL POSITION Judy Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UT-San Antonio . . . . G/F . . . . . . . . . . . . Shalyn Martin. . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammara Marion . . . . . . . . . . Stephen F. Austin . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashleigh Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . UT-San Antonio . . . F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kalis Loyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lamar . . . . . . . . . . G . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HEIGHT CLASSIFICATION 5-9 . . . . . . . . sophomore 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . junior 5-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . senior 6-1 . . . . . . . . . sophomore
“I don’t think there are two players still playing together with a relationship like ours.�
THE SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME / RESULT Nov. 6. . . vs. East Central (exhibition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W, 77-57 Nov. 12 . . at Oral Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tulsa, Okla. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11:55 a.m. Nov. 14. . . at Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m. Nov. 20 . . at Missouri-Kansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kansas City, Mo. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 22 . . at Oklahoma State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stillwater, Okla. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 24 . . vs. Arkansas State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Nov. 27 . . vs. Southeast Missouri State . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 p.m. Dec. 1 . . . vs. Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Dec. 4 . . .vs. Texas-Pan American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Dec. 8 . . .at Texas Christian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19 . . vs. California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Las Vegas, Nev. . . . . . . . . . . 2:15 p.m. Dec. 20 . .vs. Pittsburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Las Vegas, Nev. . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon Dec. 30 . .at Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence, Kan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 8 . . vs. Nicholls State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Jan. 12 . . vs. Sam Houston State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 15 . . at Lamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beaumont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Jan. 19 . . at Texas A&M Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Jan. 22. . vs. Stephen F. Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Jan. 29. . at Texas State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Marcos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 p.m. Feb. 2 . . . vs. UT-San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 5 . . . at Central Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conway, Ark. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Feb. 9 . . . at Sam Houston State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Huntsville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 . . vs. Texas State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Feb. 16 . . at Stephen F. Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nacogdoches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 19 . . vs. Southeastern Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. Feb. 23 . . at Mcneese State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake Charles, La. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. Feb. 26 . . vs. Northwestern State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 p.m. March 2 . vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 p.m. March 5 . at UT-San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 p.m. SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT March 8 . TBD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBA
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Page 8
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The ShorThorn BasketBall Preview
ADM
Movin’ Mavs take center stage as they gun for gold
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After finishing third in the past two seasons, team captain James Patin says this is their year to win it all.
MO VIN
By Travis DeTherage
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am’s ith e te w ce th victory p a r T a o • t m e rout eractive ts’ t n e in n an po s op of it ions. t a loc the t on men d tell m o • C ries an think sto at you r’s h a us w t this ye abou . team
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The Shorthorn staff
here are no mixed messages or ambiguous goals for the Movin’ Mavs this winter. With two All-American seniors and several newcomers leading the way, the Movin’ Mavs are gunning for a national title. For the past two seasons the Movin’ Mavs have finished in third place nationally but there is room for optimism about a national title this season. The Movin’ Mavs brought back nine players, which include senior David Wilkes, 2010 National Wheelchair Basketball Invitational Tournament (NWBIT) First Team All-American, and senior James Patin, 2010 NWBIT Second Team All-American, while fortifying them with six newcomers. Head coach Doug Garner said the team has a lot of depth that he hopes will lead them File Photo: Andrew Buckley
MOVIN’ continues on page 10
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Movin’ Mavs head coach Doug Garner said he sees a national championship as a “very realistic” goal.
THE CAST
43 BLAKE MCMINN Undeclared freshman | Linden Most embarrassing moment: I fall all the time. NBA player he builds his game around: Rajon Rondo 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Boston Celtics
45 ANTHONy PONE Social work senior | Philadelphia Most embarrassing moment: I don’t have one. NBA player he builds his game around: Kevin Garnett 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Boston Celtics
25 JEff MORGAN Kinesiology sophomore | Orlando, Fla. Most embarrassing moment: I was going back to defend a player waiting on a long outlet pass to go in for the layup and didn’t know where the ball was since I was going down the court. The ball hit me in the back of the head and another player caught it and scored a layup. NBA player he builds his game around: Dwight Howard 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Orlando Magic
00 DAVID WILKES Prosthetics and orthotics senior | Charlotte, N.C. Most embarrassing moment: When my teammate Ruben Mauricio Jr. scored on our basket during the Blue and White game. NBA player he builds his game around: Lebron James 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: I don’t know
23 RuBEN MAuRICIO JR. Visual communications junior | Los Angeles Most embarrassing moment: Entering a basketball game with my warm-ups still on NBA player he builds his game around: Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
22 ALEX GONzALEz Undeclared freshman | Cypress Most embarrassing moment: When my teammate Ruben Mauricio Jr. scored on the wrong basket during the Blue and White game. NBA player he builds his game around: Lebron James 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Boston Celtics
33 JOHN MCPHAIL Social work sophomore | Peakhurst, Australia. Most embarrassing moment: When teammate Ruben Mauricio Jr. scored on the wrong basket during the Blue and White game. NBA player he builds his game around: Kobe Bryant 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
13 JOSH RuCKER Social work junior | Detroit Most embarrassing moment: When I was talking to a crowd and had a booger hanging out of my nose from pushing my wheelchair so hard. NBA player he builds his game around: Michael Jordan 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Boston Celtics
34 MALCOLM WRIGHT Business junior | Los Angeles Most embarrassing moment: I was playing for the junior division. We were in a tough game and I was hustling down the court when someone bumped into me and I fell and my cell phone went flying out from underneath me. I had forgotten to put my phone in my bag. NBA player he builds his game around: Kobe Bryant 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
42 JORGE SANCHEz Business sophomore | Oakland, Calif. Most embarrassing moment: When teammate Ruben Mauricio Jr. scored on the wrong basket during the Blue and White game. NBA player he builds his game around: Kobe Bryant 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Los Angeles Lakers
10 JAMES PATIN Business senior | San Antonio Most embarrassing moment: Any time I shoot an air ball. NBA player he builds his game around: Tim Duncan 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: It’s a toss-up between the Lakers, Heat and Celtics.
4 KASEy STELTER Campus recreation senior | Mankato, Minn. Most embarrassing moment: When I got a concussion falling over backwards. While falling I was waving my arms trying not to fall, and I did not remember any of it. NBA player he builds his game around: Kevin Garnett 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Boston Celtics
24 AuSTAN PIERCE Undeclared freshman | Spokane, Wash. Most embarrassing moment: When I shot a layup in a game at junior nationals a couple of years ago and fell over backwards. That actually happened twice in one game. NBA player he builds his game around: Dwayne Wade 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: Miami Heat
3 JuAN SOTO Advertising junior | San Antonio Most embarrassing moment: I broke the waist strap in a collision, and I fell out of my chair. When I got back onto the chair my shirt ripped and I mooned about 30 people. NBA player he builds his game around: Steve Nash 2011 NBA Championship winner prediction: San Antonio Spurs
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Page 9
THE SHORTHORN BASKETBALL PREVIEW
THE COMPETITION Illinois Fighting Illini Location: Champagne, Ill. Coach: Mike Frogley Key Players: Brian Bell, Hiro Kozai Coach’s Take: “Defending National Champions who lost several to graduation, including any height on their roster. They are always strong, fast, confident and very intense.” Wisconsin–Whitewater Location: Whitewater, Wis. Coach: Tracy Chynoweth Key Players: Matt Lesperance, Nate Hinze Coach’s Take: “Second place last year. Always very confident and good outside shooting with one big man who plays well in the paint.” Alabama Crimson Tide Location: Tuscaloosa, Ala. Coach: Miles Thompson Key Players: Jared Arambula, Brad Baugh Coach’s Take: “They are a very scrappy team who will play very aggressive defense with a couple of good outside shooters.” Missouri Tigers Location: Columbia, Mo. Coach: Ron Lykins Key Players: John Gilbert, Jake Wiig Coach’s Take: “Have been quietly putting together a nice core of players and with one player transferring in from Arizona for his last season, they will have a very strong starting line-up.” Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs Location: Marshall, Minn. Coach: Lew Shaver Key Players: Kyle Timmerman, David Nelson Coach’s Take: “They have several new players, including some height, that will make them a much stronger team this year.” Edinboro Fighting Scots Location: Edinboro, Pa. Coach: Jim Glatch Key Players: Trevon Jenifer, Tommie Gray Coach’s Take: “Lost a big man, but they still have some outside shooters and a few speedsters who can really make you work on defense.” File Photo: Chris Hudson
Center David Wilkes fights for a rebound with two University of Illinois players during the Movin’ Mavs’ 62-42 loss last season at Texas Hall.
THE SCHEDULE DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME / RESULT Oct. 23 . vs. Dallas Mavericks (scrimmage) . . . . . . . . . Maverick Activities Center . . . L 65-56 Nov. 12 . . vs. University of Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical Education Building . . . . 11 a.m. Nov. 12 . . vs. University of Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical Education Building . . . 5 p.m. Nov. 13 . . vs. University of Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physical Education Building . . 1:30 p.m. Nov. 13 . . vs. University of Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 . . .UTA Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA (To be determined). . . . . . . 1 p.m. Dec. 8 . . .UTA Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA (To be determined). . . . . . . noon Jan. 21 . . at University of Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Champagne, Ill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m. Feb. 4 . . at University of Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tuscaloosa, Ala. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m. Feb. 11 . . at University of Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbia, Mo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m. Feb. 26 . . UTA Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA (To be determined) . . . . . . 2 p.m. Feb. 27 . . UTA Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA (To be determined) . . . . . . . 1 p.m. Feb. 28 . . UTA Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UTA (To be determined) . . . . . . . 1 p.m. March 10 College Division National Championships . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m. March 11 College Division National Championships . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m. March 12 College Division National Championships . . . Texas Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 p.m.
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Good Luck MAVS!
Bursar Services
GOOD LUCK MAVS!
On behALf Of fACULty, StAff & StUDentS
Davis Hall • 817.272.2172
uTA College of
Rivalry Redemption The Movin’ Mavs hope to knock off the reigning champions on opening weekend. BY TRAVIS DETHERAGE
W
The Shorthorn staff
hile the Movin’ Mavs are focused on winning their eighth national championship this offseason, the University of Illinois wheelchair basketball team received its championship trophy after winning the 2010 Intercollegiate National Title. Doug Garner, Movin’ Mavs head coach, will get a good idea of where his team stands entering the 20102011 season when the Movin’ Mavs play the reigning champion Fighting Illini twice in the UTA tournament this weekend. “Illinois has really good history of playing good team ball,” Garner said. “If you have speed and height when you play against them all of that won’t matter, because Illinois brings that team attitude. They have five guys on the floor who contribute and trust each other and do what needs to be done.” Illinois enters this season as the No. 1 team in the intercollegiate division and the Movin’ Mavs are No. 3. Garner said it will be a good
test to start the season, but it will be just like any game on the schedule. “Until you get to the championship, any game is just a gauge of what you are and what you need to do,” Garner said. “It will be a good gauge for us to see where we are and we will just work off of that. We expect to come into November and put up a really good showing.” Junior forward Josh Rucker said his team has been working hard toward this game. “We are a family and we stay together,” Garner said. “I think we will beat Illinois because we want it more and have been working really hard.” Last season when the Movin’ Mavs played Illinois to start the season at Texas Hall, they were routed 62-42 in front of a packed Texas Hall. Garner said it’s going to take teamwork and a positive attitude to beat them. “Defense will be a key against Illinois,” Garner said. “We have been focusing and talking a lot about RIVALS continues on page 10
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Men continued from page 4
style. Last year UTA’s offense was in the hands of Marquez Haynes, the Southland Conference Player of the ear. With Haynes gone, Cross will be hold more players accountable in the offense. “I really like the pick-androll stuff,� he said. “It’s simple. I think it’ll allow the guys to be aggressive and just play. Let the players play.�
Women continued from page 6
The up-tempo style of play the Mavericks used last season will be crucial for success this season. Their practices are enthusiastic and loud, filling the gym with energy. Senior forward and SLC Defensive
That balance trickles down to every player on the roster. Sophomore guard Cameron Catlett was one of the few players to return after being in the rotation last year. His ability to drive to the basket is without question, but now he’s focusing on improving a jump shot that was out of sorts last season. “This year I’ve been trying to put in the extra work to expand my game,� he said. “I know if I get that part of my game down, I’ll be a complete player.� As impressed as Cross is
with his new class, pollsters aren’t. UTA is ranked to finish dead last by ESPN in their SLC rankings. That’s fine by Catlett, who said it’s all the more motivation to turn the construction into a finished product. “We remind each and everybody that we’ve been picked way down at the bottom,� he said. “In my eyes, they don’t know what we have so there’s no reason to pick us high, but that’s just a bigger surprise they’re going to be in for.�
Player of the Year Shalyn Martin will bring her speed and athleticism back this year on both sides of the ball. “I take pride in my defense every time down the court,� Martin said. “I expect that the young girls will step up and learn how our program is at UTA.� Last year’s third-place finish has the Mavericks unsatisfied
with settling with a rebuilding season. The women have high expectations with the senior leadership and bench depth. “We’re bigger, stronger and more competitive this year,� Morrow said. “This gives the whole team more confidence having those assets on the court.�
Movin’ continued from page 8
to a national title. “We have some really good leadership on the team this year that is focused on winning a championship,� he said. “We have been working on things this offseason that we need to get there, and I think that will help us make adjustments along the way that will help us win a championship.� Team captain James Patin said it’s going to take a group effort to win the title. “We have a great team this year, which I’m very confident in,� Patin said. “I believe that we are the closest team I have been a part of. We all consider ourselves family. We are all shooting great and pushing well. It’s gonna take all that we know in order to win this championship.� Senior Josh Rucker said his team has been putting in the hard work this offseason in order to win the title. “What makes us a national team is our hard work and dedication,� he said. “We have a lot of new players but we have come together and become a family. If one fails, we all fail.� The silver lining in the Movin’ Mavs national title run this season is hosting the 2011 Intercollegiate Di-
Josh Bowe sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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The ShorThorn BasketBall Preview
Rivals continued from page 9
defense and hopefully we are doing the right thing when the time comes to start playing.� Illinois lead by as many as 21 points mid-way through the second half in last year’s game. The Movin’ Mavs realized that to beat Illinois, you have to consistently get defensive stops.
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vision National Championship tournament in March at Texas Hall. When the Movin’ Mavs go in to that tournament, Doug Garner is looking to use the huge home-field advantage. “Hosting nationals will be a big advantage,� Garner said. “The tournament is right before spring break, so if the UTA fans stick around for the championship weekend it would be great. It’s at Texas Hall, so it will be a little bit different for other teams coming in.� The Movin’ Mavs are a true contender because of the big and gifted group of front-court players, headlined by Wilkes and senior Anthony Pone. Players worth watching are freshman Blake McMinn, who made an impressive 18 points in the Blue-White Alumni game on Aug. 28, and senior Kasey Stelter looks to steal the spotlight this year, leading all scorers with 19 points in the Blue-White game. Garner said he needs his inside players to take over games this year. “The thing about having a big player like Anthony and a mid-sized player like David, is that there is always a threat in the paint, especially when you have David’s speed,� Garner said. “It will open up the outside game for [sophomore Jorge] Sanchez and [sophomore John] McPhail. If Pone is on the floor, there
will be one person guarding him and possibly two, which will open up some body on the perimeter,� Garner said. McPhail had 16 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Oct. 24, and is showing to be a perimeter threat. Sanchez hopes to avoid a sophomore slump this year and delivered 13 points in the Blue-White game. Garner said he is looking forward to seeing how his guards will shoot from the outside this season. “We really have spent a lot of time on shooting drills and getting in position so that we can go out and hit those outside shots early in the game,� he said. “And that will open up our inside game.� Before Texas Hall closes, the Movin’ Mavs hope to win one more national title and add an eighth national title banner in the rafters. Patin already sees it, and already claims he needs someone to crown them. “The fact that we can win the championship at Texas Hall will be a big motivator to get out there and work hard,� he said. “It’s very doable. Come March, you’ll be seeing this team with rings on our fingers and a net around our neck. The Movin’ Mavs are taking this one.�
On the offensive end in that game, senior forward David Wilkes scored 12 of his 17 points in the second half, but the Movin’ Mavs still had trouble on the defensive end. Senior guard James Patin said this year’s game with Illinois will be huge. “When we beat them it will be such a boost for us,� he said. “Since I’ve been here at UTA we have yet to beat them, but this being my last year — it’s gonna’
be so sweet when we beat them.� UTA hosts Illinois again this weekend, and Patin hopes for a huge turnout similar to last year’s game. “Nothing better than having support from your classmates in a great game like that,� Patin said. “We’re definitely not going to take them lightly, of course, but we will come in confident.�
Travis DeTherage sports.editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Travis DeTherage sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu