Start at the Bottom, A Morgan State Legacy [Archive]

ukdukefan

July 4th, 2007, 01:30 AM

Season One

Why I signed for Morgan State?

I narrowed down my potential starting schools to 2. The Stoney Brook Seawolves and The Morgan State Bears. First of all, I liked the strip and the court of both teams, but Morgan States Cincinati Bengals style stripes down the side of their vests gave them an advantage.

Looking at the rosters and the other teams in the conference, i felt Morgan State had more possibility to be succesful in the conference early on. Without further ado, i signed on the dotted line with the Morgan State Bears from Baltimore Maryland.

The Roster

My Starting Five Would be: -

C. Timothy Berkley 6'8 Sr
PF. Ronald Timus 6'6 Sr
SF. Marquise Kateley 6'6 Sr
SG Jamar Smith 6'2 Jr
PG Jerrel Green 5'10 Jr

Bench

Karanvir Aujla 6'5 SF Jr
Joseph Mclean 6'2 SG Sr
Rodney Stokes 6'9 PF Fr
Christopher Warfield 6'3 PG Jr
Demetrius Branch 5'6 PG Sr

Freshmans Reggie Holmes, Gilroy Helmsley and Chris Moore would all be redshirted to give them more time to develop, and the talented 6'9 Junior PF, Boubacar Coly, would have to sit this season out as a Transfer.

ukdukefan

July 4th, 2007, 03:51 AM

Non Conference Schedule.

In terms of recruiting, I missed out on my number 1 target, 3* Centre Asten Fitch, he signed elsewhere during the first signing period. We were closely in the running for several other targets, including new number 1 target 3* Centre Ramon Radakovich. Recruiting would be difficult with 4 scholarships available and very few points to spend. We needed a C, PG, PF and SF.

The non conference schedule through up a mixture of tough matches and poor teams.

In terms of the way we played, we would look to establish a low post scoring presence with Ronald Timus, and get Jamar Smith driving to the hoop, then when the defense collapsed on us we would bring Karinvar Aujla off the bench to shoot the long range jumpers. It worked well.

We picked up early wins, beating East Carolina twice in a double header, beating American, but losing to sides with more talent, such as Seton Hall and Virginia.

The highlight of the Non Conference schedule was my first win against ranked opposition, when we beat #18 Marquette by 2 points. We would come out of the non conference schedule at 6-4.

ukdukefan

July 4th, 2007, 03:53 AM

The Conference Schedule

Early wins at Hampton, Norfolk State, Howard and South Carolina State meant we started well, but we had a dip in form mid schedule, losing to the conference favourites Delaware State, Hampton and the Florida A&M rattlers.

We recovered late on in the season, winning our last four games to finish 2nd in the MEAC, one game behind Delaware State and 2 ahead of Florida A&M.

The MEAC Tournament

The 2nd Place finish set us up with a 2nd Round tie against either Howard or Maryland Eastern Shore. UMES won that match so it was Morgan State against UMES in the MEAC second round, a team that I had beaten twice in the regular season comfortably.

Unfortunately, tournament jitters got the better of me and we crumbled under pressure to lose to UMES in a devastating defeat, we just could not make a shot all night. It wasn't the way my seniors wanted to go out.

UMES lost to SC State in the Semies, Hampton beat Delaware State in the other Semi. Hampton then beat SC State in the final to be crowned MEAC Champions and to advance to the NCAA Tournament.

A disappointing end to a promising season.

Hampton lost to #1 Texas A&M in the first round of the tournament, the final four was Oregan v Texas A&M and Mississippi State v Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State and Oregan met in the final, with the #5 Oregan Ducks winning to be crowned NCAA Champions.

vols21

July 4th, 2007, 07:33 AM

nice start. what was your overall record in your first season?

ukdukefan

July 4th, 2007, 07:42 AM

Can't believe I forgot to put my overall record!! D'OH

I was 13-5 in conference, 20-9 overall, so 20-10 including 1st Round Defeat.

Season Review

It had been a pretty succesful first season. Although it was a disappointing tournament, finishing 2nd in the MEAC with a team that last year had finished near the bottom of the conference was an achievement.

Karinvar Aujla finished as our top scorer and also the MEAC's top scorer. Timus was our 2nd scorer, then Smith and Green had chipped in aswell.

Ronald Timus, Timothy Berkley, Marquise Kately, Joseph McLean and Demetrius Branch would all graduate and could be proud of their senior years.

The first action of the post season was to see Nigel Munson, a 72 rated sophomore PG, transfer from Virginia. He handles the ball well and can shoot from deep, and will be a good acquisition after he sits out his transfer year.

Then, on day one of the signing period, 3* Centre Ramon Radokovich overlooks some bigger teams to sign for Morgan State in what is considered a major piece of recruitment work.

Next Week, 3* Point Guard Jibran Thomas follows suit and signs for the Bears. He is a good handler and an absolute speed demon.

Morgan States only other real chance is with 3* Power Forward Kim Domercant. He looks an impressive inside scorer and in the third week of recruiting Ohio State look at him. They don't offer a scholarship though and in the final week of recruiting Kim commmits his future to Morgan State completing an excellent fist recruiting class.

TOP FIVE RECRUITING CLASSES IN THE NATION

1. Arizona
2. Wisconsin
3. Kansas
4. Florida
5. Duke

Morgan State had the 86th best class in the Nation, 1st in the MEAC.

MEAC TOP 5 CLASSES

Morgan State
Hampton
Delaware State
Norfolk State
UMES

ukdukefan

July 5th, 2007, 02:43 AM

Im Not sure of the exact overall ratings, as I didn't write them down, so from memory I've put around about what they were.

Year Two Roster

C. Boubacar Coly, Jr, 71
PF. Kim Domercant, Fr, 64
SF. Karinvar Aujla, Sr, 59
SG. Jamar Smith, Sr, 73
PG. Jerrell Green, Sr, 71

Bench

C. Ramon Radakovich, Fr, 63
PG Jibran Thomas, Fr, 63
PF. Rodney Stokes, Fr, 52
PG. Christopher Warfield, Sr, 56
SG. Reggie Holmes, Fr, 54
PF. Gilroy Hemsley, Fr, 51
SF. Chris Moore, Fr, 52

PG. Nigel Munson, So, 72, sits the season out as a transfer.

Roster Review: -

With all three freshman coming in at around 63/65 overall there shouldn't be to many holes in the roster. Boubacar Coly directly replaces Ronald Timus and Ramon Radakovich is already rated higher than Tim Berkley was. Thomas is a pacey point guard and should give valuable backup to Green. SF is the weakest position with Aujla being little more than a 3 point shooter.

Again we would try to establish the post play inside with Coly and Domercant and get the guards driving to the basket to open up the perimiter for Aujla's lethal 3 point shot.

ukdukefan

July 5th, 2007, 05:23 AM

Non Conference Schedule

Recruiting went well early on with Morgan State having four scholarships available. Last years improvements meant several prospects had a high interest in attending the school.

By the time the early season signing periods had ended, Morgan State had already had a commitment from 3* SF Vili Carpenter. Two more prospects had Morgan State as their favourites, and three other prospects were seriously considering the Bears in their top 3. If Coach plays his cards right, another strong recruiting class could be had.

The Athletic Director had scheduled several tough non conference games, against Michigan, Missouri, and Indiana which all ended in defeat. Victories came over lesser teams such as Stetson and Mississippi Valley State and we entered conference play at a steady 6-6.

ukdukefan

July 6th, 2007, 02:23 AM

Conference Schedule

After opening up with a disappointing defeat to SC State, the Bears went on a 4 game winning streak before main conference rivals Delaware State Snapped that streak. The Bears then traded wins and losses before getting revenge on Delaware State in the return Match.

Domercant was proving to be a great signing, leading the team in scoring as Aujla seemed to be struggling with having the pressure of being the team leader. Coly was scoring well also, with Ramon Radakovich developing well with the minutes he was getting. Jamar Smith and Jerrell Green were also having solid seasons and Moore at Small Forward was emerging as a solid rebounder and defensive player.

The win over Delaware State signalled the start of a run that saw us win the last 7 games to end the season at 14-4 in the conference, level with Hampton, but Morgan State took the tie break to be crowned regular season conference champions.

ukdukefan

July 6th, 2007, 02:28 AM

The MEAC tournament

http://images.news14.com/media/2006/3/6/images/01_meac_logo.jpg

Seeded number one, the Morgan State Bears would play the winner of UMES v SC State. UMES won to set up a rematch of last years 2nd Round Game in which UMES had upset the Bears.

More worryingly for Morgan State was there record against UMES. The Bears beat UMES in both games in season one, but lost in the conference tournament. This was the start of a hoodoo on the Bears and UMES won both regular season games in Season Two against Morgan State.

It was in our heads that we couln't beat UMES, and we struggled early on, with UMES opening up a lead in the first half. In the 2nd half, we continued to struggle but UMES went Ice cold and we pegged them back and won it with the last possesion of the game on a low post score from Boubacar Coly to advance.

Hampton would beat Delaware State in the first MEAC semi to get them to their 2nd Final in 2 years, Morgan State had a fairly comfortable win over Norfolk State to set up a Conference final against last years Champions Hampton.

It was a close game early on, and Morgan State edged clear early in the 2nd Half. Hampton fought valiantly but couldn't quite peg it back and Jerrell Green dribbled out the clock to crown Morgan State as the MEAC champions and claim Coach's first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Our overall record for the season up to and including the conference tournament was 23-10.

ukdukefan

July 9th, 2007, 07:10 AM

THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON TWO

http://www.utica.edu/images/logos/thumbs/NCAA_primaryc.gif

Last years champions Oregan didn't even make the tournement, Morgan State were given a 14 seed and would play Kentucky in the first round.

Morgan State played superbly and Kentucky weren't at their best, at 1 point down and with 10 seconds left in the 2nd half Morgan State got the ball and advanced forward.

The ball ended up in Jamar Smiths hands and he had a good look at the basket, but the shot was long, Kentucky rebounded and Morgan State was out in the first round. They had come so close to an upset and could be extremely proud of their efforts.

The Final Four saw Texas A&M beat North Carolina and Georgia Tech beat Tennessee. Texas A&M were crowned champions when they beat Georgia Tech in the Final.

ukdukefan

July 9th, 2007, 07:12 AM

Season Review

It could be classed as another very succesful season for Morgan State, winning the MEAC regular season title (albeit by tiebreak) and also wrapping up the MEAC tournament title, as well as coach's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance.

Karinvar Aujla was the Bears top scorer again but did not lead the league this time. Freshman Kim Domercant was our 2nd top scorer, although Ramon Radakovich was the player that showed most improvement during the season.

Our leading scorer for 2 seasons, and the MEAC leading scorer of last year Karinvar Aujla, and 2 year starters Jamar Smith and Jerrell Green along with Christopher Warfield would all graduate having given their all to Morgan State Athletics. It was a pleasure to coach each of them.

Coach was now hot property on the coaching carousel, and several offers poured in, most notably from Oakland, Cal State Fullerton and Iona.

I was tempted by the Cal State Fullerton offer, they had just had a run to the sweet sixteen, but were losing 3 highly rated senoir starters.

It was a tough decision, but with my freshman looking set to improve, Carpenter already commited and with great confidence I would land my three other 3* targets, I turned down the job offers and settled in for another run at the MEAC and the NCAA Tournament.

ukdukefan

July 9th, 2007, 07:17 AM

Summer Recruiting

First news of the Summer was that Micheal Roll, a Junior Shooting Guard from UCLA has transfered to Morgan State. Rated at 68 overall Micheal is a superb 3 point shooter and should make up for the loss of Aujla when he has sat out his transfer year. Micheal would take the place of Rodney Stokes who left the team after not getting enough playing time.

The Post season signing period started will, 3* Shooting Guard Anthony Felton signed on the first day, he was followed by 3* Shooting Guard and Mr Basketball in his state, Miles Jackson.

The Bears had to sweat it out for the next few weeeks and on the final day they secured the commitment of 3* Centre, 7'0 Norman Hoskin.

With Four 3* prospects commited, and Nigel Munson ready to play having sat out his transfer year, it would be a different roster for Morgan State, one with much promise.

vols21

July 9th, 2007, 07:25 AM

another good recruiting class. With a 7 footer and the transfers, your team is shaping up. If you could add a four star recruit, I think you'd begin to dominate in conference play (and win a few of those close games against the top teams). Very realistic start for your legacy.

skarface2k1

July 9th, 2007, 11:18 AM

greta couple of seasons so far.i look forward to the progress of your team.I am coach sanders of indiana.My legacy is on here as well.Chec it out sometime.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 03:16 AM

Thanks for the replies guys, its going well. I do follow your legacies by the way, they are Awesome and thats what inspired me to write up my own legacy. Keep up the great work and there will be more from me soon.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 04:14 AM

Season Three Roster

c. Ramon Radokovic, So, 69
PF. Boubacar Coly, Sr, 71
SF. Vili Carpenter, Fr, 67
SG. Anthony Felton, Fr, 64
PG. Nigel Munson, So, 72

Bench
C. Norman Hoskin, Fr, 63
PF. Kim Domercant, So, 68
SF. Chris Moore, So, mid 50's
SG. Miles Jackson, Fr, 64
PG Jibran Thomas, So, 68
SG. Reggie Holmes, Fr, mid 50's
PF, Gilroy Hemsley, So, low 50's

Ramon Radakovic's strong improvement during his freshman year means that he has sealed the starting Centre position meaning that Domercant will drop to the bench to support Boubacar Coly in his senior year (We would be looking for his senior leadership to take us back to the MEAC title.)

Talented Freshman Vili Carpenter would start at SF, his talent is getting to the rim. Anthony Felton pipped Miles Jackson to the starting SG position and he has good stroke on the mid range jumper. Most likely they will both share minutes at SG. Munson will start at PG as the highest overall rated player on the team and will get solid backup from Jibran Thomas.

Overall we are a very young team but are still rated #1 in the conference ahead of Delaware State and Norfolk State. We have no three point shooters at all, the best is Munson at 71 so we will have to look for a different way to score.

The best thing about this team is its depth. There are two players in every position that are almost of the same ability. When we start to sub people in or if someone gets into foul trouble we won't lose much talent by having our bench players on the court.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 11:19 AM

Non Conference Schedule / Recruiting

With only 2 scholarships this season we can concentrate more on 1 or 2 players rather than having to cast a wide net. We're looking for a PF primarily to replace Boubacar Coly (What a great name Boubacar is!!) and then the next best player we can find as were full of decent players in the other positions.

I had a couple of small forwards interested early on, and some good power forwards. The early signing period ended with no signatures, but Jerald Feist, a 3* SF was 100% interested in us and we were top of his list and very confident of signing him.

My Top target for the rest of recruiting would be 4*, 6'10 Power Forward Kendaris Willis. He had gone under the radar of the big teams and not been chased really hard. With A for scoring and A- for shooting I made the decision to put all my efforts into this 4* prospect and hoped for the best come the end of season signing period.

The schedule through up some very tough games, with the dream match for me, an away game at Cameron Indoor Arena against the Duke #4 Blue Devils. We ran Marquette close but lost (revenge for them after we beat them in season 1.) We played Michigan State and got absolutely mauled, losing by 30!! We beat Stetson and Mississippi Valley State again and then traded wins and losses with teams of similar ability.

Then came the highlight of my career so far, a win at Cameron Indoor Arena. Duke had slipped to #6 in the rankings but brought with them Paulus, Zoubek, Henderson, Thomas and the #1 PF from a year back, Andy Alexander. We toughed it out early on but they turned the ball over so many times in the 2nd half they couldn't get a run together. Radakovich posted 17 points and Miles Jackson 10 as we eased across the finish line winning by 7. We finished the non conference schedule at 6-6.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 11:22 AM

Right, i wrote it down wrong, i'm actually near the playoffs in year four, so i'll start in more detail then, but for the start of next season i've got some better stats and that on players. I'll post some career stats at the end of my 4th Season, Eg My career top scorer etc.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 01:32 PM

Conference Schedule

The pressure of being ranked 1 in the conference got to us as we lost the opening game to Hampton, but we then went on a 6 game winning streak, beating rivals Delaware State and Conference 3rd Favourites Norfolk State.

We then suffered our mid season slump which saw us trading wins and loses with lower teams in the league. We finished strong with 4 wins in a row to seal the top spot in the MEAC and our 2nd MEAC regular season title in a row.

We finished at 14-4, 20-10 overall, 2nd in the conference were Coppin State, 3rd Hampton and 4th SC State. We would play the winner of Florida A&M or Howard in Round 2.

Radakovich had been our leading scorer, with Munson, Coly and Freshman Carpenter all close in terms of points. The biggest surprise had been Norman Hoskin, whose offensive rebounding and 2nd chance points had been essential in securing the MEAC regular season title.

ukdukefan

July 10th, 2007, 01:57 PM

Ok, as i'm getting close to 'current date' in my legacy, i thought I would post the details on how I play my games and various rules I follow to try to keep the game interesting and realistic.

Firstly, after I played the game for a while, I picked two teams who were virtually the same in ability. I then played game after game and gradually adjusted the sliders to ensure that we got similar rebounds, blocks, field goal percentage etc. The only thing I couldn't do was get steals the same, no matter how low I put them I still stole the ball more than the computer.

So Rule 1 was that the player I am controlling canot steal the ball, only CPU controlled players on my team can steal it. This seems to have worked and steals are pretty similar now.

The games are 14 minute halfs so that you have to use a full rotation, you can't just win by having five good starters.

In terms of the season I play 10 games and sim the rest. I play 4 non conference games which i choose at the start of the season and 6 conference games where I play the best 6 teams in the conference. I then play all the conference and ncaa tourney games.

This is where it gets interesting. My sim rules. The following rules count for my sim games, plus all the other games in my conference tournament and also all the NCAA tournament games: -

Firstly I check the overall ratings of the teams in the sim game.
If the difference between overall ratings is 0 to 3 (Eg one team is 76 and the other is 77) then the game is simmed once and the result stands.
If the difference between overall ratings is 4 to 6 (Eg one team is 76 and the other is 81) then the sim becomes a best of three series (Eg I sim it, load the game and sim it again until one team has won 2 games)
If the Difference between overall ratings is 7 to 10 (Eg one team is 76 and the other is 85)
then the sim becomes a best of five series (Eg I sim it, load the game and sim it again until one team has won 3 games)
If the Difference between overall ratings is 11 or over (Eg one team is 76 and the other is 90) then the sim becomes a best of seven series (Eg I sim it, load the game and sim it again until one team has won 4 games)

This gives the better team more chance of winning, although upsets still happen. An example of this was my last NCAA tournament I simmed. Two of the number 1 seeds and 1 of the number two seeds lost their first sim game to the 16 and 15 seeds which never happens. Under my new rules, all three teams won the next four in a row and advanced. It made the tournament realistic, i had high seeds left at the end, By the time I got to the elite 8 they were all 1 off sims or best of 3 games anyway.

vols21

July 10th, 2007, 05:59 PM

those are interesting SIM rules. I've always just simmed a 1 and done - and a few times left crying over a loss to a lesser team I would have prolly wiped out (Manhatten, Fairfield), but also came away with some stunning wins (like over the Indiana Hoosiers while at WIU). I may have to experiment with these to see if provides more realistic results.

Also, like the "no steal" policy. My teams seem to get tons of steals - but it's more me being in the passing lane at the right time than anything, or the AI stripping the ball. I run more doubleteams too so that could play a role. Something else to experiment with when I get home.

With your roster, you could try an 8 man rotation. or even play both PG's at same time (spelling one or the other with the less talented SG's - or use them to spell the SF. talent really drops off after the starter). However, I had a walk-on last year that played above his talent in many games and became a star in his own right. Maybe these guys will too.

ukdukefan

July 11th, 2007, 02:09 AM

Thanks for the tips, i will give these a try. The sim rules are working pretty well, although like you say they cost me some big upsets. I beat Michigan State and Wisconsin in the first sim recently, but in my BO7 rule for those matches I lost them both 4-2 so didn't get the W. Gutted, although, I would have lost several games in the conference to poor teams it this rule wasn't in place.

There are still upsets though, i played Bethune Cookman and it was a BO7 in my favour and I was at home, i lost 4-1 in sims so lost the game. Just have to chalk that down as a bad day for my team I guess.

As for the steals, i'm so tempted to nip infront of a pass when i'm losing and need the ball back, have to try so hard not too!!!!

ukdukefan

July 11th, 2007, 02:42 AM

THE MEAC TOUNAMENT - SEASON THREE

Howard beat Florida A&M in round one and they would face Morgan State. We won 43-31, with Coly the top scorer as Main Man Radakovich struggled. #5 Delaware State beat #3 Hampton to set up a Semi Final match with Rivals Morgan State.

#2 Coppin State would play #6 Norfolk State in the other semi (Coppin State finished 2nd, Norfolk State were pre season 3rd)

Norfolk State pummeled Coppin State 51-32 and Morgan State, on the back of a big scoring Night for Vili Carpenter, beat Delaware State 45-34 to set up the final of Morgan State v Norfolk State.

Radakovich again Struggled in the Final, but Coly and Norm Hoskin more than made up for it as Morgan State built an early lead. Norfolk State could not get a run going and Morgan State picked up the win 39-31 to seal their 2nd MEAC Tournament in a row to go along with there 2nd MEAC regular season title.

ukdukefan

July 11th, 2007, 03:45 AM

The NCAA Tournament - Season Three

The Number One Seeds were last years champions, the Texas A&M Aggies, the Florida Gators, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Memphis Tigers.

Morgan State were drawn in the bracket with last years champs and the overall number 1 team, texas A&M. The NCAA selection commitee was kind to us in 2 ways. One, they gave us a 12 seed, and two, they put us up against the weakest 5 seed in Ohio. In terms of overall rating they were only 1 better than us. Would there ever be a better opportunity for us to advance?

We started the game ok, but Radakovich was struggling again as he had through the conference tournament. We built a healthy lead up through Coly, Munson and Miles Jackson. Miles Jackson really caught fire at the end of the 1st Half and hit 5 shots in a row to put is in at half time up by 8, with 15 points for Jackson.

The 2nd half started steadily, but mid way through they got on a run and not only caught us but went past us, and built up an 8 point lead. We gradually pegged it back through Coly and Domercant, and with 25 seconds left we were 2 points down with the ball in our possesion.

We went inside to Coly, he had good position but missed the hook shot, they rebounded and we were forced to foul. They missed their first free throw and Coly rebounded. With no outlet pass he carried the ball up court and for some reason he eased his way into the lane. When the defense arrived he had established position and put up another hook. It rolled around the tin and dropped out and they rebounded again. We were forced to foul with 8 seconds remaining.

Pressure got to them again though and they missed the first free throw and coly grabbed the board. This time Jibran Thomas picked up the outlet and charged up court, used a spin move at the top of the key and dropped a teardrop layup as the clock expired to take it to OT (Man what and end!!)

Unfortunately for us, OT was a complete anti climax as they went on an 8-0 run to start OT and we couldn't respond. Defeat in the first round for the second year running.

All of the One Seeds progressed thorugh the first two rounds (thanks to my new sim rules), Texas A&M lost to Duke, Florida lost to USC and Memphis lost to Xavier. The final Four was #5 USC v #3 Duke and #4 Xavier v #1 Ohio State.

USC upset Duke in a close game in the first semi, then Xavier pulled a bigger upset beating the last #1 seed Ohio State.

USC then pulled of the win in the National Championship game to be crowned the third National Champions (after Oregan in season 1 and Texas A&M in season 2)

vols21

July 11th, 2007, 04:45 PM

tough, tough loss.

You've had an interesting group of champions so far. WTG XAVIER!! Impressive run for them!!

ukdukefan

July 12th, 2007, 04:27 AM

Tell me about it, I was gutted. I really felt like this was the year to go past the first round, and the way we started the game we should have, but we let them back into it and paid the price. Oh well, we look forward to next season, were still a young team.

ukdukefan

July 12th, 2007, 04:30 AM

Season Review

It had been another succesful season, We had won the MEAC Regular Season Title outright for the first time (after last years tiebreak win) and won the MEAC Tournament for the 2nd Year Running. (Not to mention being on the cusp of the Round of 32.

Radakovich was our top scorer and rebounder (although he had disappointed in tournament play), followed closely by Munson, Coly and Carpenter.

Morgan State had offered me a 5 year extension, but rumours were rife in the press that i was lining up a job at a bigger school, and privately i had admitted to friends I would consider a job from the right school. I was not overly impressed by the offers that came my way, (from Boston University, Liberty, Stetson and an audacious attempt by conference rivals NC A&T to prize me away)

I was not 100% sure about making the jump, although I am fond of Boston as a place and the chance to live there would have been nice. I made a phone call to 4* Prospect Kendaris Willis, after hanging up the phone I contaacted the Morgan State Athletic Director and told him "i will be in at 9:30 am to sign the new 5 year deal."

As the recruiting period restarted 3* SF Jerald Fiest signed on the dotted line immediatly. Then the news that could elevate Morgan State to the next level, and news that would be demorolising to the rest of the MEAC. 4* PF Kendaris Willis commited to Morgan State and many are saying this is the only thing that kept Coach in Baltimore, Maryland.

We said goodbye to Senior Boubacar Coly. He had 2 tremendous seasons for us and was always willing to do the nity gritty dirty work to help out the team. His senoir leadership and personality on campus will be sorely missed and he will be welcome to visit at any time.

ukdukefan

July 12th, 2007, 04:33 AM

Season Four

Ok, here is my season four roster, with a bit more detail than in previous years.

With Micheal Roll coming in as a transfer i had 3 shooting guards which could cause a problem. I called a meeting with Anthony Felton and explained to him that I would like him to redshirt for a year to allow him to develop more (as I felt he had more potential than Miles Jackson) I said Miles was not going to improve greatly, wheras he could really improve over the year and play at another level next season.

Anthony was happy to do it for the team and for his personal development. He promised to improve his game and get his studies all sorted and return next year. His attitude is applaudable and he will be a leader in years to come.

The Talented Kendaris Willis goes straight in to start, although i feel bad for Domercant as he is really good, but Coly started ahead of him last season, now Willis looks like a 4 year starter. Domercant was chased by Ohio State for goodness sake!!

Roster Season Four - Starters

Overall Year From Talents
C. Ramon Radakovich 70 Jnr Charlottesville, VA Post Scoring, Rebounding, Blocking
PF. Kendaris Willis 71 Fre East Rutherford, NJ Post Scoring, Rebounding, Decent Mid Range
SF. Vili Carpenter 72 Sop Worcestor, MA Attacking Basket, good defender
SG. Micheal Roll 72 Sen Laguna Niguel, CA 3 Point Shot, good defender
PG Nigel Munson 77 Jnr Washington, DC Great Handler and Defender

Bench

PF. Kim Domercant 71 Jnr Newark, NJ Inside Scoring and rebounding
PG. Jibran Thomas 71 Jnr Elyria, Oh Ball Handling, Attacking Basket
SG. Miles Jackson 68 Sop Providence, RI Attacking Basket, Defending
SF. Jerald Fiest 64 Fre Indianapolis, IN Mid to Long Range Game and Close scoring
C. Norman Hoskin 66 Sop Bristol, CT Rebounding, Post Defense
SF. Chris Moore 61 Jnr Bowling Green, KY Defense

Redshirt Year

SG. Anthony Felton 68 Sop Mount Vernon, NY Mid Range Game

ukdukefan

July 13th, 2007, 01:21 AM

Non Conference Schedule and recruiting.

Recruiting would follow a similar pattern to last year. With only 2 scholarships and no real gaps to fill we could look for the best available in any position. Micheal Roll is the only senior but we have Felton Redshirting so he can replace him.

The idea would be to try and snatch another 4* player who has maybe gone under the radar. A capture of another 4* player is the only way we can advance deeper into the tournament.

Our Main targets are as follows: -
4* Byron Adesi, SG, 6'4, 195lbs from Washington DC. A+ Shooting and Quickness, Average Potential. There is currently, Maryland, West Virginia and Richmond looking at him.
4* Jamal Barrow, PG, 6'0, 163lbs from Macon, Georgia, A- Shooting & A Offense, Average Potential. Charlotte, South Carolina, and us are looking at him.
3* Kinsey Mills, SF, 6'6, 206Lbs from Hempstead, NY, A- Shooting and B Rebounding, Average Potential. US, FDU and BRWN are his top destinations.

By the end of the signing period, Kinsey Mills looks virtually certain to sign with us, and Byron Adesi has us top of his list, but we are the only ones to offer him. I fear that should Maryland offer him, we will be out of the race. Its a matter of holding our nerve and hoping the Terps look elsewhere.

ukdukefan

July 13th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Non Conference Play

In non conference play we start well, beating Pennsylvania (this saw us take on C Asten Fitch who was my number one recruiting target in season one). We then lost to #18 NC State, then beat Indiana State (who had offered me the job after year 2)

We then lost at Wisconsin before moving onto the South Padre Island Invitational tournament from the 'American Bank Centre.' We beat Alabama State in the first round but lose to Garner Webb in the final (who beat Sam Houston in Rnd 1). We then lost to Jacksonville and Michigan State (although it was alot closer than last year.)

We picked up a win against Boston University (Who I almost signed for earlier in the year) before losing to Bowling Green and finally losing to Duke in the rematch from last year. They gained revenge by hammering us.

We rounded at the Non Conference Schedule at 4-7, with no big wins, but no big losses either. We could be reasonably satisfied with our performances, and would be firm favourites to win our third MEAC regular season title and 3rd Succesive Tournament Title.

ukdukefan

July 13th, 2007, 03:32 AM

Conference Schedule

We were the preseason MEAC favourites, followed by the Delaware State Hornets, the Norfolk State Spartans and then the Hampton Pirates. We seem to be developing a nasty habit of losing the conference opener, and we did again this season losing @ Hampton.

We followed this up with a three game winning streak, winning away against Coppin State,
then winning two home games, destroying Bethune Cookman by 20 and comfortably beating Howard. 4* Freshman Kendaris Willis had already established himself as our leading scorer, slightly ahead of Ramon Radakovich. His potential to dominate this league is very exciting.

At 3-1 we dropped a disapointing game at home against the North Carolina A&T Aggies. The team got a severe rollocking after this defeat. The response I got was tremendous. Vili Carpenter stepped up to join Willis and Radakovich as big scorers as we went on a 5 game winning streak, beating Delaware State, UMES, winning away at Norfolk State and SC State and a home demolition of Coppin State. What was impressing me was the distribution of scoring. Although Willis was top scorer, no one was really dominating the scoring, it was distributed across not only the starters but 3 or 4 bench players.

We then dropped a disappointing game at Bethune Cookman, then won away twice, beating Howard again and gaining revenge on North Carolina A&T. We then lost a close one against Main Rivals Delaware State before winning four games against UMES, Norfolk State, SC State and the Florida A&M Rattlers to round out the season.

We finished at 14-4, but it wasn't good enough to win the MEAC regular season title, as the Hampton Pirates had gone from strength to strength after beating us in game one, only losing with 4 games left to play. They Finished 16-2.

The MEAC TOP 5 was as follows: -

1. Hampton 16-2
2. Morgan State 14-4
3. Norfolk State 11-7
4. Coppin State 8-10
5. Delaware State 8-10

CincyFan

July 13th, 2007, 08:54 PM

hey udkdukefan (what a weird name to have since their rich pasts) but keep up the wins. I have been following it and glad you stayed at Morgan State, although if you don't get good recruits it looks like you might jet. Or that the fact that some good mid major schools will start to open up this year or next so i don't see you really staying there for that much longer. If you do all the better. Good job in the conference the last two years, and what a surprise that Hampton is sitting in first place this year. As long as you play like last year tournament you should be back on top as conference champions.

gl in the upcoming conference tournament and NCAA tournament though

CincyFan

July 14th, 2007, 04:27 AM

also forgot to say glad to see Xavier in the final four last year...still think u should of simmed that game the way you sim games so they could of acutally won the whole thing. :)

j/k

ukdukefan

July 14th, 2007, 11:11 AM

Hey Cincy Fan, thanks for reading. I don't really wanna leave Morgan State cause i've built a good team but i get so few recruiting points its so hard to get just 1 4*, never mind the 2or3 you need to compete, I see myself leaving in the next year or two, but only if I get a decent offer that takes my fancy, i'm not just jumping to the first mid-major that comes along.

Can't wait for the tourney, I hope Hampton get to the Final so I can unleash my wrath on them!!

By the way, Ukdukefan, did you think that meant Kentucky Duke Fan? I can see where the confusion is. It means United Kingdom as in England - Duke Fan. I follow duke because we stayed near there when we visited the states, and also, on the TV over here, Duke are on all the time so they are the easiest to follow. I'm a Morgan State Bears fan as well now though!!

vols21

July 14th, 2007, 11:13 AM

with a junior laden line-up, you have the experience to win the conference tourney and get back to the Big Dance and hopefully even pull off your first NCAA victory. You will have a lot of guys to replace after next year, but will all those seniors I predict that could be the year you could make a big splash in the NCAA tourney.

ukdukefan

July 14th, 2007, 12:53 PM

Ok, this is where i'll put a little more detail of my games as I am now up to date with where I have played to.

The Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament 2009/10 - Round One Results

Round One Round Two Semi Finals Final

#1 Hampton
#9 Howard 51 #9 Howard
#8 Bethune Cookman 46
#6 Florida A&M
#4 Coppin State

#2 Morgan State
#5 Delaware State 43 #11 NC A&T
#11 NC A&T 45
#3 Norfolk State
#7 SC State 43 #7 SC State
#10 UMES 30

I was disappointed that NC A&T upset Delaware State, i was hoping to face my main rivals in the 2nd Round, oh well NC A&T for me, a tough game but we are favourites.

ukdukefan

July 14th, 2007, 01:07 PM

The Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament 2009/10

Our record against NC A&T in conference play was 1-1, so the rubber match would decide who would move to the MEAC Semi Finals 2010.

We started off on fire, Roll making his first two three pointers and Willis 2 for 2 inside. They turned the ball over several times and by the time they took a timeout we were 12-2 up.

They came out of the timeout better but we maintained a 8-10 point lead throughout the first half.

In the 2nd half, they came out ICE cold and we raced away to a big lead. Willis was unstopable and Freshman Jerald Fiest stepped up with 7 points on 3-6 shooting.

We took off our starters to give the other guys some valuable tournament minutes and cruised through the last 5 minutes to victory.

Final Score
Morgan State 57 (Roll 15 on 4-6 from 3pt range, Willis 12 & 6rbs, Munson 9 on 3-3FG 2-2 3pt, Fiest 7 on 3-6FG)
NC A&T 35 (Dave Neil Sr PF 10 & 7rbs, David Cubilan Jr SG playing Hurt 6pts 3***)

Round One Round Two Semi Finals Final

#1 Hampton 48
#9 Howard 51 #9 Howard 56
#8 Bethune Cookman 46
#6 Florida A&M 47 #9 Howard
#4 Coppin State 51 #4 Coppin State

#2 Morgan State 57 #2 Morgan State
#5 Delaware State 43 #11 NC A&T 35 #7 SC State
#11 NC A&T 45
#3 Norfolk State 25
#7 SC State 43 #7 SC State 35
#10 UMES 30

There were some upsets in the tournament even though I used my sim rules, although to be fair, the overall ratings are so similar, they were all 1 and done simulations in round 2.

CincyFan

July 15th, 2007, 06:14 AM

yea i was just assuming your name meant Kentucky and Duke, and i got a good kick out of that. Rather be Kentucky and Duke instead of England and Duke, and your stupid accents with being all proper and things. Only mad cause i really don't see so clarely, maybe its the getto in me and spending so much time around all of them, but for some reason i can't really go into an english accent. Also can do a really good scottish and welsh, but then again thats more my thing. Lol that is getting off subject.

By the way things looks it looks as if you should easily coast throught the conference championships this year. Hopefully you can make a splash in the big dance this year. I really don't see you leaving for the first mid major job either, but i just remember in my season it was around this time in my career that some good mid major schools started to open up (not the best players on their team, but in the sense they have better recruiting pools and such). I am not saying you have to leave, but i do think if you are it will be either this year or next. If you don't leave in the next two years i don't see you leaving them at all.

ukdukefan

July 15th, 2007, 07:13 AM

Well its time for the Conference Semis, and just a note to cincyfan and everyone in the states, we don't all talk like the queen or Hugh Grant in England, only the posh toffs that nobody likes speak like that!!!

The Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament 2009/10 - Semi Finals

After SC State upset Norfolk State we had what would appear a comfortable route to the final. We started well, distributing points evenly across our team, but Noah Barrett was keeping SC State close.

Micheal Roll had a poor game, but 2 three pointers in a row at the end of the first half opened up a gap in our favour. At the start of the 2nd, Kendaris Willis came out and took over the game opening up a 15 point lead.

SC State couldn't pull it back, despite the best efforts of Barrett and Senior PG Nikola Knezevic and the Bears advance to the MEAC final for the third straight year.

Final Score
Morgan State 47 (Willis 10 & 5rbs, Radakovick 7 & 7rbs, Feist 7 on 3-3FG)
SC State 36 (Noah Barrett Jr C 14 & 3 rbs, Nikola Knezevic SR PG 8, Jason Flagler SR SG 2 8rbs & 4assists)

Round One Round Two Semi Finals Final

#1 Hampton 48
#9 Howard 51 #9 Howard 56
#8 Bethune Cookman 46
#6 Florida A&M 47 #9 Howard 53
#4 Coppin State 51 #4 Coppin State 47 #9 Howard Bison
v
#2 Morgan State 57 #2 Morgan State 47 #2 Morgan State Bears
#5 Delaware State 43 #11 NC A&T 35 #7 SC State 36
#11 NC A&T 45
#3 Norfolk State 25
#7 SC State 43 #7 SC State 35
#10 UMES 30

ukdukefan

July 15th, 2007, 07:36 AM

The Mid Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament 2009/10 - Finals

So for the 3rd Year running the Bears are into the MEAC finals, and after Howards surprising run to the final we would be clear favourites.

We started off well, winning the tip (I never win the tip!!) and scoring straight away. We traded baskets then they went on a run on the back of two turnovers by us. We called timeout 14-6 down. They hadn't missed a shot.

They missed their first shot out of the time out, but each time we pegged them back abit they hit the big shot. At half time we were 10 points down, Howard has shot 78% in the first half.

At the half I told the guys to keep their cool and keep playing. We had played ok and shot a decent 47% from the floor. I told them they couldn't stay this hot for the whole game and we needed to be ready to take advantage when they cooled down.

We started the 2nd half well with Domercant rebounding on the offensive glass and putting the ball back for 6 points, but they still wouldn't miss. With 7 minutes left we were 8 down. We got on another run, with Kendaris Willis stepping up, but still they would'nt miss, they were relentless.

We were playing well but they just wouldn't miss and we just couldn't chip away at their lead, each time we got a little run they just nailed another shot. 3 pointers, fade aways, contested shots, jacked up wild layups were all dropping for them.

With two minutes left we'd slumped to 15 points down and had to resort to three pointers that just didn't drop. They dribbled out the clock to complete the upset that they started in the first round of the tournament. The 2010 MEAC Champions were the Howard Bison.

Final Score
Morgan State Bears 43 (Willis 10 & 4rbs, Domercant 8 & 3rbs, Radakovich 6 & 2rbs, Team 43% FG)
Howard Bison 65 (McKee 12, Hern 11, Cooper 8 & 6rbs, Cunningham 7 & 6rbs, Team 70% FG, 60% 3pt)

Round One Round Two Semi Finals Final

#1 Hampton 48
#9 Howard 51 #9 Howard 56
#8 Bethune Cookman 46
#6 Florida A&M 47 #9 Howard 53
#4 Coppin State 51 #4 Coppin State 47 #9 Howard Bison 65
v
#2 Morgan State 57 #2 Morgan State 47 #2 Morgan State Bears 43
#5 Delaware State 43 #11 NC A&T 35 #7 SC State 36
#11 NC A&T 45
#3 Norfolk State 25
#7 SC State 43 #7 SC State 35
#10 UMES 30

After the game this is what coach Meeking had to say

"I'm disappointed tonight but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say they played better on the night." "I don't think they are necessarily the better team, but tonight they played out of their skins and all credit to them."

"Its just disappointing that this one game will cost us an NCAA appearance, I feel that over the season we have deserved the NCAA birth more than the other teams in the conference, but thats the way the cookie crumbles I'm afraid."

"Theres not much you can do when you play good defense but the opposition shoots 70%!"

When asked about whether he would be at Morgan State next year, Coach Meeking said

"Well i haven't been approached by anyone else and I still have four years left on my contract so at this moment in time I don't see why not."

vols21

July 15th, 2007, 09:57 AM

WOW!!! Howard shot lights out!!! tough way to end a good season.
I've had games where the opponents shoot like that, and it takes a sticky defense (read "LOTs of steals") to overcome it. That's more difficult with the "no steals" policy (but not impossible as I've been finding out)

Next season, you're going to the class of the conference with a lot of senior leadership. Plus a very talented group of underclassmen based on your recruiting successes.
It's the type of team coming out of a smaller conference that can go deep into the NCAA tourney. Unless you get a killer offer, hope to see you back one more year - and get Morgan State a big win.

CincyFan

July 15th, 2007, 10:08 AM

yeah very bad ending. i thought it would of been a breeze, but i was wrong. Only good thing about losing this game is that your guys will be hungry in the tournament that only really matters, and hopefully they can stay focus the whole game and carry you past the first round.

p.s. not saying everyone talks that way in england. but if you listen to an american and then a british person you can tell a noticable difference. Not all saying you talk a certain way, but you do talk clearly and enunciate every word (that is what i was trying to say before and at the beginning of this post) not like a lot of other cultures. Plus we have a lot of jokes about the english people, and then again its nothing against you its just the way we are (we as saying actors). A lot of us have sick twisted humor and just like to pretty much do everything opposite of what people do. Example is the play i am working on right now. Its called Suburia and is like a pre Jay and Silent Bob before they were actually created i believe. In the play there are like 103 F bombs, 2 C words, 2 N words, and pretty much other racial, degrating, and foul word in the play. Then again its all about people who are on drugs, are trapped in life. Then again that is what makes the play so great cause i can relate to it by pointing out people in life who act like that.

Sorry i have a problem of not staying on track, and just going in different segments about life and other things. One thing i do have is passion for everything. Which is why i love reading your legacy and everyone else on here since i do have ties from basketball and such.

All and all good luck in the tournament and i am waiting to see if you can get past the first round this year. Hopefully you will be like a 11-12 seed again.

vols21

July 15th, 2007, 11:58 AM

ukdukefan

July 16th, 2007, 02:15 AM

ukdukefan

July 16th, 2007, 02:18 AM

THE 2010 NCAA TOURNAMENT

The overall number one seed were the Kentucky Wildcats and they would be joined by the Pittsburgh Panthers, the Kansas Jayhawks and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Florida Gators, defending champs USC, Michigan State and Seton Hall were the number two seeds.

Howard (from the MEAC) lost in the playin game to Boise State. There was one major upset in round one, as the #2 Florida Gators lost to #15 Hartford. In round two the number one seeds were all succesful, Seton Hall were the only #2 seed to fall to #7 St Louis and Florida's conquerors Hartford lost to Oklahoma.

The first #1 seeds to fall were Pittsburgh and Oklahoma State, both losing in the sweet sixteen to Notre Dame and Gonzaga respectively.

The Final Four was #1 Kentucky v #3 Georgia and #4 Notre Dame v #3 Georgetown. Kentucky beat Georgia by 1 and Georgetown cruised past Notre Dame.

Kentucky beat Georgetown in the final by 3 and became the first overall number 1 seed to win the NCAA Championships.

NCAA CHAMPIONS

2007: - Oregan Ducks
2008: - Texas A&M Aggies
2009: - USC Trojans
2010: - Kentucky Wildcats

(For info, 5 of the top 8 seeds lost the first sim game but survived thanks to my sim rules. It would have sucked if 5 of the top 8 lost in round 1 and totally unrealistic. Good to see the sim rules are adding abit of realism.)

ukdukefan

July 16th, 2007, 02:20 AM

Post Season

2010 National Player of the Year: - Spencer Hawes (6'11 Senior Centre, Washington Huskies) 12.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 BLKS

2010 2k Sports Player of the Year: - Yuri Surov (6'10 Junior Power Forward, Arizona Wildcats) 13.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.5 BLKS

National Coach of the Year: - Tubby Smith, Kentucky Wildcats, 27-8, National Champions.

MEAC Player of the Year: - Dante Cunningham (Senior Power Forward, Howard Bison) 6.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 APG

MEAC Freshman of the Year: - Kendaris Willis (Freshman Power Forward, Morgan State Bears) 7.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.6 BLKS

MEAC Coach of the Year: - Tommy Meeking, Morgan State Bears, 20-12, 2nd in the Regular Season and Conference Tournament Final.

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that several Mid Major teams have been in contact with Coach Meeking about his services for next year. Eastern Michigan, Detroit and Utah State are among the interested parties but Coach is said to be keen to see his first recruiting class graduate and is excited by the prospect of 4* Byron Adesi who looks very likely to commit to Morgan State.

Morgan State fans are demanding to know more about the sitaution.

ukdukefan

July 16th, 2007, 02:22 AM

This is Just a post to note some of the awards for my players in past years.

Season 2006/07 -Team Leaders

Karinvar Aujla 7.2PPG
Tim Berkley 2.4rbs
Tim Berkley 0.1 blocks
Jerrell Green 1.3 assists

Other Awards

Ronald Timus - 1st Team All MEAC
Karinvar Aujla - Best NCAA 3 Point Percentage

Season 2007/08 - Team Leaders

Karinvar Aujla 8.2 PPG
Boubacar Coly 3.8 Rbs
Kim Domercant 0.2 blks
Jerrell Green 1.6 APG

Other Awards

Ramon Radakovich - 1st Team All MeAC
Karinvar Aujla - 2nd Team All MEAC
Kim Domercant - 2nd Team All MEAC
Ramon Radakovich - Freshman All MEAC

Season 2008/09 - Team Leaders

Ramon Radakovich 7.2 PPG
Ramon Radakovich 4.7rbs
Boubacar Coly 0.6 blks
Nigel Munson 2.1 Assists

Other Awards

Ramon Radakovich - 1st Team All MEAC
Anthony Felton - Freshman All MEAC
Vili Carpenter - Freshman All MEAC
Norman Hoskin - Freshman All MEAC
Vili Carpenter - MEAC Freshman of the Year

Season 2009/10 - Team Leaders

Kendaris Willis 7.6 PPG
Kendaris Willis 4.5 RPG
Kendaris Willis 0.6 BLKS
Nigel Munson 3.8 APG

Other Awards

Ramon Radakovich - 2nd Team All MEAC
Kendaris Willis - Freshman All MEAC
Kendaris Willis - MEAC Freshman of the Year

ukdukefan

July 16th, 2007, 03:20 AM

A Press Conference has been called at Hill Field House, Baltimore, Maryland. Coach Meeking steps to the podium to address the fans.

"I thought it only fair for me to address the fans of this school personally to let everyone know what is going on regarding my future at this program."

It is true that I have received several offers from Mid Major Schools for next season and that I am considering these options.

Yesterday I flew to Eastern Michigan for a meeting with their athletic director which went well. Immediatly after this press conference I am travelling to Detroit to meet with the Titans Athletic Director, then the following day I will be visiting the facilities of the Utah State Aggies.

I will round off my week by meeting with the Morgan State Athletic director to discuss what direction we see this program going in. Based on these meetings I will decide what is best for my future and announce a decision.

I want everyone involved at Morgan State to know that this does not mean I have decided to leave, just that I owe it to myself and family to properly consider my options and where best I can achieve my goals.

I will try to reach my decision as quickly as possible in order to minimise the impact on all the parties involved.

Thank You and good evening."

CincyFan

July 16th, 2007, 07:04 AM

Hey Cincy fan, don't worry about the accent thing, everyone takes the pi$$ out of everyone else's accent don't they? And rest assured, we have as many jokes about you yanks as you have about us!! haha - its all in the name of good fun though hey?

Anyway, enough about that I reckon, back to business what dyer think!!?

I never even though that I may get an at large bid to be fair. I just assumed that defeat in the tourney meant I was out of the NCAA's (and to be fair I was right, No NCAA Tournament for the Bears this year!!)

Anyway, here's how the NCAA Tourny played out.

Wait how did the NIT good. I never done it since every year i pretty much won my conference tournament or just made it on the sheer record i had. I don't think or missed reading over about the NIT though.

Anyways why does everyone call us yanks. Its not like we are actually yanks in the first place. We are just the outsiders from all the european countries. Hell we were even the losers and the people who didn't want. Just for that I am not going to sign anyone from England. Its not like you guys play basketball since you are all into cricket and riding horses. I will give you soccer though since that is a sweet sport. Thats probably why i never see anyone in the game from England. I am just kidding with you.

I personally think you will stay since i don't really see any of those schools standing out, but all -in-all good luck and make a decision soon since you can cut out this suspense. Its Killing Me.

skarface2k1

July 16th, 2007, 07:16 AM

i hope you stay and at least get one NCAA win before leaving your morgan program.Whatever good luck with whatever you decided.

skarface2k1

July 16th, 2007, 07:17 AM

good luck with your decision.I hope you saty for at least one more year.That way you can at least get one NCAA win at Morgan.

vols21

July 16th, 2007, 07:37 AM

Funny Cincy Fan --- but on the other hand, I may sign my first world recruit since the first year at WIU (when we got Ali). His name is Moran and he's a sharpshooter from England. If Coach Dean and the Dukies are after him then you know he must be good!! Especially since I don't usually bother with the world recruits at all.

and Coach Meeking, I'll agree with the others that you should stay one more year. As I stated before, you have a great team coming back next year - one that should help you get a couple wins in the NCAA and maybe get to the Sweet 16 or beyond. That will open some doors at better schools for you -- and more importantly you'll have another year's experience under your belt which will help you once you get there. Leave Morgan State as a winner. But if you decide to bolt, we all wish you the best of luck.
Coach Dean,
Duke

CincyFan

July 16th, 2007, 09:37 AM

and if you do leave it should be for another small school. Who wants to go to a mid-major anways. Look we all did and we all regret it.

ukdukefan

July 17th, 2007, 01:57 AM

Hey guys, thanks for all the input, much appreciated, here goes;

Decision Time in Baltimore

Reporter "Good evening Bears fans, i'm here at Hill Field House, where any minute now Coach Meeking is expected out on that podium to announce his decision in regards to where he will be coaching next year. In fact,here he comes now, lets go straight over and here what he has to say."

Coach "Good evening folks, thanks for coming down here tonight. As you all know i've been to visit three mid major schools, Utah State, Detroit and Eastern Michigan, regarding my services for next year. I also met with the Athetic Director here at Morgan State."

"Firstly i'd like to say that I was impressed with all the schools I visited. They all made me feel very welcome and each school has potential in its own way. The most important meeting I had was the one with our AD here at Morgan State."

"His ambitions are clearly the same as mine, to turn this school into a basketball powerhouse. What became apparent during my meeting however, was that due to constraints out of his control my recruiting budget would not be significantly increased in the next few years making it difficult to sign the talent needed to achieve this goal."

"It is with this in mind, and a very heavy heart that i announce my decision......to sign a 2 year contract with the Detroit Titans."

"Detroit are a Mid Major school located in a hot bed for talent and the potential for this school to grow with the large recruiting budget avaiable is immense. I look forward to competing with the likes of Michigan and Michigan State for the top prospects in this region."

"To Morgan State fans i say i am eternally greatful for the chance to coach at this great school. I have enjoyed my time here, and believe that 2 MEAC Regular Season titles and 2 conference championships is a legacy that will long be remembered at this school. I believe that I have left this school in a better state than it was in on my arrival and hopefully it will progress under the new coach."

"I have discussed with Detroit the possibility of returning here for a game next year so that I can see my Seniors in action and they have agreed. All thats left is for me to say all the best in the future to this program and I hope our paths will cross on many occasions somewhere down the line."

As coach meeking leaves the stage, he is greeted by a standing ovation from what look like very disappointed but proud Morgan State fans.

CincyFan

July 17th, 2007, 03:16 AM

BOOO!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!!!

lol just kidding. really thought u would stay another year. Hopefully you can put together a season like you did at Morgan State cause it might be a little harder now at a mid major like Detroit. best of luck though.

ukdukefan

July 17th, 2007, 05:32 AM

I understand the boo's man, i feel the pain - believe me. It was so hard to walk away from that team, particularly as I now know Byron Adesi signed with them. That would have been some team in the MEAC. Then I thought what if I play all year just to face another Howard who doesn't miss and we miss out on the NCAA's again. I looked at Detroits budget and the potential players they could sign and thought, this first year may be a right off but i need to get in there and start to build a team for 2 or 3 years time.

Also, they had 1 scholy left which allowed me to bring in a player of my own and I managed to sign 4* SF Donald Carlson. They had already got 4 3* players to commit before I arrived..

Anyway, Get to Know my new team

The Detroit Titans Roster 2010/11

Overall Year From Talents
C. J.D.Clemons 71 Jnr Farmington Hills, MI Close Scoring, Rebounding
PF Jamel Shields 72 Snr Dearborn, MI Post Scoring, Rebounding
SF E.F.Byfield 73 Snr Detroit, MI Close & Mid Range Game
SG. Atila Fullove 71 Jnr Detroit, MI Close & Mid Range Game
PG. Seamus Burleson 63 Fre Detroit, MI Good Handler & Defender

Bench

SF. Donald Carlson 70 Fre Detroit, MI Good Scorer and Defender
PF. Andy Jeffries 66 Jnr Detroit, MI Rebounder
SF. Jake Payton 65 Sop Detroit, MI Mid Range Game, Solid Rebounder
C. R.J. Cantrell 65 Fre Detroit, MI Low Post, Rebounder and Blocking
SG. Jerod Paulding 64 Fre Detroit, MI Attacking Hoop, Defending
C. Dwayne Seymour 62 Sop Detroit, MI Low Post, Rebounder
PG. Courtland Frandsen 58 Snr Deaborn, MI Defender.

skarface2k1

July 17th, 2007, 06:35 AM

vols21

July 17th, 2007, 04:25 PM

Detroit is not a bad place to go. It's still a program that you can help build and mold in your own image. Although you might get a chance to jump again in a couple years, try to resist. ;-)

CincyFan

July 17th, 2007, 08:17 PM

UKDuke, umm to your question in vols legacy on using some sim features yes i do, but not any of yours. Well not yet at least. I have messed with my sliders a lot so its more of a realistic game. Haven't done anything like the turnover thing (since i did mess with the sliders a lot of that), but i never really have a team that stole a lot so i never had a problem with that.

For recruiting starting this year i cap it at two ***** (five, not a bad word) star players for every year. With my team being so good as it is right now, its getting a little unrealistic for my team. Xavier is my favorite team and i really don't want to leave them...especially after winning my first national championship last year. I do however have some sim rules when it comes to conference tournament (i mostly always sim unless i play against Dayton or another team that gives me trouble or upsetted me in season). As for the NCAA tournament i usually sim all the way through, but since this year i might just play every game. Other than that my "simming" games is pretty similar to yours (although the most i sim is only three times), but still try to keep everything realistic.

Tournaments are most realistic since i never had a #1 seed lose in the first two rounds (actually i think #1 seed lost in the second round once in nine years), but other than that mostly its been one of the best six overall teams in the country winning it every year. and if you been following my legacy Dayton was a power house for a couple of years since they won it twice, followed by me last year and right now it looks like i am the team to beat this year.

But as for actually game play i don't have any rules, since all my sliders are set so i don't have to make any rules.

ukdukefan

July 18th, 2007, 03:41 AM

Detroit is not a bad place to go. It's still a program that you can help build and mold in your own image. Although you might get a chance to jump again in a couple years, try to resist. ;-)

Detroits Ok, plenty of recruits, nice gym, the roster is pretty much the same as Morgan State, but not as deep, I will have to have an 8 man rotation going this year i think. Plenty of interested 4* prospects and even some 5* prospects could be tempted, thats what tempted me to the job.

I see Detroit more as a building platform for my career, and then when the right Power team comes along, I become a national championship contender. A Duke, Marquette or Syracuse would probably be my ideal locations.

I think you will feel bad about your choosebut congrads anyway.I wish you well at Detroit.

i do feel bad about leaving, any team that you've built over four years would be painful to leave, but I had to look at the potential upside in Detroit which is quite high. Just the job that could propel me to a power school somewhere down the road.

ukdukefan

July 18th, 2007, 03:50 AM

Season 2010/11 Preview

Top 5 Recruiting Classes

1. Duke Blue Devils
2. Illinois Fighting Illini
3. Texas Longhorns
4. USC Trojans
5. Mississippi State Bulldogs

Top 5 Classes from the Horizon league

1. Detroit Titans 52nd Overall
2. Wright State Raiders 88th Overall
3. Illinois Chicago Flames 143rd Overall
4. Wisconsin Green Bay Phoenix 163rd Overall
5. Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers 167th Overall

The previous coach had done me proud, landing the number 1 recruiting class in conference, although I did land 1 four star myself which may have had something to do with it.

We were rated the 5th best team (of 9) in the Horizon league, but ratings were very close so should make for an interesting season. We have a realistic chance of being conference champions.

As for next season, here are my top targets: -

4* Power Forward Elmore Eldridge from Elgin, Il. B+ Scoring and shooting, has good potential.
5* Shooting Guard Stevin Dupree from Philly, A+ shooting but only average potential (that does minimise the risk of an early leave)
5* Point Guard C.J.Eppenhiemer from Waukesha, WI, He is Quick, a good Handler and has Good Potential.
4* Point Gurad Grant Konare from Pittsburgh PA, He is an exciting offensive Player.
4* SG Ira Singleton from Senegal, good all round but will need scouting more.
4* Power Forward Armond Wright from Auburn, Al, Good, solid, all round player.

There are also another 7 four star prospects and 2 five star prospects on my target list, so we will look at our top targets then fall back on any lower targets that have maybe gone under the radar.

Primarily we need a Power Forward, Shooting Guard and Point Guard. I cut one of last years players so a fourth scholy is available.

ukdukefan

July 18th, 2007, 03:53 AM

The Season Gets Under Way

The season started at home against the Drexel Dragons. Byfield established himself as a leader and a scorer putting on 16 points on 5 of 5 shooting. Jamel Sheilds scored 8 and grabbed 6 boards and Clemons had 7 & 3 boards as we narrowly squeezed past the Dragons 45-43 to go 1-0.

Then we had three games in three days. First we beat Northern Illinios away 52-50 with 11 from Byfield, Clemons had 9 & 4rbs and 4* Freshman Carlson got going with 6 & 5rbs.

Then we were involved in a poor quality, low scoring game at home against Evansville. Fullove was our top scorer with 9 and Power Forward Jeffries who doesn't get many minutes scored 8. No one else had above 5, luckily for us they were equally as poor and we dragged out the win to go 3-0.

Next up was #9 Duke, at home, who had gone 4-0 so far. We were straight out of the blocks like a team on a mission, Fullove and Clemons scoring early. They were off form, and kind of like last years MEAC final, I couldn't miss!!

Everything was dropping and Freshman Carlson was lighting it up. He ended with 13 points on 6 of 7 shooting. Fullove had 10 & 2rbs and these were backed up by solid games from Shields (6 & 6rbs), Clemons (6 & 5rbs) and Byfield 6. Duke were poor, and like me in last years MEAC final they never got going and we cruised to victory 43-35 to go 4-0.

We are up to 2nd in the Mid Major Polls from 20 at the start (Top 5 Niagra, Detroit, Missouri State, North Texas, Northeastern)

I'd hoped for a good start, fearing that a bad start would make me regret my decision to leave Morgan State, but the 4-0 start and Win against #9 Duke makes me think the move was right. Also, my 2nd career win against Duke can only impress their Athletic Director for when Coach K hangs up his coaching boots!!

CincyFan

July 18th, 2007, 09:45 AM

For the love of God don't go to Duke. I know its your school and all of that, but if you followed everyone else's legacies a lot of people don't like playing this game once they get to a power school. If you do go to Duke you should cap your self to only 5 five players every year (i have 5 recruits and i think i am only going after one instead of two five stars) Even with Xavier it is getting easy and thats my favorite school since i grew up like 15 minutes away from it. Whatever you do best of luck, but if you need any advice on if you should leave to a power conference you should ask some of the other people on here first.

congrats on the 4-0 record though

ukdukefan

July 19th, 2007, 04:58 AM

I see what you are saying about the power teams, i think theres too many high quality players in the game and I think at a power team the game may get too easy.

There just seems far too many 5* and 4* prospects. Realistically there are only about 25 5* players, thats about 5 for each position. There seems to be about 10 or 15 in each position in the game. At detroit i've got a decent chance of landing maybe 1 or 2 5* prospets, thats not very realistic in my first year (I may not get them yet though!!)

Also, I dont feel like the game has got the balance between the great teams and the not so great teams right. When i'm playing against a top 25 team, it doesn't feel that much harder than playing against a team ranked 150th if you know what I mean.

Still, i freakin love the game anyway, its clearly the best basketball game out there

ukdukefan

July 19th, 2007, 05:00 AM

If you do go to Duke you should cap your self to only 5 five players every year

Good idea, i'll probably do that, you know how I like to have rules to increase realism!!

ukdukefan

July 19th, 2007, 05:04 AM

The Return to Baltimore Maryland to Face Morgan State

We continued our success with a heavy pounding of Georgia State, winning away 55-40. Atila Fullove had a mamoth 24 points 3 rebounds and 3 assists on 9 of 10 shooting, including 6 of 6 from 3 point range. He was backed up solidly by Shields with 10 & 3rebounds on 5 of 7 shooting. Burleson had 7 and Carlson netted 6.

Then the game we've all been waiting for, Morgan State at Hill Filed House. My first return since leaving them. I got a warm reception but once the game started, I got abused by the fans. It didn't matter to my team though, we didn't wan't to lose and we were lightning to start with. They came back pretty well, but went Ice cold in the 2nd half as we went on a 12-2 run to blow them away. The final score Detriot 49-34 Morgan State. Shields had a double double with 14 & 10 rebounds on 7 of 9 shooting. Carlson had a solid 10 and Fullove had 9.

They were disappointing, Senior Domercant lead the way with 10 & 6 rebounds on 5 of 7 dhooting. Adasi showed glimpses of his 4* Freshman talent with 8 points and Radakovich had 6pts, 7rbs and 3blks. Last years MEAC freshman of the year Kendaris Willis didn't even show up, we completely shut him down.

The Morgan State faithful weren't happy at the end of this one. (They've gone 1-4 to start season, but lost to us, #11 Boston College, #17 (and defending champs) Kentucky and highly rated Nebraska.)

We followed that win up by destroying Illinios Chicago away, in the first Horizon league game, winning 42-24. Byfield scored 9, Shields had 8, Burleson 7 and Clemons 6 in an all round performance.

What a start to the season, 7-0! My best start yet. Next up we have highly rated Nebraska and ranked Ohio State (Can't remember what number they are)

Team Leaders

Points Per Game
Fullove 9.6 (3rd in Horizon), Shields 8.0, Carlson 7.0, Byfield 6.9

Rebounds Per Game
Shields 5.6 (4th in Horizon), Cantrell 4.5, Clemons 4.0

Assists Per Game
Burleson 3.6

Steals Per Game
Cantrell 1.5

Blocks Per Game
Byfield 1.3

ukdukefan

July 19th, 2007, 06:43 AM

Tough Road Schedule

First defeat of the season comes at highly rated Nebraska, we lose 37-26 with 7 from Fullove, Clemons got 7 & 4 boards and Byfield had a solid 6 points and 5 boards. The first defeat of the year left us 7-1.

We followed our first defeat with a trip to Ohio to play the #23 Buckeyes of Ohio State. Not the ideal opponent after your first loss and the game was true to form as the Buckeyes ran out winners 48-35. Clemons put up a sterling performance with 10 points & 7 boards, Fullove had 7 and Byfield had 6 & 4 rebounds. The disappointment was Jamel Shields who had 0 points on the night. We move to 7-2.

We continued our trip to ohio with a game against Miami (Ohio). The outlook was more favourable for us and we came out 47-30 winners, Fullove getting 12 & 6 rebounds, Shields got over his funk with 12 & 2boards and Clemons continued his good form with 9 & 5 rebounds as we went to 8-2.

Just a note that after defeat to us, and a couple of other clangers, Duke has dropped out of top 25 for the first time in my whole legacy.

vols21

July 19th, 2007, 05:17 PM

great start to the season with your new team. Couple couple of road losses, but they make for good learning experiences for your team and they'll be better prepared now when tournament time rolls around.

vols21

July 19th, 2007, 05:24 PM

, Duke has dropped out of top 25 for the first time in my whole legacy.

that's the thing about going to an "elite program" - many of them have fallen on rough times and still need to be built back up.

as far as limiting the #of 5* players, I think that is a good trick.
In the NCAA football games, you could stock your team with 5stars which is not realistic. I always felt they should limit the # of 5* players to the status of the program - could sign one or two for each star of your program (elite 6 star school can sign up to 6, or maybe 12 which is half the # you can get each year; and on down to a 1 star program could sign 1-2). Use a similiar formula here. I had more fun at TCU with 3 star Hubbard and the addition of a Desilos and Bridgewater in the next couple years.

I enjoy coaching at Duke and don't regret that move. It has to be done to "punch that ticket". But I eventually see me working my way back down for the "fun factor" of building a program and teaching them to win.,

ukdukefan

July 20th, 2007, 02:22 AM

I enjoy coaching at Duke and don't regret that move. It has to be done to "punch that ticket". But I eventually see me working my way back down for the "fun factor" of building a program and teaching them to win

I see what your saying, and I think i will follow a similar path. I see myself turning detroit into a sweet 16, Elite 8 type program that maybe can't quite make the leap to the final four, then moving onto an elite program to compete with the big boys. (i'd like a big program that has taken a fall, so I can build it back up - Texas would be a good one at the moment, they are only overall an 81 at the moment, thats the same as my Morgan State team would have been this year. I'd like a chance to take them back to the pinnacle of college ball.)

If I can win 1,2 maybe 3 Nationals with this team i then see myself dropping back to the lowly of lows, maybe back to Morgan State for the long haul, to try and gradually build them up over 8 or 9 seasons into a team that can compete for the national title.

They are my Career goals anyway (But hopefully by that time i'll have purchased my PS3 and college hoops 2k8 will be out, because man i needed the NIT in the first few years. Plus I want to do loads of dunks in the warm up sequence, thats a mint little feature!!)

ukdukefan

July 20th, 2007, 02:29 AM

The Hawain Island Classic

Continued success for the Titans as we pick up an expected win, 57-45 at home against South Dakota State. Shields continues to impress after the Ohio State funk with 14 & 6 rebounds and is providing great senior leadership. Fullove showed his worth with 14 & 3 boards and Byfield had 12.

Next up for us was the Hawain Island Classic, a chance to win a Non Conference Tournament. We were involved in an immense game with Southern Utah.

They started well with the first basket, but we went on a 10-2 run in the next 3 minutes to lead at 10-4. We never let the lead slip again until 1:30 remaining in the second half when they went 2 points up. Back down the other end Carlson hit a clutch 3 with 20 seconds remaining to put us 1 up, but they replied with a turn around post jumper to restore their lead to 1 with 6 seconds left.

Byfield took the ball of the inbound and got into the lane, but his close range jumper clanked of the iron and the clock expired to hand us a bitter defeat. This really was snatching a defeat from the jaws of victory. It left me sick.

The final score was 42-41, Carlson top scored with 16 & 3 rebounds, the freshman is looking very impressive. Byfield had 7 & 5 rebounds, Clemons 7 & 3 boards, Shields 8rbs but only 3 points on 1 of 9 shooting. We seem to struggle when Shields doesn't perform, even if other people play well.

In the other games, Portland beat Utah State, Texas bt TCU and Temple bt Houston (Darn it, I was hoping for a Detroit v TCU final!!) In the semies, Texas beat Portland and Temple beat Southern Utah, setting up the final where Texas beat Temple.

We recovered from that bitter defeat to beat Wright State in a scrappy conference game 35-23. Byfield had 7 & 7 rebounds, Shields had 7 & 6 rebounds and Carlson had 7. That leaves us at 10-3, 2-0 in the Horizon league.

National Top 5: -
1. Georgetown 13-0
2. Oregan 14-1
3. Florida 11-3
4. Michigan 12-1
5. Oklahoma 13-1

Mid Major Poll: -
1. Pepperdine 11-4
2. Loyola Illinios 12-2
3. UC Irvine 8-3
4. San Francisco 11-4
5. Niagra 9-3
[11. Detroit 10-3]

vols21

July 20th, 2007, 07:41 AM

TCU vs Detroit would have been a sweet finals game.

I see the dreaded Niagra team is a highly ranked mid-major in your legacy too - I miss that fun rivalry.

ukdukefan

July 22nd, 2007, 05:54 AM

We got fully into the swing of conference play with a tough confrontation away against Butler. It was a close one, but we had enough down the stretch to pull out the win 51-47. Fullove & Carlson top scored with 12, Carlson's 12 was on 5 of 6 shooting, Byfield had 6 & 3 rebounds and Clemons had 5 & 5 rebounds.

We followed that up with a comfortable 'W' @ Youngstown State. Winning 43-23, Jeffries had 10 on 5 of 5 shooting, Burleson had 9 points, Clemons had 8 & 4 rebounds and Byfield had a solid 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in a good all round performance. It was good to see some role players step up today and take on the responsibility. Jeffries is improving and could earn some more minutes for the rest of the season.

Horizon League Top 5

1. Detriot 4-0
2. UW Green Bay 4-0
3. Loyolla Il 3-1
4. Cleveland State 2-2
5. Youngstown State 1-2

Team Leaders: -
Points Per Game - Fullove 8.7 (=1st in Horizon)
Rebounds Per Game - Shields 5.2 (3rd in Horizon)
Assists Per Game - Burleson 2.6 (7th in Horizon)
Steals Per Game - Byfield 1.2 (6th in Horizon)
Blocks Per Game - Byfield 1.3 (3rd in Horizon)

ukdukefan

July 23rd, 2007, 11:00 AM

We continued winning, although form was not great against Wisconsin Green Bay, picking up the 'W' 25-19 in a scrappy game. We shot 32% from the floor and they shot 28% (including a dismal 7% 2nd half FG%) in what was a poor game for the watching fans. Byfield top scored with 6 & 4 boards, Clemons had 4 & 8 boards.

We picked up our performance against Wisconsin Milwaukee, winning 45-39, Shields with 9 & 4 rebounds, Byfield had 8 & 8, Jeffries had 9 and Clemons 8.

Then the biggy, home to Loyolla Illinios who were 2nd. It was a tense game and we just missed out in a tight finish, losing 30-28. Burleson top scored with 7 & 5 rebounds, Shields had 6 & 3, Jeffries had 7. It was a disappointing defeat but we were 6-1 and top of the conference.

Horizon League Top 5

1. Detroit 6-1
2. Loyola Illinios 5-1
3. Wisconsin Green Bay 5-2
4. Wright State 3-3
5. Cleveland State 3-4

ukdukefan

July 23rd, 2007, 11:03 AM

We took out our frustrations on Cleveland State, hammering them 42-19. Shields powered down 14 & 10 boards for the double double, Fullove added 8 and Jeffries contributed 6. We shot 50% on 15 of 30. They struggled, shooting 7 of 29.

We then squeezed past 4th Placed Wright State with a narrow win, 41-40 away from home. We distributed the scoring with Carlson having 8 and Byfield, Shields & Jeffries all having 6. Shields hit winner with 3 seconds to spare on a hook shot in the lane. We led early, but they mounted a solid come back 2nd half and we just held them off. They shot 29% in the first half, and improved to 76% in the 2nd but it wasn't enough.

We then outplayed Wisconsin Green Bay, winning 48-38. Clemons was on form, scoring 17 on 6 of 7 shooting, Byfield added 7 & 6 boards and Fullove had an all round game, Scoring 6, Grabbing 7 boards and adding 3 assists. We move to 9-1 in conference.

Morgan State Update: -

They've gone 5-4 in the MEAC and are 7th and look to be struggling. Looks like they are suffering from depression at losing Coach Meeking!!

National Top 5

1. Oregan 19-3
2. Kansas 16-5
3. Oklahoma 17-3
4. Conneticut 19-4
5. Florida 15-5

Mid Major Top 5

1. Loyola Illinois 20-3
2. Murray State 15-4
3. UC Irvine 13-4
4. Detroit 17-4
5. Pepperdine 15-7

ukdukefan

July 24th, 2007, 03:19 PM

We continued our good form, scrapping past Butler 41-40, Shields leading with 11 & 7 rebounds, Fullove had 9, and Clemons had 7.

We then pulled out a win with our major players not performing against Youngstown. Fullove, our leading scorer had 10, but it was unusually Cantrell backing him up with 10 & 6 rebounds on 5 of 6 shooting. Carlson also had 6 as we moved to 11-1.

At the end of the week, Loyola Illinios had moved into the top 25, at #23.

Horizon League Top 5

1. Detroit 11-1
2. Loyola Illinios 10-2
3. Wright State 6-5
4. Wisconsin Green Bay 6-7
5. Illinios Chicago 5-6

ukdukefan

July 24th, 2007, 03:30 PM

We entered the season stretch with a tough fought win against Illinios Chicago, Winning in OT 57-55. Shields dominated inside with 16 & 9 boards, Carlson hit 13 including the game winner, Clemons had 10 and Byfield 8.

Then, the one i'd been waiting for. A chance at revenge against Loyola Illinios, the only team to beat us in conference. They had just been ranked and i felt that a win could see us in the top 25 for the first time in my career.

It didn't start well, and didn't continue very well. They were in a groove and never slipped out of it shooting 60% for the game compared to our 34%. No one had double figures, Carlson top scored with 9 as once again we lost when Shields didn't perform. The final score 56-37 as our chance to be ranked slipped away.

We took out revenge on our last two opponents, winning 54-42 @ Wisconsin Milwaukee and winning 41-34 against Cleveland State to wrap up the Horizon League Championship.

Final Horizon League Standings: -

1. Detroit
2. Loyola Illinios
3. Cleveland State
4. Wright State
5. Wisconsin Green Bay
6. Butler
7. Illinios Chicago
8. Youngstown State
9. Wisconsin Milwaukee

End of Season Polls

NATIONAL TOP 5

1. Oregan
2. Connecticut
3. Arizona
4. UCLA
5. Kansas

Mid Major Poll

1. Detroit
2. Loyola Illinios
3. Tennessee State
4. Pepperdine
5. Manhatten

ukdukefan

July 24th, 2007, 03:38 PM

Horizon Tounement 2011, Calihan Hall, Rounds One and Two

Wisconsin Milwaukee's win over Illinios Chicago in round 1 set up a tie against us. We started badly and Lawson, their Senior Centre was having all his own way. We gritted out a few tough moments early, and when Lawson got into foul trouble we clawed our way back into the match, eventually taking the lead with 4 minutes to spare and hanging on for the win.

Final Score
Detroit 49 (Shields 12 & 9 rebounds on 6 of 6 shooting, Carlson 12 on 4 of 6 shooting, Byfield 7 & 5 rebounds)
Wisconsin Milwaukee 39 (Lawson Sr C 11 & 4 rebounds, Mack (Jr SG) 10 & 3 rebounds, Fields Sr SG had 9)

Round One Round Two Semi Finals Final

(7) Illinois Chicago 37 (1) Detroit 46
(9) Wisconsin Milwaukee 39 (9) Wisonsin Milwaukee 39

(3) Cleveland State 45 (1) Detroit
(5) Wisconsin Green Bay 30 (3) Cleveland State

(2) Loyola Illinios 35 (8) Youngstown
(8) Younstown 44 (6) Butler

(4) Wright State 32
(6) Butler 48

That sets up a meeting with Cleveland State, although My Dream final, a chance at revenge against Loyola Illinios, is down the pan, as they lost to Youngstown

vols21

July 25th, 2007, 03:26 PM

with the season you've had, Detroit could be a bubble team for the NCAA (check your RPI rating, that would give you an idea). But to be safe, I hope you win the conference tourney and remove all doubts.

MDunknown

August 3rd, 2007, 04:13 PM

Man, I can't wait till I get my laptop!! Then, I'll puttin' my legacies up there with you guys. Keep up the good work, everybody!!!

ukdukefan

August 24th, 2007, 03:49 AM

Sorry I've not posted for a while guys, lots has been happening.

I've been on holiday for three weeks, one week in Italy and two weeks in tenerife, man that sun was hot!! Before then I finished my previous season and got half way through another. Since then I ordered my PS3 and college hoops and finished the next season while i waited for it.

The PS3 has arrived so what I have done is started an open legacy with Detroit and copied all my current roster and player stats over to the PS3 along with my coach stats etc. I have started the new season as a continuation of my legacy, and i'll post a brief description of what happened in the two previous years now.....

ukdukefan

August 24th, 2007, 04:03 AM

Continuing from the last season, we lost to Cleveland State in the conference semies as they shot 65% for the game, but got into the NCAA tournament as a #9 Seed and got drawn against Indiana.

All the 8 seeds were similar ability to me, except Indiana who were 90 overall, they pummeled me to another 1st Round Exit, losing by 15. (There 90 overall rating was only 1 worse than the eventual champions Kansas State)

NCAA CHAMPIONS

2007: - Oregan Ducks
2008: - Texas A&M Aggies
2009: - USC Trojans
2010: - Kentucky Wildcats
2011: - Kansas State Wildcats

In terms of recruiting, we had a great year. Our signings were Leo Caporn, a 5* Power Forward (My first 5* Player), Steffan Boggan (a 4* Junior College Point Guard) and Amadou Bullock (a 4* SG with very good potential.)

ukdukefan

August 24th, 2007, 04:28 AM

We had a decent non conference schedule, Caporn was establishing himself as a dominant Power Forward and Carlson as a sophmore was piling on the points. Bullock had a great stroke from mid and long range. We dominated the conference, winning the regular season and then easing through the conference tournament to claim my first Horizon league Championship.

We got the number 7 Seed in the tournament and the hoodoo was finally broken when I picked up my first ever tournament win, beating Providence. In the 2nd Round we drew Indiana again, a rematch of last year. It was closer this year in terms of rating, they were better but only by about 3 or 4. It didn't matter though, we battled hard but didn't perform well and they showed there experience and won by 5. Out to Indiana Two years running, man I hate them with such a passion now!!

UCLA went on to win the 2012 tournament.

NCAA CHAMPIONS

2007: - Oregan Ducks
2008: - Texas A&M Aggies
2009: - USC Trojans
2010: - Kentucky Wildcats
2011: - Kansas State Wildcats
2012: - UCLA Bruins

In terms of recruiting we had another good year, signings were 5* PF Ontario Swanson, 4* Power Forward Jamall Hanavan (these 2, along with Caporn will rotate the PF & C positions) and finally 4* Point Guard Colin Ewing.

Here is the roster for 2012/13 season, my first season on the PS3

Starting Lineup

Pos Name Year Overall Height Skills
C RJ Cantrell Jnr 73 7'1 Rebounding and Close Scoring.
PF Leo Caporn Sop 78 6'10 Close scoring, rebounding and blocking.
SF Donald Carlson Jnr 77 6'10 Big Small forward, can shoot otside and score inside, good length.
SG Amadou Bullock Sop 81 6'5 Lights out shooter from mid and long range.
PG Steffan Boggan Snr 75 6'2 Good long range shooter and distributor.

Bench

PF Ontario Swanson Fre 73 6'11 Close scorer and rebounder
PG Colin Ewing Fre 69 6'2 Good Handler and Defender
SG Gerrod Paulding Jnr 68 6'5 Defender and slasher
PF Jamal Hanavan Fre 69 6'8 Close scorer and rebonding
SF Jake Payton Snr 69 6'8 Defender
PG Seamus Burleson Jnr 72 6'1 Good handler and passer
C Dwayne Seymour Snr 64 6'10 Rebounder

In terms of recruiting, we wrapped up the signing of 4* Small Forward Seth Lemons from Westland Michigan in the pre season recruiting period. He is the 97th ranked player overall who is A for Offense, A- for Shooting and B for rebounding with a potential of B-. Hopefully he will develop covering for Carlson in his freshman year and then start his sophmore year.

We scratched around for a Centre and struggled to nurture any interest, we do look favourite for 3* C Solomon Bazin from Virginia Beach who looks to be a solid rebounder and defensive player and hopefully can be a solid role player. We are also looking to recruit a shooting guard.

ukdukefan

August 24th, 2007, 04:44 AM

We have gone 17-5 so far this season, with wins over Marquette and number 2 Kansas (and Morgan State!!) and very close loses to #7 Ohio State and Xavier.

We have just got into the top 25 for the first time in my career, coming in at 17 and then moving up to 10 after beating Butler.

Carlson leads us with 13.6 PPG and is 7th in the Horizon league. Bullock and Caporn both average 11.7.

We currently top the Horizon League at 7-2, with Youngstown State 7-2, Butler 5-2 and Illinios Chicago 5-4.

The NCAA top 5 are #1 Syracuse, #2 Kansas, #3 Wisconsin, #4 Alabama and #5 LSU.

Thats me up to date, I will get back to posting like I did befor from now....

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 02:14 AM

Ok, so i didn't get back to posting like I did before, but man I am too obsessed with playing this game, it is so much sweeter on the PS3. Its ultra realistic with only a couple of minor bugs. All those people who whinge about this game must be insane!! Either that or its just not as good on the Xbox 360 or something, i don't know obviously cause I don't have one!!

Anyway, is anyone still reading these legacies? If so, i will get up to date then follow these principles. I'll do a Pre Season recruiting review, a Non confernece schedule review, a reg season review then get down to detailed match reports for the nitty gritty of the conference tournaments and NCAA/NIT (yeas, the NIT on PS3 woo hoo!!).

I will get up to datet then if people aren't reading i won't bother posting, but if they are i'll continue to post.

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 02:25 AM

We finished the season strong and topped the Horizon League. With the number one seed and home advantage in the tournament we romped home and won the Horizon Tournament easily for the 2nd Straight year, winning by at least 15 in each game and beating Butler in the final.

That gave us a #3 seed in the big dance and an opening round game against the Cambell Fighting Camels from the Atlantic Sun conference. After a shaky start, we gathered ourselves and then blew them out, winning by 20 to get to the 2nd Round for only the 2nd Time in my career and the 2nd Year Running.

In the 2nd Round we drew #6 LSU. They were rated overall better than us, but only by 3 (We were an 82, they were an 85) We started well and built up a 12 point lead and dreams of my first Sweet 16 appearance were rampant in my mind. They pegged us back and we were only 6 up at the half. In the 2nd we came out stone cold and there SG could not miss. Within minutes we were 10 down, and although we battled back bravely we could never peg it back and they beat us by 12.

Sweet 16 dreams turned sour as the press said I don't have what it takes to win the big games. I said we were just outplayed by a better team on the night and that we would come back stronger next year with the experience and most of the roster returning.

The Final four were Florida, Kansas, Syracuse & my conquerers LSU. LSU got to the final and met Florida. I watched it on hoopcast, LSU led from the first basket until 1:43 left when Florida took over and took the title to become the 2013 National Champions.

NCAA CHAMPIONS

2007: - Oregan Ducks
2008: - Texas A&M Aggies
2009: - USC Trojans
2010: - Kentucky Wildcats
2011: - Kansas State Wildcats
2012: - UCLA Bruins
2012: - Florida Gators

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 02:35 AM

The big opening news of the summer was that, after my performances with Detroit, the Texas Tech Red Raiders had approached to sound out my thoughts on becoming their head coach. I gave it some thought, but declined, sighting my strong returning roster and a chance to go deep in the big dance. The real reason was that I do want a job in a power conference, but its got to be the right job, and Texas Tech just wasn't the right fit for me.

After turning them down I hit the recruiting trails, but this year wasn't to be as productive as the last two (a testiment to how much more realistic and difficult the game is on PS3.) We'd already landed 4* Seth Lemons, but I mainly wanted a 4* Centre. It wasn't to be, I had to settle for 3* Centre Soloman Bazin, although he is a solid rebounder who could be a role player. We also landed 3* SG Homer Garner, who is a decent shooter but will be a project, and on the last day we landed 4* SF Dor Skipworth, although he looks like a very bottom end 4* prospect.

My Roster for this year was solid.

Cantrell, the much improved Senior centre who is a rebounding beast, Caporn, the 5* PF in his Junior year. At Small Forward my favourite ever hoops 2K7 player, Donald Carlson in his senior year. At SG, Amadou Bullock, a high potential, high class 4* SG and 4* Sophmore Colin Ewing at PG. On the bench we have 5* PF Ontario Swanson, 4* Freshman Seth Lemons, 4* PF Jamal Hanavan and Senior Jerrod Paulding. It is a team that could go deep and is reflected in my first ever pre season ranking, coming in at 12 in the polls.

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 03:39 AM

The early season recruiting period went well, we didn't get any commits but of our top 8 targets, we are in the running at least for all of them. The main target is 5* Junir College Point Guard BB Gadson, needed to strengthen not only our weekest position, but our most undermanned position. He is extremely interested in us and Arizona, but only we have offered so far, fingers crossed it stays that way. Our other main target will be a centre, then a SG then a SF.

The Non conference schedule went extremely well. We are rated at 86 and have played several teams who are rated at around 81 to 84 and beat them all in close games. We beat Houston, Tennessee, got revenge against Indiana (My hated team as they knocked be out of the tourney two years running) and Boston College. We went through the non conference schedule undefeated, a feat that had us labelled (although slightly falsely i feel) as the number one team in the nation!! Thats another career first and is sure to have all power teams attention.

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 03:51 AM

Having entered the conference schedule undefeated, we had a good chance to go undefeated through the whole regular season as no team in the Horizon League can match our 86 rating. Butler are closest at 79 and Cleveland State at 78. We go thorugh 5 games undefeated but then lose a tough away game to Butler. The team is severly reprimanded. The undefeated season down the pan against my most hated in conference rivals. We regroup and win 5 more before losing to Cleveland State on a last second buzzer beater and end up 14-2 in conference and Regular Season conference Champions for the fourth straight year - utter domination.

Our two conference defeats see us at number #2 in the nation behind Arizona with Arkansas third. The conference tournament is eventful. We beat Wright State comfortably in round two, but then have a real scare against Chicago Illinios, we are 15 down at one point and playing poorly. We changed tactics to a permanent full court press and fast break at every opportunity and the pressure gets to much for them and we eventually win by 5.

Butler and Cleveland State had both fallen in the 2nd Round so that left us Wisconsin Green Bay in the final. It should have been a comfortable win but was anything but. We constantly went up by 5, only to be pegged back, and in the last 5 minutes they actually took the lead. Carlson and Bullock came up with the goods though, and with 1 minute to spare they had to resort to fouling and the Conference tournament title was ours for the third succesive year.

ukdukefan

September 14th, 2007, 04:01 AM

So the NCAA tournament was upon us again, and for the first time i would enter as a number 1 seed. We played the Jacksonville dolphins in round one. They were poor, and had been 12-17 in season and got in by winning their conference tournament. It was Men against boys as were anihilated them by 36 points to ease into Round Two. Who do we play?

The Gonzaga Bulldogs. We are 86 rated overall now, they are 87. We are the number 1 mid major team, they are the number two mid major team. They have the best individual player in Josh Heytfelt, but we go deeper onto the bench. We will try to double up on Heytfelt in the post and hope to cancel him out then hope the depth we have is enough to take us through.

Can I reach the Sweet sixteen for the first time? Can I shake off the press's claim that I can't win the big game? Or will i be destined to watch the Sweet Sixteen from the comfort of my living room once again? Rumour on the Coaching Carousel is that whoever wins (between me and Mark Few) will get the top job offer in the nation come season end (although, my in season record and domination of conference has alot of teams interested.) I will be playing this game tonight.

So thats where I'm up to, i'll post more in depth reviews of tourney games and stats etc, Go Titans!!

ukdukefan

September 15th, 2007, 03:51 AM

NCAA Tournament Round Two - #1 Detroit v #9 Gonzaga

So the big game was upon us, could we advance to the sweet 16 for the 1st time in my career. We won the tip and scored straight away, then both teams struggled under the tension to get going. By the time 6 minutes were down we were down 6, Carlson couldn't find the hoop and only Caporn's 4 of 4 shooting was keeping us close.

We took Carlson and Cantrell out and brought Lemons and Swanson in, an inspired substitutuion. Swanson grabbed four offensive boards and put them back for 2nd chance points, Lemons caught fire, scoring 6 points in 3 minutes, two deep jumpers and one reverse jam after faking his defender from deep. Carlson came back in and had his first points with 3 seconds left in the half We went in 30-28 up. We had managed to keep Heytfelt quiet. Both teams were shooting 46% at the break.

We stepped up our D in the second, full court pressing, and although they didn't turn it over they took some rushed shots because of our D. Bullock then blew the game open. He had no points in the first on 0 of 4 shooting, they made the fatal mistake of leaving him open. 4 three pointers in 6 possesions and one steal and dunk turned the game on its head as we opened a 12 point lead. They steadied the ship, but each basket was matched by our star man Caporn who outplayed Heytfelt on the day. We eased to the finish line, winning 70-52.

Final Score
Detroit Titans 70 (Caporn 20 & 6rbs, Bullock 15, Carlson 10, Cantrell 10 & 8rbs, Swanson 7 & 6rbs, Lemons 6)
Gonzaga Bulldogs 52 (Heyfelt 12 & 3rbs, Kuse 12)

Stats: - 2nd Half FG% Detroit 70%, Gonzaga 47%; Rebounds Detroit 26 Gonzaga 20; Turnovers Detroit 6 Gonzaga 9.

ukdukefan

September 15th, 2007, 04:02 AM

Post Match Press Conference: -

Media - So coach, your first sweet sixteen, how does it feel?

Coach - It feels great, good to get that monkey off my back. But i'm more happy for my players, they were great today.

Media - Does this dispell the rumour that you can't win the big game?

Coach - I don't believe its ever been true. I've won 6 regular season titles and 5 conference tournaments so thats always been rubbish to me. I don't believe we've ever lost a match in the tournament when we were favourites either. Indiana twice, LSU, all my oponents at Morgan State, they were favourites and we fought well.

Media - How far can you go?

Coach - Why not all the way? Theres some very good teams in this tournament, and we are one of them. You need a little luck but we've got alot of talent here. We'll just take it one game at a time though.

In other News, the Sweet 16 looks like this: -
Charlotte Regional
#1 Arizona v #13 Saint Marys & #7 New Mexico v #6 Fordham
Houston Regional
#1 Detroit v #5 Stanford & #2 UCLA v #3 Illinios
Detroit Regional
#1 Arkansas v #4 Duke & #2 Memphis v #3 Washington
Phoenix Regional
#1 Oregan v #4 Depaul & #2 Kansas v #3 Nevada

So its Stanford for us, rated 85 overall compared to our 87 so should be close. There main man is Robin Lopez at Centre, rated 86 overall and averaging 17.6 PPG. He is not the overall threat that Heytfelt was, but i think we''ll send a double team his way and make the rest beat us.

ukdukefan

September 16th, 2007, 03:12 AM

NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen - #1 Detroit v #5 Stanford

So here I am, in unchartered territory, the Sweet Sixteen for the first time and a date against the Stanford Cardinals. They are solid, but if we perform to our abilities we should be able to win.

We make a solid start, Carlson is looking good and so is Caporn, but they stick with us, its close but we gradually build up a lead, up 6, then 8 then 6 again, gradually extending to 8 by half time. Its close, but we look good, shooting 56% to their 41%.

At half time we decide to press and put them under pressure, and they seem to crumble under it, turning the ball over several times. We blow them away, with Lemons again putting points on the board quickly, 12 in 4 minutes. Carlson scores regularly and with 5 minutes to go we've blown them away and its time to bring out the reserves to get some tournament minutes. It was a great performance, one worthy of an Elite Eight Birth.

Final Score
Detroit Titans 69 (Carlson 18, Lemons 12, Caporn 8 & 7rbs, Bullock 7, Hanavan 7)
Stanford Cardinals 39 (Hill 12, Lopez 8 & 10 rbs)

Stats
1st Half FG % - Detroit 56, Stanford 41
2nd Half FG % - Detroit 51, Stanford 23
Assists - Detroit 17, Stanford 4
Rebounds - Detroit 26, Stanford 29
Blocks - Detroit 5, Stanford 1
Fast Break Points - Detroit 18, Stanford 2.

ukdukefan

September 16th, 2007, 03:34 AM

Post Match Press Conference

Media - What a performance tonight coach?

Coach - Yeah, it was a solid performance, but not perfect by any means, we'll need to be at least as good in the next round, if not better.

Media - Not satisfied then?

Coach - Yes I'm satisfied, but we'll need perfection against UCLA. We need to forget this game and concentrate on the next one. I'm pleased for my guys though, pleased that they get chance to pit their skills against the best players in the nation.

Media - What about the Freshman, Seth Lemons, What a performance tonight.

Coach - He was excellent, but he was one of 12 excellent players tonight.

In Other News, the Elite Eight looks like this: -

Charlotte Regional: - #1 Arizona v #7 New Mexico State
Houston Regional: - #1 Detroit v #2 UCLA
Detroit Regional: - #4 Duke v #3 Washington
Phoenix Regional: - #2 Kansas v #4 DePaul

UCLA will be the toughest test yet, rated 91 overall to our 87. Their best players are Collison & Afflalo at 89 rated, then Ship and Mbah a Moute at 87. Afflalo top scores at 14.0 PPG but scoring is well spread around. We will approach the game by switching up defenses every trip to never give them a settled look.

vols21

September 17th, 2007, 07:00 PM

Congrats at finally shaking that first round exit bugaboo. The Elite 8 - this team is going far. What are the records of all the 8 teams?? (interesting seeing my old football team New Mexico State in there - I've been building them up again this year)

Best of Luck - Go Detroit!!

ukdukefan

September 18th, 2007, 04:34 AM

Yo Vols, I'mjust finishing the Elite Eight, i'll post what happened there then have a close look at Final Four (If I Win!!)

ukdukefan

September 18th, 2007, 04:37 AM

NCAA Tournament Elite Eight - #1 Detroit Titans v #2 UCLA Bruins

Another big day in the career of of Detroits head Coach, an Elite Eight meeting with College Basketballs most storied program, the UCLA Bruins.

Detroit were the #1 seed, but most peoples opinions were it was a false seed based on a poor conference schedule. Many made UCLA the slight favourites.

The Bruins came out of the blocks quick, scoring 2 early buckets, but the speed of Colin Ewing was able to counter the full court press they had applied. Three times he sped past the press and created easy buckets for Cantrell and Caporn.

It was close early on, the Titans were switching up defenses regularly, 2-3 Zone, Man to Man, 2-1-2 Zone, Triangle plus Two. You name it they threw it at UCLA and it was working to some extent.

UCLA were getting some good shots, but when they weren't they were turning the ball over leading to easy scores for the Titans, and an inform Colin Ewing. By the break, the Bruins led by 1, 33-32.

The half time talk was to keep it the same, keep forcing turnovers and keep it close for the finish, then who knows what could happen.

The 2nd Half started brightly for the Titans, UCLA turned the ball over again, and quick baskets were gradually building up a lead for the Titans. Rushed shots were being missed by UCLA and it seemed to give the Titans an air of confidence.

Now believing that they could play and beat the best, they struck a rythym, Carlson getting anything he wanted and Bullock finding space behind the arc. The Titans had built a 12 point lead with 5:30 to go.

Out of the UCLA timeout, their execution was much better, and we had a few sloppy possesions. We called time after a Collison basket. The lead had been cut to 5 in just 2 minutes, the pressure very much on.

We calmed the guys down in the timeout and came out and executed well but the game stayed tight. Then came the pivotal moment. Collison telegraphed a pass from Ewing who was looking to pass to Carlson, stole the ball and headed into the open court for a sure two. From nowhere, Freshman Seth Lemons flew down the court and from behind launched into a monumental block. The ball fell to Ewing who fired a pass up court to Carlson who was all alone for the emphatic dunk. A potential lead of 3 was now extended to 7.

We had chance to run down the clock and the Bruins were forced to foul, where Carlson and Bullock were clutch and pulled us over the line to victory.

Final Score

UCLA Bruins 59 (Collison 20, Shipp 18, Mbah a Moute 8 & 7 rbs, Afflalo 0 Points)
Detroit Titans 70 (Carlson 22, Bullock 11, Lemons 9, Ewing 8, Cantrell 8 & 9rbs, Caporn 4 & 4rbs)

Statistics

Stat UCLA Detroit
FG % 50 50
3PT % 47 40
Assists 15 16
Rebounds 20 24
Blocks 6 2
Fast Break Pts 2 20
Bench Points 5 17
Turnovers 13 3

ukdukefan

September 20th, 2007, 06:56 AM

Post Match Press Conference

Media - Coach, was that the perfect all round team performance?

Coach - Well, it wasn't perfect, but it was pretty darn close. We were excellent today.

Media - What Pleased you most?

Coach - It had to be the defense today, it was all round superb. We made them turn the ball over 13 times to our 3 and we turned those into 20 fast break points. If you remove those easy points then its advantage UCLA.

Media - What about the production from several different players?

Coach - Well its a philosophy i've coached both here and at Morgan State, and its to never rely on 1 or 2 people, if you do the opposition can shut you down. You saw today, they cracked down on Carlson early, but we just went to Lemons, Bullock, Cantrell. They stop those guys, we bring in Swanson. We just had too many weapons tonight.

Media - And can you win it all?

Coach - Yes we can, i see that look of belief in the players eyes too. Before they thought they could beat anyone, now they believe they can beat anyone. We've got as good a chance as anybody.

Other Elite 8 Results: -

In the Detroit regional final, Spencer Hawes scored 28 for the #3 Huskies as they defeated the #4 Duke Blue Devils 77-70.

In Phoenix, the #2 Kansas Jayhawks strolled past the DePaul Blue Demons 72-55, with Julian Wright and Darrell Arthur both scoring 17, Wright had 10 boards aswell.

In Charlotte , the Wildcats of Arizona eased past New Mexico State, with 21 pts from Jawaan McLellan and 17 points from freshman sensation Enrique Gai at Centre The final score was #1 Arizona 77-60 #7 New Mexico State.

So the Final Four looks like this: -

#1 Detroit Titans (33-2, Overall Rating 87) v #3 Washington Huskies (24-10, Overall rating 90)
#1 Arizona Wildcats (32-3, Overall Rating 89) v #2 Kansas Jayhawks (30-6, Overall Rating 94)

We will play Washington who look good on the overall rating, but have been inconsistent with 10 losses. Many peoples favourite will now be Kansas who rate in at 94, but Arizona has only lost 3 all season. Detroits 2 defeats is the least, but in a weaker conference.

Coach's thoughts on Washington -

They are a quality side who've been a little unpredicatble. Hopefully for us the bad Washington will turn up. We need to focus, play intenese defense like we have all year, and we'll look to double team Spencer Hawes at centre, and make the rest of the squad beat us. If we can control Hawes, I believe we have enough depth to win.

ukdukefan

September 24th, 2007, 01:26 AM

The NCAA Tournament 2014- Final Four - Live from the Alamodome

So my first appearance in the final four was upon us. The guys were nervous and so was I but there was a confidence in the team that knew if we played to our potential we could win.

We started superbly, forcing turnover after turnover out of Washington, they looked like the nerves were getting the better of them.

There is no need for a big write up here, we built up a lead and simply added to it gradually through the whole game. They never got a run going at any stage, and our scoring was so well distributed they couldn't shut us down. They played poorly, shot poorly and rebounded poorly at it cost them big time as we destroyed them.

People were making shots all over the place, even Homer Garner, my 3* freshman who has barely played minute all season, came on and drained 2 three's and had a dunk off a turnover. They were embarressed and left the court with their heads hung. It was a forty point victory for Detroit in the Final Four, We outrebounded them 33 to 19, Out Assisted them 19 to 10, and outblocked them 4 to 1. We just outdid them in every catagory.

Final Score
#1 Detroit Titans 89 (Carlson 19, Bullock 11, Ewing 11, Lemons 11, Caporn 8 & 7r, Garner 8)
#3 Washington Huskies 49 (Hawes 11, PG Denton 10, SG Mileage 7)

In the other game, the Jayhawks beat Arizona 59-52 thanks to Arthur at Power Forward. The Jayhawks had built up a 15 point lead early on and Arizona had gradually pegged them back but just ran out of time.

Final Score
#2 Kansas Jayhawks 59 Arthur 23, Rush 12, Chalmers 10
#1 Arizona Wildcats 52 McLellan 16, Williams 7, Gai 11 & 5r

So the 2014 NCAA Final will be between the #1 Detroit Titans (34-2) and the #2 Kansas Jayhawks (31-6)

ukdukefan

September 24th, 2007, 01:28 AM

Post Match Press Conference

Media - So Coach, you started the tournament with the label that you couldn't win the big match, now your here in the Championship Game.

Coach - Yeah, we all new here at Detroit that it was an unfair label and I was glad to prove it to everyone, we never felt the pressure because we new it wasn't the case, but its good to get the media off your back.

Media - How well did you play tonight?

Coach - Even better than the UCLA game. Some people will say that Washington were bad, i say that they were bad because of the way we played.

Media - It was your all round team philiosophy at work again wasn't it?

Coach - Of course, as it is every time we step on the court. We had Carlson scoring as ever, but then great production from Caporn, Lemons, Ewing, Cantrell and even Homer Garner got in on the act, and he's not had much playing time this year.

Media - And now you face The Number 2 Kansas Jayhawks in the final. Are you the favourites?

Coach - No I wouldn't say we were favourites, they are an excellent team and maybe if they played in our conference and us in their conference the seedings would be the other way round. But its the National Championship game between two of the nations top teams who have been at the top all year round and it should be a close, exciting game.

ukdukefan

September 25th, 2007, 05:55 AM

The NCAA Tournament 2014 - Championship Game - Live from the Alamodome - #1 Detroit Titans v #2 Kansas Jayhawks

The big day was upon us, and tipoff couldn't come soon enough. We started well, but so did they. Both teams going up 4 to 6 points, then surrendering the lead to a run from the other team.

Importantly for us, Carlson and the rest of the major players were playing well, nobody was really out of touch.

We threw lots of different defences at them, just like we did against UCLA. They were not rushing their shots like UCLA though, and were keeping their cool and scoring regularly. At the half it was tied at 36-36.

A similar pattern occured during the 2nd half, but then we forced some turnovers and got a few fast break baskets. We built up a lead, and Kansas took timeout. We were 12 up halfway through the 2nd half.

A few possesions later and we had surrendered the lead, and were sitting in our own timeout just 2 points up. The game became a slog. There D was tight and we weren't getting the shots we wanted.

In the crucial few minutes when there was 4 minutes to go, we could not make a shot. We worked openings but they wouldn't drop, they worked openings and they did drop.

With 1 minute thirty left we were forced to foul and they knocked down their shots to condem us to a championship game defeat.

As I sat with my head in my hands, I heard the Kansas fans erupt as Bill Self cut down the nets as the 2014 NCAA Champions.

Final Score
Kansas Jayhawks 71 (Arthur 14 & 5r, Rush 17, Chalmers 14)
Detroit Titans 64 (Carlson 18, Caporn 10, Lemons 9, Swanson 8, Cantrell 6 & 8r)

Key Stats -
Rebounds Kansas 32 Detroit 20
Turn Overs Kansas 7 Detroit 8
Assists Kansas 6 Detroit 6