Coach DeVries Legacy: A lifetime in the making.

[gwave32]

I am starting my first legacy, closed, and decided the background story to be as accurate to my actual life as possible. Currently soph. @ Mars Hill College everything is accurate up to my present life, with just the years changed to match the Legacy.... (sorry if its to long)

Knoxville News Sentinel
-Sports Section (sometime in early June)

Jason DeVries has quietly moved up the ranks of coaching. A native of Kingston, TN (about 25 miles from Knoxville) and graduate of Midway High School in Kingston, has been recently announced as the new head coach of Elon University. Located in Elon, North Carolina it is a private university with around 5000 students and competes in the Southern Conference. He left his position as Head Coach at Hiwassee College (Private JUCO college in Madisonville, TN) He was head coach for two years and was the assistant for two. Although, it seems as if his resume is very small, DeVries, age 26, has been coaching since he was a 16 yr old Junior in high school. Here is his resume:

Position, Grade/Age
Midway Jr High Football Assistant Coach, 11-12 grade /16-17
Midway High School Basketball Assistant Coach, college Fr-Sr/18-21
North Buncombe (outside Asheville, NC) JV Baseball Assistant Coach, college fr-sr/19-22
Hiwassee College Basketball assitant, 22-24. Head coach 24-26

There was some speculation how he was able to make such a jump. Sources say that his willingness to sign such a low paying contract was the main reason, but Elon will state his knowledge of the game, high charisma and character, marketing ideas/abilities are the reasons. But interestingly enough, his contract details have not been announced to the public.

Luckily we were able to interview Coach Jason DeVries at a summer ABL game in Knoxville.

Knoxville News Sentinel: We checked our Prep Xtra achieves in both basketball and baseball. It shows you didn't start a single game your senior year in either sport, you also didn't play basketball or baseball in college, and actually we found out you were a cheerleader at Mars Hill College. Have people ever questioned your coaching ability based on your playing record?

Coach DeVries: Well for one you make it sound like it was a bad thing that I was a cheerleader at Mars Hill. I for one really enjoyed my time as one, and has helped me become a more well rounded coach, by seeing things from all perspectives. It is true, I never started a game my senior year in school. Baseball I was a utility player with a great mind for baseball and heart, but not alot of talent. But, as an utility player I played in almost every game, usually with the game in the balance. With basketball, I was a 4 year varsity member. I started a lot of games my sophomore and junior year, but was the 6th or 7th man off the bench my Sr. year. But, I was a team player. I recieved the coaches award my sr. year and was said to be one of the most entertaining players ever to play at Midway High School. But actually people have never really questioned that because if they here me speak, they will hear my knowledge and see my ability as a coach.

KNS: How did you start career so early as a coach?

JD: Well I quit playing football in high school because I did not care much for the head coach. But I wanted to stay in the sport and my junior high coach asked if I would be interested in helping out. I think he expected me to serve as a water boy more/less, but I really went beyond his expectations, and was rewarded by serving as the TE coach.

In basketball, Coach Darrell Ruffner, who you will see was responsible for how I got to Elon, asked me to help out with the team after I graduate since I would have familiarity with the upcoming freshmen through football.

I got my baseball job through a service organization that I was affiliated at Mars Hill, they made some phone calls and landed me the JV assistant job.

In basketball I started having more and more responsibility giving to me by Coach Ruffner, being named Director of Basketball Operations by my soph. year in college, our working relationship grew to where he asked if I would be interested in being his assistant at Hiwassee, since he could retire from Midway High School the same time I graduated at Mars Hill.

After two years at Hiwassee with Coach Ruffner, he would retire and would hand me reigns. After my first year as head coach there, I started submitting applications to DI and DII schools for assistant and head coaching jobs. I had a few phone calls from a few colleges but never anything serious until Elon called. I didnt think that was going to go anywhere, but somehow it worked out. And I am very great full.

KNS: Tipoff looks like it is about to start, so I will let you go Coach DeVries. Good luck, and we will keep our readers informed about you.

JD: Thanks, and call me anytime and I will gladly be very press friendly.

,
News-Record (A Greensboro, NC newspaper)
Oct. 15 2007

All the questions, the wonders, and speculations about Elon's new head coach Jason DeVries will end soon. All summer people including myself, have questioned Elon for the direction the program was taking with signing Jason DeVries. It is nothing personal about the man, but only because he has only been a head coach for two years at Hiwassee. Hiwassee, you ask? Where's that? It is a JUCO college in East Tennessee. Although Coach DeVries had winning seasons both years, the Southern Conference is a totally different thing. The general consensus is that Elon went cheap and signed DeVries because of his willingness to work for next to nothing. They say the biggest thing he asked for was a house on campus. Hopefuls will state that DeVries's interview was amazing and point to the one year contract as an sign of Elon attempting to pull a diamond from the rough. Then conspiracy theorists will say DeVries signed a deal with the devil, but with Elon's Christian roots as well as Jason's, that is unlikely. Interestingly both Elon and DeVries have been very quite and have not talked to the media much, except for an interview in a Knoxville, TN newspaper has been the most talking DeVries has done. I called him, and he promised he will be very open to the media, but stated that he doesn't want to tip his hand in any direction until the planned "Super" Press Day at Elon, the same day (Oct 22) of Elon's Midnight Madness when we will get to see Coach DeVries's team for the first time.

[Deuce2223]

Like the story line alot. Looking forward to seeing what you can do.

[gwave32]

As i said in the first post I try to keep things as real as possible. Leo Lambert, Dave Blank, Aaron Walker, and the managers all actually hold there respective titles(according to Elon's website) Austin Parkison is my real life best friend. And is actually at TN tech studying to be an engineer. Darrell Ruffner as well was my high school basketball coach, and who i currently serve as an assistant coach for. Cliff Parham is just a computer generated name and from the game lol and fiancee is make believe. More info then yall probably want, but just pointing out the real stuff

Alumni Gym

President Leo Lambert: On behalf of Elon University, I'd like to welcome everyone. This will be exciting and interesting chapter in Elon Basketball. At this time I will pass it over to Dave Blank, AD of Elon.

Dave Blank: Thank you all for coming. I know there will be alot of questions for us. I also know that alot of people have questioned the signing of Coach DeVries. But let me point this out. Look around the gym today. Look at the media coverage and people attending this press conference this is one of the biggest crowds ever that I have seen for such. It is even bigger then when we announced that we would be making the move to D1 in 1999! Guess what? Coach DeVries was the mastermind of behind the quietness over the last few months and was the one who mastermined "Super Press Day". So with further a do, let me introduce Coach Jason DeVries!

A small band begins to play the Elon fight song and through a tunnel made from cheerleaders, Coach DeVries comes out of the tunnel, along with the Elon mascot. It takes a few min. for him to sit down and the crowd noise to die down some

Coach DeVries: Hey yall, thank you for coming out to see this Tennessean ball coach. This is a exciting time for me. I come with a hunger to take this Elon team to the next level. I want a National Title and it starts with winning a Conference Title Ring! *applause from the fan crowd* Now I am not saying that all this will happen in one year, but you gotta believe, and if this isnt your goal for every year your cheating yourself and your fan base. It has always been my dream to go all the way and win it all. I have came close to getting there a few times at Midway High School and Hiwassee, but with the opportunity here at Elon and what it has to offer, things are looking good for my dream to come true!

Let me introduce three more people to you.
The new assistant head coach, Cliff Parham (35 yrs old). He will also be head of scouting( and recruiting. He is a journeyman D1 assistant coach and has held almost every position possible. He will be an invaluable tool for me, as he helps my transition to D1 a smooth one.

Assistant Coach, Austin Parkison (26 yrs old). My best friend and my assistant coach at Hiwassee College. We went to school together and he has been my best friend for the last 13 years. He has been my right hand man and the person I could always turn to when I was in need.He is very knowledgeable with guard play and very good with defense (c+)

Special Consultant Darrell Ruffner (56 yrs old). This man was my head coach, he has 30+ yrs of basketball experience. He also paved the road for me. If not for him, we wouldnt be here today. He will not be in Elon all season, but will be a phone call away for me and will be on the bench with me whenever I need him, or when is at Elon. He deserves the upmost respect and treat him as you would any other Elon Phoenix.

Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Aaron Walker. It was a great pleasure when I met Mr. Walker here at Elon. He has held his position, as you all know since 2005. It is a great opportunity to have him and his staff making our players better. I also like the fact that the current players allready know him.

Gray Hunter and Tyler Diamond will also continue there roles as Head Manager and assistant. There help is worth there weight in gold, and its good that they have a familiarity to the program.

I would like yall to also come to Midnight Madness tonight. But, I know everyone here has a million questions to ask... so lets start questions.

Q1: Mr. Blank, was the signing of Coach DeVries just an issue of money. We have heard accounts of Elon having financial difficulty.

Dave Blank: Of course any signing, salary will be an issue, but I really believe in Coach DeVries. Although he does not have any experience in the NCAA he has done very well in the JUCO level. He has a great mind for marketing and the entertainment value of a basketball program. He is very knowledgeable and his a great guy. You can say there is a risk but President Lambert, the Trustees, and myself believe in the guy. And yes, the reports of a one year contract are true. Coach DeVries agreed to the contract and we both understand, that we are taking a chance, but hey, you take a chance with any coach you sign. I would much rather take a up and comer then someone else's trash that has been fired or ran out from another job.

Q2: Coach DeVries is it true that you asked for a house on campus in your contract?

Jason DeVries: You bet! Tell you what why dont you come over tommorow night for dinner! My fiancée is a great cook. *Laughs from the crowd*

But seriously I did ask for a house on campus. Think about. Its a nice house, you'll see tomorrow night, its located on campus, so I don't even have to drive to work, and best of all its free! No electric bill, utility bill, cable bill, and high speed internet! Its a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Q3: What can you tell us about your basketball philosophy.

JD: Well I believe in a good, clean program. I also believe that a basketball program is a big marketing tool. So your going to see some exciting changes in marketing that will only help the experience and facilities at Elon. I also guarantee your going to get your money's worth when you come to a game your going to walk away very entertained even if the production from our team that night isn't very good. As far as offensive/defensive game plan, wait for tonight. Right now I have an advantage coming into the conference. No one really has seen the way my teams play. Sure you could get some tape from Hiwassee, but its still not the same.

Q4: Do you know who your starters will be?

JD: No I dont. The coaches and I will have to discuss this matter. I have some ideas, but until tonight, and a few days before our first game against VT, I will not know.

Q5: Austin Parkison, can you tell us about yourself and resume.

AP: Well, I have been the assistant coach at Hiwassee for the last two years. Before that I was working with my dad as an engineer at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, TN. If you dont know what that is, its part of the same plant/site of the Manhatten Project and the first nuclear bomb. But, I was a mechanical engineer. I didnt deal with nuclear stuff. I graduated from Tennessee Tech, and went to Midway High School with Jason, I played basketball and baseball with him. I was the starting PG three yrs and started every year in baseball.

Jason DeVries: Thank you all for coming. Please enjoy the stuff we have set up for yall. I hope to see everyone at Midnight Madness. After that game I will do another press conference. If you would like to interview any of these gentlemen or my fiancee they will remain here at the table, and you may approach them for a interview now, or to schedule one.

*Band strikes up the Elon fight song and Jason leaves the table and leaves for a players meeting*

[gwave32]

Post Game Conference

Coach DeVries: Thank yall for coming once again. I was very pleased with all my players. I got a good look at them, and have a good feel where we stand for the season. After tonight, the coaches and I will discuss and prep for our game against Virgina Tech. So I will start answering questions.

Q1: Coach, we saw you run a open set (5 out, no one in) and a variation of a flex offense. Is this going to be the offense you plan to run this year?

JD: Well would we run those sets tonight if weren't going to use them in the season? Ya, I plan for those to be in our arsenal, but believe me we have alot of plays to our disposal.

Q2: Do you know who your starting lineup will be?

JD: Well I have some ideas, but you shouldn't look so far into whos starting. I plan to use all of my players in our rotation since the game is 40 min. long.

Q3: You pressed and double teamed the ball alot tonight. Arent you worried about the other teams getting to many open look?

JD: Actually no im not. I like putting pressure on teams and taking the ball away from the big play makers. If we can force someone to take 10-20 ft. shot that they normally dont like to take, but have to cause there wide open, thats not necessarily a bad thing. It forces players to make plays.

Jason DeVries: Thank you all for coming, I now turn the press conference over to my assitants.

News-Record
2007-08 Elon Basketball Preview
News-Record Sports Writer

Elon starts a season with a brand new coaching staff. Although we dont have much to go by, we have dug some information on Coach DeVries's tendencies from Hiwassee. DeVries will run a open set and try to drive to basket every play. He will also run a flex set that has a unique opening movement that creates a 1 on 1 situation. An old quote said by DeVries from two years ago: "I really like to create 1 on 1 situations, and let my player make the play." This type of offense really look like it could fit Elon like a glove. Elon has alot of team speed starting with Seniors Montell Watson and Brian Waters. Coming off the bench sophmores Jon Ogolo and Devon Carter can also make a lot of plays off the dribble.

But, the biggest question is what will Elon do against the zone? We discovered that DeVries has difficulty against the zone defense and really relies on his players to hit the open 3's when they combat the zone. This could be a problem has the only 3 pt. threat is freshmen Terrence Birdette, but can he step up to the college game being so young? The other players can hit 3's, but none of these players would win a three point shootout.

Small Forwards: Brett James (JR), Monty Sanders (JR), and TJ Douglas (SO) will look to contribute, but will be interesting to see how they fit in Coach DeVries's offense.

The inside game looks to be weak, and will be more used to take up space then an offensive attack. Luckily with the open set, they will not hurt the team, but what happens when the Phoenix plays a team that takes away the guard play? Daniel Watts 7'0 (FR) is the lone Center on the team, he seems to have some promise but the freshman will def. take his lumps. Power Forwards Scott Grable (SO) and Ola Atoyebi (JR) will be looked upon to grab defensive boards more then scoring points.

Defensively look for Elon to press alot with 1-2-2 and 2-2-1 press after every basket. In the half court game zone and 2-3 will be the most common, but dont be surprised to see the 1-2-2 used as well. But whatever look is given, the defense will double at a moments notice whenever Coach DeVries sees fit.

Projected Lineup:
PG #1 Brian Waters (SR) ovr. 64
SG #3 Montell Watson (SR) ovr. 70
SF #15 Monty Sanders (JR) ovr. 65
PF #23 Ola Atoyebi (JR) ovr. 59
C #22 Daniel Watts (FR) ovr. 57
SF #10 Brett James (JR) ovr 64
SG #2 Terrance Birdette (FR) ovr 60
PF #33 Scott Grable (SO) ovr 56
SG #20 Jon Ogolo (SO) ovr 61
SF #44 TJ Douglas (SO) ovr 58
PG #5 Devan Carter (SO) ovr 58
PG #13 Chris Long (FR) ovr 58
PF #21 Adam Constantine (SO) ovr 54 *REDSHIRT*
PG #14 John Charlesworth (SO) ovr 50 *REDSHIRT*

Schedule
11-9 @ Virgina Tech
11-15 Arkansas #17 *Palm Tree Shootout* USF Sun Dome
11-16 Winner/Loser of Temple/Providence
11-18 3rd Round game of Palm Tree Shootout
11-22 Virgina Tech *Great Alaska Shootout* Sullivan Arena
11-23 Winner/Loser of Michigan/Butler
11-24 3rd Round Game of Great Alaska Shootout
11-26 vs. Tennessee Tech (Season Home Opener)
11-27 vs. Western Carolina*
12-1 vs. Furmon*
12-15 vs. Wofford* (Santa Night, kids get picture with Santa!)
12-18 @ Chattanooga*
12-20 @ PENN
12-22 @ Virginia
1-3 @ The Citadel*
1-5 @ College of Charleston*
1-9 vs. Davidson* (Fan appreciation Night)
1-12 @ Furman*
1-17 vs. Georgia Southern*
1-19 vs. UNC Greensboro*
1-24 @ W. Carlona*
1-28 @ Appalachian St*
2-2 @ UNCG*
2-6 @ Davidson*
2-9 @ Wofford*
2-11 vs. Citadel*
2-14 vs. App St.* (Couples Night, free V-Day gift pack to first 100 couples)
2-16 @ Georgia Southern*
2-20 vs. College of Charleston*
3-1 vs. Chatt.* (Senior Night)

[nickknx865]

Glad to support a fellow East Tennessean

Following

[gwave32]

Blacksburg, VA
AP Press
Nov 9, 2007

Jason DeVries got it his first taste of D1 Basketball, and it taste sour. Virgina Tech was able to defeat Elon 71-66. Freshmen Malcolm Delaney (PG) would score 11 in his first game for VT, while A.D. Vassalo would lead the both teams in scoring with 22 pts.

"I really thought halfway through the second half we were going to win. You know we had that 16-0 run but it all went to he!! in a hand basket., fast. Maybe a TO sooner could have helped, but what can I say?" -Coach DeVries

"I was very disappointed the way I played tonight, but we have VT again in two weeks, I'll be ready from them then." -Montell Watson, Elon SR SG/PG and Captain

The big question is what if for the Elon team. The entire starting lineup would only score 18 points. The starting 5 had better step up or a shakeup may be in store.

"Well the cream rises to the top, we'll see, you can't put all your eggs in one basket after a single game." -Coach DeVries

Coach DeVries also came away with some things for this team to work on before facing #17 Arkansas in the first round of the Palm Tree Shootout at USF. "We definatley need to work on the press, and hitting our shots. 2-23 behind the arc, and I know our FT shooting wasn't as good as it should be, either."

When asked about how to beat Arkansas, DeVries responded: "I feel like we have to worry more about ourselves, and know what to do in situations then getting to focused on any single team."

VT 71
Delaney, 11pts
Vassalo, 22 pts

Elon 66
T.J. Douglas, 11pts


Next Game vs #17 Arkansas at Palm Tree Shootout, USF.

[blue_apocalypse]

Tough loss but you are playing an ACC team. To lose by only 5 points in Blacksburg is a pretty good loss. It doesn't get any easier though against the Razorbacks..good luck!

[Deuce2223]

Tough schedule. The Great Alaska Shootout has some tough teams.

Good luck against the Hogs.

[gwave32]

University of South Florida
Palm Tree Shootout Day 1
AP Press
Nov 15, 2007
"Man, its like a bad dream." Sonny Weems, ARK.

Coach Jason DeVries would pick up his first win of his D1 career. After a surprising victory over #17 Arkansas. But, a closer look at the game it really looked like Elon belonged on the court with Arkansas. Perhaps if they were to play again it would be a different story, but Elon matched up well, and was able to pick up the victory. "Obviously I am very happy about the win, but its one game. I hope the experts dont say that Arkansas is over rated or that we were under rated. Its only the second game of an entire season. Lets see how both teams look in December." -Jason DeVries

Arkansas would enter the second half with a 42-34 lead, but could not hold Elon down the stretch as Elon would in the second half 32-20. Brian Waters, SR PG for Elon would not play the second half after trying to play the first half with a twisted ankle from practice. Brett James and Jon Ogolo would lead the Phoenix in scoring with 15 and 12 respectively. Arkansas was able to match the two leading scores with Darian Towers and Sonny Weems putting up the same numbers.

Arkansas 62
Towers 15, Weems 12, Hill 9, Ervin 7, Walsh 4, Beverly 4, Thomas 3, Washington 2, Sanchez 2

Elon 65
James 15, Ogolo 12, Waters 6, Carter 6, Birdette 6, Long 4, Sanders 4, Douglas 3, Watson 3, Atoyebi 2

Second Round Games
Winners Bracket
Providence vs Elon
Houston vs. Miami (FL)

Losers Bracket
Temple vs. Ark.
VCU vs. Marist

[gwave32]

University of South Florida
Palm Tree Shootout Day 2
AP Press
Nov 16, 2007

"He whipped me, and whipped me good." -Daniel Watts, Elon FR C

Randall Hanke would record a double double by putting up 30 points and 11 boards. Providence exploited the weak Elon inside. "I told Daniel to remember this day, there will come a time where the roles will be reversed and he'll be the upper classman and will boydog." Although Hanke would control the game, Elon would only be trailing by 2, 46-44. In the second half Elon could not keep up with Providence and the loss would bring back Elon to reality.

Providence
Hanke 30 pts/11 rebounds, Jeff Xavier 15, Wev. Efejuku 13, Sharaud Curry 12,
Geoff MeDermott 7 pts/ 11 reb., McKenzie 6, Kellogg 4, Williams 2

Elon
Monty Sanders 15, Montell Watson 14, Brett James 14, Birdette 8, Waters 7, Carter 6, Ogolo 6, Douglas 2, Atoyebi 2, Grable 2

Day 3 Schedule
Champinship Prov./Houston
3rd Place Elon/Miami (FL)
5th Place Ark./Marist
7th Place Temple/VCU

[vols21]

quality games against some great teams. should bode well for the future of Elon!

[Deuce2223]

I think your 1st 6 games have to be the hardest schedule I have seen for a 1st year coach starting out at a school like Elon.

Keep hanging tough. Hopefully you can pull off another upset or 2.

[gwave32]

University of South Florida
Palm Tree Shootout Day 3
AP Press
Nov 18, 2007

“Sure, I scored 34, but if I would have scored 50, we would have won, so don’t tell me I played a good game.” –Jack McClinton JR SG Miami (FL)

Elon would rock Miami like a hurricane, controlling the game all night and winning 97-83, with the half time score of 47-38 in favor of Elon. The only good thing from Miami was a clinic that Jack McClinton put forth, but Miami couldn’t stop any player from Elon. “It was a great matchup for us, really they just couldn’t stop us, so it was ok that McClinton scored big on us, but if we don’t score big we would have lost.” –Coach DeVries. He went on to say, “USF was a great host, and we look to come back next year, I think we took a great step forward by coming in 3rd place. Hopefully we can win it next year. I enjoyed it, and I think our guys enjoyed that FL. Sun.”

U. Miami (FL) 83
McClinton 34, Dwayne Collins 13, James Dews 10, Asbury 9, Rios 4, Thomas 4,
Gamble 2, Graham 2, Murole 1

Elon 97
Montell Watson 28, Brian Waters 23, Jon Ogolo 17, Monty Sanders,
Daniel Watts 5 pts/12 reb, James 4, Birdette 2, Carter 2

Palm Tree Shootout results
Providence *Champs* 75
Houston 68
Elon 97
Miami 83
Arkansas 64
Marist 54
Temple 98
VCU 67

ELON NEXT GAME
Elon vs. Virginia Tech @ Sullivan Arena *Great Alaskan Shootout* 11-22-07
Last Time
Elon 66 @ VT 71 Nov 9th, 2007
VT would hold onto a win in its home opener. Vassallio 24 points for VT.

[gwave32]

News-Record
Great Alaskan Shootout Recap
11-25-07

After defeating VT things were looking good, but two straight loses would give Elon a 4th place finish in this weeks Great Alaskan Shootout. "It was great to visit Alaska, my grandmother visited here, and she thought it was one of the most beautiful trips she ever went on... I just wish that beauty would have carried over on the court." -Coach DeVries

Game One
VT vs. Elon

In what would be a very close game. Elon would finally pull away, and revenge was served. "A Klingon once said that revenge is a dish served best cold, and boy was it cold here tonight up in Alaska." -Daniel Watts Elon, FR, C. "I told yall, I'd be ready this time." -Montell Watson Elon SR PG/SG.

Montell Watson was ready this time and would score 16 points, while Daniel Watts would pull 14 boards and put up 7 pts. A.D. Vassalo would once again lead VT in scoring, like the first meeting. Entering the last min. of play VT would cut the Elon's lead to 10, but would never get closer then 6 points.

VT 67
Vassalo 16, Deron Washington 15, DeLaney 8, Diakile 6, Allan 6, Bell 4, Thomas 4, Thompson 4, Witcher 2

Elon 74
Watson 16, Jon Ogolo 13, Monty Sanders 12, Watts 7 pts/14 reb, James 7, Waters 4, Carter 4, Birdette 3, Long 2, Douglas 2, Grable 2, Atoyebi 2

Game Two

What looked to be a great game, would prove to be the opposite as Butler would defeat Elon. Elon looked like they might secure a third straight victory, as they would enter half time with a 36-34 lead, but could not keep the momentum going in the second half. "Well like the Providence game, we didnt show up in the second half... we need to work on that." -Coach DeVries.

SR SF, Pete Campbell would lead all scoring with 19, and FR PG Zach Hahn would score 17 to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Avery Jukes would control the boards and pickup a double/double. Montell Watson would lead Elon with 17 pts, but the story was Monty Sanders, after the INJ that T.J. Douglas would sustain in the game against VT, Douglas would not play. So Sanders would recieve additional minutes, but did not take advantage of the situation, going 3-22 in the field. "I know I'm needed to help our team win, and I didnt do that tonight." -Monty Sanders. The entire second half Butler would control the game and would never look back.

Butler 90
Campbell 19, Hahn 17, A.J. Graves 11, Jukes 10 pts/14 reb, Havod 7, Green 6,
Engelmann 6, Veasley 6, Betko 4, Streicler 2

Elon 70
Watson 17, Brian Waters 12, Sanders 8, James 7, Birdette 6, Carter 5, Ogolo 5, Watts 4, Long 2, Grable 2, Atoybi 2.

Game Three

Elon was hoping to rebound and pickup another 3rd place finish but would fall short late in the fourth, giving Gonzaga the victory. Elon was only down by 8 points with 3:00 min to play, but could not knock down the shots, and eventually fell 75-62. T.J Douglas would not play and its seems the additional minutes have weighted down on Monty Sanders. Montell Watson would also struggle and both men would finish 8-28 in the field. "Obviously, we need those guys to score, but we cant use them as a crutch. You need to have other guys step up, Brian Waters did." -Coach DeVries

Brian Waters did step up, he scored 19 points and lead both teams in scoring, but it
wouldnt be enough.. Zag would get scoring from everywhere as 6 players put up 63 of the 75 points.

Zag 75
Josh Hevtvelt 17, Matt Boulden 11, David PenderGraft 10, Brown 9, Pargo 9, Daye 7, Downs 6, Sacro 4, Koso 2.

Elon 62
Waters 19, Sanders 13, Watson 8, Ogolo 7, Watts 6, Carter 5, James 4

Results from The Great Alaskan Shootout.

VT 67
Elon 74*

Michigan 56
Butler 60*

Western Ky. 82
Zag 98*

Southern 61
Tx Tech 81*

Winners Bracket

Elon 70
Butler 90

TTU 81
Zag 75

Championship Game
TTU 69
Butler 54

3rd Place
Elon 62
Zag 75

Losers Bracket

VT 62*
Mich 61

W.KY 76*
Southern 63

5th Place
VT 59
W.KY 75*

7th Place
Mich 44*
Southern 59 *

[gwave32]

Knoxville News Sentinel
11-25-07

DeVries, Parkison face familiar sight

Elon (3-3) has its home opener tomorrow against TN Tech University. What is interesting is that both coaches have been apart of TN Tech at some point in time. Assistant Austin Parkison graduated from TTU with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2003, and both coaches attended TTU's team basketball camp while they played together at Midway (Kingston, TN) High School. Head Coach Jason DeVries would continue going to TTU's basketball camps as an assistant at Midway High School for the next 4 years.

"It will be neat to coach against two guys that have gone through our basketball camps. I have met both coaches while they were in high school, and was able to get to know Coach DeVries and watch him grow as a man and coach over a eight year span, from player to coach." -Mike Sutton, Head Coach TN Tech

"Coach Sutton and Steve Payne (assistant head coach) have ran a great basketball camp over the years. I know Austin and I, have fond memories of summers at TTU. As kids it was one of our favorite things to do all year." - Jason DeVries, Head Coach Elon

"TTU will always be near and dear to me, my parents graduated from TTU, I graduated from TTU. I went to there basketball camps. Cookeville and TTU is a great place. This game is going to be alot of fun, and it will be even better when we travel to TTU next year and play." -Austin Parkison, Assistant Coach, Elon

Preview:
On paper it seems as if TTU is the better team with PF Amadi McKenzie leading the charge. Elon does not have the inside personal to stop McKenzie. But, Elon does have the deeper guard bench. With Coach DeVries's open sets, guard play is very important so, Elon could keep it close. Also, DeVries and Parkison will have there players very fired up for this game. This should be an emotional game that will be fun to watch. It seems that College sports television has banked on this, and will feature this game on television.
Prediction: TTU wins a close one.