A Rising Star-Coach Haas Legacy

[vikingfan1]

The Story

Hello everyone, my name is Matt Haas and I am formerly a high school coach in the state of Illinois and I have coached at the high school level for five years, but in that time I have led my high school team to three straight state championships, with all of the teams winning over 30 games in a season (In Illinois, you play about 35 games max for the season). In my last season after we won the championship, I got a call about three weeks later from a number in Florida. It was the atheltic director and staff at North Florida offering me a job at North Florida. They had heard about me because they have connections with coaches from the area in Illinois and actually some of the people who are at North Florida know the Illinois area very well and know how tough of basketball it is in Illinois, especially at a small school where I was at.

I went ahead and took a trip to Florida to see the campus and to meet everybody I possibly could and I really enjoyed it in Florida. They filled me in on as much as possible but me being a coach and follow college hoops a lot, I knew they didn't have that great of a program, and they want me to turn it around. I was very happy and I accepted the job, this being my first college basketball job I am proud to be at a school like this and I hope I can turn that program around in a short time because they have not been very good, and play in a relatively tough conference which is the Atlantic Sun Conference.

Their are some goals this year, but I think the main one is for all of us (the team) to get to know one another and I will look at each kid and figure out their strength and weaknesses and make them a better player. In high school, I ran a tough man to man defense all the time, but I am not sure if I will start out with that right away, or slowly work them into that. I rarely press and if their is a zone that I like it would be 2-3 or 1-3-1 zone. I am one of those coaches who usually uses a lot of the bench, if not all of it in some games. I plan to apply the same thing here. My offense is easy, I run a motion offense and I like to keep the players moving and setting screens for open jump shots or drives to the basket. It should be an exciting year to start with and I can't wait to get the season underway!!!

I will post the Roster & Schedule soon!!! As well as all of the goals that I let my players pick.

[jjredick4]

nice story, definitely following

[MAK314]

Nice to see you doing a Career Legacy. I will definitley follow.

[TigerCraig]

Count me in Coach, I love a good story

[vikingfan1]

2007-2008 North Florida Roster

Name-Position-Rating-Height-Weight-Class

Chris Timberlake-PG-68-5'11-180-SR
Tim Hammonds-SG-66-6'4-200-JR
James Grimball-C-66-6'8-215-SR
Ashton Jones-SG-62-6'1-185-JR
Justin Cecil-PF-60-6'7-210-FR
Devon Jones-PF-58-6'6-195-FR
Brent Wood-SG-58-6'4-175-FR
Kyle Groothuis-PF-58-6'7-215-FR
Germaine Sparkes-SG-57-6'6-190-SO
Stan Januska-SF-56-6'6-200-SO
Ian Gibson-SG-53-6'1-170-JR
Cortez Riley-PG-53-6'0-180-JR
Gallo Cham-PF-52-6'7-210-SR

Starting Lineup

PG-Timberlake
SG-Hammonds
SF-A. Jones
PF-Cecil
C-Grimball

2007-2008 North Florida Schedule

Non-Conference

11/17 vs Weber St.
11/18 at Boise St.
11/20 at #1 Kansas
11/22 at Virginia Tech (Great Alaska Shootout)
11/27 vs Savannah St.
12/7 vs William & Mary
12/15 at UCF
12/18 at Flordia Atlantic
12/20 vs Princeton
12/29 at Michigan
12/31 at Notre Dame
2/12 at UIC

Conference

1/3 vs Florida Gulf Coast
1/6 vs Stetson
1/10 at Mercer
1/12 at Kennesaw St.
1/19 vs Jacksonville
1/25 vs SC Upstate
1/27 at E. Tennessee State
1/31 vs Gardner-Webb
2/2 vs Cambell
2/7 at Lipscomb
2/9 at Belmont
2/15 at Jacksonville
2/21 vs Kennesaw St.
3/1 at Florida Gulf Coast

Team Goals

Here are the goals that the players mainly picked out. Obviously I have goals for myself and the team, but this is what the players wanted to accomplish this season, and realistically, I think we can meet almost all of these goals, remember North Flordia was 3-26 last year with a record of 1-17 in the conference. So here are the goals:

-Win at least 12 games
-Win at least 7 conference games
-Win one game in the Great Alaska Shootout
-Go undefeated at home in conference play
-Have a team Unity of 60 by the end of the year

[vikingfan1]

Nice to see you doing a Career Legacy. I will definitley follow.

Thank you. I wanted to do a Career Legacy, and I really needed to. I love the Illini to death, but it was time for a change.

[Deuce2223]

Looks good. You know I will be cheering for you every game but 1. :)

[vikingfan1]

Coach Haas gets first career victory in thrilling fashion

Wow, what a way to start out the season for us. We battled against a team that was pretty good and we knew we would have our hands full in Weber St. Just as I planned, we played mostly a 2-3 zone with some 1-3-1 and at times we lost the Weber St. shooters on the perimeter as they canned 9 three pointers, but overall I thought we did a great job of defending them. James Grimball stepped up in a big way for us, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. I haven't named the captains yet because I want to see the team more not only in practice and in games, but off the court as well. As of right now though, I really like the way Grimball, Timberlake, and Hammonds are on and off the court. We were able to get some very key baskets towards the end of the game, but still we had to foul with about 15 seconds left on the clock, forcing them to go the freethrow line to shoot a one and one, with us trailing by one point. Weber St. missed the first freethrow and we got the rebound and charged down court and dumped it into Cecil who made a turnaround jumper with just four seconds left. Weber St. had one more look for the win but it did not go. It was a great first win for me and the team, and hopefully we have many more coming!!

Box Score

Weber St........40.......30.......70
North Florida...41.......30.......71

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-15pts, 11rebs, 3ast (Player of the Game)
Wood-13pts, 2rebs
Cecil-12pts, 4rebs (made game winning basket)
A. Jones-11pts, 3ast

Weber St. Player Stats

SG Silveira-27pts, 4ast
PF Billings-15pts, 9rebs, 2ast
Harris-12pts

Key Team Stats

North Florida/Weber St.

Points in the Paint-38/24
Second Chance Points-16/5

Up Next

at Boise St. (1-2)

Boise St. may have a losing record right now, but I think they will be a much much tougher opponent then Weber St. and especially tough on their home court. They run an uptempo offense and will press some. Their defense is mainly a zone but they do play some occasional man to man defense. It is a quick turnaround for us, two games in two days.

North Flordia is 1-0

[CincyFan]

All I can say about the next game is that it should be in the bag. With all their recruiting violations and shady stuff going on there it should be an easy place since they are distracted off and on the court.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida rallies from 17 down, beats Boise St.

At the start of this game, I wasn't even sure we would break 40 points. Boise St. had us down 17-0 before we could even step out onto the court. Once we weathered the storm, we were able to fight back and get into the game and we found ourselves only down 40-33 at halftime. The second half though, started much like the first and we didn't get off to a real good start, and they built a 58-42 lead on us. After that though, the boys really cranked it up and fought back once again, but towards the end of the game we still found ourselves having to foul, which was ok because Boise St. missed some crucial freethrows down the stretch and we took our first lead at 81-79. Even then, we still had to play great defense with 10 seconds left, and we did just that. We didn't even let Boise St. get into their offense as we stole the inbounds pass and made two freethrows to go up 83-79, but it wasn't quite over yet. Boise St. came down and nailed a three pointer with 3.5 seconds left, to only be down one. We were fouled and we were still in the one and one so it was a pressure freethrow, and we knocked down both of them and went on to win 85-82.

I was so proud of my guys for fighting back and never hung their heads or thought the game was over, they just kept playing hard, and thats all you can ask for you. If we do that, were going to be in a lot of ball games. Grimball was fantastic, scoring a game high 33 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. He really took over when we needed to. A. Jones also chipped in 16 points. Boise St. hit 11 three pointers in the game, and thats really how they got their big lead right off the bat and later in the second half, they were smoking. We clamped down though when we needed to get the win.

Box Score

North Florida......33.....52......85
Boise St............40.....42......82

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-33pts, 9rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-16pts, 3ast, 2stl
Timberlake-11pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 2stl

Boise St. Player Stats

SF Tiedman-26pts, 8rebs, 2ast
SG Bauscher-18pts, 3rebs, 5ast
PG Thomas-10pts, 7ast

Key Team Stats

North Florida/Boise St.

Three Pointers-5/21, 11/29
Rebounds-31/35
Freethrows-12/17, 9/13
Blocks-0/6

Up Next

at #1 Kansas (2-0)

Well, its quite simple. We have to play our best ever just to try to hang with them. Our confidence is sky high and we certainly won't be afraid of them playing them in their own gym in a packed house. I think we will bring a pretty decent fan base with us even though its early in the season. We are really going to have to contain Rush and I think if we can somehow do that, even with how balanced they are, I think we at least have a shot to keep it a game. If he's hot though and we can't match that, the game will be over early. I just hope no matter the score we keep battling with them all the way to the end.

North Florida is 2-0

[vikingfan1]

#1 Kansas survives a scare from North Florida, wins by 16

This game was unbelievable, I can't believe how well we played against the #1 team in the country on their home court. We hung right with them pretty much throughout the entire game. They got a lead on us at 30-19 but we fought back to get it close, and at the half Sparkas hit a shot at the buzzer to bring us within 50-42 at the half, and we were pumped up. Kansas was very very worried and you could see it not only in the players eyes, but in the fans as well. We still couldn't stop Rush, as he had 26 points, including five three pointers. We played a zone most of the way through, but I think we found a new defense. I put the guys in a man to man for about the last six or seven minutes of the game, and it seemed to work pretty well so I think I will stick with that as our main defense. Grimball had another sensational game with 32 points and 5 blocks, and he was even in foul trouble some of the game.

Their were a couple of possessions that were key in the second half that if we just could have gotten a couple of more stops or baskets made, we would have been right there for the finish, but Kansas is a great team and for sure a national championship contender. I really thought we played about as well as we could have against them, and it really showed. As the final buzzer sounded, the entire crowd stood up and gave us a standing ovation as we were shaking hands with Kansas, and this is what head coach Bill Self had to say about the game:" North Florida is way better then what we ever could have anticipated, they really played hard the entire game and were fortunate enough to make some big plays down the stretch in order to pull out the victory, but this is a great basketball team that could very easily be in the NCAA tournament if they played like they did tonight, I give them a ton of credit".

I thought those were some kind words by Bill Self and even though we lost and were down a lot at times (18 at one point) I told the guys to just keep fighting and keep playing hard, and to never give up, and they certainly didn't. The final score was 95-79 but it was much closer then that for most of the way through. A game like this can really turn a season around, even if its a loss. I am excited to go into the Great Alaska Shootout with a record of 2-1 and the team knowing that we can beat anybody.

Box Score

North Florida.......42........37..........79
#1 Kansas........50.........45..........95

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-32pts, 2stl, 5blks
Groothuis-10pts, 6rebs, 2stl
Sparkas-9pts, 3rebs, 4ast

Kansas Player Stats

Rush-26pts, 4rebs, 4ast, 2blks (Player of the Game)
Chalmers-14pts, 5ast
Robinson-11pts, 8ast, 3stl
Arthur-10pts, 2rebs

Key Team Stats

North Florida/Kansas

Three Pointers-3/11, 9/16
Rebounds-19/27
Freethrows-16/21, 6/10
Second Chance Points-7/18

Up Next

at Virginia Tech, 2-1 (Great Alaska Shootout)

For the quarterfinal round, we get a tough Virginia Tech squad. We will be the underrdog yet again (which will bascially be every game) but I think the guys really love that role and hopefully we can come out and play hard again and give ourselves a chance to be there at the end of the game.

North Florida is 2-1

[CincyFan]

so are you having more fun with this one than the EIU one? What was the game killer in the other closed legacy anyways viking?

[vikingfan1]

so are you having more fun with this one than the EIU one? What was the game killer in the other closed legacy anyways viking?

Yes, I am having a lot of fun with North Florida. I don't know why EIU didn't work out, I guess I would say a lack of motivation.

[vikingfan1]

Virginia Tech rallies to beat North Florida

This was a really heartbreaking loss for us because we really had this game in the bag, but to many turnovers and missed shots costs us the game. In the first half we built a pretty good lead on them but they would come storming back and take a 38-35 halftime lead. In the second half it was pretty much back and forth until we went on a huge run with about seven minutes to go and we nailed a big three pointer to put us up 65-61, but that wouldn't be enough. Virginia Tech stormed back to tie the game at 70. Virginia Tech then pressed us which I thought was totally unexpected when the game was tied, and we were in the bonus but it paid off for them and they were able to get a steal and a layup to put them up 72-70. We had one last crack at it but we missed a three pointer at the buzzer. I really felt bad for the guys because they knew they should have had it and had a chance to go to the semifinals, but instead we have to try to battle back and get 5th place, something that won't be easy to do. Grimball had yet another monster game with 27 points, and is pretty much unstoppable when he gets the ball downlow, even against taller defenders at times. He is also a great freethrow shooter at about 90% so far in the season.

Box Score

North Florida......35........35......70
Virginia Tech..38........34.....72

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-27pts, 6rebs, 3ast, 2stl, 2blks
Hammonds-10pts, 3rebs

Virginia Tech Player Stats

SG Vassallo-26pts, 3rebs, 4ast, 2stl (Player of the Game)
PG Delaney-16pts, 2rebs, 4ast
SF Washington-17pts, 4rebs, 3ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Virginia Tech

Rebounds-21/26
Bench Points-16/12
Fast Break Points-10/17
Freethrows-14/14, 8/14
Field Goal Percentage-47/50

Up Next

vs Michigan, 3-1 (Great Alaska Shootout)

Even though we had a tough loss to Virginia Tech, we can't think about that and have to go out and play hard against a good Michigan team, that surprisingly got throttled by Butler (OK, in real life that wouldn't be surprising) and Michigan will be out to get a win after such a bad loss. This is the first meeting between these two teams this year, as they will face in a regular season contest at Michigan at the end of December. Michigan has some big guys downlow that could really cause problems for Grimball, but yet I haven't seen anyone slow him down yet, other then foul trouble.

North Florida is now 2-2

[CincyFan]

after a heartbreaker loss like you said I hope they are ready for Michigan. They aren't great but apparently with a 3-1 record it might be harder now after that loss.

[chestnutz6]

tough loss but you know im readin

[vikingfan1]

North Florida drops two straight after leading in second half again

Another close game, another heartbreaking loss. We seem to do very well in the first half, do even better in the second half but when it comes to crunch time, we seem to fold and the other team comes back and win. If we are going to meet some goals this year, we can't do that. We play so well sometimes during the game, but other times we look really lost and just get beat on the boards really really badly. I know for the most part this is a young team, but we have to adjust very quickly and be better in late game situations so that we can pull out some of these games for victories. Grimball had another stellar game, but even he missed some shots down low that he usually makes. Michigan was able to come back, take the lead and take it for good as they went on to win 77-74 but really we made a couple of threes at the end to make it close. Im sure we will be much improved in a little over a month when we have to travel to Michigan and hopefully we can beat them there.

Box Score

Michigan............33.....44......77
North Florida......38.....36......74

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-26pts, 5rebs
D. Jones-14pts, 6rebs
A. Jones-8pts, 7ast

Michigan Player Stats

SF Coleman-17pts, 2rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
C Udoh-14pts, 4rebs, 3ast, 4blks
PF Sims-11pts, 6rebs, 3ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Michigan

Freethrows-15/20, 13/17
Bench Points-23/19
Field Goal Percentage-50/56
Rebounds-26/24

Up Next

vs W. Kentucky, 2-2 (Great Alaska Shootout)

One of our goals for the year was to win at least one game in this tournament, and this is the last chance we have to do so. Western Kentucky is the first team we are playing in this tournament thats not from a power conference, and that should help a lot. We really should be able to stick with them the entire game and hopefully we can close the game out towards the end and get a victory to get back to 500.

North Florida is 2-3

[jjredick4]

you did a lot better than we intentionally thought, I'm really liking your chances against Western kentucky

[vikingfan1]

you did a lot better than we intentionally thought, I'm really liking your chances against Western kentucky

Thanks. Dropping two games that we probably should have won at least one of them is very tough. We'll have to play well, but I think we can beat Western Kentucky as well.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida snaps two game skid, beats Western Kentucky

As I stated at the beginning of the year, one of teams goal was to win at least one game in this tournament, and we were able to do that today. I am pretty proud of the way things went for us today when it times it didn't look very good at all. Grimball had yet another great game with 30 points and 7 rebounds, but also Cecil had a great game with 16 points and 7 rebounds, and if he can get his scoring up in double figures every night, that will make us so much better. It was a close game all the way through and by the end of the first half Western Kentucky had a 33-30 lead on us. Lee, a player for Western Kentucky went off against us and we literally could not stop him no matter what we threw at him, he still scored. He scoed a game high 39 points but didn't get a lot of help from his teammates down the stretch.

The game was tied at 71 and we were able to dump it down low to Grimball and he scored the game winner. Western Kentucky had one last shot at a three to beat us, but it did not go and we won the game 73-71. Im glad the guys recovered from two heartbreaking losses in the earlier rounds to come back here and pick up 7th place, it says a lot about this team already.

Box Score

Western Kentucky...........33........38........71
North Florida..................30.........43........73

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-30pts, 7rebs (Player of the Game)
Cecil-16pts, 7rebs
A. Jones-8pts, 5rebs, 3ast

Western Kentucky Player Stats

SF Lee-39pts, 4rebs, 4ast, 2blks
SG Rogers-13pts, 2rebs, 3ast
PG Brazelton-11pts, 11ast, 2stl

Game Stats

North Florida/Western Kentucky

Rebounds-31/26
Blocks-2/7
Fast Break Points-0/14
Bench Points-11/12
Assists-17/22

Up Next

vs Savannah St. (1-3)

We finally return home for a fresh week. Last week saw us playing 4 games in 5 days and the guys really needed the break. Savannah St. will give us a really good game I think, but the kids are playing with a lot of confidence right now and that could be the difference in this game, as Savannah St. has lost 3 straight.

North Florida is 3-3

[jjredick4]

knew ya would win that one, you'll win the next one too

[vikingfan1]

Balanced attack leads North Florida over Savannah St. in another nail biter

It was good to be back on our homecourt for this game, and the guys seem to play really well. Once again we were locked up in a tight game but finally executed well down the stretch. We did hold a lead of 76-70 but that evaporated within a 30 second span, and all of the sudden the game was tied and I thought to myself here we go again. We were able to hold for the last shot of the game though and Cecil made a running layup with about four seconds left to put us up by two. Savannah St. got a good look from three but it didn't go and we were victories once again. We have already beaten the amount of wins from last season, and that goal of at least 12 games is looking really good right now. We also have another streak going which is to remain unbeaten I believe throughout the season, or at least in conference play, but even that won't be easy to do. Grimball had a good game, but it was Jones, Cecil, and Hammonds who stepped up and all of them had great games, reaching in double figures.

Box Score

Savannah St..........36.........40......76
North Florida..........39.........39......78

North Florida Player Stats

D. Jones-16pts
Grimball-15pts, 4rebs, 3blks (Player of the Game)
Cecil-14pts, 2rebs
Hammonds-10pts, 4rebs, 5ast, 3stl

Savannah St. Player Stats

SG Flegler-26pts, 2rebs, 2ast
SF Mitchell-14pts, 2ast
PF Linton-10pts, 5rebs

Game Stats

Freethrows-14/15, 11/14
Assists-19/21
Fast Break Points-12/2
Rebounds-20/17

Up Next

vs William & Mary (2-3)

I don't know to much about William & Mary other then they have a couple of nice players who can shoot from the outside some and penetrate as well. I think if we play really well and keep battling hard we should be able to come out on top. We are starting to close out games by doing whatever we need to do, and I really like that and hope we can keep it up.

North Florida is 4-3

[jjredick4]

told ya you were gonna win , i'm now 2-0, and you're gonna beat William & Mary

[vikingfan1]

told ya you were gonna win , i'm now 2-0, and you're gonna beat William & Mary

Haha yeah, that would be a nice win since we still have some tough non conference games like traveling to Michigan (who I hope we beat) and then Notre Dame.

[Superjames1992]

Nice start! I am following!!!

[boomosby50]

why'd u have tog o with North Florida, im following and I like your start but I just think North Florida is kinda popular, maybe yyou could've gone with someone like Army or Dartmouth

[Deuce2223]

BREAKING NEWS

After N. Florida win over Boise State. Coach Dezaron had the NCAA check into Grimball grades and it turns out he is failing his classes. Looks like N. Florida is going to have to go back and replay their games. :)

Well I wish it would be funny if that did happen.

Good job so far even if you did beat my team.

[Deuce2223]

why'd u have tog o with North Florida, im following and I like your start but I just think North Florida is kinda popular, maybe yyou could've gone with someone like Army or Dartmouth


That funny I have only seen 1 other person actually post with N. Florida and they only lasted a week. The only team I have actually seen anyone stick it out and have duplicate postings was UC Riverside with Vols and WSU and they both did a amazing job and it was fun to read them both until they both lost their systems. :(

[chestnutz6]

I hope William & Mary crushes you. Sorry, but they have a Lithuanian player on there who is badass, so good luck. (I'm Lithuanian by the way, so any of my fellow countrymen are good in my book)

[vikingfan1]

BREAKING NEWS

After N. Florida win over Boise State. Coach Dezaron had the NCAA check into Grimball grades and it turns out he is failing his classes. Looks like N. Florida is going to have to go back and replay their games. :)

Well I wish it would be funny if that did happen.

Good job so far even if you did beat my team.

Actually I checked up on his grades and he's doing quite well. Nice try though.:)

[vikingfan1]

That funny I have only seen 1 other person actually post with N. Florida and they only lasted a week. The only team I have actually seen anyone stick it out and have duplicate postings was UC Riverside with Vols and WSU and they both did a amazing job and it was fun to read them both until they both lost their systems. :(

I tried to use a team that no one had used before, or so I hoped.

[vikingfan1]

I hope William & Mary crushes you. Sorry, but they have a Lithuanian player on there who is badass, so good luck. (I'm Lithuanian by the way, so any of my fellow countrymen are good in my book)

Thanks for the heads up!! Hopefully we can win to make it 3 in a row and stay undefeated on our court.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida falls apart in second half, loses to William & Mary

In the first half, we looked so good and we were really moving the ball well and playing great defense. Grimball and Cecil were good all game, but especially in the first half. We held William & Mary to 34 first half points, while taking a nine point lead into halftime, 43-34. In the second half though, the wheels came off. We simply couldn't defend in the second half, nor could we get a rebound. When your a small school scrapping for any kind of win you can get, and if you expect to compete and win ball games, you must rebound. We certainly did not rebound when we needed to tonight, and that was the story of the game. William & Mary quickly erased that nine point lead from us and turned it into their own 77-70 victory, making some key freethrows down the stretch. Freethrows was another thing we didn't do well. We shot 9-14 and it should have been much better.

I give a lot of credit to William & Mary though, they have one heck of a ball club and deserved to beat us, and we couldn't get anyone besides Grimball and Cecil to step up on the offensive end, and they held us to just 27 second half points, while scoring 43 of their own.

Box Score

William & Mary........34.........43.......77
North Florida...........43.........27.......70

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-26pts, 4rebs, 2blks
Cecil-16pts, 5rebs, 2ast
D. Jones-10pts, 4rebs

William & Mary Player Stats

PG Mann-18pts, 3rebs, 2ast, 2stl (Player of the Game)
C Summer-14pts, 4rebs, 3blks

Game Stats

North Florida/William & Mary

Rebounds-19/30
Bench Points-18/23
Blocks-3/6
Three Pointers-1/11, 6/11
Freethrows-9/14, 15/24

Up Next: At UCF (3-4)

We set out on the road again, but luckily its a pretty short trip so it really shouldn't have any affect on us whatsoever. UCF will be a tough matchup for us and were going to have to defend better and definitly rebound better then we have been or else we won't be able to stay with them.

North Florida is now 4-4

[vikingfan1]

Recruiting Update

We get three scholarships for next year because we will be losing seniors Chris Timberlake (PG), James Grimball (C), and Gallo Cham (PF). Which also means we will lose two starters and we are for sure looking for a replacement for the center spot because Grimball is our only true center on the roster. We do have Cortez Riley (JR) who is the backup point guard and should step into that starting role next year in place of Timberlake, but we also going after a point guard who can hopefully learn a lot under Riley in a short amount of time and be a good backup player. Cham is a PF, and although we are at least looking at some power forwards, it isn't really that necessary that we get one because we have freshmen D. Jones who is a power forward and will most likely start next season, as well as freshmen Kyle Groothuis. So here are the recruits that we have signed so far or have offered them scholarships.

Signed

2* Frank Eisentrout
HT-6'0
WT-171
Class-HS SR
Pos-PG
Hometown-Tallahassee, Florida
Recruit Class Rank-NR

Grades

Shooting:C
Skills:B
Defense:C+
Athleticism:B-
Rebounding: D
Intelligence: D
Potential:C
Size:C

Final Thoughts- We were fortunate enough to find a point guard right away, because at times thats a hard position to get. Frank is a very good point guard though and is an acceptional ball handler and can also shoot the ball well to. I think with a little guidance he can become one heck of a ball player. I have seen tapes of him and went to a few games and he is really quick. I think he will work out pretty well for us.

Offered Scholarships

3* Johwen Gooden
HT-6'6
WT-210
Class-HS SR
Pos-PF
Hometown-Jacksonville, Florida
Recruit Class Rank-OVR 397, POS 65

Grades

Shooting:C+
Skills:C+
Defense:B-
Athleticism:B-
Rebounding:B+
Intelligence:B
Potential:B
Size:B

Final Thoughts- I know we really don't "need" a power forward, but I honestly couldn't pass on this kid. He may be small for a power forward, but he is extremely quick downlow and is one heck of a defender who can block shots and steal the ball out on the perimeter. He is a very smart player who hardly ever gets in foul trouble, and is the type of player who can take over a game on both ends of the floor. I went to a high school game of his, and he scored 20 points (finished with 35) in the 4th quarter, to go along with his game high 15 rebounds and 7 blocked shots to help his team when the game. I know he may not play the same level of competiton as some of the top ranked players in the nation, but he is very good in his own right. We would be lucky to get him.

2* Misha Bozovic
HT-6'10
WT-242
Class-HS SR
Pos-C
Hometown-Serbia
Recruit Class Rank-NR

Final Thoughts- I don't have all the grades for him yet because its so hard to look at international players, but from the videos I have received and talking with other coaches, this kid is a flat out monster inside. What I like about him maybe the most is his size. We are in a small conference and were a small school, and you don't see to many 6'10 guys in our conference, so he would most likely come in right away and start for us, and hopefully put up some big numbers.

[Deuce2223]

Your right you are not very good at recruiting :)

You know I am kidding but really only a 2* World Guy. SHould be no reason you can't get a 4* at the min. Noboby goes after those guys.

Would think being in Florida you would be able to get more 3* local kids do to the # of players available. Maybe I am wrong. ??

[vikingfan1]

Your right you are not very good at recruiting :)

You know I am kidding but really only a 2* World Guy. SHould be no reason you can't get a 4* at the min. Noboby goes after those guys.

Would think being in Florida you would be able to get more 3* local kids do to the # of players available. Maybe I am wrong. ??

Actually I think I do have one 4* world recruit on the list, and I am the only school on his list, but the percentage is really really low right now.

[blue_apocalypse]

Recruiting might be difficult in Florida. There are a billion div I schools there.

Tough loss to William & Mary..I was just watching them play George Mason in the CAA tourney final last night and that Lithuanian kid (Kisielius) is very good.

[Deuce2223]

Actually I think I do have one 4* world recruit on the list, and I am the only school on his list, but the percentage is really really low right now.


Just keep working on him, Your phone calls and emails will have more effect in the off season once they realize no one else wants them.

[Deuce2223]

Recruiting might be difficult in Florida. There are a billion div I schools there.

Tough loss to William & Mary..I was just watching them play George Mason in the CAA tourney final last night and that Lithuanian kid (Kisielius) is very good.

You might be right on the Florida thing, but I wouldn't think so. There is a ton in Texas and California too but the thing is there are more players in those states also. I find sometimes its better to go to states that don't have alot of schools.

[vikingfan1]

Just keep working on him, Your phone calls and emails will have more effect in the off season once they realize no one else wants them.

Yeah, most likely I will keep working on him and find others a well if the two previous guys don't work out.

[MAK314]

Update dude. I'm bored...

[vikingfan1]

Updates to come tonight, sorry I have been busy lately.

[CincyFan]

10 hours and counting. Your almost as bad as coming out with a sweet college hoop game and then saying "my bad we are going to stop making this despite it being the best college hoops game ever". You are such a tease bro.

[vikingfan1]

10 hours and counting. Your almost as bad as coming out with a sweet college hoop game and then saying "my bad we are going to stop making this despite it being the best college hoops game ever". You are such a tease bro.

I do have a life outside of this:lol: Im not saying you don't, just simply saying.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida lets another game slip away at the end

This was another game we just could not close out at the end. I thought for the most part we played really well, and outplayed UCF for pretty much the entire game. Grimball did have 26 points, but other then that their was only one other person in double figure, while UCF had I think three or four guys in double figures. We simply need a little bit balanced scoring throughout the game and better defense towards the end of the game and I think were going to win a lot of ball games. I don't normally complain about the officiating, but the final foul count was 16-5 in their favor, and 13 of those fouls came in the second half, while they only had two second half fouls. We were up at the end of the first half and even some in the second and I believe if we hadn't gotten so many early fouls called in the second half, that we could have won because they missed a lot of freethrows down the stretch. We had one last opportunity to tie but the three by Timberlake was no good and we lost 78-75.

Box Score

North Florida.........40.........35.........75
UCF.....................36.........42.........78

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-26pts, 3rebs, 2ast, 2blks
D. Jones-14pts, 3rebs
Timberlake-7pts, 3rebs, 2ast
A. Jones-7pts, 2rebs, 2ast

UCF Player Stats

SF Taylor-22pts, 4rebs, 3ast, 3stl (Player of the Game)
SG Noel-16pts, 4ast, 3stl
PG O'Donnal-15pts, 7ast, 3stl

Game Stats

North Florida/UCF

Fouls-16/5
Blocks-3/8
Points in the Paint-34/50
Fast Break Points-4/16
Rebounds-24/19
Freethrows-9/9, 13/23

Up Next

vs Florida Atlantic (3-6)

This will be a nice home game to try to get back on the winning track but we'll still need to play really good defense and hopefully we have some more balanced scoring in this game, because if we can get these two things on a consistent basis, were going to have a really good season. That said, Florida Atlantic isn't a pushover by any means. They are in a position like us and they are trying to build a program as well, should be a good game.

North Florida is now 4-5

[callmegoose]

Tough loss. You should be able to get past FAU. I'm currently doing a closed legacy with Florida Gulf Coast. 11-1 so far, I think I might have to go up a level soon.

[vikingfan1]

Tough loss. You should be able to get past FAU. I'm currently doing a closed legacy with Florida Gulf Coast. 11-1 so far, I think I might have to go up a level soon.

What level do you play on? I play on MOP, 13min havles, default sliders except I moved up the close shot success and layup success a little bit.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida crushes Florida Atlantic, moves a game over .500

I was really impressed on how the team played today, they really got after it on both ends and shut Florida Atlantic down, something thats not easy to do on an opponents home floor. Another thing I was happy about was the scoring. Grimball did lead the way with 22, but Hammonds and Cecil stepped up with 15 and 13 points respectively. Overall though I was more impressed with the defense, as we only gave up 60 points on our way to an 83-60 win. With the win, it puts us at 5-5 which isn't a bad mark at all considering the teams we have played. We only have three non conference games left until the conference games start, but then we travel to University of Illinois-Chicago in Februrary for our last non conference game. I think the guys are really looking forward to the Michigan rematch and hoping we can get a win at their place.

Box Score

North Florida........38........45..........83
Florida Atlantic.....30........30..........60

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-22pts, 4rebs (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-15pts, 2ast, 3stl
Cecil-13pts, 4rebs, 2ast

Florida Atlantic Player Stats

C Monroe-18pts, 4rebs
SF Parmer-9pts, 3rebs
SG Royster-8pts, 3rebs, 3ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Florida Atl

Freethrows-17/19, 6/10
Field Goal %-57/47
Points in the Paint-36/50
Second Chance Points-2/10
Three Pointers-6/15, 0/9

Up Next: vs Princeton (1-9)

Princeton really surprises me that they are 1-9 but we still can't take them lightly, even though we have a better record. We are a pretty small school and have to keep fighting hard even if its against a 1-9 Princeton team. It will be nice to play at home again though before we go on the road to Michigan and Notre Dame.

North Florida is now 5-5

[CincyFan]

I do have a life outside of this:lol: Im not saying you don't, just simply saying.


Come one now. We both know I don't have a life. Everyone else has a job and goes to work for their 5 day 40 hour a week and everyone doesn't really like their job. I have to go in whenever I would like, or when I am suppose to be on stage (there all the time if I am directing though). I act like a kid and in my job we just goof off and play around until we get it. Sorry that I love my job and I don't do the norm, but that doesn't mean you have the right to say I don't have a lot outside of this. Ohh and we are the people who become characters in video games (know someone who was in one) so it looks as if video games and acting intersec with each other.

I see you play my old team next. I swear if you play either Miami-Ohio or Xavier in the schedule we will have words lol. good luck and congrats to be 500 on the year again despite being early on in the season.

[vikingfan1]

Come one now. We both know I don't have a life. Everyone else has a job and goes to work for their 5 day 40 hour a week and everyone doesn't really like their job. I have to go in whenever I would like, or when I am suppose to be on stage (there all the time if I am directing though). I act like a kid and in my job we just goof off and play around until we get it. Sorry that I love my job and I don't do the norm, but that doesn't mean you have the right to say I don't have a lot outside of this. Ohh and we are the people who become characters in video games (know someone who was in one) so it looks as if video games and acting intersec with each other.

I see you play my old team next. I swear if you play either Miami-Ohio or Xavier in the schedule we will have words lol. good luck and congrats to be 500 on the year again despite being early on in the season.

I wasn't trying to attack your personaly life, just simply saying. I imagine I won't play Miami-OH or Xavier this year unless I meet them in the NCAA (If i get there), however its something to think about scheduling them next season though.

[vikingfan1]

Updates coming tonight.

[TigerCraig]

Hurry damn it!! :lol:

[vikingfan1]

Hurry damn it!! :lol:

I am sorry. Its been a crazy week. Next week is spring break and I will hopefully finish the first season by the end of next week.

[CincyFan]

you are such a tease vikingfan. Quite honestly I like it too. :)

[vikingfan1]

you are such a tease vikingfan. Quite honestly I like it too. :)

I finally played 3 games, just haven't written them down then typed them up here lol. It'll come, don't worry lol.

[Deuce2223]

Don't worry we all understand. There is life outside of the game. Not as important but still life that you need to live :)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida continues winning ways, beats Princeton

Going into the game, I felt that we really needed to beat these guys on their homecourt. We need every win we can get, and whether they were 1-9 makes no difference to me. We have two huge games coming up that finish our non conference schedule, which we travel to both Michigan and Notre Dame, so as you can see this was much needed. Grimball and Hammonds really stepped up the entire game and led the way, and although it wasn't easy, we were able to score the 74-63 victory. I thought Princeton played better then their 1-9 record and I think once they get into conference play, they will win more games (which I hope happens to us to). Ashton Jones had a good game as well with 12 points. Next to Wood, I think him or Hammonds may be our best outside threat, and all three of them can get hot at the right time.

Box Score

Princeton.........31........32........63
North Forida.....39........35........74

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-19pts, 5rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-18pts, 3rebs
A. Jones-12pts, 3ast, 3stl

Princeton Player Stats

PF Savage-15pts, 7rebs
C Woolridge-13pts, 8rebs, 3blks

Game Stats

North Florida/Princeton

Rebounds-18/24
Freethrows-8/8, 10/12
Three Pointers-8/22, 3/13

Up Next: At Michigan (9-3)

If you remember the first meeting, then you know we nearly beat Michigan in the Great Alaska Shootout, losing by just three points. In this game however, were going to have to be much better because they will be playing on their homecourt and be much better as well. I think if we can hang with them for most of the game we may be able to pull it out, but a lot can happen.

North Florida is now 6-5

[vikingfan1]

Michigan pounds North Florida in rematch

Well I must say I am pretty dissapointed with how my team played, but I knew we would have to play a lot better then we did in the tournament to stay with them, and we just didn't do that. I thought Michigan came out right away and made a statement that they weren't going to let us into the game. Their crowd was fantastic and we just never seemed to ever be in the game. We got down by 14 nearly right off the bat, and we tried to battle back but it seemed like every run we made, theirs was just a little bit bigger. We went into the half down 44-29. In the second half it got worse, ballooning to almost 30 point lead for Michigan, but we did fight back and we were able to cut the deficit to 12 points but again Michigan ran it right back up and they cruised to the victory 85-67. Grimball and Hammonds had another big game with 21 apiece, but no one else could really step up for us when we needed it the most. Michigan had very balanced scoring, putting four guys in double figures.

We must regroup now and practice even harder before the Notre Dame game. Some thought this non conference schedule would be brutal for the guys and they may only walk away with 2 or 3 wins, or heck some people from the school didn't think we would win any, yet here we are at 6-6 with one non conference game to go, I would say thats pretty good and will only prepare them for the conference, and should make us a lot tougher.

Box Score

North Florida.........29...........38.......67
Michigan...............44...........41.......85

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-21pts, 6rebs, 4ast
Hammonds-21pts, 2rebs, 6ast
Wood-9pts, 2ast, 3stl

Michigan Player Stats

SF Coleman-17pts, 6rebs, 2ast, 3stl (Player of the Game)
PG Smith-15pts, 6ast, 2stl
PF Sims-14pts, 3rebs, 3ast
C Udoh-12pts, 5rebs, 2blks

Game Stats

North Florida/Michigan

Rebounds-17/29
Blocks-5/7
Turnovers-11/15

Up Next: At Notre Dame (6-5)

Notre Dame may be coming into this game at 6-5, but that doesn't mean they aren't good. They have played a really good schedule and they are just a load inside with Harangody, who's nearly averaging a double double. He's going to be the key for us. If we can somehow slow him down and make the others beat us, we may have a shot. If Harangody goes off though, I don't even think we can keep it close.

North Florida is now 6-6

[blue_apocalypse]

Tough loss against Michigan this time around but they are a tough team. Hope you can pull off the upset against the Irish

[vikingfan1]

North Florida can't contain Harangody, Norte Dame pulls away in second half

In the first half, it looked like we had a real legit shot at knocking Notre Dame off on their homecourt, and we were containing Harangody about as best as you could as he was held to 10 points, 5 rebounds in the first half and Notre Dame led 38-34 at the break. However, in the second half the wheels came off and Harangody lit us up and Notre Dame was able to really key on Grimball and not let him get anything near the basket. Notre Dame won the game 67-50, holding us to just 16 second half points. Harangody finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds and earned player of the game honors. I thought Notre Dame was a tournament bound team, and they certainly showed it in the second half. We just weren't able to put up enough points to stay with them, and Cecil and was the only player for us in double figures with 16.

Finishing the non conference schedule at 6-7 is not bad at all, considering we played teams like Kansas, Notre Dame, Michigan (2), Virginia Tech, UCF, and even Western Kentucky is a tough team. I think this will really prepare the guys for the conference games and hopefully we can contend with top teams like Belmont and Mercer.

Box Score

North Florida...........34...........16........50
Notre Dame............38...........29........67

North Florida Player Stats

Cecil-16pts, 4rebs
Grimball-8pts, 10rebs
Timberlake-7pts, 8ast, 2stl

Notre Dame Player Stats

C Harangody-24pts, 12rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
PF Kurz-13pts, 13rebs, 2blks
Zeller-11pts, 4rebs

Game Stats

North Florida/Notre Dame

Rebounds-26/43
Turnovers-13/18
Bench Points-13/17

Up Next: Vs Florida Gulf Coast (6-8)

This is our first game in the conference, and it comes against Florida Gulf Coast. One of our goals for the season was to remain unbeaten at home in conference play, and although thats going to be a tough task, we need to start out with a bang against Florida Gulf Coast and show the rest of the conference that we are here to compete and win.

North Florida is now 6-7

[vikingfan1]

Tough loss against Michigan this time around but they are a tough team. Hope you can pull off the upset against the Irish

Michigan played really really well. They made sure we weren't going to give them a scare again.

[TigerCraig]

Looks like the right kind of matchup to help right the ship

[vikingfan1]

I also totally forgot about University of Illinois-Chicago who I play in Feburary. That will wrap up my non conference schedule. So I still have a chance to finish 7-7 for non conference.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida gets balanced offensive attack, wins conference opener

I was really happy with the way my team played today. The guys really showed a lot of intensity throughout the entire game and never really let Florida Gulf Coast get in the game to much. Our offense was really good because we were moving the ball very well and the guys were moving to and we put four guys into double figures, with Grimball leading the way with 28 points. We got hot from three early but cooled down eventually then went back to our game of getting Grimball and D. Jones the ball inside. I thought our defense was really good to and when Florida Gulf Coast tried to make a run, we made sure to stop them.

Box Score

Florida Gulf Coast................31...........33...........64
North Florida.......................45...........34..... ......79

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-28pts, 7rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
D. Jones-17pts
A. Jones-14pts, 3rebs, 3ast
Hammonds-12pts, 2rebs, 2ast, 3stl

Florida Gulf Coast Player Stats

SF Wohilleb-14pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Adler-12pts, 3rebs
SG Franklin-12pts, 2ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Florida Gulf Coast

Rebounds-24/27
Assists-22/16
Three Pointers-6/22, 3/13
Freethrows-11/11, 3/5

Up Next: Vs Stetson (6-7, 1-0)

This game I think will be much tougher I think then the Florida Gulf Coast game. Stetson has a good team and like us, they have had a tough non conference schedule as well. I think if we can keep up the balanced scoring and intensity on defense, that we have a great shot to win about every night, and also the guys know its a home game and lately we have been getting better crowds, although nowhere near full yet, I am hoping that will happen in the next couple of seasons or maybe this season if people realize that this isn't a bad team.

North Florida is now 7-7 (1-0)

[callmegoose]

Nice win. I'm back reading.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida starts conference 2-0 with win over Stetson

It was nice to continue our home winning streak and we still have that goal intact after a 76-68 victory over Stetson. I thought we really played well on the defensive end and we got some really good balanced scoring to go along with that. Grimball led the way with 23 points, but D.Jones, Groothuis, and Cecil were all in double figures. The game was pretty much back and forth with neither team gaining much of an advantage and we led at the half 41-35. In the second half Stetson came back but since we are a pretty good freethrow shooting team, we were able to knock down our freethrows to win the game. We hit 10-11 from the freethrow line and 4-4 down the stretch to seperate us. We now go on a nice little road trip to Mercer, Kennesaw St., and I believe Jacksonville.

Box Score

Stetson................35..........33..........68
North Florida........41..........35..........76

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-23pts, 7rebs, 3stl (Player of the Game)
D. Jones-15pts, 3rebs
Groothuis-10pts
Cecil-10pts, 3rebs

Stetson Player Stats

SF Blair-13pts, 2rebs
SG Thomas-13pts, 2ast
PG Williams-10pts, 7ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Stetson

Rebounds-25/23
Assists-24/16
Freethrows-10/11, 7/10

Up Next: At Mercer (11-2, 1-0)

This will be by far our toughest conference game to date, and one of our toughest games overall. Mercer comes in with an 11-2 mark, playing some very solid competition. Also its on the road which makes it even tougher. I think we can play with them if we get some more balanced scoring besides Grimball, and really do a terrific job with our man to man defense. If we can't get these two things, I don't think we can come away with the victory.

North Florida is now 8-7 (2-0)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida stuns Mercer, wins by 7 on the road

I must say, I think this was an upset. Even though we have been playing some good ball lately and with a three game winning streak, Mercer was still probably the favorite in this game, especially since they were on their home court. A. Jones lit them up with 26 points, including five three pointers. Grimball also did his usual thing with 23 points, 7 rebounds. It was a really high scoring game and we had a 39-38 lead at halftime. The lead grew at some points, but Mercer always had an answer and if it wasn't for our good freethrow shooting (14-18), we probably would not have won this game. Mercer is still a terrific team and they put five guys in double figures and they actually outrebounded us. I think the key to the victory was we were able to get some stops near the end of the game, and with that and freethrows, that was the difference.

Box Score

North Florida......39..........51........90
Mercer...............38..........45........83

North Florida Player Stats

A. Jones-26pts, 3rebs (Player of the Game)
Grimball-23pts, 7rebs, 2stl
D. Jones-8pts, 3rebs
Hammonds-8pts, 2ast

Mercer Player Stats

SF Ellis-17pts, 3rebs, 5ast
PG Florence-13pts, 2ast
SG Aaron-12pts, 6ast
C Dolan-12pts, 7rebs
Hall-11pts

Game Stats

North Florida/Mercer

Rebounds-18/24
Bench Points-21/18
Assists-21/20
Three Pointers-8/19, 7/14
Freethrows-14/18, 8/8

Up Next: At Kennesaw St. (7-7, 0-2)

Kennesaw St. has a really good basketball team. They are 0-2 right now in the conference, but I don't think thats any indication of how this team is. They have some guys who can flat out put in the hoop, especially guard Wooten. He's averaging nearly 20 points a game and can really light it up if you don't guard him well. Our defensive assignment will be to try to slow him down and make others beat us. If we can do that we will be in good shape, but if not it could be a long night for us.

North Florida is now 9-7 (3-0)

[jjredick4]

as i was scrolling down and i seen Up Next: At Mercer (11-2, 1-0), i knew you were gonna pull off the upset, i think the Kennesaw state game will be very close, as in a 1-2 point game

[vikingfan1]

Grimball has career night, but North Florida falls in OT

If any of you thought Grimball was good before, check out this stat line: 44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks. And honestly, it seemed like he had more then 44 points. This kid is just a flat out stud who can get it done for you anyway possible. The problem in this game was literally both teams didn't play much defense. Grimball scored 22 points in the first half and they didn't even double team him at any time in the first half. The second half was different though, as they were throwing double and triple teams at him, but yet it still didn't matter, he found a way to score. Kennesaw St. was able to bury a three pointer to tie the game, and we got one last shot but it was no good and we headed into overtime.

In the overtime, I felt that Kennesaw St. had the advantage, mainly because they were playing at home. However, it was still a tight game back and forth throughout the entire overtime, and very high scoring as well. Kennesaw St. took the lead on a shot with 2.4 seconds to go, leading 93-91. We had one last chance to go full lenght of the court and make something happen, but Grimball missed the three just by a little bit and that was that. Even with the loss, we are still in good shape, sitting at 3-1 in the conference but yet we have another road game, which is at Jacksonville.

Box Score

North Florida..........42............36........13....... 91
Kennesaw St..........41............37........15.......93

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-44pts, 10rebs, 4blks
A. Jones-18pts, 3rebs
D. Jones-17pts, 2rebs, 3stl

Kennesaw St. Player Stats

SG Wooten-37pts, 5ast, 3stl (Player of the Game)
PF Daugherty-15pts, 5ast
C Jacobs-12pts, 11rebs

Game Stats

North Florida/Kennesaw St.

Rebounds-23/23
Freethrows-12/14, 7/11
Three Pointers-5/16, 8/8
Turnovers-10/6

Up Next: At Jacksonville (6-9, 1-3)

Jacksonville is really struggling this year, going 1-3 so far in the conference. We still have to come out focused and defend for the entire game and Jacksonville is still going to be tough on their home court. If we want to stay in contention for the conference, we must get back to winning ways.

North Florida is now 9-8 (3-1)

[jjredick4]

2 point victory margin...i called that ....i was gonna say Kennesaw State was gonna win, but i decided not to, now i wish i would've

[vikingfan1]

2 point victory margin...i called that ....i was gonna say Kennesaw State was gonna win, but i decided not to, now i wish i would've

Thanks for jinxing it you A-hole! :lol:

[jjredick4]

Thanks for jinxing it you A-hole! :lol:

as my good ol' pal George "Dub-Ya" Bush would say when asked about the state that America is in....**** happens

[chestnutz6]

Don't beat up on my 2k7 team

[vikingfan1]

Don't beat up on my 2k7 team

Im sure I won't lol. By the way, updates to hopefully come tonight or tomorrow. Been working like crazy this weekend and if I am not working, im watching the tournament.

[Superjames1992]

Don't beat up on my 2k7 team
Alright, vikingfan, now you have the motivation to go out there and beat Jacksonville by 50!!!

[vikingfan1]

Alright, vikingfan, now you have the motivation to go out there and beat Jacksonville by 50!!!

Or maybe by 60, who knows?:lol:

[boomosby50]

Or maybe by 60, who knows?:lol:

I'd go with 81 if you could, the betting line's at 81, and I'm picking over so why not you win 84-2. Plllleleeeeeeaaaaassssseeeeeee????

Wow, that was weird.

[vikingfan1]

I'd go with 81 if you could, the betting line's at 81, and I'm picking over so why not you win 84-2. Plllleleeeeeeaaaaassssseeeeeee????

Wow, that was weird.

I'll have updates later, but it was closer then 60 or 80 points, however Noth Florida still got the win.:)

[Jordai]

I'm liking this man. It's about time I have posted in this thread, lol. Nice stuff.

Was it me, or did North Florida's logo look like the New York Yankees logo in 2k6? Does anyone else remember that?

[vikingfan1]

I'm liking this man. It's about time I have posted in this thread, lol. Nice stuff.

Was it me, or did North Florida's logo look like the New York Yankees logo in 2k6? Does anyone else remember that?

Thanks. I would have updates a lot more often but I have had a really busy week and haven't played many games.

[vikingfan1]

Grimball has career high again, this time North Florida wins

The day after the Kennesaw St. game and Grimball getting his 44 point game, he was still upset that he missed a freethrow that could have cost his team the game. He shot 50 more freethrows that he usually shoots the next day in practice, but I tried to tell him that wasn't the only thing that cost us the game. Returning home really helped this team I think, although Jacksonville put a terrific fight in the first half (51-49 at halftime), our defense finally woke up and only allowed them 28 second half points on our way to a 96-77 win. Grimball had 45 points and 6 rebounds, and was bascially unstoppable yet again. He also made all of his freethrows. Overall, the big guys played great with Grimball, Groothuis, D. Jones, and Cecil all reaching double figures. This win gives us our 10th, and were already only 2 wins away from our team goal of 12 to start the year, if we keep this pace up we may have a shot at 20!

Box Score

Jacksonville.........49........28........77
North Florida........51........45........96

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-45pts, 6rebs (Player of the Game)
Groothuis-12pts, 8rebs, 3ast
D. Jones-12pts, 6rebs
Cecil-10pts, 5ast

Jacksonville Player Stats

SF Hardy-22pts, 4rebs, 3ast
PG Smith-15pts, 8ast
McMillan-11pts

Game Stats

North Florida/Jacksonville

Rebounds-30/22
Freethrows-16/18, 6/7
Assists-21/24
Three Pointers-2/13, 8/20

Up Next: Vs SC Upstate (7-10, 2-3)

We have another home game with at team that could give us quite a challenge, but I feel with the way Grimball has really stepped up his game lately, and the fact that other guys are scoring as well, I really like our chances. The thing we must get better at it is defense because we know we can score, its just a matter if we can stop teams.

North Florida is now 10-8 (4-1)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida puts four in double figures, scores the victory 84-72

Another tight game at half, another brilliant performance on defense in the second half. We allowed 44 points in the first half and the game was tied at 44. At halftime, I told the guys that we aren't going to win when you give up nearly 50 points in a half, and they responded by shutting SC Upstate down in the second half, allowing them only 28 points. Grimball and A. Jones led the way with 22 and 17, respectively. Wood off the bench also contributed 11 points and Cecil had a fine game with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Both teams shot well from the freethrow line and rebounding was about even as well. However we shared the ball a lot better then they did and I feel we had more scorers and that was a big key of the game. SC Upstate has some nice players, but they just aren't as deep as we are.

Box Score

SC Upstate........44.........28........72
North Florida......44.........40........84

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-22pts, 6rebs, 3blks (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-17pts, 3ast, 5-11 3pt
Wood-11pts, 2rebs, 4ast
Cecil-11pts, 4rebs, 6ast

SC Upstate Player Stats

SG Payne-20pts, 3ast
C Davis-10pts, 4rebs, 2ast, 2stl

Game Stats

North Florida/SC Upstate

Freethrows-11/11, 11/13
Rebounds-19/14
Assists-30/19
Points in the Paint-44/38

Up Next: At E. Tennessee St. (10-10, 3-3)

This is going to be an extremely tough road game for us, but a game that I think we can win if we can just clamp down on the defensive end for an entire game, instead of just a half. They are just as deep as us though and they really have some good guards that can penetrate or kick out for three.

North Florida is now 11-8, (5-1)

[blue_apocalypse]

Grimball is just tearing it up! Good luck against E. Tennessee St; sounds like that is going to be a good game but with Grimball playing the way he is I'm sure you'll come away with the win.

[vikingfan1]

Grimball is just tearing it up! Good luck against E. Tennessee St; sounds like that is going to be a good game but with Grimball playing the way he is I'm sure you'll come away with the win.

Im not quite sure what I am going to do to try to replace Grimball. He's going to be missed a lot next year. Whats good is we do have bascially everyone returning and have a lot of young guys on this team thats getting a bunch of experience for years to come!

[jjredick4]

you're dominating in conference play

[boomosby50]

He definitely will, he's filling it up every night. good luck against e tenno state

[vikingfan1]

North Florida's road struggles continue, drop another game against E. Tennesee St.

As soon as we can figure out how to win the road, were going to be a good team. I think were a "decent" team, but if your going to be good in this league, you have to be able to win on the road. So far this year, we just haven't been able to do that other then the big win against Mercer. Grimball had a fine game but E. Tennesee St. had more balanced scoring and they were able to make their freethrows down the stretch when they needed to the most to win 90-85. I was happy that we were able to stay in this game and not get blown our or anything, because at times thats what it seemed like would happen. Mike Smith for E. Tennessee St killed us, he had 20 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and earned player of the game honors, and the kid is only a sophomore. We will be returning home for games against Gardner-Webb and Campbell, but after that we won't see another home game for over 3 weeks. Its important we win these next two at home.

Box Score

North Florida..........43..........42........85
E. Tennesee St.......44.........46.........90

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-29pts, 6rebs, 2ast
A. Jones-13pts, 3rebs
Cecil-11pts, 4rebs, 5ast

E. Tennessee St. Player Stats

SF Smith-20pts, 3rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
SG Pigram-18pts, 4ast
PG Strong-18pts, 4ast
C Reed-11pts, 6rebs

Game Stats

North Florida/E. Tenn St.

Rebounds-21/27
Assists-27/18
Three pointers-5/18, 5/14

Up Next: Vs Gardner-Webb (6-12, 2-5)

It will be nice to get on the home court again where we are undefeated so far in conference play. Gardner-Webb comes in really struggling and they have already lost 5 conference games, not a good start for them. Gardner-Webb is really really small, with their center being 6'6 so the plan is to pound the ball into Grimball and Cecil and let them take over the game, because I really don't think they can stop either of them down low.

North Florida is now 11-9 (5-2)

[Deuce2223]

Tough loss, but I see a big win next game.

[vikingfan1]

Gardner-Webb no match for Grimball, North Florida

As I expected, Grimball had a really good game tonight (when doesn't he). Along with his 36 points, he also grabbed a career high 14 rebounds and also added some steals and blocks. Hammonds and A. Jones were also in double figures. This game was close at the half however, with Gardner-Webb hanging around, only being down 43-37. In the second half though we were able to pull away and go up by as many as 20, before winning 91-74. With us being the bigger team, we were able to outrebound them 30-18 and just pounded the ball as much as we could against them, because they were so small. We were also perfect from the freethrow line. With this win, we have now reached another one of our goals for the year, which was to win at least 12 games. However, we aren't satisfied yet and we would really like to continue to win and do well in the conference tournament to either get an NIT bid or if we are lucky and win the tournament, to go to the NCAA Tourney. I think it would be really cool if we did get to the NCAA tournament and face a team like Kansas that we have already played and played with them for the most part, could be interesting.

Box Score

Gardner-Webb..............37..........37..........74
North Florida.................43..........48.........91

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-36pts, 14rebs, 2stl, 2blks (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-12pts, 5rebs
A. Jones-10pts, 4rebs, 6ast

Gardner-Webb Player Stats

SG Flittner-26pts
PF Blank-15pts, 5rebs
PG Siddle-12pts, 11ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Gardner-Webb

Rebounds-30/18
Steals-6/4
Blocks-4/2
Freethrows-11/11, 6/7

Up Next: Vs Campbell (14-5, 6-2)

This game should be a dandy. Both teams are now tied in the conference standings and after this game, one of the teams will have an outright lead. Campbell is an extremely good team though and even though its on our home court, we have to lock down on defense for the entire game or we won't win. It would be really nice to win this game and keep our undefeated season at home in conference play.

North Florida is now 12-9 (6-2)

[nemzep95]

Ohh. Good game and good luck in the next crucial game against Campbell.

[Superjames1992]

How are the conference standings looking now? If you win the conference regular season title, that gets you an automatic bid into the NIT. The Tournament Championship gives you an appearance to the Big Dance, but as long as you win your conference regular season title, you will at least be in the NIT. At least that is the way it is in real life; I assume that is also how it is in the game.

[nemzep95]

Wow, I hope it is. That way North Florida will be able to own in the NIT :D! (Plus, in my legacy I'll probably be the Southern regular season champion because my conference is struggling).

[vikingfan1]

How are the conference standings looking now? If you win the conference regular season title, that gets you an automatic bid into the NIT. The Tournament Championship gives you an appearance to the Big Dance, but as long as you win your conference regular season title, you will at least be in the NIT. At least that is the way it is in real life; I assume that is also how it is in the game.

I'll post the conference standings after the Campbell game, but going off the top of my head I believe North Florida, Campbell, and Mercer are the top three, but I could be wrong.

[nemzep95]

I'll post the conference standings after the Campbell game, but going off the top of my head I believe North Florida, Campbell, and Mercer are the top three, but I could be wrong.

Who do you think you'll play in the conference tournament finals?

[vikingfan1]

Who do you think you'll play in the conference tournament finals?

Tough question. I haven't played Campbell yet and they are probably a pretty good team. Mercer, E. Tenn St., and Kenn St. are all good in their own rights, and either one of them could do some damage in the conference tournament. I think after the Campbell game I have 8 games remaining.

[nemzep95]

Oh. I'm bout to play Chattanooga, then I'll play 2 non-conference games (5 away games in a row = murder).

[vikingfan1]

North Florida remains unbeaten at home, wins in overtime over Campbell

This was one terrific basketball game. Campbell showed why they are a team to beat and have a record like they do. I thought Campbell outplayed us in the first half and we were lucky to hang with them because they built as much as a 10 point lead. We were able to chip away and cut it to 45-41 at the half, with them leading. In the second half it was really back and forth and neither team got up by a lot. This game simply came down to who wanted it more and who could come up with the big plays at the end, but at the end of regulation this game still wasn't decided, and Grimball missed a game winning three that was just off and we were headed into overtime tied at 80.

Even in the overtime, it was still a back and forth game but Grimball and especially A. Jones stepped up and A. Jones was able to make some freethrows down the stretch for a 94-90 win. Grimball finished with 30 points and 8 rebounds, and A. Jones finished with 23 points, including six three pointers.

Box Score

Campbell.........45.........35.........10.......90
North Florida....41.........39.........14.......94

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-30pts, 8rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-23pts, 2ast, 3stl
Cecil-14pts, 6rebs, 5ast, 4stl
D. Jones-10pts, 2rebs, 2ast
Timberlake-7pts, 5ast

Campbell Player Stats

SG Pringle-21pts, 4ast
PG Bishop-19pts, 5ast, 2stl
SF Rodriguez-11pts, 7rebs, 5ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Campbell

Rebounds-27/24
Three Pointers-6/20, 2/8
Freethrows-12/13, 6/11
Steals-10/5

Up Next: At Lipscomb (8-14, 1-8)

I know this may seem like an automatic win to most of you, but seriously if we don't show up to play we will get beat. Also add to the fact that we haven't been able to win on the road that much this year, and an upset could happen. If we come to play, and play well we should be able to win.

North Florida is now 13-9 (7-2)

[vikingfan1]

Atlantic Sun Conference Standings-2/4/2008

North Florida......7-2 (13-9)
Campbell...........6-3 (14-6)
Kenn St.............6-3 (14-8)
Mercer..............6-3 (16-5)
Stetson.............6-3 (11-11)
Belmont............5-4 (9-13)
E. Tenn St.........5-4 (12-11)
Jacksonville.......4-5 (9-11)
Gardner-Webb...3-6 (7-13)
SC Upstate........3-6 (8-13)
Fla GC..............2-7 (8-15)
Lipscomb..........1-8 (8-14)

[chestnutz6]

Grimball's gotta be one of the most dominant players in any legacy this year. We should have a vote on that..

[nemzep95]

Congrats on the good win! Dang the atlantic sun has some pretty good teams.

[jjredick4]

chestnutz....that's actually a good idea

[vikingfan1]

Grimball's gotta be one of the most dominant players in any legacy this year. We should have a vote on that..

He's a man amoung boys out there every single night. I don't think I have ever had a player that good, which is high praise considering I did a lot of years with Illinois. I have had players who could put up the numbers Grimball has, but nowhere near the consistensty that he does it. He averages nearly 30 a game. I am going to miss him so much next year.

[vikingfan1]

Congrats on the good win! Dang the atlantic sun has some pretty good teams.

The Atlantic Sun does have some good teams, and all of them are very very competitive. And as you can see, the conference is still up in the air and literally 7 teams could win it, with Jacksonville having an outside shot if they got hot down the stretch.

[MAK314]

I've had a guy who put up 30 a game. It was a PF, 6'10", white. But it was mostly because I exploited the pick and roll. He won NCAA Player of the Year, Big Man of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. He didn't win defense because of blocks though; it was because of steals from the 1-2-1-1 press lol. He averaged like 3.5 a game. His overall by the time he graduated was 85. He was projected 2nd round and Dark Horse throughout the year but I guess that wasn't good enough for him.

[nemzep95]

How much can a players overall rating improve in his career?

[MAK314]

It depends on his potential. I don't know the most one of my guys went though. I would guess someone with high potential would probably go up about 6 or 7 points from his freshman year until the times he graduates or gos pro. Because they don't get much better throughout their freshman year, maybe one point at the most, but the seasons after that they will probably go up 2 each year. And that's probably with B or better potential.

[boomosby50]

one of my guys went up 3 each year then 4 going into senior so 10 points. From 83 to 93

[MAK314]

Oh well I never really looked at it too closely. That is alot though. He probably had really high potential.

[boomosby50]

Grimball's gotta be one of the most dominant players in any legacy this year. We should have a vote on that..

Do you want me to start a poll on that? We should nominate first tho..... My nominees would be:

Grimball: UNF (Coach Haas)
Harrison Mayes: San Jose St. (Marvin West)
Torrance Timothy: Howard: (Coach Thompson)
Ryan Anderson: Cal: (Chesnutz Cal Legacy)

Can't really think of many other dominating players. Maybe Blake Griffin in the Oklahoma Legacy, idk, should i start a thread for it?

[vikingfan1]

Do you want me to start a poll on that? We should nominate first tho..... My nominees would be:

Grimball: UNF (Coach Haas)
Harrison Mayes: San Jose St. (Marvin West)
Torrance Timothy: Howard: (Coach Thompson)
Ryan Anderson: Cal: (Chesnutz Cal Legacy)

Can't really think of many other dominating players. Maybe Blake Griffin in the Oklahoma Legacy, idk, should i start a thread for it?

What about Haas from Western Michigan?

[vikingfan1]

I've had a guy who put up 30 a game. It was a PF, 6'10", white. But it was mostly because I exploited the pick and roll. He won NCAA Player of the Year, Big Man of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. He didn't win defense because of blocks though; it was because of steals from the 1-2-1-1 press lol. He averaged like 3.5 a game. His overall by the time he graduated was 85. He was projected 2nd round and Dark Horse throughout the year but I guess that wasn't good enough for him.

The funny thing about Grimball is he is only a 1*

[MAK314]

He's good but he's also a created player. I guess you could put him in but it seems a little unfair. -- Haas

The funny thing about Grimball is he is only a 1* and rated 58, one of the worst on the roster I think.
Haha yeah that is weird. He must have a good close shot and post offense then. I find that's all I need in my big guys, along with height. Even though I usually get killed on the boards. But not this season cause Shemhan is a rebounding god.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida suffers worst loss of season, still can't get a win on the road

This was probably the worst game of the year, and I was embarrassed for our fans that actually came to the game to watch us play. I thought for sure we would get a good road victory but not even close. Lipscomb played as best as they could and really whipped up on us in the first half, leading 44-34. In the second half, it didn't get much better as Lipscomb just built the lead up even more and went on to cruise 86-66. Our defense was bascially non existent and the only thing that kept us from getting beat by 30 or 40 is that Grimball had 24 points, but other then that it was pretty weak. We don't have much time before we get ready for an even tougher opponent, which is Belmont and if we don't improve on defense, we'll lose again.

Box Score

North Florida.............34..........32.........66
Lipscomb..................44..........42.........8 6

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-24pts, 4rebs
Cecil-13pts, 6rebs
D. Jones-11pts, 2stl

Lipscomb Player Stats

SF Ard-17pts, 4rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
SG Daniels-16pts, 2rebs, 4ast
Slater-12pts

Game Stats

North Florida/Lipscomb

Rebounds-21/36
Assists-12/20
Bench Points-18/36
Three Pointers-1/17, 6/11

Up Next: At Belmont (10-13, 6-4)

We will head out onto the road again and try for that road victory that we desperately need. Belmont is an even tougher team then Lipscomb and we have to defend the entire game and get a little more balanced scoring to have a shot.

North Florida is now 13-10 (7-3)

[CincyFan]

so how does it feel having a team finally that has double digit losses in a season?

[nemzep95]

Lol, 13-10 vs 10-13. Sorry, I'm amused by the slightest things :D.

[vikingfan1]

so how does it feel having a team finally that has double digit losses in a season?

Its ok, and expected really. I figure by the end of the season I could lose 14-15 games, who knows. Im still enjoying the career legacy a lot though!

[Superjames1992]

Belmont could be tough. After all, they almost beat Duke! :D

[nemzep95]

Belmont could be tough. After all, they almost beat Duke! :D

True that. They deserved a higher seed tho. They should've switching Oregon and Belmont lol.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida still can't get a victory on the road, lose to Belmont by 3

Its so frustrating that we still can't get a win on the road when we really need it. We have now dropped two straight conference games on the road and find ourselves in the middle of the pack rather then in the top of the conference. This team still can't play a lick of defense if their lives depended on it, and we still can't get enough balanced scoring. Belmont was a little bit bigger team then us, but giving up 11 offensive rebounds is something that never should have happened. We would have lost by probably double digits except Grimball caught fire and rallied us back to within three. Down 86-83 with 3.5 seconds left, Ashton Jones pulls up for three that would have tied it but it went in and out and that was the game. Grimball tried to carry us, scoring 34 points and going 10-11 from the freethrow line. In the end though, we couldn't rebound or defend pretty much the entire game, and Belmont made the freethrows when it counted the most.

I had a nice heart to heart talk with my team after the game, and I told them that if you can't win the road, then we have no shot at winning the conference title or even the tournament. I also stressed defense time and time again and also that we need more scoring. Grimball is the leading scorer in the NCAA, but even he can't do it alone and he needs help consisently, and he also needs it from more then just two or three guys. I also said their is still time to get this turned around and we can still win our conference, but we MUST start playing better on the road to have a shot.

Box Score

North Florida..........38.............45.........83
Belmont................40.............46........86

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-34pts, 3rebs, 10-11fts
A. Jones-19pts, 2ast, 2stl
Cecil-11pts, 4rebs

Belmont Player Stats

SG Hare-24pts, 2rebs, 3ast, 3blks (Player of the Game)
SF Dansby-12pts, 3ast
PF Dotson-11pts, 5rebs, 2stl

Game Stats

North Florida/Belmont

Rebounds-15/28 (11 offensive)
Blocks-3/7
Freethrows-15/16, 20/27

Up Next: At University of Illinois-Chicago (14-9)

This is our last non conference game of the year, and its on the road again. UIC is a really good team and at least if we lose, it won't go against our conference record, but we would only be one game above .500, after being 13-9 and we don't need to hit a bad losing streak here. I think we can play with them if we can lock them down, but right now I just don't see that happening with the way were playing.

North Florida is now 13-11 (7-4)

[blue_apocalypse]

Ouch! Tough loss. Heartbreaking but exciting when the ball goes in and swirls right back out of the cylinder. That game against UIC looks like it will be another tough one but hopefully you can get that road win.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida can't hang with UIC late, drop third straight game

Honestly, I guess im not surprised by the outcome, however we did spoil yet another great performance by Grimball. We were able to hang with UIC for the first half because of Grimball and we were down 51-49. Sad to say I wasn't surprised we gave up 51 points. We got beat on the rebounds all day long again and even though Grimball matched his career high with 45 points, it wasn't near enough as UIC pulled away from us during the final five minutes of the game to win 100-87. Im not extremely upset with the guys because we knew this would be a tough tough game and UIC is just another step or two above anyone we play in conference. I am more worried about the final five games we have left, which 3 is on the road, and two at home. Obviously it would be nice to win all of them, but we for sure have a must win at Jacksonville.

Box Score

North Florida...........49.........38..........87
UIC........................51.........49.......100

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-45pts, 6rebs
Cecil-12pts, 4rebs, 2ast

UIC Player Stats

SG Bush-26pts, 3rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
PG Mayo-19pts, 6ast
SF Baptist-10pts, 6ast

Game Stats

North Florida/UIC

Rebounds-19/26
Assists-19/26
Freethrows-17/21, 16/21
Bench Points-21/32

Up Next: At Jacksonville (10-13, 5-7)

In our last meeting with Jacksonville, we won the game 96-77 thanks to Grimballs career high 45 points. I have a feeling Jacksonville is really going to key on him so we must have the others step up. I think Grimball is still going to have a good game, but guys like Cecil and both Jone's boys have to step up in order for us to get the win.

North Florida is now 13-12 (7-4)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida's losing streak snapped, gets big win at Jacksonville

It feels great to finally get a good road win in the conference, and puts us back into contention for the regular season title. Just like I had thought, Jacksonville really keyed on Grimball but the other guys stepped up very well, including Cecil who had a game high 22 points in the 87-75 win. We jumped out very early, taking as much as a 33-18 lead in the first half but Jacksonville responded with a run of their own, but we didn't allow it to get to big and went into the half up 44-33. In the second half, we continued to build the lead to double digits but Jacksonville made a furious comeback, getting as close as 70-65 in the final two and a half minutes. Unlike times before though, my guys didn't panic and made a nice run of their own at the end to win. We have now have two big home games left with Kennesaw St. and conference leader Mercer before we finish on the road before the conference tournament. We are two wins away from our goal which was to go undefeated in conference play at home.

Box Score

North Florida..........44..........43.........87
Jacksonville...........33..........42.........75

North Florida Player Stats

Cecil-22pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Grimball-21pts, 7rebs, 2ast, 3stl, 2blks (Player of the Game)
D. Jones-12pts, 4rebs
A. Jones-11pts, 8ast
Groothuis-10pts, 6rebs, 4ast

Jacksonville Player Stats

SF Hardy-22pts, 5ast
SG Jefferson-17pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Jacksonville

Rebounds-26/21
Freethrows-3/3, 8/14
Three Pointers-4/11, 6/16

Up Next: Vs Kennesaw St. (15-11, 7-6)

In our last meeting, we lost a heartbreaker on the road to this team. I think the guys will come out fired up and they will be glad to finally be home to try to remain unbeaten. I have a feeling Grimball is going to have a huge game since Jacksonville held him down pretty decently. The other guys still have to step up though and we must defend well to win.

North Florida is now 14-12 (8-4)

[jjredick4]

you do not start struggling on me damnit!!!

[vikingfan1]

you do not start struggling on me damnit!!!

Yeah I was in a bad funk at the wrong time. Hopefully I can finish the conference 12-4, that would be big!

[CincyFan]

I am really glad you are enjoying it still even though with the losses after playing those years at Illinois where you were always the top team in the country. Even if you do struggle in the year just make sure you right the ship when the conference tournament comes.

[vikingfan1]

I am really glad you are enjoying it still even though with the losses after playing those years at Illinois where you were always the top team in the country. Even if you do struggle in the year just make sure you right the ship when the conference tournament comes.

Yeah no kidding! North Florida went 3-26 or something like that last year, and Im 14-12 with 4 games to go. Pretty good turnaround I would say.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida continues dominance at home

When you get on your home court, something special happens. We looked like a completely different team and we were so happy to return home where we are still unbeaten at home in conference play. The last time we played Kennesaw St., they beat us by two points in overtime and our guys made sure that wasn't going to happen again. Everyone played well and Cecil earned high honors with 19 points as he was unstoppable in the post. Our defense was also good, only giving up 67 total points. Wooten had 37 points against us in the first meeting, but we held him to 19 and it took a lot of shots for him to get that.

We have just one more game to complete yet another goal and it will be senior day for guys like Grimball and Timberlake and they will want to go out as winners on their day. Hopefully the rest of the guys can pick them up and get another victory that would give us 10 conference wins.

Box Score

Kennesaw St..............32..........35.........67
North Florida..............47..........39.........86

North Florida Player Stats

Cecil-19pts, 4rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
Grimball-17pts, 6rebs
D. Jones-17pts, 3rebs
Groothuis-10pts, 5rebs

Kennesaw St. Player Stats

SG Wooten-19pts, 3stl
Cornatt-12pts, 4rebs, 2stl
PF Daugherty-12pts, 3ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Kennesaw St.

Freethrows-8/10, 1/1
Rebounds-28/17
Bench Points-37/14
Assists-29/26

Up Next: Vs Mercer (19-7, 9-5)

Even though this is senior day for us, we can't get distracted by that and we have to come out and play well in order to get the win. We upset Mercer earlier in the year on their home court and they will be looking to spoil our senior day this time around. This is also a crucial matchup because we are 9-4 in the conference now (tied with Belmont), and Mercer is 9-5 and they are looking to pull ahead of us.

North Florida is now 15-12 (9-4)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida gets undefeated season at home, beats Mercer by 15

Wow, what an impressive win for us today. I never would have thought we would come in here on senior day and pretty much dismantle one of the best teams in this conference. Grimball had a huge day and was not going to let his team lose and he had a game high 31 points and 7 rebounds. Our defense was also very very good, only allowing 36 points both halves. Ashton Jones also stepped up with 14 points and the bench produced as well, getting 23 points. Also some great news for us, Belmont has lost to Campbell and now we are in sole possession of first place at 10-4, while Belmont is 10-5. Our work isn't done though, because we have to go on the road to Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast and those games won't be easy, but hopefully we can win both and finish the conference at 12-4 and in first place!

Box Score

Mercer.............36.........36.........72
North Florida....48.........39.........87

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-31pts, 7rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-14pts, 2rebs, 4ast
D. Jones-9pts, 2rebs, 2ast

Mercer Player Stats

PG Florence-22pts, 6ast
C Davis-13pts, 8rebs
SG Aaron-12pts
PF Henry-11pts, 3blks

Game Stats

North Florida/Mercer

Assists-26/16
Freethrows-12/15, 6/7
Rebounds-24/20
Bench Points-23/8

Up Next: At Stetson (13-15, 7-7)

We played Stetson earlier in the year and won by 8 points in a game that was pretty close throughout. This is going to be a really tough road game but a game I feel we can win with the way the team is playing right now. Their confidence level is sky high and it shouldn't leave just because they are away from home. They need to come out with a lot of intensity and show that they belong at the top of the conference.

North Florida is now 16-12 (10-4)

[nemzep95]

Nice wins!! Good luck in your final two games.

[vikingfan1]

Nice wins!! Good luck in your final two games.

Thanks! It would be really awesome to win these next two games and win the conference and get a #1 seed in the conference tournament. It's going to be hard though since we don't play as well on the road, but anything can happen.

[nemzep95]

Thanks! It would be really awesome to win these next two games and win the conference and get a #1 seed in the conference tournament. It's going to be hard though since we don't play as well on the road, but anything can happen.


I know how you feel. A couple games ago I thought I had clenched the SoCon. But two straight conference losses and Davidson winning 5 straight puts us neck-to-neck for the conference crown and that #1 seed. But I have confidence that you can win your conference. But if for some reason you get a #2 seed you can crush the #1 seed in the championship, then it'll be all good xD.

[Superjames1992]

Congratulations on the undefeated regular season at home! That is a rather difficult task to accomplish.

[nemzep95]

Yeah. Keep that momentum going into the conference tournament and the NCAA/NIT!!!

[vikingfan1]

Grimball's 51 can't lift North Florida past Stetson

Grimball was fantastic and as for everyone else........not so impressive. However I was pretty upset with the defense by EVERYONE in this game, and it wasn't like we didn't have confidence, because we played well for the most part but we just fell apart at the end and Stetson was able to take advantage of that and win 94-85. Grimball and A. Jones were the only one in double figures and even with Grimball having a new career high, no one else could step up when we needed it the most. We have one more game in the conference and its at Florida Gulf Coast and as of right now both us and Belmont are 10-5 in the conference but as far as I know we own the tie breaker (not sure how), so all we have to do is win and we will be the #1 seed in our conference tourney and finish 11-5, which wouldn't be a bad mark at all.

Box Score

North Florida..........41........44.......85
Stetson.................39........55.......94

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-51pts, 3rebs, 2ast
A. Jones-14pts, 5rebs, 4ast
Cecil-8pts, 2rebs

Stetson Player Stats

SG Thomas-22pts, 3rebs, 2ast, 2stl (Player of the Game)
PG Williams-18pts, 14ast, 3stl
SF Blair-18pts, 3rebs, 4ast, 2stl
Diaz-12pts
C Lang-12pts, 6rebs

Game Stats

North Florida/Stetson

Rebounds-19/22
Assists-23/28
Freethrows-19/28, 11/16
Three Pointers-4/13, 7/13

Up Next: At Florida Gulf Coast (13-17, 7-8)

If it weren't for our terrible road record, this game (win or lose) would mean absoutely nothing because we would have already wrapped up the regular season conference title, but instead this is a must win game for us and even though we beat these guys earlier, that really doesn't mean much. This is the last regular season game before the tournament and its crucial that we get a #1 seed because we could possibly see teams in the lower bracket that have already beaten us (Kennesaw St., E. Tenn St.).

North Florida is now 16-13 (10-5)

[nemzep95]

Wow tough loss. Good luck at Florida Gulf Coast, pull out a win and get the #1 seed!!!

[vikingfan1]

North Florida has big second half, beats Florida Gulf Coast by 13

This was a big big big win for us today. In the first half, it didn't even look like we wanted to play which was very surprising because of how much was on the line for us in this game. We started off as slow as can be in a game but we did play good defense, only trailing 25-21 at the half. In the second half though, we played more our game and really picked it up on both ends of the floor and outscored them 40-23 in the second half to win 61-48. Grimball had another good game with 24 points and 9 rebounds, along with a couple of blocks. Ashton Jones also had another nice game with 11 points and 5 rebounds. The win gives us a final conference record of 11-5 and also the #1 seed in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament thats next week. Belmont also finished 11-5. We will play Jacksonville in the Quarterfinals, a team that we have swept this year.

Box Score

North Florida.........21...........40..........61
Fla Gulf Coast.......25...........23..........48

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-24pts, 9rebs, 2blks (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-11pts, 5rebs, 2ast, 2stl

Fla Gulf Coast Player Stats

SF Wohilleb-20pts

Game Stats

North Florida/Fla Gulf Coast

Rebounds-33/30
Freethrows-23/31, 9/20
Assists-8/11

Up Next: Vs Jacksonville (12-15) in Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament

We have beaten Jacksonville twice this year, but that really doesn't mean anything once you get into the conference tournament. We still have to come out and play our game and we know that every game from hear on out is an elimination and we must play our best now.

North Florida is now 17-13 (11-5)

[vikingfan1]

ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ LIPSCOMB

Quarterfinal Matchups

North Florida
vs
Jacksonville

Setson
vs
Mercer

Campbell
vs
E. Tennessee St.

Kennesaw St.
vs
Belmont

[vikingfan1]

ATLANTIC SUN CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT @ LIPSCOMB

Quarterfinal Results and Semifinal Matchups

North Florida 75
Jacksonville 66

Setson 70
Mercer 83

North Florida vs Mercer in Semifinals

Campbell 78
E. Tennesee St. 81

Kennesaw St. 76
Belmont 74

E. Tennessee St. vs Kennesaw St. in Semifinals

[vikingfan1]

North Florida hangs on in second half for the win against Jacksonville

The first half went about as well as you could think. We were pounding Jacksonville into the ground not giving them any hope of staying in the game. At halftime we were up 54-33. In the second half, the game slowed to a pace that was suitable for Jacksonville and they did rally back some, getting it to 9 points but that was the closets Jacksonville would get in the second half and we were able to go on a nice run to end the game up 75-66. Grimball and Cecil were outstanding as they combined for 48 points. It is also nice that we are actually playing on a neutral court at Lipscomb because they didn't make the tournament this year. Our semfinal matchup will be much much tougher and we have to stay focused the entire game and not get relaxed if we get a big lead like we did today.

Box Score

Jacksonville..........33..........33.........66
North Florida.........54..........21.........75

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-26pts, 7rebs (Player of the Game)
Cecil-22pts, 5rebs, 2ast

Jacksonville Player Stats

McMillan-19pts
Cohn-10pts, 5ast
PG Smith-10pts, 6ast

Game Stats

Rebounds-28/18
Freethrows-17/23, 6/10
Assists-16/17

Up Next: Vs Mercer (20-9) in Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament

As of right now, Mercer is the only team in this conference to win 20 games, however they have struggled in conference play and we have also beat them twice, including a 15 point win at our place not long ago. However on a neutral court I think this will be a much closer game and its for a shot to get into the conference tournament final against E. Tennessee St, who won the earlier game.

North Florida is now 18-13

[jjredick4]

don't choke against Mercer (in like 1 hour i'll be home and can start playing...i'm excited to play with Wyatt)

[vikingfan1]

don't choke against Mercer (in like 1 hour i'll be home and can start playing...i'm excited to play with Wyatt)

Whether I won or lose, I simmed just to see if I would still get into the NIT,and I did so no worries either way. I'll be playing either in the NIT or NCAA for sure. I am projected as a 14 seed if I win the tournament.

[jjredick4]

the NIT just doesn't match NCAA, it's like the offbrand ...just not as good or i supposed a bad sequal to a movie

[vikingfan1]

the NIT just doesn't match NCAA, it's like the offbrand ...just not as good or i supposed a bad sequal to a movie

Yeah I hear you, but NIT is better then nothing at all when your at such a small school like North Florida.

[jjredick4]

plus you have a better chance there than in the NCAA

OOHHHH BURN!!!!

lol, if you could play everygame at home....you'd probably get pretty far

[Preo32]

good luck against mercer, but even ifyou win the touney, you will have probably your toughest competition all season. and i am planning on buying the game soon when you pick teams in a closed legacy, is it any team from certain conferences or teams with a low rating that you can choose or how it is split

[vikingfan1]

plus you have a better chance there than in the NCAA

OOHHHH BURN!!!!

lol, if you could play everygame at home....you'd probably get pretty far

I would rather lose in the first round by 20 of the NCAA tourney then winning the NIT. Don't get me wrong, the NIT would be great to play in to get more experience against bigger schools, but the NCAA is the real deal and when your part of that, its special.

[vikingfan1]

good luck against mercer, but even ifyou win the touney, you will have probably your toughest competition all season. and i am planning on buying the game soon when you pick teams in a closed legacy, is it any team from certain conferences or teams with a low rating that you can choose or how it is split

I have played pretty good competition earlier in the year in the non conference, which should help a bunch. I played Michigan twice, #1 Kansas, Virginia Tech, Western Kentucky, Notre Dame.

[nemzep95]

I would rather lose in the first round by 20 of the NCAA tourney then winning the NIT. Don't get me wrong, the NIT would be great to play in to get more experience against bigger schools, but the NCAA is the real deal and when your part of that, its special.

Lol take what you can get. At this point I'll be lucky to so much as get into the NIT. Unless I can make a run in the SoCon tournament and pull some upsets.

[auburntigersfan]

plus you have a better chance there than in the NCAA

OOHHHH BURN!!!!

lol, if you could play everygame at home....you'd probably get pretty far
OHHHHHH, NEED SOME ICE WITH THAT BURN????????

[vikingfan1]

OHHHHHH, NEED SOME ICE WITH THAT BURN????????

Haha it happens.

[vikingfan1]

Lol take what you can get. At this point I'll be lucky to so much as get into the NIT. Unless I can make a run in the SoCon tournament and pull some upsets.

Oh don't worry, if I make the NIT its going to be a lot of fun and hopefully I can get a few victories.

[nemzep95]

Go for the whole enchilada!

[vikingfan1]

I also forgot to mention about the Jacksonville game, that my second leading scorer Ashton Jones got injured and will be out pretty much the rest of the season (20 days). So its going to be even tougher to win now because he was the best outside shooter on the team and averaged a little over 10 points a game.

[nemzep95]

Ohhh that sucks. Well I wish the best for you and your team.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida marches on to Conference Finals with impressive win over Mercer

With Ashton Jones already out, we knew this was going to be a really tough game to win and it only got tougher when Grimball had to leave the floor with two fouls early in the first half and we were up by 8. Usually I would say that we would struggle a lot, considering this was the first real time the team had to play a lot of minutes without Grimball, but they never panicked and actually grew the lead even more! The rest of the bunch picked up the slack and freshmen Cecil had a wonderful game with 23 points. We led 51-33 at halftime and cruised in the second half to win 91-67. The win gave us a sweep against Mercer during the season, and this win by far was more impressive because we didn't have Ashton Jones, and also Grimball got in foul trouble. E. Tennessee St. is who we play in the conference championship and we only played them once during the season, losing at there place.

Box Score

Mercer...................33.........34..........67
North Florida..........51.........40............91

North Florida Player Stats

Cecil-23pts, 4rebs, 4ast (Player of the Game)
Groothuis-17pts, 6rebs
Grimball-16pts, 3rebs, 2blks
Hammonds-12pts, 4ast

Mercer Player Stats

PG Florence-17pts, 6ast
SF Ellis-12pts, 4rebs
PF Henry-10pts

Game Stats

North Florida/Mercer

Blocks-6/2
Bench Points-36/16
Second Chance Points-12/6
Assists-27/18

Up Next: Vs E. Tennesee St. in Atlantic Sun Conference Championship

It all comes down to this game for both teams. Both teams know this is their only shot to get into the NCAA tournament and the loser will most likely head to the NIT. Both teams will be 19-13 heading into the game so someone is going to get their 20th win and the conference championship, and a place in the big dance. E. Tennesee St. beat us the last time thanks to Sophomore Mike Smith, who went for 20 points and he was nearly impossible to stop, we are really going to have to key on him. I really like the balanced attack on offense from our team and I hope we can keep it up.

North Florida is now 19-13

[chestnutz6]

good luck in the champ, lets get that auto bid

[vikingfan1]

North Flordia's going dancing, beats E. Tenn St. for Atlantic Sun Title!

Once again, more guys stepped up in scoring and our defense was stingy the entire game, holding E. Tennessee St. to just 27 first half points while building a 51-27 lead at half. In the second half, E. Tennessee St. tried to rally at times, but never could get it under 15 and we won the game 86-68. I think the big key besides the balanced scoring for us was that we were able to get two quick fouls on Mike Smith and he never could get in a rythmn after that, scoring just six points. Wood was fantastic off the bench, scoring a team high 20 points and nailing several three pointers. Grimball also had a good game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. The player of the game though came from a bench player, but it wasn't Wood. Groothuis had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists and was killing East Tennessee St. all game downlow.

If this balanced effort continues in the NCAA tournament, their's no doubt in my mind that we can compete with the best of the best in the tournament. Our defense lately has been unbelievable and we really coasted through the Atlantic Sun tournament, which wasn't expected at all. The win also gives us 20 on the year and this is the schools first ever trip to the NCAA tournament, and hopefully won't be the last. We will sit back and wait to see what seed we get but last time I checked, we were projected as a 12 or 13 seed but that doesn't mean we'll necessarily be there. Either way, my guys will come ready to play and give it their all and we'll see what happens. NCAA tournament here we come!!

Box Score

E. Tennessee St..................27.............41...........68
North Florida.......................51.............35... .......86

North Florida Player Stats

Wood-20pts, 2ast
Grimball-17pts, 8rebs, 2blks
Groothuis-15pts, 3rebs, 3ast (Player of the Game)
Cecil-12pts, 4rebs

E. Tennessee St. Player Stats

SG Pigram-20pts, 7ast, 5stl
PG Strong-14pts, 4ast
C Reed-10pts, 5blks

Game Stats

North Florida/E. Tenn St

Assists-26/19
Bench Points-51/14
Rebounds-28/17
Freethrows-10/11, 14/18

Up Next: NCAA Tournament

North Florida is now 20-13

[MAK314]

Good job dude. Who are you playing in the first round?

[vikingfan1]

Good job dude. Who are you playing in the first round?

I will post the entire bracket in a bit, but I am playing #5 Baylor in the first round.

[MAK314]

Nice so you're a 12 seed. That's awesome for your first year. And that's a team you have a good shot of pulling an upset against.

[jjredick4]

I got insider information on this....so ha! lol

[vikingfan1]

Nice so you're a 12 seed. That's awesome for your first year. And that's a team you have a good shot of pulling an upset against.

It should be a terrific game.

[Preo32]

watch out for Curtis Jerrells. IDK what hes rated in the game sicne i just bought it and cant play it til 2nite, but hes a damn good player

[vikingfan1]

NCAA TOURNAMENT 2007-2008

East Regional vs West Regional
South Regional vs Midwest Regional

EAST REGIONAL ROUND 1 MATCHUPS & RESULTS

#1 Louisville 69
#16 Alabama St. 45

#8 Northern Iowa 60
#9 Missouri St. 69

#5 Butler 69
#12 Robert Morris 70

#4 George Mason 64
#13 William & Mary 67

#6 Clemson 80
#11 Indiana St. 63

#3 Marquette 79
#14 Sam Houston St. 91

#7 Georgia 78
#10 Georgia Tech 89

#2 Pittsburg 87
#15 New Mexico St. 77

WEST REGIONAL ROUND 1 MATCHUPS & RESULTS

#1 Kansas 95
#16 Montana 57

#8 La Salle 76
#9 Stanford 77

#5 Kansas St. 80
#12 New Mexico 85

#4 Memphis 80
#13 St. Louis 75

#6 Florida St. 93
#11 Austin Peay 69

#3 Texas A&M 62
#14 Bowling Green 49

#7 Virginia 66
#10 Gonzaga 77

#2 Arizona 90
#15 Florida A&M 78

SOUTH REGIONAL ROUND 1 MATCHUPS & RESULTS

#1 Arkansas 97
#16 New Hampshire 38

#8 Fresno St. 77
#9 Indiana 81

#5 Baylor 66
#12 North Florida 80

#4 Kentucky 87
#13 IPFW 61

#6 Utah 78
#11 Loyola (IL) 76

#3 Syracuse 69
#14 UNC Greensboro 78

#7 Missouri 84
#10 Villanova 68

#2 Oregon 87
#15 Coastal Carolina 70

MIDWEST REGIONAL ROUND 1 MATCHUPS & RESULTS

#1 North Carolina 100
#16 Princeton 50

#8 Texas Tech 81
#9 Providence 73

#5 UCLA 75
#12 St. Peter's 64

#4 Tennessee 97
#13 Cal Poly 54

#6 Michigan St. 66
#11 Ohio St. 61

#3 UNLV 77
#14 Arkansas St. 67

#7 Washington 90
#10 Illinois 72

#2 Uconn 104
#15 Pepperdine 77

[MAK314]

Wow tons of upsets except for the Midwest Region. You killed Baylor.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida's defense stingy in second half vs Baylor, gets upset bid!

Wow, our defense was incredible in the second half. Baylor is such a terrific team and they sure showed it in the first half, but my guys really shut them down in the second half and they only scored 25 second half points. In the first half, the game was pretty much back and forth, and Grimball was starting to heat up so I knew he was probably going to have a really big game, and I was right. Hammonds and D. Jones were also in double figures but it was Grimball's 30 points and 8 rebounds that helped us pull away from Baylor for the 80-66 victory.

I am so proud of the guys for how hard they have worked all season long, and they are being rewarded right now with a tie for conference regular season champs and also winners of their conference tournament, and of course today the big win against Baylor. We know our next game is going to be much much tougher, but we will for sure be ready and this has been a wild tournament already, with a 14 seed winning, and 3 #12 seeds winning and also a #13 seed winning. We hope to make it to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history but we really have a tough matchup in our next game.

Box Score

#5 Baylor................41.........25...........66
#12 North Fla..........42.........38...........80

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-30pts, 8rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-13pts, 5ast, 2blks
D. Jones-10pts, 2rebs

Baylor Player Stats

PG Jerrells-22pts, 7ast
SG Dugat-11pts, 2rebs, 3ast
C Rogers-10pts, 4rebs, 6blks

Game Stats

North Florida/Baylor

Rebounds-17/20
Blocks-7/9
Freethrows-10/11, 7/9

Up Next: Vs #4 Kentucky (23-12) in NCAA Tourney 2nd Round

Kentucky is a team every small school would like to play because of their tradition and success in the tournament. This will be a David vs Golaith kind of matchup and I hope the guys are ready for it. Kentucky is a big team and will cause Cecil, Grimball, & Groothuis fits all afternoon. They key for us is if we can hit enough outside shots to hang with them, and of course stay out of foul trouble. They have a lot more perimeter shooters then we do in Meeks, Bradley, and Crawford but I hope the defense shows up to play or it could be over early.

North Florida is now 21-13

[CincyFan]

I can't believe that Kentucky made it in your dance...

[vikingfan1]

North Florida can't hang with Kentucky in second half, lose by 28

The score doesn't really tell the whole tale. For the most part, we hung right with Kentucky and it was only a four point game at half time, 32-28 and I thought our defense was as good as it has been all season long. We really frustrated Kentucky that first half and they didn't get a lot of good looks. They also played great defense on us though and we shot just 36% from the field in the first half, and actually 36% for the game to their 64%. We simply couldn't keep up with them in the second half, not because of fatigue but because Kentucky can knock down the outside shot a lot better then we can, and they showed it today.

Grimball finished his great senior season with 19 points but he was guarded the best he has been all year and he was frustrated a lot of the game, but still played his heart out. I am very very proud of this team and what we achieved this year and we really set the bar high for the upcoming years here at North Florida. The guys returning next year we'll no doubt want to get back to this very game and win another 20 games and see if we can't improve a little better on the road. Grimball and Timberlake will be missed a ton, but I plan to try to bring in some of the best recruits available and I hope you all will follow again next year!!

P.S.-I will post the rest of the tournament results tonight.

Box Score

#4 Kentucky....................32..........52........ ...84
#12 North Florida.............28..........28...........56

North Florida Player Stats

Grimball-19pts
Cecil-10pts, 6rebs

Kentucky Player Stats

SG Meeks-18pts, 6ast (Player of the Game)
SF Crawford-12pts, 3rebs
PG Bradley-11pts, 3ast

Game Stats

North Florida/Kentucky

Field Goal Percentage-36/64
Three Pointers-2/16, 4/11
Freethrows-8/9, 10/17
Rebounds-22/28
Bench Points-13/32

North Florida finishes at 21-14

[CincyFan]

hey at least you won one game in the dance. Could this team wear the slipper next year??

[chestnutz6]

Yeah no way you should be disappointed, winning an NCAA game in your first year is a big accomplishment. I'm excited to see who you have coming back next year and how you'll fare without Grimball

[jjredick4]

only shot 12% from downtown thats gonna kill ya and on top a that they shot 64% total and their bench dominated also, but you did have a good year and i think it'll carry over to next year

[Preo32]

b4 you start the offseason, of if you did, could you just post the winner of the tourney. id like to c how it all turns out

[Superjames1992]

That was a nice season you had! You can't expect to beat Kentucky.

[vikingfan1]

hey at least you won one game in the dance. Could this team wear the slipper next year??

Losing Grimball will hurt, but I have a ton coming back and they proved they can play well even without Grimball, should be an exciting second season!

[vikingfan1]

only shot 12% from downtown thats gonna kill ya and on top a that they shot 64% total and their bench dominated also, but you did have a good year and i think it'll carry over to next year

Kentucky shot very very well in the second half, and thats a big reason why they were able to pull away. I can't wait for next season!

[vikingfan1]

b4 you start the offseason, of if you did, could you just post the winner of the tourney. id like to c how it all turns out

No worries, I will be posting the rest of the tournament here in a bit.

[vikingfan1]

Yeah no way you should be disappointed, winning an NCAA game in your first year is a big accomplishment. I'm excited to see who you have coming back next year and how you'll fare without Grimball

I was happy to win the conference tournament and just get to the tournament, and beating a very good team like Baylor in the first round was just icing on the cake!

[vikingfan1]

NCAA TOURNAMENT 2007-2008

EAST REGIONAL ROUND 2 RESULTS

#1 Louisville 76
#9 Missouri St. 65

#12 Robert Morris 67
#13 William & Mary 79

#6 Clemson 98
#14 Sam Houston St. 71

#2 Pittsburg 64
#10 Georgia Tech 84

WEST REGIONAL ROUND 2 RESULTS

#1 Kansas 71
#9 Stanford 73

#4 Memphis 78
#12 New Mexico 72

#3 Texas A&M 67
#6 Florida St. 68

#2 Arizona 70
#10 Gonzaga 67

SOUTH REGIONAL ROUND 2 RESULTS

#1 Arkansas 75
#9 Indiana 87

#4 Kentucky 84
#12 North Florida 56

#6 Utah 66
#14 UNC Greensboro 74

#2 Oregon 64
#7 Missouri 75

MIDWEST REGIONAL ROUND 2 RESULTS

#1 North Carolina 81
#8 Texas Tech 62

#4 Tennessee 89
#5 UCLA 58

#3 UNLV 66
#6 Michigan St. 89

#2 Uconn 80
#7 Washington 64

[vikingfan1]

NCAA TOURNAMENT 2007-2008


EAST REGIONAL SWEET 16 RESULTS

#1 Louisville 88
#13 William & Mary 52

#6 Clemson 76
#10 Georgia Tech 70

WEST REGIONAL SWEET 16 RESULTS

#4 Memphis 54
#9 Stanford 88

#2 Arizona 102
#6 Florida St. 54

SOUTH REGIONAL SWEET 16 RESULTS

#1 Arkansas 74
#4 Kentucky 85

#7 Missouri 65
#14 UNC Greensboro 63

MIDWEST REGIONAL SWEET 16 RESULTS

#1 North Carolina 95
#4 Tennessee 82

#2 Uconn 73
#6 Michigan St. 100

[vikingfan1]

NCAA TOURNAMENT 2007-2008

EAST REGIONAL ELITE 8 RESULT

#1 Louisville 85
#6 Clemson 63

WEST REGIONAL ELITE 8 RESULT

#2 Arizona 62
#9 Stanford 68

SOUTH REGIONAL ELITE 8 RESULT

#4 Kentucky 81
#7 Missouri 76

MIDWEST REGIONAL ELITE 8 RESULT

#1 North Carolina 83
#6 Michigan St. 85


FINAL FOUR

#1 Louisville 84
#9 Stanford 73

#4 Kentucky 68
#6 Michigan St. 76

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

#1 Louisville 77
#6 Michigan St. 64

Awards to be posted next.

[Superjames1992]

We won't be seeing a Louisville Championship in real life now.

[Preo32]

nope 2nite my bracket was officially busted. i had 7 of the elite 8 right, and then i had Louisville beating UNC and Xavier winning it all. i now need Kansas and Texas to win or i think i may have lost my bracket wit my friends. they all had a final 4 team done b4 tonite, but they all either had UCLA or UNC or both in the finals so i need Texas and Kansas in the finals and my friend has Kansas winnin it all and nobody got Texas so go Longhorns!!!

but even if Kansas loses it dont hurt me as bad as if UCLA wins. but i like Davidson and ill b happy i they win and mad as well if they do since i got em losin to the Jayhawks

[vikingfan1]

Final Awards for 2007-2008

Player of the Year

Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina-26.8ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.2spg, 0.1bpg

Mid-Major Player of the Year

Jason Thompson Sr, Rider-21.8ppg, 12.0rpg, 0.4apg, 0.7spg, 1.6bpg

Coach of the Year

Rick Pitino, Louisville (35-5, National Champs)

Defensive Player of the Year

Joey Dorsey, Memphis-8.0ppg, 9.8rpg, 0.2apg, 1.6spg, 2.4bpg

Freshmen Player of the Year

Michael Beasley, Kansas St.-19.2ppg, 9.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg

[nemzep95]

My elite eight are UNC, Louisville, Kansas, Davidson, Pittsburgh, Texas, UCLA, Duke

So I'm 6/8

My final four are: UNC, Kansas, Texas, Duke
So I'm 3/4 at best.
Currently 1/2.

[Preo32]

yea actually i found out my bracket on espn is better than the one i posted. the only differences are that in the better one, i had Tex A&M instead of BYU and i had UNC over Louisville, but i still had Xavier winning it all.

and Jason Thompson is a beast hes expected to b a mid - late 1st round draft pick

[vikingfan1]

Updates coming tonight with the schedule, team goals, and roster for 2008-2009.

[vikingfan1]

2008-2009 NORTH FLORIDA OSPREYS

Roster

Name-Position-Rating-Height-Weight-Class

Tom Hammonds-SG-68-6'4-206-SR
Ashton Jones-SG-65-6'1-192-SR
Justin Cecil-PF-62-6'8-210-SO
Devon Jones-PF-60-6'6-195-SO
Kyle Groothuis-PF-60-6'8-226-SO
Brent Wood-SG-60-6'5-180-SO
Germaine Sparkes-SG-59-6'6-198-JR
Stan Januska-SF-57-6'6-202-JR
Nikola Pranchialuskas-PF-56-6'7-246-FR
Misha Bozovic-C-55-6'10-247-FR
Madison Gillingham-PF-55-6'7-183-FR
Cortez Riley-PG-55-6'0-185-SR
Zack Patterson-C-54-6'11-222-FR
Kalah Dalgarn-C-48-6'10-253-FR (Redshirt)
Lionel Francois-SF-48-6'7-210-FR (Redshirt)
Franklin Eisentrout-PG-46-6'1-171-FR (Redshirt)

Starters

PG-Ashton Jones
SG-Tom Hammonds
SF-Stan Januska
PF-Kyle Groothuis
C-Justin Cecil


2008-2009 NORTH FLORIDA SCHEDULE

Non-Conference

11/7 At Marshall
11/10 At #7 Louisville
11/13 At Illinois
11/15 Vs Tennessee St.
11/17 Vs UC Davis
11/24 At Illinois St.
11/29 Vs Winthrop
12/7 At California
12/10 At Florida
12/12 Vs Pepperdine
12/17 Vs #20 Kentucky (Hawaiin Islands Classic)

Conference

1/1 At Stetson
1/3 At Belmont
1/10 At Jacksonville
1/15 Vs E. Tenn St.
1/17 Vs Gardner-Webb
1/22 At Kennesaw St.
1/24 At Florida Gulf Coast
1/29 At Lipscomb
1/31 Vs Mercer
2/5 Vs Campbell
2/7 Vs SC Upstate
2/12 At E. Tenn St.
2/14 At Gardner-Webb
2/21 Vs Jacksonville
2/26 Vs Belmont
2/28 Vs Stetson

Team Goals for 2008-2009 season

-Win 20 games
-Win 7 road games (Conference or Non-Conference)
-Win Coach of the Year
-Team Unity of 50 (At 30 now)
-Win Conference Tournament

Thoughts on upcoming season- Some may think that this schedule belongs more to a mid major or power conference school rather then a small school like us, but I believe this team needs some really good challenges out of conference to get them prepared for conference games and games on the road. A rematch with #20 Kentucky in that first round game of the tournament is going to be a really good game I think. I am redshirting three freshmen who I think will be outstanding in the future, but need a little bit more time developing their game.

Whats great about this team is their is a ton of experience coming back from last season, and that only makes us a more dangerous team then ever. Most of these players are battle tested on the road and against some of the best competition in the nation, I really think they will be ready to step up and show the country that last year wasn't a fluke. One of our goals is to win 20 games, which we won 21 last year and was completely unexpected. I know we won't be able to sneak up on people this year, but with this group coming back, along with some oustanding freshmen this is a goal we should be able to accomplish.

All and all I am very excited to get the season underway and hope all of you will be following as we look to build on last season and hopefully a few more games and win the conference outright. Winning 7 road games would be right at 50% for the year because we have 14 road games counting conference and non-conference, and the tournament committee looks at who can win on the road and who can't. Preseason Top 25 Poll to follow!

[vikingfan1]

PRESEASON TOP 25 POLL 2008/2009

1. UConn (Big East)
2. UNC (ACC)
3. Memphis (C-USA)
4. Duke (ACC)
5. Michigan St. (Big Ten)
6. Syracuse (Big East)
7. Louisville (Big East)
8. Providence (Big East)
9. Tennessee (SEC)
10. Arizona (Pac-10)
11. Washington (Pac-10)
12. Villanova (Big East)
13. UCLA (Pac-10)
14. Stanford (Pac-10)
15. Pittsburg (Big East)
16. Texas (Big 12)
17. Kansas (Big 12)
18. Indiana (Big Ten)
19. USC (Pac-10)
20. Kentucky (SEC)
21. Texas A&M (Big 12)
22. N.C. State (ACC)
23. Baylor (Big 12)
24. UNLV (Mountain West)
25. LSU (SEC)

I think the Big East and Big 12 are pretty stacked wouldn't you say?:eek:

[TigerCraig]

Damn, nice job winning a game in the dance in your first year. Good luck in year 2!

[nemzep95]

Yeah! Take North Florida to the big dance for the second year in a row!

[vikingfan1]

North Florida runs past the Herd, gets quality victory on the road

Last season, we seemed to have a lack of confidence whenever we played on the road, and it really didn't matter where we were playing. This season though is a different one and already a great outcome as went into Marshall and picked up a good victory to start the season. Three guys were in double figures and Groothuis led the way with 25 points and 3 blocks. Cecil and A. Jones also had a good game with 18 and 17. In the first half though Marshall played really well and caused us a lot of problems, but at the half we were only trailing by two points. In the second half the defense picked it up a lot and thats why we were able to get the 10 point win, 87-77. We have two more tough road games to start the year against #7 Louisville and Illinois but after that we'll finally be on our home court for a couple games and hopefully their will be a nice crowd waiting for us!

Box Score

North Florida..............43.............44..........87
Marshall....................45.............32..... .....77

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Groothuis-25pts, 2rebs, 3blks (Player of the Game)
Cecil-18pts, 3rebs, 3ast, 2stl
A. Jones-17pts, 2stl

MARSHALL PLAYER STATS

PG Merthle-27pts, 2rebs, 3ast
SF Humphrey-13pts, 6rebs, 4ast
C Baines-11pts, 3rebs

GAME STATS

North Florida/Marshall

Rebounds-20/25
Assists-10/8
Blocks-6/4
Freethrows-10/13, 13/17

UP NEXT: At #7 Louisville (1-1)

Playing the defending national champs is something a lot of people at school frowned upon, but I am excited for this game and I think its a great test for the team to go out and show the country what we can do early on the season. Win or lose, its going to be a blast playing them (Much like it was last year when we went to #1 Kansas) and I hope the guys play well and they leave everything out on the court, we'll see what happens.

North Florida is 1-0

[nemzep95]

Nice win and good luck against the Cardinals.

[callmegoose]

Great way to start off the season. Congrats on the big win in the tourny. (sorry I haven't been on in a couple of days, but all caught up now.) Good luck this year.

[blue_apocalypse]

Just got caught up. That was an awesome run you had last season. Good luck taking down the defending champs.

[vikingfan1]

Just got caught up. That was an awesome run you had last season. Good luck taking down the defending champs.

Last season was fun, hopefully this year will be just as good!

[vikingfan1]

Nice win and good luck against the Cardinals.

Thanks! It would have to be a near perfect game for me to win!

[vikingfan1]

Nice win and good luck against the Cardinals.

Thanks! It would have to be a near perfect game for me to win!

[vikingfan1]

North Florida falls to #7 Louisville by 20

I knew coming into this game we would have to play really really well just to try to stay with them, and at times we looked very good but we couldn't do it consistently and that hurt us the most. It also didn't help that Louisville literally shot lights out from three, hitting 11-14 for the game. Sosa led the way for the Cardinals with 24 points but it wasn't just him who scored as Smith, Character, and Clark all reached double figures. It was only a ten point game at halftime but then Louisville went on a 19-6 run to start the half and that pretty much doomed us.

Louisville pulled their starters after that big run and that was when the guys took advantage and kind of got back in the game at 89-80 with 2:50 to play but then Pitino put his starters back in and they were able to hold us off, while scoring 16 points to win 105-85. I was pretty happy overall how we at least didn't roll over and die after they got up 72-49 and we really charged back into the game, but Louisville is a fantastic team and I can see why they won the national title the year before and have a great chance to repeat in my opinion.

Box Score

North Florida............43.........42...........85
#7 Louisville............53.........52..........105

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Wood-22pts, 2ast
Groothuis-16pts, 4rebs, 4ast
Nikola P.-15pts, 3rebs
D. Jones-14pts, 3rebs, 2ast
Cecil-11pts, 4rebs, 2ast, 2stl

LOUISVILLE PLAYER STATS

PG Sosa-24pts, 5ast (Player of the Game)
PF Character-19pts, 4rebs, 4ast
SG Smith-16pts, 4ast
SF Clark-15pts, 6ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/Louisville

Rebounds-21/22
Freethrows-14/15, 12/16
Blocks-1/7
Assists-26/28
Bench Points-51/26

UP NEXT: At Illinois (1-0)

It will be nice to finally be returning home to my home state, and I'll do it for this game and the Illinois St. game later on. The game however will be a very difficult challenge because Bruce Weber is one of the best coaches in the nation and they return a lot of players who went to the NCAA tournament last year. They return maybe the x-factor in Mike Tisdale, the 7 foot sophomore who can do a lot of great things with the ball and on defense. I think if we can get him in foul trouble we may have a shot to keep it close, but they do have other threats on the floor including sharp shooter Jamar Smith.

North Florida is 1-1

[vikingfan1]

North Florida-Illinois game update tonight!

[nemzep95]

Woot. I can't wait!!!

[vikingfan1]

North Florida falls late to Illinois

It was fun being back in my home state and to get a chance to play a very very good team in Illinois. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for us. We hung with Illinois for the entire game thanks largely because of the foul trouble that Mike Tisdale was in. He picked up two quick fouls and a third foul again in the second half and didn't see much of the floor. However Jamar Smith was hot, scoring 26 points and Frazier chipped in 17. Cecil played great with 22 points but he didn't get a lot of help and we simply got outrebounded and Illinois made a lot of freethrows down the stretch for an 86-75 victory.

I was again pretty proud all around of my teams effort and it will be nice to get our first home game against Tennessee St., a team who isn't the calibur of Louisville or Illinois, but could still beat us if were not careful.

Box Score

North Florida...............39............36............ 75
Illinois........................43............43.. ..........86

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Cecil-22pts, 5rebs
A. Jones-12pts, 4ast
D. Jones-11pts, 3rebs, 5ast

ILLINOIS PLAYER STATS

SG Smith-26pts, 4ast (Player of the Game)
PG Frazier-17pts, 3rebs, 7ast
PF Cole-10pts, 4rebs

GAME STATS

North Florida/Illinois

Rebounds-16/26
Assists-23/21
Freethrows-9/10, 19/24

UP NEXT: Vs Tennessee St. (1-0)

Tennessee St. comes in with just one game under their belt while we now have three, that could give us a little bit of an edge in the game. Also playing at home will be a big help to us considering we only lose one or two games at home all of last season. My guys will still have to come out and compete and play pretty well to get the victory.

North Florida is now 1-2

[vikingfan1]

North Florida builds big first half lead, beats Tennessee St. by 10

We knew this game competition wise would be far easier then the games against Louisville and Illinois, but the guys still came out fired up and we played in front of a pretty good crowd actually, far better then anytime last year (during the regular season). It was pretty balanced scoring, and freshmen Nikola played a good game with 11 points and 3 assists. Cecil led the team with 16 points and 5 rebounds. I thought our defense was really really good, only giving up 27 first half points and built a 41-27 lead at half. In the second half, it was more back and forth and at times Tennessee St. would go on good runs and get close, and they actually got it to within six points at 66-60 but we were awesome from the freethrow line, going 13-18 and that was probably the biggest difference in the game other then our defense.

Box Score

Tennessee St...................27.................39........ ....66
North Florida....................41.................35.. ..........76

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Cecil-16pts, 5rebs (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-13pts, 4rebs, 4ast
Nikola P-11pts, 3ast, 2stl

TENNESSEE ST. PLAYER STATS

PG Robinson-16pts, 4rebs, 5ast
SG Price-12pts, 3ast
SF Houston-12pts, 4rebs, 3ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/Tenn St.

Freethrows-13/18, 7/10
Rebounds-22/26
Bench Points-30/13
Assists-21/15

UP NEXT: Vs UC Davis (0-3)

UC Davis comes in at 0-3 which is kind of surprising to me considering they have some good ball players who can get things done the court. We certainly have to come out prepared and play tough defense like we did against Tenn St. to get the win. This would be a big win for us because we will go on the road after this upcoming game to Illinois St.

North Florida is now 2-2

[vikingfan1]

Updates tonight for UC Davis, Illinois St., and Winthrop.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida pulls away in second half, wins by 13

In the first half, it was a really really tight game with both teams giving shots to one another and not backing down. I think the freethrow shooting may have been the difference in the game and although we didn't shoot as well as we normally did, we stil made more then UC Davis. At the half we lead 46-44 and we opened the second half with a 10-2 run and never looked back, winning 81-68. A. Jones had a good game with 19 points and 6 rebounds. I thought our defense was also very good in the second half and we shut some key guys down from UC Davis that hurt us in the first half.

Box Score

UC Davis............44...............24............68
North Fla............46...............35.............81

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

A. Jones-19pts, 6rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
Hammonds-17pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Cecil-10pts, 11rebs

UC DAVIS PLAYER STATS

SG Oliver-16pts, 4ast
PG Lowenthal-13pts, 7ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/UC Davis

Rebounds-26/26
Assists-12/14
Freethrows-16/23, 9/13
Turnovers-12/21

UP NEXT: At Illinois St. (1-3)

Illinois St. may be off to a rough start, but that doesn't mean this won't be a tough game. They have some really good guards who can kill you if your not careful and they are also fairly deep and usually rotate 9-10 guys in. I think the key for us will be if we can slow their guards down and make them force some bad shots.

North Florida is now 3-2

[CincyFan]

watch out your team is starting to build momentum and confidence now.

[chestnutz6]

yeah, looking pretty good this year without grimball

[boomosby50]

just got caught up, and youre managing without grimballl and nurse, tough loss vs Illini

[vikingfan1]

North Florida's defense unable to stop Shipley, and Illinois St.

I would say for most of the game our defense wasn't half bad, but the final two minutes really killed us and their point guard Shipley, hurt us the most. He had a game high 22 points but made two three pointers down the stretch that helped Illinois St. win 77-73. Ashton Jones had another solid performance with 17 but it wasn't enough. Illinois St. also shot 100% from the freethrow line, nailing 16 of them during the game. What I did like about the game the most was that we outrebounded Illinois St. and really forced them into tough jumpers. Cecil and Groothuis had decent games, but they were really held down because Illinois St. was much bigger then us and they were able to block a lot of shots.

BOX SCORE

North Florida................32..............41......... .73
Illinois St.....................38..............39......... .77

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

A. Jones-17pts, 3rebs
Cecil-14pts, 4rebs
Groothuis-10pts, 5rebs

ILLINOIS ST. PLAYER STATS

PG Shipley-22pts, 8ast (Player of the Game)
SF Oguchi-14pts, 3ast, 2blks
C Bradley-12pts, 6rebs, 3blks

GAME STATS

North Florida/ILL St.

Rebounds-23/15
Blocks-2/7
Assists-18/20
Freethrows-4/4, 16/16

UP NEXT: Vs Winthrop (1-3)

We are pretty happy to be playing this good of a mid-major team in Winthrop. The last three or four years Winthrop has been one of the best mid-major teams in the country, and have had good success in the NCAA tournament as well. This will be a home game for us which will help a lot because we keep getting more and more fans to the games, but we still have to come out ready to play because Winthrop has some solid players and they have a center in the middle who's very very good.

North Florida is now 3-3

[vikingfan1]

North Florida wins tight game with Winthrop

This was a great game all around for us except for one area of the game........freethrows. We are normally anywhere between 75 and 80% on freethrows, even as an entire team. Today however we shot the worst I think since I have been there, which was 10/23. I really stress freethrow shooting in practice but for some reason they just weren't dropping tonight, and hopefully thats a trend that won't continue. Other then that, I thought we played pretty well and made the freethrows when we needed to and winning 70-62. Hammonds had a great game with 16 points but it was Cecil who was player of the game with 15 points and 7 rebounds. He also shut down one of Winthrops best players in Buechert. We allowed just 25 second half points after the score being deadlocked at 37 at halftime.

BOX SCORE

Winthrop............37............25..........62
North Fla............37...........33..........70

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Hammonds-16pts, 2ast
Cecil-15pts, 7rebs (Player of the Game)
A. Jones-9pts, 4rebs, 3stl

WINTHROP PLAYER STATS

SG Falson-21pts, 4rebs, 2ast
C Buechert-13pts, 2rebs, 2stl

GAME STATS

North Florida/Winthrop

Rebounds-24/30
Bench Points-24/19
Three Pointers-10/17, 4/16
Freethrows-10/23, 14/21

UP NEXT: At California (6-1)

We will go on a lon road trip to face one of the best teams in the Pac-10 in California. They come in with a good record and have faced some pretty good competition already. I think we can hang with them with they way we've been playing, but were going to have to defend really well and make some shots in order to pull off the upset.

North Florida is now 4-3

[Superjames1992]

Do you use real free throw percentage? I started using that in my legacy and like it because free throws were too easy normally IMO. It gets frustrating at times, though. One time my center, Zach Woolridge, was a nasty 3/11 from the line... U-G-L-Y!!!

[vikingfan1]

Do you use real free throw percentage? I started using that in my legacy and like it because free throws were too easy normally IMO. It gets frustrating at times, though. One time my center, Zach Woolridge, was a nasty 3/11 from the line... U-G-L-Y!!!

No I don't use real freethrow shooting percentage. I normally shoot well but in the Winthrop game I didn't.

[blue_apocalypse]

The important thing is that you beat UC Davis! :D

It's always satisfying to see other schools in the Univ of Calif system fall..so you have to beat Cal too.

[nemzep95]

Do you use real free throw percentage? I started using that in my legacy and like it because free throws were too easy normally IMO. It gets frustrating at times, though. One time my center, Zach Woolridge, was a nasty 3/11 from the line... U-G-L-Y!!!

Do you train their free throw shooting?

[Superjames1992]

Do you train their free throw shooting?
Yeah, it's just Woolridge sucks. He actually hits 52% for the season, though. I have this other guy that only hits like 32%. That is ugly. Overall, I am like 66%, though.

[vikingfan1]

The important thing is that you beat UC Davis! :D

It's always satisfying to see other schools in the Univ of Calif system fall..so you have to beat Cal too.

Beating Cal would be amazing!

[vikingfan1]

20-0 run lifts California over North Florida

Throught 90% of the game, this was as close of a game as you can get, with both teams having small leads and grinding it out as best they could. My freshmen Nikola P. played very well throughout the game and led us in scoring with 12 points. We trailed only by 6 at halftime at 39-33 and before you knew it with about five or six minutes to go in the game, we were tied with them at 58 all. After that though, it all went downhill. California responded with a 20-0 run and you just feel terrible that it happened to you when it really shouldn't have. California won the game 90-69 and outscoring us 51-36 in the second half. I was proud of the guys all the way up until that part. We just panicked and couldn't get anything to fall and thats not what you want late in the game. We have to be more focused when things get tough and have to respond to to stop there run or this won't be the last time this happens. I also thought another freshmen for us, Bozovic played well with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.

BOX SCORE

North Florida.............33...........36............69
California.................39............51....... ....90

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Nikola P.-12pts
Cecil-11pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Bozovic-9pts, 3rebs, 3ast
D. Jones-8pts, 5rebs

CALIFORNIA PLAYER STATS

PF Anderson-17pts, 3rebs (Player of the Game)
SG Christopher-12pts, 4ast
Kemp-11pts, 7rebs, 2ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/California

Rebounds-22/22
Freethrows-4/9, 14/20
Three Pointers-6/22, 4/8
Blocks-0/6

UP NEXT: At Florida (6-2)

Last year, we were scheduled to play Florida but I was able to cancel with them because I didn't feel the team was ready to take on a powerhouse like Florida, even with them losing a lot to the NBA draft after they had won it two years in a row. This year however I feel we are ready to face them, but its going to be an extremely tough ball game and I hope my kids are mentally tough to do so. We can't fold under pressure again and let them go on a big run late in the game or we are doomed.

North Florida is now 4-4

[vikingfan1]

North Florida can't hang on, Florida rallies for the 9 point victory

This game stings badly for us. We literally were ahead of Florida the entire game all the way up until about three minutes left in the game, and then Florida went on a big run to finish us off, with the final being 92-83. We led 71-67 and then it all fell apart for us, much like the California game only this one happened much later in the game. What I did like though was that we had a bunch of balanced scoring. We put six guys in double figures which is the most we have ever had, but the problem was we couldn't stop Florida and they got a lot of offensive rebounds. We only have one practice before the Pepperdine game, but I can assure you its going to be a very very tough practice and we are going to work a lot on the defensive end and rebounding. We don't have very many games left until conference play and its important that we try to finish strong out of conference, and be ready to play once we do finally start conference play.

BOX SCORE

North Florida................42............41.........83
Florida.........................38...........54... ......92

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Wood-20pts
Nikola P.-15pts, 5rebs, 2ast
Cecil-12pts, 2rebs
D. Jones-12pts, 3rebs, 4ast
A. Jones-11pts, 2ast
Groothuis-10pts

FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

PG Calathas-26pts, 12ast (Player of the Game)
C Speights-20pts, 8rebs, 3stl, 4blks
SF Parsons-14pts, 5rebs, 5ast, 3blks

GAME STATS

North Florida/Florida

Rebounds-15/22
Assists-22/28
Freethrows-13/15, 13/14
Three Pointers-8/27, 3/8
Bench Points-47/14

UP NEXT: Vs Pepperdine (1-8)

Pepperdine will be a little easier opponent then we have recently had, but that doesn't mean we can relax on them either. Even with their 1-8 start, they play in one of the best mid-major conferences in the nation and they play in an area that is pretty good in basketball. If I remember correctly, this will be our third team that we have played from the west coast. This is also our last home game for non-conference play, so it would be great to go out with a win.

North Florida is now 4-5

[vikingfan1]

North Florida hangs on against Pepperdine

This was a game we really needed to win, especially since we have a tough touranment coming up right before our conference play. I thought we played pretty well but at times we would lose an 8 to 10 point lead and we really can't afford to do that. We had pretty good balanced scoring again, with four guys in double figures. We made some big freethrows down the stretch and won 76-70. Its nice that we do so well at home, but we need to win more games on the road this season and in the upcoming seasons. Lately, Brent Wood has been playing a lot more and scoring more also. Right now I would say he is probably the leading scorer on the team, and he comes off the bench. Ashton Jones is playing with an injury right now so he really isn't shooting as well as he should be. When he is 100% healthy, I expect for him to be dangerous again.

BOX SCORE

Pepperdine..............35...............35....... .......70
North Fla.................39...............37........... ...76

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Wood-14pts
Groothuis-14pts, 4rebs (Player of the Game)
Cecil-12pts, 6rebs, 3ast
A. Jones-11pts, 5ast

PEPPERDINE PLAYER STATS

SG Bing-18pts, 3rebs, 3ast
C Hester-12pts, 7rebs, 3ast
PG Tucker-10pts, 9ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/Pepperdine

Freethrows-12/14, 6/8
Rebounds-26/23
Bench Points-32/15
Fast Break Points-2/12

UP NEXT: #15 Kentucky (5-1) (Hawaii Tourney)

This is a game I think the guys are pretty excited about playing in. Kentucky was the team who beat us last year in the second round by 28 points and it would be sweet if we could at least give them a better game in this opening round game of the tournament then last year. It is going to be tough though because Kentucky returned a lot from last year's team and of course as all of you know, we lost our leading scorer in Grimball.

North Florida is now 5-5

[vikingfan1]

NCAA TOP 25 POLL 12/15/08

1. Tennessee 10-0 (SEC)
2. Washington 10-0 (Pac-10)
3. UCLA 7-0 (Pac-10)
4. Kansas 7-0 (Big 12)
5. Louisville 8-1 (Big East)
6. Duke 8-1 (ACC)
7. Memphis 6-1 (C-USA)
8. Uconn 6-2 (Big East)
9. North Carolina 7-2 (ACC)
10. Villanova 9-1 (Big East)
11. Georgia 7-0 (SEC)
12. Texas 8-1 (Big 12)
13. USC 8-2 (Pac-10)
14. N.C. State 8-1 (ACC)
15. Kentucky 5-1 (SEC)
16. Providence 7-2 (Big East)
17. Gonzaga 10-1 (WCC)
18. Stanford 7-2 (Pac-10)
19. Arizona 6-2 (Pac-10)
20. Maryland 9-1 (ACC)
21. Syracuse 6-2 (Big East)
22. California 9-1 (Pac-10)
23. Oklahoma 10-1 (Big 12)
24. Georgia Tech 7-1 (ACC)
25. Temple 7-0 (A-10)

TOP 25 MID-MAJOR POLL 12/15/08

1. Gonzaga 10-1 (WCC)
2. Siena 9-1 (Metro Atlantic)
3. St. Mary's 9-1 (WCC)
4. Southern Illinois 6-2 (MVC)
5. Drexel 6-1 (Colonial)
6. Western Michigan 7-2 (Mid-American)
7. Northern Iowa 7-3 (MVC)
8. Loyola IL 5-4 (Horizon)
9. Towson 6-3 (Colonial)
10. VCU 6-5 (Colonial)
11. Boston U. 6-3 (American East)
12. Missouri St. 6-4 (MVC)
13. Creighton 6-4 (MVC)
14. Tenn St. 6-4 (Ohio Valley)
15. Indiana St. 4-3 (MVC)
16. Yale 8-2 (Ivy League)
17. E. Tennessee St. 6-4 (A-Sun)
18. Pacific 6-2 (Big West)
19. University of Illinois-Chicago 6-4 (Horizon)
20. Belmont 7-2 (A-Sun)
21. Utah St. 6-3 (Western Athletic)
22. Vermont 7-4 (American East)
23. San Diego 10-2 (WCC)
24. Valparaiso 5-4 (Horizon)
25. Wright St. 6-3 (Horizon)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida gets beat up again by Kentucky

Throughout most of the game, we hung right with Kentucky and they actually didn't pull away as early in this game as they did last year in the NCAA tournament. Kentucky had a little run to end the half up 12 points with the score being 46-34. In the second half, we were able to charge right back in the game and give #15 Kentucky all it wanted for most of that half. Just like last year though, Kentucky was able to hit some key shots and they were monsters in the lane, blocking 12 shots and altering several others during the game. Even though the final was 89-65, I was very proud of the team and they showed some fire in the game that I hadn't quite seen yet this season. I think if they continue to show that fire, we may get on track (especially in conference play). After this tournament we will be starting conference games and I think we are really going to do some serious damage then! Our non-conference schedule was probably five times better then last year and as of right now we are only one game under .500, so thats not bad. You also have to throw in the fact that we lost our big man, Grimball to graduation last year.

BOX SCORE

North Florida..............34.................31........ ......65
#15 Kentucky............46.................43......... .....89

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Groothuis-11pts, 3rebs, 4ast
Cecil-9pts, 5rebs, 3ast
Nikola P.-8pts

KENTUCKY PLAYER STATS

SG Meeks-20pts, 3rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
SF Harris-14pts, 4rebs
C Stevenson-10pts, 5blks
PG Jasper-10pts, 4ast
PF Patterson-10pts

GAME STATS

North Florida/Kentucky

Rebounds-20/26
Blocks-2/11
Freethrows-12/15, 10/15
Three Pointers-3/19, 3/11

UP NEXT: Loyola Marymount (2-6) at Hawaiin Islands Classic

LMU is coming off a huge blowout loss to UTEP and they will be looking to rebound and not get embarassed like that again. Also though, we are looking for the same thing and I think we can hang with LMU and hopefully able to beat them since we haven't gotten to that 5th place game yet. Last year, we finished 7th with two heartbreaking losses to Virginia Tech and Michigan, before finally beating Western Kentucky in the 7th place game. Although you have to remember, this is not the same team as last year and we are still trying to find a leader out there on the court.

North Florida is now 5-6

[vikingfan1]

HAWAIIN ISLAND CLASSIC 2008

QUARTERFINAL RESULTS

Cincinatti 72
Eastern Michigan 66

UALR 69
Nevada 66

LMU 52
UTEP 100

North Florida 65
#15 Kentucky 89

SEMIFINAL MATCHUPS

Cincinatti vs UALR
UTEP vs #15 Kentucky

CONSOLATION BRACKET

Eastern Michigan vs Nevada
Loyola Marymount vs North Florida

[vikingfan1]

More updates coming tonight from the Hawaiin Islands Classic. As well as player stats through the first 13 games.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida falls again, sent to 7th place game for two years in a row

I must say, I was pretty upset with the way this game went. For nearly the first half it was back and forth and I figured thats how it was going to be the rest of the game to, but I was wrong. Loyola Marymount went on a big run to close the half up 45-36. I was screaming in the locker room trying to get the guys to play better but even all of that yelling didn't matter. I told them several times that we must play better defense, rebound, and make shots!!! In the second half the guys would respond bu trimming that halftime lead to 52-50 LMU before you could blink, but it would not last. Loyola Marymount would go on a big run to close out the game and we would lose 91-74. If we keep playing like this, I can't see how were ever going to get any goals this year. I know its hard that we don't have Grimball and he lifted us up when we needed him the most last year, but the guys have to move on and know that he isn't going to save us this year. We have enough experience on this team that guys like the Jones boys, Cecil, Groothuis, and Hammonds should be taking over the game but it just isn't there right now. We don't have any consistency at all at this point.

BOX SCORE

North Florida..........36...............38.............. .74
LMU......................45...............46...... ..........91

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Cecil-12pts, 6rebs, 2ast
Bozovic-12pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Patterson-10pts

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT PLAYER STATS

PG Turner-19pts, 4ast (Player of the Game)
SG Jenkins-15pts, 3ast
SF Johnson-11pts, 2rebs, 3ast
Walker-11pts, 3rebs

GAME STATS

North Florida/LMU

Assists-24/21
Rebounds-21/23
Bench Points-40/32
Three Pointers-0/12, 4/12
Freethrows-2/2, 11/13

UP NEXT: Eastern Michigan (5-6) 7th place game

Eastern Michigan comes in after two tough losses to Cincinatti and Nevada. They have a pretty decent record right now and they are going to be very tough to beat. Last year we won this game and we are hoping to win it again this year, that way we don't go 0-3 for the tournament. This is also our last non-conference game for the year and it would be nice to go out with the win.

North Florida is now 5-7

[vikingfan1]

HAWAIIN ISLANDS CLASSIC 2008

SEMIFINALS

Cincinatti 82
UALR 73

UTEP 74
#15 Kentucky 70

3rd Place

UALR vs #15 Kentucky

Championship

Cincinatti vs UTEP

CONSOLATION BRACKET

E. Michigan 66
Nevada 77

LMU 91
North Florida 74

7th Place

E. Michigan vs North Florida

5th Place

Nevada vs LMU

[jjredick4]

not going your way this year, huh

[vikingfan1]

not going your way this year, huh

So far no. But I do think I had a much tougher non conference schedule this year then last year, plus I did lose the top scorer from last year (also the top scorer in the nation) and one of my best players is injured right now so he's not playing at the top of his game because of that. I think once I get into conference play I'll do a lot better.

[chestnutz6]

yes, tough schedule and not doing so well. good luck the rest of the way

[vikingfan1]

North Florida gets much needed win, places 7th in tournament

This was a game we really needed to win, just for the players to get some confidence in them heading into conference play. It started out back and forth like most games do, but then it was finally our time to make a run and we were up eight until Eastern Michigan hit a three at half to make it 37-32. The start of the second half went E. Michigan's way as they were able to tie it up at 37 and from that point on it was a pretty close game. Cecil, D. Jones, and Groothuis all stepped up big time and were in double figure and our bench produced 28 points and we only committed two turnovers the entire game. Even with all the positives, we were still forced to make some freethrows down the stretch and we did, winning 76-68. What I liked about todays game was the guys didn't panic when Eastern Michigan went on its run and we slowed the game down even more then we usually do, and I thought that helped us a lot. For a team like us, we really need to keep the pace down and make sure we outwork our opponent, whether we win or lose.

BOX SCORE

North Florida...........................37.............. ..39................76
Eastern Michigan.....................32................36. ...............68

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Cecil-19pts, 3rebs, 2stl
D. Jones-19pts, 5rebs, 2stl (Player of the Game)
Groothuis-16pts, 3rebs, 4ast

EASTERN MICHIGAN PLAYER STATS

PF Skipper-14pts, 6rebs, 3ast
SF Farrow-14pts, 2rebs
SG Annen-12pts, 4ast
PG Madlock-10pts, 10ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/E. Michigan

Freethrows-13/14, 6/8
Rebounds-18/19
Turnovers-2/8
Bench Points-28/10

UP NEXT: At Stetson (5-6)

The first three or four conference games will be on the road, which is very big to us because last year we struggled A LOT on the road and I think at best we only won 3 road games. Stetson is a team that we split with last season and they will be no doubt tough on their home court.

North Florida is now 6-7

[vikingfan1]

TOP 25 POLL 12/29/08

1. Washington 12-0 (Pac-10)
2. Uconn 11-2 (Big East)
3. UCLA 11-0 (Pac-10)
4. Duke 12-1 (ACC)
5. UNC 10-2 (ACC)
6. Memphis 8-1 (C-USA)
7. Tennessee 12-1 (SEC)
8. Louisville 11-2 (Big East)
9. Villanova 11-2 (Big East)
10. Kansas 10-1 (Big 12)
11. N.C. State 13-1 (ACC)
12. Arizona 9-2 (Pac-10)
13. Providence 10-2 (Big East)
14. Stanford 10-3 (Pac-10)
15. Texas 11-2 (Big 12)
16. Miami FL 10-1 (ACC)
17. Georgia Tech 10-1 (ACC)
18. California 12-1 (Pac-10)
19. Georgia 10-1 (SEC)
20. Michigan St. 8-4 (Big 10)
21. Oklahoma 11-1 (Big 12)
22. Syracuse 8-3 (Big East)
23. Gonzaga 12-2 (WCC)
24. Kentucky 7-2 (SEC)
25. San Diego St. 11-1 (Mountain West)

TOP 25 MID-MAJOR POLL 12/29/08

1. Gonzaga 12-2 (WCC)
2. Siena 12-3 (Metro Atlantic)
3. St. Mary's 13-1 (WCC)
4. Southern Illinois 8-3 (MVC)
5. Drexel 8-3 (Colonial)
6. Loyola IL 7-4 (Horizon)
7. Tennessee St. 8-5 (Ohio Valley)
8. Creighton 8-4 (MVC)
9. Western Michigan 8-4 (Mid-American)
10. E. Tennssee St. 7-4 (A-Sun)
11. Valparaiso 8-5 (Horizon)
12. Towson 8-5 (Colonial)
13. San Diego 12-2 (WCC)
14. Sacred Heart 9-5 (Northeastern)
15. Boston U. 8-5 (American East)
16. George Mason 6-5 (Colonial)
17. VCU 7-7 (Colonial)
18. Northern Iowa 7-7 (MVC)
19. Illinois-Chicago 7-5 (Horizon)
20. Pacific 7-3 (Big West)
21. Cleveland St. 9-4 (Horizon)
22. Yale 8-4 (Ivy League)
23. Indiana St. 6-4 (MVC)
24. Utah St. 7-4 (Western Athletic)
25. Belmont 8-3 (A-Sun)

[Neb84]

Statson next, which means back to .500! Hope you can get things turned arround. How long till conference play?

[vikingfan1]

Statson next, which means back to .500! Hope you can get things turned arround. How long till conference play?

Stetson is in my conference. They are my first conference game.

[vikingfan1]

HAWAIIN ISLAND CLASSIC 2008

Championship

Cincinatti 74
UTEP 86

3rd Place

UALR 56
#15 Kentucky 90

5th Place

Nevada 69
LMU 76

7th Place

E. Michigan 68
North Florida 76

[vikingfan1]

Player stats coming sometime today!

[vikingfan1]

2008-2009 NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS AND PROGRESS

FRESHMEN

Nikola P-Here is a kid who is coming on strong as of late, after a shaky beginning once he got here. He is more comfortable in the offense and he's one of the first guys off the bench. At 6'11, he presents a challenge for most small schools because they don't have anyone who can matchup with him. I think as the year goes on I would like him to grab a few more rebounds while he is in the game and be even more aggressive on offense.
Averages:7.0ppg-1.8rpg-0.8apg-0.3spg-0.2bpg-8.6mpg

Misha Bozovic-Bozovic is going to have a bright future with us here at North Florida. He doesn't play a lot, but when he's in the game he usually does everything great whether its scoring, rebounding, or dishing out assists. He is also a tough matchup for teams downlow because of his size and strength. He is about a year or two away from being a dominant force in the paint, and I can't wait to see him then!
Averages:6.6ppg-1.1rpg-1.0apg-0.3spg-0.3bpg-6.3mpg

Zack Patterson-Zack is a kid just like Bozovic. He is going to have a bright future ahead of him but needs sometime to develop his skills. However, he is a flat out animal on the boards and he does really well in practice against Cecil and Groothuis, he just doesn't get a lot of playing time because D. Jones, Ni***a P., and Bozovic are all ahead of him in the rotation. I am fully confident though that even by next year he'll be ready to play even more, and be a major impact in the game.
Averages:6.0ppg-0.5rpg-0.3apg-6.8mpg

Madison Gillingham-Madison is a work horse. He's a kid that doesn't get a lot of playing time but his playing time comes in practice, and he has shown me a lot of great things of what he can do. A little bit more practice and this kid will probably be a stud. The only problem is he is unhappy with his playing time and we could see him transfer at the end of the year.
Averages:2.8ppg-0.5rpg-1.3apg-4.3mpg

SOPHOMORES

Justin Cecil-Honestly, its hard to believe this kid is just a sophomore. Most of the time he plays and acts like a senior, and its so nice to know that I will have him until his senior year. Cecil just keeps on improving, and is actually working on an outside shot for the future and has knocked down some three pointers in practice, but I think only one in a game. He's a monster on the boards and I would even like to see him get more rebounds. Justin has a bright future ahead of him at this university and life after college.
Averages:14.6ppg-4.8rpg-1.6apg-1.2spg-0.3bpg-18.3mpg

Kyle Groothuis-If Kyle's confidence every game was like Cecil, I am pretty sure we would be sitting better then a 6-7 record at this point. Some games Groothuis is the best player on the floor because he's aggressive downlow and aggressive on rebounds and defense. The problem is his confidence in which some games he doesn't look to score and do the things we need him to do in order to win. He is just a sophomore so I am sure he'll be fine in the long run, but he needs to learn to just take chances and play hard every single game.
Averages:10.2ppg-3.4rpg-1.7apg-0.8spg-0.5bpg-15.8mpg

Devon Jones-Devon has really came on strong this year compared to last year, and even though he comes off the bench (although he may be finding himself in the starting lineup soon), he plays a lot of minutes and nearly averages double figures. He's big enough to where he can guard guys taller then him downlow, but he's alsy quick enough to guard a shooting guard or a small forward. I think he might be the best player of this class when its all said and done, we shall see though.
Averages:9.0ppg-3.7rpg-2.0apg-0.8spg-0.5bpg-11.3mpg

Brent Wood-Brent is our best outside shooter but as of late he has really been struggling shooting the ball, but his overall play has not suffered. He still gets after it on both ends of the floor and he is not afraid to shoot the ball at all, you like to see that from your shooters to not lose confidence and keep shooting because you know shooters will get back on track. I would say Brent also doesn't play like a sophomore. He has already led the team in scoring this year a couple of times while coming off the bench, and he's maturing a lot faster then I expected and thats great to see.
Averages:8.8ppg-0.9rpg-2.0apg-0.6spg-12.2mpg

JUNIORS

Stan Januska-Stan doesn't score a lot at all, but he's not a bad player in his own right. His only problem is even for his size, he can't guard down on the blocks as well as I would like him to and sometimes he's not quick enough to guard the guards. I am thinking of putting Devon Jones in the lineup and putting Stan on the bench but I haven't made up my mind. The good news for Stan is he still has this entire year to improve plus over the summer before he starts his senior season. I think he'll be much better next year and hopefully is a more offensive threat as well.
Averages:4.6ppg-1.4rpg-2.8apg-0.7spg-0.2bpg-17.2mpg

Germaine Sparkes-Germaine is another kid who really doesn't score a lot, but he's becoming quite the defensive player off the bench. He usually comes in for Hammonds and does a great job on defense, and is a pretty good ball handler as well for his size. He doesn't shoot the ball well but he can rebound, pass, play good defense, and run the offense which is something thats great to see from a bench player.
Averages:1.2ppg-1.3rpg-2.8apg-0.3spg-0.3bpg-11.2mpg

SENIORS

Ashton Jones-Ashton got off to a hot start at the beginning of the year, but lately he has been battling an injury and his shooting percentages have been way down because of it. He's still a kid thats a great floor leader and since he knows he's not at 100%, he does a great job of setting his teammates up for easy baskets and he's still a pretty good defender. I think once he gets over his injury he's going to be a big problem for opponents on both ends of the floor.
Averages:9.4ppg-1.6rpg-2.9apg-0.7spg-0.2bpg-20.2mpg

Tom Hammonds-Not to bash anyone, but I reall expected Hammonds to be better then what he is. He's still a great defender but he still doesn't shoot it very well and he only averages 6 points a game in which he plays 20 minutes a game (out of 26) so he should be scoring more. I think he'll be better in conference play because I have talked with him several times and he has said that he will improve a lot. I hope he doese because his senior season is running out.
Averages:6.0ppg-1.6rpg-3.5apg-0.6spg-0.2bpg-20.1mpg

[vikingfan1]

Is anyone following my legacy anymore? lol

[Oo_SU_oO]

Yeah lookin good I really like the player recaps with their stats

[vikingfan1]

Yeah lookin good I really like the player recaps with their stats

Thanks a lot. Depending how the rest of this season goes and if I get any good offers, but most likely I'll be back at North Florida for at least a 3rd season.

[Oo_SU_oO]

Thanks a lot. Depending how the rest of this season goes and if I get any good offers, but most likely I'll be back at North Florida for at least a 3rd season.
before you select a school post your offers on here I would like to see them

[vikingfan1]

before you select a school post your offers on here I would like to see them

Oh yeah don't worry, I was planning on it! I still got a ways to go before that happens though.

[vikingfan1]

Updates tonight on the Stetson and Belmont games!

[Neb84]

Im def following...keep it up, hope you can get things turned arround a bit

[vikingfan1]

North Florida picks up big road win, starts the conference 1-0

Last season we split with Stetson, losing on the road to them. This year has already started out better because we got a big road win that we desperately needed. Also I can't say enough about the freshmen and the big men in this game. Freshmen Nikola P. and Bozovic each reached double figures, and Cecil and D. Jones joined them. Our defense was very good in this game and we had some nice leads but Stetson was able to come back each time, which that will happen when your playing on the road. The main thing is to stay focus and not lose poise during an opponents run. Nikola had game high honors with 18 points off the bench, with Cecil right behind him with 17. Ashton Jones is still hurt but I think by the Belmont game he'll be back to 100% and I hope he is because we will need him to be.

BOX SCORE

North Fla....................40..................34..... .........74
Stetson......................34.................33 ...............67

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Nikola P.-18pts, 3rebs, 3ast (Player of the Game)
Cecil-17pts, 5rebs, 2ast
Bozovic-12pts, 2rebs
D. Jones-10pts, 2rebs, 3stl, 2blks

STETSON PLAYER STATS

PF Okafor-12pts, 8rebs
SG Thomas-10pts, 2rebs, 2ast
SF Blair-10pts, 5reb, 4ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/Stetson

Three Pointers-1/10, 1/12
Rebounds-23/31
Offensive Rebounds-2/11
Bench Points-42/21
Freethrows-19/21, 4/7

UP NEXT: At Belmont (8-3, 1-0)

Last year we only played Belmont once in the season, and lost to them on the road. This season we play them twice but we have to start out on the road. They are a pretty good team and returned quite a bit from last years team, just like us. They have the best overall record so far in the conference, and this would no doubt be a big win if we can get the job done.

North Florida is now 7-7 (1-0)

[vikingfan1]

North Florida loses lead late in the game, loses to Belmont by 5

In the first half of this game, it went all our way and it was one of the best halves I have ever seen from us. We were defending so well and forcing them to shoot tough shots and we rebounded well and kept the pace of the game to more our style. We led at the half 35-26. In the second half it was completely different, although I don't really blame my team for all of it. Belmont got hot at the right time and started hitting three pointers at will. They shot 9/21 in the game, but I bet seven of those three pointers came in the second half. Even with them getting hot like that, we still maintaned our poise and led nearly throughout the second half. In the final few minutes though Belmont was able to hit a couple of big threes down the stretch and make their freethrows, and we got beat 77-72. We had a chance to tie the game with a three to make it 75 all but it was missed and they sank freethrows.

To me, this was kind of a fluke. A team shooting that well in the second half (not just from three) is almost unheard of, even if its from a power conference school. I am happy though that the team never folded up like they have done in some games during the past, and also Ashton Jones has fully recovered from his injury and it showed as he knocked down four three pointers in the game.

BOX SCORE

North Florida.....................35..................37 ...............72
Belmont...........................26.............. ....51...............77

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

D. Jones-14pts, 2rebs, 4ast
A. Jones-14pts, 5ast
Nikola P.-13pts, 3rebs
Groothuis-11pts, 2rebs
Cecil-11pts, 4rebs

BELMONT PLAYER STATS

SF Dansby-24pts, 2rebs, 2ast (Player of the Game)
SG House-16pts, 5ast, 2blks
PF Dotson-16pts, 7rebs, 3ast

GAME STATS

North Florida/Belmont

Rebounds-22/20
Three Pointers-6/20, 9/21
Freethrows-10/14, 8/10
Assists-23/20
Blocks-2/6

UP NEXT: At Jacksonville (7-8, 0-2)

Last season we swept Jacksonville in every meeting that we faced with them. They returned some players from last season and I believe they are on a good pace to beat their record from last season. They return small forward Hardy, who is a sharp shooter and a very good defender. Were going to have to shut him down or we may not be able to pull out the victory.

North Florida is now 7-8 (1-1)

Coach Haas Record:28-22

[Preo32]

tough loss

[vikingfan1]

tough loss

That it was Preo, that it was.

[vikingfan1]

North Florida slams Jacksonville, improves to 2-1 in conference play

I must say, I was very impressed of how the guys played today. I could be wrong, but I think they were still angry about the Belmont loss, and took it out on Jacksonville.:D We jumped out to an early 13 point lead, but Jacksonville was able to rally and get it all the way down to half, but we stayed focus and built a seven point halftime lead. In the second half, we just dominated every aspect of the game and freshmen Bozovic had a tremendous game with 17 points off the bench. We also were able to hold Jacksonville's best player-Hardy to just 10 points and four of those points came in the second half. After three conference games on the road we will finally be hosting a home game for the first time in almost a month.

BOX SCORE

North Florida.....................41.................50. ................91
Jacksonville......................34.............. ...30.................74

NORTH FLORIDA PLAYER STATS

Cecil-23pts, 2rebs, 3ast (Player of the Game)
Bozovic-17pts
D. Jones-12pts, 2rebs, 3ast, 2blks
Groothuis-10pts, 6rebs, 4ast

JACKSONVILLE PLAYER STATS

SG McMillan-16pts, 2stl
Cohn-12pts, 2rebs, 3ast
PG Smith-10pts, 5ast
SF Hardy-10pts, 7rebs, 3stl

GAME STATS

North Florida/Jacksonville

Field Goal Percentage-69/45
Three Pointers-2/7, 8/19
Assists-22/18
Rebounds-20/22

UP NEXT: Vs East Tennessee St. (9-5, 2-1)

This should be a great matchup. Both teams coming in at 2-1 for conference play and the winner of this game I believe will be in second place or tied for first in the conference. Last year we won 2 out of 3 matchups against this team, including the conference championship game. Just like last season, we'll have to slow down junior foward Mike Smith because he was a load in the game that they beat us.

North Florida is now 8-8 (2-1)

Coach Haas Record:29-22

[Superjames1992]

You know Chesnut's not happy!!!

[vikingfan1]

TOP 25 POLL 1/12/09

1. UConn 15-2 (Big East)
2. Duke 13-2 (ACC)
3. Tennessee 15-2 (SEC)
4. Memphis 10-1 (C-USA)
5. North Carolina 14-2 (ACC)
6. Washington 15-2 (Pac-10)
7. N.C. State 16-1 (ACC)
8. UCLA 14-2 (Pac-10)
9. Texas 13-2 (Big 12)
10. Providence 13-3 (Big East)
11. Georgia Tech 11-2 (ACC)
12. Syracuse 11-4 (Big East)
13. Kansas 11-4 (Big 12)
14. Indiana 15-3 (Big 10)
15. Louisville 12-5 (Big East)
16. Gonzaga 14-3 (WCC)
17. Florida 17-2 (SEC)
18. UAB 13-2 (C-USA)
19. Miami FL 11-2 (ACC)
20. Oklahoma 14-2 (Big 12)
21. Maryland 13-4 (ACC)
22. Kentucky 10-3 (SEC)
23. California 15-3 (Pac-10)
24. USC 12-4 (Pac-10)
25. Stanford 12-5 (Pac-10)

TOP 25 MID-MAJOR POLL 1/12/09

1. Gonzaga 14-3 (WCC)
2. Siena 15-3 (Metro Atlantic)
3. St. Mary's 15-2 (WCC)
4. Southern Illinois 11-4 (MVC)
5. Drexel 11-4 (Colonial)
6. Pacific 11-3 (Big West)
7. Creighton 10-6 (MVC)
8. San Diego 14-2 (WCC)
9. Utah St. 10-6 (Western Athletic)
10. Western Michigan 10-5 (Mid-American)
11. Belmont 12-3 (A-Sun)
12. Loyola IL 9-7 (Horizon)
13. E. Tenn St. 9-5 (A-Sun)
14. Boston U. 11-6 (American East)
15. Valparaiso 10-6 (Horizon)
16. George Mason 9-6 (Colonial)
17. Sacred Heart 12-6 (Northeast)
18. Nevada 10-6 (Western Athletic)
19. Western Kentucky 9-6 (Sun Belt)
20. Cleveland St. 11-5 (Horizon)
21. VCU 9-9 (Colonial)
22. Towson 11-6 (Colonial)
23. Davidson 12-4 (Southern)
24. Vermont 11-6 (American East)
25. Tennessee St. 11-7 (Ohio Valley)

[jjredick4]

nice rebound win, hopefully you can keep it going

[CincyFan]

I think in honor of everyone elses legacies that North Florida fell you should of also kept that streak going in this legacy for today :)