San Francisco Dons - The New Legacy Begins

[Riceman 4K]

ESPN.com

Tuesday, March 7, 2003


Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO -- Coach Phil Mathews was fired by San Francisco on Tuesday after nine seasons in charge of the school's basketball program.


Mathews went 139-123 with six winning seasons, but he earned just one berth in the NCAA tournament after winning the 1998 West Coast Conference tournament.


Despite high expectations this season, the Dons went 17-14 and lost to Santa Clara in the second round of the conference tournament Saturday.


"Phil has been here nine seasons and elevated the program," athletic director Bill Hogan said. "However, the goal of the Dons' basketball team will always be to win the West Coast Conference championship, so it is important for us to compete at a higher level."


San Francisco boasts such prestigious basketball alumni as Bill Russell, Bill Cartwright and K.C. Jones. The Dons won NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956, also winning the NIT in 1949.


ESPN.com

Wednesday, March 26 2003


Associated Press

SAN FRANCISO -- Today, the Dons have selected their new head coach as the announcement was made earier today.

"We begin a new legacy in the history of the Dons. Let me introduce to you, Damarcus Tinsley, the newest member of our team," announced Bill Hogan.

The move comes as a shock as many thought that Gene Keady of Purdue would get the job. However, Hogan and the Dons are very high on this young coach.

"He is very passionate about the game and puts his emotions in everything he does. That is something we've been lacking for the past years."

Tinsley, only 27, played four years at the University of Massachusetts making the team as a walk-on. He averaged 4.7 pts and 2.9 rebounds. He majored in film making but decided to be a head coach for Skyline High School in Longmont, CO. He coached for 5 years leading the school to two state title appearances and winning one.

"I'm very excited for the road ahead. This is a great opportunity and I plan to make the best out of it," said Tinsley.

Aight, so that's the backstory. Actually, the first article is a real one as it is found on ESPN.com. However, I had to change the date so that it would reflect the schedule in the game. Now, let the story begin...

[K Bomber]

I like it already, Rice

Welcome to the land of legacies...........

[vandnbyriver5]

good start, im glad u researched your program, seemingly thoroughly, i spent all too leafing through the UCR media guide before starting mine :D

[Riceman 4K]

Hey, thanks for your support. I've been readin both of your legacies for quite a while now but just decided to actually get an account here and try my luck at these. Hopefully, I will be able to be in the same league you guys are in. :D

======================

Damn yo, I'm the head coach of the San Francisco Dons... I still can't get over it...

My daydreaming quickly came to a halt as my assistant coaches walked through the door.

The first man being Grant Price. He was an excellent scout who had a knack for finding great players. If anyone could raise the level of talent in the USF basketball program, it would be him.

The second assistant is Curtis Porter. Curtis has been involved in the game for over 20 years and loved every minute of it. When it comes to planning for the games, no one can do it better.

Me: What's up guys?

Price: Nothing man, just dropped by to see what you are up to.

Me: Ehh, just relaxing right now. Trying to get everything organized and whatnot for the season ahead.

Porter: All right coach, you take it easy. If you need help, give us a call.

Me: Can do. See ya guys later.

Both men walked out the door and I sat back and took a look at my roster...

2003-2004 S.F. Dons Roster


James Bayless ---- C----- 6'7"----- 235----- Sr
Alvin Broussard ----- F ----- 6'6" ----- 195 ----- Sr
Tom Burns ----- F ----- 6'7"----- 200----- Fr
Mamadou Cisse ----- C ----- 6'8" ----- 225 ----- Jr
John Cox ----- G ----- 6'5" ----- 195 ----- Sr
Jason Gaines ----- G ----- 6'1" ----- 177 ----- Jr
Jerome Gumbs ----- F ----- 6'4" ----- 210----- So
Jovan Harris ----- G ----- 6'3" ----- 175 ----- Jr
Dommanic Ingerson ----- G ----- 6'3" ----- 190 ----- Jr
Anthony Naylor----- G ----- 6'4" ----- 205 ----- Jr
Tyrone Riley ----- F ----- 6'7"----- 225 ----- Jr
Alan Wiggins ----- F ----- 6'8" ----- 220 ----- Fr

After seeing the team in practice, various scrimmages, and game tapes from last year, I came up with this lineup...

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/p-gaines03.jpg PG - Jason Gaines

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/p-cox03.jpg SG - John Cox

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/p-gumbs03.jpg SF - Jerome Gumbs

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/brossard03.jpg PF - Alvin Broussard

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/sanf/sports/m-baskbl/auto_headshot/p-bayless03.jpg C - James Bayless

So that's the lineup I'm gonna run with. I can see it now... We are gonna win this... Win it all...

=============

Sorry about the way the roster looks. It was all lined up before, but I have no idea what happened. I'll change it as soon as I can. If anyone has any ideas on what to do, it'll be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

hey this is a good legacy already i really like the pictures of the starting lineup. keep up the good work

[HotShot232]

Yea Rice welcome to this wonderful board. You will make many good friends here and none of the trash other boards have.

Holla at ya boy
hotShot

[K Bomber]

Yea Rice welcome to this wonderful board. You will make many good friends here and none of the trash other boards have.

Holla at ya boy
hotShot
Best board on the 'net................

Why is Baitman showing up as "Guest"? Is it an out of body experience, like in X-Files or something?

Bait, what's up with that?

[Riceman 4K]

Thursday - November 13, 2003


"Go! Go! Go! Go!! We got Tennesse-Martin in three days! First round in the Coaches Classic! Now let's see some hustle."

Leading the pack was our team leader, Jason Gaines.

Damn, that boy got some serious talent. If we can just keep him healthy we are gonna go places.

*Whistle* "Aight guys, good practice. Gaines, end it."

"Dons on three... 1! 2! 3!"

"DONS!"

=============

I'm back in my office, talking to my assistants

Me: So guys, what's the report on those damn Skyhawks?

Porter: Well, there really isn't much to say. They really don't have a single player on the team to pose a serious threat. The only one I can think of is #4 and that is Kenan Asceric. He's a 6'9'' senior foward. Athletic and talented. He can do some damage but not too much.

Me: Bah, I ain't worried about **** like that. Bayless can take of him. He's one vicious player when it comes to the inside game. I won't be surprised if he'll average a double-double on the season.

Price: No doubt about that Tinsley. Plus I'm feelin real good about our freshman foward.

Me: Who? Wiggans?

Price: Hell yeah. That kid has some serious upside. If you can, you should give him a chance in the game. I'm sure you'll be happy with the results.

Me: We'll see about that. But we all know that this team will live and die with Jason Gaines. I was looking at the stats from last year and he only averaged 3.7 points in 18 minutes. But now, he is a year older and ready to take charge. I can see it in his eyes, he wants this. He is ready for this. This is his team and he knows it too.

Porter: I hope so. *checks his watch* Aight coach, I gotta get going. It's getting late and I need to catch up with some things back at home.

Price: Yeah, I gotta be bouncin too. See ya tomorrow.

Me: Cool then. See you later guys.

*Both men leave the room*

So our first game in three days... Let's start this **** right...

=============

First Round: Coaches Classic
November 16, 2003

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/tte.gif TN-Martin Skyhawks (0-0) VS http://i.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/ncaa/logos/sanfran_100.gif S.F. Dons (0-0)

[Riceman 4K]

ESPN Top 25

1 - Connecticut
2 - Arizona
3 - Missouri
4 - Kansas
5 - North Carolina
6 - Michigan State
7 - Syracuse
8 - Florida
9 - Mississippi State
10 - Kentucky
11 - Duke
12 - Texas
13 - Gonzaga
14 - Oklahoma
15 - Illinois
16 - Louisville
17 - Wisconsin
18 - Pittsburgh
19 - Wake Forest
20 - Notre Dame
21 - Oklahoma State
22 - Stanford
23 - Cincinnnati
24 - Auburn
25 - Oregon
=============

PreGame

"This is it right here! The first game of the season! It begins right here, our quest for the West Coast Conference Championship! We are gonna start this **** right, with a win!"

Loud cheering from the players

"Dons baby! 1...2...3!!"

"DONS!!!"

The team busts out of the lockeroom, amped for the game


First Round: Coaches Classic
November 16, 2003

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/tte.gif TN-Martin Skyhawks (0-0) VS http://i.cnn.net/si/images/basketball/ncaa/logos/sanfran_100.gif S.F. Dons (0-0)

Starting the season off with a snap...


This game wasn't a challenge at all for the Dons. They pretty much came in and dominated from the start. It was a good game for our players to get a feel for the game and for each other. Ingerson and Gaines played real well together scoring a combined 41 points and 11 assists. Not bad considering that Ingerson came off the bench.

Of course we can't forget about our big man, James Bayless. He played excellent, scoring 16 points and ripping down 13 boards. We even got some playing time for our freshman Wiggans. He had 7 points and 7 rebounds in 12 minutes. Overall, a great performance and a good win for the team.

However there was an injury in the game. At the 3:35 mark in the second half, our star player, Jason Gaines, took a charge and suffered from the results...

------------------1st---------2nd---------F
Dons ---------------34----------- 38---------- 72
Skyhawks-------- 14----------- 25---------- 39


Dons player stats
---------------------------------
James Bayless - 16 points and 13 rebounds
Dommanic Ingerson - 16 points and 5 dimes
Jason Gaines - 25 points and 7 dimes

Skyhawks player stats
---------------------------------
Kenan Asceric - 10 points and 3 rebounds
*No other significant players/stats*


Final Performance
---------------------------------
- 45-23 rebounding advantage for the Dons
- Great defense, allowed less than 30 points in the half
- Only one player for the Skyhawks in double figures

============================

PostGame

"...and overall we did well! If we just keep this up, we will go places!"

I wasn't really paying attention to what I was saying. I was worried about the severity of Gaines' injury

*Just then, Porter walked through the door. The lockeroom became dead silent. They too wanted to know what happened*

Porter: I just got done speaking to the trainer... He said Gaines has a broken leg and he needs surgery. He's going to be out of action for at least 8 weeks, maybe longer.

I was speechless. I had no idea what to say to the team

Me: Thanks Porter. Come on! Dons on three... 1...2...3!

"DONS!"

It was a half-hearted chant. Who could blame them? As I walked to my office all that was in my head was the loss of Jason Gaines.

Son of a *****...

[Riceman 4K]

Earlier that day...


It's just me against the world/I got nothing to lose, it's just me against the world.

In my head, that's all I can hear. See, that's my boy 2Pac. Always having an insight on any point in my life. Right now, that's the way I feel. It's just me against the world...

Again, my assistants bring me back into reality.

"Yo Tinsley! Hey! What's on your mind man?" asks Price.

"Oh, nothing," I replied. "Just planning on the game ahead."

"So what you gonna do about the lineup? You know that Gaines is out 10 weeks with the broken leg."

Ten weeks...****ing broken leg...

"Well, I think I'm gonna put Ingerson in at point. He did a hell of a job last game off the bench and he should do just fine starting the game. My only concern is that he is more of a scorer and should be playing the two."

"I wouldn't worry about it too much. Come on, we got a game to play."



SemiFinals: Coaches Classic
November 17, 2003

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/ssu.gif S.W. Missouri St. Bears (1-0) VS http://us.yimg.com/i/us/sp/v/ncaaf/teams/1/80x60/saf.gif S.F. Dons (1-0)

Doesn't it feel good to Bayless?

From the moment the game began, I knew that we were in a fight. This team loved to bang it inside and it showed early as they fed it to Monwell Randle 3 out of the first 5 possessions of the game. But you know that Bayless was ready for the challenge. He took charge scoring 16 points and getting 11 rebounds, getting his second double-double for the season in just as many games.

The game may have been tied heading into the half but from there, the Dons were just determined to pull out a victory. With less than two minutes left, we were up 60-53. PG Anthony Shavies had a sweet pass to Randle followed by a quick steal and three to bring the score to 60-58.

In the end though, we were just too strong. Dommanic Ingerson sealed the game with a three and the Bears were forced to foul. We nailed our free throws and were on our way to the championship game.

------------------1st---------2nd---------F
Dons ---------------29----------- 39---------- 68
Bears-------------- 29----------- 33---------- 62




Dons player stats
----------------------------
John Cox - 17 points and 2 dimes
Dommanic Ingerson - 13 points and 3 rebounds
James Bayless - 16 points and 11 rebounds

Bears player stats
----------------------------
Anthony Shavies - 20 points and 3 dimes
Monwell Randle - 11 points and 11 rebounds (5 ORB)


Final Performance
----------------------------
- Nice strong finish, we refused to give in
- Winning the battle of the rebounds, 34-24
- We gave way up to many ORB, including 5 to Randle

======================

PostGame

"Hell yeah! That's the way to finish games! Aight, let's shower up and head back to the hotel. We got a championship game tomorrow against the Richmond Spiders and we are gonna win that game!!"

*The team is pumped. They already have the taste of success and they want more*

"1...2...3! DONS!!"

I make my way to Ingerson, whose getting his gear together

"Hey Ingerson, nice job today. That's a great job stepping up for the team."

"Ha, you know it coach. I just do what I can."

I give Ingerson a pat on the back and make my way to the office. Maybe we'll be just fine. After all, we have great players who just wanna win together. At least, that's what I thought...

[Anonymous]

Nice legacy you got here. Too bad you lost Gaines for 10 weeks. That's crazy. But this legacy ain't dead is it? I wanna know what's up!!

[Martin Dihigo]

Hey nice work so far. I like the format w/ the colors, score by halfs, recaps etc...

Good luck w/ San Fran. I gotta have some love for the Dons cause of their history. Bill Russell is one of my favorite all time players

[Bballer14]

hy man nice legacy so far Rice, what sliders are u using?