Thursday, November 20, 2003
Another HC preview:
The Boston Herald
November 15, 2003 Saturday ALL EDITIONS
SPORTS; Pg. 039
College Basketball; TIPOFF 2003-4; Holy Cross preview; Four-tune hunters; Crusaders aiming for another NCAA trip
RICH THOMPSON
WORCESTER -- Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard must tap a new offensive source for the Crusaders to earn a fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The defending Patriot League champions lost three career 1,000-point scorers to graduation. Center Pat Whearty, power forward Tim Szatko and shooting guard Brian Wilson -- all former Patriot League MVPs -- were the Crusaders' primary sources of offense during a four-year span that produced a 76-46 record.
With the season-opener against Boston University looming, Willard is wondering how to replace the components that accounted for 57 percent of Holy Cross' offense last season?
"That's the $ 64,000 dollar question," Willard said. "Some people are just going to have to step up and that's what it comes down to. Obviously when you lose three 1,000-point scorers and your sixth man, it's got to be done by committee right now. Nobody in our program has scored over 400 points, other than (point guard) Jave Meade. So obviously people are going to have step up and get it done."
Meade, the team's captain and only senior, has made a career out of helping his teammates score with passing and defense. A preseason pick for Patriot League Player of the Year, Meade ranks fifth all-time in the conference in assists (444) and needs 88 to secure the top spot. He also ranks sixth in steals (186) and needs 49 to move into the top spot. Meade led the league in assists, steals and assists-to-turnover ratio for two straight seasons.
Meade must continue to distribute the ball and create offense from turnovers, but he'll also have to hike his scoring average of 10.5 points per game.
"I know I'm going to have to step into that role because we had some guys that were automatic two's (points)," Meade said. "Now it's my turn to score if that's what is needed for the team. If the team needs it, then I'll start doing that."
Despite the loss of the 7-foot Whearty, the Crusaders have size. Nate Lufkin, a 6-11 center, has the athletic ability and speed to play the 3 and 4 spots on the floor. The job of clogging the lanes and rebounding will fall to 7-6 center Neil Fingleton, who also posses a soft jump hook and jump shot. Lufkin is recovering from a sore tendon in his right foot and could miss the opener.
"I think Nate is very athletic and runs the floor very well," Willard said. "Neil takes up a lot of space, so there are times when we can definitely play them together."
Wingman Greg Kinsey is the Crusaders' other returning starter. The 6-4, 190-pound junior scored his points in transition and was a tiger on defense (49 steals) in Willard's three-guard package.
Sophomore 2-guard Kevin Hamilton found his offense during the Patriot League tournament when he averaged 12.7 points and four rebounds a game. Kinsey, Hamilton, Michael Smiley and freshmen Keith Simmons and Torey Thomas will be worked into the rotation.
"We are a little more quick and athletic than we've ever been, so we are going to create some offense off of our defense with pressure in the full court," Willard said. "I'm a three-guard guy and I believe that passing and dribble penetration are the keys to be a good offensive and defensive team."
Junior forward John Hurley could start at forward alongside Lufkin or serve as the Crusaders' sixth man. In either case, Hurley will serve as a rebounder and a point producer who can also locate the open man. Greg Richter played in 17 games last season despite injuries. Sophomore Kevin Hyland and freshman Josh Kramer and Joe Young will compete for minutes.
"John can step up in a transitional style of play because he is very athletic and he finishes well around the basket," Willard said. "He very good anticipating defensively and he's one the kids that has to contribute."
Holy Cross has an ambitious nonleague schedule that includes some of the top New England squads.
Holy Cross will face Rick Pitino's Cardinals in Louisville on Pearl Harbor Day and will play a holiday tournament in Madison Square Garden. Willard thinks senior-driven teams such as Lafayette and Colgate will challenge the Crusaders' hold on the Patriot League title.
@ 11:36 AM
The Boston Herald
November 15, 2003 Saturday ALL EDITIONS
SPORTS; Pg. 039
College Basketball; TIPOFF 2003-4; Holy Cross preview; Four-tune hunters; Crusaders aiming for another NCAA trip
RICH THOMPSON
WORCESTER -- Holy Cross coach Ralph Willard must tap a new offensive source for the Crusaders to earn a fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.
The defending Patriot League champions lost three career 1,000-point scorers to graduation. Center Pat Whearty, power forward Tim Szatko and shooting guard Brian Wilson -- all former Patriot League MVPs -- were the Crusaders' primary sources of offense during a four-year span that produced a 76-46 record.
With the season-opener against Boston University looming, Willard is wondering how to replace the components that accounted for 57 percent of Holy Cross' offense last season?
"That's the $ 64,000 dollar question," Willard said. "Some people are just going to have to step up and that's what it comes down to. Obviously when you lose three 1,000-point scorers and your sixth man, it's got to be done by committee right now. Nobody in our program has scored over 400 points, other than (point guard) Jave Meade. So obviously people are going to have step up and get it done."
Meade, the team's captain and only senior, has made a career out of helping his teammates score with passing and defense. A preseason pick for Patriot League Player of the Year, Meade ranks fifth all-time in the conference in assists (444) and needs 88 to secure the top spot. He also ranks sixth in steals (186) and needs 49 to move into the top spot. Meade led the league in assists, steals and assists-to-turnover ratio for two straight seasons.
Meade must continue to distribute the ball and create offense from turnovers, but he'll also have to hike his scoring average of 10.5 points per game.
"I know I'm going to have to step into that role because we had some guys that were automatic two's (points)," Meade said. "Now it's my turn to score if that's what is needed for the team. If the team needs it, then I'll start doing that."
Despite the loss of the 7-foot Whearty, the Crusaders have size. Nate Lufkin, a 6-11 center, has the athletic ability and speed to play the 3 and 4 spots on the floor. The job of clogging the lanes and rebounding will fall to 7-6 center Neil Fingleton, who also posses a soft jump hook and jump shot. Lufkin is recovering from a sore tendon in his right foot and could miss the opener.
"I think Nate is very athletic and runs the floor very well," Willard said. "Neil takes up a lot of space, so there are times when we can definitely play them together."
Wingman Greg Kinsey is the Crusaders' other returning starter. The 6-4, 190-pound junior scored his points in transition and was a tiger on defense (49 steals) in Willard's three-guard package.
Sophomore 2-guard Kevin Hamilton found his offense during the Patriot League tournament when he averaged 12.7 points and four rebounds a game. Kinsey, Hamilton, Michael Smiley and freshmen Keith Simmons and Torey Thomas will be worked into the rotation.
"We are a little more quick and athletic than we've ever been, so we are going to create some offense off of our defense with pressure in the full court," Willard said. "I'm a three-guard guy and I believe that passing and dribble penetration are the keys to be a good offensive and defensive team."
Junior forward John Hurley could start at forward alongside Lufkin or serve as the Crusaders' sixth man. In either case, Hurley will serve as a rebounder and a point producer who can also locate the open man. Greg Richter played in 17 games last season despite injuries. Sophomore Kevin Hyland and freshman Josh Kramer and Joe Young will compete for minutes.
"John can step up in a transitional style of play because he is very athletic and he finishes well around the basket," Willard said. "He very good anticipating defensively and he's one the kids that has to contribute."
Holy Cross has an ambitious nonleague schedule that includes some of the top New England squads.
Holy Cross will face Rick Pitino's Cardinals in Louisville on Pearl Harbor Day and will play a holiday tournament in Madison Square Garden. Willard thinks senior-driven teams such as Lafayette and Colgate will challenge the Crusaders' hold on the Patriot League title.
@ 11:36 AM
