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05-06-2024, 05:38 PM
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#851 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 21, 2043
Code:
Israel has made 223 baskets in 25 games this season. At this pace, he's going to challenge Mason Reynolds' mark of 311, set in 2035/36. Any time you challenge a meaningful record held by a man whose jersey hangs from the Wawa Arena rafters, you've done something. Record: 22-3 (10-2). February 23, 2043 Code:
Scott is in the game because Asaad Richardson rolls his ankle over with five minutes left to play. Scotty Mac takes one shot, and it's a big one. Hats off to Dan O'Halloran, who posts another assertive double-double. And Kai Smith's first assist of the game is the 900th of his Villanova career. He has a chance to finish his career with 1000 points and 1000 assists, the only player in Villanova history to achieve this feat. Justice Stafford finished his career with over 2000 points and assists combined, but he fell short of the 1000-assist mark. Record: 23-3 (11-2). February 25, 2043 Code:
Kai didn't get any steals tonight, which is rare. Every one of his thefts moves him closer to the NCAA record of 339, held by Gerald Rivera, who finished his career at Duke in 2033. Kai has 314 career steals, which means he'll have to contribute a bunch of thefts to a team that makes deep tournament runs next March. History says both those things might happen. Record: 24-3 (12-2). Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 05-06-2024 at 05:38 PM. |
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05-08-2024, 10:02 AM
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#852 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 4, 2043
Code:
Beating Georgetown on Senior Night. What's better than beating Georgetown on Senior Night? Beating Georgetown by 37 points on Senior Night. What's better than beating Georgetown by 37 points on Senior Night? Winning the Big East championship by beating Georgetown by 37 points on Senior Night. Nick O'Brien, who has played very little this season without complaint, starts tonight and acquits himself well. Nick's classmates Kai Smith and Forrest Curl do the things they do at high levels; note especially Kai's seven steals. And only someone who is hopelessly naive would believe that this isn't Dan O'Halloran's last game at Wawa Arena. Dan is far more likely to be the #1 pick in the pro draft. It might not be Israel Moody's last game (we hope it's not), but if it is, he goes out in especially fine style. Record: 25-3 (13-2). March 7, 2043 Code:
Now it's time to take a closer look at Kai Smith's chances of becoming a member of the very exclusive 1000-point, 1000-assist club. Kai's seven helpers today give him 939 for his career. He could have as few as two more games remaining, or as many as nine. Kai is averaging 8.4 APG this season; last year, his mark was 8.2. At his current assist rate, Kai will need eight games to reach his goal. For several reasons, I hope he gets those eight games and those 61 assists. Record: 26-3 (14-2). |
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05-08-2024, 10:30 AM
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#853 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 13, 2043
Big East Tournament, First Round Code:
Kai Smith's six assists make his goal tougher to achieve. We'll likely have to reach the national championship game for Kai to get there. He's a bit more likely to break the career record for steals; he needs 11 thefts. Record: 27-3. March 14, 2043 Big East Tournament Semifinal Code:
The cast of characters play their familiar roles, the ones they've perfected throughout the year...and in some cases, for an even longer time. Record: 28-3. March 15, 2043 Big East Tournament Championship Code:
Kai Smith ends the game with 961 career assists and 333 career steals. He'll need to rack up 39 assists and 6 steals in the NCAA tournament to achieve the milestones he's chasing. Record: 29-3. |
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05-09-2024, 10:59 AM
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#854 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 15, 2043
The NCAA tournament selection committee gives us the top seed in the East Region once again. North Carolina, Miami, and Syracuse round out the top four seeds in the East. We're joined in the Final Four by Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Duke. The South Region, where Duke is joined by Tennessee and Georgetown, looks like the Group of Death this time. March 19, 2043 NCAA East Region, First Round Code:
I haven't said enough about how important Weston's contributions have become. He's produced several outstanding shooting performances off the bench, and we're using him in crucial situations more often. Kai Smith's eight assists and two steals bring him just a bit closer to his milestones. Record: 30-3. March 21, 2043 NCAA East Region, Second Round Code:
No team in the nation forces as many turnovers as we do, and we harry the Herd into four more than our average opponent commits. And Kai Smith's composed, creative presence is on display once again. His four steals give him 339 for his career, bringing him into a tie for first place on the NCAA career list. Wildcat fans, enjoy these moments with Kai while you can. There won't be many more. Record: 31-3. March 26, 2043 NCAA East Region Semifinal: the Sweet Sixteen Code:
He and his teammates then pursue the greater goal of another NCAA championship, locking down our Big East rival and advancing to the Elite Eight. Record: 32-3. March 28, 2043 NCAA East Region Final: the Elite Eight Code:
"We won the game and we're going to the Final Four. That's the story here." At one point, Kai has exactly 1000 career assists and exactly 200 career turnovers. Those are some fantastic round numbers, aren't they? He lost the ball on a drive in the game's final minute, giving him 201 turnovers. How special is this? Twenty-three players have committed at least 150 turnovers in a single season, and the record is 174. Given his career rates, Kai would have to play eleven seasons of college hoops in order to break the career record for turnovers. By then, he would have over 2500 assists. He'll have at least one more game to add to his totals. As he pointed out, we're going to the Final Four. Record: 33-3. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 05-09-2024 at 08:20 PM. |
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05-09-2024, 08:19 PM
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#855 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 5, 2043
NCAA National Semifinal: the Final Four Code:
Our poor three-point shooting is offset by our excellent performance inside the arc; we make 32 of our 48 two-point attempts. Sixteen of our 35 baskets are assisted by Kai Smith, who sets a new school record for helpers in a single game. Justice Stafford handed out 15 assists on two different occasions. A familiar foe awaits us in the championship game: our former Big East rival, West Virginia. Record: 34-3. April 7, 2043 NCAA Championship Game Code:
West Virginia takes it to us from the opening tip. The Mountaineers are ahead, 52-37, at halftime. They continue to build their lead; seven minutes into the second half, the score is 70-47. Then, we come alive, as you might expect a team who's been there before might do. Over the next seven minutes, we unleash an 18-6 run and halve the Mountaineers' lead. We continue to draw closer. The clock reads 3:05 when Kai Smith makes a steal and finds Dan O'Halloran in transition. Dan, who is playing with four fouls, drives hard to the rack and clashes hard with WVU's Jonathan Hamlin. The official calls a blocking foul on Hamlin, and O'Halloran calmly makes both free throws. We've drawn to within four points; it's 85-81. With 1:24 remaining, Israel Moody steals the ball and takes it all the way, finishing with a resounding two-handed slam. Now the score is 87-85, Villanova. It's our first lead of the game. We trade baskets, and then Lamarcus Hare scores with 26 ticks left to tie the score at 89. Villanova hearts stop when the Mountaineers' press forces a turnover, and Hare has a chance at a game-winning three. He misses, and we head to overtime. Three minutes later, Smith finds O'Halloran for an easy basket to put us ahead, 98-93. Now it's the Mountaineers' turn to dig deep. A buzzer-beater by Houston Orosco ties the score at 100 and makes another extra period necessary. Despite their fatigue, both teams play the next five minutes at a fast pace. Dan O'Halloran, Asaad Richardson, and Forrest Curl all foul out. Curl's fifth personal sends William Ramirez to the line for two shots with the clock reading 0:36 and the score tied at 113. William hits the first and misses the second...and Orosco beats us to the rebound, puts it back up, and scores. We move quickly down the floor and get a very desirable shot: Weston Wagner, a 43 percent shooter from distance, tries a game-tying three. He misses, but Roman Holloway tips in the rebound, and we pull to within a point. There are five seconds left. Holloway immediately fouls Orosco. WVU is in the penalty, so Orosco has two foul shots. He makes the first and misses the second. Wagner grabs the rebound and heaves the ball nearly 90 feet as time expires. For a moment it looks like the ball might go in. It's on line, but it falls a foot or so short. Lamarcus Hare falls to his knees beneath our basket, his face uplifted, wearing a huge smile. This picture of the game's biggest star will be its most iconic scene. On the Villanova bench, Forrest Curl and Dan O'Halloran embrace. Israel Moody sits on the floor near the center circle, his head in his hands. Kai Smith rests a comforting hand on Israel's shoulder. Graham Sims shakes hands with West Virginia's coach, Kirby Fulcher. This is Coach Fulcher's second season in Morgantown, and it ends with the Mountaineers' second national championship. Then Coach Sims returns to his players. "So close, Coach," Kai Smith says to him, before he begins to sob. Graham simply wraps his arms around his player and nods. "Thank you, Kai," he whispers. "Thank you." Then he looks at Mary Kate and their family in the stands, manages a smile, and waves. A young fan seated nearby watches this scene. He's about twelve years old and he wears a navy Villanova hoodie. The boy turns to his parents. "Is Coach Sims waving goodbye?" "I'm not sure," his mother replies. "It looks like he might be." Record: 34-4. |
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Yesterday, 07:12 AM
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#856 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 8, 2043
To nobody's surprise, Dan O'Halloran announces that he'll be leaving Villanova this spring and entering the pro draft. Most draftniks believe he'll be the first overall pick. We get good news from Israel Moody, who will be returning for his senior season. Israel's Achilles injury took him off the fast track to professional basketball. He'll get there eventually, but we're delighted to have his contributions one more time. |
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Yesterday, 07:23 AM
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#857 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 8, 2043
Code:
Kai, Israel, and Dan are all repeat members of the All American teams. Kai moves up from the second team to the first. Israel was a member of the All-Freshman Team two years ago. So was Dan, who earned first team honors as a sophomore. Code:
Kai Smith joins Mason Reynolds as the only two-time Big East Players of the Year we've produced. That is some exclusive company. Roman Holloway gets some well-deserved recognition for his outstanding work in relief of our big men. He's poised to take over Dan O'Halloran's role next season. And Graham can add another award to the collection he's amassed over the past three-plus decades in his profession. |
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Yesterday, 07:49 AM
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#858 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 8, 2043
Code:
Another typical Villanova team: exceptionally good shooting, often the result of outstanding offensive execution and passing, and opportunistic defense that generates tons of turnovers, many in live ball situations. Six of the highest-scoring teams in the history of our universe, including the top four, are Graham's Villanova teams. Six Villanova teams appear among those with the most made field goals, but the Wildcats team with the most FGA in history ranks only 13th overall. We compare almost as well in the assists category, especially in recent years. We led the nation in offensive efficiency again (116.4); Michigan was second (111.8). Our defensive efficiency ranked a respectable 43rd nationally (92.4). A Farewell and some Tributes come next. |
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Yesterday, 08:14 AM
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#859 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2042/43 Farewell
DAN O'HALLORAN We started recruiting Dan O'Halloran as an eighth grader, when he was playing JV down the road at Episcopal Academy. Dan wasn't a huge Villanova fan growing up--his grandfather played at Boston College--so we had to work hard to convince him to stay close to home. He arrived as the nation's top recruit, and we predicted he could join Avery Sullivan and Sebastian Roberts on the short list of Villanova's best-ever big men. Three years later, that's exactly who he's turned out to be. Code:
But, as we predicted, Dan turned out to be a delightfully complete player. He leaves as our all-time leading rebounder; he and Sebastian are the only Wildcats to collect 1000 in their careers. Dan also handed out 250 career assists, considerably more than either Avery or Seb compiled. Avery was a better shot blocker, but not by much. And Dan matched Seb with two national championships, missing a third by a basket. It's likely that Dan will match another of Sebastian's accomplishments this month, when the professional draft takes place. Almost every expert believes he'll be chosen with the first pick, like Sebastian was. He plans to complete his degree in Economics during his off-seasons. You've done us proud. Thanks for the memories, Dan. |
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Yesterday, 08:30 AM
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#860 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2042/43 Senior Tribute
NICK O'BRIEN A native of Tonbridge, England, Nick walked on as a freshman and stayed for four years. Especially talented for a non-scholarship player, Nick played more meaningful minutes than many of his fellow volunteers. Code:
Nick was a creative enough passer to provide some video-worthy assists, both in practice against our first team and in competitive action. He could also make a defense pay if they left him alone; he made half the shots he attempted in his Villanova career and finished with 235 career points. In other words, he didn't go 2-for-4. He complained a bit about playing time as a junior but, to his credit, he accepted his role as a senior, even as it became less significant. He'll complete his English degree next month and return to England. He's thinking about trying his hand at pro ball there, and he'll attend graduate school if that doesn't work out. Thanks for the memories, Nick. |
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Yesterday, 08:59 AM
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#861 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2042/43 Senior Tribute
FORREST CURL Forrest Curl's career provides a perfect example of the value of patience. The three NCAA championship rings in Forrest's collection are lifelong reminders of the wisdom of his decision to keep his eye on the long game. Code:
When we scouted Forrest, we projected him as a classic stretch four, with a Grade A jump shot. He didn't turn out to be that kind of sharpshooter, and that caused us to reevaluate his future. Many high school All-Americans would refuse a redshirt, but Forrest accepted the fact he could use an additional year to develop. Then, after he found playing time hard to come by, he expressed some displeasure which made us think he might be considering a transfer. Fortunately for us, and hopefully for Forrest, too, he decided to stay on board. His role evolved into "glue guy," a solid post player who rebounded effectively, played tough defense, and made more than half the shots he took. In fact, Forrest led the Big East in field goal percentage as a junior. Forrest received his B.S. in Environmental Science in the Class of 2042, and he's now working on his M.S. He's considering some options to play professionally in Europe, too. Thanks for the memories, Forrest. |
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Yesterday, 09:32 AM
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#862 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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2042/43 Senior Tribute
KAI SMITH It's hard to figure out where to begin writing about Kai Smith, one of the most beloved players Villanova has ever produced. Code:
Kai grew up in Lansdale, another of the Montgomery County players whom Graham Sims has always recruited. Kai never seriously considered playing anywhere else; unlike Dan O'Halloran, Kai rooted for Villanova growing up. Several coaches privately confessed that, despite Kai's illustrious high school career and his status as the top point guard recruit in his class, they were convinced that his height would limit his effectiveness as a collegian. Kai proved them wrong, demonstrating that his court vision, quickness, and heart would enable him to control games at the highest levels of college hoops. Kai loved playing for Villanova, and he loves being a student here. He quickly made it clear that he'd stick around for his senior year, a decision that endeared him to 'Nova Nation even more. We've chronicled his statistical achievements already, but I think they bear mentioning one more time. Kai is the NCAA's all-time career leader in steals. He is one of only two players in history to record at least 1000 assists, while committing only 203 career turnovers. They don't make them like Kai very often. Kai is especially popular with younger Villanova fans. Many of them delight in the fact that he's close to their size, and they appreciate his energy and enthusiasm. His #2 jersey is the best-selling Villanova shirt. Kai loves children as much as they love him. He is completing a double major in Education and Africana Studies, and he plans to teach at the elementary school level. He isn't sure what he will do if he receives offers to play professional basketball. As a youngster, Kai idolized Justice Stafford, who graduated when Kai was eight years old. Like Kai, Justice decided to play for Villanova for four seasons, and Kai mentioned that as a factor in his own decision to use all his collegiate eligibility. Kai dreamed of being as good as Justice one day. Dreams sometimes come true. Thanks for the memories, Kai. |
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Yesterday, 10:07 AM
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#863 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 11, 2043
As expected, Dan O'Halloran is the first player selected in this year's professional draft. Dan joins Gerald Eubanks (2019) and Sebastian Roberts (2038) as the only Villanova players to be drafted at #1. We get a pleasant surprise early in the second round, when Forrest Curl hears his name called at #33! Forrest quickly changes his plans, and he'll report to summer camp as a professional draft pick. None of the 30 teams take a chance on Kai Smith, who will return to campus and complete a M.A. in Education. Code:
Code:
The Big East is back, with the best aggregate recruiting class rankings we've seen in years. Over half the teams in the conference boast a five-star front man in their freshman classes. |
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Yesterday, 10:23 AM
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#864 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2043
Today we learn that Georgetown's Clint Grams has decided to retire from coaching. Coach Grams' decision is surprising, since he's only 57 years old. He retires with a career record of 671-300; his wins total is tenth all-time. His Hoyas teams made a single trip to the Final Four, losing to us in the 2035/36 championship game. Graham's friend Douglas Richburg announces his retirement, too. Coach Richburg is 61 years old, and he's been at UCLA since 2030. You might remember that Coach Richburg succeeded Coach Sims at Lafayette after coaching against him at Bucknell. Coach Richburg's first UCLA team reached the 2031 Final Four, and his 656 career victories place him 12th on the career list. Speaking of coaches, my next post will bring some big news to my college basketball world. No, it's not a surprise retirement... |
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Yesterday, 10:51 AM
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#865 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2043
I had been wondering for a while what I would do when Graham Sims became too aged to realistically be a college basketball coach. I knew one thing: I've had so much fun with FBCB that I wanted to continue playing in and writing about my college basketball universe. I decided that the best way to keep the fun going was to create a new, young coach whose story will be focus of a new dynasty here on the FOFC board. Had Graham and his Villanova team won their fourth consecutive NCAA title this spring, I'm almost positive I would have retired him. That would seem like the perfect time for him to move into the next phase of his life. However, when Graham's season ended with a heartbreaking overtime loss in the national championship game, I decided he wouldn't want to go out that way. So Coach Sims will postpone his retirement for the time being. At the same time, I'm excited about the challenge of playing the game with a young coach who is far from his prime. So, it's time to introduce you to Toby Whittaker. Code:
Toby was a decent player at Episcopal Academy, the school that would later produce Dan O'Halloran. He attended the University of Virginia, where he spent four years as a basketball manager, and then two more as a graduate assistant. After a six-year tenure as a high school coach, he's pursuing his first collegiate job. I'll tell Coach Whittaker's story in this thread, along with that of Coach Sims. When Graham retires, I'll move Toby's story to a thread of its own. I hope we all enjoy the experiences of a young coach as he builds his career. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : Yesterday at 10:51 AM. |
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Yesterday, 08:34 PM
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#866 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2043
It didn't take long for Toby Whittaker to receive a job offer he was willing to accept. He's now the head men's basketball coach at the University of Rochester. The Yellowjackets have struggled since joining Division I for the 2039/40 season. They finished 12-4 in the University Athletic Association that first year, but they haven't won more than 9 games in a season since then. Their 3-13 record in UAA play last year reflects how far they've fallen, and how quickly. Their previous coach, Chas Melchor, wasn't fired; he was a veteran coach who simply decided it was time to retire. Coach Melchor's staff has decided to stick around, and for now, I'll let them.  Rochester's Prestige currently sits at 15. The AD has approved a budget of $192,187 for this season, and almost $98,000 is available for recruiting. Coach Whittaker won't be searching far and wide for high school talent. The program's training facilities grade out at 20, which places them right in the middle of the UAA. |
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Yesterday, 08:51 PM
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#867 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2043
Almost every year, one of Graham Sims' assistants accepts a head coaching job. This year, Lipscomb offers the big whistle to Erik Bayless, formerly Graham's coaching assistant. Coach Bayless has head coaching experience; he posted an 85-99 record at Texas Southern from 2023 to 2029. We wish him well as he returns to the head coaching ranks at age 56. I'd been trying to land a younger assistant for a while now, and I finally succeeded. Robin Parker, age 40, will be Graham's right-hand-man on the bench this season. This will be Coach Parker's collegiate coaching debut, and I'm excited to have him. He's a Level 8 coach with ratings of 50 for Offense and 100 for Defense. Coach Sims didn't see anyone he wanted to sign in the transfer portal, and Coach Whittaker didn't have an available scholarship. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : Yesterday at 08:51 PM. |
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Yesterday, 09:45 PM
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#868 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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July 1, 2043
Rochester Toby Whittaker and his staff have two available scholarships this season. Both scholarship seniors, Kory Moore and Willis Hogue, are big men. The Rochester roster is fairly balanced, so we'll make finding a post player our top priority. Kenny Trotter is the player we'd like to fill that role. He's a local player, from Greece Olympia High School in Rochester. A three-star player who is ranked just outside the Top 100, Kenny averages almost 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He would be a fantastic signing for us. Coach Whittaker has already offered Kenny a scholarship, trusting his instincts before his staff has had a chance to break down his game. We're also intrigued by Russel Hall, a high-scoring guard from Syracuse. He's also a three-star recruit, among the top 20 players at his position in the East. Here is Coach Whittaker's initial call list: Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : Yesterday at 10:07 PM. |
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Yesterday, 10:00 PM
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#869 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2022
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July 1, 2043
Villanova Graham Sims also has two available scholarships, too. One is currently held by senior Israel Moody, and the other was vacated when Dan O'Halloran turned professional. There are several talented first and second year backcourt players on this year's team, so wings and big men will be our top priorities this recruiting season. New York's Mr. Basketball is Messiah Lynch, a 6'5" small forward who is exactly the kind of player, and person, we like to recruit. Messiah is the nation's #3 player, an elite scorer who averages 32 PPG while slashing .579/.507/.875. He's also a top student who won't require extra academic assistance once he enrolls in college. Villanova is listed among Messiah's top five schools, but we're not at the top of that list. Perhaps an early offer will impress him and his family. We are at the top of Adam Bradley's list. He's a lean 6'7" wing from New Jersey, a slightly less hyped version of Lynch. Still, he's a four-star, Top 50 player who scores 23 points a game. Julian Carlson, a bruising power forward from nearby Norristown, is another four-star guy we like a lot. This is Coach Sims' call list: Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : Yesterday at 10:07 PM. |
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