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09-12-2025, 12:27 PM
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#101 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Assistant Ari Goldberg had lots to like here. “All right, let’s break down what our numbers were showing. On paper, we were a dominant team, and the stats backed it up in almost every category. We were averaging 77.6 points per game, and our opponents were holding just under 61. That 16.7-point margin wasn’t just impressive — it told you we were controlling games from start to finish. Rebounding was a big part of that. Our defensive boards, 27.9 per game, led the nation, and we had a +6.9 margin over opponents. We didn’t just crash the glass for the sake of it — we limited second-chance opportunities and pushed the pace whenever we could. That’s the kind of effort that separates good teams from great ones. On the offensive side, we moved the ball and shared it. 17.5 assists a game showed we weren’t selfish, and turnovers were low, which kept our possessions efficient. Add in a 49% field goal percentage and nearly 40% from three, and you saw a team that was both efficient and unselfish. Even after adjusting for shot difficulty, our adjusted FG% of .563 showed we were getting high-quality looks consistently. Defensively, we were active without gambling too much. Seven blocks a game, six steals, and keeping our foul rate low meant we could protect the rim and the paint while still playing disciplined basketball. The 3.8 block margin over opponents told us we were making life tough on anyone trying to score inside. From a shooting perspective, our free throws at .771 were solid — we could make the clutch ones when it counted — and our three-point shooting at .395 kept defenses honest. And with a points-per-possession rate of 1.39, we were converting efficiently no matter the situation. Tempo and discipline mattered too. We kept our fouls down and managed the pace, which is huge in tight games. Turnovers were under control, which let us dictate the rhythm rather than letting opponents take it away from us. Bottom line: we were a complete team. We could score inside and out, rebound at both ends, defend with authority, and take care of the ball. There weren’t any glaring weaknesses — it was all about executing our game plan and trusting each other to make the right plays when it counted.” Code:
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09-12-2025, 08:30 PM
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#102 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
Yes, you read that correctly. Matt Caruso was selected as the NCAA Division I men's basketball Player of the Year. Matt wasn't among the nation's top 20 scorers, but he led the nation in three-point shooting percentage and was seventh in overall FG%. But most of all, he did so very many things to help his team win--all the way to the national championship. What a journey for the kid from New Jersey who was unsure about playing Division I basketball, and wasn't considered one of the 200 best players in his high school class, a journey that took him to the pinnacle of the college game. Even if St. Michael's doesn't officially retire Matt's #3 jersey, Toby won't be giving it out anytime soon. Code:
What a lovely honor for Sandy Fancher, who usually took fifth billing among St. Michael's starters. The conference didn't have a high-scoring center, possibly because it was full of bigs, like Sandy, who could shut down inside scorers. Matt Caruso joined Brenner Turnbull and Toby Whittaker on the lists of Saints who were first-team All-Centennial players three times. Matt's 2307 points are second in St. Michael's and Centennial Conference history, behind his former teammate George Bergman. And Matt stands third on the all-time assist record board, despite never being his team's primary playmaker. That would be Jalen Wilson, whose chances for postseason honors were limited by the fact that Johns Hopkins' stellar guard, Stuart Drennen, is in the same year. I'm delighted that Malik Jefferson's all-around excellence was recognized, but I'm a bit sorry Joe Greeley's wasn't, too. And since Toby Whittaker couldn't get the national Coach of the Year Award to his collection, I'm glad he got the Centennial Conference honor. Code:
I'd be very surprised if any Centennial Conference program ever landed a Top 20 recruting class, or a four-star recruit like Kyle Whitworth. Is this the new normal for Toby Whittaker and the Saints? |
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09-12-2025, 08:58 PM
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#103 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Grrrr.
I'm paying the price right now for getting too excited about a national championship, saying to myself, "Let's see what happens next year!", and rushing to play through the next season. I didn't bother to print the information I needed to tell the story of the 2012/13 season along the way. "I'll remember to do that before I end the season," I told myself. Well, guess what? I didn't remember most of them. And, once I press "END SEASON," it's gone. So, I have no 2012/13 roster, no list of scores, no standings, no box scores. I did print the season info and the end-of-season stats, and the league and association awards are archived. That means the story of the season will be very, very brief. I won't make this mistake again! |
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09-13-2025, 01:54 PM
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#104 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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The 2012/13 Season
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I was mistaken. I didn't save the Team Info, either.  So I'll summarize the Saints' 2012/13 season as well as I can.Toby Whittaker had to replace his lead scout, Ari Goldberg, who accepted the head coaching job at Chicago State. Veteran David Simpson, who held similar positions at Washington, Cal State Northridge, and Cal Poly, was hired to take Ari's place. Toby was offered the one coaching position that might tempt him when Villanova coach Andrew Walker retired. For a minute, the chance to work with a $750,000 annual budget seemed too good to refuse...but refuse he did. Toby said, “Villanova’s a great program, everybody knows that. Tremendous history, tremendous resources, and I’ve got a lot of respect for the people there. But at the end of the day, this isn’t about budget lines or prestige. For me, it’s about fit. It’s about people. St. Michael’s is home. We’ve built something here, brick by brick, with kids who believed when there wasn’t a national spotlight on us. This community has wrapped its arms around our program, and my family is rooted here. I’ve got a wife and three kids who love it here just as much as I do. It's where Claire and I met, where we started to build the life we have now. I don’t see this job as a stepping stone. We just won a national championship, and I believe we’re only scratching the surface of what we can be. To walk away from that right now, just for a bigger name or a bigger paycheck — that wouldn’t sit right with me. Villanova will always be Villanova, and I’ll always respect what they do. But I’ve got everything I want right here.” ***
The season began at the Hall of Fame Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. The Saints beat California in the first round before losing to local rival Temple, 64-46, in the championship game. The Saints lost twice more in the pre-conference season, taking a 12-3 record into Centennial Conference play. Once again, the gap in talent between Toby Whittaker's team and the rest of their league was apparent. The Saints slipped only once, away to Muhlenberg, and swept the three rounds of the conference tournament. It was Toby's fifth regular season title in five seasons, and his fourth tournament victory. The Saints took their 28-4 record into the NCAA tournament as the East Region's #6 seed. A pair of victories on the opening weekend gave Coach Whittaker his fourth consecutive 30-victory season--the second was an upset of #3 seed Duquesne--and a third straight trip to the Sweet Sixteen. Another victory set up one of the most interesting matchups of the tournament: a reprise of the 2012 national championship game: St. Michael's vs. Illinois-Chicago. The Flames still had their superstar, guard King Rendon. Once again, he'd be matched up against the Saints' talismanic Jalen Wilson. Jalen and his teammates held King to 20 points--seven less than his average--but the Flames won 74-66 (I remembered those details). The Flames would go on to the championship final again...and lost again, to St. John's. ***
Seniors Wilson, Malik Jefferson, and Evan Carlucci, then, added a trip to the Elite Eight to illustrious resumes that included four NCAA tournament appearances, two trips to the championship game, and, of course, a NCAA championship ring. For Jalen Wilson, the local boy who decided--twice--to stay home and play for the Saints, the story didn't end exactly the way he wanted it to. He spoke about his experiences after the loss to Illinois-Chicago. “You know, it’s hard to put it all into words right now. Four years went by in a blur. Coming out of Elmridge High, getting the chance to wear this jersey, to play for my hometown team — that was a dream in itself. But to do what we did as a group… four straight trips to the tournament, two national championship games, and a title last year — it’s more than I could’ve asked for. I’ll never forget that run to the championship, cutting down the nets, celebrating with my teammates, coaches, and family. That’s something we’ll all carry forever. And yeah, tonight hurts. We wanted to go further, we believed we could. But you can’t let one loss take away from everything we built here. On a personal level, having my dad on the staff my first two years — that was really special. Coach Whittaker wanted to keep Dad on the staff when he arrived, and then Hartford came calling. I was proud to see him get that head coaching job, and I was proud to keep representing our family here after he left. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me grow as a player and as a person. I’m just grateful — for Coach Whittaker, all my other coaches, my dad, all my teammates over the years, and especially the people in Elmridge who packed the gym when I was in high school and then packed our arena these last four years. Playing in front of my community, my family, my friends, that meant everything. When I look back, I’ll remember the wins, the big shots, the celebrations, sure. But mostly I’ll remember the locker room, the long practices, the grind with the guys. That’s what makes a career special. This program gave me everything — and I hope I gave everything I had back to it.” Carl Wilson was at the game, too, wearing his navy "St. Michael's Basketball" pullover with pride. He, too, spoke about the experience he'd shared with his son. “As a dad, it’s emotional. You watch your son grow up in the backyard, at Elmridge High, and then to see him lead the Saints for four years… it’s hard to ask for more. I was lucky to be on staff here for his first two seasons, and those were moments I’ll never forget — being on the bench when he was running the team, seeing him grow up right in front of me. When Hartford gave me the head coaching opportunity, it was bittersweet, because it meant stepping away from being in the same locker room with him. But it also gave me a chance to watch him from the outside and just be proud, the way any dad would. He accomplished things that very few players in this sport ever get to do: four NCAA tournaments, two trips to the title game, and a championship ring. And more than the stats or the wins, I think about the way he carried himself — the way his teammates trusted him, the way he represented his school and his hometown. Tonight’s loss hurts, sure, but you don’t measure a career by one night. You measure it by the body of work, by the way a young man grows, and by the mark he leaves. Jalen left his mark here. And as a coach, I’ll say this: he’s the kind of player you build a program around. As a father, I’ll say I couldn’t be prouder.” ***
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Malik Jefferson finished his career with a second All-Centennial recognition, this time as a member of the first team. He joined Trevor McMillan there; the big center was third in the nation in blocked shots and set a new St. Michael's record for blocks in a season--previously held by his mentor, Brenner Turnbull. Jalen Wilson returned to the second team, too. As good as he was, he was an exact contemporary of Stuart Drennen, one of the better point guards in Centennial Conference history. Jalen finished his Saints career with well over 1000 points and 505 assists, second all-time in St. Michael's history to Toby's former teammate Harold Toombs. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 09-13-2025 at 01:57 PM. |
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09-13-2025, 10:24 PM
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#105 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 2013
I'm stepping out from behind the curtain again, because I've made some changes to my college basketball universe. While I was enjoying the local nature of my home-made Centennial Conference, Toby and the Saints have outgrown it. St. Michael's. Our Prestige has risen to 84, and the second-highest team in their league is at 48. Toby's conference record is now 77-7 over six seasons. And while it's fun to win, I think it a closely-contested league season would be even more fun. At first, I thought about simply moving the Saints to the Big East or the Atlantic 10. I decided instead to reorganize much of the college basketball world. After over 50 years of history, some of the programs that were dominant in "real life" are not nearly as powerful in my game. Other teams, which are mid-majors in the "real world," are elite in my alternate reality. For example, Creighton and Ursinus are both Prestige 48. Cleveland State (79), Illinois-Chicago (90) and Saint Louis (96) are powerhouses; Michigan State (66), UCLA (56), and Baylor (53) are not. I recreated several "legacy conferences": the ACC, the Big East, the Big Ten, the Big Eight, the SEC, the Pacific-10, and the Southwest Conference. I can name the teams in these conferences without looking them up, which I think is fun. I then took a look at the remaining teams and sorted many of them into home-made conferences that made sense geographically and competitively. Here's the Saints' new home, the Mid-Atlantic Conference: Code:
The Mid-American's nine teams are all in Pennsylvania, New York, or New Jersey. Four of them--La Salle, Saint Joseph's, St. Michael's, and Temple--are within a dozen miles or so of each other. The league will feature powerful regional, even local, rivalries. The Centennial Conference survives, with the following new lineup: Code:
This league championship will be up for grabs, won't it? I hope the changes will be lots of fun for me, and for those of you who are reading along. And if you're reading, I really appreciate it.  Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-14-2025 at 10:20 AM. |
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09-13-2025, 11:15 PM
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#106 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Elmridge Gazette
May 27,2013 St. Michael’s Hires Rod Wheaton as Top Recruiter St. Michael’s head coach Toby Whittaker announced today the hiring of veteran coach Rod Wheaton as the Saints’ new recruiting coordinator. Wheaton, 55, steps into the role vacated by Charles Campbell, who was named the new head coach at Rhode Island earlier this spring. Wheaton brings two decades of college basketball experience, including head coaching and high-major assistant work. A Bucknell graduate, Wheaton most recently served as head coach at North Florida, where he spent seven seasons building the Ospreys’ program. Though his record (98–145) ultimately led to his dismissal this winter, Wheaton was widely praised for his ability to spot talent, develop players, and compete with limited resources. Before North Florida, Wheaton made his reputation as a recruiter with stops at Miami (FL), Michigan, and Arkansas, where he helped land several nationally ranked recruiting classes. Colleagues consistently describe him as one of the most relentless and personable recruiters in the business. “Toby is getting one of the best,” said Campbell of his successor. “Rod has a track record of finding players who fit and convincing them to buy into something bigger than themselves.” For Whittaker, the hire fills a critical role after St. Michael’s captured the 2012 national championship and looks to sustain momentum. “Rod’s been in just about every living room you can imagine,” Whittaker said. “He knows how to connect with kids and their families, and he’s proven he can identify players who fit the culture we’re building here. He’s a coach’s coach, and we’re lucky to have him.” Wheaton said he’s eager for a fresh chapter. “I’ve done the head coach thing, and I’m proud of the work we did at North Florida,” he said. “But my strength has always been evaluating and recruiting. To do that at a place like St. Michael’s, with the energy around this program right now, is exciting. I can’t wait to get on the road.” Rod is married to Angela, an author who writes The Willowbrook Mysteries, a popular cozy mystery series under the name A.J. Marlowe. They have three children. Derek, age 27, works in finance in Atlanta. Ryan, age 23, is pursuing graduate work in sports management at Bucknell. Lauren, age 19, plans to transfer to St. Michael's after completing her freshman year at Temple. *** Toby has leveled up again. Here's a look at him and his coaching staff as he enters his sixth season at St. Michael's.  Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 09-14-2025 at 01:27 AM. |
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09-14-2025, 01:20 AM
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#107 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 2013
Toby Whittaker approached the beginning of his sixth season as the Saints’ head coach with a mix of pride and wistfulness. He missed the men who had formed his first coaching staff at St. Michael’s, all of whom had gone on to head coaching jobs. Seeing Carl Wilson, Ari Goldberg, and Charles Campbell step into head coaching roles showed that the Saints weren’t just a winning team, but a training ground for coaching talent. It was a point of personal satisfaction: he had helped launch careers, and the fact that all three had gone on to lead programs was a testament to their ability and the mentorship he provided. His current staff was undoubtedly talented, but he was still bonding with them, and he wondered if he’d ever feel as close to them and their families as he did with the three originals. Toby missed Jalen Wilson, too. He didn’t know what St. Michael’s was like without Carl’s son, who had been around the program for years before he joined the roster. Jalen was now an alumnus, a member of the Class of 2013 with a degree in Business and a minor in Economics, and a graduate assistant on his dad’s staff at Hartford. Not seeing Jalen, not hearing his laugh, reminded Toby how much things had changed. And Toby privately missed the old Centennial Conference. He’d played in it and coached in it. He’d grown to love the small gyms, usually packed with cheering crowds everywhere the Saints traveled. But, at the same time, the Centennial was almost always a one-bid conference; a lot of very good players and teams never got to go dancing in March. The new Mid-Atlantic Conference was one of the most competitive in the nation. The Saints’ athletic director, Diane Lundquist, had boosted the basketball budget to allow Toby to match up better with teams like Temple, La Salle, and Saint Joseph’s. No longer were the Saints the biggest, richest, and most prestigious team in their league. Code:
The team he’d lead into battle in this first Mid-Atlantic campaign returned three starters from the year before. Toby thought senior center Trevor McMillan was as good as any big man in the league. The seven-footer had been a Grade A rim protector for a while now, and this fall, he was showing off a more refined offensive game. It wasn’t outrageous to suggest Trevor might average a double-double, with five blocks per game. The team’s top returning scorer was wing Desmond Lee. Also a senior, Desmond was a fiery, emotional leader who could also fill a box score in many ways. If he had a weakness, it was a tendency to gamble for steals, rather than playing within the team’s defensive scheme. Junior Connor Del Vecchio was the third returning starter. He was a stretch four with a smooth jumper, but he had been working hard on his defense and rebounding and looked like he would be a more complete big man this season. He complemented Trevor very well. Now a senior. Caleb Lear would have his first real run as the team’s starting point guard. During his long apprenticeship under Jalen Wilson, Caleb had established himself as a steady, unspectacular player who played solid defense and spread the ball around. As the season began, it looked like prize recruit Kyle Whitworth would round out the starting five. A bit like Desmond Lee in that he could do many things fairly well, Kyle impressed Toby and his staff with his willingness to work hard at the defensive end of the floor. If Whitworth faltered, junior Isaiah Pritchard would be the first player to whom Toby would turn. Isaiah seemed happier this year, after grumbling about his playing time quite a bit last season. Isaiah offered the team's most dangerous jumper (he was the only current player who could regularly beat Toby in shooting competitions). Cameron Corley would be the first big man off the bench, with senior Sean O’Reilly and freshman Seth Kaplan competing for playing time at guard. Toby was particularly impressed with Kaplan, whom he thought might be a future star. Nobody expected the Saints to roll over the Mid-Atlantic Conference the way they had the Centennial Conference for the last few years. Winning 30 games while playing teams like St. Bonaventure and Temple twice a year would be an exceptional feat. Still, the championship ring on Toby’s right hand was visible proof of his ability to guide a talented team all the way to the pinnacle of college basketball. He'd assembled a group of players, almost all of whom had grown up nearby, a group who looked ready to discover what happened when you believed in something larger than yourself. Could Toby and this team reach the top, too? Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 09-14-2025 at 01:30 AM. |
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09-14-2025, 02:36 PM
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#108 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 1, 2014
The Saints had four scholarships to offer during the 2013/14 recruiting cycle. Two of the team's scholarship seniors were point guards; one was a wing; one was a big man. Almost any player could fit one of the Saints' needs. Perhaps it was the allure of playing in an elite conference, one that would receive national attention. Perhaps it was the success of St. Michael's on the national stage: three seasons that lasted until the Elite Eight, one that ended with a national championship. Perhaps it was Toby Whittaker's growing skill as a recruiter, backed up by the team's winning record. Perhaps it was the arrival of Rod Wheaton, one of the best recruiters in the business (although Charles Campbell had been excellent, too). Whatever the reasons were, the Saints had their recruiting class in place before Christmas, and it was the most highly regarded class in the school's history. Two of the four players were high school All-Americans, the first the Saints had ever signed. Walter Lozano was a 6'7" power forward from Long Island. He was built like an NFL edge rusher and was ranked first in his class academically. He was also an All-American. “Walter was a huge get for us," Wheaton said. "You don’t find too many high school kids with his combination of size, strength, and touch around the basket. He's already got a college-ready body, and he knows how to use it — he can carve out space, finish through contact, and he’s got a natural knack for scoring inside. What I really like is that he’s not just a bruiser. He’s smart, he’s coachable, and he’s been a winner everywhere he’s played. You look at what he's doing at Half Hollow Hills — twenty points a night, almost eight boards, and two blocks — that’s dominance at the high school level. He's Mr. Basketball in New York for a reason. Defensively, he can guard the post one-on-one, and his shot-blocking gives us the interior presence we've had for several years here. He’s still got room to grow in terms of conditioning and expanding his game, but his ceiling is high. The bottom line is, we just landed one of the best frontcourt players in the region. Walter’s going to be a cornerstone for us in the Class of 2014.” Toby praised Walter, too. “We’re thrilled to welcome Walter Lozano to the St. Michael’s family. Walter is a terrific young man who brings not only size and skill, but also character and work ethic. He’s been one of the most productive players in New York high school basketball, and he’s earned every accolade that’s come his way. What stands out about Walter is his presence in the paint. He has the ability to score in traffic, rebound at a high level, and protect the rim — things that translate right away to the college game. But just as important, he’s a student of the game, he wants to improve, and he fits our culture. We believe Walter can make an immediate impact here, and we’re excited for our fans to get to know him.” The second All-American in the class was an area product, wing Devon Carraway from Chester, PA. “Getting Devon to commit was a statement for us," said Wheaton. "Chester’s one of the great high school programs in the country, and when you take a kid who’s been the leader of a team like that, you know he’s tough and battle-tested. Devon’s a two-way guard, plain and simple. He averages over twenty points a game, but what really jumps out is the defense — four and a half steals a night, guarding the other team’s best player every time out. He’s got elite quickness, long arms, and he plays with an edge. That’s the kind of guard who changes games, even when he’s not scoring. Offensively, he’s still scratching the surface. He’s a slasher first, but his jumper’s improved a lot, and he’s got a knack for making big plays late in games. What makes him special is that combination: he can pressure the ball ninety-four feet, then go the other way and finish through contact. Bottom line, we kept one of the best players in Pennsylvania right here at home. He's Pennsylvania's Mr. Basketball, and he fits our identity perfectly — tough, unselfish, and competitive.” Devon was asked why he picked St. Michael's, when every major program in the East was after his commitment. “Everybody asks me about the other schools, but for me it came down to fit. St. Michael’s felt like family from the first time I stepped on campus. Coach Whittaker and Coach Wheaton were straight with me from day one — they told me how they’d use me, what they expected, and how I could grow here. It also means a lot to play close to home. Chester’s in my blood, and being able to have my family and friends come see me, represent this area, that’s huge for me. I know people talk about Villanova or St. John’s, and those are great programs, but at St. Michael’s I felt like I could make my own mark. They just won a national championship, they play my style — tough, defensive, fast — and I want to be part of that. At the end of the day, I want to win and I want to get better. I believe I can do both right here.” The class needed a point guard, and Toby and Rod found one at Germantown Friends School in Philadelphia. M.J. Tillery was a four-star player, like Lozano and Carraway. Wheaton liked this signing a lot. “M.J. was one of those kids you circle early, because you can’t teach the feel for the game he’s got. He’s a pure point guard — he controls tempo, gets guys in their spots, and makes everyone around him better. You don’t see many high schoolers averaging over nine assists a night, with a 7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. That tells you all you need to know. He’s quick, he’s got vision, and he’s a pest defensively. He’s not out there looking for his own shot first, but he’ll hit the open three and he’s reliable at the line. What matters most is he’s unselfish and competitive — he wants to win every drill, every possession. M.J.’s also a Philly kid through and through. Coming out of Germantown Friends, he’s been well-coached, and he brings that toughness and savvy that guards from this city are known for. We think he’s going to be the kind of point guard who makes an immediate impact — maybe not by scoring 20 points, but by running a team, dictating the game, and making sure the ball ends up where it needs to be. For us, that’s invaluable.” His future head coach, who knew point guards when he saw them, was equally positive. “We’re very excited about M.J. Tillery joining our program. M.J. is a true point guard in every sense — he’s got terrific vision, he understands pace, and he has a knack for making the players around him better. What really impressed us was his maturity. Averaging more than nine assists per game with very few turnovers shows not only his skill, but also his decision-making and composure. He values the ball, and that’s something we put a premium on at St. Michael’s. M.J. comes from a strong program at Germantown Friends, and being a Philadelphia native, he embodies the toughness and competitive spirit of this region. He’s a leader, he’s unselfish, and we think he’ll grow into a cornerstone for our backcourt. We can’t wait to have him on campus and get him started.” The final signee wasn't as highly-touted as his classmates, but the Saints staff thought he was a great fit for their program. Brendan O'Shea earned "only" three stars from the scouting service, but Rod Wheaton thought he might be the next in what was becoming a long line of successful Saints centers. “Brendan is a classic case of a big man who just kept getting better every year. At 6-10, 235, you can’t coach that size, and he’s really learning how to use it. He’s strong on the block, he finishes with both hands, and he’s been an absolute load for high school opponents — twenty-five points and almost twelve boards a game is no joke. What we like most is his upside. He rebounds with authority, he’s not afraid of contact, and his shot-blocking is already at a college level. He’s still raw in some areas — footwork, conditioning, free throws — but you see the tools. His potential on the defensive glass especially gives us something we can develop into a real weapon. He’s also a high-character kid from Archbishop Wood, comes from a great family, and he’s serious about academics. That fits right into our culture. Bottom line, Brendan may not come in as the most polished player in the class, but with his size, strength, and motor, he’s the kind of center who can grow into a major contributor for us.” Brendan was a Saints fan, so he was overjoyed to receive an offer from Coach Whittaker. “I've rooted for St. Michael's all my life, so of course it's an honor to be able to play there. But the fit still had to be right, and it is. Having my family able to come to games mattered a lot. But more than that, I wanted to be pushed. Coach Whittaker and Coach Wheaton told me straight up that nothing here would be handed to me — I’d have to earn it every day. That stuck with me. They’ve built something special, and I wanted to be part of it. I know I’ve still got work to do on my game, but I trust this staff to help me get there. At the end of the day, it’s about competing at the highest level I can, and I believe St. Michael’s is the place where I can do that.” None of the four players would be able to stroll onto campus and claim a starting job immediately. Lozano and O'Shea would join a frontcourt corps that included veterans like Connor Del Vecchio, Cameron Corley, and Andre Cartwright. Tillery would compete with Seth Kaplan at point guard. Carraway's path might be the smoothest, but he'd still have to beat out Isaiah Pritchard and Trey Hammond. "If we hit all these signings, we'll be deeper next year than we've ever been," Toby privately confided. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-11-2025 at 08:05 AM. |
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09-14-2025, 04:35 PM
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#109 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 7, 2014
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The Michaelian, St. Michael's magazine A Lifetime with the Saints By Maggie O'Donnell '08, Staff Writer On a quiet street in Bryn Mawr, Capt. Jim Voorhees ’40 settles into his favorite chair, the radio within reach, a Saints pennant still hanging above him after all these years. At 96, he may not make it to campus for games anymore, but his heart remains at the center of St. Michael’s basketball. "I occasionally watch a game on television, but I like listening to them on the radio more," he commented. "I enjoy Dan Kessler's style." “They play the right way,” he said, his voice steady but full of feeling. “This group trusts each other. They remind me of a good flight crew—each man knows his job, and they do it together.” Voorhees, who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross as a Naval aviator in World War II, still talks about the Saints with the precision of a pilot and the affection of an alumnus who has carried his school with him across decades. He admires the calm of point guard Caleb Lear. “Lear never panics. He’s got poise. When things get messy, he steadies the ship. That’s leadership.” He lights up when describing Desmond Lee, who leads the team in both scoring and assists. “Lee’s a fighter. He’ll attack the rim, then turn around and make the pass that sets up a teammate. That’s the sort of player every crew needs—someone who does whatever the mission requires.” And he grins at the grit of Connor Del Vecchio in the paint. “That young man’s a scrapper. He’s in the thick of every battle under the boards. He's doing even more now that Trevor McMillan is out with that broken foot. Reminds me of the deckhands I knew on the carrier—never afraid of hard work.” Even bench contributors earn his respect. “Andre Cartwright, he gives them toughness in short minutes. You win with depth, and he knows his role.” Coach Toby Whittaker admits the team takes pride in knowing Voorhees is still tuned in. “The guys love hearing that Capt. Voorhees is with us,” Whittaker said. “When he calls Caleb steady or Connor gritty—that’s exactly the standard we try to live up to.” The players are humbled by it too. “It’s an honor,” said Lee. “For someone who’s lived through so much to still care about how we play? That pushes us every day.” Lear added quietly, “When he says I remind him of a pilot keeping control, that’s the best compliment I could ever get.” Voorhees has watched the Saints open the year 12–2, and he believes something special is taking shape. “They’ve taken a few knocks, but so did we in the war,” he said with a smile. “What matters is how you respond. This bunch doesn’t quit.” As the Mid-Atlantic Conference schedule begins, Voorhees will be right where he has been for more than seventy years: cheering for the Saints, his Saints, with all the devotion of a lifetime. “I may be old,” he said softly, “but I’ll be pulling for St. Michael’s with everything I’ve got, all season long.” ***
From the Archives: The Saints of 1940 A student who could travel back in time and attend a Saints game with Jim Voorhees would easily recognize some of the traditions of 1940. The Pavilion was one of the newer buildings on the small campus. Then, as now, many students walked to games after dinner in the Refectory. But tickets were fifty cents for the general public, but free for students who lined up early enough to squeeze into the bleachers. That winter, the Saints finished 12–8, led by captain Frank Malloy '40, a 6-foot-1 forward who doubled as the student council president. Voorhees still remembers the roar of the crowd when Malloy sank a hook shot to beat Haverford in overtime. “Basketball back then wasn’t about flash,” Voorhees recalled. “It was grit, it was pride, it was family. Funny enough, that’s still what I see in these boys today.” Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 09-14-2025 at 04:39 PM. |
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09-16-2025, 02:36 PM
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#110 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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The St. Michael’s Sentinel
March 10, 2014 “Learning the League: Coach Whittaker Reflects on Saints’ First MAC Season” By Daniel Kelleher ’15, Sports Editor When St. Michael’s made the leap into the Mid-Atlantic Conference this season, many wondered how the Saints would measure up against established rivals like Temple, Penn State, and St. Bonaventure. With a 24-6 record overall, 12-4 in conference, and a share of the regular-season crown, the Saints answered loudly. Head Coach Toby Whittaker sat down with the Sentinel to talk about the ride so far. Sentinel: Coach, your first two MAC games were losses. Was there any panic? Whittaker: Not panic, but there was urgency. St. Bonaventure and La Salle both gave us a wake-up call. We had been cruising through non-conference, and suddenly we were down 0-2 in the league. I told the guys, “This is what we signed up for—every night’s a battle.” To their credit, they responded. And, to be fair, we didn't have Trevor McMillan available. He was still in that walking boot. Sentinel: Responded is right. You went 12-2 the rest of the way, including a blowout win at St. Bonaventure. What changed? Whittaker: Defense and discipline. Caleb [Lear] grew into running the point in this league, Desmond [Lee] started trusting the pass as much as his shot, and Trevor [McMillan] came back and anchored us inside. Once we stopped trying to out-score everyone and focused on rebounding and taking care of the ball, we found our rhythm. Sentinel: Speaking of Trevor McMillan, he's averaging a double-double—11 points and 11 rebounds—and nearly four blocks. What does he mean to this team? Whittaker: He’s our backbone. Trevor doesn’t care if he scores five points or fifteen; he cares if we win. Opponents feel him every possession. Caleb put it best the other day—he said, “When Trevor’s behind me, I can gamble a little more, because I know he’ll clean it up.” Sentinel: Desmond Lee is leading the team in scoring and assists. That’s unusual for a two-guard. Whittaker: Des is special. He’s got that old-school playground vision—he sees angles other guys don’t. We ask him to score, to rebound, to facilitate. And he never complains. After the Temple win, he said to me, “Coach, I don’t care if I had 20 points or 2, I just like beating those guys.” That’s his mindset. Sentinel: What about the supporting cast—Whitworth, Del Vecchio, even Pritchard off the bench? Whittaker: Kyle Whitworth is the glue. He guards three positions, hits big shots, and he’s a leader in the locker room. That's rare to see from a sophomore. Connor Del Vecchio is as steady as they come at power forward—he’ll give you 10 and 6 every night and guard the other team’s best big. And Isaiah Pritchard gives us instant offense off the bench. He doesn’t hesitate; he plays with joy. Sentinel: The standings show St. Michael’s tied with St. Bonaventure at 12-4. How does it feel to claim a piece of the conference title in your first season? Whittaker: It’s gratifying, but it’s not the destination. We didn’t come into the MAC to make a cameo—we came to compete for championships. We proved we belong. Now we have to show we can sustain it. Sentinel: Final question. What’s your message to the campus community heading into the tournaments? Whittaker: Stay with us. This team feeds off the energy in The Pavilion. Our guys love looking up and seeing a packed student section. We’re proud to wear “St. Michael’s” across our chest, and we want to make this place proud every time we take the floor. Code:
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09-17-2025, 10:16 AM
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#111 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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What did the Saints' four seniors have to say about the last weeks of their careers, which saw them advance to another regional final before losing to the top-ranked team in the nation? Trevor McMillan: "When I came here four years ago, St. Michael’s wasn’t in a power conference, and people didn’t think we could go toe-to-toe with the big schools. To win a national championship and then finish my career in the Elite Eight? That’s something I’ll always be proud of. I didn’t need to score 20 a night—I just wanted to rebound, protect the rim, and give us a chance. Coach always said, ‘Trevor sets the tone.’ I hope that’s what I’ll be remembered for." Caleb Lear: "This place changed me. I wasn’t sure I was ready to run a team at this level when I got here. But Coach believed in me, my teammates trusted me, and together we grew into something special. Beating Mississippi, then playing Saint Mary’s on that stage—it’s surreal. The wins matter, but honestly, it’s the bonds in the locker room, the late nights in the gym, the laughs on the bus—that’s what I’ll carry with me." Desmond Lee: "I came here to prove I could play with anybody, and I think we did that as a team. We didn’t back down from Penn State, Temple, Saint Mary’s—nobody. Winning the NCAA tournament? Making the Elite Eight our first year in the MAC? That’s making history. For me personally, I just hope I left a reputation as a guy who competed every single night and had fun doing it." Sean O’Reilly: "I wasn’t the star, and that’s okay—I knew my role. I was here to push Jalen [Wilson] and Caleb in practice, give good minutes when my number was called, and be part of something bigger than myself. To be on the floor at the end of some NCAA games, hearing our fans going crazy—that’s something I’ll never forget. I’m just grateful I got to be part of this family and this ride. I've got a [NCAA championship] ring. St. Michael’s will always be home for me." |
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09-17-2025, 10:32 AM
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#112 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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David Simpson, St. Michael's lead scout, had this to say about the 2013/14 season: "When you look at the numbers, the story is clear: this was a balanced, disciplined, and efficient team that made a real leap forward in their first year in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. Let’s take it piece by piece." Team Identity “We were a defense-first unit. Opponents averaged just 64.7 points per game, good for top-30 nationally. Our block rate (5.4 per game, 2nd in conference) and rebounding margin (+4.3, 2nd in conference) meant we controlled the paint most nights.” “Offensively, we weren’t flashy, but we were efficient. Shooting 46.6% overall, 37.5% from three, and 71.7% at the line puts us top-tier nationally in all three categories. That’s not easy to sustain over 36 games.” Backcourt Breakdown Caleb Lear (PG): “Caleb quietly ran the show with poise. Four assists a game, 42% from deep, and a positive +/- every night. He’s not the fastest, but he’s strong, cerebral, and always makes the right read.” Desmond Lee (SG): “Desmond was the engine. 13.8 points, nearly six assists, and a team-high 85 threes. He’s a dual threat — can attack the lane or step back from deep. Defenses had to pick their poison.” Isaiah Pritchard (SG): “The breakout surprise. Ten points per game off the bench, 43% from three. He gave us firepower in second units and stretched defenses when Lee sat.” Frontcourt Breakdown Trevor McMillan (C): “Anchor of the defense. 11 rebounds and nearly 4 blocks per game. He altered everything at the rim. The offense came when needed — but his rim protection is what made this team special.” Connor Del Vecchio (PF): “Our steady glue guy. 10 points, 6 boards, efficient inside, and reliable defensively. Doesn’t demand touches, but always makes winning plays.” Kyle Whitworth (SF): “The all-around wing. Eleven points, five boards, two assists — he filled gaps. His length on defense and ability to hit open threes (35%) kept us balanced.” Cameron Corley (PF): “Key rotation piece. Five points and five boards off the bench, and he battled inside. If he keeps polishing his post game, he’ll be even more valuable.” Bench & Depth “Cartwright and Kowalski gave solid backup minutes at center, holding the line when McMillan rested. Sean O’Reilly was steady as a reserve point guard, and Donnelly, Kaplan, and others chipped in situationally. Depth wasn’t our strength, but it was serviceable.” Strengths
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Simpson’s Closing Thought "To go 28-8, reach the Elite Eight, and finish with a top-6 RPI in your first MAC season? That’s a statement. We had a foundation: a defensive anchor in McMillan, versatile guards in Lear and Lee, and shooting depth with Pritchard and Whitworth. The last two guys are returning, and they'll be key to what happens next. The next step is cutting turnovers and building more scoring options up front. But make no mistake—this was a special season, and it kept St. Michael's in the national picture." Code:
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09-17-2025, 12:07 PM
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#113 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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In his first season in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, Toby Whittaker landed a recruiting class that ranked second in a top-tier league and 20th nationwide. New recruiting assistant Rod Wheaton's skill was instrumental in the Saints' pull of three four-star players and a high three-star guy. Temple's Lynwood Harrington was the top player in the class, and he looked like he'd be the real deal. But Devon Carraway and M.J. Tillery arrived on campus with the same "square codes," Orange/Blue. Walter Lozano and Brendan O'Shea looked like they'd be good, too. Code:
For the first time, Saints fans took an intense interest in the High School All-American Game. The three future Saints couldn't help their East teammates overcome a loaded West squad, but Devon Calloway was one of his team's best players that night. |
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09-17-2025, 02:40 PM
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#114 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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St. Michael's Sentinel
June 2014 From Wawasee to St. Michael’s: Brant Fleischer’s Unconventional Path By Daniel P. Rourke, Staff Writer When Brant Fleischer arrived on campus this spring to join Toby Whittaker’s staff, he brought with him no college coaching experience and no prior stops in the traditional assistant’s chair. What he did bring was a résumé that speaks to both accomplishment and ingenuity, and a reputation as a coach who squeezes the very best out of the players he leads. Fleischer, 36, grew up in Syracuse, Indiana, a town where basketball culture isn’t simply a pastime but a civic identity. “At Wawasee High, you played because that’s what you did,” Fleischer recalled. “The whole county showed up on Friday nights. That atmosphere gets in your blood.” A wiry, not-quite-six-footer, Fleischer earned three varsity letters. He was a generational talent in the classroom, scoring a nearly-perfect 1580 on his standardized test and earning a 4.22 GPA. After earning his degree at Harvard, Fleischer returned home and accepted the head coaching job at Wawasee High School. Over seven years, he guided the Warriors to back-to-back sectional championships and three twenty-win seasons. His calling card was an intricate motion offense that emphasized spacing, cutting, and reading the defense. “We weren’t always the most athletic team,” Fleischer said, “but we could make you guard for twenty-five seconds every possession.” Those schemes—and the steady improvement of his players—caught the eye of AAU coaches and recruiters alike. Fleischer soon began lending his summers to development camps in Chicago and Boston, where he worked with a cross-section of Division I prospects. His reputation became that of a teacher: clear in instruction, patient with fundamentals, and relentlessly detail-oriented. “I remember Brant talking to kids about the angle of their plant foot coming off a screen,” one Chicago-based AAU director said. “Stuff most coaches gloss over. That’s where he lives.” The opportunity at St. Michael’s came about when assistant Daniel Bartley was hired as the new head coach at Presbyterian. Bartley, who had been with Whittaker at St. Michael's for three years, left behind big shoes to fill. “Daniel is going to do great things,” Whittaker said. “He’s ready for that next step. We’re proud to see him get his own program.” For Whittaker, replacing Bartley meant looking for someone who could complement the staff’s experience with a fresh perspective. “Brant’s not a career assistant,” Whittaker said. “He’s built a program from scratch, he’s developed players, and he’s done it in gyms where nothing is given to you. That’s a perspective that's appealing to us here.” Fleischer’s offensive acumen is widely regarded as elite—his coaching “rating,” as Whittaker jokes, is a clean 100 on that side of the ball. Defense, he admits, is still a growth area. “I’m the first to say I lean offense-first,” Fleischer said with a grin. “But I’m learning from some of the best here, and I know how high the bar is.” Players have already noticed the difference in offseason workouts. “Coach Fleischer has us really focusing on reads and movement without the ball,” said forward Connor Del Vecchio. “It’s not just running plays—it’s understanding why. He’s tough but encouraging, and you can tell he’s a teacher at heart.” His path to St. Michael’s wasn’t conventional, but it may be precisely what makes him stand out. “I know I’m the new guy in the room,” Fleischer said. “I just want to bring energy, ideas, and a love for the game. And I’m grateful Coach Whittaker believed in me enough to give me this opportunity.” From Wawasee to Harvard to St. Michael’s, Brant Fleischer’s journey reflects a coach who values teaching, precision, and persistence. If history is any guide, those qualities tend to make a difference in the win column. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-11-2025 at 09:06 AM. |
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09-18-2025, 04:18 PM
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#115 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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June 11, 2014
Claire woke up on the morning of her fortieth birthday to the sound of whispered arguments in the hallway. “Don’t spill it!” hissed Nora, trying to balance a tray with pancakes, orange juice, and coffee. Grace followed behind, proudly holding a glitter-covered birthday card. Eli trailed last, gripping a single tulip from the yard and sloshing juice out of a second cup he insisted on carrying. Toby, half-director, half-co-conspirator, was shooing them forward. “Happy birthday, Mommy!” they chorused as they rushed into the bedroom. Nora presented the tray with the poise of a general leading troops, Grace nearly knocked it over in her eagerness to climb onto the bed, and Eli plunked the tulip into Claire’s lap with sticky fingers. Claire laughed, kissed each of them in turn, and declared it the most beautiful breakfast she’d ever had. The day unfolded in the way Toby had planned: a balance of family adventure and little surprises. At the park, they turned a quiet walk into a spirited kickball game. Nora, determined to prove her strength, sent the ball flying with a grin. Grace, fierce and focused, slid dramatically into bases, her jeans streaked green. Eli, determined to match his sisters' skill, outdid them both in terms of energy. Claire stood on the sidelines at first, clapping, until Toby dragged her into the game — she ended up laughing so hard she could barely run. Later, after showers, baths, and a rest, they went to the zoo, Eli was a whirlwind. He tugged them from lions to monkeys to penguins, spouting half-remembered facts from school: “Did you know penguins can swim faster than Olympic swimmers?” Nora, feigning an eye-roll, secretly lingered to watch the red pandas. Grace insisted they stop at the giraffes, declaring them her new favorite. In the gift shop, she picked out a tiny stuffed tiger with her own allowance, saying it was “to remember today.” When they returned home, the kitchen had been transformed. Nora had directed her siblings in hanging streamers and balloons earlier that morning, and now the space was festive in an endearingly lopsided way. Grace argued about balloon placement until the last minute, and Eli kept popping more than he managed to tie. Claire walked in and gasped at the sight, tears pricking her eyes — it was messy, chaotic, and absolutely perfect. Dinner was Toby’s doing — takeout from Del Vecchio's — but the cake belonged to the kids. They brought it out together, Nora insisting on carrying it, Grace lighting the candles with nervous precision, Eli leaning dangerously close to blow them out before his mom had the chance. Claire closed her eyes, made a wish, and opened them to see her family beaming back at her. It wasn’t a glamorous birthday, or a big surprise party with friends. But surrounded by Toby, Nora, Grace, and Eli — sticky fingers, glittery cards, grass stains and all — Claire thought it might have been the happiest birthday she’d ever had. |
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09-26-2025, 11:16 AM
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#116 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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August 2014
As the heat and humidity of August descended upon the Main Line, the recruiting season heated up, too. Toby Whittaker and his staff had to adjust to a new recruiting dynamic that was both exciting and challenging. The Saints' move to the Mid-Atlantic Conference raised the team's profile considerably. The increased attention the team received was causing more talented high school players to seriously consider playing for St. Michael's. Athletic director Diane Lundquist and the school's board had directed funds into upgrading the team's facilities and raised the team's budget so it could compete with its well-heeled conference rivals. Toby and his staff had two scholarships to offer to players in the high school Class of 2015. And there were three very talented players, all of whom would be good fits for the program, who were expressing sincere interest in playing for the Saints. Philadelphia product Brandon Coles was one of the best big men in the country. Assistant David Simpson really liked Brandon's game. "You don’t get many chances at a guy like this. Eighteen and a half points, fourteen boards a night — those numbers are real, and they’re against good competition at Father Judge. The offensive rebounding especially stands out. He gives his team extra possessions every game, and that’s the kind of thing that wins us conference titles. "Physically, he’s 6’10”, long, mobile, with room to grow into his frame. He’s blocking three, four shots a night right now, and he’s still just scratching the surface. He’s thin, sure, but with our strength program he’ll put on weight the right way. "He fits us perfectly. His rebounding and defensive potential are already at an elite level. And the fact he’s a Philadelphia kid? That’s huge. If we land him, we don’t just add a centerpiece big man, we establish ourselves as the natural destination for the best players in the area. He’s already got us high on his list. If we move quickly, show him he’s our priority, I believe we can close the deal." Another assistant, Rod Wheaton, was impressed with Luka Vuković. A native of Split, Croatia, he was living with a local host family while he attended William Penn Charter School. "Luka’s the kind of kid who doesn’t come around every day," David said. "He’s 6’9”, strong, already 225, and he’s putting up twenty points and nearly twelve rebounds a night at Penn Charter. What jumps out to me is the efficiency — sixty percent from the floor, over eighty percent at the line. For a high school big man, that’s rare. He’s got real touch, and you can play through him without worrying about wasted possessions. "I love his skill set. He’s not just a back-to-the-basket bruiser. He’s got the Euro game; he's comfortable facing up, he can hit a midrange jumper, and he’ll even step out and knock down a three if you give him space. That stretches defenses, and in our system, that’s gold. You can pair him with a true center or run him as the lone big in a spread look. "Defensively, he’s not as far along as Coles, but the tools are there — length, strength, enough quickness to hold his own. The rebounding numbers tell you he competes, and his passing is better than most kids his size. He’s averaging three assists a night; that tells me he sees the floor and isn’t a black hole when he gets the ball." "The other thing: he’s local. A Philadelphia kid who already has very high interest in us. We sign him, we not only get a versatile four-man who fits our offense, we keep him out of Villanova’s backyard. That matters. And frankly, Luka wants to be here. He’s the kind of player who could slide right into Connor Del Vecchio’s role and give us an offensive dimension we don’t always have up front. "Bottom line — he’s skilled, efficient, tough, and he already believes in St. Michael’s. That’s the kind of player you win with." Luka was a four-star prospect, while Brandon was rated at five stars. Toby's first thought was to offer both of them. "I could see them playing together," he pointed out. "Their preferred playing styles complement each other well." Then, the third member of Toby's staff--Brant Fleischer--weighed in. He was a big fan of a shooting guard from New York, Forrest Summers. Forrest was ranked even higher nationally than Coles. The young coach's pitch was strong. "Forrest is the kind of scorer who changes a program’s ceiling. Twenty-one points a night, shooting over fifty percent from the floor and forty-four from three — that’s elite efficiency for a guard who creates most of his own looks. His jumper is already college-ready, and he’s got the quickness and bounce to punish you if you overplay the perimeter. Offensively, he’s the total package: slasher, shooter, transition finisher." "What excites me as an offensive guy is his spacing impact. Defenses have to honor him at the arc, which opens up the floor for everyone else. You pair him with a steady point guard and a big who commands attention inside, and you’ve got balance. He’s also competitive — his tape shows a kid who doesn’t shy away from the big moment. That kind of mentality matters in March." "Yes, the academics aren’t where some of our other recruits are, but he’s qualified, and in our environment, with structure, he’ll be fine. The upside is too great to nitpick. He’s ranked top-20 nationally, the top shooting guard in the region, and he already has very high interest in us. This is a battle with Georgetown and Connecticut, but the truth is, he fits here. We can offer him minutes right away, in a system that lets him showcase his strengths." "Bottom line: Forrest gives us a go-to scorer on the wing, the kind of talent that keeps us as a Final Four contender as long as he's with us. We can’t pass that up." Three high school stars who wanted to wear St. Michael's navy and gold. Two scholarships to offer. This was the kind of "problem" any coach would want to have. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 09-26-2025 at 11:17 AM. |
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11-11-2025, 02:57 PM
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#117 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 9, 2014
Autumn came late to southern Pennsylvania this year. Colorful leaves clung to the trees on the St. Michael's campus in early November, as the Saints wound up their training camp and prepared for their first game of the season. The first day of the month brought good tidings: the commitment of five-star, All-American recruit Brandon Coles. Toby Whittaker called Coles “a cornerstone player for our program,” praising his work ethic and defensive presence. “From the first time we saw him, we knew he had that combination of length, strength, and competitiveness that’s hard to teach,” Whittaker said. “He’s a young man who fits what we’re about — he plays the game the right way, and he’s hungry to get better.” Assistant coach David Simpson, who led the scouting effort, described Coles as “a player who changes the tone of a game with his presence.” “You can build a defense around him,” Simpson said. “He rebounds everything in sight, runs the floor like a guard, and takes pride in protecting the rim. He’s still raw in spots offensively, but his ceiling is enormous.” Brandon cited both proximity and program culture as key factors in his decision. “It felt like home,” he said during a small signing ceremony at Father Judge. “Coach Whittaker and his staff believed in me early, and I could tell they really care about developing players. Plus, staying close to my family in Philly means a lot.” The signing also carried special weight for Toby, who has made recruiting locally a priority during his tenure. “We’ve had great success with players from this area,” he said. “There’s tremendous high school talent in Philadelphia, and we want those kids to know they can achieve great things here at St. Michael’s.” The Saints' other offer was in the hands of another local player, Penn Charter's Luka Vuković. Luka had moved ahead of Forrest Summers in the minds of the Saints' staff after the guard from New York was dazzled by a recruiting visit to Georgetown. Code:
Toby and his staff felt good about his current roster, too. The team's returning starters both had deep roots in the Elmridge community. Senior Connor Del Vecchio was the team's heartbeat, setting the tone with his hard work and the depth of his emotional commitment to the team. Connor was a descendant of Davide Del Vecchio, the founder of the popular Elmridge restaurant that bears his name. “People always joke that I must eat there for free — I don’t,” Connor laughed. "Del V" would be counted on to score, rebound, defend, and serve as the orchestrator of the team's defense. The other returning starter was small forward Kyle Whitworth, who had been a Saint for life. He'd attended St. Aloysius School and the St. Michael's College School, educated by the Sisters of Charity and the Brothers of the Holy Cross. The team's top returning scorer at just under 12 points a game, Kyle worked tirelessly on his defense and looked ready to assert himself as one of the better all-purpose wings in the nation. Isaiah Pritchard's story was just as meaningful. As Toby put it, “Isaiah’s story is one I’ll tell for a long time,” he said. “When he got here as a freshman, he wanted everything to happen right away. He came out of a big high school program, was used to being the guy, and suddenly he was the eleventh or twelfth man on a veteran team that didn’t need him to score 20 a night. That was hard for him. He was frustrated — with minutes, with me, with himself. But he never stopped working.” As a junior, Isaiah became the team's most potent offensive threat, averaging 11 points in 20 minutes per game. Now, as a senior, he had become one of the team’s emotional anchors — the player who’d pull a freshman aside after practice or spark energy in a timeout huddle. Junior Cameron Corley had started 12 games in 2013/14, covering Trevor McMillan's injury. He began this year as a member of the starting five from Day One. Strong, quick, and athletic, Cam could guard any position on the floor and battle on both boards. Any scoring he provided would be a bonus, but he had developed a soft touch from close range. Two talented players were competing for the point guard position: sophomore Seth Kaplan and freshman M.J. Tillery. Seth had the advantage of a year's worth of NCAA experience, while M.J. came with better credentials: four stars and All-American status. Both young guards were pass-first orchestrators, rather than lead guards, and both of them would play meaningful minutes. The next man off the bench would be big Brendan O'Shea. Brendan arrived with less fanfare than his fellow first years, but it didn't take him long to assert himself. “When we recruited Brendan, we thought we were getting a developmental big — a hardworking kid who’d rebound, defend, and learn behind some veterans,” assistant David Simpson said. “But from the first week of camp, he looked like he belonged.” The long-time Saints fan for whom Toby signed a basketball seven years ago was now one of the most promising big men in the East. Post players Andre Cartwright and Walter Lozano and wing Trey Hammond would also see significant action. Hammond was the heir apparent to the "Pritchard role," a source of offensive heat off the bench. Devon Carraway, a freshman guard of significant promise, showed humility and grace in taking a redshirt. “You’ve got to check your ego a little bit,” Devon said. “But I get to practice every day against some of the best guards in the conference. I get better by competing with them. And I’m watching how our veterans handle things — their pace, their decision-making, how they carry themselves. That’s all part of it.” Seven Saints began the season with Green squares beside their names, giving Toby and his staff a solid core of capable players. Four more were Yellow/Green prospects. So, while no St. Michael's player was being talked about as a Player of the Year candidate, none of them could be disregarded when an opposing coach prepared his scouting report. "I like this team a lot," new coach Brant Fleischer said. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-11-2025 at 03:00 PM. |
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11-14-2025, 10:07 AM
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#118 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2013
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Hello, Graham!
I hope you don't mind me replying in your forum. I know some people would rather not have posts from readers stuck in the middle of their stories. I apologize if that's the case with you. I was a fairly active poster here years ago. I started (and never finished) more threads here than I would care to admit, most of them based on Football Manager saves. It's been five years since I was active on the forum, with the exception of periodic visits to see if any fun stories had been added since I last stopped by. That's how I happened upon your Toby Whittaker/St. Michael's story. Your first post hooked me, and I would have read your dynasty in one sitting if I'd had time. As it was, I went back to it as soon as I could and just finished it. I want to tell you how much I enjoyed spending time in Toby Whittaker's world. You're making that world a delightful, exciting place to be. St. Michael's feels like a real college, and Elmridge feels like a real college town. I can visualize the St. Michael's campus, and I can feel what a game night at the Pavilion is like. I'd like to have a cup of coffee at the Cloister Cafe or a pint down at O'Malley's, and a sandwich from Del Vecchio's for lunch. The "NPCs" you're creating, from announcers to students to townies, fill out the picture very well. Toby's fellow coaches, like Carl Wilson, seem real, too. What I like most about your story, however, is the way you've made Toby such an appealing lead character. I would want to root for Toby by nature, but you've made it impossible for me to do otherwise. And I'm unabashedly charmed by Claire, Nora, Grace, and Eli. I'm a husband and father, too, and the slices of life that involve family moments make me smile. You're taking what the game gives you and using it to craft a wonderful story. This forum isn't nearly as busy as it used to be. That's a shame for many reasons, and one of them is the fact that stories like yours probably don't attract as many readers as they could, or should. I hope you're enjoying playing Toby's career and creating the world in which it's set, and I hope you'll keep this going for a long time, if you can. I'd hate to see it go, and I have a feeling I'm speaking for other readers out there, too. I'll see myself out. I want to grab that cup of Callahan Hall Coffee and read up on the 2014-15 Saints. GB |
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11-14-2025, 10:35 AM
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#119 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Thank you very much for your kind words, GB. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I know it's not the kind of thing everyone on the forum would like, because I know I'm writing just as much about things that happen outside the game/off the court as I am about FBCB-specific things. I think that's keeping me interested in telling the story; I like the characters and their world, too, and I enjoy spending time with them.
I'm absolutely fine with comments from readers. Actually, I really enjoy them. Please feel free to contribute anytime you'd like. In fact, if you'd like to become a part of the St. Michael's world, I'd be delighted to make that happen. If you'd like to create an "alter ego" for me to add to the story, send me a PM and let me know. If you want him/her to have any particular role (player/fan/classmate, etc.), I can probably make that work, too. Thanks again for stopping by and following along. Coach Whittaker will be happy to buy you that cup of Callahan Hall Coffee. |
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11-14-2025, 12:55 PM
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#120 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 6, 2015
Toby liked the quiet of campus in early January — that cold, emptied-out stretch between New Year’s and the start of classes. St. Michael’s always felt older in winter, its stone buildings sharper against the bare trees and pale sky. He cut across the main quad first. Callahan Hall, the original 1888 building, loomed the way it always did — tower, stained glass, that faint echo you could almost feel even from outside. O’Leary Library sat opposite it, its tall windows glowing weakly in the gray twilight, like it was still guarding secrets for the handful of students who stayed over break. The Chapel bell was silent, but the place had presence anyway. The mosaic apse, the old wood, the windows of St. Michael and the Callahans — Toby paused there a moment out of habit, as he often did the morning after a long road trip. Margaret Hall was quiet too, its courtyard empty, just wind moving through the arches. He walked on toward St. Joseph’s Quad — Kolbe, Seton, DeSales, Lourdes — all dark except for a few scattered lights from early-returned RAs. The statue of St. Joseph stood in the center, dusted with snow. Toby loved this part of campus at night during the season, when first-years packed the walkways. Now it was still. Reilly Commons, usually loud with music or arguments or radio chatter from WSMC, was shuttered. The Lantern’s chalkboard menu was half-erased. Even the Cloister Walk was empty, though the lanterns buzzed faintly. He liked it quite a bit this way — just the sound of his own steps on the flagstones. It struck him how strange this stretch had been: playing nearly every three days, winning every time. Fourteen games in seven weeks. VCU, Gonzaga, Boston College — all beaten before Thanksgiving. The OT scare against Fordham, the statement win at San Diego, Tulane’s top-20 RPI, the night they outlasted North Carolina. The grind of traveling to Vanderbilt and Penn after finals, on either side of Christmas. And then two blowouts to end December — Milwaukee at home and William & Mary away to make it 14-0. For the first time all year, there were no scouting reports to read before bed, no flights to pack for, no film waiting on his laptop. Just silence. Toby stopped near O’Connell House, where Campus Ministry sometimes held soup nights. Dark now, chimney cold. He thought about his guys — Pritchard becoming the leader he swore he’d never be, Whitworth making the leap everyone predicted, Del Vecchio bruised but unbreakable, Kaplan steady as a metronome, O’Shea growing faster than anyone expected. A team that didn’t know how to panic. He looked back toward the quad. St. Michael’s had been here nearly as long as the town itself — founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Sisters of Charity, built up by the Callahans, shaped by hundreds of classes who’d lived and walked the same paths. And now this group, this improbable undefeated bunch, was about to become part of that history. He liked coaching here. He liked living here. He liked the life he'd built with Claire here, from the days they first strolled the campus together. He liked raising Nora, Grace, and Eli here. St. Michael’s had wrapped around the Whittakers in a way he hadn’t anticipated when he first arrived with doubts and a young family in tow. Classes would start soon. The campus would wake up. Conference play would hit them hard. But right now, for one quiet evening, the whole place felt like it belonged to him. Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-14-2025 at 12:56 PM. |
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11-14-2025, 01:20 PM
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#121 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 11, 2015
Code:
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11-14-2025, 03:33 PM
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#122 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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St. Michael’s Remains Undefeated with Statement Win Over #7 Temple
By Chronicle Staff Writer – January 10, 2015 The Saints proved why they are the nation’s top-ranked team, rolling to a 76-59 victory over #7 Temple at The Pavilion in front of a raucous home crowd. St. Michael’s improved to 20-0 overall and 6-0 in conference play, while Temple fell to 15-4 and 3-2. Isaiah Pritchard led the way, scoring 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-12 from three-point range, and adding four rebounds and three assists. “Isaiah was tremendous tonight,” said Head Coach Toby Whittaker. “He attacked the basket, spaced the floor, and kept Temple’s defense honest all game.” Connor Del Vecchio anchored the interior with 12 points and eight rebounds, hitting all eight of his free throws, while Kyle Whitworth contributed eight points and seven boards. Freshman Brendan O’Shea chipped in six points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 20 minutes off the bench. The Saints dominated defensively, forcing 22 turnovers and holding Temple to just 59 points. St. Michael’s applied constant pressure, with Del Vecchio, Whitworth, and Pritchard combining for ten steals. Temple struggled to find rhythm, shooting only 33 percent from three and turning the ball over repeatedly against St. Michael’s switching defenses. Temple’s Michael Embry and Caron Donato tried to spark the Owls’ offense, but the Saints’ discipline and energy proved overwhelming. Only Josh Dixon managed double figures with 11 points, while Donnell Bernard and Gerald Taylor combined for ten rebounds but were limited offensively. “This was the kind of team win we’ve been building toward,” said Whittaker. “We moved the ball, shared the ball, and defended as a unit. Every guy who played contributed.” St. Michael’s now sets its sights on the road stretch of its schedule, carrying momentum from this convincing victory over a top-10 opponent. |
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11-14-2025, 03:46 PM
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#123 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 7, 2015
Code:
Toby stood at the front of the locker room, the echo of the cheering Bonnies fans still lingering in his ears, and let the silence settle for a moment. The first loss of the season—narrow, heartbreaking, and against a tough St. Bonaventure team—hung heavy in the air. He didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. “Look,” he began evenly, locking eyes with each of them as he paced slowly, “tonight stings. It should. We wanted to stay perfect, and we didn’t. But perfection isn’t what makes champions—how you respond when you stumble is what matters.” He paused, letting his words sink in. “Isaiah, Connor, Kyle—every one of you—you played hard. You left everything on that floor. But we can’t let one game define us. We learn. We adjust. We get better. And we get ready for the next one.” He leaned against a locker and smiled, a quiet, steady reassurance. “The season isn’t over. The Saints don’t crumble because of one loss. We take this, we study it, we fix it, and we move forward. Together. That’s how we stay great.” Then, without another word, he let them digest it, knowing the real work would start in practice the next day. He believed in his team—heart, talent, and all—and he wanted them to believe it too. |
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11-17-2025, 10:25 AM
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#124 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 7, 2015
Code:
St. Michael’s tore through the first half of their Mid-Atlantic Conference slate with the confidence of a program that had already proven itself on the national stage, yet still played as though it had something new to chase. The Saints opened conference play with eight straight wins, including authoritative road victories at #22 La Salle and Rutgers, and a marquee home triumph over #8 Temple that reinforced their reputation as the league’s standard-setter. Their trademark blend of disciplined defense and deep, balanced scoring made them the toughest matchup in the conference, and by late January they were 22–0 overall and firmly entrenched at the top of the national polls. The lone stumble in that run came in Olean, where #15 St. Bonaventure handed the Saints their first loss of the year in a tight, physical rematch that snapped St. Michael’s perfect season. But the setback did little to derail them. They responded with renewed sharpness, dismantling Penn State and dominating #22 La Salle in the return meeting, then grinding out tough road wins at Saint Joseph’s and Pittsburgh. A late-season battle at #8 Temple delivered the Saints their second conference loss, but even that proved more a reminder of the league’s depth than a sign of regression. By the end of the regular season, St. Michael’s stood alone atop the Mid-Atlantic at 14–2, finishing 28–2 overall heading into postseason play. They posted the nation’s #1 RPI, showcased a résumé stacked with ranked wins, and demonstrated a consistency that separated them from even the league’s heavyweights. In a conference featuring multiple Top-25 teams and several NCAA-caliber challengers, the Saints once again proved why their program had become a perennial national force. Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-17-2025 at 10:26 AM. |
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11-17-2025, 10:35 AM
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#125 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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LA SALLE STUNS TOP-SEEDED ST. MICHAEL’S, ROLLS INTO MAC FINAL
By Evan McKenna, Philadelphia Inquirer March 14, 2015 – Brooklyn, N.Y. For more than two months, St. Michael’s had looked nearly untouchable. On Saturday afternoon, La Salle needed only 20 minutes to shatter that aura. The fourth-seeded Explorers blitzed the Mid-Atlantic Conference’s No. 1 seed with a stunning first-half shooting display, building a 38–24 halftime lead and never allowing the Saints to climb within single digits in the second half. Behind 19 points from junior wing Justin Faber and a barrage of timely threes from a balanced perimeter rotation, La Salle rolled to a 74–60 upset that sends the Explorers to Sunday’s conference title game. “We’ve been in big games before,” veteran La Salle coach Fletcher Eskew said. “The key is composure. Our kids never blinked.” Faber, named Player of the Game, was superb in every phase, finishing 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep while helping hold St. Michael’s wings in check. Point guard Justin Steiner added 12 points and seven assists, looking in control throughout, while Douglas Smith hit three threes of his own as La Salle (22–10) buried 10 triples on the afternoon. The Explorers’ bench—so often the team’s swing factor—delivered one of its best efforts of the season, with Harold Gingras and Cornelius Parks combining for 14 points in just 11 minutes. St. Michael’s (29–3) looked nothing like the poised, defensively precise group that spent much of the winter ranked No. 1 nationally. The Saints turned the ball over 17 times, struggled to generate rhythm in the halfcourt, and shot just 7-of-22 from beyond the arc. Senior guard Isaiah Pritchard led the way with 17 points, while Trey Hammond added 14 off the bench, but no other Saint reached double figures. “We were never really ourselves tonight,” Saints coach Toby Whittaker said. “La Salle dictated things from the start. They sped us up, they disrupted what we like to do, and they earned it.” The normally steady interior duo of Connor Del Vecchio and Cameron Corley combined for just 12 points, as La Salle’s physicality inside—along with constant weak-side help—cut off the Saints’ preferred early-post actions. Many of St. Michael’s passes arrived a beat late, and the Explorers’ quick hands turned several of them into runouts and open threes. High-scoring wing Kyle Whitworth endured a foul-plagued afternoon, finishing with only 2 points in 15 uneventful minutes. Even when the Saints mustered brief momentum—Pritchard’s pull-up three to cut the deficit to 10 with 8:42 remaining, or Hammond’s corner three shortly after—La Salle had an immediate counterpunch. A late 7–0 burst, punctuated by a Faber straight-line drive, effectively put the game out of reach. For St. Michael’s, the defeat is a rare stumble in an otherwise dominant season. The Saints entered the tournament with a chance to solidify a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, but Whittaker emphasized that nothing fundamental has changed. “One game doesn’t change who we are,” he said. “We’ve bounced back before, and we will again.” La Salle, meanwhile, heads to Sunday’s MAC final as the last Philadelphia team standing—and with the confidence of a group that just toppled the league’s top seed. “We’ve respected St. Michael’s for years,” Faber said. “But today, we proved we belong here. And we’re not finished.” Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-17-2025 at 10:37 AM. |
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11-17-2025, 11:05 AM
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#126 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Despite their loss in the Mid-American tournament semifinal, the Saints retained the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament.
Assigned to the East Region, Toby Whittaker's team started with a lopsided victory over play-in winner UCSB. Kyle Whitworth's 14 points and 10 rebounds were supported by a dozen points off the bench from freshman guard M.J. Tillery, 11 more from fellow reserve Trey Hammond, and the typical 20 from Isaiah Pritchard. Connor Del Vecchio added 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Wyoming, inspired by the possibility of an upset of the top team in the country, gave the Saints 40 minutes' worth of challenge. In fact, the Cowboys led by eight at the half, causing the national feed to stay with this matchup to the end. Pritchard led the Saints with 18 points, and Cam Corley scored 15 and blocked 3 shots. The Saints' first opponent in the Sweet Sixteen was a very strong Marquette team, led by veteran backcourt Billie Brough and Phil Thibodeaux. They entered the game with over 3400 career points between them, and they combined for 31 more, but the Saints' swarming man-to-man defense throttled the rest of the Golden Eagles. Corley added another double-double (12 points, 11 boards), while Pritchard (20), Whitworth (17), and Del Vecchio (12) also hit double figures. The Saints faced Marshall in the regional final. Code:
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11-17-2025, 11:19 AM
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#127 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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March 28, 2015
Senior Farewells ISAIAH Isaiah Pritchard sat in front of his locker long after most of the room had emptied, his jersey folded across his lap like something fragile. His eyes were swollen, but his voice was steady—quiet, reflective, as if he were deliberately walking back through four years of memories he wasn’t ready to let go of. “You dream about ending it in a win,” he said. “We all do. Especially when you’ve tasted it before.” He paused, rubbing a hand over his face. “My freshman year… man, that feels like a lifetime ago. I was a totally different person. And honestly? I didn’t even want to be here at first. I was stubborn, I was frustrated, I thought I knew everything. We won the national championship and everybody thinks that fixes everything, but I was still miserable, still trying to figure out who I was.” He shook his head, a small, disbelieving smile flickering. “If you told that freshman kid that one day he’d be sitting here after an Elite Eight loss feeling proud of who he’d become—proud of who we all became—he would’ve laughed at you. Or ignored you. That kid didn’t have a clue.” Isaiah lifted the folded jersey, his thumb brushing the stitched number. “This program changed me,” he said. “Coach Whittaker, the seniors from my first year, the guys in this room… they pushed me, they challenged me, they didn’t let me run from myself. And somewhere along the line, I stopped being the kid who wanted out. I started being the guy who wanted to lead.” He swallowed hard, looking up at the scoreboard still burning in his memory. “It hurts that this is the last one. It hurts a lot. But if this is how my time here ends—even in a loss—I’m grateful. We built something real. We fought like hell. And I’d go through every minute of it again.” CONNOR Connor Del Vecchio lingered in the hallway outside the locker room, still in his uniform, hands on his hips, breathing heavy though the game had ended twenty minutes earlier. Teammates drifted past him—some crying, some quiet, some staring straight ahead—but Connor stayed rooted, as if moving would make the finality too real. When he finally spoke, his voice was low, rough around the edges. “This one’s gonna stick with me,” he said. “Not just because it ended our season, but because it ended my time here. Four years… it goes fast. Way faster than you think when you’re that shy freshman who can barely get through a possession in practice without Coach barking at him.” He chuckled at that—thin, but genuine. “I was terrified that first year. I came in thinking I was ready to bang with grown men, and I got humbled pretty quick. But I had guys like Joe Greeley, Malik Jefferson, Sandy Fancher, all of ’em telling me that toughness isn’t about being the strongest guy on the court—it’s about showing up every day even when you’re getting beat up. And eventually… eventually it clicked.” He leaned back against the cinderblock wall and exhaled. “I got to be part of a championship team as a freshman. That’s something most players never touch. I didn’t play much back then, but I learned more from being around that group than I ever could’ve imagined. How they handled pressure. How they trusted each other. How they expected to win. That stuck with me.” Connor glanced down at his hands, still taped, still trembling with leftover adrenaline and heartbreak. “I wanted to bring another banner back for them—for the guys who came before us, and for the guys in this locker room now. We were so close.” He paused, then shook his head. “But I’m proud of what we did. Proud of how we fought.” He squared his shoulders, the way he always did before stepping to the free throw line. “St. Michael’s made me who I am. I grew up here. I became a leader here. And I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life. Even if tonight hurts… I wouldn’t trade any of it.” CHARLES Charles Laird lingered near the end of the locker room, still in warmups, hands tucked into the pockets of his shooting shirt. He hadn’t played a minute—not tonight, not in most games—and no one expected him to. But his eyes were red all the same. “I know people look at the box score and don’t see my name,” he said with a faint, embarrassed laugh. “But I’ve been with these guys every day for four years. Every practice, every scout team possession, every 6 a.m. lift. We all went through this together.” He shook his head, smiling just a little at the memory. “Our very first year, we won it all. I think—I think that spoiled us. Or maybe it set a standard. We thought we’d get back. We worked like we would. And to come this close again… it’s tough.” Laird looked over at the seniors’ lockers—Pritchard, Del Vecchio...and Laird—and exhaled softly. “I’m not a star. I’m not Isaiah,” he said. “But those guys… they let me be part of something unbelievable. I got to be part of a championship team as a freshman. I got to grow up with them. And tonight, sitting there on the bench, I just kept thinking how lucky I was to be along for the ride.” He paused, voice dropping. “I wish I could’ve helped them out there tonight,” he said. “Even for a minute. Even for one possession. But I’m proud of them. Proud of all of us. You don’t forget a run like this. You don’t forget teammates like these.” |
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11-17-2025, 11:30 AM
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#128 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
Assistant coach/head scout David Simpson would’ve sat with that sheet for about three seconds before grinning and saying something like, “Yeah… this is what a legit #1 seed looks like.” Then he’d start picking it apart, line by line. He’d start big picture: “We weren’t just winning; we were controlling games. Plus-13 scoring margin, #1 RPI, #1 poll, 12–4 against top-50 teams… that’s not smoke and mirrors. That’s a group that showed up every night, home and away, against real competition.” Then he’d go to the efficiency numbers, because that’s where his eyes always go first: Offense: 78.2 points per game, but the real story is the .488 FG% and .386 from three with a 1.42 points per shot – “That’s elite shot selection and execution,” he’d say. .765 at the line: “When you shoot that well from the stripe, you can actually close games out. That’s why late-game leads held.” 16.4 assists per game: “Ball didn’t stick. Everybody was a passer. That’s why our best players got clean looks.” Defense: Opponents held to 65.3 ppg on .409 FG% and .330 from three: “We made teams work for everything. Nothing easy at the rim, nothing comfortable on the perimeter.” +5.0 on defensive rebounding: “One shot and done. That’s why our transition game worked—clean rebounds, quick outlets.” 4.8 blocks, 6.7 steals per game: “We weren’t just solid; we were disruptive without fouling.” He’d love the foul differential: “We’re at 15.9 fouls per game, they’re at 19.6. So we’re more efficient, we shoot it better, and we’re not bailing people out. That’s discipline. That’s a mature team.” If he was being honest, he’d admit the two soft spots: Offensive rebounding: Just 8.7 OReb, negative margin on the glass there. “We didn’t crash like some of the old Saints teams. We traded second chances for floor balance and transition D. It was a choice, not a weakness, but it’s the one thing you circle if you’re nit-picking.” Turnovers: 14.6 a game, basically even with opponents. “We were a little loose sometimes. The trade-off for playing fast and sharing the ball. You live with a little mess when the offensive ceiling is that high.” But his main takeaway would be about identity: “If you strip the names off this sheet, you’d still say, ‘This is a championship profile.’ We shot it better than almost everyone, defended better than almost everyone, and did it against a brutal schedule. The numbers don’t say ‘hot streak’; they say ‘sustained excellence.’ You don’t get this kind of efficiency by accident. That’s talent, buy-in, and four years of culture showing up in black and white.” Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-17-2025 at 11:31 AM. |
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11-18-2025, 01:28 PM
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#129 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
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Toby found playing time for 11 players almost every night, if only for a few minutes. There was some dissatisfaction among the guys who didn't play much, and Walter Lozano seemed to resent being redshirted. He was giving serious thought to transferring by the time spring rolled around. Code:
I was hoping Isaiah Pritchard would make one of the All-American teams. He was up against two very good shooting guards--Robert Daniels of Louisville and James Parker of Georgetown--and only two of the three could be named. Isaiah was a very worthy choice as Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year. The versatility and dependability of Connor Del Vecchio and Kyle Whitworth was rewarded at the conference level, and Brendan O'Shea demonstrated enough as Connor's relief man to earn freshman honors. Toby will have to move his trophies closer together to create space for a new one, too. And, a future Saint was the star of the High School All-America Game: incoming big man Brandon Coles! Code:
Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-18-2025 at 01:29 PM. |
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11-18-2025, 02:16 PM
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#130 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 11, 2015
Saints Nation was caught somewhat off guard when Cameron Corley announced he was giving up his last year of eligibility and entering the pro draft. Cam's decision was upheld by the scouts when he heard his name called halfway through the second round, at pick #42. For Cam, it was a matter of promise more than production, for he had never averaged as many as 7 points or 7 rebounds per game as a collegian. Code:
The Saints ranked third (behind Tennessee and Florida) among programs that signed only two players. Brandon Coles joined Edward Drummond and Dale Marsh, both of St. Bonaventure, to give the league three five-star recruits. Brandon looked like he was the best-prepared to play college ball right away. Toby was rewarded for another successful season when the game leveled him up again. Now at Level 10, his ratings look like this: Recruiting: 95 Scouting: 60 Coaching Offense: 75 Coaching Defense: 75 Toby was now the third most highly-rated coach in his conference. Pitt's veteran coach, Ronald Scurry, was at Level 12, but he was regarded--perhaps a bit unfairly--as a bit of a journeyman because of his 292-282 career record. Levi Parks of St. Bonaventure, a Level 13 coach, would almost certainly win his 500th game this coming season; his career mark stood at 483-286. Meanwhile, Toby's record stood at 245-48 through eight seasons. His .836 winning percentage was the best among active coaches. The relevant ratings for his assistants included Rod Wheaton's 100 in Recruiting, David Simpson's 74 in Scouting, and Brant Fleischer's 100/80 in Coaching Offense/Defense. Toby expected at least one of his assistants to be hired away for a head coaching position, but if he could keep the staff together for another season, it had the potential to make special things happen. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-18-2025 at 02:17 PM. |
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11-18-2025, 02:26 PM
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#131 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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St. Michael's Basketball: 2015/16 Media Guide
St. Michael’s newest Head Scout, Josh Morales, arrives with a winding, experience-rich résumé that belies his 41 years. A New Boston, Michigan native and proud University of Michigan alumnus, Morales came up through the Midwest’s coaching and scouting circles before establishing himself on the East Coast as one of the region’s sharpest evaluators of talent. Morales spent the last four seasons as the head coach at Amherst, compiling a 47–77 record while overseeing a difficult rebuild. Though the win–loss totals never fully reflected it, his tenure was marked by player development successes, two All-Conference guards, and a reputation for uncovering under-recruited prospects—a skill that ultimately drew St. Michael’s attention. Before Amherst, he served as an assistant at several Division I programs, including a well-regarded stint at St. Joseph’s, where he specialized in opponent scouting and recruiting the Mid-Atlantic. Off the court, Morales is known as a grounded, steady presence. He and his wife Elena—a Philadelphia-area physical therapist—have two young children, [b]Anya[/B(13) and Marcus (11), who have already become familiar faces at The Pavilion. Friends and colleagues describe Morales as someone who balances the frenetic pace of recruiting with an unusually calm family-centered life, often joking that youth-league schedules keep him more organized than any scouting app. Now at St. Michael’s, Morales is expected to modernize the Saints’ national recruiting map, deepen their Midwest reach, and bring the sharp, detail-driven evaluations that have become his calling card. ***
Coach Morales replaced David Simpson, who left to become the head coach at Fairleigh Dickinson. |
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11-18-2025, 04:12 PM
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#132 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Toby Whittaker: Already the NCAA's Best?
By Jordan Avery, Hoops Horizon – August 2015 At 41, Toby Whittaker has already built a coaching résumé that puts him among the elite in college basketball. In eight seasons at his alma mater, St. Michael’s, he has compiled a record of 245-48, an .836 winning percentage that leads all active coaches. After reaching the national championship game in 2010-11 and falling short, Whittaker guided the Saints to the 2011-12 title and has sent his teams to the Elite Eight in each of the last three seasons. A former standout player himself—1996 Centennial Conference Player of the Year and three-time first-team All-Conference selection—Whittaker combines deep understanding of the game with an ability to connect with his players on a personal level. “Toby’s basketball IQ is off the charts, but what separates him is how much he cares,” said 2012 National Player of the Year Matt Caruso. “He pushed us hard, but he always wanted to know how we were doing as people, not just players.” Former Saints assistant Carl Wilson, now head coach at Hartford, echoed the sentiment. “Toby has a way of balancing structure and freedom. He makes every player feel valued, and that loyalty shows on the court. He’s built a culture at St. Michael’s that’s rare anywhere.” Off the court, Whittaker’s grounding comes from his family. He met his wife, the former Claire Dempsey, while a student at St. Michael’s, and the couple is raising three children in Elmridge. “Claire’s been my rock through everything,” Whittaker said in a rare personal moment. “She knows this program inside and out and has been my partner in all the highs and lows. Better yet, she knows exactly how to help me stay grounded in the moment when I'm away from the gym.” When asked if he thought Whittaker was the best coach in today's game, Andrew Walker—two-time national champion, with titles at Akron and Villanova before retiring in 2012—paused thoughtfully. “Toby’s record speaks for itself,” the gentlemanly Walker said. "But beyond the numbers, what impresses me is how he develops his players, keeps his team grounded, and manages pressure. In my eyes, he’s absolutely among the very best coaching today, and he's probably got 15, 20 years left." In fact, if Whittaker coaches as long as Walker did, he'll be on the sidelines for nearly a quarter century more. With a combination of tactical excellence, personal connection, and a strong support system, Whittaker should continue to build on his status as a winning coach, a wise mentor, and a cornerstone of St. Michael’s basketball legacy. |
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11-18-2025, 04:48 PM
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#133 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 8, 2015
Code:
The 2015/16 edition of the St. Michael's Saints welcomes back two starters from the team that spent time as the nation's #1 team and made another deep run in the NCAA tournament. Senior forward Kyle Whitworth is the team's leader, an all-action wing who can score, pass, rebound, and defend. He should score his 1000th career point before the New Year. This fall, Kyle is demonstrating a deeper repertoire of post moves. He's a beloved local favorite, a product of St. Michael's College School. The other returning starter is point guard Seth Kaplan. A sophomore, Seth combines with sophomore M.J. Tillery to give Whittaker's team 40 minutes of steady leadership. Both Seth and M.J. are exceptionally secure ball-handlers. Brendan O'Shea, who surprised almost everyone with his solid play as a freshman after arriving in Elmridge with very little fanfare, will be the starting center. A traditional big who excels at post defense, rebounding, and shot blocking, O'Shea has added enough offensive savvy to his game that pro scouts are projecting him as a first-round pick if he enters next May's draft. The first opportunity to join Brendan in the post will go to Andre Cartwright. The powerful 6'9" senior has averaged about eight minutes of playing time per contest over his 100-game Saints career, and he is looking forward to his first real opportunity to demonstrate his ability. Andre is strong, rugged, and hard-nosed, a lot like his running mate O'Shea with less scoring ability. Cartwright might be looking over his shoulder at Brandon Coles, a five-star newcomer who emerged from camp as ready for action as any freshman Whittaker has coached in years. Coles will receive lots of playing time, and might be starting by the time conference play begins. Redshirt freshman Devon Carroway spent his first year on campus preparing for the rigors of the Mid-American Conference. The former high school All American is an excellent all-around athlete who has added a more threatening jump shot to his toolkit--while taking pleasure in guarding talented opposing wings. Junior Brian Kowalski and redshirt freshman Walter Lozano provide frontcourt depth. Reserve wings Chris Donnelly and Luka Vuković will be joined by Trey Hammond once the latter serves his academic suspension. On paper, this year's Saints seem to have more questions than last year's squad did as the season begins. Will someone replace Isaiah Pritchard as the go-to scorer? Will O'Shea, Cartwright, and Coles approach the contributions made by Connor Del Vecchio and pro draft pick Cam Corley? If the answers to those questions are "yes," then Toby and the Saints might be looking at another 30-ish wins and a nice, long stay at the Big Dance. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-18-2025 at 04:50 PM. |
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11-19-2025, 07:44 AM
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#134 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 29, 2015
Code:
Some college basketball observers believed Carl Wilson was coaching for his job this season. His record over four years as head coach at Hartford was 40-87, and the Hawks hadn't played in the post-season since his first year there. As well as Coach Wilson represented his university, that level of success wasn't going to keep him employed for long. After the game, a cocky young reporter asked Carl if he thought Toby had gone somewhat easy on him, given their connections and the struggles Carl was enduring. Carl Wilson gave a small, incredulous laugh before answering — not angry, but clearly unimpressed with the question. “Come on now,” he said, shaking his head. “Toby Whittaker doesn’t take it easy on anyone. If you think he’s calling off the dogs because I used to coach with him, you don’t know him very well.” Wilson adjusted his glasses, softening the edge in his tone but not the conviction. “We beat St. Michael’s because our kids played well tonight. We were disciplined, we guarded, and we made a couple more plays than they did. That’s it.” Then he allowed a faint smile. “Trust me, Toby wants to win every drill in practice, let alone a real game. If anything, he probably wanted that one even more because it was us.” He shrugged. “They didn’t hand us anything. We earned it — and he’d be the first one to tell you that.” Toby Whittaker walked into the interview room looking calm but unmistakably irritated — not at Hartford, but at his own team’s performance. “First off, credit to Hartford,” he said. “Coach Wilson had them ready, and they played harder, tougher, and smarter than we did for long stretches. Acuna was terrific. Their guards controlled tempo, and they made big plays when they needed to.” He took a breath, folding his arms. “But for us? Seventeen turnovers, missed box-outs, giving up nine steals — that’s not St. Michael’s basketball. We were careless with the ball, and we let their pressure bother us. When you play a road game against a good, motivated team and you give them that many extra possessions, you deserve to get beat.” Toby’s tone softened, but only slightly. “Look, it’s November. We’re not going to panic after one loss. But we are going to learn from it. We’ve got veterans — Kyle played his heart out tonight — but we also have guys still figuring out their roles. That’s fine. That’s early-season basketball.” Then he finished with a touch of steel. “What I told our guys is simple: nobody’s going to hand us anything because of a number in front of our name. If we want to be the team we think we can be, we have to earn that every night. Hartford earned this one. Now we go back to work.” Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-19-2025 at 07:46 AM. |
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11-19-2025, 10:33 AM
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#135 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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December 1, 2015
This year's Saints were, as their coach pointed out, a work in progress. Unlike most St. Michael's teams, they were prone to long shooting slumps, especially from three-point range. They played tenacious defense, but as assistant Brant Fleischer pointed out, "that happens because they're top-tier athletes. I don't think this team has developed the mentality we've seen in the past. We'll see if they get there." The Saints' success and the rising prestige of their program continued to bear fruit during recruiting season. Toby and his staff kept Reading native Marcus Brantley, a four-star center who was among the top ten players at his position in the country, close to home. “Marcus is exactly the kind of big we’ve been trying to add to our program,” Toby said when asked about the 6'10" Brantley. “He’s got real size, real toughness, and he’s only scratching the surface of what he can be. What sold us was his motor — he plays every possession like it matters, and that translates. He’s a rim protector, he rebounds outside his area, and he’s developing a nice touch around the basket. But more than that, he’s a great kid, the kind of teammate our locker room thrives on. We’re thrilled he chose St. Michael’s.” Despite their growing national profile, the Saints usually didn't recruit outside the Mid-Atlantic region. However, coaches like Fleischer and former assistant David Simpson, both from the Midwest, gave the Saints a window into recruiting that region. That's where they found Aaron Voelker, a 6'5" wing with a four-star pedigree. “Aaron is one of the most polished perimeter scorers we’ve signed in a long time,” Toby said of the sharpshooter from Fond du Lac. “The shooting numbers speak for themselves — the kid can flat-out score at all three levels, and he does it efficiently. But what impressed us just as much was his competitiveness. He rebounds, he defends, he plays with real purpose. His academic profile is incredible, too. He’s mature, he’s driven, and he fits the culture we build our teams around. Aaron’s got the potential to be a major weapon in our offense, and we’re thrilled to have him joining the Saints family.” Marcus and Aaron committed on Decision Day in November. The Saints still had one scholarship offer on the table, and as good as their two committed players were, the ultimate fate of their recruiting efforts lay in that player's hands. Everyone in Elmridge knew Liam Whitworth, whether they were residents of the town or students at the college. Liam was what his classmates called a "lifer," because he had attended St. Aloysius through eighth grade and St. Michael's College School for high school. He was now a senior at SMCS. College students knew him as the younger brother of Saints captain Kyle...and anyone who paid attention to college basketball knew him as one of the best high school players in the nation. Kyle, who stood 6'8", had been a high four-star recruit. His younger brother was a top-twenty player nationally, a five-star talent. Liam was an inch taller, as versatile as his older brother, with a bit more of a big man's game. But while Kyle had chosen St. Michael's fairly early in the recruiting process, Liam seemed determined to take another path. He listed Temple, St. John's, Georgetown, and Villanova ahead of the Saints. “St. Mike’s has been my whole world — my school, my community, Kyle’s program — so it’s not like I’m running from anything,” Liam said. “But because I go to SMCS and I’ve been around the Saints forever, I think people just assume I’m following Kyle’s path. Temple, Georgetown, Villanova — those places give me a chance to step out of that bubble and define myself without comparisons. I love Coach Whittaker and the program, but I’m really thinking about what environment lets me grow on my own terms. St. Michael’s is still in it, but I need to look at what’s best for me, not just what’s familiar.” Liam attended most of the Saints' home games, wearing his SMCS gear. The fans chanted at him: "We love you, Liam!" "Don't pick Temple! *clap clap clap-clap-clap* He would smile and wave, while his mind turned over the possibilities. Temple offered him in September, and most recruiting experts thought he'd be an Owl. Liam said as much, telling a reporter he was leaning toward signing with Temple. The Saints' recruiting lead, Rod Wheaton, took it with the practiced calm of someone who’d been in this business long enough to know that honesty — even when it stings — is better than false enthusiasm. But it still hit him. He’d spent two years building a relationship with Liam, balancing the tricky dynamic of recruiting the younger brother of one of his own players while respecting Liam’s desire to be seen as his own person. Hearing Liam say he was leaning toward Temple wasn’t a shock, exactly — Wheaton had sensed the pull of a fresh start — but it tightened something in his chest all the same. “He’s got to make the decision that feels right for him,” Rod told colleagues afterward, trying to keep it even. “We’ve been straight with him from day one, and that’s all you can do. Still… yeah, you want a kid like that. You want him here.” Privately, though, Wheaton felt a mix of disappointment and respect. Disappointment because Liam was as close to a perfect fit as the Saints could hope for. Respect because choosing a different path took a kind of courage, especially for a hometown kid surrounded by the shadow of his brother’s jersey. And deep down, Rod hadn’t given up — not yet. Recruiting wasn’t over until Liam put pen to paper, and Wheaton planned to keep St. Michael’s very much in the fight. Then, on Decision Day, Temple pulled their offer to Liam. They decided to use all three of their scholarships on guards instead. Liam felt the news hit him harder than he expected — a sharp, hollow jolt right under the ribs. For months he’d told people that Temple felt like the “fresh-start” place, the one that wasn’t tied to his brother, his school, his whole Elmridge orbit. He’d liked that idea. He’d liked the Owls’ pitch about carving his own lane in Philly. And when he said publicly that he was leaning their way, he meant it. So when Temple pulled the offer — roster crunch, a surprise early commit, whatever polite reason they gave — it felt less like business and more like the ground shifting beneath him. He’d known college basketball could be cutthroat, but feeling it firsthand was something different. He didn’t get angry, at least not right away. At first he felt… embarrassed. Exposed. Like he’d pushed away the safe option only to watch the new one evaporate in his hands. Then the disappointment settled in — heavy, personal — tied up with the quiet worry that he’d misread everything. But after a night of sitting with it, Liam also felt clarity creeping in around the edges. Maybe he’d been chasing “not-St.-Michael’s” more than he’d been chasing what he truly wanted. Maybe the place he’d been trying to outrun wasn’t a shadow after all, but a home that had always left the door open. Mostly, he felt humbled — and a little wiser — knowing how fast the recruiting world could change, and how important it was to trust the programs that treated you like more than a name on a board. So, on December 1, at a signing ceremony that looked very much like his older brother's had, Liam Whitworth announced that he would play his collegiate ball at the school closest to his home, closest to his heart. He would never be Kyle's teammate--they were three years apart in age, but four years apart in school--but they would forever share the Saints bond. ***
I'll confess some artistic license here. I signed two good post players from the Philadelphia area, and edited the personal info of one of them to transform him into Liam. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-19-2025 at 10:34 AM. |
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11-19-2025, 11:19 AM
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#136 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
"Don't let that record fool you," Toby Whittaker said to his father, David, as they chatted on the phone on a cold early January evening." "But you're still winning," David pointed out to his son. "Yeah, we are, but I don't think we're where we want to be as a team. These guys are missing something: the sense that they truly are a team." Toby first noticed it when he learned that Trey Hammond would be ineligible to play during the fall semester for academic reasons. Trey was intelligent, and he had attended a good high school which had prepared him well for college-level work. His low grades were the result of a lack of effort, not a lack of ability. "Trey's in his third year with us." Toby shook his head. "He's talented academically. He has first-quality academic support, like all our players do. This is on Trey." And is it also on his teammates, who could have...should have? helped him remain on track? Toby wondered. All the coaches sensed a different vibe surrounding the program this year. "They haven't really bonded yet,"Rod Wheaton observed. "You don't see all of them, or most of them, hanging out together on campus. They drift off in groups of three or four most of the time. That's different for us." More players seemed unhappy than usual. Assistant Josh Morales, in his first year in the program, thought he might know why. "Some of the kids who are disgruntled came in as top recruits: four-star, five-star players. They were Mr. Basketball, maybe an All American. They arrive on campus and, for the first time since ninth grade, they see guys who are more physically mature than they are. Heck, maybe this is the first time that's happened, period. "They're competing for playing time against adult men, 21 years old, 22 years old. These guys have played dozens of games of college ball. Joe High School is maybe more talented, but he's not as tough, and he's not as ready to help us win right now, in this moment, as that three-star dude who's seen it all--and won. "All their lives, these kids have been The Man. Some of them aren't adjusting well to not being The Man any longer." Walter Lozano was one of those players. His credentials as a high school All American didn't mean a thing to a man like Andre Cartwright. Andre was a senior, 253 pounds of muscle, already possessing what Toby called "man strength." Walter was almost the same size, but Andre knew how to assert himself physically in ways Walter was still learning to do. Brendan O'Shea, who was willing himself into a future pro through unrelenting effort, wasn't about to defer to an unproven freshman. Right now, Andre and Brendan were better college players than Walter was. Luka Vuković was unhappy, too. He was undoubtedly talented and versatile, with the frame and ability to play as a stretch big or a conventional wing. But Luka lacked the presence of Cartwright and the polish of Devon Carraway, who had a year's worth of development at St. Michael's. And Luka certainly wasn't going to push Kyle Whitworth to the bench. Toby tried his best to keep the unhappy players involved and connected to the program. He adjusted his depth chart for each game, bringing in different subs first if the game's circumstances would allow him to do so. Yes, like Toby told his dad, the Saints were winning. But the team wasn't having as much fun, and Toby wondered if the winning would continue if the players didn't decide to think and act like a team. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-19-2025 at 11:21 AM. |
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11-19-2025, 02:01 PM
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#137 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Trent Voss was the reporter who asked Carl Wilson if Toby had possibly been less aggressive in pursuing victory against his former assistant when Hartford beat St. Michael's in November. This sort of question wasn't entirely out of character for the young scribe.
Harry Bennett was the grandfather of Philly-area basketball reporters. He was already a veteran when he covered Toby Whittaker the point guard. Now in his late sixties, with gray hair and a pleasantly wrinkled face, Harry was universally well-liked within the college basketball community. Harry had this to say about his fellow reporter: "That Trent Voss… kid’s got energy, I’ll give him that. But he’s got this knack for sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong—always chasing the story, asking the pointed questions. You can’t help but admire the drive, but sometimes he needs a little reminder that there’s a line between being persistent and being a pest." He might chuckle and add, "Give him a few years, and he could be a real reporter—but right now, he’s more like a mosquito at a picnic: annoying, but you can’t ignore him." Still, the other reporters in the room were surprised when Trent made this comment to Toby after the Saints lost at St. Bonaventure: "This year's team has lost more conference games than any in your career. You've lost five now. What's wrong with the Saints this year? Coaching? Execution? The will to win?" Toby was almost always unflappable, even jovial, during his pressers. This time his brown eyes flashed with a temper he struggled to subdue. “Trent, nothing’s ‘wrong’ with this team. We’re 22–5 in one of the toughest leagues in the country, and every night we’re getting everybody’s best shot. That’s reality when you’ve built the kind of program we have. Are we perfect? No. We’ve got to clean up late-game execution, and I’ve got to coach better in a couple of spots—believe me, I look in the mirror before I look anywhere else. But questioning this group’s will to win? Come on. These guys fight. They show up every day, they take every punch, and they respond. We’re not panicking, we’re not splintering, and we’re certainly not apologizing for a few conference losses. We’ll tighten things up. We always do.” Harry Bennett read the situation perfectly and asked Toby a question that allowed him to praise the attitude and hard work of his seniors. The tension in the room visibly calmed. But, while Trent could have been more tactful, he did ask a question Toby and his staff pondered over, too. Code:
The Saints were good, but they weren't as good as the two best teams in the Mid-Atlantic Conference. They lost both ends of their home-and-home sets with Temple and St. Bonaventure, and stumbled at La Salle, too. And nothing seemed to satisfy Walter Lozano, Luka Vuković, and the other brooding players. Toby made it a practice to let all the team's seniors start the final home game of their Saints career. Even if the game was a "must-win" contest, he'd let each senior hear his name announced with the starters and play a few minutes, at least. Kyle Whitworth had started 102 consecutive games, so his place was secure. Andre Cartwright, with 15 starts in 31 games, was also a natural choice. The third senior was Chris Donnelly, and his was a different case. A 6'7" wing from nearby Archbishop Carroll High, Chris arrived at St. Michael's in the fall of 2010. He redshirted his first year, but he still earned--and proudly wore--his NCAA championship ring. In the seasons since then, Chris had taken the floor in 66 games, playing just under 300 minutes. Chris's career had certainly not gone the way he had planned, but he had never once complained. Instead, he practiced as hard as any of his teammates, and he was the first player off the bench to celebrate a big moment with them. Toby didn't pause a moment before deciding that Chris would join his fellow seniors in the starting five. How different was his attitude from that of his sulking teammates? This is what happened that night, when the Saints hosted Saint Joseph's: Code:
What had been planned as a cameo appearance turned into much more. Chris Donnelly played so well that any coach would have given him a starter's minutes. "I'm thrilled to have played so well and contributed so much," a smiling Donnelly told the press after the game. "I wish I hadn't missed all those threes, though." He flashed them a playful wink. Toby had seen something like this happen before. Five years ago, seldom-used Randolph Querry played like a star on his Senior Night. Like Donnelly, Querry had been a model teammate, a player everyone rooted for. Toby and his staff decided to roll with Randolph for the rest of the season, a run that ended when he started the national championship game. That's why Toby told his players that Donnelly would start again at Penn State. Code:
Kyle Whitworth couldn't wait to talk about his classmate and friend. “Man, Chris has been waiting for that moment, and he showed everybody what we already knew in our locker room. That’s not luck—that’s a senior who’s been grinding for four years and was ready when his number got called. What I loved most was how calm he was. No nerves, no forcing anything, just playing his game. He rebounds, he defends, he cuts hard, he hits shots—he makes winning plays. You can trust him on the floor. And honestly? It fired all of us up. Seeing a guy who’s put in that much work finally get his shot and deliver like that… it lifts the whole team. Chris earned those starts, and he made us better in both games.” Would this be the moment that caused all fifteen Saints to pull together for the first time all season? Even Trent Voss didn't put a cynical spin on this story. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-19-2025 at 02:03 PM. |
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11-19-2025, 04:07 PM
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#138 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
Toby continued to ride with his three seniors as the Saints moved into the Mid-Atlantic tournament. As the #2 seed, the Saints first faced a La Salle team that had beaten them during the regular season. Code:
It was a gritty, defensive game, one for which the Saints put their hard hats on and approached with a mindset the three seniors generated. Two of them, Kyle Whitworth and Chris Donnelly, were the only Saints to score in double figures, while the third, Andre Cartwright, asserted himself by rebounding and blocking shots. Next came a rematch with St. Bonaventure, who had already beaten them twice. Code:
This was the game Chris Donnelly dreamed of playing when he shot alone in his high school game, the one he worked for when he showed up for 6 a.m. lifting sessions at The Pavilion. Pitt's upset of top-seeded Temple spoiled the Saints' chance to avenge all their conference losses. Still, Toby and his team had lots to play for. Code:
Ahead by 15 points at halftime, the Saints doubled their advantage in the second half and grabbed the Mid-Atlantic Conference tournament trophy with both hands. "We're playing our best basketball of the season at the right time," assistant Rod Wheaton pointed out. "We're looking forward to seeing how long we can make this run last." Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-19-2025 at 08:39 PM. |
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11-20-2025, 11:28 AM
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#139 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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St. Michael’s 2016 NCAA Tournament run was the kind of March surge that stamped the Saints—again—as one of college basketball’s true heavyweights. Entering as the #2 seed in the East Region, they brought a hardened edge from three straight Elite Eight trips, a seasoned senior core, and a rapidly rising sophomore center in Brendan O’Shea.
Their opening-round win over Belmont was a showcase of senior firepower. Kyle Whitworth scored 24, attacking relentlessly off the bounce, while Chris Donnelly poured in 25 in his NCAA Tournament debut as a starter. The Saints rolled, 87–64, and looked every bit the juggernaut many expected. Two days later, #17 Pepperdine nearly derailed the run, but St. Michael’s clawed out a 73–69 win behind late-game poise and defense. The Saints moved on to the Sweet Sixteen—again. The second weekend was where their stars erupted. Against LSU, Whitworth authored one of the greatest performances in school history: 38 points, including a school-record 18-for-18 at the free-throw line. His closing stretch—getting downhill, absorbing contact, and sinking every foul shot—dragged the Saints to an 85–77 win that left the arena buzzing. Then came Duke, and the emergence of unexpected hero Trey Hammond. The sophomore guard came off the bench firing, hitting threes, attacking gaps, and finishing with 15 points as St. Michael’s smothered the Blue Devils, 77–56. It was a statement win—defensive, decisive, and emblematic of the program Whittaker had built. The Saints reached the Final Four, where Cinderella 10-seed Notre Dame finally halted their run. Hammond again shone with 20 points, keeping the Saints afloat on a night when nothing came easily. But ND’s physicality and timely shot-making proved too much, and St. Michael’s fell 76–63, finishing the season 32–7. The Fighting Irish went on to defeat Temple in the national championship game. In the postgame room, Toby Whittaker spoke with a mix of pride and sorrow: “March is cruel, but it’s also beautiful,” Whittaker said. “Kyle, Chris, Trey—every guy in that locker room earned this run. We didn’t get the ending we wanted, but they represented this program the right way. They played like Saints.” The loss stung. But the journey—highlighted by career-making performances and another national semifinal appearance—cemented St. Michael’s as a program built not just to compete in March, but to belong there. Code:
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11-20-2025, 01:16 PM
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#140 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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It's time to meet the character forum member Greyfriars Bobby created for our story. Thanks for the idea, GB.
Father Robert Grey, C.S.C. is one of the most recognizable faces on the St. Michael’s campus—not just in the chapel, but in the stands of The Pavilion. A young priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Father Rob enrolled at St. Michael’s in the early 2000s, graduating just a few years before Toby Whittaker returned to his alma mater to take over the Saints program. Even as a student, Rob was known for a rare blend of warmth, humor, and a deep intellectual curiosity about faith, community, and, of course, basketball. After discerning a call to religious life during his senior year, he entered formation with the Holy Cross Fathers and was ordained in his early thirties. His first assignment brought him back home to the place that shaped him. Now in his first year in service as a campus chaplain, he oversees student spiritual life, mentors student-athletes, and maintains an open-door policy that makes him a fixture in the daily rhythm of St. Michael’s. What sets Father Rob apart is that he is, by universal admission, an avid and unusually knowledgeable basketball fan. He grew up studying box scores with his father, can recite Saints stats from the 1980s by memory, and watches film with the same analytic sharpness as any assistant coach. During the season, he attends nearly every practice—always careful to keep a respectful distance—but he’s the quiet, steady figure players turn to when pressure mounts or a tough loss stings a little too deeply. Known for his breezy conversational style and for quoting both Scripture and KenPom with equal enthusiasm, Father Rob embodies the Holy Cross mission of educating the whole person: mind, heart, and soul. And on winter nights, when the Saints take the floor, he cheers with the fervor of someone who loves the game, the program, and the young people he serves. Father Rob enjoyed taking a deep dive into these statistics: Code:
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“Well,” Father Rob began, leaning back in his chair in his office at O'Connell House, “if you looked at the whole picture, this team was exactly who we thought they were by the end: a group that defended like grown men and rebounded like their lives depended on it.” On the Team Profile “The first thing that jumped off the page,” he said, tapping the table, “was the defensive consistency. Holding teams to 61 points a night in modern college basketball—that wasn’t normal. That was discipline. That was buy-in. That was a group that played for each other.” He pointed to the rebounding margins. “Rebounding? My goodness. +7 on the glass? Number three in the country in defensive rebound margin? That was identity. You don’t stumble into that. That was O’Shea, Coles, Cartwright, even Whitworth, all doing their jobs every night.” Then he gave a warm, knowing laugh. “I know folks got anxious about the 11–5 conference mark. But from a priest: sometimes the hardest stretches are the ones that form you. And they stopped the bleeding when it counted.” On the Offense “Offensively, they were efficient without being flashy,” he explained. “They didn’t turn it over at an elite rate, but they shot it well enough, and they got to the free-throw line. The adjusted field goal percentage was top-10 territory. That wins in March.” He looked over the shooting table with approval. “Free throws at 74 percent—thank heavens. A few years earlier we would’ve prayed for that.” On Whitworth Father Rob smiled as if speaking about a former student he admired. “Kyle’s numbers were… well, they were All-America numbers. He scored 19 a night, rebounded, defended, shot almost 40% from three, and did it while carrying the biggest workload on the team. And he didn’t pad anything—he took the right shots.” On O’Shea and the Frontcourt “O’Shea was the quiet engine,” he said. “Seven boards in 26 minutes, a block per game, reliable touches… he wasn’t perfect at the line, bless him, but everything else was sturdy.” He gestured to Coles and Cartwright. “And look at this: two power forwards, both rebounding at starting-center levels. That’s why the Saints lived on second possessions.” On the Guards He nodded as he reviewed the backcourt. “Kaplan didn’t score a lot, but he controlled the game. Four-and-a-half assists, low turnovers, and he guarded. Every team needed a steady hand like that.” His finger tapped Hammond’s row. “Trey Hammond’s efficiency was outstanding—48% from the field, 43% from three. That was the profile of a guy who won you a tournament game. And, well… he literally did.” Carraway and Donnelly brought out a broad, fatherly smile. “Those two? Just solid, team-first wings. They gave you offense when you needed it and didn’t force a thing.” Final Thoughts Father Rob folded his hands. “When you stepped back, the story of that team was pretty clear: guard the daylights out of people, rebound the misses, trust your star, and let everyone else play to their strengths. That formula took them all the way to Houston.” He shrugged gently. “Some teams won with fireworks. This one won with habits. And that,” he added with a friendly grin, “was a very Holy Cross way to win a basketball game.” |
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11-20-2025, 01:42 PM
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#141 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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April 4, 2016
Code:
Father Rob was right about Kyle Whitworth, All American. Code:
All-Freshman choice Brandon Coles joined Kyle as the only Saints to win post-season honors from the Mid-Atlantic Conference. I think that says a lot about the balance of this year's team, which reached the Final Four with only one tru star. Brendan O'Shea decided to heed the call of professional scouts, who told him he had a chance to be picked in the first round. He'll forgo his final two years of eligibility. Several of his teammates, who spent the year being disgruntled about one thing or another, might follow him out of the program. April 9, 2016 Center Brendan O'Shea was, indeed, a first round pick in the pro draft. He was selected #19 overall. Brendan was the second Mid-Atlantic player to hear his name; Temple big man Donnell Bernard, a senior who was third team All-American, was picked at #17. None of the unhappy players--Walter Lozano, Brian Kowalski, Luka Vuković--decided to transfer, much to Toby's surprise. He hoped they would return to campus with an improved attitude. "They're talented players, and they're good guys," he said. "We recruited them for a reason. We want them to be here, but only if they want to be here, too." Code:
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Toby and his staff pulled in a Top 10 recruiting class for the first time, highlighted by hometown star Liam Whitworth. All three new Saints look like they will be ready for playing time as freshmen. St. Bonaventure won the services of Bastien Hellin, a French point guard who is said to be the best young player in the world. They also landed a five-star center and shooting guard Clinton Rucker, whom the Saints also recruited hard. |
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11-20-2025, 02:50 PM
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#142 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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May 1, 2016
Carl Wilson called Toby late in the afternoon, the tone of his voice a mixture of frustration and resignation. “Toby,” Carl said, clearing his throat, “I just… I wanted you to hear it from me first. They let me go at Hartford. I’m done.” Toby felt a knot in his stomach. “Carl… I—” he started, struggling for the right words. “I know,” Carl interrupted gently. “It’s just the way it goes sometimes. I wanted to tell you because you’ve been a friend through all of this.” There was a long pause on the line. Toby could hear the quiet behind Carl’s words—the weight of four years of effort ending suddenly. “I appreciate that, Carl. I really do,” Toby finally said. “I’m going to miss having you around. You know that.” Carl chuckled softly, tinged with bitterness. “Yeah… I know. Don’t worry, I’ll land on my feet. I always do. Just… don’t forget about me, okay?” “Never,” Toby promised. “Never.” The conversation ended with both men quietly acknowledging the hard realities of the coaching world—but also the enduring bond of friendship that neither firing nor career moves could erase. ***
Carl Wilson was one of Toby's closest friends—someone he’d coached with, someone whose son he’d known since the boy was in grade school, someone who had always spoken well of the Saints program. Seeing Carl get fired after four tough seasons hurt. “I didn’t like it,” Toby said flatly. “Carl’s a good coach and a better man. Sometimes this business just chews people up.” Then Hartford turned around and hired his own head recruiter, Rod Wheaton. Toby felt something very different—pride, mostly, and a little bit of that bittersweet sting that comes when you lose someone who mattered to your staff. “Rod deserved another shot,” Toby said. “He’s been a head coach before. He's put in the years, he’d recruited at a high level, he’d built real relationships. I was proud of him. I still am.” He acknowledged the awkward optics—one friend pushed out, another promoted in his place—but Toby refused to entertain any narrative that pitted the two against each other. “There wasn’t any politics in it,” he said. “Carl and Rod are different coaches. One guy’s tough break shouldn’t take away from another guy’s opportunity.” More than anything, Toby emphasized that both men mattered to him. “I love Carl. I love Rod. I wanted success for both of them. And if Rod gets Hartford rolling, I’d bet Carl will be one of the first guys to call and congratulate him.” He paused, then added with a quieter sincerity: “It’s a small world in coaching. You don’t root against your own people.” ***
Soon after, the St. Michael's athletic department issued a press release. Ethan Pearson, 28, joins St. Michael’s as the program’s head recruiter for the 2016/17 season, marking his first position in collegiate basketball. A native of Portland, Maine, Pearson attended Portland High School, where he was a three-time all-conference guard and team captain. He went on to Colby College, earning four varsity letters and serving as team captain in his senior year while graduating with a degree in economics. After college, Pearson spent several years working in basketball operations and player development for elite AAU and prep school programs in the Northeast. During that time, he honed his eye for talent, built a broad network among high school coaches, and developed a reputation for identifying prospects who excel on and off the court. Pearson now brings that expertise to St. Michael’s, helping head coach Toby Whittaker assemble rosters capable of competing for national championships while emphasizing character, academics, and team fit. "I’m thrilled to step into the college game," Pearson said. "St. Michael’s has a tradition of excellence on and off the court, and I want to find players who will thrive here—not just as athletes, but as students and future leaders." |
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11-21-2025, 11:13 AM
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#143 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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September 1, 2016
The autumn of 2016 brought changes to the Whittaker family in ways that rooted it more firmly to the world of St. Michael's. Claire had spent three weeks of the summer before her senior year at St. Michael's assisting with a children's art camp on campus. Her mentor, Sister Marianne Keating, realized something as she watched Claire working with the young artists. “Claire, you have the hands of an artist—but more importantly, you have the heart of a teacher. Don’t ignore that. You make people believe they can create.” Claire laughed it off at the time, insisting she just enjoyed helping the younger students shade their charcoal drawings or mix colors properly. Sister Marianne shook her head. “There’s a difference between enjoying something and being called to it. You guide without pushing. You never rush them. You give them permission to be brave. That’s a gift in this world.” At the time, Claire had her mind on other things: becoming an acclaimed painter, perhaps a curator at a leading art museum. But Sister Marianne saw another future for her. “One day, you’ll have a studio of your own here—or somewhere just like it," she said. "And the students will look to you the way they look to me now. I hope you’ll let yourself imagine that future.” Now that her children were older, Claire felt a tug at her heart, one that pulled her in the direction Sister Marianne had described. In spring 2016, a long-standing member of the art faculty at St. Michael's College School announced his retirement. Claire applied for the position and, to her surprise and delight, was hired. As August turned to September. Mrs. Whittaker was teaching Drawing & Painting, Foundations of Studio Art, and the upper-lever Portfolio Seminar at SMCS. Her classroom—sunlit, warm, and cluttered with sketchbooks, drying canvases, and jars of mismatched brushes—was one of the few quiet corners of campus where students felt at ease to wander in after hours. Nora, soon to turn fifteen, had just started high school, wide-eyed but quietly confident. She spent her early weeks figuring out the rhythm of SMCS—new teachers, a bigger campus, and a lot more homework—but she already loved her English class. Her notebooks were filling up with story ideas, poem fragments, and observations about her classmates. She joined the freshman writing club and hoped to submit something to the school literary magazine by winter. When Saints home games rolled around, she sometimes brought a journal instead of a foam finger. Grace, almost thirteen, always the social one, settled easily into her last two years at St. Aloysius. She was thriving in her art elective, where her teachers praised both her creativity and her willingness to help younger students. She’d also taken an interest in volleyball and was trying out for the middle-school team. At home, she split her time between drawing in her sketchbook and shadowing her mom in the art room, soaking up whatever techniques she could. Eli was weeks away from his eleventh birthday. He marched into 5th grade with his usual mix of curiosity and boundless energy. He had become a math and engineering kid—constantly showing the family new contraptions he’d built from LEGO or poring over basketball statistics. He played CYO basketball in the winter--quite well--and insisted on wearing his Saints hoodie at least three times a week. As the youngest, he remained the family comedian, always ready with a joke, especially when a long school day needed some lightening up. At the same time, he was a remarkably sensitive boy, one who demonstrated empathy and kindness with his classmates. And Toby was about to begin his tenth season as the coach of the Saints. Eli could quickly figure in his head that his Dad's "average" team had posted a 31-6 record. Most Saints fans could tell you their team had made it as far as the Elite Eight six straight times. The list of teams that were regarded as highly as St. Michael's was had grown very, very short: Temple, St. Bonaventure, Marquette, Houston. The first two were the Saints' conference opponents, which made Toby's task all the more challenging. A few wrinkles had appeared at the corners of Toby's eyes, and there was a shading of grey hair at his temples now. Meanwhile Claire, looked like she was ten years younger, with only a few light laugh lines at the corners of her eyes that she wore very well. Life was good. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-21-2025 at 11:15 AM. |
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11-21-2025, 12:24 PM
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#144 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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November 6, 2016
Code:
Toby Whittaker wasn't used to seeing his team ranked so high at the beginning of a season. For a while, the experts had seemed to be unable to get past the image they had of the Saints as a plucky mid-major, punching above its weight. Now they were a national power, perennially among the favorites to win one of the toughest conferences in the nation. "The days of sneaking up on people are long gone," he pointed out with a smile and a shake of his head. "Almost everyone on the roster is going to have to get used to a new role," assistant Brant Fleischer said. "Our success will depend on how easily everyone settles into those roles." The role of Talisman would possibly be played by sophomore Brandon Coles. It wasn't common for the Saints to rely so heavily on a player with 19 career starts, but Coles was not a common player. He was an elite rebounder and a fearsome shot blocker, an interior anchor on whom a successful team could rely. Scoring would probably never be Brandon's forte, but pro scouts were already speculating about whether he would enter the draft in the spring. The role of Senior Leader would be played by Seth Kaplan, but he might be coming off the bench to do so. Junior M.J. Tillery had understudied Seth for two years, gaining the experience that enabled him to make the most of his talent. M.J. could now do everything Seth could do, most of them at a higher level. Seth handled the news exactly the way everyone around the program expected—calmly, maturely, and with the kind of perspective a lot of seniors never quite reach. “Look, starting is great, of course,” he said with an easy shrug, “but winning is better. M.J. earned this. He’s had an unbelievable offseason, and he brings something special to the floor. My job doesn’t change just because I check in at the eight-minute mark instead of the twenty-minute mark. I’m here to steady us, to lead, to make sure the ball finds the right guy. If that helps us win, that’s all I care about. That’s the privilege of being a senior—you stop worrying about your name in the lineup and focus on the scoreboard.” Devon Carraway and Trey Hammond had both enjoyed some success in the role of Go-To Scorer, and Toby decided to see if both players could star in the same show. Both were very good shooters, and Carraway was turning into a premium defender on the perimeter. Toby worried a bit about teams matching a big wing against them, a player who would post them up. Liam Whitworth, whose 6'9" frame would allow him to guard this kind of player, might be just what the team needed. Whitworth, the Highly Touted Freshman, was proving himself ready to play college basketball. At this stage, his defense was his most valuable skill, but Toby could afford to be patient while he learned to score against college players. His classmate, Aaron Voelker, was already ready to do just that. "He's perhaps the best pure shooter we've had here since George Bergman," Toby said to his staff one night after he'd won another shooting contest at practice. Aaron might be able to shoot his way into the rotation. Another freshman, Marcus Brantley, would compete for playing time with senior Brian Kowalski. Toby was leaning toward placing Brian ahead of Marcus on the depth chart. "It doesn't help anyone to have a senior displaying too much frustration," he pointed out. "Brian has worked hard, and this is his last chance to show what he can do. Marcus has more time. It doesn't hurt to have a young guy waiting his turn, developing as a player so he's ready when we need him." And then there was Luka Vukovic. Luka's development had seemed to stall somewhat. Was that because he'd never been truly happy with his situation? But he'd had the chance to transfer, and never had done so. He liked everything else about St. Michael's. According to the preseason poll, the Philadelphia suburbs were the center of the college basketball universe. Villanova was ranked #1, with St. Michael's right behind them. The Wildcats returned a roster with almost 200 collegiate starts among them. The Saints had barely half that many, and 75 of those were on the record of a single player: Seth Kaplan. That's why Coach Fleischer believed the season would depend on the adjustments that nearly every Saint had to make. |
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11-24-2025, 01:47 PM
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#145 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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The holiday season brought an additional level of magic to the always-charming town of Elmridge and the St. Michael's College campus.
A stately Norway spruce that was planted near Callahan Hall in the early 1950s was transformed into The Saints' Tree right after Thanksgiving each year. Students and faculty came together to decorate the Tree, often with hand-made ornaments. Carolers toured campus almost every night, bringing much-needed joy to stressed students facing exams. The streets of Elmridge were strung with garlands and twinkling lights. The town's Holiday Parade took place on the first Saturday in December, featuring local marching bands and the arrival of Santa, riding an antique fire truck. Everyone loved the College-Community Holiday Concert, a collaboration between ensembles from St. Michael's and the local high school. And early December brought even more excitement than usual, as the Saints held their place as the #2 team in the nation. Seeded first in the prestigious Preseason NIT, the Saints won four straight games and the tournament title, walloping a Minnesota team that was then ranked #7 by over twenty points. A victory over Valparaiso at The Pavilion and a rout of Pepperdine (in Malibu ) completed the schedule to date. Trey Hammond and Devon Carraway led a balanced scoring attack, while Brandon Coles dominated the post.The Saints' recruiting efforts brought even more joy. New assistant Ethan Pearson was settling in perfectly, and by the first of December, the Saints had landed three recruits with whom they were delighted. The first to sign was Ethan Rosenzweig, a four-star shooting guard from nearby Harriton High School. Coach Pearson said, “Ethan was one of the first players in this class who made us stop the tape and say, ‘We need to see more.’ His shooting ability is the headline—he’s one of the cleanest, most natural perimeter shooters we saw all year. The form, the balance, the confidence… it’s all there. But what really sold us was how he kept expanding his game. He’s grown into a smart, patient scorer who understands how to move without the ball, how to work out of screens, how to get to his spots. And defensively, he’s made real strides. He competes, he anticipates well, and he’s learning how to use his length to bother people. Ethan is also incredibly coachable. He asks the right questions, he wants to be pushed, and he cares about the details. For us, he’s a perfect cultural fit: humble kid, high-character family, hungry to grow. His shooting is going to open up the floor right away, but long-term, we think he can become a complete two-way guard in our program. We’re thrilled he chose St. Michael’s.” The program's increased budget--the Saints could now spent nearly $25,000 per month on recruiting--enabled them to evaluate, visit, and sign five-star player Mindaugas Kairys from Vilnius, Lithuania. “Now that Mindaugas is officially part of our program, I can say this with confidence: we landed a cornerstone, Coach Pearson said. "At 7’1” with that strength already built into his frame, he gives us a physical presence we simply haven’t had in a while. His inside scoring is advanced for his age, and as he continues to refine his touch and footwork, he’s going to be a real option on the block from day one. What really jumps out is his ceiling on the glass and as a rim protector. His rebounding motor is exceptional, and when you pair that with his potential as a shot-blocker, he can change the geometry of the court defensively. He’s still learning the finer points—angles, timing, anticipation—but the tools are there in a big way. And he’s a smart, coachable kid. He picks things up quickly, he asks the right questions, and he’s hungry. That matters. We don’t just expect him to contribute—we expect him to grow into one of the best big men this program has seen. Having him committed feels like a major piece falling into place.” The third signee was perhaps the most exciting of all. Colton Reddick, from the small town of Whitehall, New York, was a 6'1" combo guard, the #9 player in the nation. Ethan Pearson couldn't contain his praise. “Colton is the kind of guard whom opponents need to account for from the moment he crosses half court. His shot-making is truly elite—deep range, a fast release, and the confidence to take the biggest shots on the floor. You have to stretch your defense to account for him, and that opens everything else up. What people sometimes overlook is how skilled he is with the ball. Colton’s not just a shooter—he’s a creator. His handle is tight enough to get him into gaps, and he sees the floor well. He makes the right pass, keeps the ball moving, and doesn’t play with blinders on. That combination of perimeter scoring and playmaking is why he’s so dangerous. Athletically, he’s explosive. Quick first step, real lift, great energy—he can beat you multiple ways. Defensively, he’s still developing, but he has the speed and bounce to grow into someone who can guard his position effectively with coaching and time. What sold us as much as the talent was his mindset. For a kid with his reputation, he works like someone fighting for minutes. He wants to be challenged. He wants to get better. Colton is a special, multi-dimensional guard—one who can anchor a class and elevate a program.” There was a fourth scholarship available if Toby found the right player, but with Rosenzweig, Kairys, and Reddick already aboard, he felt no sense of panic. And even if he had, those thoughts would have been far from his mind right now. The snow had started falling lightly, dusting the steps of Callahan Hall in a soft, white blanket. Families and students gathered in the courtyard, their breath steaming in the cold evening air. At the center stood the Saints’ Tree, tall and proud, its branches twinkling with thousands of white lights. Toby wrapped his scarf tighter and nudged Claire. “Nothing beats this,” he said, watching students laugh as they adjusted strings of ornaments on the lower branches. Claire held a small box of handcrafted decorations. One was a painted wooden angel she had made back when she was a student at St. Michael’s. “It’s the kids who make it magical,” she said, placing the ornament carefully in a spot where it caught the light. She glanced toward the courtyard stage, where the St. Michael’s choir began their traditional carol sing-along, a mix of old favorites and new. Nora clutched a notebook, scribbling furiously as she watched the choir. She had been sketching little designs for the tree all week, trying to capture the glow of each bulb and the swirl of falling snow. “I want to remember every detail,” she murmured, eyes wide with excitement. Grace tugged on Toby’s sleeve. She had brought a tiny knitted mitten ornament she had made in 7th grade, insisting it go right in the middle so it would be visible to everyone. “Can we check out the gingerbread houses afterward? I heard there’s one shaped like The Pavilion!” In the corner of the courtyard, local families had set up a gingerbread village display, a tradition that had grown from a small bake sale into a full-blown community exhibit, complete with miniature lights and candy pathways. Eli, his cheeks pink from the cold, ran ahead with a small red-and-gold bell he had made in art class. He jingled it loudly as he waved to friends collecting candy canes from a nearby float. “Look! Santa’s here!” he shouted, laughing. At the same time, a group of students led a lantern walk down the snowy streets of Elmridge, the warm glow reflecting off shop windows and drawing passersby into the festive atmosphere. Toby laughed, watching his family spread out across the quad. The lights reflected off the snow, and for a moment, all the stress of the season, the pressures of basketball, and the noise of campus life faded. Here, in the glow of the Saints’ Tree, with each Whittaker adding a little piece of themselves to the celebration, it felt like the whole town of Elmridge—students, families, and alumni—was sharing in their joy. Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-24-2025 at 02:07 PM. |
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11-25-2025, 10:49 AM
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#146 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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The Drake Bulldogs made the trip from Des Moines to face the Saints on December 3. Here's Ray Kessler's radio call of the game's final half-minute:
“Twenty-two seconds left… Saints down two… Kaplan brings it across midcourt, Coach Whittaker's out of time-outs. Crowd on its feet here at the Pavilion—nobody sitting now. Kaplan drifts right… finds Carraway on the wing. Devon sizing up his man… fifteen seconds… Carraway steps back… he’s going to take the three… for the lead—IT’S UP— …no good! Off the back rim! Loose rebound—tipped—Lozano’s got it! Walter Lozano pulls it down under the basket, eight seconds! He goes back up—contested—puts it up— …and it rolls off! No good! Scramble for it—ball still loose—Carraway diving—time winding down— and that’s it. That’s the horn. Drake 74, St. Michael’s 72. A stunned Pavilion crowd watching the Saints drop their first game of the season. They had two looks at it—Carraway with the clean three, Lozano with the second chance—but the basketball gods weren’t with them tonight. Saints fall to 6–1, and Drake earns a hard-fought road win. We’ll step aside for the postgame show… Stay with us.” Toby was gracious, but honest, in his post-game interview. “Yeah… tough one. You never like to lose in this building, and certainly not when you give yourself enough chances to win it late. But look, Drake earned it. They were the tougher team for longer stretches tonight, and that matters. Our guys competed. They played hard. Effort wasn’t the issue. Execution was. You go 14-for-22 at the line and 8-for-27 from deep—well, that’s a lot of empty possessions. In a two-point game, those add up real fast. We got the shots we wanted at the end. Devon’s hit that step-back plenty of times. Walter made a great play to get the offensive board. I’ll take both of those looks again. They just didn’t fall. We’re not going to panic over one night. We’ve been really good at the line this year, really disciplined offensively. Tonight wasn’t that. So we’ll own it, we’ll learn from it, and we’ll get better. If this group responds the way I think they will, this’ll end up being a game that makes us stronger. But credit to Drake. They came in here ready, and they deserved to walk out with a win.” Toby was right. Going into the game, the Saints had made nearly 80 percent of their free throws. Devon Carraway was making half his threes. Walter Lozano was shooting nearly as well, particularly from inside the paint. Toby and his team refused to let this loss define them...or ruin their holiday season. |
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11-25-2025, 12:44 PM
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#147 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
The Saints spun off seven straight wins after the loss to Drake, a stretch that saw them ascend to the top of the polls. While Toby's team could, and did, score, it was the quality of their defense that was making them special. The Saints were leading the nation in points allowed, scoring margin, defensive efficiency, and three-point percentage allowed, and were in the top five or ten in almost every other defensive category. This wasn't an accident. "Almost every player we recruit distinguished himself with his ability to play defense in high school," Toby pointed out. "And if they didn't, they almost always demonstrated the ability to step it up once they got here." Redshirt sophomore Devon Carraway echoed his coach's sentiment. "We take a lot of pride in our defense here. If you want to get playing time at St. Michael's, you need to put the work in at that end of the floor." Only two teams had scored as many as 70 points against the Saints: the Drake team that beat them, and a Duke squad that was ranked #17 when they visited The Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Saints were dropping nearly 80 a game themselves, led by Trey Hammond (15.9 PPG) and Carraway (14.1). The third double-figure scorer was freshman Aaron Voelker, who averaged 11.3 points in 16 minutes per contest. Code:
The Big Three of the Mid-American Conference were all riding high, with an aggregate record of 39-2 in pre-conference play. Code:
And once again, Philadelphia was the epicenter of college hoops. Three of the nation's top five teams played their home games within a dozen miles from Independence Hall. Saint Joseph's was nationally ranked, too. And Boston College had a very special connection to Saints' basketball through their newest assistant coach. Carl Wilson didn't remain unemployed for long after Hartford fired him. Within weeks, he was planning a short move to Boston, where the Eagles decided his defensive acumen was just what they needed to return to the national prominence they'd achieved a decade ago. "If there's a better defensive coach out there than Carl, I don't know who it is," said Brant Fleischer, who was no slouch himself. "He's been gone for a few years now, but his legacy is still very much alive here." Perhaps it was the winning that did it, but the mood around the team was much lighter and happier than it had been the season before. Only Luka Vukovic seemed disgruntled now. "Honestly? Luka's a good guy, but he could work harder," a teammate pointed out. "He gets lazy at practice sometimes. He doesn't buy in on defense the way other guys do. He'd play more if he'd do that." ***
Toby had said that he would only hand out the Saints' final scholarship if he found the right player. That's exactly what happened. Reese Malloy, a point guard from Hampton Roads Academy in Virginia, was ranked third at his position nationwide. After nearly committing to N.C. State, Reese decided to head northeast instead. His future college coach was excited to welcome him. “We’re thrilled about Reese. The first thing you notice with him isn’t the scoring—it’s the way he sees the game. He’s got that rare feel you just can’t teach. Every possession looks calmer when he has the ball. His ability to read a defense, hit the right guy at the right time, and take care of the basketball…that’s exactly what we value in this program. What impressed me even more was how he controls games without needing to shoot twenty times. Ten assists a night at the high school level is no small thing. That speaks to poise, decision-making, and an unselfish mindset. And defensively, he’s already farther along than most guards his age—great hands, great anticipation, just a real knack for disrupting plays. He’s coming from a strong school, a strong family, and he’s serious about academics. Reese fits who we are. He’s going to make our offense more efficient the moment he steps on the floor, and he’s going to make the guys around him better. That’s the highest compliment I can give a point guard.” Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 11-25-2025 at 12:46 PM. |
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12-02-2025, 09:13 AM
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#148 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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January 28, 2017
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A weary Toby Whittaker met the media after the Saints' loss at St. Bonaventure. The game was described as "the most important game of the college basketball season to date" and as "a possible preview of the Mid-Atlantic and NCAA tournament finals." “Well, first off, credit to St. Bonaventure. That’s a veteran, disciplined team, and tonight they made the plays you have to make in a game like this. Gonzales was terrific, and their front line really controlled the glass for long stretches," Toby said. "For us… look, we didn’t lose for lack of effort. Our guys fought. Devon was aggressive, Walter gave us toughness, Aaron came in and gave us a real spark. But we made too many mistakes to beat the number-one team in the country in their gym. The two numbers that stand out are the turnovers and the free throws. Fifteen turnovers, and several of them unforced, really hurt our rhythm. And 14-for-21 at the line—on the road, in this kind of environment—you just can’t leave points there. That’s the difference between playing from in front and chasing. Defensively, we weren’t sharp enough. They shot a high percentage, and we let them get too comfortable early. When we did string stops together, we looked like ourselves. But it came in flashes, not for 40 minutes. The good news is everything we struggled with is fixable. We’ll go home, we’ll watch the film, and we’ll get better. This group has a lot of pride. They know we didn’t play our cleanest basketball tonight. This loss doesn’t change who we are. It just tells us where we need to grow.” Many Saints players addressed the media, too. To a man, they owned up to their performance...perhaps too much, in some cases. Devon Carraway (R-SO) (21 points, 4 turnovers, 4–8 from three) "We didn’t fold, but we didn’t finish our possessions the way we needed to. They’re the number one team for a reason, and they made us pay for every mistake. I’ve gotta be better with the ball. Four turnovers? That’s on me. The good news is everything we messed up is fixable. We’ll see them again — and we’ll be better next time." Walter Lozano (R-SO) (9 points, 5 rebounds) "We didn’t match their physicality on the glass for stretches, and it cost us. I’ve gotta take that personally — Drummond got too comfortable. Nobody in our locker room is discouraged, though. We know who we are. It’s January, not March. You either learn from nights like this or you fold. We’re gonna learn." Brandon Coles (SO) (3 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks) "I let my offense affect me a little. I can’t go 1-for-6 and expect us to beat the top team in the nation on the road. I’m proud of how we battled, but we didn’t impose our style. They sped us up, and we didn’t respond well enough. We’ll own that." Trey Hammond (R-JR) (10 points, 4 fouls) "We let Gonzales get way too much room to work. He was the difference tonight. But this doesn’t shake our confidence. We stepped into the toughest building in the country--except ours--and we were right there until the last three minutes. We just didn’t execute. But it’s nothing we can’t fix." M.J. Tillery (JR) (6 assists, 5 fouls, 4 points) "The foul trouble killed my rhythm, and it killed our offensive flow. I take responsibility for that. Their guards are good, but I know I’m better than what I showed." Seth Kaplan (SR) (5 points, 4 assists) "We didn’t take care of the ball — 15 turnovers isn’t us. We’re usually the ones dictating tempo. Tonight they turned us into a hurry-up team, and we forced shots. But if this is the worst we play? I’ll take that. We’re still right in the mix for everything we want." Aaron Voelker (FR) (13 points off the bench) "We’re not hanging our heads. We scored 76 on their court even without our best stuff. I liked my aggression tonight, but the bench has to give us more defensively. We can’t let their second unit win their minutes. That one’s on me too." Brian Kowalski (SR) (2 points, 6 rebounds) "We walked into a championship environment tonight, and that’s what it felt like — a March game in late January. I love that. And I think we needed it. Losses like this tell you exactly what needs tightening." Marcus Brantley (FR) "We’re not undefeated superheroes — we’re a basketball team learning how to be great. We’ll bounce back." Liam Whitworth (FR) "I just wanted to bring energy. This one hurts, yeah, but it’s a good hurt. It means we care. And we do." John Delk (walk-on FR) "We’ll get another shot at them. And we’ll be ready." Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 12-02-2025 at 09:15 AM. |
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12-02-2025, 11:02 AM
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#149 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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Code:
Nobody could say the Mid-Atlantic Conference season was boring. Matchups between the conference's four powerhouses gained national attention, and the five other teams added further dramatic flair by playing the role of spoiler. "You can't sleep on any team in this league," Temple head coach Michael Hall said. "Any of the nine teams can beat any of the others, especially in their gym. If you look ahead and underestimate an opponent you're going to pay." St. Bonaventure's experience provided an excellent example. The Bonnies spent weeks ranked #1, and defended their position with a win over then-#3 St. Michael's at home. But four days earlier, they'd lost at La Salle, and three days later they lost at Penn State. Their loss at Temple, which wouldn't qualify as an upset, knocked them down to fourth in the league. Temple and Pitt, with only two conference losses, sat atop the table. The Saints were a game back at 8-3; Toby's team had been in fourth place a week earlier. "Every game has the potential to turn the standings over," Saints assistant Josh Morales pointed out. "The Pitt game on Thursday will be a big one. They're all big ones." The St. Michael's campus vibrated with energy. Kayla Munroe – Junior, Biology major, from Germantown, MD "I've seen some big games at The Pavilion, and this one feels like it's going to be another in the series. Pitt’s good, we all know that, but this team feels different from past years. You don’t just get back to number one in mid-February by accident, especially after losing at St. Bonaventure. Everyone I know is planning to camp out, even though it’s freezing. I already warned my genetics professor I’m showing up to lab hoarse on Friday." Evan DeRosa – Freshman, future Marketing major, from Albany, NY "My RA keeps telling us, ‘Welcome to real Saints basketball.’ This is my first taste of a top-level home game. The vibe on campus this week? Electric. People were literally chanting ‘Beat Pitt!’ in the dining hall last night. Pitt’s guards scare me a little, but man, when Walter [Lozano] and B-Coles are locked in, we can bully anybody. I need this win. The whole campus needs this win." Simone Hollister – Senior, Political Science major, from Raleigh, NC "Look, I’ve been here four years. I’ve seen some loud Pavilion nights. But this one already feels like a borderline religious event. My group chat of seniors is calling it 'a great pilgrimage.’ Pitt’s ahead of us in the standings, which is rude, and we all need closure before graduation. I want to see M.J. Tillery throw one of those ridiculous alley-oop passes to [Devon] Hammond, and I want the place to explode. That’s my agenda." Code:
Here's what these three proud Saints had to say after the game: Kayla Munroe "My heart rate has not returned to baseline. And I study heart rates. The Pavilion was shaking—like, I swear the bleachers were vibrating under us. [Devon] Carraway was unreal. Twenty-three points and five steals? That dude just hijacked every Pitt possession late. And M.J. Tillery… those two threes? Surgical. How many turnovers did Pitt have? If this team defends like we did tonight in March? Oh, we’re cooking." Evan DeRosa "Okay, I haven’t been alive for many truly important sporting events, but this one goes straight to the personal hall of fame. When [Aaron] Voelker hit that corner three? I levitated. I’m pretty sure I actually left my body for a second. He lives down the hall from me. And did anyone see Brandon Coles throwing dudes around on the glass? Scott Peter is the real deal. I've never seen a triple-double in person. It's even better when it doesn't keep us from winning. Full credit to him, though. The turnovers… yeah, that part was painful. But Pitt had even more, so mathematically (I’m a numbers guy), we won the chaos battle. This was the moment one of the seniors I know from church meant when he said, ‘Saints basketball will ruin you for other sports.’" Simone Hollister "I want this preserved in the Library of Congress: the Pavilion tonight was a cathedral of noise. A sacred rite. A civic event. I’ve been here four years, and I don’t think I’ve seen a player take over a game the way Carraway took over the last five minutes. Every time he touched the ball, Pitt looked spiritually concerned. And can we talk about the defense? This team legislated chaos. As a senior, I’m telling you right now: I’m buying one of those overpriced bookstore hoodies. I’ve earned it." |
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12-02-2025, 11:28 AM
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#150 |
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College Prospect
Join Date: Sep 2022
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February 18, 2017
And then, it got even bigger. Temple at St. Michael's. #2 at #1. The Battle of Brotherly Love. Saturday night. Prime time. National television. The campus celebration over the Pitt win was perhaps even more intense because it was so short. Everyone--coaches, players, students, alumni, townies--had to gear up for the Temple game. M.J. Tillery was a Philly guy, a graduate of Germantown Friends School. He understood the rivalry as well as anyone. "Growing up in Philly, Temple was always right there—like, literally in the air," he said. "You hear the fight song on the news, you see their guys around the city, you go to games with your friends. If you play ball in Philadelphia, Temple is one of the schools you dream about getting that call from. They recruited me, and I’ve got a ton of respect for their program. But once I committed to St. Michael’s, the rivalry changed for me. It got personal, in a good way. When we play Temple now, it feels like a measuring stick. I know people back home are watching—old coaches, friends, guys I played pickup with, even the Temple staff. It’s that little extra fire in your chest. It’s not about proving them wrong; it’s about showing who I’ve become. And honestly? I love the energy. Philly hoops is all about competition, all about stepping on the court and letting people know you’re ready. So every time Temple’s on the schedule, it’s like… yeah, circle that one. It means something." Eleven-year-old Eli Whittaker understood, too. "Temple games are, like, the BEST. They’re super loud, and everyone gets all nervous—even Dad, even though he pretends he’s not. I can tell because he does this thing where he taps his pen on the white board a million times. I don’t have anything against Temple, but I kinda do on game day. They always act like they’re the big dogs, and we gotta show ’em St. Michael’s is better. Also, we recruit a lot of the same players and I think that’s cool, but it also means we definitely have to beat them. Last year, Temple fans behind us were yelling stuff, and Grace told me not to yell back, but I didn’t even yell—I just glared at them. Really hard. Dad says rivalries are part of college basketball, but for me it’s simple: Temple week means no wearing anything red at home, and we stay up late if the game’s close. If we beat Temple, it feels like winning two games at once. If we lose… well, we don’t lose. Not to Temple." When Claire Dempsey Whittaker was at St. Michael's, Temple was not a conference opponent. She understood well how the dynamic had changed in the last twenty-odd years. "Temple week always feels a little different in our house. Toby gets this extra layer of focus—he’s not tense, exactly, just… tuned in. The girls notice it, Eli definitely notices it, and I do too. There’s more film, more pacing, more quiet moments where he’s thinking through matchups instead of reaching for his coffee. I’ve learned over the years that rivalries aren’t really about disliking the other school—they’re about history, pride, and the way a community gathers around a moment. St. Michael’s has its traditions, its spirit, its sense of who we are, and Temple is the opponent that always seems to test that the most now. I enjoy it in my own way. The campus gets lively, the students buzz around The Pavilion, and my art students turn everything into poster designs and window chalk. Our kids get swept up in it—Eli’s intensity, Grace’s eye rolls at his intensity, Nora writing half a story in her journal about the ‘epic clash’ between the Saints and the Owls. For me, Temple week is a reminder of how much this community cares. And when the game is over, win or lose, Toby always comes home and gives me that same tired smile—the one that says he gave his whole heart to it. Rivalries matter… but they also bring us together. And there’s something beautiful in that." Last edited by MoonlightGraham : 12-02-2025 at 11:30 AM. |
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