Phoenix Rising: The Career of Troy Walter (NCAA 10)

[msh555]

It's been a long time since Troy Walter was on the sidelines of a college basketball game. 11 years to be precise. His college career seemed like it was over before it began. Walter was a young, ambitious 23 year old hired by Furman in 1999. In 3 games Furman was 0-3 with an average losing margin of 32 points. The third game was against Division 2 foe, Pfeiffer. Expected to win handily, Furman came out flat and got thumped by 28. Even worse than the loss itself was Walter's demeanor. Towards the end of the game fans witnessed what is considered to be the worst college basketball tantrum ever. Coach Walter lost his temper had a heated argument with the lead official. The tension peaked when Troy Walter hit the ref on the head with his clipboard and was ejected, shouting curses on the way out. But the real tantrum began in the locker room afterwards. Only those who were there know what really happened, but rumor has it that Walter hit his star shooting guard and knocked him out cold. He was escorted out of the arena and fired on the spot.

Troy Walter has done a lot of soul searching since that point. 10 years later Walter was given the opportunity to coach the High School that he once starred for, West Central High. West Central went on a historic run going 32-0 and winning the South Carolina State Championship. 3 days later, Troy Walter received the shock of his life. The Athletic Director of Elon University was on the phone. Walter was offered a contract to be the head coach of the Elon Phoenix. He was sure it was a joke, but the AD was persistent. The catch was that if anything goes wrong at any time, Elon has the right to terminate Walter's contract immediately. Walter gleefully accepted. He was finally back in the College ranks.

Elon Phoenix Depth Chart - 2009-10
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	Chis Long (71)	Josh Bonney (74)	Devan Carter (69)
SG	Terrance Birdette (64)	Jon Ogolo (64)
SF	TJ Douglas (68)	Drew Spadlin (69)
PF	Adam Constantin (76)	Scott Grable (64)
C	Daniel Watts (65)

Coach Walter's take: "We have very good Point Guards this year. I decided to start Long over Bonney because of his height and Bonney will provide a great spark off the bench. Constantin looks to be our most talented player. We could be at a disadvantage at the SG and C positions."

SoCon Preseason Poll Conference Standings - Updated: Nov 1, 2009
TEAM	REC	PCT	CONF	GB
1. Wofford
2. Davidson
3. College of Charleston
4. Western Carolina
5. Georgia Southern
6. UNC Greensboro
7. Appalachian State
8. Elon
9. Chattanooga
10. Samford
11. The Citadel
12. Furman

Walter's take: "Preseason Polls aren't very important in my opinion. I think this group is talented enough to finish in the top 4."

Key games on the schedule: 11/5/09: vs Robert Morris (Season Opener)
11/24/09: vs Vanderbilt (We welcome an SEC foe)
1/30/10: vs UNC Greensboro (Fierce Rivalry)
2/19/10: vs Furman (We meet again)

Recruiting needs: C, PF, SF, SG. 10 scholarships open.
Walter's take: "This will be crazy!"

Coach Walter thanks you if you read all this and he'll see you after the season opener.

[msh555]

Robert Morris spoils Coach Walter's Debut

ELON, N.C. -- Gary Wallace scored 23 points off the bench for Robert Morris as the Colonials came storming back to beat the Elon Pheonix 63-58. Starting small forward, TJ Douglas scored the first points of the Troy Walter era. "We were reasonably big underdogs coming into tonight's game, so I'm proud of the way our team fought", said Walter. "The shots just weren't falling in the 2nd half."

Elon held a 38-26 lead at the half, but lost the 2nd half by 17 points. Robert Morris's first possession of the first half resulted in a 4 point play. Once things tightened up, Elon went cold. The Phoenix only scored 2 points in a 4 minute span. Starting center, Daniel Watts fouled out of the game with 1:39 remaining. Wallace then made 2 clutch free throws to clinch the game.

Leading performers for Elon were Adam Constantin (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Chris Long (14 points, 6 assists).

Robert Morris Colonials at Elon Phoenix
Nov 5, 2009	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Robert Morris (0-0)	26	37	63
Elon (0-0)	38	20	58

Robert Morris Colonials
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Rob Robinson	31	7-11	0-0	2-5	6	1	0	2	1	16
Dallas Green	31	2-6	0-0	0-0	14	1	0	0	0	4
Mezie Nwigwe	29	1-7	0-0	6-10	1	6	2	0	2	8
Velton Jones	23	2-4	0-1	2-3	2	4	2	0	1	6
Karon Abraham	9	1-3	1-1	0-0	0	0	1	0	4	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gary Wallace	30	9-18	2-6	3-3	5	4	1	0	5	23
Josiah Whitehead	3	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
Brad Piehl	1	0-0	0-0	1-2	1	0	0	0	0	1
TEAM TOTALS		22-50	3/8	14-23	29	17	6	2	13	63
TEAM TOTALS		22-50	3/8	14-23	29	17	6	2	13	63

Elon Phoenix
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Daniel Watts	11	1-2	0-0	0-0	4	0	0	0	0	2
Adam Constantin	31	6-11	0-0	2-2	11	0	0	0	1	14
TJ Douglas	20	4-6	0-1	0-0	4	3	0	0	2	8
Terrance Birdette	5	0-2	0-1	0-2	1	3	0	0	1	0
Chris Long	28	4-16	1-6	5-7	0	6	3	1	6	14
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Josh Bonney	30	6-10	0-0	0-0	0	5	1	0	1	12
Drew Spradlin	12	0-0	0-0	2-2	0	0	0	1	1	2
Scott Grable	19	3-7	0-0	0-2	9	1	0	1	2	6
TEAM TOTALS		24-55	1-8	9-15	29	18	4	3	14	58

[msh555]

Elon Shakes Off Florida A&M for Walter's First Win

ELON, N.C. -- TJ Douglas scored 18 points and dished out 7 assists as Elon beat Florida A&M 63-55 for Coach Troy Walter's first win. Walter, who coached 11 years ago without winning a game was emotional after the game: "It's been a long time coming. This shouldn't be about me, but I can't deny it feels good."

The Phoenix held an early 22-11 lead, but when the talented forward, Constantin, picked up 3 fouls in the first half, the lead dwindled away. Elon's halftime lead was only 4 and with 8:53 left in the 2nd, the Phoenix found themselves down 5. Then, behind the senior leadership of TJ Douglas, the Phoenix came back and took a 4 point lead with 40 seconds left. With 23 seconds, with A&M down 6, Larry Johnson was called for charging on perhaps the Rattlers last chance.

Florida A&M Rattlers at Elon Phoenix
Nov 11, 2009	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Florida A&M (0-2)	29	26	55
Elon (0-1)	33	30	63

Florida A&M Rattlers
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Cecil Bent	17	3-8	0-0	1-2	9	0	0	0	0	7
Larry Johnson	31	6-13	0-0	2-2	5	3	0	2	4	14
Nikko Acosta	8	1-1	0-0	1-4	4	1	0	0	0	3
Dale Hughes	25	8-19	2-3	2-2	4	5	1	0	3	20
Brandon Bryant	31	1-6	0-0	1-2	0	4	0	2	0	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Yannick Crowder	28	3-7	0-0	0-0	4	1	0	0	1	6
Rasheem Jenkins	15	1-3	0-1	0-0	2	0	1	0	1	2
Amin Stevens	1	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		23-58	2-4	7-12	28	14	2	4	9	55
TEAM TOTALS		23-58	2-4	7-12	28	14	2	4	9	55

Elon Phoenix
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Daniel Watts	26	1-5	0-0	0-2	8	2	0	1	0	2
Adam Constantin	20	4-7	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	1	0	8
TJ Douglas	28	5-12	0-0	8-8	5	7	0	1	2	18
Terrance Birdette	12	3-5	0-0	1-4	2	1	0	0	0	7
Chris Long	28	3-10	0-0	4-5	3	3	1	0	3	10
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Josh Bonney	21	5-6	0-0	0-0	3	2	0	0	2	10
Devan Carter	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	2	0
Drew Spradlin	7	1-3	0-0	0-0	0	1	1	0	0	2
Scott Grable	13	3-5	0-0	0-0	6	0	0	0	0	6
TEAM TOTALS		25-53	0-0	13-19	32	16	2	3	9	63

[msh555]

Sorry, I forgot to post this at the beginning of the season. Here is the current AP Top 25:

NCAA Hoops Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Nov 16, 2009
RK	TEAM (VOTES)	RECORD
1	Texas	3-0
2	Villanova	3-1
3	West Virginia	4-0
4	Ohio State	4-0
5	North Carolina	2-0
6	Duke	2-0
7	California	2-0
8	Maryland	3-1
9	Butler	3-1
10	Kansas	2-0
11	Notre Dame	4-0
12	Michigan	4-0
13	Georgia Tech	2-0
14	Purdue	1-1
15	Illinois	3-0
16	Syracuse	2-0
17	Kentucky	1-0
18	Connecticut	2-1
19	Michigan State	0-1
20	Oklahoma	1-0
21	Oklahoma State	2-2
22	Minnesota	1-1
23	Tennessee	0-2
24	Dayton	1-1
25	Siena	2-0

[msh555]

Recruiting Update: Elon Signs 5 Players Early

ELON, N.C. -- Elon coach, Troy Walter, has been active early on the recruiting trail. He and his staff have already signed 5 recruits from all over the country. The 5 players come from 5 different states spanning from nearby South Carolina to faraway states such as Texas and Washington. When asked about his recruiting strategy, Walter said this: "We only have one big man returning next year in Daniel Watts, so we made a point in recruiting players with size."

The most highly rated recruit thus far for the Phoenix is Scott Conway, a 6'11 power forward from South Carolina. Another notable player is 6'10 small forward(Yes, you read that correctly. A 6'10 small forward.), Andrew Ferguson, who is an All-State selection in West Virginia. While 5 players this early is impressive, Coach Walter knows his work isn't done yet, as he still has 5 scholarships open.

Elon Signees as of Nov 18, 2009
#	NAME	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
2 star	Gomer Ackerman	C	7'0	236		West Hartford, CT
2 star	Scott Conway	PF	6'11	197		Columbia, SC
2 star	Bobby Copeland	SF	6'7	210		Prairie View, TX
2 star	Andrew Ferguson	SF	6'10	211		Hurricane, WV
2 star	Caspar Gomez	SG	6'3	196		Elk Plain, WA

[msh555]

Winthrop Outlasts Elon in Low Scoring Game

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Andre Jones scored 15 points to lead Winthrop to a 63-50 victory over Elon. It was an important game for both teams as the game was broadcast nationally on ESPNU. Both teams struggled to score early and the Eagles held a 24-22 lead at the half.

In the 2nd half, Elon point guard, Chris Long threw down a thunderous dunk to tie the game at 38 with 7:44 left. But the Phoenix had difficulty scoring for the rest of the game and found themselves down 10 points with 1:38 left. With little other choice, Elon began fouling, but Winthrop would not miss from the line. Elon coach, Troy Walter had this to say: "I'm not going to lie, it was frustrating. But our guys gave it their all and the breaks just didn't go our way".

Elon Phoenix at Winthrop Eagles
Nov 18, 2009	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Elon (1-1)	22	39	50
Winthrop (0-2)	24	28	63

Elon Phoenix
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Daniel Watts	22	2-8	0-0	0-0	9	1	0	2	0	4
Adam Constantin	28	5-11	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	0	0	10
TJ Douglas	24	2-4	0-0	1-2	2	5	0	0	1	5
Terrance Birdette	17	2-7	0-0	1-4	2	0	2	0	1	5
Chris Long	22	4-8	0-3	3-4	0	4	1	0	4	11
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Josh Bonney	22	2-4	0-1	0-0	1	2	0	0	4	4
Devan Carter	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Drew Spradlin	9	1-2	1-1	0-0	3	0	0	0	0	3
Jon Ogolo	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	1	0	0
Scott Grable	11	4-4	0-0	0-2	1	2	0	0	1	8
TEAM TOTALS		22-50	1-5	5-12	23	15	3	3	11	50

Winthrop Eagles
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Andy Buechert	16	2-3	0-0	0-0	5	0	0	0	0	4
Matt Morgan	21	4-5	0-0	2-2	5	0	0	0	1	10
Mantoris Robinson	26	2-10	1-1	0-0	2	6	2	0	2	5
Robbie Dreher	5	2-2	0-0	0-0	1	1	0	1	0	4
Reggie Middleton	10	0-4	0-0	3-4	1	2	1	0	4	3
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Gideon Gamble	5	1-2	0-0	1-2	2	1	0	0	0	3
Justin Burton	23	2-5	1-1	4-4	5	3	1	0	1	9
Charles Corbin	19	3-5	0-0	0-0	4	1	0	0	0	6
Andre Jones	21	4-6	1-1	6-9	0	2	0	0	2	15
Raymond Davis	2	1-2	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	2
George Valentine	7	1-1	0-0	0-0	2	1	0	0	1	2
TEAM TOTALS		22-45	3-3	16-21	28	17	4	1	11	63

[msh555]

Elon Wins Thriller Over Fairleigh Dickinson

ELON, N.C. -- Daniel Watts had a season-high 10 points as Elon won a close 55-54 game the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights. Elon's talented power forward, Adam Constantin picked 2 fouls in the first 2 minutes and the Phoenix needed someone to step up. Watts, who also grabbed 6 rebounds, was the man they were looking for.

This was also the first game that Josh Bonney started for the Phoenix. When asked about the change, coach Troy Walter said, "I think it was a necessary change. We weren't getting the production we needed out of Birdette and Bonney is just too talented to stay out of the lineup. Birdette is only a sophomore, so I think he has a lot of potential. If he can hang in there and work hard in practice, he'll be a great player by the time he's a senior."

The first half was up-tempo, but neither team shot the ball well and the halftime score was 29-25 Elon. Fairleigh Dickinson took it's first lead of the game with 14:30 left in the game. The 2nd half was back and forth until the end.

Down 1 point with 20 seconds left, Elon threw it down low to Constantin. He missed his first shot and got the rebound. Then he was blocked, but shooting guard, Chris Long got the ball and made the game-winning shot with 16.8 seconds on the clock. The Knights had one last possession, but Terence Grier's step-back jumper missed as time expired.

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights at Elon Phoenix
Nov 21, 2009	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Fairleigh Dickinson (0-1)	25	29	54
Elon (1-2)	29	26	55

Fairleigh Dickinson Knights
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Lawrence Brown	25	6-9	0-0	2-5	11	2	0	1	0	14
Alvin Mofunanva	22	0-0	0-0	2-4	4	3	0	1	2	2
Sean Baptiste	29	4-12	1-3	4-8	3	3	0	0	3	13
Terence Grier	27	2-6	0-1	2-2	3	2	0	0	3	6
Cameron Tyler	25	3-8	0-1	4-4	1	2	1	0	0	10
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Kamil Svrdik	9	3-4	0-0	0-0	6	0	0	0	0	6
John Galvin	6	0-0	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Deshawn Dockery	11	0-5	0-1	0-0	2	2	0	0	3	0
John Stasyszyn	2	1-1	1-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	3
TEAM TOTALS		19-45	2-7	14-23	31	14	1	2	11	54
TEAM TOTALS		19-45	2-7	14-23	31	14	1	2	11	54

Elon Phoenix
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Daniel Watts	23	5-12	0-0	0-2	6	0	1	2	1	10
Adam Constantin	20	4-11	0-0	0-0	6	3	0	1	1	8
TJ Douglas	25	3-7	0-0	0-0	2	4	2	1	1	6
Chris Long	22	5-7	0-0	2-2	2	2	0	0	2	12
Josh Bonney	29	3-8	1-2	1-4	0	3	0	0	2	8
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Scott Grable	14	2-8	0-0	2-3	8	1	0	1	0	6
Drew Spradlin	10	0-2	0-0	5-6	2	0	0	0	0	5
Devan Carter	9	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0
Terrance Birdette	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		22-55	1-2	10-17	26	15	3	5	7	55

[msh555]

A White Out has been declared!

The Elon men's basketball team has a big game coming up against SEC foe Vanderbilt. All fans in attendance should wear white in support of the Phoenix.

Game Preview:

Vanderbilt is 0-1 with a close home loss to Washington State. They have 3 players that need to be kept in check for Elon to win. They are Jeffery Taylor (19.0 PPG), John Jenkins (17.0 PPG), and Steve Tchiengang (15.0 PPG, 14.0 RPG). Here are Elon's keys to the game:

1. Guards Chris Long (11.8 PPG) and Josh Bonney (8.5 PPG, 3.0 APG) need to score and limit turnovers.

2. 7'0 center, Daniel Watts (6.8 RPG), needs to use his height effectively to contain Tchiengang and score on the offensive end.

3. Star player, Adam Constantin (10.0 PPG, 6.8 RPG) needs to stay out of foul trouble and be effective in the post.

WEAR WHITE AND GO PHOENIX!