Following in the footsteps of a Legend (CH2k8)

[pfeifere1]

Beating Duke is no easy feat, especially when they are the #1 seed! Congrats on that.

Unfortunately UNC was just too strong this year for you to pull off the ACC-double. Great season nonetheless!

Can't wait to see what your decision is for next season...

[Deuce2223]

Coach Derozan to stay at UNC!!!

With a 3rd straight 20+ win season and 3rd straight NCAA appearance capped off by a Sweet 16 showing after upsetting #1 Duke in the Round of 32, Coach Ryne Derozan "The Deuce" was one of the most sought after coaches once the tournament ended.

Rumors of schools like Texas Tech, Virginia Tech and Syracuse making strong offers for Gonzaga's Mark Few never happened, same with Creighton's Greg McDermott.

When it the dust finally settled, 3 schools made serious offers for "The Deuce", but only 2 got official visits from the coach.. Northern Illinois and North Texas both stepped up offering to buy out the remaining 4 years on Derozan's contract, but when it came down to making a decision, the one made was another year at Northern Colorado.


Coach Deuce

Quote:

"Don't get me wrong both schools were very attractive and it was a tough decision but to be honest after sitting down and looking at my roster and what I have been able to accomplish the past 3 years with this group of guy's I just couldn't leave. I am just 29 years old and I already own a 87-38 Overall Record. There are alot of coach's who wish they could say that, and I see no reason why we can't add another 20+ W's to that # next season and no reason not to make a Final 4 appearance our #1 goal next season"

[Deuce2223]

DECISION TO STAY PAYS OFF BIG!!!

When Coach Deuce announced he would be staying at UNC for another season, the Bears not only won big keeping their coach on the sidelines but also won big on the court as well.

Winning 20+ games and attempting to guide Northern Colorado to a Final 4 will be made easier with the addition of the #12 Class in the country. (Another attribute point).

The 4 man class is highlighted by the signing of 4* 6'7 SF Hubert Schafer. Schafer is from Lakewood Colorado and was Colorado's Mr BB (another attribute point earned). Rated the #86 best recruit in the class and the #10 SF in the country, Hubert averaged 11.4 PPG and grabbed 8.1 RPG this past summer playing in the ABL league, well shooting 44% from 3pt (11/25).

Coach Deuce-

Quote:

"Obviously we are super excited with Shafer's decision to stay instate and play for the Bears. He was very up front with us at the start of the season letting us know it was going to come down to us and Wyoming (also offered). Playing in the MW conference is going to get you on T.V. more then playing in the Big Sky but with a chance to play a major role on a team that has had 3 straight NCAA appearances and play next to 2-Time Big Sky POY (Cam Atkinson) was the deciding factor"

Joining Shafer in the recruiting class is 3 more players including another 4* Top-100 player.

4* 6'2 PG Omar Hopkins is from Los Angeles CA and was rated #99 Overall and the #32 PG in this class. He averaged 12.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.9 SPG and shot 33% from 3pt (12/36) this past summer in the ABL

3* 6'6 SF Ricky McCleoud is from Mission Viejo CA and was rated #138 Overall and the #20 SF in this class. He averaged 16.3 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.9 APG, 2.3 SPG and 1.3 BPG this pas summer in the ABL.

3* 6'8 SF Devonne Njoya is from Colorado Springs CO and was rated #207 Overall and the #35 SF in the class. He averaged 10.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.1 SPG this past summer in the ABL.

Coach Deuce

Quote:

"We are very excited about this incoming class but at this point with 9 men returning the plan is to redshirt Hopkins/McCleod/Njoya next season with Shafter either playing a major role as the 6th man and will even be given a chance to start at SF with Conway moving to SG and Bray moving to the 2nd unit. We plan to move Njoya to PF where he will work on his post game but the player we are most excited about is McCleod. I think he is truly a diamond in the rough. He showed this summer in the ABL is he highly unrated and I think he has the potential to be a star for us."

[Deuce2223]

2011-2012 UNC BEARS PREVIEW

Excitement is at a all-time high on the campus of Northern Colorado. Coach Ryan "The Deuce" Derozan II has turned down multiple job offers and returns to Greeley for his 5th season.

In his first 5 seasons under the helm of the 2-time Big Sky COY, the Bears have won 2 Regular season Big Sky Championships and 3 Conference Titles. UNC has a 87-38 Overall record and has 3 straight 20+ win seasons including last season's 27-5 record that ended in the Sweet 16.

Coach Deuce will lead a very talented squad (82 Overall) who is picked once again to win the Big Sky title, led by a trio of Seniors and 5 Juniors, as the Bears return their starting 5 for the 3rd straight season. Here is a look at the 10 man rotation that will suit up this season.

STARTERS

PG- JR 6'4 T. Sylia (75 Overall/81 3pt)
"Sylia has started 64 games the past 2 seasons averaging 8.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.0 APG well shooting 37% from 3pt (100/268)"

SG-JR 6'4 W.M. Brady (70 Overall/84 3pt)
"Like Sylia, Brady has 64/64 games started since coming to UNC averaging 9.0 PPG, 2.3 APG, 2.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, well shooting 42% from 3pt (111/264)"

SF-JR 6'4 K. Conway (77 Overall/76 3pt)
"Like his fellow JR class, Conway too has started 64/64 games at UNC the past 2 seasons. He has a career average of 7.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, and is a 40% 3pt shooter (56/140)"

PF-SR 6'7 Cam Atkinson (80 Overall/90 Close)
"The former Big Sky FOY and 2-time Big Sky POY returns for his final season looking to make it 3 in a row as the conference's best player. In 3 seasons he has started all 95/95 games played and has a career average of 16.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.2 SPG and 1.6 BPG"

C-SR 6'10 A. Thompson (70 Overall/93 Close)
"Underated this former New Zealand recruit has be solid for the Bears the past 3 seasons starting 86/88 games played. He has a career average of 13.2 PPG and 6.8 RPG"

THE BENCH

PG/SG JR 6'4 F. Perry (68 Overall/78 3pt)
"Like his fellow Junior class, Perry has played in all 64 games the past 2 season's as a reserve. Well his career average of 2.8 PPG, 1.1 RPG, 2.1 APG doesn't wow most, his 33% 3pt shooting (20/59) has been a huge asset in the 2nd unit"

SF- FR 6'7 H. Shafer (73 Overall/70 3pt)
"Colorado's Mr BB this past season, he will have a chance to carve out some major minutes this season and could even more into the starting lineup at some point with Bray moving to the bench to give more balance"

SF/PF- SR 6'7 K. Crenshaw (68 Overall/71 Mid)
"Crenshaw has played in 95 games starting 40 (31 as a freshman). He has a career average of 6.9 PPG and 3.1 RPG.

PF/C- SO 6'10 N. Forte (75 Overall/88 Close)
"The Bigman played in 32 games last season averaging 11.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 1.2 BPG well taking hom Big Sky FOY honors. He is a lock to join the starting rotation next season but until then will play major minutes off the bench at both PF/C."

C- SO 7'0 J. Esterkamp (70 Overall/81 Close)
"Like Forte, the 7 footer played in 32 games last season off the bench averaging 4.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG and 1.1 BPG. He will have a chance to earn a starting spot next season but with 2 very talented PF redshirting and Forte in the mix at Center he could be a career reserve"

REDSHIRTS

SF-FR 6'6 R. McCleod (77 Overall/86 Close/79 Med)
"McCleod comes in highly rated despite being just a 3* recruit. More of a slasher scoring style #3 instead of the 3pt shooter Coach Deuce likes for his offense he could be a star under a different offense should "The Deuce" leave Greeley before his playing career is up"

PF-FR 6'8 D. Njoya (70 Overall/70 3pt)
"Njoya has the size to play both SF/PF and should be a valuable reserve next season"

PG-FR 6'4 O. Hopkins (70 Overall/69 3pt)
"Hopkins doesn't have the 3pt shot that fits Coach Deuce's offense but he is the best pure PG on the roster (Hands/Passing). He might not crack the starting lineup with Coach Deuce in charge but will be a nice backup to Sylia next year"

A UNC REMATCH!!!

The Bears will open the season on the road in a rematch of last year's Sweet 16 matchup as they take on the #1 Pre-Season team in the country North Carolina.

After the road game Northern Colorado returns home for 4 straight games after having just 3 non-conference home games last season, playing San Francisco, Nevada, North Texas and Air Force

UNC then travels to take on the New Mexico Lobo's on 11/26 and then finish out November hosting #10 UNLV at home.

UNC will continue their homestand with 2 more games including instate rival Colorado State, and another Top-25 matchup with #18 BYU.

The Bears will then play Wyoming on the road before taking part in the Gossner Foods Holiday Classic with a open round game vs UNC Greensboro. Hawaii and Utah Valley State are on the other side of the 4 team tourney bracket.

UNC will then finish out the non-conference part of the schedule at home vs instate rival Colorado. In Coach Deuce's 4 prior seasons he has a 3-1 record vs the Buff's.

The Bears open Big Sky play on Christmas day as they host Weber State and they end Big Sky play with 3 straight home games including Senior Night vs Portland State.



Coach Deuce

Quote:

"I really love this schedule. A chance at revenge against the pre-season #1 team in the country (possible attribute point) plus 2 more Pre-season Top-25 matchups at home along with 8 non-conference home games gives us a chance to really make a statement this season and quite possibly make the Top-25 poll this season (another possible attribute point)"

[Deuce2223]

TOP-25 PRE-SEASON POLL

#1 UNC (89)
#2 LOUISVILLE (92)
#3 MICHIGAN STATE (91)
#4 ALABAMA (91)
#5 TENNESSEE (92)
#6 DUKE (91)
#7 WEST VIRGINIA (88)
#8 OREGON (90)
#9 TEXAS (91)
#10 UNLV (91)
#11 WISCONSIN (90)
#12 OKLAHOMA STATE (88)
#13 FLORIDA STATE (88)
#14 WASHINGTON STATE (89)
#15 USC (91)
#16 NOTRE DAME (86)
#17 TEXAS TECH (84)
#18 BYU (89)
#19 UCLA (92)
#20 INDIANA (88)
#21 GEORGETOWN (88)
#22 MARYLAND (88)
#23 GEORGIA TECH (88)
#24 WASHINGTON (88)
#25 KANSAS (88)

Coach Deuce's take on the Top-25 poll-

Quote:

"I was surprised to not see the defending champs (Florida) in the poll, but then I looked at their new starting 5 (a 65 Overall FR starting at SF) and noticed they are basically rebuilding (78 Overall. Once again the poll is dominated by major and power programs. It is good to see West Coast basketball showcasing well with 7 teams in the poll including #10 UNLV and #19 BYU. I have always been a fan favorite of the MW, WCC and even the WAC conferences. I am also happy to see WSU making some noise up their in Pullman. Hopefully the Cougs can put together a solid season in the Pac-10, it's a tough conference ASU, Arizona, Cal and Stanford all have the potential to make it into the Top-25 at some point this season"

[Deuce2223]

BEAR FAIL TO UPSET IN REVENGE GAME

@ #1 (2-0)

The UNC Bears failed to get revenge and start the season out with a upset win over the #1 Tar Heels at the Dean Dome. Maybe it was the fact UNC already had 2 "W's" under the belt and the Bears were rusting playing their first game of the year or maybe they just didn't have it.

If you listen to Coach Deuce he will tell you this game came down to the Bear inability to make F.T.'s. Northern Colorado trailed (43-36) at the half after shooting just 8/21 from the charity stripe.

In the 2nd half the Bears would settle down and knock down 14-17 from the line but a 5/13 performance from 3pt and the Tar heels 14 2nd chance points led to the #1 team moving to 3-0 on the season.

North Carolina had 5 players score in double digits in the win led by Pre-Season All-American SF J. Armstrong (16 pts 6 reb 4 assists 2/7 3pt)

Northern Colorado was led by 2-time Big Sky POY SR Cam Atkinson's 25 pts 3 reb 5 assists 4 steals. Atkinson hit 9/11 from the stripe.

JR SG W.M. Brady added 12 pts in the loss but was just 1/6 from 3pt.

FINAL SCORE UNC-88 UNC-77

UP NEXT UNC RETURNS HOME FOR A 4 GAME HOMESTAND.

[Deuce2223]

BEARS PERFECT AT HOME!!

Butler-Hancock Hall might not hold 10,000 plus scream fans (4,500 capacity) but that doesn't stop the fan base from making it one of the more difficult places to play for visiting teams. With chant's of Fear the Claw creating enough noise that made you think you were at a Seattle Seahawk's game, UNC picked up 4 straight victories to improve to 4-1 on the season.

In Game 1 vs USF, the the Bears built a 11 point first half lead and then held the 49's to just 20 points in the 72-56 victory. A. Thompson and T. Sylia led the team with 11 pts each well Cam Atkinson added a double double with 10 pts and 10 rebs well also blocking 3 shots.

In Game 2 vs Nevada, the Bears once again led at the half (55-47) and continued to pour on the offense in the 2nd half as they hit the century mark in a 104-75 victory. Cam Atkinson led the team in scoring with 22 pts, well Thompson also added 20 pts and 7 reb and N. Forte had 17 pts off the bench. Bray hit 4/6 from 3pt to added 16 pts and K. Conway had a solid all-around game with 9 pts 10 reb and 8 assists.

Game 3 vs North Texas was the Bears biggest challenge. The Mean Green led at the half (45-41), but managed to score just 26 points in the 2nd half as the Bears came back to win the game 76-71. Atkinson led the way with 15 pts well Bray added 14 pts (3/3 3pt) and Thompson had 13 pts 8 reb. T. Sylia just missed out on a double double finishing with 9 pts (3/5 3pt) and 9 assists.

In Game 4 vs Air Force, the Bears took a double digit lead at the half (39-28) and continued a strong defensive effort in the 2nd half as the cruised to the win over the instate Falcons. Final Score 78-57. Cam Atkinson continues to shine picking up POG honors with a team high 18 pts 5 rebs and 2 blks, well A. Thompson adds a double double with 10 pts and 11 reb. N. Forte led the bench with 14 pts and 6 reb.


Coach Deuce-

Quote:

I was glad to see the team really step up after the UNC loss. We are playing some great ball with 4 players averaging double digits. Atkinson is putting up #'s that should easily get him another Big Sky POY honor (18 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 2.0 BPG) but I am disappointed that the scouts have not taken notice (undrafted).

UP NEXT (4-1) UNC TRAVELS TO NEW MEXICO TO TAKE ON THE UNDEFEATED LOBOS (5-0)

[Deuce2223]

NORTHERN COLORADO CRACKS TOP-25!!

For the first time in 5 seasons, a non-Mid Major program has cracked the Top-25 Media (attribute point earned), as Northern Colorado is named #25 after winning their 6th game of the season.

UNC opened the year with a loss to #1 North Carolina but then went on to win 4 straight at home (see above post). The Bears then took to the road where they defeated previously unbeaten New Mexico (86-74).

Northern Colorado then returned home to defend a 10 game home winning streak against the #12 (5-1) UNLV Rebels. The Running Reb's were coming off their first loss of the season (E. Carolina) after open the year with 5 straight "W's".

Despite 28 pts and 8 rebs from the reigning Mountain West POY G. Cowen (6'9 Center who is a former 5* AA rated #23 Overall/#1 C), UNLV would fall short to the Bears who got a career high 31 points and 10 rebs from SR Cam Atkinson, as UNC win's the ball game (84-74)

SG W.M. Bray added 19 pts on 5/8 3pt shooting in the win.

The victory however didn't come without a cost as UNC loses back bigman N. Forte (strained achilles) for the next 2 weeks. Forte last year's Big Sky FOY was averaging 10.3 PPG and 3.8 RPG this season.

Coach Deuce

Quote:

"Losing Forte is a big loss, but we should be able to manage giving more minutes to J. Easterkamp and SR K. Crenshaw well playing a 9 man rotation."

The Bears did indeed manage as they got a career high from Easterkamp in the very next game as he scores 23 pts in UNC's (93-54) victory over Colorado State to improve to 7-1 on the season.

Cam Atkinson added a double double in the win with 12 pts and 10 reb, well SR Center A. Thompson had 20 pts and 3 blks.

NEXT UP IS A TOP-25 SHOWDOWN AS #25 (7-1) UNC WILL PUT THEIR WIN STREAK ON THE LINE AGAINST #12 (7-1) BYU