Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

And just like that, the season is over for the New Hampshire Wildcats. The team played great to start the season but faded fast in what ended as disappointment. It's going to be tough to replace players like Chandler Rhoads, Chris Matagrano and Ryan Herrion, but their legacies will be celebrated as they led the Wildcats to their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

It is time for the coaching staff to go back to the drawing board and prepare to hit the recruiting trail hard to reload this team with some more talent.

Mar 6, 2013 - UNH at UVM
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
New Hampshire (20-12)	16	17	33
Vermont (15-14)	18	25	43

New Hampshire
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
C. Rhoads	20	3-6	1-2	0-0	8	4	0	0	3	7
D. Buckley	19	2-3	0-1	3-4	0	0	0	0	1	7
B. Diame	15	0-3	0-2	1-3	4	0	1	0	1	1
C. Matagrano	21	2-11	0-3	1-1	4	0	0	0	2	5
T. Haywood	20	0-2	0-0	0-0	7	3	1	0	2	0
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
J. Finley	16	0-1	0-0	1-2	6	0	0	1	0	1
F. Myrick	21	4-9	1-2	0-1	3	0	0	3	2	9
R. Herrion	15	1-5	1-3	0-0	1	1	0	0	3	3
K. Nyanquila	2	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
P. Konana	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
J. Bronner	-- DID NOT PLAY --
M. Butch	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		12-40	3-13	6-11	33	8	2	4	14	33

Vermont
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
J. Rost	24	1-3	0-2	1-2	0	1	0	0	0	3
S. Carissimo	9	0-1	0-0	2-2	0	2	1	0	0	2
B. Voelkel	25	2-6	0-0	0-0	5	0	1	3	3	4
C. Rugg	26	4-18	2-12	4-5	8	2	2	1	0	14
B. Crenca	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
P. Bergman	21	2-4	0-0	0-0	3	0	1	0	0	4
S. Marsails	29	4-12	3-6	1-3	1	2	1	0	1	12
J. Elbaum	5	0-1	0-1	4-4	0	0	0	0	0	4
R. McKeaney	7	0-0	0-0	0-0	2	0	0	0	0	0
L. Apfeld	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Ball	-- DID NOT PLAY --
G. Boone	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		13-45	5-21	12-16	19	7	6	4	4	43

[doncoryell]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

Nice to see you still at it, Coach Rizzo. Congrats on the 20-win season considering the conference record. Good luck against the Catamounts, maybe the third time's the charm and you'll pick up the win in your third game against them.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

2013 America East Conference Tournament Tree

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

Nice to see you still at it, Coach Rizzo. Congrats on the 20-win season considering the conference record. Good luck against the Catamounts, maybe the third time's the charm and you'll pick up the win in your third game against them.

Thanks DC. It was a season up ups and downs. Too many injuries/inconsistent offense when it mattered the most. I need to bring in players that can score consistently. I only had two consistent scorers the past two seasons, which made it difficult.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

Wait so do you play all of your games or do you sim and play?

This legacy is strictly simming. I got to a point where playing was too easy for me even on MOP and difficult sliders, so I wanted the challenge of having to recruit players that fit my style and would be able to win on their own.

[VandyRedskins21]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

This legacy is strictly simming. I got to a point where playing was too easy for me even on MOP and difficult sliders, so I wanted the challenge of having to recruit players that fit my style and would be able to win on their own.

Have you ever tried coach mode? That can definitely be a challenge with a good slider set.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

Have you ever tried coach mode? That can definitely be a challenge with a good slider set.

I've thought about it, but if I'm going to sit and watch the game, I'd rather just play it. And the point of this Career Legacy is to get through as many seasons as possible. Right now I've already gotten through three full seasons. If I were playing or coaching the games, I'd be lucky to be done with one.

[VandyRedskins21]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

I've thought about it, but if I'm going to sit and watch the game, I'd rather just play it. And the point of this Career Legacy is to get through as many seasons as possible. Right now I've already gotten through three full seasons. If I were playing or coaching the games, I'd be lucky to be done with one.

Ok I gotcha.

[waytofailself]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

What a way to go through the conference Just unfortunate that the team went boom after doing so well out of conference. Who do you think on your squad can step up and fill in the production? Or are you hoping to land some specific recruits?

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

What a way to go through the conference Just unfortunate that the team went boom after doing so well out of conference. Who do you think on your squad can step up and fill in the production? Or are you hoping to land some specific recruits?

It was definitely a disappointing way to go through the conference schedule and tournament. I thought we were destined for big things this season. I at least thought we would win the AEC regular season championship and play in the NIT.

Honestly, with Rhoads and Matagrano leaving, the recruits I'm trying to bring in will need to step it up. We will be young, but if I sign everyone I've offered, then we could be scary good next season.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

AEC Bows Out In First Round of NCAA, NIT Tournaments

Hartford won the regular season AEC championship. Vermont won the tournament championship. Neither team could secure a win in either the NCAA or NIT tournament.

Vermont was given the 14 seed in the East Regional and had to play against the 3-seeded Memphis Tigers in Tampa, FL. Junior power forward Clancy Rugg, who could be in line for Player of the Year in the America East, dominated with 26 points and nine rebounds while senior point guard Simeon Marsails chipped in 16 off the bench, but nobody else scored more than three points for the Catamounts. Their starting point guard, shooting guard and small forward all went scoreless.

Memphis, which starts five juniors, had a balanced attack from the starters, led by Joe Jackson's 21 points and five assists. Tarik Black scored 13, grabbed seven boards with two steals and two blocks. The Tigers were just too much for UVM to handle, but they gave it all they had.

Hartford was given a 7 seed (8 is lowest seed you can receive) in the NIT tournament and matched up with the 2 seed in Illinois. This one wasn't even close as the Illini rolled to a 67-48 win. Hartford trailed by 15 at halftime and never made a run in the 2nd half to close the gap.

One of these days, the AEC will make some noise in a post-season tournament. AJ Rizzo is just hoping it is his UNH Wildcats that do it.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

2013 NIT Tournament Tree - Final 16



West Virginia wins it's second consecutive NIT tournament. It's nice to win the consolation bracket, but they need to make the Big Dance next year to be taken seriously.

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

2013 NCAA Tournament - Sweet 16

The four #1 Seeds: Xavier, Michigan, Kansas and New Mexico. Only one of them advanced to the Sweet 16. Xavier lost to the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Sweet 16. Michigan lost to 8-seeded Dayton 70-57 in the 2nd round. Kansas, like Michigan, got bounced 2nd round against BYU. Following the trend, New Mexico lost to La Salle in the 2nd round as well. Let's just say, not a good tournament for the 1 seeds.

There was a potential title game rematch from last season in the Elite 8 this season as NC State and North Carolina were both matched up in the same bracket and both advanced into the Sweet 16. The defending champion NC State Wolfpack got a comfortable win against La Salle, but the Tar Heels lost at the buzzer to California 57-54. NC State upset the higher-seeded Cal Bears and advanced to the Final Four for the 2nd straight season.

The Final Four featured two storied programs, the defending national champion and a newcomer. Indiana and Michigan State, two Big Ten rivals, played in one Final Four game. Tom Izzo's club got an easy win over the up-and-coming Hoosiers, 66-52.

The other Final Four matchup pitted the reigning champs against the Providence Friars. NC State got behind early as they started the game ice cold. They were able to cut the halftime lead to four, but never once in the 2nd half could they get a lead and lost a heart breaker, 54-52, and their bid for a repeat was over.

Michigan State and Providence for the title game. The Spartans were the heavy favorite, but the Friars weren't having any of that. Providence dominated the turnover battle and shot much better than the Spartans and shocked the basketball world with a 60-46 win and won the 2013 NCAA national title!

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

2012-2013 Postseason Awards

NCAA Champions	Providence Friars 27-12 [11-7]
		PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG
Player of the Year	LaceDarius Dunn - BAY	26.2	3.6	2.1	1.3	0.0
Mid-Major PoY	Matt LeBato - ULL	23.4	6.2	0.5	0.9	0.0
Coach of the Year	Kelvin Sampson - IND
Defensive PoY	Demetrius Walker - NMEX	7.4	5.5	1.8	1.1	0.0
Big Man of the Year	Tobias Harris - TENN	23.9	5.6	1.3	1.2	1.4
Freshman of the Year	Kerwin Bannister - KAN	8.2	4.1	2.3	0.9	0.1
First Team All-American	Joe Jackson - MEM	23.5	4.6	3.7	1.0	0.5
	Lacedarius Dunn - BAY	26.2	3.6	2.1	1.3	0.0
	Harrison Barnes - UNC	21.4	5.7	1.6	1.3	0.6
	Kameron Hosley - GT	20.2	7.1	0.6	0.9	1.7
	Tobias Harris - TENN	23.9	5.6	1.3	1.2	1.4
Second Team All-American	Calvin Newell - OKLA	19.9	3.1	3.2	0.8	0.2
	Klay Thompson - WSU	22.4	3.5	2.1	1.0	0.2
	Javorn Farrell - UMASS	20.2	5.4	1.0	0.9	1.3
	Richard Howell - NCST	20.6	5.7	0.7	1.3	0.1
	Renardo Sidney - MIST	24.1	7.9	0.8	0.9	1.2
Freshman All-American	Chuck Franklin - PITT	5.0	3.0	4.2	0.7	0.0
	Kerwin Bannister - KAN	8.2	4.1	2.3	0.9	0.1
	Cliff Rodgers - DUKE	6.5	4.7	1.1	1.0	0.0
	Rodrick Whaley - KSU	5.6	4.4	0.2	0.5	0.9
	Chas Bruce - OKLA	4.9	4.8	0.2	0.5	1.1
Conference Champions
America East Conference	Hartford Hawks
Atlantic Coast Conference	Duke Blue Devils
Atlantic 10 Conference	Xavier Musketeers
Big East Conference	Pittsburgh Panthers
Big Ten Conference	Michigan Wolverines
Big 12 Conference	Kansas Jayhawks
Pacific-10 Conferece	California Golden Bears
Southeastern Conference	LSU Tigers
AEC Coach of the Year	Patrick Chambers - BU
AEC Player of the Year	Matt Piotrowski - BU	19.9	7.5	1.4	1.0	0.7
AEC Freshman of the Year	Tommy Haywood - UNH	4.8	3.8	0.8	0.6	0.8
AEC First-Team	Marcus Rouse - SB	18.8	0.5	3.2	0.7	0.3
	Travis Robinson - BU	6.3	3.8	2.5	1.1	0.2
	Alasdair Fraser - MAI	13.6	3.7	1.6	1.0	0.3
	Clancy Rugg - UVM	18.8	6.4	1.0	0.5	1.5
	Matt Piotrowski - BU	19.9	7.5	1.4	1.0	0.7
AEC Second-Team	Mustafa Jones - HART	12.9	6.0	3.4	0.9	0.3
	Dave Coley - SB	6.2	1.8	4.1	1.2	0.0
	Brian Voelkel - UVM	4.1	6.1	0.3	1.2	0.9
	Adrian Satchell - UMBC	16.9	5.6	0.4	1.1	0.1
	Chris Matagrano - UNH	11.2	3.1	0.4	0.7	0.1
Freshman All-Conference	D.C. Darag - HART	5.6	0.8	2.6	0.7	0.4
	Hubert Kleinzweig - BU	1.0	0.1	0.0	0.0	0.0
	Damon McLaren - BU	1.2	0.8	0.1	0.1	0.0
	Bracey Sylia - BU	1.3	1.0	0.2	0.0	0.4
	Tommy Haywood - UNH	4.8	3.8	0.8	0.6	0.8

[R1zzo23]

Re: Career Legacy of AJ Rizzo - CH2k11

UNH Offseason News & Notes

Say Goodbye to Six

The toughest part of the season ending is having to say goodbye to some players that have been here for a few years. As far as the AEC is concerned, no team has lost more talent than the UNH Wildcats as they lose five seniors to graduation and a junior to a transfer. Here's the list:

NAME	POS	OVR	STATUS
Chandler Rhoads	PG	68	Graduated
Chris Matagrano	C	70	Graduated
Jerrod Finley	PF	68	Graduated
Ryan Herrion	PG	61	Graduated
Kazadi Nyanquila	PF	61	Left Team
Patrick Konan	SF	60	Graduated

Coach Rizzo Signs Extension

The University of New Hampshire has never had a coach like AJ Rizzo and they wanted to make sure to lock him up for the foreseeable future. They offered him a 5-year extension and he didn't hesitate to sign it. There was a coaching opening at Oregon this year, and some sources said Rizzo would have jumped at that if offered it, but he remains at UNH and the Durham faithful can only hope he finishes those five years.

UNH Signs Three in Offseason Period

I guess you could say Rizzo signed himself a Fab Five.

After signing center Channing Rollins and power forward Dee Shakur in the early signing period, Coach Rizzo thought he had three scholarships left to offer. With the transfer of Kazadi Nyanquila, he had four left at his disposal. He said he would not hand out the newly acquired scholarship unless he could get someone he truly wanted, and that didn't happen. So I guess the Wildcats will settle on a five man recruiting class.

With Rollins, Shakur and AEC Freshman of the Year Tommy Haywood manning the post, Rizzo needed to add some players on his wings and he did just that. With his three available scholarships, he signed a point guard, a shooting guard and a small forward. Here's an in-depth look at the new faces.

Two of the five players UNH signed are from overseas. The first to sign was shooting guard Kim Parker from France. UNH has been scouting him since he was a junior and fought off some prominent programs for his services. With limited exposure to Parker, he seems to be a good spot up shooter as well as off he dribble.

The other international player is Esa Suotamo, a 4* point guard prospect from Finland. At 6'3", Rizzo loves his size at the point and thinks it will help him attack the rim and shoot over smaller defenders. Like Parker, this is sort of a crap shoot and the coaching staff cannot wait to get these two kids on campus to see what they got.

And last, but certainly not least, was Coach Rizzo's prized recruit in Travis Zachery. The small forward from Lynn, MA is a 3* prospect, the #21 player at his position and #117 in the entire class. Not only does Rizzo love that he is from the NEC conference against Revere (where Rizzo coached in high school before coming to UNH), but he had to fight off his alma mata UMass to sign him. This recruiting battle became personal for Rizzo and it shows his dedication and charisma to sign an ESPNU-150 player.

Zachery is the jack of all trades and can do it all. He's 6'7", 243 pounds. He can score from everywhere, has great speed, can handle the rock, rebound and can lock down his man. Look for Zachery to be featured heavily over his four seasons as a Wildcat.