The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Rough loss there what do you think? Get in or get jobbed?

All I'll say is that it felt like Morgan State was running practice the whole time -- with our team as the beat up JV squad. Man, we got unceremoniously blown right out of the RBC Center.

Man that RPI rating is a little shaky. Hope you can sneak into the tournament.

I'd agree with you. Heck, the Spartans have yet to appear on the bubble watch at any time this season (and that's not because they were predicted to win -- that distinction went to Morgan State the whole season).

Spartans Earn an At-Large Bid...to the NIT

After putting together a strong season that was marred by some tough conference losses, the Spartans find themselves in postseason play -- just possibly not the postseason play they were hoping for. After a stunningly large loss in the MEAC tournament, Norfolk State has a quick turnaround to get things together and face the Duquesne Dukes.

NIT First Round
Duquesne vs Norfolk State

The first half could only be characterized as a shooter's duel between Norfolk State's Cowen and Duquesne's McConnell. Unfortunately for the Spartans, the second half could only be characterized as a blowout as they got run out of the Duke's gym 92-75.

The Spartans had a strong game plan going in, working the inside out game to allow Casey and Cowen to be freed up on the perimeter. For most of the first half, it worked very well -- with the Spartans at one point even going up by as much as 8. However, the Dukes came back on the sheer willpower of McConnel. He hit three straight three pointers to bring the Dukes into the lead, and amazingly it would be a lead they would never relinquish.

After the Dukes blew the game open, they began to make all the hustle plays the Spartans could not. The Spartans got dissected in the half court and got out-done any time the Dukes put up a shot. The second chance points stat was particularly telling, with Duquesne outscoring Norfolk State 14-2. And what had to boggle Coach West even further was that the Spartans forced many Duke turnovers -- even in the second half -- and could not capitalize. Hancock missed a weak layup when he normally could have scored with a strong dunk. Casey inexplicably went for an up and under when he had a clear path to the rim.

All in all, the Spartans could not retain their focus, and the Dukes sent them packing in the second half. But with the top 8 of the Spartan rotation being only freshmen and sophomores hopefully this will be a learning experience for them as they grow and mature in the years to come.

Duquesne faces Baylor in the next round of the NIT.

Mar 16, 2013 - NORF at DUQ
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Norfolk State (26-8)	37	38	75
Duquesne (17-15)	40	52	92

Norfolk State
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
R. Casey	22	2-7	1-3	0-0	3	7	3	1	1	5
E. Cowen	22	7-21	4-9	1-2	2	3	3	0	0	19
R. Hancock	20	4-7	0-0	0-0	7	1	1	1	0	8
J. Doss	21	4-12	0-0	6-7	15	2	0	1	0	14
G. Seymour	19	9-18	0-0	3-4	7	0	2	0	0	21
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
D. Mihailovic	8	1-3	0-1	0-0	0	3	0	0	0	2
T. Schmidt	8	0-5	0-1	0-0	0	2	1	1	0	0
T. Friend	14	1-4	0-0	1-2	4	2	0	0	1	3
P. Williams	9	0-0	0-0	1-2	1	1	0	0	1	1
M. Johnson	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	2	0
J. Weathers	2	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	2
K. Brown	4	0-2	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		29-80	5-15	12-17	39	22	10	4	5	75

Duquesne
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
T. McConnell	22	8-18	5-11	0-0	2	6	0	0	3	21
J. Jones	16	8-15	1-4	1-1	2	3	2	0	2	18
G. Jensen	14	2-3	0-0	1-2	8	0	0	1	1	5
M. Deane	14	2-3	0-0	1-2	8	0	0	1	1	5
G. Gillingham	23	2-5	0-1	1-2	11	2	0	3	1	5
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
M. Talley	15	4-8	1-1	2-2	1	3	2	0	1	11
D. Shimokawa	12	3-4	0-1	0-0	5	0	0	0	1	6
S. Johnson	3	0-2	0-1	0-0	1	2	0	0	0	0
A. Marhold	12	1-2	0-0	0-0	7	2	0	0	0	2
R. Stattery	8	2-6	1-2	0-0	2	1	1	0	0	5
K. Lawrence	-- DID NOT PLAY --
K. Peggau	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		38-84	11-32	5-7	50	23	5	5	11	92

Coach West: "We kept up in the first half, which was great. But our defensive effort disappeared in the second half. We game planned for Jones and Jensen to be the primary shooters for the Dukes, but for whatever reason our team could not adjust to McConnell. He would not be denied. Still, I don't want this loss and the Morgan State loss to take away from our players. We still had a great season, and we're going to be back ready to push harder next year."

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

National Invitational Tournament Results

First Round

Colorado 77 CSU Bakersfield 66
Northeastern 76 Gonzaga 75
Appalachian State 77 Tennessee-Martin 66
UL Lafayette 60 Clemson 85

Baylor 95 UC Irvine 64
Duquesne 92 Norfolk State 75
Cincinnati 88 Kansas St 58
Nichols State 70 Iowa State 75

UNLV 93 Texas Southern 78
UAB 80 Xavier 58
San Diego 64 Long Island 68
S. Illinois 57 Syracuse 89

Auburn 72 Winthrop 65
Jacksonville State 68 Portland 57
Belmont 76 Valparaiso 64
Weber State 53 Brigham Young 72

Norfolk State loses big. Gonzaga and San Diego lose tight. Otherwise it's mostly chalk chalk chalk.

NIT Second Round

Colorado 77 Northeastern 65
Appalachian State 64 Clemson 69
Baylor 73 Duquesne 65
Cincinnati 72 Iowa State 58

UNLV 70 UAB 57
Long Island 81 Syracuse 87
Auburn 65 Jacksonville State 70
Belmont 75 Brigham Young 74

Nice to see the Dukes get throttled. Meanwhile, look at the Belmont Bruins pushing through! They were the real deal when I faced them early in the year -- glad they're still going. They won their conference and lost in the final of their tournament. They were also the only other RPI 50-100 team I lost to (at 93).

NIT Round 3

Colorado 68 Clemson 63
Baylor 71 Cincinnati 76
UNLV 75 Syracuse 78
Jacksonville State 78 Belmont 71

Aww poor Belmont. But at least Jacksonville State can still be the underdog/spoiler, right?

NIT Final Four

Colorado 58 Cincinnati 81
Jacksonville State 75 Syracuse 101

NIT Championship

Cincinnati 86 Syracuse 74

The Bearcats win...hooray?

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

NCAA Tournament Results and Season Awards

Play in Game

Coastal Carolina 69 SE Louisiana 78

Round 1

#1 Arizona 76 #16 SE Louisiana 52
#8 Nevada 80 #9 Maryland 67
#5 Oklahoma 80 #12 Murray State 73
#4 South Carolina 96 #13 Morgan State 86
#6 Indiana 76 #11 LSU 65
#3 Memphis 77 #14 Idaho State 59
#7 Saint Louis 73 #10 Colorado State 68
#2 Connecticut 81 #15 Davidson 79

Entirely chalk. Bo-o-oring, even if a few lower seeded teams kept it close (Davidson & Murray State). And look at Morgan State failing in the first round. South Carolina is pretty good, but not THAT good. A shame Norfolk State didn't make it.

#1 NC State 93 #16 Hofstra 51
#8 UCF 60 #9 Georgetown 82
#5 Utah 76 #12 Bucknell 85
#4 Oklahoma State 84 #13 Columbia 81
#6 Georgia Tech 86 #11 Missouri 69
#3 Tennessee 87 #14 Wright State 54
#7 Akron 76 #10 Dayton 66
#2 Arizona State 73 #15 Alcorn State 54

Bucknell beating Utah is good, otherwise more chalk all over this tournament. Then again, the Bucknell result is a classic 5-12 "upset," where the #12 is incredibly strong and under seeded, while the #5 is over seeded.

#1 Florida 91 #16 Gardner-Webb 62
#8 Minnesota 60 #9 Saint Joseph’s 66
#5 Alabama 74 #12 SMU 59
#4 Charlotte 71 #13 Loyola Marymount 61
#6 Kansas 104 #11 Saint Mary’s 50
#3 Louisville 72 #14 Boston U. 71
#7 Richmond 71 #10 Oregon 86
#2 Villanova 67 #15 Saint Francis(PA) 72

Finally a small conference upset worth raising the alarm about. Go Saint Francis! So close for Boston U as well.

#1 Texas 87 #16 Troy 56
#8 Florida State 78 #9 Illinois 72
#5 Marquette 94 #12 Oakland 79
#4 Oregon State 87 #13 Iona 63
#6 Arkansas 85 #11 Notre Dame 87
#3 UCLA 74 #14 Bradley 81
#7 San Diego State 54 #10 Kentucky 84
#2 Duke 109 #15 UC Santa Barbra 54

More chalk and power conference teams dominating as lower seeds. Only Bradley is able to pull off any kind of stunner, and it happens to be against the under-seeded UCLA Bruins.

Second Round

#1 Arizona 81 #8 Nevada 52
#5 Oklahoma 88 #4 South Carolina 66
#6 Indiana 92 #3 Memphis 88
#7 Saint Louis 67 #2 Connecticut 79

Indiana with an eye opening win against Memphis. The Tigers have to be disappointed to not reach the Sweet 16. Otherwise more chalk.

#1 NC State 87 #9 Georgetown 75
#12 Bucknell 75 #4 Oklahoma State 71
#6 Georgia Tech 86 #3 Tennessee 85
#7 Akron 54 #2 Arizona State 72

Bucknell breaks through! Alright! Meanwhile, it looks like NC State and Arizona State are still on a collision course for the Herb Sendak & Sidney Lowe Awkward Bowl. We can only hope.

#1 Florida 84 #9 Saint Joseph’s 55
#5 Alabama 93 #4 Charlotte 49
#6 Kansas 59 #3 Louisville 63
#10 Oregon 70 #15 Saint Francis (PA) 57

Charlotte started so strong during the season, but get demolished by the same Alabama team Norfolk State defeated to start the season. No surprising results here though -- even with the Cardinal edging out the Jayhawks.

#1 Texas 87 #8 Florida State 61
#5 Marquette 103 #4 Oregon State 69
#11 Notre Dame 89 #14 Bradley 65
#10 Kentucky 69 #2 Duke 87

Duke keeps manhandling opponents -- they look like a dangerous team. Meanwhile Notre Dame becomes another *yawn* double digit seed to break into the Sweet 16 and Texas does surprisingly well against a stacked Florida State squad.

Sweet Sixteen

#1 Arizona 90 #5 Oklahoma 72
#6 Indiana 67 #2 Connecticut 65

Indiana impresses again by overcoming Connecticut. Arizona is still the team to beat though.

#1 NC State 64 #12 Bucknell 61
#6 Georgia Tech 71 #2 Arizona State 83

Awkward Bowl activate! Who will win? The coach the Wolfpack ran out of town, or the completely inexperienced coach they hired a few years back.

#1 Florida 103 #5 Alabama 91
#3 Louisville 79 #10 Oregon 64

Alabama stumbles to a powerful, senior laden Florida squad. Louisville gives a similar treatment to the possibly overachieving Oregon Ducks.

#1 Texas 113 #5 Marquette 88
#11 Notre Dame 53 #2 Duke 100

Holy cow Duke and Texas. Both of these teams are playing National Championship caliber basketball.

Elite Eight

#1 Arizona 66 #6 Indiana 87
#1 NC State 80 #2 Arizona State 64
#1 Florida 81 #3 Louisville 75
#1 Texas 98 #2 Duke 96

Looks like it's a good tournament to be a #1 seed or CBS -- four storied programs with large fan bases from major conferences make it to the Final Four. Hopefully the final weekend can also bring on the drama.

Final Four

#6 Indiana 76 #1 NC State 63
#1 Florida 87 #1 Texas 96

Indiana defeats its second #1 seed to continue its ascent up the college basketball ranks. Texas gets a fairly stiff test against Florida, but is the superior squad. Can they hook the championship?

Final

#6 Indiana 77 #1 Texas 87

Yes, yes they can. Rick Barnes finally gets his National Championship. Indiana manages to keep it close as they have all tournament, but the Longhorns are just too strong and pull away.

End of Season Awards

National Champion: Texas
NIT Champion: Cincinnati
NCAA Player of the Year: Perry Jones III (Baylor)
NCAA Mid-Major Player of the Year: Ryan Rossiter (Siena)
NCAA Coach of the Year: Rick Barnes (Texas)
NCAA Defensive Player of the Year: Mouphtaou Yardo (Villanova)
NCAA Big Man of the Year: Perry Jones III (Baylor)
NCAA Freshman of the Year: Ernie Kummer (Marquette)

First Team All-American
PG: Brandon Young (DePaul)
SG: Marcus Jordan (UCF)
SF: Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA)
PF: Perry Jones III (Baylor)
C: Alex Oriakhi (Connecticut)

FYI: Perry Jones III is still listed as "undrafted." Very strange. Then again, strange that the team with the national player of the year only managed to make it to the NIT.

Second Team All-American
PG: Eric Atkins (Notre Dame)
SG: Seth Curry (Duke)
SF: Christian Watford (Indiana)
PF: Mouphtaou Yardo (Villanova)
C: Andrew Fitzgerald (Oklahoma)

Enjoy it, this will be one of the last ties you see names you recognize in the All-American awards. That said, very interesting that this is the first year where power conferences swept the non-freshman All-American spots.

Freshman All American
PG: Lucian Blankenship (Florida)
SG: Laurie Vignale (Washington State)
SF: Ernie Kummer (Marquette)
PF: Ekene Bush (Duke)
C: Khalif Gates (Louisiana Tech)

Kummer is an 87 overall Freshman. He did not enter the draft -- yikes.

MEAC Champions: Morgan State
MEAC Coach of the Year: Guy West (Norfolk State)
MEAC Player of the Year: Dadrian Collins (Howard)
MEAC Freshman of the Year: Jerrold Doss (Norfolk State)

For the first time in Coach West's tenure, the Spartans do not sweep the awards. Nor should they. Collins put up great numbers all year. However, it feels good to have West recognized as Coach of the Year for working with such a young squad.

First Team All-MEAC
PG: Dave Naves (Howard)
SG: Dadrian Collins (Howard)
SF: Dewayne Jackson (Morgan State)
PF: Jerrold Doss (Norfolk State)
C: Galen Cammon (South Carolina State)

Doss rightfully wins first team honors. The rest of the players belong as well, though I probably would have chosen Justin Black over Dave Naves just based on their performances against the Spartans this season.

Second Team All-MEAC
PG: Justin Black (Morgan State)
SG: Jake Lockhart (Morgan State)
SF: Asten Hogan (NC A&T)
PF: K. Thompson (Morgan State)
C: Tom Friend (Norfolk State)

Very surprised by Friend's selection, especially since he came off the bench for the Spartans this year. This could be more of an indication of few natural centers in the MEAC than anything.

Freshman All-MEAC
PG: Randal Casey (Norfolk State)
SG: Taquan Souchu (FL A&M)
SF: Asten Hogan (NC A&T)
PF: Jerrold Doss (Norfolk State)
C: Galen Cammon (South Carolina State)

Oh Souchu, as much as it pains me to think that your last second 3 cost the Spartans an at-large bid to the NCAAs you still deserve to be here. Doss and Casey are also appropriate picks, although Casey might have had stronger numbers if he wasn't in a PG timeshare with Mihailovic all year. But neither could consistently perform enough to secure the job.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

End of Season Behind Closed Doors Meeting

AD: Good afternoon Guy, glad you could make it.

West: Of course. I was hoping we could talk about extending my contract.

AD: Well, you're right to the point today, aren't you?

West: Yes, I am. I think I've done everything I can here to qualify for an extension but I've heard nothing from your end. I really like it here, I want to continue to build on what we've started and push deeper into the NCAAs.

AD: You're right. You have done everything you "can."

West: What is that supposed to mean?

AD: Look, we gave you a shot to try this out as kind of a leap of faith. And I'll be the first to admit that you exceeded everyone's expectations. But don't you think this has gotten a little bit bigger than you? After all, you wanted to be a professor, not a coach, when you came here.

West: Well, I'm a coach now aren't I? I want to work in basketball. Wow, I never thought I'd hear myself saying those words in my adult life, but that's what I want to do. Regardless of these seminars you keep throwing at me, that's what I want to focus on.

AD: I don't think you're seeing the big picture though. I'm not entirely sure you have what it takes to keep this program going. There has been rumblings in the locker room about your management --

West: Really? Then why haven't I heard these "rumblings."

AD: DON'T interrupt me. And the way your team would be great one game and almost lose the next. They need consistency. They need guidance. They need coaching.

West: Coaching, really? So three straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year Awards mean nothing to you?

AD: It's not that. Look, those media buffoons can say whatever they want -- but they only look at pretty numbers and statistics. You have brought in some great talent to this team, but I'm not sure if you have what it takes to help them reach their full potential.

West: Now just a damn minute here. Yes, it's "my" talent. I brought them in. They bought into "my" system.

AD: Don't be serious, "your" system was developed by your assistants and handed to you. They taught it to your players for you while you scrambled to learn what the hell you were doing.

West: I assume you're listening to those media buffoons now. My assistants helped me get started, and then mysteriously got the axe this year. I still haven't heard why. And look, I've shaped the system to fit this roster and the new recruits. And it's not just the players -- they've bought into the system. When I got here maybe 1000 fans would come to the games, and now the stands are packed 7000 strong every game. And Norfolk State has made its first two NCAA appearances ever. That has to mean something.

AD: It does. It means your contract is up and we would like to go in a different direction with a coach. You hear me? A C-O-A-C-H. Someone with experience to bring the most out of our players. Someone who can mold and shape their talent into something stronger -- not just someone who relies on their abilities when they walk into the door.

West: I can't believe this.

AD: Believe it -- but it's not all bad for you. You say you want to work in basketball? We'd love to retain you as a recruiting specialist. You've proven your mettle on the recruiting trial and would be an invaluable resource to Norfolk State Basketball.

West: Oh boy, so you want me to keep building the team but hand it over to someone else. Unacceptable. I've proven I can coach. Heck, we finished 2nd in the MEAC and nearly got an at large bid to the NCAA's with one of the youngest squads in the country. I'm not stepping into the shadows, I've found my place and it's on the court.

AD: I see. Well, in that case I will allow you to tender your resignation.

West: Resignation? My contract is up, I don't have to resign.

AD: No, you don't. But I'm going to ask you one more time and I want you to think very carefully with that academia brain of yours. Would you like to tender your resignation as Head Basketball Coach at Norfolk State University?

West: Don't patronize me. I'll pack my stuff and get out, but I'm not going to tender you anything. Have fun explaining why you let such a "young," "up-and-coming," "outstanding" head coach walk away when he came to your office begging for an extension.

AD: Have it your way.

**Coach Guy West is no longer the Head Coach of the Norfolk State Spartans**

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Wow. Way for the s*** to hit the fan. Hope West's new AD won't be as foolish.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Norfolk State Announces Karl Hobbs as Their New Head Coach

This afternoon, Norfolk State announced Karl Hobbs, formerly of George Washington, as their new head coach. Hobbs said he looked forward to a fresh start after being pushed out of his long time tenure at Foggy Bottom last week. Hobbs was also pleased to be reunited with the Norfolk State AD -- he mentioned they first met while Hobbs was an assistant at Boston University, and the two formed a friendship that has survived the decades.

The hire comes within days of Norfolk State refusing to give former coach Guy West a new contract due to insubordination and conduct detrimental to the team. The AD declined to answer any questions about West today or elaborate further regarding his former Coach, saying that this should be a day about looking forward and for welcoming Coach Hobbs.

So far there has been no indication of any teams showing interest in Coach West. During his three years at Norfolk State, Coach West accumulated a 76-25 record with two NCAA tournament berths.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

The Job Hunt

One year removed from being one of the hottest coaching names on the market, Coach West finds the phone lines open but no one calling. From what he could gather, many schools were worried about the circumstances behind his exit from Norfolk State. Although no one could say specifically when or how the falling out occurred between Norfolk State and West, many schools seemed worried about bringing in the young coach despite his early success.

In fact, Coach West only received one viable head coaching job offer after leaving Norfolk State -- and he wasn't even the team's first choice. But where he was on the list doesn't matter as much as the fact that he has another shot at coaching Division 1 basketball. That he has a chance to prove the doubters and naysayers wrong.

Drexel Announces Guy West as their New Head Basketball Coach

After attempting to court Tennessee State coach W. Wilson, who ended up agreeing to terms with Colonial rival George Mason, the Drexel Dragons then surprised many observers by making a very quiet move for Guy West. Apparently West had not been contacted by anyone for a coaching position until Drexel called. The Drexel AD dismissed any rumors that West was a bad locker room influence or that he had a tendency to butt heads with others in the athletic department.

"What we're looking for is on court performance, and West has shown that he can perform on the court."

Drexel ended up rewarding the three time MEAC Coach of the Year with the stability of a four year contract. The Dragons have not won more than 10 games in any of the past three seasons and were looking for a change. It looks like Drexel is banking on Coach West to perform -- but the first order of business was to sort out the Dragon's recruiting. According to Coach West, "the distribution of their resources needs work, but we'll work on it and get it right. There's still some time to take advantage the scholarships we have available."

Coach Guy West
(numbers in parentheses are from current season)
Total Legacy Points: 21737 (7208)
Coaching Record: 76-25 (26-9)

Legacy Goals Achieved
(4 Points On Holdover + 1 Point for Next Season)
Get Hired by a Larger Conference Team

West's Coaching Attributes Changes
Overall: B (+1)
Offense: B (+2)
Defense: C-
Teaching: B (+1)
Scouting: C-
Charisma: A+
Discipline: B- (+1)

Although Coach West began his career with little knowledge of basketball, his work is beginning to show on the offensive end of the ball. He is also beginning to become a highly effective teacher. Still, he needs some assistants to help him with some of his weaknesses -- like defense and scouting.

New Assistants Found

Neither of West's assistants followed him after he left Norfolk State. As a result, he had to replace members of his staff for the second time in as many years.

Paris Marks
Ovr: C+
Off B-
Def B
Tea D
Sco B
Cha C
Dis C-
Amb A-

Monwell Lidzius
Ovr: C+
Off C+
Def C+
Tea A-
Sco C-
Cha D
Dis C+
Amb C-

Next post, a recruiting and schedule update for the Drexel Dragons. Spoiler: Coach West is going to rack up a LOT of Frequent Flyer miles in a hurry.

2013 Coaching Carousel Summary

California fires D. Braun, hires C. DAV (DAV)
George Washington fires K. Hobbs, hires C. JVST (JVST)
Rice fires B. Braun, hires J. Capel (APP)
George Mason fires Larranago, hires W. Wilson (TNST)
Drexel fires J. Flint, hires G. West (NORF)
Norfolk State hires K. Hobbs (George Washington)

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

2013-2014 Season Preview

Philadelphia is not only the city of brotherly love, but also a city filled with a rich history and tradition of sports. And that tradition does not only extend to the major leagues, there is also a rich tradition of college hoops. The city is renowned for its "Big 5," a rivalry of schools within close proximity to each other: Villanova, Temple, Penn, La Salle, and St. Joseph's.

Nowhere is Drexel to be found in that picture. Sure, the schools have talked about including Drexel into the group and there is also the City 6. But talk is talk, and for all intents and purposes Drexel, of the Colonial Athletics Association, is pretty much an afterthought in the Philadelphia Men's College Basketball scene.

Coach West hopes to turn this sleepy program around and force the Big 5 and the city of Philadelphia to take notice. With a squad that includes four somewhat heralded *** recruits and a very surprising walk-on, it is only a matter of how far West can take them.

Introducing the Dragons' Roster

To the surprise of many, Coach West held a trial day for all of players on the current Drexel roster. Many thought it was be a mere formality where West would try and get to know his player's skills. However, it turned into more of a purging, as West decided to release 3 different players from the team who had scholarships but would never do more than ride the pine. The result is that West may have assembled the team he wanted, but he'll be playing with a short bench and be very susceptible to injuries.

Drexel Dragons 2013-2014 Roster (77 Overall)
#	NAME	POS	HT	WT	CLASS	HOMETOWN
11	Femi Ramsey (78)	C	6'10"	254	SO	Newark, NJ
50	Duncan Sow (74)	C	6'11"	248	FR	Detroit, MI
31	Joshua Payton (74)	SF	6'6"	218	JR	Yonkers, NY
43	Tracy Cottrill (71)	PF	6'11"	255	FR	Philadelphia, PA
13	Duncan Richard (69)	SF	6'7"	208	SO	Bethlehem, PA
21	Dallas Marsh (69)	SG	6'4"	196	FR	Trenton, NJ
45	Gilbert McLaughlin (67)	C	6'11"	242	FR	Railto, CA (W)
30	Perry McCarthy (66)	PG	6'0"	160	JR	Philadelphia, PA
5	Stevan Manolovic (64)	SG	6'6"	192	SR	Erie, PA
3	Jake Learner (62)	PG	6'3"	186	RS SR	Cookeville, TN (W)
10	Raymond Burnette (60)	PG	5'11"	173	JR	Bridgeport, CT
33	Amit Quick (55)	SF	6'4"	182	RS FR	Memphis, TN (W)
55	Kody Edelin (54)	PF	6'8"	216	RS FR	Las Vegas, NV (W)

Femi Ramsey: He is not only the top recruit from Drexel's class last year, but he was also the top center prospect from last year's recruiting class. He can score inside at will, but still needs to polish his defense. His biggest days are yet to come, as his "A" potential means it's only a matter of when he declares for the NBA Draft. Last year he did little in Drexel's offense, but after seeing the work West did with Kyle O'Quinn at Norfolk State many expect to see a big boost in production from Ramsey. The Drexel AD went so far as to say that was one of the key reasons he hired West and something they discussed at length during the interview.

Duncan Sow: He is one of the three late additions by Coach West to Drexel's recruiting class, and he is also a very capable center. Not only is he good down low, but he also is an excellent post defender. He or Cottrill will likely have the more prominent role in the bigs rotation with Ramsey.

Joshua Payton: The defensive stalwart and leader of last year's Drexel squad looks to also be a big contributor under Coach West. He is a very solid 3 who has a knack for blocking shots and getting rebounds despite being slightly undersized. An added bonus? He has a very reliable 3 point shot too.

Tracy Cottrill: The final addition to West's recruiting class, he brings more size and power to the front line. He is a pretty raw project, but he should benefit from getting to play alongside Ramsey and Sow instead of being the focus of the team's size.

Duncan Richard: Although he was one of the scoring leaders for Drexel last year, he seems to rely more on hustle plays than jump shooting. He'll either fit in as the starting SG or slide to the 6th man role to bring energy off the bench. He is also able to play the 2, 3, or 4 depending on what the team needs. It will be interesting to see if Coach West can get Richard to accept his diminished role, as he had serious problems doing the same with veterans at Norfolk State.

Dallas Marsh: Another member of West's recruiting class, Marsh is a pretty good perimeter defender who needs to work on his shooting touch. In time he will be able to contribute a greater role, but for now it will be between him and Richard to see who can vie for the starting 2 spot.

Gilbert McLaughlin: One thing is for certain -- Drexel will not be wanting for size for the next four years. McLaughlin is a walk-on prospect who decided to attend Drexel for academic reasons but has already shown that he can keep up with the rest of the team. Although the Dragon front court is currently crowded, McLaughlin provides valuable depth and should also be an important contributor off the bench.

Perry McCarthy: The only early signee by the prior Drexel regime that was retained (the other was a 50 OVR ** SG), McCarthy is a deceiving JC SO prospect. Yes, he is not the best on ball defender, and yes he is lacks ideal speed. But there are two parts of McCarthy's game that he does exceptionally well: pass and shoot the three. He should fit into West's offense just fine.

Stevan Manolovic: As a starter at Drexel for the past two years, he is going to find his role diminished a bit by the new blood. However, he is still a very good defender and can knock down open shots. There should be minutes for him -- but will he accept his reduced role?

Jake Learner: He is the only PG behind McCarthy who looks to be worth giving significant minutes. He has an okay shot and is a pretty good passer. Not much of a defender, but Learner does have very good size for a PG.

Raymond Burnette: He is a PG that cannot pass, cannot shoot, and cannot handle the ball. But at least he can play defense.

Amit Quick: A player with negligible strengths and many weaknesses.

Kody Edelin: An offense liability who cannot hold onto the ball, Edelin at least makes up for it by having a knack for tracking down loose balls. Still, don't expect him to ever take away minutes from Drexel's deep front line.

2013-2014 Season Schedule

11/5 vs South Carolina State (75)
11/11 Palm Tree Shootout (UCF (82))
11/12 Palm Tree Shootout Game 2
11/14 Palm Tree Shootout Game 3
11/15 Hawaiian Invitational (Alabama A&M (65))*
11/16 Hawaiian Invitational Game 2
11/17 Hawaiian Invitational Game 3
11/20 vs Georgia Southern (72)
11/25 at Norfolk State (81)**
11/28 at Florida State (87)
12/1 vs Hofstra (76)
12/4 vs Massachusetts (77)
12/11 vs Chicago State (64)
12/18 at Missouri State (84)
12/29 at UNC Wilmington (72)
1/1 at Georgia State (73)
1/5 vs Towson (77)
1/8 vs George Mason (77)
1/12 vs Old Dominion (78)
1/15 at William & Mary (71)
1/19 at George Mason (78)
1/22 vs Northeastern (71)
1/25 at VCU (80)
1/29 vs Delaware (77)
2/2 at Towson (77)
2/5 at Old Dominion (78)
2/9 vs UNC Wilmington (72)
2/12 vs William & Mary (71)
2/16 at James Madison (72)
2/23 vs Georgia State (73)
2/26 at Hofstra (76)
* Probably only able to fly from Tampa to Honolulu and play the next day by the power of video game magic
** Didn’t even need to insert this game myself, it was already in the schedule. It's like the CH2K8's AI knew.

Unfortunately, it was too late for Drexel to schedule anyone from the Big 5 to play the Dragons. It looks like they'll have to get more than 10 wins this year to get their attention. Meanwhile, Coach West will also make his return to Echols Arena against Norfolk State in what promises to be an emotionally charged game.

[blakjak12]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

You're doing a really nice job with this. Keep the updates coming. It also looks like you have some really good young size inside, which should be nice to build around for the next couple of seasons.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

You're doing a really nice job with this. Keep the updates coming. It also looks like you have some really good young size inside, which should be nice to build around for the next couple of seasons.

Thanks, glad you like it. And it's amazing to me that I went from only having two 6'10" players ever at Norfolk State (and none taller) to getting three added to my team in one year. It's quite the turnaround. I just hope my jump shooters can help support them when I face teams that can really defend the paint.

Season Preview

Projected CAA Champion: Virginia Commonwealth University

The Rams return 3 of their starters from last year and look to parlay an experienced squad into the NCAA Tournament. After losing the regular season CAA Championship to Northeastern and the Tournament to Hofstra, it looks like there is some work to do. But the Rams are stacked from the outside in. Northeastern is in the midst of a rebuilding year after losing four of last year's starters. Meanwhile, both George Mason and Drexel look to move up from last year's disappointing finishes after hiring new coaches. There is a large clump in the middle of the standings, but the championship will probably come down to traditional CAA powers VCU and Old Dominion.

Projected CAA Conference Standings
Virginia Commonwealth (80)
Old Dominion (78)
Towson (77)
Delaware (77)
Drexel (77)
George Mason (77)
Hofstra (77)
UNC Wilmington (72)
Georgia State (73)
Northeastern (71)
James Madison (73)
William & Mary (71)

Best Overall Player & Shooter & Pro Prospect
Cornelius Neale VCU (SO PG 81, First Round)

Best Freshman
Ron Radford George Mason (FR SG 76)

Best Playmaker
Nathan Halcomb George Mason (SO PG 71)

Best Defender
Brody Frisby Delaware (JR PF 79)

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

NCAA Hoops Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Oct 18, 2013
RK	TEAM (VOTES)	RECORD
1	Florida
2	Connecticut
3	Alabama
4	Memphis
5	Duke
6	Louisville
7	Texas
8	Arizona State
9	LSU
10	Tennessee
11	Illinois
12	Saint Louis
13	Arizona
14	Kentucky
15	Oklahoma State
16	Ohio State
17	Michigan State
18	UNLV
19	Washington
20	Maryland
21	Syracuse
22	UCLA
23	Saint Joseph's
24	Kansas
25	Missouri

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Drexel vs South Carolina State
W: 62-58

Notable: This is not the same Bulldog team Coach West faced in his time at Norfolk State. No, South Carolina State has a bonafide future first round pick when they landed Duke's Ryan Kelly as a transfer last year. In his first game post-1 year transfer wait he proved his 82 rating by dropping 19 points, 14 rebounds, and being a defensive force in the paint. The Dragons were only able to pull out the victory on the back of jump shots by Peyton and McCarthy.

Palm Tree Shootout First Round


How to Slay Your Dragon: Knights Beat Up Drexel

The Knights defense was just too smothering, and by the time Drexel had figured it out the game was already lost. Interior passes were not working. Jump shots were not falling. No one was crashing the boards. Coach West looked livid as his players seemed to be going through the motions once they got down.

The story of the game had to be UCF's offensive efficiency. It did not matter who had the ball, the Knights would score. There was no need to rely on the back court or to take advantage of mismatches in the front court. In fact, this entire game was one big mismatch in of itself. UCF's starting back court combined for 10 assists, 0 turnovers, and 28 points compared to Drexel's, who managed 7 assists combined, but only 14 points and six turnovers. All six were by McCarthy, and they came in bunches. The first set was towards the beginning of the game when the Knights jumped out to a lead, the next batch in the second half when the Dragons looked like they were fighting back into the game.

And to add injury to insult, Tracy Cottrill broke his ankle in the closing minutes and will likely not be available until January at the earliest. Although Drexel does have depth in its front court, this is still a blow for the team and the young Freshman.

Nov 5, 2013 - DREX at UCF
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Drexel (1-0)	35	32	67
UCF (0-0)	44	45	89

Drexel
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
P. McCarthy	19	3-7	1-1	3-4	1	4	0	0	6	10
D. Marsh	19	2-6	0-1	0-2	2	3	1	0	0	4
J. Payton	23	5-9	1-3	3-3	4	1	1	0	0	14
T. Cottrill	18	2-6	0-1	2-2	2	2	0	2	2	6
F. Ramsey	21	8-15	0-0	3-4	12	1	1	2	0	19
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
D. Sow	18	4-8	0-0	0-1	6	0	0	2	0	8
D. Richard	11	1-6	0-2	2-2	2	0	2	0	1	4
G. McLaughlin	8	0-2	0-0	0-0	5	3	0	0	1	0
S. Manojiovic	6	1-4	0-2	0-0	0	3	1	0	1	2
J. Learner	4	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	1	0	0
R. Burnette	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0
TEAM TOTALS		26-64	2-11	13-18	34	19	6	7	12	67

UCF
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
N. Byerson	14	6-9	1-2	1-3	0	6	3	0	0	14
M. McCalebb	19	5-11	3-5	1-2	3	4	3	0	0	14
T. Spurlock	28	6-14	0-2	0-0	8	5	1	0	2	12
M. Sherrill	26	5-9	0-1	0-0	15	0	0	2	2	10
S. Ruffin	22	6-13	1-2	0-0	9	0	1	0	1	13
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
L. McLeod	15	3-6	1-2	2-2	2	3	0	0	1	9
S. Boddicker	9	1-4	0-2	0-0	1	1	0	0	0	2
N. Worthy	8	0-4	0-3	2-2	0	2	0	0	0	2
B. Katelynas	4	4-5	1-2	0-0	0	1	2	0	1	9
I. Pierce	-- DID NOT PLAY --
J. Davis	-- DID NOT PLAY --
E. Bailey	5	1-2	1-1	1-2	3	0	0	0	0	4
TEAM TOTALS		33-77	8-22	7-11	41	22	10	2	7	89

Coach West: "I'd love to take a mulligan, but the game doesn't work like that. Our team can beat teams like the Knights -- even nights like tonight when they were firing on all cylinders. I can accept a loss, I just can't accept the way we lost. Our team got down and gave up. We can't keep that defeatist culture going if we expect to do any better this year than year's past."

Other First Round Results

Dayton 80 South Florida 77
Elon 63 Vanderbilt 78
Loyola (MD) 67 Virginia Tech 83

Drexel faces Loyola (MD) in their next Palm Tree Shootout matchup tomorrow.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Palm Tree Shootout Game 2

It's Time to Get Angry, Time to Get Mean

It's easy to forget Duncan Sow is a freshman. When he walks into a room, everyone takes notice. He has a certain swagger, and he usually gets his way. And after tonight, the Dragons may have found the perfect compliment for starting center Ramsey in the front court. Sow was a defensive presence all game, going after shots, staying in correct position, and swatting away weak shots.

His swagger seemed to rub off on the rest of the team. The Dragons absolutely intimidated the Greyhounds. After the first few minutes, the Loyla offense broke down almost entirely, and no adjustments from the bench could save them. Not only did Coach West zig to their every zag, but Sow and Ramsey made sure to execute the game plan as well. The result was a crushing 39 point victory.

Nov 12, 2013 - LMD at DREX
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Loyola (MD) (78) (0-2)	23	24	47
Drexel (1-1)	39	47	86

Drexel
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
P. McCarthy	20	4-10	1-5	0-0	2	9	2	0	0	9
D. Marsh	18	2-6	1-2	1-2	0	3	1	0	2	6
J. Payton	19	5-11	1-4	0-0	3	3	0	0	0	11
D. Sow	20	6-10	0-0	2-4	15	1	0	2	0	14
F. Ramsey	17	11-13	0-0	3-4	13	2	2	4	0	25
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
D. Richard	17	3-6	0-0	0-1	2	3	3	0	2	6
G. McLaughlin	14	4-6	0-0	0-0	10	1	0	3	1	8
S. Manojlovic	10	1-5	0-0	0-0	3	3	0	0	0	2
J. Learner	11	1-5	0-2	1-2	1	1	0	1	0	3
R. Burnette	5	1-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
TEAM TOTALS		38-73	3-13	7-13	49	26	8	10	5	86

Loyola (MD) (78)
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
J. Evans	21	4-11	2-7	0-0	1	6	1	0	0	10
K. Bailey	24	6-21	1-5	0-0	5	1	0	1	1	13
D. Riddick	22	5-15	0-2	1-2	7	1	0	0	4	11
K. Lennon	22	0-6	0-0	0-0	5	1	0	0	1	0
W. Koffi	7	0-3	0-0	0-0	2	1	1	0	0	0
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
Q. Robertson	18	2-5	0-1	0-0	6	1	1	0	0	4
J. Roberts	15	3-8	0-0	0-0	4	0	1	1	0	6
H. Gale	13	0-5	0-1	0-0	3	1	1	1	1	0
R. Porkellunas	2	0-2	0-2	0-0	0	0	0	0	1	0
J. Drummond	4	1-2	0-0	1-1	1	0	0	0	0	3
J. Cormier	1	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	0	0
S. Davidson	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		21-78	3-18	2-3	34	13	5	3	8	47

Ed note: Apologies for the table color fail. I did it late late last night.

Coach West: "Playing with confidence made all the difference tonight. We had it, they didn't. I'm just glad the message from yesterday sunk in. Part of winning is going in there knowing you're going to win, not just thinking you can or 'wouldn't it be nice to win against this big opponent,' but knowing your abilities and what you're good at. We executed our game plan to perfection. We shut them down completely."

The Dragons were playing with a short bench because not all of their team traveled with them to Tampa, FL. Coach West indicated that they will meet up with the team in Hawaii, and that he will go into the next game with a similarly short bench due to Cottrill's injury.

Other Game 2 Results

Dayton 73 Vanderbilt 63
UCF 81 Virginia Tech 77
South Florida 80 Elon 61

Drexel faces host South Florida in their final Palm Tree Shootout game. Dayton will play UCF for the championship.

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Palm Tree Shootout Game 3

Fast in and Fast Out

Although it was a tough, physical game through, the game ended up being settled on the three point line. Although Sow and Ramsey were able to have their way down low, the hot-shooting Bulls were able to keep pace from the mid-range and three point range. Although they found themselves down by as much as twelve in the first half, the Bulls carried a small lead into the final few minutes of the game.

McCarthy brought the ball up the court slowly with the arena rooting against him. Although he can shoot daggers from behind the line, his short frame and slow release also caused many of his shots to be blocked. With 3 minutes left in the game he had yet to hit anything from behind the arc.

But this time McCarthy forced the issue without forcing the shot. He worked off of a high screen from Sow and drove the ball inside. When the defense collapsed, he kicked the ball out to Peyton, who was waiting at the base line. Easy three points -- although South Florida's Hargett responded in kind right over McCarthy's outstretched arms the very next play. The next possession, the Bulls were playing off of him in man to man, so he hoisted up his 7th three point attempt with the same confidence as the first -- and it went in. Both McCarthy and Peyton would hit another three point shot each, and the Dragons closed out the game at the free throw line for a narrow 79-73 victory.

None of the Dragons were available for comment after the game because they had to leave the arena immediately to fly to Honolulu for their first game in the Hawaiian Invitational against Alabama A&M. The game starts in less than 24 hours.

Nov 14, 2013 - DREX at SFL
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
Drexel (2-1)	42	37	79
South Florida (82) (2-1)	40	33	73

Drexel
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
P. McCarthy	24	7-14	2-8	0-0	0	11	0	0	1	16
D. Marsh	23	0-0	0-0	3-4	0	0	0	0	0	3
J. Payton	24	2-8	2-6	0-2	2	3	1	0	2	6
D. Sow	22	9-14	0-0	0-0	16	3	2	1	2	18
F. Ramsey	23	9-19	0-0	2-4	14	2	1	3	1	20
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
D. Richard	13	1-2	0-0	0-0	2	3	0	0	0	2
G. McLaughlin	13	5-8	0-0	4-6	7	0	1	2	2	14
S. Manjlovic	2	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	1	0	0	1	0
J. Learner	6	0-1	0-1	0-0	0	2	0	0	0	0
R. Burnette	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		33-67	4-15	9-16	41	25	5	6	9	79

South Florida (82)
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
G. Hargett	23	9-16	4-11	3-4	0	3	2	0	4	25
J. Poland	23	9-15	0-2	3-4	1	3	2	0	0	21
V. Rudd	22	3-9	0-2	0-2	10	1	1	0	0	6
B. McFadden	23	0-4	0-2	0-0	2	3	0	0	0	0
T. Hoyer	24	2-6	0-0	0-0	12	0	0	1	0	4
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
L. Doritty	10	2-5	1-3	0-0	2	2	0	0	0	5
H. Robertson	6	2-7	0-2	0-0	1	2	0	0	0	4
G. Forbes	11	0-4	0-0	0-0	3	1	1	0	1	0
V. Holloway	3	1-2	0-1	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
J. Heath	3	2-3	2-2	0-0	0	1	2	0	0	6
K. Emerson	4	0-2	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
B. Laws	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		30-73	7-25	6-10	31	16	8	1	5	73

Coach West was unavailable for comment after the game and could not be reached by phone in time for this story.

Other Game 3 Results

Dayton 101 UCF 76
Vanderbilt 73 Virginia Tech 74
Elon 90 Loyola (MD) 83

[waytofailself]

Re: The Accidental Career of Guy West (CH2k8)

Hawaiian Invitational Game 1 Results

Drexel 88 Alabama A&M 48
LSU 73 Texas A&M 70
Columbia 46 UNC 80
UCLA 105 Illinois 73

Unlike other teams in the tournament, Drexel had to fight of the jet lag of having played in Florida the day before. The wear of air travel didn't show on the court, as Ramsey, McLaughlin, and Peyton all finished over 15 points each. Alabama A&M was never in the game from the start, and the Dragons move on to the next round to face LSU.

Hawaiian Invitational Game 2



#13 LSU vs Drexel

Sometimes one team just wants it more than the other, and it shows. Not just on the sweat in the court, but in the stat line. Twenty-six more rebounds. Ten more free throw attempts. Tonight the Drexel Dragons put their name on the map by embarrassing the stunned LSU Tigers 94-73, and the game was not as close as the final score indicated.

Femi Ramsey and Daniel Wadood of LSU (and yes, the game can pronounce his name, WAH-dude) were both part of the same recruiting class. Ramsey was the #1 overall center, but #3 Wadood seems to have blossomed into his role faster. At 7'1" and 297 lbs, he already has NBA scouts talking. And with an 81 overall rating, he might be ready to leave for the draft after his Sophomore year.That isn't to say that Ramsey might not be the better prospect in the long run (A potential vs C+ potential), but you can't teach size. And Wadood is an imposing leader on the LSU front line. Their entire game plan is centered around him owning the middle.

So what was Coach West's game plan? Attack Wadood from the start. Don't back down from him, and miss shots if you have to. Just try and make contact -- he can't eat space from the bench. The plan worked to perfection. Wadood picked up two fouls while trying to guard Ramsey inside in the first three minutes, and he picked up his third trying to draw a charge against Richard -- who West moved into the starting line up in place of Dallas Marsh -- within a minute of the second half. Wadood's only significant minutes came long after the game had been decided.

The Tigers had no answers for Drexel's inside game. Both Sow and Ramsey romped in the middle, and Sow proved he might be the best big on the floor that night by racking up 3 blocks to go along with a near perfect shooting night. McLaughlin also made a huge contribution when Ramsey had to sit for a good chunk of the first half with foul trouble of his own. But the game ball has to go to Peyton, who in the second half put the clamps on LSU's Turner and limited him to 2 points after he torched the Dragons' D for 4 three pointers in the first half. Meanwhile, Peyton and McCarthy's barrage of 3s in the second half put the game totally out of reach for the Tigers.

Drexel's surprising victory sets them up for a showdown with the UCLA Bruins for the Hawaiian Invitational Championship.

Nov 16, 2013 - LSU at DREX
TEAM	1ST	2ND	SCORE
#13 LSU (87) (3-1)	41	32	73
Drexel (4-1)	50	44	94

LSU (87)
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
A. Haney	28	5-14	3-6	1-2	2	11	1	0	3	14
R. Turner	22	8-14	4-7	0-2	2	2	0	0	0	20
J. Courtney	17	3-10	1-2	3-4	5	3	0	0	1	10
M. Millsap	23	5-8	0-1	1-2	5	1	2	1	0	11
D. Wadood	12	1-5	0-1	0-0	2	1	0	2	0	2
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
M. Shropshire	12	1-4	0-2	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	2
D. Madera	6	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	2	1	0	0	0
A. Evertson	8	2-2	2-2	0-0	2	1	0	0	1	6
N. Robinson	11	3-4	0-0	2-2	4	1	0	1	2	8
K. Elias	11	0-2	0-0	0-0	1	3	0	1	0	0
J. Pandov	-- DID NOT PLAY --
B. Palmer	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		28-64	10-21	7-12	23	25	4	5	7	73

Drexel
STARTERS	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
P. McCarthy	25	7-11	3-6	0-1	0	13	0	0	3	17
D. Richard	21	1-8	0-1	0-2	2	1	1	0	0	2
J. Payton	21	6-15	2-5	0-0	10	3	2	0	0	14
D. Sow	19	8-15	0-1	3-4	14	4	1	3	0	19
F. Ramsey	17	6-15	0-0	5-5	8	2	0	1	1	17
BENCH	MIN	FGM-A	3PM-A	FTM-A	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	PTS
D. Marsh	10	2-3	0-0	0-0	1	0	0	0	0	4
G. McLaughlin	18	7-10	0-0	1-2	14	2	2	0	0	15
S. Manojlovic	13	0-0	0-0	6-8	0	1	0	0	0	6
J. Learner	5	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0	0	0	0
R. Burnette	-- DID NOT PLAY --
A. Quick	-- DID NOT PLAY --
K. Edelin	-- DID NOT PLAY --
TEAM TOTALS		37-77	5-13	15-22	49	26	6	4	4	94

Coach West: "I can't say enough about how proud I am of our team. This is our third game in three days, and our first game in the set was a continent and half an ocean way. Everyone showed a lot of mental toughness to stay focused and stick with the game plan. I don't think LSU underestimated us, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't expecting more of a fight from them after we built a solid lead in the first half."

Other Game 2 Results

UNC 60 UCLA 96
Alabama A&M 85 Texas A&M 83
Columbia 69 Illinois 70

Hawaiian Invitational Game 3 Results

Unfortunately, the power went out near the end of the Drexel-UCLA game. To put it succinctly, there were 6 minutes left and the Dragons had not even eclipsed 50 points yet. The #5 ranked, 88 Overall Bruins completely outclassed the Dragons and were up by 25 before the game cut off. They had size up front to stop the inside game, and shooters outside who could also defend the perimeter. Maybe one day the Dragons can recruit well and become competitive. But for today instead of attempting to replay the game I simmed it and got a similar enough result (and a bonus injury to Marsh! Oh boy!).

Drexel 67 UCLA 85
LSU 92 UNC 81
Alabama A&M 60 Illinois 94
Texas A&M 62 Columbia 69

Drexel vs Georgia Southern
W: 94-89 (OT)

Notable: Massive foul trouble for Sow and Ramsey throughout the game. They both fouled out in extra period, but by that time the game was sealed. Won the game off of outstanding performance from the bench, especially Manojlovic who was hot and hit 3-4 from behind the arc.

Drexel's next game is against the Norfolk State Spartans, and words are already getting heated in the build up to the game.