Local athletes make their pick of schools official
After offers from Division I programs around the country, Snider swimmer Gabe Swardson found his perfect fit at West Virginia.
Swardson was able to solidify his decision in ink on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
“It was kind of the perfect decision,” he said of West Virginia. “I got a few offers from a lot of colleges but West Virginia, I fell in love with right away. They offered me everything I wanted with the family atmosphere and the beautiful setting in the mountain. It was just perfect.”
Swardson turned down offers from Florida State, Missouri and Iowa to become a Mountaineer.
“It’s gorgeous. I’m so overly excited. I’m kind of tingling right now,” he said, laughing.
Signing provided a sense of relief as he can now concentrate on his final high school season and defending his state championship in the 100-yard butterfly.
“It takes a lot of pressure off performing for potential colleges,” he said, “and gives me a chance of focusing on the end goal, which is state this year.
“I’m looking to repeat my state title. It’ll be a good rivalry this year. I’m looking forward to getting back into competition.”
In February’s state championships, Swardson, the fourth seed, was in third place at the halfway point and came from behind to beat top seed Ryan Huizing of Carroll in a time of 49.14 seconds.
Huizing, who qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meter butterfly, is signing Nov. 19 to attend Yale.
Swardson trains with Three Rivers Aquatic Club under swim coach Chris Knoblauch and has swum with Arlington Park in the summer since he was 6.
He’s also been able to participate in national-level meets while an underclassman which helped his development.
Panthers pitcher Chase Phelps signed with IPFW and is looking forward to playing alongside his brother, Brandon, for the Mastodons.
“All my life I’ve dreamt about being a Division I athlete,” he said, “and to play with my brother for the first time was something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Other big area signings included Columbia City basketball’s Brachen Hazen signing to Central Florida.
Hazen, a 6-foot-8 205-pound forward, also received offers from Bradley, Maryland, Creighton, St. Joseph’s, Utah State, Ball State, Illinois State, IUPUI and Valparaiso.
Carroll’s Kyle Mallers signed with Ball State. Mallers also received offers from Indiana State, Evansville, Ole Miss, Toledo, Akron, Kent State and Central Michigan.
The UIC Flames head to Western Hall to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks. The game gets underway at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
The Leathernecks easily got past Hannibal-LaGrange 94-57 on Sunday. Jabari Sandifer had a solid performance, putting up 13 points, three assists, and two steals for the Leathernecks. The Flames, meanwhile, are coming off a close 78-75 loss at the hands of San Francisco on Friday. Gabe Snider had a good game for UIC, posting eight points, five rebounds, and two assists.
Western Illinois, a five-point favorite, will look to capitalize at home against UIC. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is set at 143 points. The Leathernecks have started off well, going 2-0 Straight Up (SU) and 1-0 Against The Spread (ATS). The Leathernecks are an exceptional shooting team with a .543 field-goal percentage, one of the highest marks in Division I.
These two will be squaring off for the first time this season. In their previous meeting last season, UIC came out on top, moving its SU record against the Leathernecks to 2-1. On the other hand, Western Illinois holds the advantage ATS with a record of 3-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – UIC, ATS Winner – UIC, O/U – Over
DAVIDSON, N.C. (AP) Stephen Curry made a surprise visit to his alma mater, bringing the Larry O’Brien NBA championship trophy along with him to show off to the Davidson College community.
The league’s MVP worked out with Davidson players, participated in a question-and-answer period with college students and even banked in a 25-foot jumper Thursday in the first shot ever attempted at the school’s new practice facility.
Curry told The Associated Press, “This is where the whole story started and I know how much the Davidson alumni and community supports me, so this is very special.”
Curry, a big Carolina Panthers fan, said he plans to pound the “Keep Pounding” drum before the team’s home opener Sunday against the Houston Texans. The Charlotte native also plans to visit to his former high school.
Syracuse kicked off their new intra-conference rivalry with Duke in epic fashion during the 2013-14 season, playing a thriller in front of 35,000 fans in the Carrier Dome.
The Orange, who were ranked No. 2 in the country at the time, eventually won in overtime, keeping their then-perfect record intact. Four weeks later, the Orange would be making the return trip to Durham in what was one of the most anticipated matchups in recent regular season memory, and while the game itself failed to live up to the drama of the first, the latter was certainly more memorable.
That’s because Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim had one of the most explosive ejections this side of Bobby Knight. When C.J. Fair was called for a questionable charge on a play that could have given Syracuse the lead in the final 10 seconds, Boeheim leapt off the bench, tried to throw off his suit jacket and proceeded to curse and point in the face of every official he could find before finally being escorted out of Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Earlier this week, Jalen Brunson, a five-star point guard from the Class of 2015, recorded his first assist in an official Villanova uniform.
During the team photo day, Brunson had fun with fellow freshman Donte Divincenzo. Brunson broke out a slip-and-slide dribble before lobbing a pass off the backboard for Divincenzo, who completed the play with a windmill dunk.
Brunson and Divincenzo were both rated in the Rivals150.
The duo joins a perimeter that includes co-Big East Player of the Year Ryan Arcidiacono, Josh Hart, the Big East Sixth Man of the Year and reserve guard Phil Booth.
The Wildcats, a probable preseason top-10 team, opens the season on Nov. 13 against Fairleigh Dickinson.
After reaching the Sweet 16 last season Wichita State had two important departures to account for. Not only did the Shockers lose one of the nation’s top “glue guys” in Tekele Cotton, but their best interior scorer in Darius Carter exhausted his eligibility as well. Carter averaged 11.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, shooting better than 52 percent from the field, making head coach Gregg Marshall’s search for a replacement an important subplot this spring.
Ultimately the Shockers managed to land a productive interior scorer in grad student Anton Grady, who averaged 14.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per contest as a redshirt junior at Cleveland State. In regards to both numbers and skill set, Grady is more than capable of being the front court supplement that players such as Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet need.
But Marshall was quick to point out to Bob Lutz of the Wichita Eagle that his newest big man has a style of play that differs from what Carter brought to the table in 2014-15.
“When Ron and Fred decided they were coming back for their senior years, we knew we had that one scholarship available,” Marshall said. “I determined to try and do the best I could to give those guys an opportunity to go out with a crescendo, as high a note as they could possibly go out on. So we were thrilled to get Anton rather than a transfer who had to sit out or a freshman probably not ready to be a prime-time player.”
Marshall believes Grady is ready to be that.
“He’s not a Darius Carter-type, he’s different,” Marshall said. “He’s not as long. This kid has had [three] knee surgeries, so he plays more of an old-man game. But he uses his body well. He gets angles and he can use either hand.”
Grady’s had to endure a total of three surgeries to repair the meniscus in each knee (two on the left and one on the right), which has forced him to make adjustments to his game. As Marshall noted in the quote above Grady has more of an “old man game,” which won’t be an issue given Wichita State’s other front court options as well as the presence of two of the nation’s best guards in Baker and VanVleet (Kansas transfer Conner Frankamp will be eligible in December).
Whether it’s through elite athleticism or a craftier approach, Wichita State simply needs Grady to be a dependable scoring option in the post area. And despite having to deal with knee issues throughout his college career, Grady’s proven that he can be productive.
The way that college basketball coaches build their rosters has changed in recent years, as the explosion of the transfer market has opened up a new avenue to attract talent into a program. Some may love it and some may hate it, but it’s not going away. Here are the 15 transfers that will have the biggest impact on the 2015-16 season:
THE TOP 15
1. Damion Lee (via Drexel) and Trey Lewis (via Cleveland State), Louisville
At the start of the offseason, Louisville’s top returning scorer was Quentin Snider at 4.1 points per game, and that’s after his scoring average jumped a full point following three straight double-digit outings in the NCAA tournament.
But head coach Rick Pitino tapped into the graduate transfer market and came out with the most-sought after transfer, Damion Lee. Before that he had grabbed a point guard and 3-point shooter in Trey Lewis. Those two fifth-year seniors joined a heralded incoming freshman class that included Donovan Mitchell, Ray Spalding and Deng Adel.
Lee missed almost all of the 2013-14 season with a torn ACL, but recovered to finish fifth in the nation in scoring last season at 21.4 points per game. Lewis will be able to play either guard spot and provides a deep threat, hitting 96 threes (42 percent) in 2014-15.
Lee and Lewis benefited from Louisville’s foreign tour in Puerto Rico. The duo left their mark in the first game of the trip, combining for 49 points. Lee went for 36 points off 11-of-18 shooting. The two newcomers have also stepped up as leaders, according to members of the team.
2. Robert Carter Jr. (via Georgia Tech) and Rasheed Sulaimon (via Duke), Maryland
The Terrapins could very well open up the season as the No. 1 team in the nation. Part of that is Melo Trimble and Jake Layman spurning the NBA for another year in College Park, but another part of that high praise is the transfers who are coming into to fill spots in the starting lineup.
Robert Carter Jr. averaged 11.4 points and 8.4 rebounds for Georgia Tech before transferring to Maryland in 2014. The 6-foot-9 forward, who has reportedly dropped 20 pounds during his redshirt season, will help Maryland with low-post scoring, as will fellow newcomer Diamond Stone.
The Terrapins added a former rival in May, as Rasheed Sulaimon had committed to Maryland as a graduate transfer, giving him immediate eligibility. On paper, it’s a good pickup for the two-guard spot, but this is the same player whose production went in both his sophomore and junior seasons. Mark Turgeon likely isn’t looking for much offensively, he just needs Sulaimon to defend on a nightly basis.
3. Sterling Gibbs (via Seton Hall) and Shonn Miller (via Cornell), UConn
Kevin Ollie had a great spring, picking up two impact transfers for next season. With Ryan Boatright graduating, Gibbs, the ex-Seton Hall lead guard, can slide right into that role of scorer and facilitator. He’s also someone who isn’t afraid to take a big shot. Gibbs will run the show in a talented perimeter of Daniel Hamilton, Rodney Purvis, Sam Cassell Jr. and Jalen Adams. Gibbs averaged 16.3 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, shooting 43 percent from three for the Pirates last season.
Joining Gibbs is Shonn Miller, the all-Ivy League forward. The 6-foot-7 stuffed the statsheet, posting averages of 16.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. Matched up with shot-blocker Amida Brimah, the Huskies will have two very good defenders on the frontline.
4. Eron Harris (via West Virginia), Michigan State
Tom Izzo scored big when he landed the former West Virginia guard back in 2014. The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 17.2 points per game and shooting 42 percent from beyond the arc for the Mountaineers during the 2013-14 season. Harris joins Denzel Valentine, Bryn Forbes and Tum Tum Nairn on the perimeter for the Spartans.
Although, he’ll have to overcome a rocky start to his career in East Lansing, being suspended for the team’s foreign trip in August.
5. Anton Grady (via Cleveland State) and Conner Frankamp (via Kansas), Wichita State
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 14.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game in his final season at Cleveland State. Electing to use his final year of eligibility as a role player to Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet, Grady will offer a different low-post presence, head coach Gregg Marshall said recently. While it’s a different style than his predecessor, Grady helps fill the void left behind by the graduating Darius Carter.
Conner Frankamp, the former Kansas Jayhawk, becomes eligible in the second semester and will offer depth for the Shockers back court.
6. Ryan Anderson (via Boston College) and Mark Tollefsen (via San Francisco), Arizona
Anderson decided to use his final year of eligibility at Arizona after averaging 13.5 points per game through his first three seasons at Boston College. He’ll bring experience to the starting five, sharing the front court with senior Kaleb Tarczewski, the only returning starter. Mark Tollefsen should also provide some contributions in his lone season with the Wildcats. The 6-foot-9 forward shot 38 percent from three for the Dons in 2014-15.
7. Cole Huff (via Nevada) and Mo Watson Jr. (via Boston University), Creighton
Creighton struggled in the first season of the post-Doug McDermott era. It would appear it would only get worse for the Bluejays after graduating five contributors this past spring. However, among all the new pieces are two key transfers in Watson and Huff.
During Creighton’s foreign trip in Italy, the 6-foot-8 Huff led the team with 14.3 points per game. Watson averaged 6.7 assists per game with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4:1
8. Terry Henderson (via West Virginia), NC State
The former Mountaineer guard will attempt to follow the success for previous transfers like Ralston Turner and Trevor Lacey. Henderson will slide into that role this season alongside Cat Barber. In 2013-14, Henderson averaged 11.7 points per game, shooting 38 percent from behind the arc.
9. Kuran Iverson (via Memphis), Rhode Island
The top-30 recruit in the Class of 2013 had an grand exit from Memphis. The versatile 6-foot-9 forward gets a new start at Rhode Island, where he will have the chance to fit in with the Rams’ four returning starters.
10. Ricky Tarrant (via Alabama), Memphis
This has not been an easy offseason for Josh Pastner. But the one bright spot was landing Alabama’s second-leading scorer Ricky Tarrant. The 6-foot-2 guard should be able to provide consistent production the Tigers guards could not do last season.
11. John Egbunu (via South Florida), Florida
The 6-foot-11 center averaged 7.4 points, 6.4 boards and 1.3 blocks per game in his freshman season at South Florida in 2013-14. Egbunu is reportedly down 11 pounds, which will only help in Mike White’s uptempo system.
12. Rafael Maia(via Brown) and Sterling Smith (via Coppin State), Pittsburgh
Through his first three seasons, the 6-foot-9 Brown big man averaged 8.1 boards per game, leading the Ivy League in that category in each season. He can help a Pitt team that ranked tenth in the ACC in defensive rebounding percentage. As for Smith, who averaged 13.9 points per game at Coppin State, he provides depth behind James Robinson and Chris Jones.
13.Tyler Lewis (via NC State), Butler
The former McDonald’s All-American takes over for Butler’s leader the past few season, Alex Barlow. Lewis, who has a career 3:1 assist to turnover ratio, steps into a good spot alongside all-Big East caliber guards Kellen Dunham and Roosevelt Jones. Former St. Bonaventure guard Jordan Gathers joins the Butler back court as a graduate transfer.
14. Seth Allen (via Maryland), Virginia Tech
Allen, who averaged 13.4 points per game as a sophomore, before transferring from Maryland in 2014. He provide a scoring boost alongside Justin Bibbs and will share ball-handling duties with Devin Wilson.
15. Dylan Ennis (via Villanova), Oregon
The fifth-year senior started in all 36 games for the Big East champions, averaging 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 28.1 minutes per game. He brings experience to a young back court, which is headlined by five-star recruit Tyler Dorsey.
HERE ARE THE REST OF THE NATION’S IMPACT TRANSFERS
Max Bielfeldt (via Michigan), Indiana: The former conference foe provides experience and depth to a young frontline.
Deonte Burton (via Marquette), and Hallice Cooke (via Oregon State) Iowa State: The former Marquette guard was pegged as a breakout star in 2014-15. After transferring mid-year Burton hopes to become the next successful transfer in Ames. Cooke had a successful freshman campaign at Oregon State, but spent much of last year recovering from a pair of hip surgeries.
Kareem Canty (via Marshall) and Tyler Harris (via Providence), Auburn: Canty was one of the prized transfers in 2014 after averaging 16.3 points per game in his only season at Marshall. This will be Harris’ third school, and he will play in a front court alongside Cinmeon Bowers and freshmen Horace Spencer and Danjel Purifoy.
Tyler Cavanaugh (via Wake Forest), George Washington: The 6-foot-9 Cavanaugh should make an immediate impact in lineup that includes Patricio Garino, Kevin Larsen and Joe McDonald.
Charles Cooke (via James Madison), Dayton: Jordan Siebert graduated and Dyshawn Pierre suspended, the 6-foot-5 guard could play a key role for the A-10 contender.
Nick Faust (via Maryland) and Gabe Levin (via Loyola Marymount), Long Beach State: The 49ers lost all five starters. Faust, who averaged 9.3 points per game at Maryland, Levin, the 2013 WCC Rookie of the Year and Roschon Prince, a former top-100 recruit, are all eligible.
Johnny Hill (via Texas-Arlington), Purdue: This will be the third stop for the 6-foot-3 guard, who attempt to replicate the success Jon Octeus had in his lone season with the Boilermakers.
Khalid Lewis (via La Salle) and Mike Thorne Jr. (via Charlotte), Illinois: The late addition adds of Lewis helps combat Tracy Abrams season-ending injury. The 6-foot-10 Thorne a highly-sought after big man before picking the Illini.
Kamari Murphy (via Oklahoma State), Miami: Versatile big man should have a presence on the defensive end for the Hurricanes.
Sean Obi (via Rice), Duke: The big body post player recorded 11 double-doubles at Rice and was third in the nation in defensive rebounding percentage.
Semi Ojeyele (via Duke), SMU: The former McDonald’s All-American has a chance to make an impact for the Mustangs when he becomes eligible midseason.
Duncan Robinson (via Williams College), Michigan: A healthy Caris LeVert and Zak Irvin will limit his minutes, but the ex-Division III hooper might be Michigan’s top shooter.
Adam Smith (via Virginia Tech), Georgia Tech: The graduate transfer remains in the ACC and brings a deep shooting range to the conference’s worst 3-point shooting team from a season ago.
Andrew White III (via Kansas), Nebraska: White couldn’t find minutes in a crowded Kansas perimeter. The former four-star recruit has a chance to restart his college career playing alongside Shavon Shields.
Tim Williams (via Samford), New Mexico: The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 17.6 points per game in 2013-14.
