MBBALL PREVIEW: Judges set sights on NCAA championship
by Jeffrey Pickette
Senior writer
Basketball preview | 11/18/08
Posted online at 2:40 AM EST on 11/18/08
Olson averaged 10.8 points per game, with 53 out of his 112 field goals coming from behind the three-point line. He was second only to Coppens in three-point shot conversions.
Even with the NCAA's decision to move the three-point line back from 19 feet, nine inches to 20 feet, nine inches, Olson said he is "very comfortable" with the new distance.
"It spreads the court out a little more, which I think can be a good thing," Olson said. "It makes it so it's harder for defenders to get out, and [it] gives you an extra step."
Both head coach Brian Meehan and assistant coach Eric McKoy said last week that a five-player starting lineup has not been set. DeLuca, Roberson and Olson will start, but the other two spots are up for grabs.
"There's some good competition; it's not like we're waiting for somebody to do well," Meehan said. "We've got guys who are playing well."
Meehan and McKoy both expressed interest in having Hollins, who led the Judges in rebounding with 5.9 a contest, come off the bench this season. Meehan said last week that this might prevent Hollins from picking up personal fouls early in games, and McKoy said last week that playing Hollins as a sixth man may cause matchup problems for the opposition.
"Now he's going in against other teams' second units. Let's be honest with ourselves; how many other [forwards] that don't start in New England or in the country are going to be able to cover him?" McKoy said.
Guard Kenny Small '10, who played sparingly the second half of last season, is one player who teammates think can make an impact.
"He's going to surprise a lot of people … because he's a scorer that can really heat up fast. He's very athletic," Hollins said. "He has an opportunity this year to really show that he can play at this level, and I definitely know he can do it."
Forward Vytas Kriskus '12 is a rookie player Meehan touts as a skilled shooter "with good size and athleticism."
Rookie guards Jaime Shannon '12 and Tyrone Hughes '12-along with guard John Weldon '10-will figure in the mix to back up Roberson at point guard, according to Meehan.
The Judges are ranked ninth in the D3hoops.com preseason poll, but Meehan cautions not to take too much stock in these rankings.
"It's a nice thing, but ultimately, as I always say, it doesn't really matter [where you are ranked] 'til the end of the year," Meehan said.
The Judges' non conference schedule includes games against four 2008 NCAA Tournament participants in the first six games (see schedule, page 28).
"There's no real easy game in the first semester," Meehan said. "We're going to really have our hands full night in and night out."
Brandeis kicks off its season today on the road against 2008 NCAA Tournament first-round opponent Lasell College at 7 p.m.
Even with the NCAA's decision to move the three-point line back from 19 feet, nine inches to 20 feet, nine inches, Olson said he is "very comfortable" with the new distance.
"It spreads the court out a little more, which I think can be a good thing," Olson said. "It makes it so it's harder for defenders to get out, and [it] gives you an extra step."
Both head coach Brian Meehan and assistant coach Eric McKoy said last week that a five-player starting lineup has not been set. DeLuca, Roberson and Olson will start, but the other two spots are up for grabs.
"There's some good competition; it's not like we're waiting for somebody to do well," Meehan said. "We've got guys who are playing well."
Meehan and McKoy both expressed interest in having Hollins, who led the Judges in rebounding with 5.9 a contest, come off the bench this season. Meehan said last week that this might prevent Hollins from picking up personal fouls early in games, and McKoy said last week that playing Hollins as a sixth man may cause matchup problems for the opposition.
"Now he's going in against other teams' second units. Let's be honest with ourselves; how many other [forwards] that don't start in New England or in the country are going to be able to cover him?" McKoy said.
Guard Kenny Small '10, who played sparingly the second half of last season, is one player who teammates think can make an impact.
"He's going to surprise a lot of people … because he's a scorer that can really heat up fast. He's very athletic," Hollins said. "He has an opportunity this year to really show that he can play at this level, and I definitely know he can do it."
Forward Vytas Kriskus '12 is a rookie player Meehan touts as a skilled shooter "with good size and athleticism."
Rookie guards Jaime Shannon '12 and Tyrone Hughes '12-along with guard John Weldon '10-will figure in the mix to back up Roberson at point guard, according to Meehan.
The Judges are ranked ninth in the D3hoops.com preseason poll, but Meehan cautions not to take too much stock in these rankings.
"It's a nice thing, but ultimately, as I always say, it doesn't really matter [where you are ranked] 'til the end of the year," Meehan said.
The Judges' non conference schedule includes games against four 2008 NCAA Tournament participants in the first six games (see schedule, page 28).
"There's no real easy game in the first semester," Meehan said. "We're going to really have our hands full night in and night out."
Brandeis kicks off its season today on the road against 2008 NCAA Tournament first-round opponent Lasell College at 7 p.m.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Karen Hollins
posted 11/22/08 @ 12:53 AM EST
I belive that Brandeis needs to concentrate get their head in the game and focus.This is a great team and with the great coaching and the right formula of team playing we know what they are capable of!!!! Lets Go Brandeis show em what we got!!!! Do the D--- Thing!!!!
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