Thursday, September 30, 2010

2010 preview for Lucas Devenny


This was last year's preview of Lucas Devenny: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-lucas-devenny.html

Devenny played in 26 of 30 games last year as a true freshman. The 6'9" sophomore power forward will be counted on to play a bigger role in the Gaucho frontcourt. He will be expected to improve on his averages of 1.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game as his minutes increase.

Look for Devenny to have a break out year this upcoming season in the Gauchos' quest to repeat at Big West champions.

2010 preview for Christian Peterson


Christian Peterson, a 6'3" walk-on junior from Carlsbad, CA, will provide depth in the loaded Gaucho backcourt. His strength at the wing position will help Gaucho starters elevate their play during practice in preparation for games.

Gauchos picked to repeat as Big West champions

http://ucsbgauchos.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/093010aab.html

Big West 2010 - 2011 basketball TV schedule

http://www.bigwest.org/assets/sports/mbball/2010_11_TV_Release.pdf

The Gauchos are scheduled for at least 4 regular season televised games.

Day/Date Contest Tipoff Carrier
76 CLASSIC • ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER ARENA
Thursday, November 25 Cal State Northridge vs. Virginia Tech 11:00 am ESPNU
Friday, November 26 Cal State Northridge vs. DePaul/Oklahoma State 11:30 am/2 pm ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
Sunday, November 28 Cal State Northridge vs. TBD TBD ESPN2 or ESPNU
BIG WEST CONFERENCE REGULAR SEASON GAMES
Tuesday, December 28 Long Beach State at UC Santa Barbara 8:00 pm ESPNU
Saturday, January 8 Cal State Fullerton at UC Riverside 7:30 pm PRIME
Wednesday, January 12 UC Davis at Long Beach State 8:00 pm ESPNU
Saturday, January 15 Pacific at Long Beach State TBD FS WEST/PRIME
Saturday, January 22 Cal Poly at Cal State Northridge 1:00 pm PRIME
Saturday, January 29 Cal State Fullerton at Long Beach State 7:30 pm FS WEST
Thursday, February 3 Pacific at UC Santa Barbara 8:30 pm ESPNU
Saturday, February 5 UC Davis at UC Santa Barbara 7:30 pm PRIME
Saturday, February 12 UC Santa Barbara at UC Irvine 5:30 pm FS WEST

Friday, February 18 BracketBusters TBD ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
Saturday, February 19 BracketBusters TBD ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU
Sunday, February 20 BracketBusters TBD ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU

Saturday, February 26 Three Wild Card Games selected from: 5:00 pm ESPN2
UC Santa Barbara at Long Beach State 8:00 pm ESPNU

Cal Poly at Cal State Fullerton 5:30 pm FS WEST
Pacific at UC Irvine
UC Davis at UC Riverside
BIG WEST TOURNAMENT • HONDA CENTER
Friday, March 11 Men’s Semifinal #1 6:30 pm ESPNU
Men’s Semifinal #2 8:30 pm ESPNU
Saturday, March 12 Women’s Championship 1:00 pm PRIME
Men’s Championship 5:00 pm ESPN2

All Times Pacific

Orlando Johnson on one preseason Wooden list

http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2010/09/28/my_wooden_preseason_top_50_players_far_from_intimidating

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2010 preview for James Nunnally


This was last year's preview for James Nunnally: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-james-nunnally.html

Forward James Nunnally had a break out sophomore season, earning 2nd Team All-Big West Conference regular season accolades and Big West All-Tournament Team honors. The 6'6" junior flashed his potential with memorable performances his freshman season, but once he broke into the starting lineup early last season, Nunnally became the second Gaucho go-to scoring option, along with teammate Orlando Johnson.

Nunnally became even more effective when Coach Bob Williams implemented a shorter, but quicker starting squad, moving Nunnally from the small forward to the power forward position. His perimeter shooting skills opened up the lane for teammates to maneuver in the post. Nunnally led the Gauchos in 3-point shooting field goal percentage, making 45.5% of his attempts, fifth best in school history. He averaged 14.7 points and a team-leading 5.6 rebounds per game, but his averages increased to 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds over the final 19 games, when the Gauchos made a 15 - 4 run into the post-season.

Most importantly, Nunnally averaged 18.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the Big West Tournament, helping the Gauchos clinch the championship, and sending the Gauchos into the NCAA playoffs.

If he can continue to increase his consistency, and remain focused on both ends of the court, look for Nunnally to make the All-Big West 1st Team this upcoming season.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

2010 preview for Will Brew


This was last year's preview of Will Brew: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-will-brew.html

Brew stepped up into a prominent role last season, emerging as the only Gaucho to start all 30 games. The 6'3" physical point guard was a menace on defense, frequently assigned to guard the opposing team's best perimeter player. Brew also averaged 4.8 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game, while leading the team in total assists with 79 and steals with 40.

However, Brew's value to the team cannot be measured by mere statistsics, as his hustle and athleticism often disrupted the opponent's offensive sets. He also has the quickness and strength to blow by his defender and finish above the rim. If Brew can continue to improve his solid assist-to-turnover ratio, and improve his perimeter shooting percentages, the Gauchos will possess the most well-rounded point guard in the Big West.

2010 preview for Brad Lewis


Brad Lewis is a 6'2" redshirt freshman shooting guard from nearby Simi Valley, CA. Lewis scored 715 points his senior season at Simi Valley, becoming Ventura County's scoring champion at the end of the 2008 - 2009 season. He also made 94 3-point shots that season, second highest in Simi Valley High history.

The walk-on sharpshooter will provide quality depth to a Gaucho backcourt which is loaded with talent and experience.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Gauchos beat UCLA 2 - 0 in men's soccer

This is a Gaucho hoops site, but 15,896 Gaucholocos were out in full force last night at Harder Stadium, setting soccer attendance records. Many more fans were reportedly turned away at the gate.

The best news is that the Gauchos avenged last season's loss to UCLA in the NCAA playoffs, beating the Bruins 2 - 0 on goals by freshman forward David Opoku and junior midfielder Danny Barrera.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_oS-PEv7cI&feature=player_embedded

Recap

Box Score

This is the kind of Gaucholoco support that will put the thunder back in the Thunderdome when basketball season rolls around. Minus the flying tortillas, of course.

Friday, September 24, 2010

2010 preview for Justin Joyner


This was last year's preview of Justin Joyner: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-justin-joyner.html

After redshirting due to a broken wrist the season before, 6'0" senior point guard Justin Joyner was eager to return to the hard court last season. However, he was slowed down by another injury his junior season, this time a lingering ankle sprain. While he never really got untracked due to the ankle, Joyner was still able to maintain a high assist-to-turnover ratio, one of the true measuring sticks for a point guard. In fact, Joyner again led the Gauchos with a ratio of 46 assists and 22 turnovers.

If Joyner can return to the pre-injury standards he set his freshman and sophomore seasons, look for his teammates to have even higher production. When Joyner is at 100% health, he makes his teammates better, and the Gauchos will be that much tougher to unseat as Big West champions.

Orlando Johnson, the productive transfer


http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2010/09/23/most_productive_transfer_you_dont_know;_chandler_focused_on_academics

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Collegehoopsnet 2010 - 2011 preview of UCSB

The defending Big West regular season and Conference Tournament champions are ranked #101 in Collegehoopsnet.com's 2010 - 2011 college basketball preview.

http://www.collegehoopsnet.com/101-ucsb-2010-11-basketball-preview-168722

Overall Rank: #101

Conference Rank: #1 Big West Conference

2009-10: 20-10, 12-4

2009-10 postseason: NCAA

Coach: Bob Williams (199-156 at UC Santa Barbara, 388-253 overall)


UC Santa Barbara finished up the 2009-2010 campaign with an impressive 20-10 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. The story could be the same in 2010-2011. Coach Bob Williams has a talented and experienced team and few squads in the Big West should be able to match their depth. While there is certainly room for improvement, UCSB is heading into this season with the expectations of another trip to the big dance.

Key Losses: G James Powell, G Paul Roemer

Key Newcomers:

The loss of James Powell, and to a lesser extent Paul Roemer, leaves the Gauchos with a pretty big hole at the shooting guard position. There are other options like playing big, but even then this team will need a shooting guard to come in off the bench every once in a while. All four incoming freshmen fit the bill. Kyle Boswell, Troy Leaf, Brad Lewis and Tony Williams are all 6-1 or 6-2 guards. Leaf is the most likely freshmen to see minutes this year, but the competition is still relatively wide open at this point.

Backcourt:

Jordan Weiner is a walk-on, but you cannot argue with the results. Once he became the starting two guard late in the season, UCSB went 9-1 until their loss to Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament. Weiner is not the greatest of shooters or anything else for that matter, but he is a hard worker and a smart player who deserves the starting nod for now. Having Will Brew in the backcourt makes everything a little easier for Weiner. Brew was the only Gaucho to start all 30 games a year ago and without him this team would be drastically different. He is not a big time scorer, nor will he put up huge assist numbers, but the 6-3 point guard can use his size to get to the basket and always plays tough defense. Justin Joyner is a great backup pure point guard. The senior does not do much more than pass, but with the scorers on the wing that is all UCSB needs from a backup.

Frontcourt:

James Nunnally has been shuffled between the three and four spot, but thrived at the four. He finished the season averaging 14.7 points and a team high 5.6 rebounds. Nunnally’s versatility and three-point shooting ability make him a dangerous weapon at either position, but having a big guy at the four spot who could stretch out the defense with his shooting makes this a better team. The big man under the basket is Jamie Serna. Serna has room to grow, but the 6-7, 235 pound junior showed plenty of promise. His lack of size can make it difficult for him to find room under the basket but, thanks to his strength, that is not a problem against most opponents. The key for the frontcourt is the development of players like Greg Somogyi and Lucas Devenny. Those two averaged about 11 minutes per game a piece and one of them needs to step up and player a bigger role. Sam Phippen and Jon Pastorek are a couple of other options.

Who to Watch:

If the shooting guard position becomes a problem, everybody may need to shift up a position and Somogyi or Devenny will have to start. That would put Nunnally back at the small forward spot and put superstar wing Orlando Johnson at shooting guard. Johnson, a transfer from Loyola Marymount, showed up in Santa Barbara and made an immediate impact. He led the team with 18.0 points per game and added 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Johnson is a great do-it-all type of player and this team will go as far as he can take them.

Final Projection:

Powell was the team’s most prolific three-point shooter last year and replacing that shooting will be a huge concern. It was poor outside shooting that led to the loss against Ohio State. Johnson and Nunnally will certainly hit their fair share of three-pointers, but somebody else better step up and become a consistent outside shooter. Weiner could be that guy if he plays enough, but otherwise UCSB will have to rely on freshmen a lot more than they would like to.

Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

Will Brew, Junior, Guard, 4.8 ppg

Jordan Weiner, Senior, Guard, 3.0 ppg

Orlando Johnson, Junior, Guard, 18.0 ppg

James Nunnally, Junior, Forward, 14.7 ppg

Jaime Serna, Junior, Forward, 7.8 ppg

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

More video highlights of Gaucho recruit TJ Taylor


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6PBGbzPqHQ

2011 Gaucho recruit TJ Taylor verbals

According to ESPN, 5'9" class of 2011 point guard T. J. Taylor from Oakland High verbally committed to UCSB, after de-committing from Santa Clara University.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recruiting/player/_/id/75661/tj-taylor

Strengths:
Taylor is a quick on quick point guard with a tight handle. He is equally good at going left or right and he pushes the ball at a relentless pace. He always has his head up and he does a nice job of advancing the ball in transition. He can also knock down the open jump shot at a consistent rate.

Weaknesses:
Obviously, Taylor doesn't have ideal size for the next level, but there have been many guards in the past (with his size that have been successful). At the next level, he'll have to monitor his decision-making as he has a tendency to push the ball when the opportunity doesn%u2019t present itself - thus leading to costly turnovers.

Bottom Line:
Taylor has the talent and skill to play at the D-I level. The former Santa Clara commit decided to open up his recruitment and will probably end up in the Big West Conference. If he can learn how to change speeds and manage the game at a more efficient rate he should be a solid lead guard at the next level.
Notes

Decommitted from Santa Clara (1/10)...Committed to UCSB in Sept. 2010...

Hat tip to "Charlie Hill Can't Score" from the Gaucholocos message board for finding the ESPN profile.

A thanks to "Dodger Soul" for finding this Youtube video of Taylor:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrWCZlM2AM

And last but not least, thanks to "Gaucho 89" for alerting fellow Gaucholocos.

Monday, September 20, 2010

2010 preview for Kyle Boswell


Kyle Boswell is a true freshman from Huntington Beach, CA. He only played in 15 games last season as a senior at Edison High School due to a wrist injury. But in those 15 games, Boswell averaged 23.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, making 45% of his field goals overall, 40% from 3-point range, and 76% from the free throw line.

Not coincidentally, Edison went 14 - 1 in those 15 games. The 6'2" shooting guard possesses a deadly perimeter jumper, which will help alleviate the graduation loss of the clutch-shooting James Powell. The Gauchos enjoy the luxury of a deep backcourt, so Boswell may be a redshirt candidate as he adjusts to the rigors of Division 1 college basketball.

2010 preview for Jordan Weiner


This was last year's preview of Jordan Weiner: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-jordan-weiner.html

Weiner's contribution to the Gauchos last season could arguably be among the most understated. It wasn't just about statistics and points with Weiner. He did average 3.0 points and 1.0 assists per game, had 23 steals, third on the team, and made 20 3-pointers on the year. Weiner shot 40.6% for the year, but made 63.6% over the final five games.

More importantly, the senior 6'0" senior guard started the final 11 games of the season, during which the Gauchos made their 9 - 2 run into the NCAA playoffs, and historic Big West Conference regular season and Big West Conference Tournament championships.

Look for the 3-point sharpshooter and defensive specialist to continue playing a large role in the Gauchos' attempt to repeat in 2010 - 2011.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

2010 preview for Jaime Serna



This was last year's preview of Jaime Serna: http://gauchohoops.blogspot.com/2009/10/gaucho-preview-jaime-serna.html

Serna emerged as a starter and the Gauchos' most prolific true post player in the 2009 - 2010 season, achieving career-best averages of 7.8 points and 4.1 rebounds, respectively. However, it was later in the season when his production increased at the most opportune portion of the season, when the Gauchos made a run on their way to the Big West regular season and Conference Tournament championships. The 6'9" junior power forward averaged 11.0 points and shot an impressive 64.3% from the field in the final eight games of the season, excluding the NCAA tournament game against Ohio State.

The burly forward continued to defend the opposing team's best post player, even when he was at a height disadvantage. His 26 steals and 18 blocked shots were second highest on the team in both categories. Serna not only held his own against taller players, he even dominated the paint at times, prompting Coach Bob Williams to proclaim Serna deserved All-Big West accolades.

If Serna continues to improve, he may prove Coach Williams prescient in 2011.

2010 - 2011 UCSB Basketball Preview

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/ucsb/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/2010-11UCSBProspectus.pdf

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

UCSB vs. UNLV preview

http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/colleges/tag/_/name/long-beach-state

UC Santa Barbara @ UNLV, Dec. 15

The Big West champion Gauchos are locked and loaded for another run at a title and are bolstered by the return of Big West Player of the Year Orlando Johnson and talented forward James Nunnally. Defensive continuity is the name of the game for the Gauchos, and they'll need to be on the same page as a team to slow down big time scorer Tre'Von Willis, who scored 17.2 points per game last season and helped carry the Rebels to a 25-win campaign. The Gauchos are the prohibitive favorite in the Big West going into this season, and a win against a solid UNLV team would go a long way in making the conference look good.