Spider Outlook

Transcription

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2 Spider Outlook Two years of seamless transition is behind Richmond basketball. In , Richmond moved into the elite of the college basketball universe by entering the prestigious Atlantic 10 conference. After two years of A-10 competition, the Spiders have posted a (.656) league mark and advanced to the A-10 tournament s championship game. Last season, first-year head coach Jerry Wainwright stamped his direction on the successful and proud program, leading the Spiders to their sixth consecutive winning season and third straight berth in the post-season. Richmond fans now have a chance to see how far this team can climb with coaches and players who are accustomed to the fast-paced league and each other. Our staff has a much better feel of what it takes to win in the Atlantic 10, Wainwright said. We have a better awareness of the speed and athleticism necessary to play at the top level of this league. Everyone familiar with college basketball knows the demanding and controlling defensive presence that is imposed by Wainwright-coached teams. Last year was no different as Richmond ranked second in the Atlantic 10, and 26th nationally, allowing 62.4 points per game. It was crucial for the Spiders to establish a tough court charisma. One of the first areas we had to concentrate on was physical presence on the court, Wainwright said. At the end of last year, I felt I had never been around a group of kids who tried so hard to learn. They played together and worked extremely hard. Last season, Wainwright and his staff molded their roster into a cohesive unit that concentrated on defense and rebounding. This off-season a highlyregarded recruiting class committed to join this dedicated group and broaden the team s greatest strength versatility. Significant strides have been made in the weight room and in on-court understanding, but versatility gives this Spider team numerous exciting options at both ends of the court. We want all our players to be multi-position players, Wainwright said. We want to be the team that forces adjustments instead of the team that makes adjustments. Reggie Brown Jamaal Scott BACKCOURT Any discussion on the Richmond backcourt must begin with senior Reggie Brown. One of the most accomplished scorers in recent history, Brown has netted 1,138 points in 97 career games, leading the team with a 14.4 average in Last winter, Brown was lost for all but three games because of a back injury. There is little doubt that his absence crippled the Spider offense in several games. Reggie is as pure a natural shooter as I ve been around, Wainwright said. He knows how to score and has tremendous range. In the three games Brown played, he averaged 8.3 points in 11.7 minutes, nailing 75 percent (6-for-8) of his three-point attempts. His style stretches defenses and enables other Spiders to succeed on the perimeter and inside. Another vital component of this year s backcourt is provided by Tony OUTLOOK

3 Dobbins. Last year s Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Dobbins is fifth on Richmond s all-time steals list with 138 in two seasons. A constant in the opposition s passing lanes, this senior also led the team in rebounding (5.9 rpg). Tony is a remarkable player, somebody that everyone in the Atlantic 10 would like to have on their team, Wainwright said. He guarded every position. He rebounded like a forward. Tony was our most consistent player. Another senior, Mike Skrocki, uses his 6-6 frame on the perimeter. Skrocki led three Spiders who averaged double figures last winter with an 11.2 scoring average. Although he played several positions throughout his career, Skrocki is one of the most prolific three-point shooters in Spider history ranking sixth all-time with 142 treys. (Reggie Brown is second with 190 career triples.) Mike was moved solely to the perimeter last season, Wainwright said. He should now be comfortable at his position and should have a great senior year. A young man Wainwright expects to take over the point guard position, held last year by the graduated Jeff Myers, is freshman Daon Merritt, one of the most highly-touted recruits in Richmond history. Daon has already established respect with his teammates, Wainwright said. Hopefully, his leadership and competitive spirit make us a full-court attack team both defensively and offensively. Merritt s pedal-to-the-medal style of play will push the offense in transition and open options through penetration. Sophomore Tim Mayes returns for his second season after showing signs of promise as a rookie. Mayes played in 26 games last year. Tim is a good shooter who gives our team even more versatility in the backcourt, Wainwright said. Freshman Andres Sandoval, a sharp-shooting guard, will be redshirted. FRONTCOURT Perhaps the Spiders best offensive player at the end of last season, junior Jamaal Scott leads a young frontcourt. Scott, who averaged 9.9 points and started 21 games last winter, emerged as an excellent scorer underneath and also showed an improved mid-range jump shot. Jamaal is an explosive and aggressive scorer, Wainwright said. He plays with a lot of emotion and is an extremely accomplished scorer around the basket. Classmate Patrick O Malley gained a lot of confidence in his game last season. He recorded a career game against Xavier, converting 5- of-10 three-point attempts and scoring 20 points, against the Musketeers. Patrick made a lot of big shots for us last year, especially on the perimeter, Wainwright said. Another big body under the boards is sophomore Jermaine Bucknor. Bucknor has battled injuries each of his two years at Richmond, missing the beginning of last season after undergoing a second foot surgery. Jermaine is a very skilled young player, Wainwright said. He has the ability to play both inside and outside as a post player. Freshman Gaston Moliva is a powerful player that has impressed early during his preseason workouts. Standing 6-7 and carrying 230 pounds, Moliva has a solid frame and gives the Spiders another presence in the lane. POST Experience and youth Tony Dobbins provide a stable yet exciting combination at the center position. Fifth-year senior Eric Zwayer is a strong defender who also contributes in the lane. He aveaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing all 29 games last year. Eric is a physical player and a key to our defensive and rebounding presence, Wainwright said. Zwayer has also proved to be a positive example for Kevin Steenberge. Steenberge enjoyed a productive freshman season but will be counted on for much more this winter. Steenberge will carry the shot-blocking responsibility left by Johnathan Collins upon graduation. Kevin has a tremendous natural ability, Wainwright said. He runs, jumps and has long arms, all of which give him the ability to change and block shots. He will be one of the anchors of this team. SCHEDULE A schedule dotted with tough opponents and legendary arenas awaits Richmond this winter. In addition to home games with Providence, VCU and Hampton, the Spiders travel to Allen Fieldhouse to face perennial power Kansas, as well as meeting Wake Forest, South Florida and UAB on the road. The Spiders will also face Manhattan in Madison Square Garden. This schedule will be a difficult test for our team, Wainwright said. It should only get us better prepared for the competitive level that Atlantic 10 opponents bring each and every game OUTLOOK 13

4 Richmond Spiders Roster NUMERICAL No. Name Year Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School 1 Tony Dobbins Sr. G Mitchellville, Md./Maret School (Va. Tech) 3 Andres Sandoval Fr. G Milford, Mass./Winchendon Prep 5 Tim Mayes So. F/G Houston, Texas/Heritage Christian 10 Daon Merritt Fr. G Jamaica, N.Y./St. Raymond s 12 Reggie Brown Sr. G Flushing, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy 13 Peter Thomas Fr. F Little Rock, Ark./Little Rock Central 14 Jamaal Scott Jr. G Phoenix, Ariz./Shadow Mountain (Cal Poly-SLO) 15 Gaston Moliva Fr. F Yaounde, Cameroon/Ryan Academy (Norfolk, Va.) 22 Mike Skrocki Sr. G/F Howell, N.J./Christian Brothers 25 Patrick O Malley Jr. F Charleston, W.Va./George Washington 32 Jermaine Bucknor So. F Edmonton, Alberta/Ross Sheppard 51 Kevin Steenberge So. C Columbia, Md./River Hill 55 Eric Zwayer Sr. C Sebring, Fla./Sebring ALPHABETICAL No. Name Year Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School 12 Reggie Brown Sr. G Flushing, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy 32 Jermaine Bucknor So. F Edmonton, Alberta/Ross Sheppard 1 Tony Dobbins Sr. G Mitchellville, Md./Maret School (Va. Tech) 5 Tim Mayes So. F/G Houston, Texas/Heritage Christian 10 Daon Merritt Fr. G Jamaica, N.Y./St. Raymond s 15 Gaston Moliva Fr. F Yaounde, Cameroon/Ryan Academy (Norfolk, Va.) 25 Patrick O Malley Jr. F Charleston, W.Va./George Washington 3 Andres Sandoval Fr. G Milford, Mass./Winchendon Prep 14 Jamaal Scott Jr. G Phoenix, Ariz./Shadow Mountain (Cal Poly-SLO) 22 Mike Skrocki Sr. G/F Howell, N.J./Christian Brothers 51 Kevin Steenberge So. C Columbia, Md./River Hill 13 Peter Thomas Fr. F Little Rock, Ark./Little Rock Central 55 Eric Zwayer Sr. C Sebring, Fla./Sebring Head Coach: Assistant Coaches: Jerry Wainwright (Colorado College, 1968) Second Year Mike Winiecki (Richmond, 1989) Second Year Ramon Williams (VMI, 1990) Second Year Gary DeCesare (Iona, 1985) Second Year Director of Basketball Operations: Scott Wainwright (UNC Wilmington, 1999) Athletic Trainer: Dave Jaconski (Mercyhurst, 1989) PRONUNCIATION GUIDE Gary DeCesare De-caesar Daon Merritt DEE-on Gaston Moliva GAS-dohn Moh-leave-ah Andres Sandoval Ahn-drace SAN-doh-vall Mike Skrocki Skrock-EE Ramon Williams RAY-mon Mike Winiecki Wih-NECK-ee Seniors (4): Juniors (2): Sophomores (3): Freshman (4): SPIDERS BY CLASS Reggie Brown Tony Dobbins Mike Skrocki Eric Zwayer Patrick O Malley Jamaal Scott Jermaine Bucknor Tim Mayes Kevin Steenberge Daon Merritt Gaston Moliva Andres Sandoval Peter Thomas SPIDERS BY POSITION Guard Reggie Brown Tony Dobbins Tim Mayes Daon Merritt Andres Sandoval Forward Jermaine Bucknor Gaston Moliva Patrick O Malley Jamaal Scott Mike Skrocki Peter Thomas Center Kevin Steenberge Eric Zwayer 14 ROSTER

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6 Head Coach Jerry Wainwright Jerry Wainwright vividly remembers the first time he stepped foot in the Robins Center. He almost did an abrupt about-face. When I came into the ACC as an assistant at Wake Forest, as a long-time high school coach just figuring out what college coaching was all about, something extraordinary happened in this gym, recalled Wainwright. I was late arriving at the Richmond airport and had carried my bags and left them with a gentleman in the hallway. I was trying to make my way around to the bench where our team was sitting. I took a wrong turn and wound up under the basket just as John Davis took a ball in the low post, turned, and bounce passed it to Johnny Newman. As Johnny came down the lane and dunked, my first experience as an assistant on the road with Wake was the ball bouncing off this floor and hitting me roughly in the chin in the middle of a 6-0 opening run by the Spiders. I thought immediately about turning around and leaving, but coach (Bob) Staak had seen me and wanted me to continue sitting next to him and take the same beating he was taking. It was a very humbling experience. Seventeen years later, Wainwright again walked across the Spiders court. Newman s presence was still there his retired jersey swaying from the ceiling. It would be another humbling experience, but this time there was a standing ovation and no thoughts of turning back. On April 24, 2002, Jerry Wainwright was introduced as Richmond s 12th head men s basketball coach. Wainwright s most recent visits to the Robins Center came as head coach during a highly successful run at UNC Wilmington. In eight seasons at UNCW, he compiled a (.569) record. The 55-yearold tactician piloted the Seahawks to a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament (2000, 2002) and the National Invitation Tournament (1998, 2001). In addition, he directed the team to its first post-season berth, first 20-win season (1998) and the first win in the NCAA Tournament, a stunning triumph over Southern Cal this past season. During his tenure, the team captured three regular season Colonial Athletic Association titles and two CAA tournament crowns. The Seahawks averaged nearly 17 wins per season under his tutelage and were ranked nationally in team defense each campaign. WAINWRIGHT S CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Has led team to post-season in five of last six seasons. Has led team to four consecutive winning seasons, six of last seven. Coached the Atlantic 10 s Student-Athlete of the Year (Jeff Myers) and Defensive Player of the Year (Tony Dobbins). Jerry Wainwright quickly established a sense of family when he took over as head coach of Richmond Basketball. 16 HEAD COACH

7 I was proud to establish tradition at Wilmington, said Wainwright. I left a program on the rise. But there s already tremendous tradition here. I have come to a program poised to be of national significance. The opportunity to coach in the Atlantic 10 against programs with a national reputation, against Hall of Fame coaches is an incredible challenge, but it gives us an opportunity to be a Top 25 team. The exposure gives us a chance to recruit anybody anywhere. That translates into an incredible opportunity to schedule. Because of the league, the university and the city, our non-conference schedule can be whatever we want to make it. Jerry Wainwright led UNC Wilmington to the post-season in four his last five seasons as head coach. He was hired at the 12th coach in University of Richmond history on April 24, 2002 Coach Wainwright on the University of Richmond: I can easily sell the fact, to a prospect s parents, this is not only a great place to go to school, but this is a great place to grow up as a man. After only one full year as the Spider head coach, Wainwright has practiced what he preached. Richmond garnered one of its most highly regarded recruiting classes in program history for this season. Wainwright and his staff has loaded another difficult schedule with Kansas, Wake Forest, UAB and Providence awaiting the Spiders this winter. A year after taking over the UNCW program from former Spider great Kevin Eastman in 1994, Wainwright had built the seventh best schedule in the country. The Seahawks suffocating defense was ranked fifth in the nation in , allowing just 58.4 points per game. Wainwright orchestrated one of the most memorable campaigns in UNCW history during the season when the Seahawks grabbed their first CAA Championship, a win over Richmond, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time. In , Wainwright earned CAA Coach-of-the-Year honors for the second time as his team captured 15 of its last 21 games to reach the tournament final and earn a NIT berth. The Seahawks posted their most impressive season ever in , compiling a 22-9 mark, capturing the conference crown outright for the second straight season and advancing to their second NCAA Tournament. His team, again, finished among the nation s best in team defense, ranked 17th in the country. JERRY WAINWRIGHT 17

8 Wainwright himself touched every step on his ascent towards the top of the coaching ladder. Prior to arriving at Wilmington, he spent nine years as an assistant coach at Wake Forest. Under Bob Staak ( ) and Dave Odom ( ), he helped rebuild the Demon Deacons program. In Winston-Salem, Wainwright helped Wake Forest collect a school-record four straight NCAA Tournament berths and register back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in a decade. Besides on-the-court coaching, he assisted in recruiting NBA draft picks Chris King (Seattle) and Rodney Rogers (Denver). He broke into the college coaching ranks in serving a one-year stint at Xavier under Staak. Jerry is uniquely qualified to continue the great tradition of Richmond Spider basketball, said Odom, now head coach at South Carolina. He is a great teacher of the game and a wonderful role model and mentor for his players. He appreciates and supports the importance of the proper balance between academics and athletics and will immediately work hard to establish a relationship between his administration, faculty and students as well as the Spider faithful. Jerry is the perfect choice. Coach Wainwright on the Spider Fans: The fan base of Richmond is passionate, has a great sense of tradition and is proud of what has happened here. They have a true hunger to see Richmond athletics push to the next level. These fans are willing to encourage you and stand behind the right way to do things. A 1968 graduate of Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo. with a B.A degree, Wainwright earned his graduate degree from the University of Denver. Wainwright began his coaching career in the prep ranks first at Montrose High School in Denver where he led his team to the state tournament and was named Colorado Coach-of-the-Year in He returned to his native state, Illinois, as an assistant coach at East Leyden High School in suburban Chicago. While there, he helped teams compile an amazing four-year record. Wainwright also coached at Chicago s Highland Park High School, directing his team to the state s Sweet 16 in He was named state district Coach-of-the-Year his last two seasons. A native of Berwyn, Ill., Wainwright is married to the former Debbie Tedesco. Wainwright has two sons, Brett (31) and Scott (27). In addition, he is the grandfather of two, Alexis and Brett. Wainwright led the Spiders to their third consecutive post-season berth and sixth straight winning season in His defensive philosophy carried to Richmond as the Spiders finished second in the Atlantcic 10 and 26th nationally in scoring defense (62.4 ppg). Entering his second season, Wainwright is more aware of what it takes to compete in the Atlantic 10. We can win at the highest level. We can recruit the top student-athletes in the country. We can be a national force. We have a unique place on the national stage. We have three goals in this program win the regular season title, win the A-10 Tournament Title, and advance past the first round of the NCAA s. That will never change. Coach Wainwright and the 2003 graduating class. Debbie and Jerry Wainwright 18 HEAD COACH

9 Mike Winiecki THE WINIECKI FILE Born: December 10, 1966 Personal: Single College: Richmond, 1989 College Coaching Experience Assistant Coach, University of Richmond present Assistant Coach, UNC Wilmington Assistant Coach, Campbell Assistant Coach, University of Richmond Mike Winiecki begins his sixth season with Spider head coach Jerry Wainwright, having helped lead his team to a post-season berth in the past four seasons (NCAA 2000, 2002; NIT 2001, 2003). A member of Richmond's 1986 and 1988 NCAA Tournament teams, Mike Winiecki enters his ninth year with Richmond Basketball. The Buffalo, N.Y. native enjoyed a stellar collegiate career for the Spiders ( ) and also previously served his alma mater as an assistant coach ( ). Prior to his return in April of 2002, Winiecki spent four seasons as an assistant at UNC Wilmington, working in all facets of the program. Prior to Wilmington, he coached for two seasons at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. The 6-8 forward began his coaching career in 1992, serving as a graduate assistant under his former mentor and Richmond s all-time winningest coach, Dick Tarrant. Winiecki played professional basketball in Portugal before returning to the coaching ranks at Richmond ( ) where he served under another former UR player, Bill Dooley. Winiecki was an All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) selection as a senior ( ), averaging 17.6 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. A member of Richmond s 1,000-point club, the he finished his career with 1,031 points and more than 500 rebounds. The Spider standout was a member of the storied 1988 Richmond team, that as the 13th seed advanced to the NCAA s Sweet Sixteen, beating fourth-seeded Indiana and fifth-seeded Georgia Tech. A graduate of Monacan High School in Richmond, Va., Winiecki was a Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star selection. In addition, Winiecki received All-Metro and All- State honors following his senior season, averaging 23.0 points and 11.4 rebounds. ASSISTANT COACHES 19

10 Ramon Williams THE WILLIAMS FILE Born: January 24, 1968 Personal: Married, wife Donnie; two children, Jackie and Jarhon. College: VMI, 1990 College Coaching Experience Assistant Coach, University of Richmond present Associate Head Coach, VMI Assistant Coach, VMI Ramon Williams begins his second season on Jerry Wainwright s staff. A native of Roanoke, Va., Williams served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, VMI, for nine seasons before coming to Richmond in Promoted to associate head coach in 1999, Williams oversaw the Keydets basketball operations that included facilities, scouting and recruiting. Prior to VMI, Williams spent one season as an assistant coach in the high school ranks. Williams, a 1990 graduate, enjoyed a sensational collegiate playing career. He earned All-Southern Conference honors in 1989 and was selected to the league s second team in He was also tabbed to the All- Tournament team in 1988 (first team) and 1990 (second team). Williams finished his stellar career as the Keydets third alltime leading scorer with 1,630 points. He holds the program mark for three-pointers in a game (7) and for three-point field goal percentage in a season. His records for three-pointers in a season (both made and attempted) stood until when Jason Conley, the nation s leading scorer, broke those marks. Ramon along with his twin brother Damon, were one of the most prolific scoring duos in NCAA history. The brothers were inducted into the VMI Sports Hall of Fame in September Williams and his wife, Donnie, are the proud parents of Jackie and Jarhon. Ramon and Donnie with Jarhon. 20 ASSISTANT COACHES

11 Gary DeCesare Gary DeCesare begins his second season as a collegiate assistant after enjoying a standout prep coaching career. THE DeCESARE FILE Born: September 1, 1963 Personal: Married, wife Pam; three children, Gary Michael and TJ (4) and Amanda Lynn (1 year) College: Iona, 1985 Experience Assistant Coach, University of Richmond, 2002-present Head Varsity Basketball Coach, St. Raymond s High School for Boys Executive Director, New York Ravens Summer Basketball Program President, New York Catholic Coaches Association Director, adidas ABCD Basketball Camp Consultant, adidas America grass roots program, DeCesare compiled a record (.668 winning percentage) in 16 seasons at the helm of St. Raymond s School in Bronx, N.Y. In DeCesare s first season as head coach (1986), he led the Ravens to a 20-6 mark, including the New York Archdiocesan Championship. Following his first season, he led the national powerhouse to four New York City Championships (1991, 1993, 2000, 2001) and two state championships (1993, 2001). In addition, DeCesare was named New York State Coach of the Year on three occasions (1987, 1991, 2001). He was also selected the 1993 Kodak Boys Coach of the Year and in 2000 received coach of the year accolades from the New York Daily News, New York Post and New York Newsday for the fourth time in his esteemed career. Under DeCesare, the St. Raymond s program produced 28 Division I basketball players. The list includes three McDonald s All-Americans- Majestic Mapp (Virginia), Julius Hodge (N.C. State) and Kareem Reid (Arkansas). Another former DeCesare player (Daon Merritt) joins the Spiders for the season. A graduate of St. Raymond s and Iona College (N.Y.), DeCesare was the head coach for the East team at USA Basketball s 2002 Men s Youth Development Festival. He served as executive director of the New York Raven Summer Basketball League ( ) while also serving as Director of adidas ABCD Basketball Camp ( ). DeCeasare and his wife Pam are the parents of three, four-year old twins, Gary Michael and Thomas John (TJ) and one-year-old Amanda Lynn Gary and Pam with Amanda, Gary and TJ. ASSISTANT COACHES 21

12 Support Staff Scott Wainwright DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS Born: January 14, 1975 Personal: Married, wife Jessica College: UNC Wilmington, 1999 Coaching Experience Director of Athletics, Cape Fear Community College Head Coach, Cape Fear Community Colllege Conference (ECCCAC) Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2001 while directing the Sea Devils to back-to-back conference championships. A 1999 graduate of UNC Wilmington, Wainwright lettered one year in basketball for the Seahawks. Prior to Wilmington, he spent one year at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine where he helped to lead the school to a 30-3 record and runner-up honors in the prep school league. Wainwright lettered two years in basketball at Mt. Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, N.C. Wainwright and his wife, Jessica, were married in May Scott Wainwright returns for his second season as Director of Basketball Operations on his father s staff. Before coming to Richmond, Wainwright served as the Director of Athletics and head basketball coach at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C. He was named Eastern Carolina Community College Athletic Jessica and Scott Wainwright Jim Roney Strength & Conditioning Coach Jim Roney begins his second season as strength and conditioning coach for the men s basketball team. A native of Newburyport, Mass., Roney is a 1991 UMass graduate. He was a member of the 1990 Yankee Conference football championship team where he played wide receiver for current Richmond head coach Jim Reid. Roney continued his education at Springfield College receiving a master s in athletic administration in In addition, he coached football at the Massachusetts school for three years Prior to his alma mater, he worked for one year at DuBois Regional Medical Center Sports Medicine Clinic and DuBois Area High School. He received a Master s of Education with a specialization in Athletic Training from the University of Virginia in Jaconski has been married to his high school sweetheart, April, since They have two children, Cole (8) and Sophie (3). Dave Jaconski Director of Sports Medicine Dave Jaconski enters his seventh year on the Spider athletic training staff, primarily working with men s basketball. He was promoted to Director of Sports Medicine in A 1989 graduate of Mercyhurst College, Jaconski was a member of his alma mater s athletic training staff from Susan Sheppard Administrative Assistant Danny Silver Graduate Assistant 22 SUPPORT STAFF