10 Daon Merritt UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND BASKETBALL SOPHOMORE GUARD 5-9, 180 JAMAICA, N.Y. ST. RAYMOND S

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1 10 Daon Merritt SOPHOMORE GUARD 5-9, 180 JAMAICA, N.Y. ST. RAYMOND S 48 This Year: A crafty point guard with ability to penetrate and dish... showed signs of scoring during rookie season... tremendous handle and ability to find the open man. Freshman ( ): Played in 32 games, starting 13 Led team with 2.6 assists per game second with 84 assists Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week on Dec. 8 after averaging 12.5 points and 4.0 assists against VCU and Wake Forest dished at least one assist in 28 games led team in assists 15 times notched 5+ helpers five times reached double figures six times started 13 of first 14 games led team and scored a season-high 17 points at La Salle (Jan. 10) also recorded season highs in field goals (6) and three-pointers (2) against the Explorers scored 12 points and equaled season high with seven assists at UAB (Nov. 29) also recorded seven assists in regular-season finale, against UMass, on March 6. High School: Averaged 15 points and eight assists as a junior in 2002 also grabbed four rebounds and recorded two steals per game team won Division title led St. Raymond s to city and state championship as a sophomore earned All-Region and All-District honors New York Post All-CHSAA Team honorable mention in 2002 missed senior season with a broken foot. Personal: Son of Barbara Council of Jamaica, N.Y. has four younger siblings: Donnell, Douglas, Deborah and Darlene born December 24, 1984 enjoys movies, shopping, relaxing and listening to music.

2 SUPERLATIVES CAREER SEASON Points 17 (La Salle, 1/10) same Rebounds 6 (GW, 2/28) same FG Made 6 (La Salle, 1/10) same FG Attempts 10 (three times) same 3FG Made 2 (La Salle, 1/10) same 3FG Attempts 5 (Wake, 12/6) same FT Made 7 (MVSU, 11/17) same FT Attempts 8 (MVSU, 11/17) same Assists 7 (twice) same Blocks N/A same Steals 1 (eight times) same Minutes 35 (twice) same P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S GETTING TO KNOW DAON MERRITT Career Ambition: professional basketball Favorite movie: Scarface Favorite food: grilled chicken Favorite TV show: Sportscenter Favorite pro team: Detroit Pistons Favorite athlete: Baron Davis Favorite CD: Black Album by Jay-Z Favorite hobby: video games Toughest place ever played: I.S. 8 Fantasy job: club owner Prized Possession: my bling bling Gary DeCesare and Steve Hamey If I won a million dollars I would: invest into my community my Mom seeing me play my fi rst game First memory of basketball: playing against older guys What made you choose Richmond: potential to be a top-25 program Word that best describes you: tough, smooth, funny Pre-game ritual: game tape Favorite part of a game: last two minutes game: Madison Square Garden Best advice from a coach: be a leader and play well in the games Three people I would invite to dinner: Alicia Keyes, Eve, Halle Berry Player like to play one-on-one: Isiah Thomas CAREER STATISTICS Career ATLANTIC 10 STATISTICS Career THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 49

3 15 Gaston Moliva SOPHOMORE FORWARD 6-7, 240 YAOUNDE, CAMEROON RYAN ACADEMY 50 This Year: Possibly the Atlantic 10 s biggest surprise last winter... emerged as a dominating interior player... excellent defender with instincts and leaping ability to block shots... also shows instinctive moves around the basket. Freshman ( ): First Spider to earn Atlantic 10 All-Rookie team honors played in all 33 games, starting five led team and ranked fourth in the Atlantic 10 with 1.45 blocked shots per game 48 blocks ranks fifth all-time on Richmond s single-season list Richmond was 7-3 when he blocked 3-or-more shots second on team with 3.9 rebounds per game and fourth in scoring (5.4 ppg) earned A-10 Rookie of the Week on Feb. 11 after averaging 10.0 points and 5.5 rebounds against Duquesne and Xavier reached double figures seven times missed first double-double by only one rebound at Colorado (Dec. 31) also notched season-high five steals against the Buffalos scored season-high 15 points, on 7-for-8 shooting, against St. Joe s (Jan. 6) scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds at George Washington (Feb. 28). High School: Earned most valuable player at Ryan Academy played two years of varsity basketball averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds as a senior. Personal: Son of Gaston Moliva and Jacqueline Olissa Bolomick of Yaounde, Cameroon has three siblings: Aristide, Yues and Diane born February 7, 1985 enjoys listening to music, reading, watching television and shopping.

4 SUPERLATIVES CAREER SEASON Points 15 (St. Joe s, 1/6) same Rebounds 9 (Colorado, 12/31) same FG Made 7 (St. Joe s, 1/6) same FG Attempts 9 (Dayton, 3/12) same 3FG Made N/A same 3FG Attempts 1 (MVSU, 11/17) same FT Made 5 (twice) same FT Attempts 9 (Duq., 1/3) same Assists 2 (twice) same Blocks 4 (three times) same Steals 5 (Colorado, 12/31) same Minutes 33 (GW, 2/28) same Career Ambition: optometrist Favorite movie: CB4 Favorite food: cheese cake Least favorite food: tortillas Favorite TV show: NBA Action P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S GETTING TO KNOW GASTON MOLIVA Favorite pro team: Paris St. Germain (French soccer) Favorite athlete: Vince Carter Favorite CD: Last Metal Favorite book: The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown Favorite hobby: reading, going to museums Best player I have faced: Jameer Nelson Idol as a child: my brother Fantasy job: astronaut Prized Possession: my heart my mother If I won a million dollars I would: give back to the community my fi rst dunk First memory of basketball: playing in the street Richmond: the atmosphere, academics and the people What made you choose Richmond: team, coaches and school Word that best describes you: hard worker Pre-game ritual: listen to music Favorite part of a game: winning game: Robins Center Best advice from a coach: never show weakness Three people I would invite to dinner: my parents, siblings and girlfriend Player like to play one-on-one: Muggsy Bogues CAREER STATISTICS Career ATLANTIC 10 STATISTICS Career THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 51

5 13 Peter Thomas SOPHOMORE FORWARD 6-5, 190 LITTLE ROCK, ARK. LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL 52 This Year: A recruited walk-on that provided valuable minutes during games and practice... an asset on defense because of energy. Freshman ( ): Played in 18 games as a walk-on grabbed two rebounds in a season-high six minutes against Hampton (Dec. 29) also played six minutes against Fordham (Feb. 14) had one rebound and one steal against South Carolina in the Guardians Classic championship game (Nov. 25). High School: Earned three varsity letters in basketball served as team captain during senior season averaged 12 points, six rebounds and four assists in also earned three letters in tennis a four-time All-State selection in tennis led team to 5A State title all four years of high school won the doubles championship as a senior and sophomore also won the overall (all classifications) State doubles title during senior season. Personal: Son of Peter and Penny Thomas of Little Rock, Ark. has one younger sister, Presley born September 14, 1984 enjoys tennis, guitar, history and music.

6 SUPERLATIVES CAREER SEASON Points N/A same Rebounds 2 (Hampton, 12/29) same FG Made N/A same FG Attempts 1 (three times) same 3FG Made N/A same 3FG Attempts 1 (UAB, 11/29) same FT Made N/A same FT Attempts N/A same Assists 1 (twice) same Blocks N/A same Steals N/A same Minutes 6 (twice) same Favorite movie: Boondock Saints Favorite food: lobster and steak Least favorite food: mushrooms P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S Favorite TV show: Daily Show and Family Guy Favorite pro team: Golden State Warriors Favorite athlete: Derrick Fisher Favorite CD: Unclassifi ed by Robert Randolph Favorite hobby: playing guitar Best player I have faced: Lebron James Idol as a child: Derrick Fisher GETTING TO KNOW PETER THOMAS Toughest place I ever played: Allen Fieldhouse (Kansas) parents If I won a million dollars I would: invest and give half to charity winning 46-0 in junior high First memory of basketball: Boys Club tryouts Richmond: friendly people What made you choose Richmond: academics and location Favorite part of a game: winning game: Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Ark. Three people I would invite to dinner: Bill Clinton, Dave Chapelle and Edward Norton CAREER STATISTICS Career ATLANTIC 10 STATISTICS Career THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 53

7 2 T.J. Paterick SOPHOMORE GUARD 6-1, 170 PONTE VEDRA, FLA. NEASE (WASHINGTON STATE) At Washington State ( ): Played in nine games, starting three, as a recruited walk-on averaged 2.3 points in 16.2 minutes first collegiate start came against Rice on Nov. 23 shot 50.0 percent from the field (8-for-16) and 75.0 percent from behind the arc (3-for-4) made both free throw attempts dished 12 assists and had five steals scored a season-high seven points, on 3- for-4 shooting, against TCU. High School: Played final two seasons at Nease High School in St. Augustine after beginning prep career at Bolles High School earned All-State Second Team as a junior and senior First-Team All- County in 2002 and 2003 District 5 Player of the Year after averaging 17 points, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals as a senior led team to 3A state title as a junior. Personal: Son of Tim and Barbara Paterick of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. has one younger brother, Zach born April 2, GETTING TO KNOW T.J. PATERICK Career Ambition: have fun, make money Favorite movie: Saving Silverman Favorite food: pizza Favorite TV show: Simpsons Favorite Pro Team: Green Bay Packers Favorite Athlete: Steve Nash Favorite CD: Dave Matthews Crash Favorite book: The DaVinci Code Favorite hobby: poker Best player I have faced: Chris Hernandez Toughest place ever played: Stanford Idol as a child: Michael Jordan Fantasy job: owner of pro team Prized Possession: car Mom and Dad If I won a million dollars I would: buy a big house and play golf all day winning state championship junior year Richmond: great people What made you choose Richmond: basketball program and academics Word that best describes you: outgoing Pre-game ritual: sleep Favorite part of a game: making a shot in someone s eye Ideal place for the championship game: Bora Bora Best advice from a coach: use your sleeve Three people I would invite to dinner: Elin Nordegren, her twin sister and Kate Beckensale Player like to play one-on-one: Shaq CAREER STATISTICS ** Career ** At Washington State 54

8 At Valparaiso ( ): Played 30 games, starting 20 averaged 3.9 points and 2.4 rebounds in 16.9 minutes shot 43.0 percent from the floor (46-for-107) dished 30 assists and had 19 steals. High School: Rated among the top 100 players nationally by Hoop Scoop Magazine All-America honors as a senior nominated for McDonald s High School All-America two-time All-State selection averaged 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals per game as a senior averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and four steals as a junior. 11 Oumar Sylla SOPHOMORE GUARD/FORWARD 6-6, 195 MALI OUR SAVIOR NEW AMERICAN (VALPARAISO) Personal: Son of Abdoulaye Sylla... has one younger sibling, Bemba... born November 11, enjoys dancing, soccer and television. GETTING TO KNOW OUMAR SYLLA Career Ambition: missionary Favorite movie: Remember the Titans Favorite food: chicken parmigiana Least favorite food: rice Favorite TV show: Seinfeld Favorite pro team: New York Yankees Favorite CD: R-Kelly Favorite book: Mahfouz Favorite hobby: soccer Best player I have faced: Carmelo Anthony Idol as a child: Reggie Miller Toughest place ever played: Duke Fantasy job: professional player Prized Possession: gold cross chain Ron Stelzer If I won a million dollars I would: sponsor poor kids around the world CAREER STATISTICS ** Career ** At Valparaiso playing at Duke First memory of basketball: playing outside in the African heat Richmond: team, coaches and fans What made you choose Richmond: good academics Word that best describes you: smiley, social Pre-game ritual: read Bible Favorite part of a game: last fi ve minutes game: Cincinnati Best advice from a coach: think positive all the time Three people I would invite to dinner: Brooke Johnson, Bemba Sylla, Brian Sisti Player like to play one-on-one: Kobe Bryant P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 55

9 50 Drew Crank FRESHMAN CENTER 6-10, 230 LYNCHBURG, VA. E.C. GLASS 56 High School: Played only nine games during senior season because of a hand injury... averaged 13.4 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game during his final prep year... served as team co-captain... averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds as a junior... earned All-District and All-Area in also earned two varsity letters in tennis... went 19-1 as a sophomore. Personal: Son of Steve and Susan Crank of Lynchburg, Va. has two older siblings, Lee and Lauren born April 30, 1986 enjoys tennis and community service... father played basketball at Lynchburg College from Career Ambition: teacher Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction GETTING TO KNOW DREW CRANK Favorite food: homemade stuffed shells Least favorite food: tomatoes Favorite TV show: That 70s Show Favorite athlete: Ben Wallace Favorite CD: anything by the Counting Crows Favorite book: Angels and Demons by Dan Brown Favorite hobby: watching movies Idol as a child: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fantasy Job: soccer mom Prized possession: picture of Mom in my wallet Worst fear: regret my family If I won a million dollars I would: buy a car I can fi t into and invest the rest beating my brother in one-on-one Richmond: the size What made you choose Richmond: location and the people Words that best describe you: laid back Pre-game ritual: passing with teammates Best advice from Coach: don t ever stop yourself

10 High School: Led his team in scoring with 16 points per game as a senior... pulled down 7.6 rebounds and blocked 3.2 shots per game for head coach Howard West... led team to a 25-4 record and a berth in the state championship game... three-time All- District and two-time All-Region... invited to play in the North Carolina/ South Carolina Classic and the East/ West All-Star game... played junior season at Blacksburg High where he averaged 16 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and two assists per contest... earned four varsity letters. 4 Jarhon Giddings FRESHMAN FORWARD 6-8, 215 CLEMMONS, N.C. R.J. REYNOLDS Personal: Son of Ronald and Valerie Giddings of Clemmons, N.C. has one younger sister, Karida born January 30, 1986 enjoys video games, reading and television... father played football at Hampton University. Career ambition: teacher GETTING TO KNOW JARHON GIDDINGS Favorite movie: All About the Benjamins Favorite food: chicken Least favorite food: pork Favorite TV show: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Favorite pro team: Los Angeles Lakers Favorite athlete: Kevin Garnett Favorite CD: The Blueprint 2 by Jay Z Favorite book: Black Boy by Richard Wright Favorite hobby: video games Best player I have ever faced: Dwight Howard Idol as a child: Michael Jordan Toughest place I ve every played: Vines Center (Liberty) Prized possession: my family parents If I won a million dollars I would: be a millionaire scoring 29 in the championship game First memory of basketball: watching North Carolina on television Richmond: the atmosphere What made you choose Richmond: the atmosphere Pre-game ritual: listening to hype music Favorite part of the game: winning game: Robins Center Best advice from Coach: get it done Three people I would invite to dinner: Halle Berry, Beyonce, Christina Milian P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 57

11 33 Courtney Nelson FRESHMAN GUARD 6-1, 170 BLOOMFIELD, N.J. BLOOMFIELD TECH High School: Earned Star-Ledger 2004 New Jersey Player of the Year honors... All-State for head coach Nick Marinella... averaged 16 points and seven assists per game as a senior... led team to a 25-8 record and a berth in the Tournament of Champions final... poured in 17 points against St. Anthony s in that game... led squad to a Group 1 championship last two years of prep ball... converted a coast-to-coast layup as the buzzer sounded to defeat Paulsboro, 61-59, as a junior in Group 1 title game... also earned All-County honors... averaged 17 points as a sophomore and 15 as a freshman. Personal: Son of Marie and James Nelson of Bloomfield, N.J. has an older brother, Cory, and a younger brother, Anthony born October 20, Favorite movie: Friday Favorite food: Chinese Least favorite food: liver GETTING TO KNOW COURTNEY NELSON Favorite TV show: Sanford and Son Favorite pro team: Miami Heat Favorite athlete: Dwayne Wade Favorite CD: The Grey Album by Jay-Z Favorite book: Do or Die Favorite hobby: movies Idol as a child: my older brother Cory Nelson Toughest place I ve every played: Meadowlands Fantasy Job: playing in the NBA Prized possession: my sneakers Worst fear: not playing professional basketball parents If I won a million dollars I would: get my parents and siblings whatever they wanted winning two state championships First memory of basketball: being in the park with my brother and father Richmond: the friendly people What made you choose Richmond: the people Words that best describe you: hard worker and winner Pre-game ritual: listening to Tupac Shukar Favorite part of the game: the whole game game: Madison Square Garden Best advice from Coach: Never put your head down after a mistake Three people I would invite to dinner: Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother Player I d like to play one-on-one: Allen Iverson 58

12 High School: Three-time All- Conference honoree... All-State and Conference Player of the Year as a senior... averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks per game as a senior... played for head coach Greg Burton... led team to a 21-7 record in earned four varsity letters. Personal: Son of James and Jackie Sanders of Raleigh, N.C. has one younger brother, Jackson born January 29, 1986 enjoys coaching... father, Twiggy Sanders, played for the Harlem Globetrotters for 16 years. 12 Monty Sanders FRESHMAN GUARD/FORWARD 6-6, 220 RALEIGH, N.C. CARDINAL GIBBONS GETTING TO KNOW MONTY SANDERS Career ambition: coach college basketball Favorite movie: Snatch Favorite food: anything my Mom cooks Least favorite food: anything I cook Favorite TV show: Pardon the Interruption Favorite pro team: Sacramento Kings Favorite athlete: Carmelo Anthony Favorite CD: Where I m From by Anthony Hamilton Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye Favorite hobby: movies Best player I have faced: Shavlick Randolph Idol as a child: Michael Jordan Toughest place I ve every played: Ravenscroft High Scool Fantasy Job: head coach at Div. I program Prized possession: fi rst basketball high school coach If I won a million dollars I would: buy my grandparents a sports car beating rival Ravenscroft on Senior Night First memory of basketball: playing in sixyear-old league at age four Richmond: size of student body What made you choose Richmond: coaching staff and family atmosphere Words that best describe you: calm Pre-game ritual: sleep Favorite part of the game: crunch time game: RBC Center in Raleigh Best advice from Coach: don t think so much Three people I would invite to dinner: high school coach, Bernie Mac, Dave Chapelle Player I d like to play one-on-one: Michael Jordan P L A Y E R P R O F I L E S THIS IS RICHMOND SEASON SPIDER COACHES SPIDER PLAYERS OPPONENTS REVIEW RECORD BOOK TRADITIONS 59

13 Player Scrapbook All 14 Spiders were polled before the season to see which of their teammates best fit a certain category. Most of the answers came with a smile, but all of the answers were honest. (A trait obviously instilled from the coaching staff as you will see by how they described head coach Jerry Wainwright.) DESCRIBE COACH WAINWRIGHT IN THREE WORDS OR LESS Honest: Tim Mayes, T.J. Paterick, Monty Sanders Loyal, honest, hilarious: Kevin Steenberge Focused: Jermaine Bucknor, Peter Thomas Focused, business, prepared: Courtney Nelson Intense, comedic: Drew Crank Serious, intense, trustworthy: Jarhon Giddings Determined: Gaston Moliva Wise, supportive: Daon Merritt Positive, Outgoing, Energetic: Jamaal Scott Funny: Oumar Sylla Dash Riprock: Patrick O Malley WHICH TEAMMATE IS MOSTLY LIKELY TO BE ELECTED PRESIDENT? This category was a runaway with junior Kevin Steenberge bringing 43 percent of the vote. He was the only Spider to record more than one vote, and he did not vote for himself. Steenberge correctly pointed out that any Richmond player had a chance except for Jermaine Bucknor, Gaston Moliva and Oumar Sylla because they were born outside of the United States. WHICH OF YOUR TEAMMATES MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST? In a short amount of time, freshman Jarhon Giddings has established himself as the team s funnyman. Giddings received 43 percent of the vote while Daon Merritt, Pat O Malley and Kevin Steenberge also notched multiple votes. WHICH TEAMMATE IS MOST LIKELY TO WIN AMERICAN IDOL? In the most lopsided vote, freshman Jarhon Giddings earned half of the nods. Apparently he would be best served to make stand-up comedy his headliner. WHICH SPIDER IS MOST LIKELY TO BECOME A HOLLYWOOD STAR? In the most even poll, sophomore T.J. Paterick, a transfer from the West Coast (Washington State), was voted most likely to work in movies. Giddings and sophomore Peter Thomas also received multiple votes. WHICH OF YOUR TEAMMATES HATES THE SPOTLIGHT? Sophomore Gaston Moliva was picked by his teammates as the one that prefers to stay out of the spotlight. An emerging star, it will be more and more difficult for the Cameroon native to lay low. WHO EATS THE MOST? The only tie among this poll, junior Kevin Steenberge and freshman Monty Sanders split this title. Steenberge s 6-11 frame has more inches to pack on the calories compared to Sanders 6-6 body. 60