Behind Jesse Morgan's career-high 24 points on 6-of-7 from long range, the UMass basketball team benefitted from two big scoring runs to defeat St. Bonaventure, 76-67, at the Mullins Center on Wednesday night. The win kept the Minutemen near the top of the Atlantic 10 standings at 7-3, heading into Saturday's contest at Saint Joseph's.
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Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview this morning of tonight's men's basketball game at Rhode Island with both teams coming off big wins. UMass beat Saint Louis last Saturday at the Mullins Center, while the Rams took down Dayton on the road.
Stephen Sellner has a preview of tonight's men's basketball game at Rhode Island with the Minutemen coming off a huge win against Saint Louis on Saturday.
Jackson Alexander of the Daily Collegian has a story focusing on the impact Raphiael Putney has made on the UMass basketball team and its success this season.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at the balance of the men's basketball season and UMass' chances of postseason tournament play.
Dan Duggan of the Boston Herald looks at the impact Raphiael Putney is having on the UMass basketball team's success and how his efforts in the weight room are making contributions on the court.
In Andy Katz's blog on ESPN, he again noted that UMass was a team that impressed over the weekend with its win over Saint Louis to retain the No. 1 spot in the Atlantic 10.
Massachusetts: Derek Kellogg survived a difficult stretch at his alma mater and has come through to the top of the standings. The Minutemen, behind Hofstra transfer Chaz Williams, beat Saint Louis and won at Richmond this past week. UMass is in a three-way tie for first in the A-10 with La Salle and St. Bonaventure.
Greg M. Cooper/US PresswireChaz Williams has helped UMass tie for first place in the Atlantic 10 conference.
Be sure to listen to both basketball radio shows this evening.
Tonight brings the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show from the Hangar at 7 p.m. Coach Kellogg will be discussing the great win over Saint Louis this past weekend and previewing the Minutemen's pair upcoming of road games. Be sure to send in questions now for Coach Kellogg.
It is also another edition of the Women's Basketball Radio Show at 5 p.m. Listen on WMUA 91.1 FM or online here.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican has a story on UMass being able to bounce back this season from tough games. UMass has not lost back-to-back games this season and that, according to Chimelis, is a strong indication of UMass' growth over previous seasons.
With students back on campus today, the Daily Collegian is back in full swing with lots of coverage of the UMass basketball team.
Jesse Morgan scored 20 points and the UMass men's basketball team was able to pull away late in the second half for a 79-68 win at Richmond on Saturday. The win moved the Minutemen into a tie for 2nd in the Atlantic 10 standings. UMass will host Saint Louis at the Mullins Center on Saturday. The game will be Big Y Day with $6 general admission tickets available with a Big Y card.
ABC40 Highlights:
Jenn Menendez of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has a preview of tonight's match-up between UMass and Duquesne.
Jon Rothstein of CBS New York has a profile piece on UMass guard Chaz Williams and the impact he has made on the Minutemen this season.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican has a preview of the tonight's match-up between UMass and Duquesne as the Minutemen are currently atop the Atlantic 10 standings.
David Driver has a special feature in the Springfield Republican on former UMass star Gary Forbes who is now playing for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican has a story on Raphiael Putney and the energy his play has brought to the UMass basketball team.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a feature on Raphiael Putney and how his development this year has helped the men's basketball team.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a preview of tonight's match-up as UMass heads to Duquesne for a meeting between the Atlantic 10's No. 1 and No. 2 scoring teams.
Following the win on Saturday over Saint Joseph's to improve to 14-4 overall and 3-1 in the Atlantic 10, Andy Katz mentioned UMass in his weekly blog on ESPN.com.
Massachusetts: Derek Kellogg has an infusion of transfers and finally some maturity on this team. The Minutemen are atop the standings in the A-10 with Dayton and Xavier after dropping Charlotte and Saint Joseph's.
• What do we make of the Atlantic 10?
Is the league really good or really average? The jury is still out. Xavier lost to La Salle, which lost to Dayton, which lost to St. Bonaventure, which lost to Duquesne, which lost to Saint Joseph's, which lost to Charlotte, which lost to Saint Louis, which lost to Temple, which lost to Richmond.Who's on first? I don't know, third base? OK, actually it's a three-way tie atop the standings with UMass, Dayton and Xavier all at 3-1. The Musketeers, who have reeled off three in a row after their gigantic skid, seem to be finding their footing. But what to make of everyone else is the question for the league. Perennial tourney entrant Temple is all over the map. Saint Louis, which appeared to be making strides under Rick Majerus, has lost three of its last five. And UMass, winner of eight of nine, is finally turning things around under Derek Kellogg, but doesn't have much to hang a nonconference resume on.
A highlight reel fast-break dunk by Raphiael Putney garnered national attention following the UMass men's basketball team's 72-61 come-back win over Saint Joseph's on Saturday. As impressive as the dunk itself was, Chaz Williams' between-the-legs pass to Putney was equally as sensational making this a true high-flying highlight. It also warrants that the play was all started by a great blocked shot by Maxie Esho that allowed the Minutemen to get out on the fast break.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette looks at the success both the men's basketball team and the hockey team have been having at the Mullins Center this year. The hoops team is 9-0 in the building (10-0 overall at home with a win at The Cage), while the hockey team is 6-0-3 and the only team in the country to be undefeated at home.
UMass erased a 17-point deficit from the first half to improve to 10-0 at home with a 71-62 win over Saint Joseph's on Saturday. Chaz Williams led the way for the Minutemen with 22 points, while Raphiael Putney made national headlines for his highlight reel dunk that landed as the No. 8 Top Play of the Day on Sports Center.
ABC40 Highlights:
UMass Highlights:
Postgame Press Conference:
UMass and Saint Joseph's meet today for the 60th installment of the series on the hardwood with some early implications in the Atlantic 10 standings. Both teams enter the game coming off Wednesday wins and stand at 2-1 in the league rankings.
Sandra Constantine of the Springfield Republican has a story on Derek Kellogg being featured as the keynote speaker to 400 high achieving high school students on Tuesday at Western New England University.
The students were taking part in the 10th annual MassMutual Academic Achiever Conference sponsored by MassMutual and Western New England University.
Kellogg, who grew up in Springfield and played basketball at UMass under famed coach John Calipari, outlined his odyssey from growing up in the Hungry Hill neighborhood to becoming head basketball coach at his alma mater.
He described his first college basketball coaching stint at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. It only paid $9,500 a year, but Kellogg said he worked 14 hours a day.
"It is not about the money. It is about the ability to do what you want to do," Kellogg said.
"You be the champions. You be the leaders. You push for it," the coach urged the students, telling them to disregard statistics and material on the Internet that discourages them from thinking they can be successful.
Thanks to clutch free throws down the stretch, the UMass men's basketball team was able to hold off Charlotte on Wednesday night to remain a perfect 9-0 this season in home games with an 85-75 win over the 49ers. The Minutemen return to action on Saturday (4 PM) against Saint Joseph's.
ABC40 Highlights:
UMass Highlights:
Postgame Press Conference:
Andy Katz of ESPN listed 12 games to watch this weekend including UMass' game at La Salle on Sunday at Noon.
UMass at La Salle (2 ET): That's right -- UMass at La Salle. Dr. John Giannini has the 11-4 Explorers playing much better than expected; the same can be said for Derek Kellogg and his 12-3 Minutemen. La Salle has won nine of its last 10, and its victory over Xavier really gave this team credibility. Massachusetts has won six in a row and is looking for a key road win in the A-10.
A pair of double-double's by Terrell Vinson and Raphiael Putney combined with 20-points and nearly a triple-double from Chaz Williams paved the way as the UMass men's basketball team defeated Fordham last night in the Mullins Center in the Minutemen's Atlantic 10 opener.
ABC40 Highlights:
Postgame Highlights:
Postgame Press Conference:
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican previews tonight's game against Fordham saying that after the Rams' win over No. 22 Harvard and Georgia Tech, this game will be challenging.
Matt Vautour looks at UMass' depth heading into the Fordham game tonight and how coach Derek Kellogg will have to manage minutes among his rotation.
Dana O'Neil of ESPN.com takes a look around the Atlantic 10.
Hofstra transfer Chaz Williams is making a huge difference for UMass and Derek Kellogg. The Minutemen's up-tempo and pressing style has led to a nice cushion of 11 wins headed into conference play.
Revised predictions
1. Xavier: Its spot at the top is shaky, but the talent provides the slim edge.
2. Saint Louis: Conklin and Mitchell have the Billikens looking for their first league title.
3. Temple: A lot depends on Randall and Eric for the long haul.
4. Saint Joseph's: The young Hawks have an outside shot at a tourney bid thanks to wins against Creighton and Villanova.
5. Massachusetts: Kellogg has the Minutemen rebuilding project headed in the right direction.
6. St. Bonaventure: Nicholson can't do it alone, but he can do a lot of damage for the Bonnies.
7. Dayton: As always, the Flyers will be a tough out at home.
8. Richmond: A young Richmond team could finish higher if it finds solid footing.
9. Duquesne: The high-scoring Dukes head into conference play on a three-game roll.
10. La Salle: The Explorers, who head into league play as the hottest team with wins in eight of their last nine games, are another team that could finish higher.
11. Charlotte: Braswell and Henry make for a good one-two punch.
12. Fordham: Double-double king Chris Gaston will keep the Rams in a lot of games.
13. George Washington: There's still a lot of work to be done in D.C.
14. Rhode Island: One word: oof.
2. Saint Louis: Conklin and Mitchell have the Billikens looking for their first league title.
3. Temple: A lot depends on Randall and Eric for the long haul.
4. Saint Joseph's: The young Hawks have an outside shot at a tourney bid thanks to wins against Creighton and Villanova.
5. Massachusetts: Kellogg has the Minutemen rebuilding project headed in the right direction.
6. St. Bonaventure: Nicholson can't do it alone, but he can do a lot of damage for the Bonnies.
7. Dayton: As always, the Flyers will be a tough out at home.
8. Richmond: A young Richmond team could finish higher if it finds solid footing.
9. Duquesne: The high-scoring Dukes head into conference play on a three-game roll.
10. La Salle: The Explorers, who head into league play as the hottest team with wins in eight of their last nine games, are another team that could finish higher.
11. Charlotte: Braswell and Henry make for a good one-two punch.
12. Fordham: Double-double king Chris Gaston will keep the Rams in a lot of games.
13. George Washington: There's still a lot of work to be done in D.C.
14. Rhode Island: One word: oof.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican looks at UMass' rise over the last few weeks in the RPI entering this week at 79th among 344 Division I Teams. That places the UMass basketball team sixth overall in the Atlantic 10.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican looks at the non-conference start to the season and the five-game win streak for the UMass basketball team heading into the New Year.
Matt Vautour has a look at tonight's men's basketball match-up between UMass and Central Connecticut State as the Blue Devils visit the Mullins Center for a 7 PM tip-off.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican takes a look at the success UMass basketball is having in its non-conference schedule this season urging fans to get on board.
The Associated Press reported yesterday that UMass alum Rick Pitino will not return to Louisville when his contract runs out following the 2016-17 season.
In his blog yesterday, ESPN's Andy Katz ranks UMass as his No. 3 Team That Impressed after the Minutemen's win over Davidson.
10 more teams that impressed this week - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN
1. North Carolina: The Tar Heels crushed Texas in Chapel Hill and finally looked like the dominant No. 1 team it was projected to be at the start of the season.
2. Providence: Yes, the Friars made the grade this week. They won easily at rival Rhode Island, which might not mean much considering the Rams have only one win, but it was a strong statement for first-year coach Ed Cooley, who has his program trending upward heading into Big East play.
3. UMass: The Minutemen have been erratic this season in key games, but a convincing win against Davidson at home, after the Wildcats had beaten Kansas, is proof that UMass has a shot to cause some trouble in the A-10.
4. Long Beach State: The 49ers were the runner-up at the Diamond Head Classic, falling to Kansas State on Sunday. But the 49ers enter Big West play as the clear favorites over UC Santa Barbara and have proven through their crazy nonconference schedule that they're not afraid to play against any team.
5. UTEP: The Miners finished in third in the Diamond Head Classic and showed their athleticism and grittiness throughout the tournament. The Miners will be a tough out in Conference USA, which should be an extremely competitive league race.
6. Missouri: The Tigers outlasted Illinois in their annual game in St. Louis. The Tigers continue to look the part of a top 10 team and a potential top two seed in the NCAA tournament. Missouri got pushed as hard as it has this season by Illinois, but still prevailed late by making the right decisions.
7. Creighton: The Bluejays rebounded well from a road loss at Saint Joseph's with a home win against Northwestern. Creighton has righted itself in time for what should be a brutal chase for the Missouri Valley Conference title.
8. Florida: The Gators didn't have to sweat much late in the game in an 82-64 win against Florida State, as they proved yet again that they are the premier program in the state. Patric Young continues to develop into a defensive force.
9. Georgetown: The Hoyas completed a season sweep of Memphis and have made the Verizon Center one of the tougher spots to get a win this season. Georgetown has been able to beat teams playing different styles, and has a variety of players capable of contributing.
10. LSU: The Tigers followed up a home win against Marquette by beating North Texas in Denton. What that means is the Tigers are now winning the games they should if we are to take them seriously going into SEC play.
2. Providence: Yes, the Friars made the grade this week. They won easily at rival Rhode Island, which might not mean much considering the Rams have only one win, but it was a strong statement for first-year coach Ed Cooley, who has his program trending upward heading into Big East play.
3. UMass: The Minutemen have been erratic this season in key games, but a convincing win against Davidson at home, after the Wildcats had beaten Kansas, is proof that UMass has a shot to cause some trouble in the A-10.
4. Long Beach State: The 49ers were the runner-up at the Diamond Head Classic, falling to Kansas State on Sunday. But the 49ers enter Big West play as the clear favorites over UC Santa Barbara and have proven through their crazy nonconference schedule that they're not afraid to play against any team.
5. UTEP: The Miners finished in third in the Diamond Head Classic and showed their athleticism and grittiness throughout the tournament. The Miners will be a tough out in Conference USA, which should be an extremely competitive league race.
6. Missouri: The Tigers outlasted Illinois in their annual game in St. Louis. The Tigers continue to look the part of a top 10 team and a potential top two seed in the NCAA tournament. Missouri got pushed as hard as it has this season by Illinois, but still prevailed late by making the right decisions.
7. Creighton: The Bluejays rebounded well from a road loss at Saint Joseph's with a home win against Northwestern. Creighton has righted itself in time for what should be a brutal chase for the Missouri Valley Conference title.
8. Florida: The Gators didn't have to sweat much late in the game in an 82-64 win against Florida State, as they proved yet again that they are the premier program in the state. Patric Young continues to develop into a defensive force.
9. Georgetown: The Hoyas completed a season sweep of Memphis and have made the Verizon Center one of the tougher spots to get a win this season. Georgetown has been able to beat teams playing different styles, and has a variety of players capable of contributing.
10. LSU: The Tigers followed up a home win against Marquette by beating North Texas in Denton. What that means is the Tigers are now winning the games they should if we are to take them seriously going into SEC play.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican looks at UMass' second half adjustments in games this year which have helped the Minutemen put together a four-game win streak heading into Friday's meeting with Central Connecticut (Mullins Center, 7 PM).
Ricky Harris is interviewed following his 15-point game in leading the sOliver Baskets to a 64-55 win over FC Bayern Munich in the German BBL.
In 12 games, Harris ranks second on the team in scoring at 11.3 points per game.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a sidebar from the Davidson win on former UMass All-American Lou Roe who was in attendance at the Mullins Center last night.
A great night at the Mullins Center on Thursday as UMass defeated Davidson to reach a 10-3 record and remain perfect in home games this year at 6-0. Maxie Esho had a career-high 12 points, while Jesse Morgan led the Minutemen with 14. In all, five UMass players scored in double-figures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE:
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a sidebar on the UMass men's basketball win over Quinnipiac and Terrell Vinson's role in the win.
An 18-0 run to start the second half gave UMass a 72-67 win over Quinnipiac despite the Bobcats chipping away late in the game to make it a three-point game with a minute to go.
Terrell Vinson, Raphiael Putney and Chaz Williams all scored in double figures to lead UMass which has won three straight and remains undefeated at home (5-0).
Doug Harris of the Springfield (Ohio) News-Sun takes a look at the non-conference opponent success the Atlantic 10 has had this season with several quotes from UMass head coach Derek Kellogg.
UMass overcame an 11-point second-half deficit to pull out an 82-78 win over Siena on Friday night in the Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase at the Mass Mutual Center. Freddie Riley continued his streak of hot shooting draining six three-pointers for 20 points, while Chaz Williams tied his career-high with 22 points (20 in the second half).
Congratulations to the men's basketball team on improving to 7-3 on the year after pulling out a 63-58 win on the road at East Carolina last night!
Here are recaps of the victory from several media outlets:
Gazette: UMass men's basketball holds off East Carolina
MassLive: Minutemen survive shaky second half in 63-58 defeat of East Carolina
Worcester Telegram & Gazette: Minutemen survive East Carolina rally
Daily Collegian: Men's hoops holds on, defeats East Carolina
Globe: Massachusetts holds off East Carolina 63-58
The Sports Network: Recap: East Carolina vs. Massachusetts
Daily Reflector: Familiar feeling for ECU
Chaz Williams scored a career-high 22 points but it was not enough as the UMass men's basketball team fell at Miami on Saturday 83-75.
Daily Collegian: Minutemen basketball stormed by Hurricanes
Daily Hampshire Gazett: Derek Kellogg, Jim Larranaga express mutual respect after game in Miami
Daily Hampshire Gazett: UMass men's basketball can't finish rally in loss at Miami
Sacramento Bee: Kadji leads Miami past UMass
Sports Page Magazine: Miami Holds off UMass Men's Basketball, 83-75
Worcester Telegram: UMass can't come back to beat Miami
Highlights:
Press Conference:
With four players in double figure scoring last night, UMass easily cruised by Towson 86-56 to stay perfect on the year at the Mullins Center and improve to 6-2 overall.
Boston Globe: UMass right at home
Daily Collegian: Minutemen tame Tigers
Daily Collegian: Kellogg features depth during UMass win
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass basketball shakes up rotation, crushes Towson by 30
ESPNBoston.com: UMass nails 13 3s in blowout of winless Towson
Springfield Republican: Freddie Riley and Cady Lalanne spark UMass rout over Towson
Worcester Telegram: Balanced attack spurs Minutemen
HIGHLIGHTS:
PRESS CONFERENCE:
It was an offensive explosion as UMass routed Boston College 82-46 last night at Conte Forum. It marked the single largest win margin ever in the series between the two schools as the Minutemen improve to 4-0 on the year.
Boston Globe: Eagles routed by hot UMass
Boston Herald: Chaz Williams leads bashing of Eagles
Taunton Daily Gazette: Inexperienced Boston College no match for UMass
Daily Collegian: UMass blows out BC, 82-46, off to 4-0 start
Daily Collegian: UMass' depth prevails over Eagles
Springfield Republican: UMass blasts Boston College 82-46 to remain unbeaten
Sioux City Journal: Williams and Riley lead UMass to 82-46 win over BC
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass men's hoop crushes Boston College by widest margin in rivalry
ESPNBoston.com: UMass hammers BC by 36
Highlights:
Postgame Interview:
ESPN Boston has a recap of the Minutemen's 82-46 Commonwealth Classic victory over Boston College at Conte Forum last night. It was UMass' biggest margin of victory in the Derek Kellogg era and the biggest margin in the history of the UMass-BC rivalry. It was also the Minutemen's first win over a BCS conference school since Kansas in 2008.
UMass hammers BC by 36 - ESPN Boston
Scott Coen of MassLive.com has a story following last night's 36-point basketball win at Boston College saying that Derek Kellogg's 4-0 Minutemen deserve attention after getting off to a good start on the season.
Derek Kellogg's Minutemen winning in the shadows and deserving of our attention - MassLive.com
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette recaps last night's big 36-point victory by the men's basketball team at Boston College to win the Commonwealth Classic by the biggest margin ever.
UMass men's hoops crushes Boston College by widest margin in rivalry - Hampshire Gazette
"This was a big game for us," Freddie Riley said. "It's a rivalry game. They beat us the last couple of years. They have a younger team and we have an older team. We just played hard and we got a win."
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette previews tonight's big game in Chestnut Hill where the Minutemen and Eagles meet in the annual Commonwealth Classic. Vautour says UMass is out for revenge after falling to BC at the TD Garden last season.
UMass men's basketball seeks revenge against Boston College - Hampshire Gazette
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican recaps Thursday night's men's basketball victory at home over NJIT that improved the Minutemen to 3-0 on the season. UMass benefited from nine first-half 3-pointers on its way to a 79-58 victory. Chimelis also points out the emergence of Cady Lalanne inside, who had a career-high 14 rebounds in just 15 minutes.
A flurry of 3-point baskets lifts the UMass basketball team to a 3-0 start - Springfield Republican
"I don't know yet if Cady always knows what he's doing or where he's going,'' Derek Kellogg said.
"It's nice to see him accidentally bump into 14 rebounds in 15 minutes, though. That shows he can be a big-time rebounder here someday.''
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican previews tonight's men's basketball game against NJIT at the Mullins Center at 7 p.m. Chimelis points out how turnovers and fouls made Monday's victory over Northeastern more difficult and how Derek Kellogg and the Minutemen are looking to improve those areas against the Highlanders tonight.
UMass basketball team looks to keep up the energy but cut down the fouls - Springfield Republican
Check out the very well written story by frequent UMass basketball beat writer Marty Dobrow, who writes on ESPN Boston about UMass' start to the season and the parallels between this season and the last one the Minutemen opened at the Curry Hicks Cage, including the point guard position.
The men's basketball team improved to 2-0 on Monday night with a 83-67 win over Northeastern at the Mullins Center. Sophomore point guard Chaz Williams led the way again for the Minutemen, recording the first double-double of his career with 20 points and 10 assists, both tying career-highs. Terrell Vinson (14) and Sampson Carter (12) both reached double-figures for the second game in a row. Check out coverage of the game below.
UMass men's basketball pulls away from Northeastern - Hampshire Gazette
Gary Forbes checks in on Minutemen - Hampshire Gazette
A double-double by Chaz Williams leads a double-digit UMass win - Springfield Republican
Offense in full swing as Minutemen cruise to 83-67 victory - Daily Collegian
Sloppy play plagues UMass despite win - Daily Collegian
Williams points way for UMass - Boston Herald
UMass basketball beats Northeastern - Boston Globe
UMass pulls away with game on line - Worcester Telegram
SB Nation Boston
Williams scores 20, dishes out 10 assists, Massachusetts beads Northeastern 83-67 - Washington Post
UMass 83, Northeastern 67 - CBSSports.com
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican previews tonight's men's basketball season opener at the Cage in today's issue. Chimelis points out how this season's opener is different than Derek Kellogg's previous three as head coach, as the team is comprised mostly of his players now and they are playing a new style offensively and defensively.
This year's opener is a new deal for the UMass basketball team - Springfield Republican
Chimelis also mentions the signing of Tyler Bergantino to a NLI on Thursday.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette writes in his preview of tonight's season opener for the men's basketball team against Elon at the Curry Hicks Cage that Derek Kellogg's squad will play an exciting up-tempo style on offense and use some pressure defense as well.
UMass coach Derek Kellogg is looking forward to getting started.
"I feel like we're in a spot where its good to play a game," he said. "I don't know how much more we can go against ourselves and how much better we can get until we play somebody else and see what works and what doesn't work.
UMass men's hoop will run and press in season opener - Hampshire Gazette
"I think we're looking pretty good," said Chaz Williams. "I think we'll be better than a lot of people expect. But there's always room for improvement. I feel like we can get better every day. Every day we come to practice with an open mind. That's something that will make us and take us to another level."
Stephen Hewitt of the Daily Collegian writes in Thursday's basketball preview edition about redshirt sophomore Chaz Williams, in his first season eligible to play for the Minutemen, taking over the role of point guard for head coach Derek Kellogg, someone who knows a thing or two about playing the point at UMass. The story focuses on how the 2010 CAA All-Rookie selection at Hofstra will be in charge of running the Minutemen's new up-tempo attacking style of play.
"I expect to do some things I haven't gotten to do in the past," said Williams. "A lot of things that will make my teammates better and a lot of things that'll help us win games.
"I want to help bring some excitement back to UMass," he added.
Williams handed keys to new UMass offense - Daily Collegian
Stephen Sellner of the Daily Collegian takes a look in Thursday's basketball preview issue at the UMass roster being a mix of old and new, and how that mix could be the right one for the Minutemen in 2011-12.
"I'm hoping that that's what people that come in and watch us ... play see is a group of guys that are willing to give up a little of themselves," said Kellogg. "It's really more of a group effort than it'll ever have been."
"If you don't have confidence in yourself, it's hard for other people to have confidence in you. If you think negative, then you're probably going to have negative results," Riley said. "If you work hard and keep a positive attitude, things are going to go your way eventually. You're not going to have a good shooting night every night, but if you get down on yourself, you're just making it hard on yourself. You want to keep a positive attitude through everything."
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe has a terrific feature in Wednesday's issue on redshirt-sophomore point guard Chaz Williams and what the transfer from Hofstra brings to the Minutemen going into the 2011-12 season. Washburn talks about how head coach Derek Kellogg needs a floor general to lead his new up-tempo attack with "fearlessness and heart that exemplified those 1990s teams."
Leadership with Brooklyn accent: Point guard Williams feels up to the challenge - Boston Globe
"He may have found such a conductor in Chaz Williams, a 5-foot 9-inch sophomore transfer from Hofstra, whose Brooklyn upbringing is apparent from the moment he speaks. He brings a New York bravado to Amherst, and his leadership and passion are exactly what Kellogg believes will push the Minutemen back among the elite teams of the Atlantic 10."
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican has a story on the Minutemen using this week as a final tune-up as they adjust to a new up-tempo style of play. UMass opens the season on Friday at 9 p.m. against Elon at the Curry Hicks Cage.
"We're trying to instill in our guys that they have to be the aggressors from the minute they get off the bus,'' head coach Derek Kellogg said.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette writes on Tuesday that UMass basketball head coach Derek Kellogg was not pleased with his squad's showing in a closed scrimmage against Seton Hall on Saturday.
"We didn't play as well I wanted or anticipated. We didn't take care of the ball the way we had been in practice. Our transition defense was porous from my perspective. I was glad it was a scrimmage game that doesn't count on our record," Kellogg said before Monday's practice.
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican wrote over the weekend on the men's basketball team being a totally new look, or "brand", in 2011-12. He writes how the Minutemen have a new offense, new point guard, and new post player, combined with two closed scrimmages rather than open exhibition games, make what to expect from the Minutemen this season a bit of a mystery.
UMass basketball is Brand X, a total mystery on the eve of a season - Springfield Republican
Well, the mystery will be revealed on Friday when Derek Kellogg's Minutemen host Elon in the season opener at the Curry Hicks Cage at 9 p.m.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on Derek Kellogg indicating at UMass media day on Friday that the starting five for the Minutemen's season opener this Friday against Elon at the Curry Hicks Cage could be Chaz Williams, Freddie Riley, Javorn Farrell, Raphiael Putney, and Sean Carter. The Minutemen played their second and final closed scrimmage of the season on Saturday at Seton Hall.
UMass men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg names starting five - Hampshire Gazette
Vautour also points out some jersey number changes for the Minutemen this season. Check out the online roster.
Congratulations to former UMass basketball star Anthony Gurley, who was selected by the Los Angeles D-Fenders in the second round of the NBA D-League Draft on Wednesday. The 6-3 shooting guard led the Minutemen with 18.7 points per game last season.
Los Angeles D-Fenders select former UMass player Anthony Gurley in D-League draft - Springfield Republican
Anthony Gurley selected in the NBDL - Boston Herald
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican and MassLive.com covers the announcement of changes to Derek Kellogg's men's basketball staff. With the departure of Vance Walberg, Shyrone Chatman becomes an assistant coach, Tom Doherty has been added as assistant operations coordinator, and Richard Hogans is the strength & conditioning coach.
Former UMass stars Ricky Harris and Tony Gaffney squared off over the weekend as the respective German professional teams played each other on Saturday. Harris' S.Oliver Wurzburg team came away with the 71-61 victory, handing Gaffney's Telekom Baskets Bonn squad its first loss of the season. Gaffney (12 points) silenced the Wurzburg crowd early in the game with a pair of dunks, but Harris' (6 points) team would finish on top. Check out the large photo gallery from the game.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a nice story today on redshirt freshman center Andrew McCarthy. Vautour talks about the anticipated matchup with McCarthy's brother's team, NJIT, and Coach Kellogg talks about how the 7-footer could help the Minutemen against some of the bigger post players on the schedule.
Vautour also hits on a few other interesting topics in the notebook, including a possible appearance by Marcus Camby in Amherst, the closed scrimmage against Drexel, advice for Chaz Williams from Edgar Padilla, and Tony Gaffney and Ricky Harris facing each other in Germany.
Walk-on big man Andrew McCarthy hopes to see some action for Minutemen - Hampshire Gazette
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on UMass basketball sophomore Jesse Morgan. The piece focuses on how the talented guard was only able to practice with the team and play in games in the second half of 2010-11, therefore only giving everyone a glimpse of what he is capable of. With a full preseason to prepare this year, big things are expected of the shooting guard, who as the story points out, has also been selected by Derek Kellogg to learn the point guard position as a backup to Chaz Williams.
Preseason has Jesse Morgan thinking big for UMass men's basketball - Hampshire Gazette
"This is huge for him. Coming off a year where he hadn't practiced or played coming in halfway through, I think he was a little disappointed with his productivity and his playing time," Derek Kellogg said. "It's been fantastic. He's grown up. His body is in phenomenal shape. He has a chance to do some good things if he can continue at the pace he's been at."
CBS Sports College Basketball Insider Jeff Goodman has picked UMass to finish fifth in his conference countdown for the Atlantic 10. Goodman has the Minutemen, who were picked 12th in the A-10 preseason poll, finishing behind Xavier, Temple, Saint Louis, and St. Bonaventure. He also picks redshirt sophomore forward Raphiael Putney has his A-10 Breakthrough Player of the Year.
"The pressure is on Derek Kellogg in Year 4. He lost Anthony Gurley, but might finally have a true point guard with Hofstra transfer Chaz Williams. The young group from a couple of years ago -- juniors Freddie Riley, Sampson Carter, Javorn Farrell, Terrell Vinson and redshirt sophomore Raphiael Putney -- needs to go out there and prove itself."
Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican has a nice story in Monday's edition and on MassLive.com on redshirt sophomore Chaz Williams moving into the point guard role for the Minutemen this season. Chimelis points out how Williams will be relied upon by Derek Kellogg to run the team's new offense, based more on transition and playing up-tempo.
"Everything coach tells me, I try to take into consideration and instill into my own game," said Williams, a redshirt sophomore from Brooklyn, N.Y., who sat out last season after transferring from Hofstra.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette had a nice feature over the weekend on UMass freshman forward Cady Lalanne, who after having to sit out last season because of NCAA rules and missing a month this fall due to an injury, is finally practicing with Derek Kellogg's Minutemen as they prepare for their Nov. 11 season opener.
Cady Lalanne finally gets to practice with UMass basketball team - Hampshire Gazette
"He's an unbelievable kid, the last one in the gym after practice," Kellogg said. "I think the sky is the limit once he's able to go full speed."
In his UMass Sports Blog, the Daily Hampshire Gazette's Matt Vautour explains the Derek Kellogg and the Minutemen's newest addition to practice, a UMass football helmet.
Hoope Dreams Magazine has a nice story, including a Q&A session, with UMass basketball freshman Jordan Laguerre. The story focuses on how Laguerre, who as a NCAA partial qualifier can practice this season and will be eligible for games next season, comes from Manchester, N.H., not exactly a basketball recruiting hotbed and is not tall by college hoops standards, but has used his work ethic, quickness, and athletic ability to draw attention from scouts and have success playing with the Rivals on the AAU circuit.
"I chose Umass because it was just the right fit for me. There style of play, the coaches were great, its close to home, my teammates are great and it just felt like the right place for me."
"There was some frustration and injuries. A lot of things weren't perfect for him last year," UMass coach Derek Kellogg said. "He's had the best preseason he's had since he's been here. His attitude has been great. He's been looking to do what the team needs him to do."
Vautour also hits on some other basketball topics including news on Jesse Morgan, former UMass coaches, and Sunday's coaches clinic hosted by Derek Kellogg.
Matt Vautour writesin the Daily Hampshire Gazette about the beginning of official men's basketball practice this week and how Derek Kellogg and the Minutemen will be implementing some new things offensively and defensively:
Following an offseason where University of Massachusetts men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg put heavy emphasis on conditioning, the Minutemen are going to put that stamina to good use.
Kellogg plans to change his offense into one that will run and press more.
"We have a roster of guys that can play that way. It's something I've always wanted to do," Kellogg said. "We have to use our length, our athleticism and our speed. We finally have a fast team of longer, more athletic guys that need to get out and run."
UMass men's basketball to run and press - Hampshire Gazette
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian's Jackson Alexander has a great preview in Friday's edition on the "Bash at Southwest Beach" hosted by the basketball programs this Saturday from 4-6:30 p.m. at the "horseshoe" in the Southwest Residential Area. The Midnight Madness-type event is a way for the campus and community to celebrate the beginning of basketball season and will include a DJ, iPad raffle, chance to win a trip for 2 to the Bahamas with the men's basketball team, t-shirt giveaways, and more. A tailgate party will be held across the street in Lot 33 as well.
Bash At Southwest Beach To Take Place Saturday - Daily Collegian
"I think the students are looking for some things to do on the weekends, and me being a former student and player here, I thought it'd be a great opportunity to give them one more thing," said Head Coach Derek Kellogg.
In his men's basketball notebook following Thursday's Atlantic 10 media day in Brooklyn, the Daily Hampshire Gazette's Matt Vautour covers a variety of topics including Jordan Laguerre being ruled a partial qualifier by the NCAA, the A-10 preseason poll, and freshman Cady Lalanne being named to the conference's Preseason All-Rookie Team.
UMass guard Jordan Laguerre ruled partial qualifier, out for season - Hampshire Gazette
College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports writes in his column today the 10 Reasons To Be Excited About The Atlantic 10 with one of the 10 being "Chaz Williams' Speed."
"Like a rocket shot out of a cannon, Williams might be the fastest player in college basketball from circle to circle with the ball in his hands. The former Hofstra guard should add an instant burst to UMass and blend nicely on the perimeter with Javorn Farrell, Freddie Riley, and Jesse Morgan. Look for Minutemen coach Derek Kellogg to have his best squad yet in Amherst -- one that can peak late in the season if they get a productive year out of big man Raphiael Putney."
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a great feature in Wednesday's edition on the men's basketball team meeting with renowned sports psychologist Dr. Joe Carr. Head Coach Derek Kellogg, players, and staff all met with Dr. Carr, who works with many professional athletes and NBA teams, over three days. His exercises and techniques are designed to improve team chemistry and bring teams closer.
UMass hoop team meets with renowned sports psychologist to boost chemistry - Daily Hampshire Gazette
Here is the German recap of the game:
Harris started last season in Lithuania with BC Siaualiai before moving to Ferro-ZNTU in the Ukrainian League where he averaged 10 points per game.
If you are fluent in German or know how to use an online translator, here is the link:
Yahoo and Rivals.com contributer and UMass alum Taurus Londono has his list of the top five most famous former UMass basketball players. Check out the list and see if you agree. Be warned, he admits to being a bit biased to the more recent players he saw firsthand.
