*Team Stats updated with conference only figures
Twitter- @UNHMBB
10-6, fourth place
2014-15 Record
11-5 (5-3 road, 6-2 home), tied for second
2014-15 Attendance
821 average, 6,569 total
2014-15 PPG
66.6, tied for 2nd in America East
2014-15 Opp PPG
60.9, 4th in America East
2014-15 3 Point FG %
38.8, 1st in America East
2014-15 FT %
68.1, 6th in America East
2014-15 Rebound Margin
+4.6, 3rd in America East
2014-15 Assists
11.4, 5th in America East
2014-15 T/O Margin
-2.00, 8th in America East
What's Gone
New Hampshire had the opportunity to bring back all of their major pieces from a 2014-15 team that went 11-5 in conference play--the first time UNH was able to finish over .500 in America East play in the past 10 seasons.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats would be left without their second leading scorer in conference play (11.9 PPG) and the leagues top three point shooter based on percentage (53.3%) when Matt Miller was not granted another year of eligibility. Miller was seeking a 6th year after sitting out the 12-13 season due to transfer and the 13-14 season after an ACL tear. Miller will remain with the UNH program as a Graduate Student Manager for the 15-16 season.
New Hampshire loses four more players from their 2014-15 roster-- however only two saw action during America East play. Tommy McDonnell graduates after playing in all 32 and starting 12 games for the Wildcats during the 14-15 season. McDonnell averaged 1.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists last season for New Hampshire. Williams Gabriel who was the only other departing player to see action for the Wildcats last season departs after appearing in 9 conference games while averaging 5.5 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds overall.
John Edwards leaves the Wildcats after playing in 7 non conference games averaging 4.6 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 11.1 minutes per contest. Logan Mortenson departs after appearing in 2 non conference games averaging 2.5 points in 8 minutes of play.
Overall the Wildcats lose 19.3% of their scoring, 18% of their assists and 15% of their rebounding from 2014-15 America East conference play.
Unfortunately, the Wildcats would be left without their second leading scorer in conference play (11.9 PPG) and the leagues top three point shooter based on percentage (53.3%) when Matt Miller was not granted another year of eligibility. Miller was seeking a 6th year after sitting out the 12-13 season due to transfer and the 13-14 season after an ACL tear. Miller will remain with the UNH program as a Graduate Student Manager for the 15-16 season.
New Hampshire loses four more players from their 2014-15 roster-- however only two saw action during America East play. Tommy McDonnell graduates after playing in all 32 and starting 12 games for the Wildcats during the 14-15 season. McDonnell averaged 1.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.6 assists last season for New Hampshire. Williams Gabriel who was the only other departing player to see action for the Wildcats last season departs after appearing in 9 conference games while averaging 5.5 minutes, 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds overall.
John Edwards leaves the Wildcats after playing in 7 non conference games averaging 4.6 points, 0.7 rebounds and 0.6 assists in 11.1 minutes per contest. Logan Mortenson departs after appearing in 2 non conference games averaging 2.5 points in 8 minutes of play.
Overall the Wildcats lose 19.3% of their scoring, 18% of their assists and 15% of their rebounding from 2014-15 America East conference play.
What Arrives
#2 Andrew Dotson @AndrewDotson3 (Fr) 6'2'' 175 pound guard. According to this ball is life page his nickname is "white chocolate". Can't find much else on him other than it looks like he has green eyes, you're welcome for that tidbit.
#22 David Watkins @DavidWatkins_22 (Fr) 6'7'' 210 pound forward. Watkins chose UNH after also receiving offers from Boston University, Fairfield, Stony Brook and American. Attended Brimmer and May school in Chesnut Hill, MA before arriving in Durham.
#24 Pat McNamara (Fr) 6'5'' 190 pound guard. Earned All-Conference and All-Area selections as a junior and senior at St. Vlator High School where he averaged 18 points per game during his senior season.
The Red Shirts
#11 Jordan Reed @Jordanreed02 (So) 5'11'' 170 pound guard. Will RED SHIRT the 2015-16 season. Played for Rice during the 2014-15 season, appearing in 12 games.
What Returns
#21 Tanner Leissner (So) 6'6'' 210 pound forward. 2014-15 America East Second Team and 14-15 America East Rookie of the Year. Averaged 13.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 34.3 minutes per game during 14-15 conference play. 8.5 rebounds per game were good for 3rd overall in the America East and the 13.1 points were good for 6th overall. Shot 35.9% from three point range in conference action. Also finished 3rd overall in the conference with 1.1 blocks per game.
#03 JaCoby Armstrong @_JSTRONG_ (Jr) 6'7'' 230 pound guard. 2014-15 America East Third Team. Finished 13th in the conference with 11.6 points and tied for 18th with 4.6 rebounds per game. Averaged 28.2 minutes per game for UNH during the 14-15 conference slate.
#00 Jaleen Smith JaleenSmith0 (Jr) 6'4'' 195 pound guard. Averaged 9.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 32.6 minutes per game during 14-15 conference play. Led the Wildcats with 26 steals during 14-15 America East action. Made the 2014-15 All-Championship Team (#AEHoops Tourney)
#05 Daniel Dion @Daniel_Dion1995 (Jr) 6'0'' 175 pound guard. Averaged 8.1 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 23 minutes per game during 14-15 conference play. Shot 38.7% from three point range in conference, good for 9th overall.
#30 Joe Bramanti (Jr) 6'2'' 195 pound guard. 2014-15 America East All Defensive Team. Averaged 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 25.8 minutes per game. Second on UNH with 13 steals during conference play.
#23 Ronnel Jordan @FlightJordan35 (Sr) 6'3'' 194 pound guard/forward. Appeared in 16 conference games for the Wildcats averaging 3.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 13.1 minutes. Had a career high 15 points against Dartmouth on 11/30 of the 14-15 season. Shot 34.4% from deep as a junior in conference play. Wears #23 and has the last name for it, has a decent edge up; enjoys steak and listening to The College Dropout on repeat.
#12 Frank Okeke (Sr) 6'6'' 220 pound forward. Averaged 3.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 15.4 minutes of action in conference play last season. Tied for 3rd on the team with 6 blocks during America East action.
#12 Frank Okeke (Sr) 6'6'' 220 pound forward. Averaged 3.5 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 15.4 minutes of action in conference play last season. Tied for 3rd on the team with 6 blocks during America East action.
#10 Iba Camara @ibrahimacamara8 (So) 6'9'' 225 pound forward. Averaged 2.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.4 assists in 15.4 minutes per game during conference play. Started 4 conference games-- playing in 16 for UNH. Shot 33.3% from deep for UNH during the 14-15 conference slate. Enjoys flexing in the mirror while working out.
#04 Keon Burns @KeonBurns (R-So) 6'4'' 205 pound guard. Appeared in 5 conference games for UNH during the 2014-15 season. Son of UNH Alums, ranked 97th in the world on the Pro-Am mini golf tour.
#04 Keon Burns @KeonBurns (R-So) 6'4'' 205 pound guard. Appeared in 5 conference games for UNH during the 2014-15 season. Son of UNH Alums, ranked 97th in the world on the Pro-Am mini golf tour.
Coaching Staff
Bill Herrion - Head Coach
Ken Dempsey - Associate Head Coach
Chris Mohr - Assistant Coach
Marc Kuntz - Assistant Coach
Matt Miller - Director of Basketball Operations/Graduate Student Manager
New Hampshire brings back 80.7% of their offense, 82% of their assists and 85% of their rebounding from the 2014-15 season. The Wildcats look to build off an 11 win season after losing only 1 major piece in Matt Miller.
Having 6 players who started a game for them during the 14-15 conference season return; including 6 players who averaged over 15 minutes per game for them, bodes well for the Wildcats chances to have a successful 2015-16 season. UNH returns 5 of their 6 leading scorers from 14-15 including 3 out of their top 4. The result should be an offense that remains dangerous after averaging 66.6 points per game during conference play--tied for 2nd best in the America East.
The Wildcats thrived from beyond the arc during the 2014-15 season, leading the America East in three point field goal percentage. The loss of Matt Miller will hurt as he made 43 of their 122 3PFG's last season at a clip of 51.8%. Look for UNH to rely more on Daniel Dion, Jaleen Smith, Frak Okeke and Tanner Leissner from the perimeter in 15-16--all shot at least 31% from deep in 14-15.
If UNH can rebound as they did last season and continue to spread the floor, while replacing the outside shooting of Matt Miller, they have the chance to make a leap into the top 3 in the America East. The task is easier said than done as the top of the conference is loaded; the Wildcats however, aren't far off.
The 11 conference wins tallied by UNH last season beats their total of 9 from the previous two combined. Having won their final 6 conference home games of the 2014-15 season; Bill Herrion has built the Wildcats into a program to fear in the America East. With an average of 821 fans during their home conference games it's time for UNH fans to start backing their team. Not only did the Wildcats find success during the 2014-15 season, they were an exciting young team to watch.
Unofficial Player Quote
"Wanna Be A Baller"
Biased Outlook
The Texas influence on this 2015-16 UNH squad is undeniable as 7 players hail from The Lone Star State. Having been born in Houston, players from Texas always hold a special place in my heart. UNH is fun to watch and should be for years to come as Tanner Leissner continues to develop. If you live in the Durham area or are a UNH student GET TO THE GAMES. This team deserves a solid fan base, even if years past weren't so enjoyable.
Next Up: UMASS-Lowell
No comments:
Post a Comment