SWAC 2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M

Courtesy: Sidney Jackson / Alabama A&M View Photo

2016 Football Media Day Recap

Courtesy SWAC.org

Fri, July 15, 2016

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Southwestern Athletic Conference officially opened the 2016 football season with its annual SWAC Football Media Day in Birmingham, Alabama at the Birmingham Marriott.

The event featured several workings including the All-SWAC Preseason Team announcement with a live video and radio broadcast stream.  A series of special guest included LT. COL Keith Bland of the Air Force Reserve, ESPN’s  John Grant, Executive Director of the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, Mark Wright from The Undefeated, Jay Walker ESPN College Football Analyst and Shack Harris from the Black College Football Hall of Fame.
Head coaches from all 10 schools accompanied with two players each were in attendance.  Over 130 media members were credentialed for this year’s gathering.
The SWAC released a pair of public service initiatives to highlight the conference member institutions, promote the upcoming 2016 Toyota SWAC Football Championship in Houston, Texas on December 3.
The SWAC released its 2016 SWAC Preseason Teams with Southern running back Lenard Tillery and Alabama State linebacker Kourtney Berry being tabbed for individual honors.
Two-time defending champion Alcorn State totaled 44 votes points as it was named the preseason favorite out of the East Division. Alabama State followed with 35 points, Jackson State received 28 points, followed by Alabama A&M (16) and Mississippi Valley State (12).

Out in the West Division, Prairie View A&M was chosen as the division favorite after amassing 41 points in the voting. Grambling State followed with 35 points, and Southern received 32 points. Texas Southern (16) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (11) rounded out the order of predicted finish.

OUs Buddy Hield Should Be the #1 Pick in the NBA Draft

Is Buddy Hield really the #1 in the NBA Draft? 

Should OUs Buddy Hield be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft?

by Da`Vince “Dino” Wright

Scouting talent for the NBA is a risky job. You see so many talented players from schools all over the country. The first place NBA general managers look at are the schools with championships pedigree like DUKE, Michigan, Michigan State, Kansas and Kentucky. But, the BIG 12 has a really good player in Buddy Hield. Let`s take a look at Buddy and dissect his game from the college ranks looking forward to next season in the NBA.

Buddy at OU

Buddy is a 6`4, 214 pound senior guard at Oklahoma. Since attending OU he has gotten better across the board. As a freshman he averaged 7.8 points a game shooting .238 from the field. His sophomore year he averaged 16.5 points a game with 46 steals. His junior year his average raised to 17.4 and .359 from the 3 point arc. Now, it`s his senior year and he`s making noise. He could easily go in the first round along with other dynamic players. Buddy has a tremendous upside to his game. He`s very coachable and is great in the locker room. Buddy was named Big 12 player of the year. He holds numerous scoring marks at OU, he`s scored 182 three pointers in 2 years for the Sooner`s. He`s the undisputed leader on and off the floor. He`s also a bit of a trash talker and vocal leader for his team.

Buddy In The NBA

He has the size to play along side the greats but, there's a big difference from playing college players to competing 82 games against men. The NBA game is much faster and physical from the NCAA`s.

I see him going early in the second round. First rounders at the guard position are bigger and more athletic than Buddy. You can`t count any players out, but the truth is the truth. He will be looked over during the draft.

Big 12 Mens Basketball Strong Heading Into March Madness

Kansas Jayhawks look to win Big 12 and head into March strong. 

Big 12 Mens Basketball

by Da`Vince “Dino” Wright

The Big 12 Mens basketball standings are in some cases intriguing. Most young ballers look for the dazzling lights of North Carolina, Duke, Michigan and Indiana. There are so many conferences and teams that litter USA Today, ESPN and Fox Sports. When I played in high school the teams I wanted to play for was UNLV, DePaul, Duke, St. John`s and Temple just to name a few. These teams was the cream of the crop when it came to Men`s basketball. Let`s take a look at the Big 12 conference and standings. Mind you Oaklahoma was the number team in the country before losing 2 straight games. Kansas is the darling of the conference and they`ve been beaten twice this year. It`s been 26 games into the season and March is looming. Here are the standings.

Team Wins Loss PCT Streak

Kansas 22 4 .846 W6

West Virginia 20 6 .769 L1

Oklahoma 20 5 .800 L2

Baylor 19 7 .731 W1

Texas 17 9 .654 W1

Iowa State 18 8 .692 L1

Texas Tech 16 9 .640 W3

Kansas State 15 11 .577 W1

Oklahoma State 12 14 .462 L1

TCU 11 15 .423 L2

One might look at the standings and say, “What`s wrong with TCU and Oklahoma State?”

You answer is in really bad injuries and depth on the bench. Last year these teams made a lot of noise during the national tournament. The Big 12 will be well represented during March Madness.

Top 10 College Basketball Players to Watch

Buddy Hield joins the list of Top 10 College Basketball Players to watch. 

The Top 10 College Players to Watch

by Da`Vince “Dino” Wright

In every gym, recreation center or hoop houses all over the country conversations are being discussed on who`s the Top 10 Men hoop stars in the country. I`ve compiled a list of the young guns in college hoops that`s changing the landscape. Some your familiar with and some you`ve never heard of. Heres my list from 1 to 10.

Ben Simmons: Forward, LSU 

He`s 6`10 versatile forward with a Lamar Odom game. He can handle the ball in the half court game and comfortable shooting facing the rim or posting up. He`s the second coming of Magic Johnson!

Skal Labissier: Forward/Center, Kentucky

Everybody looked over this kid. His post game is looky, but he can score from anywhere on the floor. Once he develops a post game. Look out!

Jamal Murray: Shooting Guard, Kentucky

He puts you in the mind of Devin Booker former KU standout that has a nice overall game. But Jamal is more fierce with and without the ball. He reminds me of Russell Westbrook with weight.

Kris Dunn: Point Guard, Providence

He puts me in the mind of Jayson Williams when he was at Duke. He`s 2nd in the nation with assists at 7.6 but has great court vision in the fast break game.

Brandon Ingram: Forward, Duke

I sometimes love to see cocky players. He reminds me of Stacey Augman from UNLV with a jump shot. He can defend on the wing a rebound in the trees.

Marcus Paige, Point Guard, North Carolina

He`s the top point guard as a senior in college today. He could possibly lead the Tar Heels to the National Championship.. Yes! He`s that good.

Malik Newman: Guard, Mississippi State

He could very well be the darling of the SEC. He would eventually lead the conference in scoring as a freshman. If he stays he would become a more polished player instead a flash in the pan.

Ron Baker: Guard, Wichita State

He would be the darling of the NCAA tournament. Make note this dude can score anywhere on the floor. He`s strong coming off double screens and putting the rock in the air.

Kyle Wiltjer, Forward, Gonzaga

He`s averaging 16-17 points a game shooting a nice 47 percent from 3 point land.

Buddy Hield, Guard, Oklahoma

He`s relentless. If he was 6`6, the whole country would be mentioning him as one of the most dangerous players in the country. Buddy can do it all!

SWAC: Mens Basketball Recaps November 14

Courtesy http://www.iuhoosiers.com/view.gal?id=169520

Courtesy: http://www.iuhoosiers.com/view.gal?id=169520 View Photo

MBB Recaps: November 14

Courtesy SWAC.org

Sat, November 14, 2015

Grambling State 85, Mid-Atlantic Christian 26Box Score
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -  A nine-minute long 38-0 run was the difference for Grambling State, who picked up an 85-36 victory over Mid-Atlantic Christian Saturday.
In addition to the offensive outburst, the Tigers’ bench was highly productive, scoring 57 points and grabbing 32 rebounds as a unit. Leading that charge was Ervin Mitchell, who scored 16 points (14 in the first half). Velario Altheimer had seven points and 14 rebounds for GSU.
All six bench players for Grambling State scored at least seven points, and the Tigers shot 60.6 percent in the first half on its way to a 47-12 halftime lead.
GSU’s defense held the Mustangs to 9-for-47 shooting as it harassed them into committing 22 turnovers. Micah Ryals had seven points, and Joseph Hill had six points and six rebounds for the Mustangs.

Nebraska 97, Mississippi Valley State 51

LINCOLN, Neb. - Mississippi Valley State fell to the Nebraska Cornhuskers 97-51 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena on Saturday night.
The Delta Devils surrendered a 12-0 run just after the midway point of the first half that left them down 39-13. The half ended with MVSU facing a 43-21 deficit, which was a disadvantage that was ultimately too much to overcome. The Delta Devils weren’t able to consistently find their shots, shooting 25.9 percent (15-for-58) from the floor.
Damian Young was the lone Delta Devil in double figures, scoring 13 points. Kylan Phillips added nine.

The Cornhuskers had four players in double-figures, with Andrew White III scoring a game-high 18. Jack McVeigh added 16 points. Shavon Shields netted 13 points. Nick Fuller was a rebound shy of a double-double with 10 points and nine boards.


Creighton 93, Texas Southern 70Box Score
OMAHA, Neb. – Texas Southern dropped a 93-70 decision to Creighton Saturday inside the CenturyLink Center.

The Tigers allowed 48 points in the paint to the Blue Jays, who got 31 points from their bench in the game. Texas Southern was able to gain an early lead, but couldn’t keep Creighton at bay as the contest progressed, thanks in part to 20 turnovers committed by the Tigers that resulted in 30 points for the Blue Jays.

Chris Thomas led TSU with 26 points, five rebounds and four assists. Malcolm Riley narrowly missed a double-double, scoring 18 points and pulling in nine boards.

Creighton got a balanced effort from its side, with five players scoring at least 10 points. Khyri Thomas led the team with 18 points, and Isaiah Zierden scored 15 points. Martin Krampelj added 11 points and eight rebounds, and Maurice Watson Jr. put up 10 points and seven assists.

MEAC: Football Recaps Week 11, North Carolina A&T Clinch Title

Football Recap: Week 11

Courtesy Associated Press

Sat, November 14, 2015

Courtesy MEAC Media Relations

Aggies Clinch a Share of MEAC title
GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina A&T can't quite have a "celebration" yet, but the Aggies can claim their second straight MEAC football championship after defeating Delaware State 27-6 Saturday afternoon at Aggie Stadium.
Junior running back Tarik Cohen become the Aggies all-time leading rusher in the first quarter of Saturday's game, as he surpassed Mike Mayhew on a 28-yard run. Cohen had 132 yards on 17 carries while freshman quarterback Kylil Carter accounted for three Aggie touchdowns including one on the ground. As a runner he finished with 84 yards on 21 carries. 
The win clinches at least a share of the MEAC title for No. 14 N.C. A&T (9-1, 7-0 MEAC). A&T has produced back-to-back 9-win seasons for the first time since doing it three straight seasons from 1990-92.
The Aggies must go through their arch-rivals N.C. Central (7-3, 6-1 MEAC) next week at Aggie Stadium in order to claim the title outright. A win over the Eagles would also give Aggies a berth to the inaugural Celebration Bowl, which pits the MEAC champion against the SWAC champion at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Dec. 19. Bethune-Cookman also has a chance to claim a share of the conference title. Underdog Delaware State (0-10, 0-7 MEAC) tried to throw off the Aggies' plans, but could not generate enough offense. The Hornets were held to 14 yards rushing and 174 yards of offense as the Aggies held a team to under 100 yards rushing for the sixth straight game.
N.C. A&T led 6-0 at halftime thanks to a 9-yard touchdown pass from Carter to junior receiver Denzel Keyes. Carter threw his second touchdown of the game to Khris Gardin on a double move by the receiving that freed him up for a 35-yard touchdown reception. But the Hornets found themselves down only seven in the first quarter when Brycen Alleyne scored from four yards out to cut N.C. A&T's lead to 13-6.
Senior Tony McRae helped the Aggies put the game away on the ensuing kickoff as he returned a squib kick 75 yards for his third career kickoff return for touchdown. Carter added a 1-yard run late in the game.
Read more at www.NCATAggies.com.

NCCU Beats Howard 41-6 for Sixth Straight Victory
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Eagles of North Carolina Central University defeated the Howard University Bison 41-6 to keep their MEAC championship hopes alive.
The Eagles got off to a slow start as a fumble on the opening drive set up a Howard 39-yard field goal. The Eagles responded on the very next drive with a field goal of their own, a 25-yarder by Nigel Macauley, to tie the game at 3. That kick by Macauley broke the school record for field goals in a season with 17.
The game remained tied until the 2:47 mark in the second quarter, when a 6-yard touchdown run by redshirt junior quarterback Malcolm Bell put NCCU up 10-3. It did not take long for NCCU to extend its lead as a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown by redshirt freshman Davanta Reynolds put the score at 17-3.
At halftime the score was 20-3 as a 21-yard field goal by Macauley, the 18^th of his rookie campaign, on the last play of the half gave the Eagles a comfortable lead.
After going scoreless in the third quarter, redshirt freshman Ramone Simpson found the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter to put the score at 27-6.
In the fourth quarter, Bell went on to find his rhythm in the passing game with an 8-yard touchdown pass to sophomore receiver Armani Lanier, his sixth of the season, and a 74-yarder to junior LaVontis Smith to get two passing touchdowns on the day, and three total.
Read more at www.NCCUEaglePride.com.

4^th Quarter Rally Lifts SCSU Past NSU, 17-10
NORFOLK, Va. - South Carolina State scored 14 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, capped by Justin Taylor's go-ahead 4-yard touchdown run with 42 seconds left, as the visiting Bulldogs rallied for a 17-10 win over Norfolk State on Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium.
Stymied for much of the first three quarters, the Bulldogs (6-4, 5-2 MEAC) put together two fourth-quarter scoring drives to rally from a 10-3 deficit and top the Spartans (3-7, 3-4) in NSU's home finale.
The game was tied 3-all at the half as both defenses controlled the game. Both teams also blocked a field goal in the first half.
The Spartans took the lead on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Greg Hankerson Jr. to Marcus Taylor with 4:13 remaining in the third quarter. NSU had a chance to extend its lead to 10 points early in the fourth quarter. But SCSU blocked its second field goal of the day, a 34-yard attempt by Cameron Marouf, with 10:21 left in the fourth. SCSU's James Settles accounted for both blocked field goals.
SCSU responded with a nine-play, 79-yard drive. NSU appeared to recover a fumble on its 25-yard line that would have ended the drive, but officials ruled the play to be an incomplete pass. Four plays later, quarterback Adrian Kollock threw an 8-yard TD pass to Dondre Brown with 7:36 left, tying the game at 10-all.
NSU got the ball back and drove to the SCSU 49, but eventually was forced to punt. The Bulldogs then embarked on a 10-play, 76-yard drive to take the lead. Kollock completed five passes for 75 yards on the drive, the big blow being a 34-yard completion to Taquan West down to the NSU 6. Two plays later, Taylor scampered in from 4 yards out, and the PAT made it 17-10 with 42 seconds left.
Read more at www.NSUSpartans.com.

Additional recaps to come:
Florida A&M 17 v. Morgan State 21
Hampton 42 v. Savannah State 3