Post by krazykev on Nov 12, 2008 7:55:54 GMT -5
www.news-record.com/content/2008/11/12/article/eaves_at_big_enough_to_contend
GREENSBORO -- You might just think he's crazy.
His team just had its best season in 10 years thanks to the maturity and leadership of seven seniors and a solid starting five. And now that they're all gone, the man thinks they have a chance to be better?
To put it simply, yes.
The man is Jerry Eaves. He's entering the sixth season as a head coach at N.C. A&T. Eaves and other area college coaches spoke on their respective teams at the 15th annual Tom Ward Basketball Tip Off Luncheon on Monday at the Greensboro Coliseum. When the men's coaches were asked about what life is like after a great player has graduated, Eaves gave his old players their due, but quickly praised his new additions.
"We lost seven seniors, but it's truly the first time since I've been at A&T that we've had a college-sized team. Before, we were always the little engine that could," he said. "We're just going to go out and do the best we can, but I think people will be very surprised by the end result."
The Aggies won 15 games last season and finished 9-7 in the MEAC before losing in the opening round of the conference tourney.
Eaves wants more.
"We're trying to win 17, 18 games and we're trying to always get better," the coach said. "We've gotten better every year I've been here."
A&T has improved its win total every season under Eaves and he doesn't think 2008-09 should be any different. With a good mix of athletic big men and sharpshooting guards, the coach believes this could be a breakout season. But first the Aggies must find their niche and survive a tough non-conference slate that includes road games against UNLV, California and Georgia.
The Aggies lost a combined 35 points per game in with the loss of Steven Rush, Jason Wills and Austin King. Wills was also the team's leading rebounder the last three seasons. A&T has a solid foundation in senior shooting guard Ed Jones and sophomore forward Thomas Coleman.
Each saw action in 32 games last year but will see a huge increase in minutes this season. At 6-foot-7, Jones has the potential to be a matchup nightmare at the two spot, and his versatility gives Eaves the option to play him as a forward if needed.
Tavarus Alston, a Smith product, will run the point and Robert Johnson and Julius McCurkin figure to man the wings. Aside from Alston, all of the Aggie starters stand at least 6-6 -- the imposing size Eaves covets.
"For the first time ever, my roster is a pyramid instead of the other way around," Eaves said with a laugh. "But I'm just excited. When they become comfortable at scoring the ball, we can be good."
The Aggies under Eaves have always been fond of an up-and-down tempo, but the improved size across the board at least allows Eaves an option to slow it down and go to work in the half court.
"I think we can play slow and still have an opportunity to win," he said. "If we played slow last year, we were going to lose. This year, I think we have the opportunity to play both ways and win."
Conventional wisdom says teams that lose their entire starting five don't just bounce back in better shape the following year. But Eaves isn't interested in conventional wisdom, he just calls it like he sees it.
"Last year, we had players that understood the system. It was pretty much cruise control," the coach said. "This year, I'm going to be harder in practice on them and easier in the game. When they become comfortable in the games, with their ability, this is truly the best team we've had at A&T."
GREENSBORO -- You might just think he's crazy.
His team just had its best season in 10 years thanks to the maturity and leadership of seven seniors and a solid starting five. And now that they're all gone, the man thinks they have a chance to be better?
To put it simply, yes.
The man is Jerry Eaves. He's entering the sixth season as a head coach at N.C. A&T. Eaves and other area college coaches spoke on their respective teams at the 15th annual Tom Ward Basketball Tip Off Luncheon on Monday at the Greensboro Coliseum. When the men's coaches were asked about what life is like after a great player has graduated, Eaves gave his old players their due, but quickly praised his new additions.
"We lost seven seniors, but it's truly the first time since I've been at A&T that we've had a college-sized team. Before, we were always the little engine that could," he said. "We're just going to go out and do the best we can, but I think people will be very surprised by the end result."
The Aggies won 15 games last season and finished 9-7 in the MEAC before losing in the opening round of the conference tourney.
Eaves wants more.
"We're trying to win 17, 18 games and we're trying to always get better," the coach said. "We've gotten better every year I've been here."
A&T has improved its win total every season under Eaves and he doesn't think 2008-09 should be any different. With a good mix of athletic big men and sharpshooting guards, the coach believes this could be a breakout season. But first the Aggies must find their niche and survive a tough non-conference slate that includes road games against UNLV, California and Georgia.
The Aggies lost a combined 35 points per game in with the loss of Steven Rush, Jason Wills and Austin King. Wills was also the team's leading rebounder the last three seasons. A&T has a solid foundation in senior shooting guard Ed Jones and sophomore forward Thomas Coleman.
Each saw action in 32 games last year but will see a huge increase in minutes this season. At 6-foot-7, Jones has the potential to be a matchup nightmare at the two spot, and his versatility gives Eaves the option to play him as a forward if needed.
Tavarus Alston, a Smith product, will run the point and Robert Johnson and Julius McCurkin figure to man the wings. Aside from Alston, all of the Aggie starters stand at least 6-6 -- the imposing size Eaves covets.
"For the first time ever, my roster is a pyramid instead of the other way around," Eaves said with a laugh. "But I'm just excited. When they become comfortable at scoring the ball, we can be good."
The Aggies under Eaves have always been fond of an up-and-down tempo, but the improved size across the board at least allows Eaves an option to slow it down and go to work in the half court.
"I think we can play slow and still have an opportunity to win," he said. "If we played slow last year, we were going to lose. This year, I think we have the opportunity to play both ways and win."
Conventional wisdom says teams that lose their entire starting five don't just bounce back in better shape the following year. But Eaves isn't interested in conventional wisdom, he just calls it like he sees it.
"Last year, we had players that understood the system. It was pretty much cruise control," the coach said. "This year, I'm going to be harder in practice on them and easier in the game. When they become comfortable in the games, with their ability, this is truly the best team we've had at A&T."