University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Basketball Embarks On March To Madness
10/28/2003 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 28, 2003
Both veterans and rookies are excited to be back on the court, anxious for the 2003-04 basketball season to begin. In less than one week this year's Spider team will race onto the floor for its exhibition opener against GT Express on Nov. 3.
The Spiders tip-off the regular season when they host Mississippi Valley State in the Guardians Classic on Nov. 17, following a Nov. 11 exhibition against Coaches vs. Cancer. Until then, practice and preparation fill the Robins Center in anticipation of another successful run.
2003-04 Men's Basketball Outlook
Two years of seamless transition is behind Richmond basketball.
In 2000-01, Richmond moved into the elite of the college basketball universe by entering the prestigious Atlantic 10 conference. After two years of A-10 competition, the Spiders have posted a 21-11 (.656) league mark and advanced to the A-10 tournament's championship game.
Last season, first-year head coach Jerry Wainwright stamped his direction on the successful and proud program, leading the Spiders to their sixth consecutive winning season and third straight berth in the post-season. Richmond fans now have a chance to see how far this team can climb with coaches and players who are accustomed to the fast-paced league and each other.
"Our staff has a much better feel of what it takes to win in the Atlantic 10," Wainwright said. "We have a better awareness of the speed and athleticism necessary to play at the top level of this league."
Everyone familiar with college basketball knows the demanding and controlling defensive presence that is imposed by Wainwright-coached teams. Last year was no different as Richmond ranked second in the Atlantic 10, and 26th nationally, allowing 62.4 points per game. It was crucial for the Spiders to establish a tough court charisma.
"One of the first areas we had to concentrate on was physical presence on the court," Wainwright said. "At the end of last year, I felt I had never been around a group of kids who tried so hard to learn. They played together and worked extremely hard."
Last season, Wainwright and his staff molded their roster into a cohesive unit that concentrated on defense and rebounding. This off-season a highly-regarded recruiting class committed to join this dedicated group and broaden the team's greatest strength - versatility.
Significant strides have been made in the weight room and in on-court understanding, but versatility gives this Spider team numerous exciting options at both ends of the court.
"We want all our players to be multi-position players," Wainwright said. "We want to be the team that forces adjustments instead of the team that makes adjustments."
BACKCOURT
Any discussion on the Richmond backcourt must begin with senior Reggie Brown. One of the most accomplished scorers in recent history, Brown has netted 1,138 points in 97 career games, leading the team with a 14.4 average in 2001-02.
Last winter, Brown was lost for all but three games because of a back injury. There is little doubt that his absence crippled the Spider offense in several games.
"Reggie is as pure a natural shooter as I've been around," Wainwright said. "He knows how to score and has tremendous range."
In the three games Brown played, he averaged 8.3 points in 11.7 minutes, nailing 75 percent (6-for-8) of his three-point attempts. His style stretches defenses and enables other Spiders to succeed on the perimeter and inside.
Another vital component of this year's backcourt is provided by Tony Dobbins. Last year's Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year, Dobbins is fifth on Richmond's all-time steals list with 138 in two seasons. A constant in the opposition's passing lanes, this senior also led the team in rebounding (5.9 rpg).
"Tony is a remarkable player, somebody that everyone in the Atlantic 10 would like to have on their team," Wainwright said. "He guarded every position. He rebounded like a forward. Tony was our most consistent player."
Another senior, Reggie Brown is second with 190 career triples.)
"Mike was moved solely to the perimeter last season," Wainwright said. "He should now be comfortable at his position and should have a great senior year."
A young man Wainwright expects to take over the point guard position, held last year by the graduated Jeff Myers, is freshman Daon Merritt, one of the most highly-touted recruits in Richmond history.
"Daon has already established respect with his teammates," Wainwright said. "Hopefully, his leadership and competitive spirit make us a full-court attack team both defensively and offensively."
Merritt's pedal-to-the-medal style of play will push the offense in transition and open options through penetration.
Sophomore Tim Mayes returns for his second season after showing signs of promise as a rookie. Mayes played in 26 games last year.
"Tim is a good shooter who gives our team even more versatility in the backcourt," Wainwright said.
Freshman Andres Sandoval, a sharp-shooting guard, will be redshirted.
FRONTCOURT
Perhaps the Spiders' best offensive player at the end of last season, junior Jamaal Scott leads a young frontcourt. Scott, who averaged 9.9 points and started 21 games last winter, emerged as an excellent scorer underneath and also showed an improved mid-range jump shot.
"Jamaal is an explosive and aggressive scorer," Wainwright said. "He plays with a lot of emotion and is an extremely accomplished scorer around the basket."
Classmate Patrick O'Malley gained a lot of confidence in his game last season. He recorded a career game against Xavier, converting 5-of-10 three-point attempts and scoring 20 points, against the Musketeers.
"Patrick made a lot of big shots for us last year, especially on the perimeter," Wainwright said.
Another big body under the boards is sophomore Jermaine Bucknor. Bucknor has battled injuries each of his two years at Richmond, missing the beginning of last season after undergoing a second foot surgery.
"Jermaine is a very skilled young player," Wainwright said. "He has the ability to play both inside and outside as a post player."
Freshman Gaston Moliva is a powerful player that has impressed early during his preseason workouts. Standing 6-7 and carrying 230 pounds, Moliva has a solid frame and gives the Spiders another presence in the lane.
POST
Experience and youth provide a stable yet exciting combination at the center position.
Fifth-year senior Eric Zwayer is a strong defender who also contributes in the lane. He aveaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds while playing all 29 games last year.
"Eric is a physical player and a key to our defensive and rebounding presence," Wainwright said.
Zwayer has also proved to be a positive example for Kevin Steenberge. Steenberge enjoyed a productive freshman season but will be counted on for much more this winter. Steenberge will carry the shot-blocking responsibility left by Johnathan Collins upon graduation.
"Kevin has a tremendous natural ability," Wainwright said. "He runs, jumps and has long arms, all of which give him the ability to change and block shots. He will be one of the anchors of this team."
SCHEDULE
A schedule dotted with tough opponents and legendary arenas awaits Richmond this winter. In addition to home games with Providence, VCU and Hampton, the Spiders travel to Allen Fieldhouse to face perennial power Kansas, as well as meeting Wake Forest, South Florida and UAB on the road. The Spiders will also face Manhattan in Madison Square Garden.
"This schedule will be a difficult test for our team," Wainwright said. "It should only get us better prepared for the competitive level that Atlantic 10 opponents bring each and every game."
