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- Thread starter forestgreen
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I'm full of questions, comments, and most certainly, excitement.
Didn't Curtis have some grade issues at the end of last year? If so, it's good to hear that he buckled down.
Tiefenthaler and Hammond won't be available until early to mid-December. That sucks, but I don't think that it will hurt us, but that that they will just add to our talent later on.
Anyone seen Coston lately? Did he bulk up at all?
A Dominguez / Polis combo at the point may let Viking Nation exhale when the ball comes up the court. In addition, Lucas won't need to worry about moving to the 1 spot to make up for our inability to get the ball up the court. He played a TON of minutes last year due to that and seemed pretty gassed at the end of some games. Plus, if Dominguez / Polis works out at the point and has a good A to TO ratio, I can quit staring at the entry to the Stott Center hoping that somehow, someway, Will Funn would walk thru the door and check in at the scorers table. ;-)
Anyone going to practice on Friday?
Didn't Curtis have some grade issues at the end of last year? If so, it's good to hear that he buckled down.
Tiefenthaler and Hammond won't be available until early to mid-December. That sucks, but I don't think that it will hurt us, but that that they will just add to our talent later on.
Anyone seen Coston lately? Did he bulk up at all?
A Dominguez / Polis combo at the point may let Viking Nation exhale when the ball comes up the court. In addition, Lucas won't need to worry about moving to the 1 spot to make up for our inability to get the ball up the court. He played a TON of minutes last year due to that and seemed pretty gassed at the end of some games. Plus, if Dominguez / Polis works out at the point and has a good A to TO ratio, I can quit staring at the entry to the Stott Center hoping that somehow, someway, Will Funn would walk thru the door and check in at the scorers table. ;-)
Anyone going to practice on Friday?
5thAvenueVik
Active member
Our three senior leaders: Scotty, Tay, and Pree. I hope they have a great season. Could be Funn and Walker all over again. Just gotta get ourselves tournament ready and competitive. Get ourselves into the Tourney.
dystopiamembrane
Active member
WiViking said:
I agree.
WiViking
Active member
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=119213636263533400
March is a long way off, but Portland State expects to compete for the Big Sky Conference title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Practice starts today, and coach Ken Bone has some new parts to work into the lineup, which features returning standouts Dupree Lucas, Deonte Huff and Scott Morrison.
A point guard has to be determined – it’ll probably be Jeremiah Dominguez.
And a big player will be the fifth starter – with Tyrell Mara, Julius Thomas and Kyle Coston the candidates, along with Alex Tiefenthaler, when he becomes eligible in early December.
“It will come down to who best fits that role,” Bone says. “That position could be a revolving door.”
In early workouts, the emphasis will be offense.
“We have to tighten up our execution,” says Bone, whose team went 19-13 last season, making the Big Sky tourney semifinals. “Making them accountable for doing the right things –like when to screen and how to screen. We need to be more precise in our offensive sets.”
Much will fall on the shoulders of the 5-6 Dominguez, a two-year player at the University of Portland before he transferred to Portland State. The backup point guard will be walk-on Mickey Polis, who played at Lower Columbia College and Mark Morris High, both in Longview, Wash.
“He’s very fundamentally sound,” Bone says of Polis. “He takes care of the ball and makes good decisions.”
Others expected to see playing time: post JR Moore, who prepped at Benson High and played at Rhode Island; guard Andre Murray, a junior college transfer; and wing Justynn Hammond, who, like Tiefenthaler, becomes eligible Dec. 9.
The 6-9 Moore has been bothered by a knee injury, and Morrison, the 6-11 starting post, has a recurring back problem.
“The injuries are not going away, we just have to manage them,” Bone says.
The 6-9 Tiefenthaler “has been our biggest surprise in practice,” Bone says, and he will contend with Coston, Thomas and Mara for time at power forward. He also transferred from UP – and now they have been joined by another ex-Pilot, Jamie Jones.
Jones averaged 10.3 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Pilots last season, but, like the two others before, he could not live up to academic expectations.
Jones, former Grant star Dominic Waters (ex-Hawaii) and former McNary standout Phil Nelson (ex-Washington) are on the bench as talented redshirts. “Our (playing) guys will have their work cut out for them in practices,” Bone says.
The third-year PSU coach sure knows how to load up on transfers –the list includes Lucas, Dominguez, Moore, Tiefenthaler, Waters, Nelson and Jones from four-year schools.
Portland State plays an exhibition game Nov. 2 against Western Oregon at the Stott Center. The Vikings open at UCLA on Nov. 9 and then play in the Top of the World Classic, Nov. 16 through Nov. 18, at Fairbanks, Alaska.
March is a long way off, but Portland State expects to compete for the Big Sky Conference title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Practice starts today, and coach Ken Bone has some new parts to work into the lineup, which features returning standouts Dupree Lucas, Deonte Huff and Scott Morrison.
A point guard has to be determined – it’ll probably be Jeremiah Dominguez.
And a big player will be the fifth starter – with Tyrell Mara, Julius Thomas and Kyle Coston the candidates, along with Alex Tiefenthaler, when he becomes eligible in early December.
“It will come down to who best fits that role,” Bone says. “That position could be a revolving door.”
In early workouts, the emphasis will be offense.
“We have to tighten up our execution,” says Bone, whose team went 19-13 last season, making the Big Sky tourney semifinals. “Making them accountable for doing the right things –like when to screen and how to screen. We need to be more precise in our offensive sets.”
Much will fall on the shoulders of the 5-6 Dominguez, a two-year player at the University of Portland before he transferred to Portland State. The backup point guard will be walk-on Mickey Polis, who played at Lower Columbia College and Mark Morris High, both in Longview, Wash.
“He’s very fundamentally sound,” Bone says of Polis. “He takes care of the ball and makes good decisions.”
Others expected to see playing time: post JR Moore, who prepped at Benson High and played at Rhode Island; guard Andre Murray, a junior college transfer; and wing Justynn Hammond, who, like Tiefenthaler, becomes eligible Dec. 9.
The 6-9 Moore has been bothered by a knee injury, and Morrison, the 6-11 starting post, has a recurring back problem.
“The injuries are not going away, we just have to manage them,” Bone says.
The 6-9 Tiefenthaler “has been our biggest surprise in practice,” Bone says, and he will contend with Coston, Thomas and Mara for time at power forward. He also transferred from UP – and now they have been joined by another ex-Pilot, Jamie Jones.
Jones averaged 10.3 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Pilots last season, but, like the two others before, he could not live up to academic expectations.
Jones, former Grant star Dominic Waters (ex-Hawaii) and former McNary standout Phil Nelson (ex-Washington) are on the bench as talented redshirts. “Our (playing) guys will have their work cut out for them in practices,” Bone says.
The third-year PSU coach sure knows how to load up on transfers –the list includes Lucas, Dominguez, Moore, Tiefenthaler, Waters, Nelson and Jones from four-year schools.
Portland State plays an exhibition game Nov. 2 against Western Oregon at the Stott Center. The Vikings open at UCLA on Nov. 9 and then play in the Top of the World Classic, Nov. 16 through Nov. 18, at Fairbanks, Alaska.
WiViking
Active member
Morrison improved greatly on the offensive end between his sophomore and junior seasons. His only offense as a sophomore was the dunk. If he has bettered his effectiveness and decision making with his back to the basket, opposing teams better watch out.
He played well against better opposition... until he got into foul trouble. If he and Moore can stay out of foul trouble, PSU should rebound much better with a bigger 4 man.
He played well against better opposition... until he got into foul trouble. If he and Moore can stay out of foul trouble, PSU should rebound much better with a bigger 4 man.
Good point. Our rebounding over the past two seasons was a big question mark at times.
ManOfVision
Active member
I'm surprised by all the optimism over the point position. I watched JD at UP and I do not consider him an upgrade over Sommer. The point is by far my biggest area of concern.
http://media.www.dailyvanguard.com/media/storage/paper941/news/2007/10/12/Sports/Gearing.Up-3029677.shtml
Gearing up
Vikings begin practice Friday, ready to contend for Big Sky title
By: Tucker Miller
Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Sports
After losing in the second round of the Big Sky Conference tournament last year, the Portland State men's basketball team hopes that returning talent and great depth will guide them on to a Big Sky championship.
With Friday marking their first practice of the season, the Vikings' six returning members (three starters) will try to build on a 19-13 record, one of the best in the program's 11-year history.
And the returning players definitely have something to build on. Small forward Dupree Lucas was the 2007 Big Sky newcomer of the year, while center Scott Morrison was ranked as the conference's top shot blocker. Although forward Deonte Huff didn't get too much recognition in terms of conference awards, he was one of the most improved Vikings by season's end.
Quickness and depth, two keys to any team's success, are at the forefront of the Vikings' specialties.
"I like our depth," said head basketball coach Ken Bone. "We have depth at every position, we have a lot of guys that could start, which means we'll have great guys coming off of the bench. We also have good quickness, guys that can get up and down the court."
However, Bone knows that great team speed yields other basketball fundamentals.
"One thing that we were good at was rebounding and that wasn't because our biggest guy was getting them, but because how quick we got to the ball," Bone said.
The Vikings' late-tournament loss to Weber State last season whetted the appetite of the team, ensuring that each member's eyes are on the prize this year.
"I think we can compete with anyone in the league," Bone said. "If we can put it all together, get everyone to accept their roles and work hard, then we can win a championship."
The loss of senior forwards Paul Hafford and Juma Kamara will affect the Vikings' success from beyond the arc. The two accounted for 145 three-point field goals and held a combined 38.6 percent field goal percentage. Bone expects Huff and some of the new bodies to shoulder the three-point line void left behind by the former Vikings.
Huff, now a senior, is expected to pick up where he left off last season. After starting for most of the year and not producing impressive numbers (10.7 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game), Bone decided to put him on the bench.
The demotion served Huff and the team well, as the athletic wing averaged 18.2 points, 9 rebounds and 71 percent shooting percentage from the arc in the final six games from the bench. His high-flying energy will be an attribute the Vikings plan to lean on heavily.
Probable starting point guard Jeremiah Dominguez, a transfer from the University of Portland, will also heave up a lot of three-pointers. His quickness, exceptional passing and shot off the dribble will be a welcomed addition to Bone's stacked roster.
The Vikings' most pressing issue is filling the forward spot opposite Huff. With forwards like Julius Thomas, Tyrell Mara, Kyle Coston and Alex Tiefenthaler, another transfer from the University of Portland, will compete for the unoccupied position. Thomas saw the most time last season, but could be considered more of a reserve to spell Morrison at center.
Bone's expectations are high for this group, especially his seniors.
"The guy I look to step is probably Scott [Morrison]. He is a four-year guy and a senior. He had a really good summer with the Canadian team," Bone said. "Anytime you're a senior you're expected to step it up and play your best ball."
Notes: Senior J.R. Moore (6'8", 255 lbs.) will be another big body to play minutes at center. Brian Curtis, walk-on Mickey Polis and Andre Murray will play both point guard and shooting guard. Tiefenthaler and Murray will not be available for games until next term to adhere to NCAA transfer eligibility rules.
Gearing up
Vikings begin practice Friday, ready to contend for Big Sky title
By: Tucker Miller
Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Sports
After losing in the second round of the Big Sky Conference tournament last year, the Portland State men's basketball team hopes that returning talent and great depth will guide them on to a Big Sky championship.
With Friday marking their first practice of the season, the Vikings' six returning members (three starters) will try to build on a 19-13 record, one of the best in the program's 11-year history.
And the returning players definitely have something to build on. Small forward Dupree Lucas was the 2007 Big Sky newcomer of the year, while center Scott Morrison was ranked as the conference's top shot blocker. Although forward Deonte Huff didn't get too much recognition in terms of conference awards, he was one of the most improved Vikings by season's end.
Quickness and depth, two keys to any team's success, are at the forefront of the Vikings' specialties.
"I like our depth," said head basketball coach Ken Bone. "We have depth at every position, we have a lot of guys that could start, which means we'll have great guys coming off of the bench. We also have good quickness, guys that can get up and down the court."
However, Bone knows that great team speed yields other basketball fundamentals.
"One thing that we were good at was rebounding and that wasn't because our biggest guy was getting them, but because how quick we got to the ball," Bone said.
The Vikings' late-tournament loss to Weber State last season whetted the appetite of the team, ensuring that each member's eyes are on the prize this year.
"I think we can compete with anyone in the league," Bone said. "If we can put it all together, get everyone to accept their roles and work hard, then we can win a championship."
The loss of senior forwards Paul Hafford and Juma Kamara will affect the Vikings' success from beyond the arc. The two accounted for 145 three-point field goals and held a combined 38.6 percent field goal percentage. Bone expects Huff and some of the new bodies to shoulder the three-point line void left behind by the former Vikings.
Huff, now a senior, is expected to pick up where he left off last season. After starting for most of the year and not producing impressive numbers (10.7 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game), Bone decided to put him on the bench.
The demotion served Huff and the team well, as the athletic wing averaged 18.2 points, 9 rebounds and 71 percent shooting percentage from the arc in the final six games from the bench. His high-flying energy will be an attribute the Vikings plan to lean on heavily.
Probable starting point guard Jeremiah Dominguez, a transfer from the University of Portland, will also heave up a lot of three-pointers. His quickness, exceptional passing and shot off the dribble will be a welcomed addition to Bone's stacked roster.
The Vikings' most pressing issue is filling the forward spot opposite Huff. With forwards like Julius Thomas, Tyrell Mara, Kyle Coston and Alex Tiefenthaler, another transfer from the University of Portland, will compete for the unoccupied position. Thomas saw the most time last season, but could be considered more of a reserve to spell Morrison at center.
Bone's expectations are high for this group, especially his seniors.
"The guy I look to step is probably Scott [Morrison]. He is a four-year guy and a senior. He had a really good summer with the Canadian team," Bone said. "Anytime you're a senior you're expected to step it up and play your best ball."
Notes: Senior J.R. Moore (6'8", 255 lbs.) will be another big body to play minutes at center. Brian Curtis, walk-on Mickey Polis and Andre Murray will play both point guard and shooting guard. Tiefenthaler and Murray will not be available for games until next term to adhere to NCAA transfer eligibility rules.
ManOfVision
Active member
I'm surprised Hammond isn't getting more pub in these articles. Isn't he supposed to be pretty good?
Incredible talent, but nothing proven. Even his hs career, because he moved around so much, isn't as heralded as his talent would suggest. He is a big sleeper that could push the Viks to another level, but he cannot be counted on until he proves it in college. Let's hope for the best.
Call me crazy, but we almost have nowhere to go but up when it comes to the PG play. Sommer's point production and shooting percentage was a huge fall off from the year before, EJ had a negative assist to turnover margin, and Lucas had to end up at the point quite a bit. Sure, we have two guys that are new to us and unproven, but as long we can get the ball up the court without needing to move Lucas over to the point, we should be in a better position than last year.
GustaViking
Active member
Marty, you're crazy.
