Patch

From Hoopmasters..........

May 13, 2006

Albany adds commitment from Midwestern wing...

By Van Coleman van@hoopmasters.com

 

Will Brown and his staff at Albany dip into the Midwest to add another quality recruit when 6-5 Howard Little decided to head east...

 

Howard Little 6-5 195-pound forward from Olympis Fields, IL Rich Central has made both his prep school and college decisions for the next year.

 

The athletic forward has decided to play his college ball at Albany and will sign with Will Brown's club in November. He chose Albany over Weber State, Illinois Chicago, Eastern Kentucky, Chicago State, Evansville, and recently Baylor.

 

He averaged 25.2 points and 7.3 rebounds for Rich Central as a senior, but has decided to attend prep school and is headed to Stoneridge Prep in Tarzana, CA next fall, then sign with Albany and head back east.

 

He has the opportunity to make an immediate impact at Albany after a year in prep school.

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There isn't much info out there on this kid but the more I do get the more interesting he becomes.

I am sure Coach Filien was up in the Vermont area looking at the kid you mentioned but with our recent verbal we are probably more interested in a PG.

I think we only have 2 schollies available next year(Jamar's & Siggers) and with Covington, Connelly, Gifford and Yocum only going to be either Sophs and Frosh I don't know if we'd be that interested in another big.

I really would expect a PG or an Athletic (6'6"/6'7") Levi Type(very hard to get at the AE Level).

D96 - I feel the same as you. I would like to see him sign ASAP. I don't know the procedure but I would imagine the ealiest he would sign would be the Early Signing Period next Fall.

April 5, 2006 The CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 poll, with number of first

place votes in parentheses, record, total points and previous ranking.

1. George Mason (26) 27-8 770 5

2. Gonzaga (5) 29-4 749 1

3. Wichita State 26-9 709 4

4. Bucknell 27-5 681 2

5. Bradley 22-11 642 15

6. UNC-Wilmington 25-8 608 3

7. Hofstra 26-7 554 7

8. Wisconsin-Milwaukee 22-9 528 10

9. Missouri State 22-9 514 9

10. Northwestern State 26-8 491 13

11. Southern Illinois 22-11 441 6

12. Kent State 25-9 349 8

13. Winthrop 23-8 348 16

14. Montana 24-7 326 18

15. South Alabama 24-7 306 11

16. Northern Iowa 23-10 277 14

17. Pacific 24-8 238 17

18. Old Dominion 24-10 229 23

19. Murray State 24-7 197 20

20. Western Kentucky 23-8 173 12

21. Creighton 20-10 169 19

22. Iona 23-8 126 22

23. Akron 23-10 110 21

24. Davidson 20-11 96 25

25. Northern Arizona 21-11 83 NR

OTHERS RECEIVING VOTES: Albany 47, Butler 43, Sam Houston State 45, Penn 43, Oral Roberts 37, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 29, Northeastern 27, Miami (Ohio) 26, VCU 26, Manhattan 23, Delaware State 18, Southern 14, Georgia Southern 9, Belmont 6, St. Mary's 5, Fairleigh sienafaninson 3, Monmouth 2, Holy Cross 1, Lipscomb 1.

Since I heard a recruit from Chicago was on campus I searched and found this announcement. This might be the kid who someone mentioned earlier was visiting and was seen with Jimmy Covington.

The University of Albany Steps In And Grabs Another Illinois Recruit, Secures A Verbal From Class of 2006 Rich Central Star Howard Little

Chicago Hoops

May 12, 2006

Email Questions/Comments To brian@chicagohoops.com

Class of 2006 Rich Central star Howard Little has given a verbal commitment to play basketball for the University of Albany. Little will attend Stoneridge Prep in California for a year, and then will join the team at Albany in 2007-08. Little ranks as one of the top Class of 2006 basketball prospects in the state of Illinois.

Little, a 6-5 guard/forward, had an outstanding senior season at Rich Central, and distinguished himself as one of the best players in the Illinois Class of 2006. Little bring good size, athleticism, an ability to shoot with range, and a knack for getting to the rim to the table.

Little took a visit to the Albany campus last weekend. Landing Little is a steal for Albany who will have him for four years after Little spends the 2006-07 season at Stoneridge Prep.

Albany, a New York-based school, has stepped up their recruiting efforts in Chicago of late, and are seeing big dividends. 6-6 former Chicago Morgan Park star Jimmy Covington was a freshman on the team this year. They now have a verbal from Little, and wouldn't mind adding a point guard like Aaron Johnson (Chicago Hubbard), or Josh Parker (Thornton) to their 2007 recruiting class.

This past season, Albany won the American East Conference, and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

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Check out #26

Presents The ChicagoHoops.com

Top Class of 2006 Basketball Prospects In The State of Illinois

Chicago Hoops

Updated February 27, 2006

Player Height Position School

1. Sherron Collins 5-10 Point Guard Chicago Crane

2. Jon Scheyer 6-6 Shooting Guard Glenbrook North

3. Jerome Randle 5-8 Point Guard Chicago Hales Franciscan

4. JaVale McGee 7-0 Center Chicago Hales Franciscan

5. Brian Carlwell 6-10 Center Proviso East

6. Will Walker 6-0 Point Guard Bolingbrook

7. Patrick Beverly 6-2 Shooting Guard Chicago Marshall

8. Manuel Cass 6-7 Forward Carbondale

9. Osiris Eldridge 6-3 Shooting Guard Chicago Phillips

10. Joevan Catron 6-6 Power Forward Thornton

11. Devan Bawinkle 6-4 Shooting Guard Winnebago

12. Darrian McKinstry 6-0 Point Guard Chicago Hales Franciscan

13. Jonathan Peoples 6-2 Shooting Guard St. Joseph's

14. Jeff Ryan 6-7 Small Forward Glenbrook South

15. Jeremie Simmons 6-2 Shooting Guard Chicago Von Steuben

16. Don Lawson 6-9 Center Chicago Leo

17. Willie Veasley 6-3 Small Forward Freeport

18. Andre Walker 6-7 Small Forward Homewood-Flossmoor

19. Mario Little 6-4 Small Forward Chicago Washington

20. Thijin Moses 6-9 Small Forward Chicago Boys to Men Academy

21. Jeremy Nash 6-3 Shooting Guard Chicago Marist

22. Dustin Maguire 6-5 Small Forward Edwardsville

23. Travis Marion 6-2 Guard West Aurora

24. Billy Rush 6-5 Forward Thornridge

25. Cody Yelder 6-0 Point Guard Richards

26. Howard Little 6-4 Shooting Guard Rich Central

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Albany Lands Chicago Area Commitment

May 12, 2006

11:30 A.M. CST

Illinois Prep Bulls-eye has learned from reliable sources that 6'4 Howard Little from Olympia Fields (Rich Central) IL has made a verbal commitment to the University of Albany. Little will first attend Stoneridge Prep in California for one post-grad year before becoming a four year scholarship player at Albany. Little will further work on his college preparation skills and basketball development during this post-grad year at one of the nation's top post-grad prep schools.

Little chose Albany over Chicago State, Eastern Kentucky, Baylor and others...............

Albany continues to recruit well in the Windy City. One of the key players currently on their roster is 6'8 Jimmy Covington, who played his high school basketball at Morgan Park High School in Chicago and they are off to a great start in the class of 2007 with the commitment of Little.

Please continue to check in with Illinois Prep Bulls-eye for all the latest news and recruitng updates as they pertain to Illinois high school basketball.

Casey Halloran has been tremendous so far, giving up a total of 2 hits in 2 games. Lets hope she continues to be on the top of her game and yet, another UA team wins an AE Conference Tourney.

Gorvy, I understand where you're coming from but most of what is posted on this board is in reaction to what some Siena fans posted.

Do you think we usually just pick stuff out of the air and then attack our neighbors for no reason.

My feelings/statements regarding Siena must be taken with a grain of salt. I have read on different occasions that UA will never be able to compete with Siena for recruits, UA will never be able to compete with Siena on the court, that Siena is the "Crown Jewel of the MAAC" and that UA cannot match Siena's glorious Hoop achievements of the past. Well we've only been DI a short time and we're progressing nicely.

As a UA fan I've been labeled unsophisticated and clueless. As a UA fan I read condescending and arrogant remarks continually from Siena people.

For all this I should think/post nicely about Siena.

Over here Dane Pound runs a nice open board and I believe you and other Siena fans are welcome to state your opinions and post. On your side you have a site that speaks trash and then deletes UA responses or bans UA posters.

If you don't like what is posted on this site you have every right to post a response or just don't visit our site. This is a UA "ALL SPORTS" site primarily for UA fans but I guess everyone is welcome.

Good Luck with your MAAC/Siena exempt Tournament (?)!

From what statefan posted about the Gazette article.......

1. Surprise, surprise no Big East or A10.

2. Albany administrators likely to commit - that sounds like a definite.

3. Siena thinking of going Home and Home with NJIT??????? They'll pack the knick/pepsi/TUC or will they play it on campus.

4. I think it's fine to play NJIT but to play them twice. Maybe we should follow our neighbors and do the same, HELL they are much more experienced at this then we are. Two games against a potential 300RPI team is good I guess???????

5. I find it amazing that NJIT can possibly get a home game from Siena but Siena's afraid to play at the RACC.

Just remember wait & watch, anything can happen.

megowen70 - I posted

self proclaimed "Crown Jewel of the MAAC"

Siena Fans know everything and we're just "clueless".

Lets see how this "Gala" event plays out.

Remember Siena is the self proclaimed "Crown Jewel of the MAAC" and with the Knick/Pepsi/TUC, all they have to do is choose which teams they want from the Big East, ACC, A10, CAA and etal.

I'm sure teams in the upper conference are on edge waiting for the invite to play in the MAAC/Siena event.

I guess we're just lucky to have a chance to participate.

Wait and Watch

SienaGlen,

Thanks for sharing you opinion and I do respect it. On this site we have very little bickering.

It is Tony who name calls with things like Albany fans are "unsophisticated" or "clueless" which irritates some of us. He also comes here and is very condescending and rarely if at all has he be deleted or banned that I know of.

Yet on his site sometimes if people post downright facts he deletes them because they don't meet his wants or needs, being the Siena site is "HIS" he can do what he wants but he should also not come to our site and instigate because we will fire back and he can't delete anything. Tony once he's stymied by facts always attacks check all the boards he posts on.

I think it interesting and good for the rivalry that there should be some back and forth banter between the UA faithful and those from Siena but it's shouldn't and won't be a one way street.

Again thanks for your opinion and insight it is appreciated by atleast me even if I don't agree with all of it.

The tournament may be very good and there may be some solid reason for us to be involved in it.

Our administration and coaching staff will make that judgement.

At this late time not knowing any team that is involved other than Siena is somewhat scary. With a schedule that is pretty much set there is a good chance that if a team commits to this event they may have to revamp their schedule and could possibly lose games they have committments for because of problems regarding available dates not only for us but for our opponents. If that causes us to lose real home games (games at the RACC) then there is a BIG problem.

Other than UA & Siena how many sub 150 RPI teams are committed to this event. Remember most schools have the schedule 90% set by now and those that needs games have a hard time finding mutually available/convenient open dates.

The MAAC/Siena might be better served holding off for a season and lining up teams know so that teams will block out time for the Tourney in their 07/08 schedule.

IMHO - If we're in it this year fine if not that's OK too!!!!

I won’t stoop to Patch name calling level, suffice to say her petty personal attacks speaks volumes for her character or should I say lack there of. - Siena Tony

Isn't it typical Tony to call UA fans "unsophisticated" and "clueless" and then blame someone else for name calling.

Now lets see if he honors his promise (when he signed off in his immature name calling way) of not bothering us until the fall .......

Enjoy the off season girls C ya in the fall - Siena Tony

daneguy04 - nice post especially the part about having an open site......

Thank you to those that have made this gray day on Long Island full of laughs as UA once again takes the higher road and allows all voices to be heard.

I really hope and expect Siena Tony breaks his promise, I find him very amusing and self serving.

Tony just believes that he always knows what's right and what's best for everyone.

He feels that he isnot clueless and apparently thinks he is an excellent judge of sophistication.

He believes in free speech on "HIS" board as long as you agree with the "party line" and patronize him.

He constantly has something to say and rarely if ever needs to listen because of course he knows he's always right.

All the above are qualities that make him such a likeable person????????

Here is how Tony really feels.

From the Siena public site talking about UA.....

Gorvy I think it’s a combination of both. For the most part they have a very unsophisticated fan base. They don’t understand what an exempt tournament is,  or understand the difference between say a one game event like the bracket buster and  the MAAC challenge. They have a few posters that have a clue, but some of the posters over there would rather play guarantee games than play 4 games in Albany over a week, talk about clueless!!!

 

But anyway hopefully  Capital district fans support the event. If we have some decent teams it could end up  being a very well atended event

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The HOOP genius of all time, Siena Tony -

......hopefully  Capital district fans support the event. If we have some decent teams it could end up  being a very well atended event .

It must be nice to be a sophisticated fan like Tony

1. Hopefully Capital District fans support the event.

2. If we have decent teams

3. It could wind up being a very well attended event.

Now that was really a sophisticated response from someone who has all the answers and could never be considered "clueless".

Lets see what plays out - I'll give you the type of sophisticated response a guy like Tony would give you. If UA gets involved in this MAAC Tourney then they're in it!!!!

Talk about clueless!!!!!

I know your very busy running this site but I noticed that the footer for your posts is very outdated or did you just stop because you couldn't keep up with all the Dane's accomplishments in 05 & 06

Congratsulations to the Men's and Women's Track teams as they both won the AE Championships!!!!

Lessons are to be learned from all things that happen - good and bad.

How does one know if the situation has/hasn't been handled internally already.

Lets not start making mountains out of mole hills.

A mistake was made and hopefully corrected. If things of this nature continue to happen from this point on then there may be some type of problem. But as of right now I see it as an isolated instance.

......but it does broadcast a message about their mentality and maturity...and maybe about team discipline - megowen70

Team discipline, Hmmmm????? under the current leadership ( the past 4/5 years) how many incidents have led you to speculate about lack of discipline!!!!!

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A new member, in fact a member for a couple of days and already "stirring the pot" , interesting.

If UA chose not to be involved it would be interesting how Siena's great fan base would support the other games.

I don't see any benefit for us to be involved.

Anything is possible but it's hard to imagine a player described as a Lillis type but a bit more offensive minded would be red shirted. Of course anything can happen.

I was glad to hear that Gifford may still be growing. If he's 6'11" in his bare feet he's a "Big Boy". It was also good to hear that Coach Brown made some flattering comments about him at last night's Banquet.

Though the Danes lost alot to graduation it appears the program has finally reached a level that they will be very competitive every year.

Varsity Boys Basketball [27-4-0]

Varsity Boys Basketball – 2005-2006

Season Summary:

The 2005-2006 Varsity Boys Basketball season was, arguably, the most successful season enjoyed by the program in our school’s history. The team finished the season with an overall record of 27-4. The team played a truly “national” schedule, not only playing tough competition in Southeastern Pennsylvania (with wins over Penn Charter (twice), Germantown Academy (three times), American Christian, Sts. Neumann-Goretti and Roman Catholic, all which were at one time or another ranked in the Top Ten in Southeastern Pennsylvania), but also playing teams from Oregon, Florida, Tennesee, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia. Highlights of the season included a 3 win – 1 loss 2nd place finish in the prestigious “City of Palms Classic” in Ft. Myers, FL. The tournament boasted a competitive field of 16 teams, many of which were nationally ranked. A third place finish was the result in the Dell Curry – Bojangles High School Shootout, a similar tournament held in Charlotte, NC, with a field of 8 highly ranked national teams. The team earned the title of “Inter-Ac Champions” with a perfect 10-0 record in regular season league play. The season ended with the team capturing the championship of the Inter-Ac Coaches vs. Cancer tournament at Malvern Prep, having to defeat rival Germantown Academy for a third time in the championship game. This team has earned a #1 ranking in Southeastern Pennsylvania in both the Philadelphia Daily News and Philadelphia Inquirer. Additionally, the team was named “Best Ever” in the Inter-Academic League by the Daily News. Individual highlights included 3 team members, Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson and Mike Yocum being selected to the first team All-Inter-Ac team. Wayne and Gerald were also selected as the league’s Co-MVPs. Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson also scored their 2000th point each in their high school careers. And finally, Coach Dan Dougherty earned his 500th coaching victory at Episcopal Academy and remains the city of Philadelphia’s all-time winningest high school basketball coach.

Post-Season Congratulations:

Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson and Mike Yocum are named All-InterAc - First Team!

Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are named InterAc Co-MVPs!

PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS declares the 2005-06 Episcopal Academy Basketball Team "Best Ever" in the InterAc! (2/22/06)

Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are nominated as "McDonalds High School All-Americans"!

Wayne Ellington is named to the Michael Jordan Classic team and will play in Madison Square Garden!

Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are named to the USA BASKETBALLUnder 19 Team and will play in the Nike Hoops Summit!

Gerald Henderson is named to the ADDIDASAll-American Team!

Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington are selected as two of the top 24 high school seniors and are named MCDONALDS ALL AMERICANS!!! They will play in the McDonalds All-American game in San Diego, CA on March 29th, 10PM EST on ESPN!

Mike Yocum, Tim Ivory and Charlie Barks are honored by the MARKWARD BASKETBALL CLUB at their March 8th luncheon, receiving the "Unsung Hero Award"

Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington are honored by the MARKWARD BASKETBALL CLUB at their March 15th luncheon. Wayne and Gerald are named co-MVP's of the Inter-Ac League as well as co-winners of the club's outstanding player in Philadelphia award.

Gerald Henderson is named by GATORADE as the Pennsylvania State Boys Basketball Player of the Year!

The PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS announces its All-City Team. Included are Mike Yocum (Third Team) and Gerald Henderson & Wayne Ellinton (First Team). Gerald and Wayne are also selected as the Co-Players of the Year!

Wayne Ellington is named First Team PARADE All-American and Gerald Henderson is named Second Team PARADE All-American!

Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson are both named to the ASSOCIATED PRESS Pennsylvania All-State Basketball Team and are also selected as the co-winners of the State Player of the Year!

MAIN LINE LIFE names Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington co-winners of the Main Line Player of the Year!

The PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER names Wayne Ellington and Gerald Henderson co-winners of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Player of the Year!

The MAIN LINE TIMES names Mike Yocum, Gerald Henderson and Wayne Ellington to its First Team All Main Line! Tim Ivory is named to the Second Team and Charlie Barks & Pat Kelly are named as Honorable Mention!

If I remember correctly the deal was not a good one for UA. Coach Hicks got taken over the coals. In fact we had to guarantee Syracuse money from the gate when we played Syracuse at the Knick/Pepsi.

When Coach Brown got to schedule his own "Money" games he worked out much more profitable arrangements and we've gotten to play at some interesting sites such as Notre Dame, Villanove, Florida, UCLA etc. which is very good for recruiting and profitable for the program.

Being it's the slow time of the year Hoop wise.

I figured I'd throw this out as a conversational tid bit.

Of our returning players who do you feel has the most upside to their game and why.

From College Hoopsnet in Mid March

What a story. Before this season the University of Albany had never finished a season at the division I level over 500. Now they are dancing. It’s been a process for coach Will Brown, who is now in his fifth season and he has made strides in each and every season. Two years ago the program had the fourth best turnaround in America. Brown became an assistant at Albany in September of 2001 and three months later he was promoted to interim coach. At season’s end the interim tag was removed. Now Albany has a new tag -- America East Champions.

It sure has been a process a very successful one.