Finding ways to win

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National Individual Awards

• 2nd Team All-American: Fr SG Joe Lewis

SWAC Individual Awards

• POY: Fr SG Joe Lewis
• FOY: Fr SG Joe Lewis
• DPOY: Fr SG Joe Lewis

SWAC 1st Team All-Conference

• Fr SG Joe Lewis
• Jr SF Jason Brown

I won Conference Coach of the Year (3rd time)

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If applicable: (National Rank, Conference Rank; NR = Not Ranked)


Points

1. SG Joe Lewis - 20.0 ppg (#22, #1)
2. SF Jason Brown - 12.9 (NR, #8)
3. SG Drew Walker - 10.2 (NR, #21)
4. C Marcus Moore - 8.6 (NR, #27)
5. PF David Andrews - 7.1 (NR, #49)
6. C Robbie Wise - 5.9
7. C Chris Hawkins - 4.2
8. PG Johnny Victor - 3.9
9. SF Terrance Walls - 2.1
10. PG Thomas Scott - 2.1
11. C Will Perkins - 1.7
12. SF Thurman Clark - 1.7
13. PG Travis Reuter - 0.8

Rebounds

1. SF Jason Brown - 5.9 rpg (NR, #5)
2. C Marcus Moore - 5.8 (NR, #7)
3. SG Joe Lewis - 4.9 (NR, #17)
4. C Robbie Wise - 4.4 (NR, #28)
5. PF David Andrews - 3.4
6. SG Drew Walker - 2.6
7. PG Johnny Victor - 2.0
8. SF Terrance Walls - 2.0
9. C Chris Hawkins - 1.9
10. PG Thomas Scott - 1.5

Assists

1. PG Johnny Victor - 4.6 apg (#32, #3)
2. SG Joe Lewis - 3.0 (NR, #11)
3. PG Thomas Scott - 2.8 (NR, #13)
4. SF Jason Brown - 1.7 (NR, #35)
5. PF David Andrews - 1.2
6. C Marcus Moore - 1.1
7. SG Drew Walker - 1.1

Steals

1. SG Joe Lewis - 1.2 spg (NR, #6)
2. SF Jason Brown - 1.0 (NR, #11)
3. PF David Andrews - 1.0 (NR, #15)

Blocks

1. C Marcus Moore - 0.8 (NR, #6)
2. SG Joe Lewis - 0.8 (NR, #8)

3PM

1. SG Joe Lewis - 92 (#48, #1)
2. SG Drew Walker - 71 (NR, #5)
3. PF David Andrews - 32 (NR, #20)
4. PG Johnny Victor - 15 (NR, #42)
5. SF Jason Brown - 13 (NR, #48)
6. SF Thurman Clark - 6
7. PG Thomas Scott - 5
8. PG Travis Reuter - 2

Turnovers

1. SG Joe Lewis - 2.0 topg (NR, #26)
2. PG Johnny Victor - 1.5 (NR, #39)
3. SG Drew Walker - 1.2
4. SF Jason Brown - 1.2
5. PG Thomas Scott - 1.2

FG% (min 30 FGA)

1. SF Terrance Walls - 61.3%
2. C Robbie Wise - 61.0
3. C Will Perkins - 60.9
4. C Chris Hawkins - 54.3
5. PF David Andrews - 52.8
6. C Marcus Moore - 50.8
7. PG Thomas Scott - 46.5
8. SG Joe Lewis - 45.8
9. PG Johnny Victor - 43.9
10. SF Jason Brown - 42.4
11. SG Drew Walker - 39.0

FT% (min 20 FTA)

1. PG Johnny Victor - 93.9% (31 of 33)
2. SF Jason Brown - 83.7
3. SG Joe Lewis - 82.2
4. C Robbie Wise - 78.0
5. C Marcus Moore - 73.7
6. C Chris Hawkins - 73.5
7. PF David Andrews - 68.9

3PT% (min 10 3PTA)

1. SF Thurman Clark - 60.0% (6 of 10)
2. PF David Andrews - 46.4
3. SG Joe Lewis - 40.4
4. SG Drew Walker - 34.8
5. PG Johnny Victor - 31.9
6. SF Jason Brown - 28.3
7. PG Thomas Scott - 25.0

Minutes

1. SF Jason Brown - 28.6 mpg (NR, #4)
2. SG Joe Lewis - 27.0 (NR, #10)
3. PG Johnny Victor - 23.4 (NR, #50)
4. PF David Andrews - 21.6
5. C Marcus Moore - 21.0
6. SG Drew Walker - 17.6
7. C Robbie Wise - 15.2
8. PG Thomas Scott - 14.4
9. C Chris Hawkins - 11.2
10. SF Terrance Walls - 10.3
11. SF Thurman Clark - 4.1
12. C Will Perkins - 3.7
13. PG Travis Reuter - 2.7

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If applicable: (+/- from last season, National Rank, Conference Rank)


Team Stats (per game)

1. Points: 78.6 (+2.6, #4, #2)
2. Rebounds: 34.5 (+1.8, #37, #1)
   
3. Assists: 18.0 (+1.1, #4, #1)
4. Steals: 6.6 (+0.4, #96, #5)
5. Blocks: 3.7 (+2.1, #28, #2)
   
6. Turnovers: 10.2 (-1.4, #1, #1)
7. FG%: 0.469 (-0.010, #23, #1)
8. 3PT%: 0.384 (-0.040, #50, #3)
   
9. FT%: 0.807 (+0.068, #4, #1)

Opp Team Stats (per game)

1. Opp Points: 58.8 (-5.4, #11, #1)
2. Opp Turnovers: 16.3 (+1.0, #25, #2)
   
3. Opp FG%: 0.383 (-0.028, #7, #1)
   [color="Red"]
4. Opp 3PT%: 0.362 (+0.006, #267, #8)[/color]

Metrics (Offense)

1. OEff: 54.9 (+1.4, #17, #3)
2. OeFG%: 47.5 (-1.0, NR, #1)
3. OTO%: 12.9 (-1.9, #1, #1)
4. OR%: 30.0 (+2.8, NR, #4)
5. OFTRate: 25.2 (-2.5, NR, #12)
6. Tempo: 69.8 (-0.7, NR, #9)

Metrics (Defense)

1. DEff: 41.1 (-4.1, NR, #1)
2. DeFG%: 38.9 (-2.9, #7, #1)
3. DTO%: 21.1 (+1.6, #17, #1)
4. DR%: 75.9 (+1.9, NR, #1)
5. DFTRate: 28.4 (+1.3, NR, #2)

What we did well

1. Biggest improvement from last season is clearly our defense. Even though our shooting % slightly dropped, we were able to score more points due to the additional possessions generated by our defense
2. More assists and less turn overs, also contributed to higher scoring numbers
3. Our rebounding continues to improve

Areas of improvement

1. We need to extend our defense beyond the 3PT line; we were eliminated in the NCAA tournament by a team who shot well from beyond the arc.

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Offense: 39 (+5)
Defense: 37 (+5)
Recruiting: 42 (+4)
Scouting: 30 (+2)
Development: 37 (+5)
Reputation: 21 (+4)

Record: 84-14 (0.857)

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HS Seniors

1. SF Rashad Scott (#43); SCR: A, REB: B, OVR: A
2. PG David Meeks (#172); PAS: A, DEF: A, OVR: B
3. SG Chris Warhank (#292); DEF: A, OUT: B, OVR: C

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Starting Lineup

• 1: Sr PG Travis Reuter, 6-2, 2.0/3.5 (Pasadena, TX)
• 2: So SG Joe Lewis, 6-0, 5.0/5.0 (Centre, AL); Norton candidate
• 3: Sr SF Jason Brown, 6-5, 4.5/5.0 (Galena, IL); Norton candidate
• 4: Jr C Robbie Wise, 6-10, 3.0/4.0 (Hackett, AR)
• 5: So C Marcus Moore, 6-10, 4.0/4.5 (Oneonta, AL); Norton candidate

Bench

• 1/2: Jr SG Drew Walker, 6-1, 2.5/4.0 (Bowling Green, KY)
• 2/3: Fr SF Rashad Scott, 6-6, 4.0/4.5 (Thomaston, AL)
• 4/5: Sr C Chris Hawkins, 6-8, 2.0/4.0 (Pelatka, FL)
• 1/2: Fr PG David Meeks, 6-1, 1.0/3.0 (Spartanburg, SC)
• 1/2: Fr SG Chris Warhank, 6-4, 3.0/4.5 (Lanett, AL)
• 4/5: Sr C Will Perkins, 6-8, 1.5/4.0 (Oakland Park, FL)
• 2/3: Jr SF Thurman Clark, 6-6, 1.5/4.0 (Nicholasville, KY)

Walk-ons

• Jr PF Marcus Thompkins, 6-6, 2.5/2.5 (Birmingham, AL)
• Jr PG Brett Brown, 5-6, 1.0/1.0 (Florence, AL)

Transfer (ineligible to play this season)

• Jr PF Dominic Claxton, 6-8. 2.5/3.5 (Falls City, NE)

Departures (last year's stats)

• PF David Andrews (7.1 ppg, 46% 3PT)
• PG Johnny Victor (3.9 ppg, 4.6 apg)
• PG Thomas Scott (2.1 ppg, 2.8 apg)

Notes:

• We retain our core group last season, with Lewis, Brown, Moore, Walker, and Wise; all armed with an additional year of experience. The expected improvements by our returning players would more than compensate the offense vacated by Andrews
• We're bringing in 2 more talented local kids in Scott and Warhank. SF Rashad Scott could be ready for a starting role next season, after Brown graduates
• The biggest question mark will be on the PG position. Reuter averaged less than 6 minutes per game in his 1st 3 years, as a 3rd-string PG. Being a veteran, Reuter is familiar with our system, giving him the edge over newcomer Meeks. One of Meeks' strength is his defense, which may prove useful against teams with a high-scoring PG

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Nov 14, 2003: Mercer (0-0) @ Alabama St (0-0)

Pregame Notes

• We start the season with a 5-game home stand

Tip off

We're missing plenty of shots inside the paint, but somehow it is a good sign that we are not settling for outside shots
13:38, Down 7-9

Our defense starting to get better, but we need to box out more as MER already with 6 off rebounds
6:31, Up 22-21

Better offensive balance as we started to hit some outside shots late in the 1st half (4-9 3PT)


Halftime, Up 40-29
Nice and steady performance so far by PG Travis Reuter, only 1 turn over in 14 mins. SG Joe Lewis, on his 1st game back from an injury that sidelined him during last season's NCAA tournament, has connected on 2 triples.


Start of 2nd half

Only 1 FG so far for MER in the 2nd half, as they begin to turn the ball over frequently
13:35, Up 48-32

We are too deep in the wing spots, and every combination I put on the floor makes significant contribution.
7:50, Up 62-41

Gave the chance for our new players to finish the game. Lots of fouls called on both sides, esp in the 2nd half. For the entire game, the 2 teams combined for 49 FT attempts.


Final Score: Mercer - 51, Alabama St - 76
Aside from the good combined performances of our perimeter players, the big men also had a major impact in this game. The 4-center rotation of Moore/Wise/Hawkins/Perkins combined for 33 pts, 25 rebs. A "happy problem" that I will have this season is how to divide minutes among the team. SG Joe Lewis' sub par shooting performance today (3-12 FG) came almost unnoticed because of our balanced scoring


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wise 11, 10, 1, 2 blks (*)
Lewis 10, 5, 3
Brown 10, 3, 0, 2 stls
Scott 9, 1, 3 (D)
Hawkins 8, 4, 2
Walker 8, 0, 0
Moore 7, 9, 0, 3 blks
Perkins 7, 2, 0
Reuter 2, 2, 4
Warhank 2, 1, 2 (D)
Meeks 2, 0, 0 (D)
(D) - collegiate debut
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 43-31%
REB: Even
TO: -9 (MER: 17)
Pts in paint: +22
2nd chance: Even
Fast break: +9
[/INDENT]

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Nov 17, 2003: Louisinana Monroe (0-0) @ Alabama St (1-0)

Pregame Notes

Tip off

Not a good shooting performance by either team. We're 3-9 FG. We'll shift to favor inside focus.
13:08, Up 8-6

We buckled down on defense and rebounding. Another strong start for C Marcus Moore, 8 pts, 7 rebs, 2 blks
7:53, Up 21-9

We led by as high as 23, until UL-MON hit 2 3s in the last minute of the 1st half. C Marcus Moore already with a double-double, 10 pts, 10 rebs


Halftime, Up 34-17
UL-MON just 22% FG, along with 10 turn overs


Start of 2nd half

UL-MON just can't get any rhythm on offense because of our suffocating defense. We're dominating the game, even though we are shooting just 41% FG.
13:13, Up 44-19

We coasted our way to another easy win. We grabbed a total of 49 rebounds


Final Score: Louisiana-Monroe - 31, Alabama St - 71
During the 1st 2 games, C Marcus Moore is averaging 14 rebs and 3 blks, which is exactly what we're expecting from him when we brought him to our program.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Lewis 13, 7, 5
Brown 13, 7, 3
Moore 10, 19, 1, 2 stls, 3 blks (*)
Walker 8, 2, 1
Wise 6, 2, 2
Meeks 5, 1, 0
Hawkins 4, 6, 1, 2 stls
Perkins 4, 1, 0
Scott 4, 0, 1
Reuter 2, 3, 5, 3 tos
Warhank 2, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 42-19%
REB: +14 (+8 offensive rebs)
TO: -10 (UL-MON: 17)
Pts in paint: +26
2nd chance: +6
Fast break: +15 (21-6)
[/INDENT]

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Nov 21, 2003: Utah St (1-1) @ Alabama St (2-0)

Pregame Notes

Tip off

UTST forcing a lot of shots from the outside, 1-8 FG, plus 4 turn overs.
13:12, Up 14-3

UTST having no opportunity to score inside, and they continue to brick their outside shots; 4-26 FG (15%). This game is over early.


Halftime, Up 40-10
C Marcus Moore already with a near double-double, 9 pts, 11 rebs. Freshman SF Rashad Scott showing he can be a reliable offensive force off the bench with 6 pts


Start of 2nd half

UTST still with just 17 pts, with only 6 mins left in the game. Not even 2 converted 3PT shots could get them pass the 30 pt barrier at the end of the game.


Final Score: Utah St - 26, Alabama St - 81
So many offensive options, that even last year's 2nd team All-American SG Joe Lewis was happy being a facilitator most of the game. C Marcus Moore has been on a tear.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Moore 19, 18, 1, 3 stls, 3 blks (*)
Brown 14, 4, 4
Lewis 13, 4, 8
Wise 10, 8, 0, 2 blks
Scott 6, 2, 0
Perkins 6, 2, 0
Meeks 4, 2, 2
Hawkins 4, 2, 1
Walker 3, 2, 0
Warhank 2, 1, 2
Reuter 0, 4, 3, 3 tos
Clark 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 51-21%
REB: +27 (+10 offensive rebs)
TO: -9 (UTST: 18)
Pts in paint: +46
2nd chance: +5
Fast break: +12 (16-4)
[/INDENT]

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Nov 21, 2003: UC Davis (1-2) @ Alabama St (3-0)

Pregame Notes

• Should be a good matchup down low, between C Marcus Moore and UCD's C Stephan Davis (17.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg)

Tip off

UCDAV's C Stephan Davis picking up 2 early fouls in trying to defend C Marcus Moore. SG Joe Lewis hitting his 1st 2 attempts from 3.
11:24, Up 17-10

Our rebounding strength has been somewhat neutralized by UCDAVIS (8 off rebounds). We still maintained a good lead because of better shooting (48% FG)


Halftime, Up 41-30
SG Joe Lewis leads all scorers with 13 pts, while SF Rashad Scott having another good game off the bench with 8 pts.


Start of 2nd half

SG Joe Lewis on fire today with 27 pts. UCDAV's continues to rebound well, but their poor shooting and turn over rate has kept them at a distance
11:03, Up 57-40

SG Joe Lewis showed why he is still one of the best players in the country, coming up with a dominating performance. SF Rashad Scott also with an equally impressive game


Final Score: UC Davis - 57, Alabama St - 86
Our best offensive showing thus far in this season. C Marcus Moore off today, but the other big men were able to step up


Box Scores
[INDENT]Lewis 32, 7, 3, 4 tos, 5-11 3PT (*)
Scott 14, 3, 2
Wise 11, 7, 4
Brown 11, 1, 5
Hawkins 8, 6, 0
Walker 6, 2, 0
Meeks 2, 2, 2
Perkins 2, 2, 0
Moore 0, 4, 0, 2 blks
Reuter 0, 1, 2
Warhank 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-30%
REB: +2
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +22
2nd chance: -5
Fast break: -1
[/INDENT]