Philly Gym Rat (The Perry “QM” McMullin Story)

[PointGuard]

Game #5: Nov. 30, 2021; Washington State Cougars (3-1) at Maine Black Bears (1-3)

We’re back on the road after another long cross country journey to play a team with whom I’m quite familiar. Maine has had good production from several players and has 6 players averaging between 7.8 and 9.5 ppg. But thus far, their shooting percentage as a team has been low. Imari Andrews is their top scorer, but even though he is shooting well, thus far his production has been lower than in previous years since the ball is being distributed by the Black Bears to more players this year.

I was surprised when Maine didn’t start Imari Andrews tonight. For my part, I again started Scott Robertson and Matt Jones at the guard positions. Scott Robinson picked up 2 fouls in less than 3 minutes of play. Gareth Lewis joined him on the bench 2 minutes later. We sported a small lead through the first part of the 1st half, but then we hit a long stretch where we couldn’t find the basket and Maine shot the lights out to open a 13 point lead. By the end of the half we had reduced the Black Bears’ lead to 41-33. Maine hit 53% of their FG attempts and popped in 8 of 13 from 3 point distance. On the other hand, we hit just 26% of our shots. We had 6 players (including 4 of our starters) with 2 fouls apiece. Our leading scorer was Darius Bond with 9 points. Maine’s Kevin Hickerson hit 4 of 4 from beyond the arc and finished the half with 16 points. I chewed the guys out during the half about our horrible defense.

We couldn’t cut into their lead until midway through the 2nd half. With 6 minutes left we finally got within a point at 60-59, but then turned the ball over on the next 4 possessions leading to 10 quick points for Maine. That dug a hole that we couldn’t climb out of.

Final Score: Maine-76, Washington State-67. Washington State season record: 3-2.

Scoring leaders: Robinson-17, Lewis-11, Bond-9.

Rebound leaders: Smith-7, Bond-6, Lofton-5.

Assist leaders: Jones-6, Bond-3.

Player of the Game: Maine’s PG Kevin Hickerson-27 pts, 3 reb, 1 assist.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: PG Scott Robinson-17 pts, 3 reb.

Other notes: We played poorly…bad defense and horrible offense. We hit just 35% of our shots while allowing Maine to connect on 48% of theirs (and knock down 12 three-pointers). Both teams turned the ball over 14 times. The only statistical category in which we were superior was rebounding where we had a 36-24 advantage. C Rasual Smith came off our bench to score 7 points, grab 7 rebounds, and dish off 2 assists in 10 minutes of play.

The way we played tonight will earn the team some long and hard practices this coming week.

[PointGuard]

Two of my former players are playing this year in the DBL:

SG Jerell Brown, who was my first recruit at CSU Bakersfield), was picked in the 4th round to paly for the Erie Bay Hawks.

PG Randy Durham, who played for me at CSU Bakersfield, was picked in the 8th round to play for the Dakota Wizards.

Earlier in Summer League play:

PG Randy Durham played for Brooklyn and averaged: 24.0 mpg, 7.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg
PG Jerry Yearwood played for Atlanta and averaged: 20.4 mpg, 6.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.6 apg
PF Terrence Delk played for Minnesota and averaged 19.6 mpg, 7.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.6 apg
C Jeff Gilbert played for Dallas and averaged: 20.0 mpg, 4.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 apg

Late-Breaking News:

After playing 4 games and averaging 16.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 3.5 apg for Erie Bay in the DBL, SG Jerell Brown got a one-year $915,582 contract with the New York Knicks and was elevated to their NBA roster.

After playing 4 years at CSU Bakersfield and averaging about 20 ppg each year, Jerell was a late 1st round draft choice of the Chicago Bulls in 2016.

During his 4 year contract ($1,190,616/yr) with the Bulls, he spent most of his first 2 years playing for Sioux Falls in the DBL and then the last 2 years on the Bulls roster the entire year. But he averaged less that 5 mpg on the court for the Bulls and his contract was not renewed. Last year he had a DBL contract ($35,000) the entire year and averaged 13.4 ppg for the Austin Toros.

I called Jerell to congratulate him on getting back to the NBA and to wish him well with the Knicks. If my schedule allows, I’ll try to get over to Portland on March 11th to watch the Knicks take on the Trailblazers and get together with Jerell. But hopefully, we will be in the midst of tournament play at that time.

[PointGuard]

Game #6: Dec. 3, 2021; Washington State Cougars (3-2) at West Virginia Mountaineers (3-1)

West Virginia is led by SG Jonathan Barr who is averaging 17.0 ppg.

Scott Robinson again picked up his 2nd personal foul less than 3 minutes into the game. And as in our previous game, two minutes later a second starter joined him on the bench with 2 fouls…this time it was Darius Bond. The refs whistled our 7th team foul at the 15:00 mark. Gareth Lewis was charged with his 2nd foul at the 13:22 mark. At that point the entire Mountaineer team had been assessed with just 2 fouls. We shot well early in the 1st half which allowed us to hang with West Virginia even though the Mountaineers were parading to the foul line. But then the roof caved in as we began to run on fumes with several players glued to the bench with foul problems, and we quickly fell behind by 9 points with about 8 minutes left in the half and the crowd was deafening. With our 3 best scorers on the bench, players playing out of position, and the crowd noise forcing us to make turnovers, we limped to the half down 45-29. We were out-rebounded 16-11 and turned the ball over 10 times while West Virginia only had 2 turnovers. D.J. Asbury, Dion Lofton, and Gareth Lewis (in his 5 minutes of play) each had 6 points for us.

We dropped behind by 21 points in the first minute of the 2nd half, but then fought back to quiet the Mountaineers and their rowdy crowd. While never able to catch up, we kept the deficit under 10 points most of the last 10 minutes of the game.

Final Score: West Virginia-81, Washington State-74. Washington State season record: 3-3.

Scoring leaders: Asbury-18, Lewis-12, Lofton-11, Robinson-16

Rebound leaders: Lewis-7, Asbury-5.

Assist leaders: Thomas-3.

Player of the Game: West Virginia’s C Brendan Cunningham-19 pts, 5 reb, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: PF D.J. Asbury-18 pts, 5 reb, 2 assists, 2 steals.

Other notes: We’re definitely having a tough time playing on the road. We’re creating our own version of “The On the Road Again Blues”. We shot well (54%), but our downfall in this game was turnovers (we made 17) while West Virginia made just 10. We boxed out well and worked the boards hard in the 2nd half to finish with a 26-24 rebounding advantage. Scott Robinson hit 7 of 8 (and 2 of 2 from 3 point distance) to score 16 points in the 19 minutes he was on the floor.

[PointGuard]

Game #7: Dec. 7, 2021; North Dakota St. Bison (3-2) at Washington State Cougars (3-3)

North Dakota State’s SF Brandon Johnson is scoring 17.0 ppg.

We opened the game by scoring 7 unanswered points, but then the Bison scored 7 unanswered points of their own and things stayed tight until just after the midpoint of the half when we scored 13 straight points. We connected on 53% of our shots, but North Dakota State also shot well, hitting 46% of their FG attempts. The biggest difference was that the Bisons turned the ball over 12 times compared to our 6 turnovers. We finished the half with a 42-33 lead. Gareth Lewis had a big half, scoring 13, pulling down 4 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and getting 2 steals.

The Bisons cut into our lead slightly at the beginning of the 2nd half, but then we quickly pulled away and were never really threatened again. Our entire bench got significant minutes.

Final Score: Washington State-85, North Dakota St.-66. Washington State season record: 4-3.

Scoring leaders: Lewis-29, Robinson-17, Asbury-11, Bond-8.

Rebound leaders: Lewis-6, Bond-5

Assist leaders: Bond-5, Robinson-4, Jones-3, Lewis-3.

Player of the Game: C Gareth Lewis-29 pts, 6 reb, 3 assists, 4 steals.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: PF D. J. Asbury-11 pts, 6 reb, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks.

Other notes: We scorched the nets, hitting 56% of our shots. We held a 27-25 rebounding advantage and a 19-13 turnover advantage. Gareth Lewis had his biggest offensive output of the season, hitting 10 of 12 from the field and 9 of 10 at the line.

[PointGuard]

Game #8: Dec. 10, 2021; Washington State Cougars (4-3) at Saint Mary’s Gaels (2-4)

We jumped on the Gaels early in the game, opening a 19-7 lead with 11-1/2 minutes left in the half. Saint Mary’s made a couple runs but we were able to hold them off both times and left eh court with a 39-30 halftime lead. The Gaels hit 50% of their shots, but we hit 57% and we also held a 13-5 turnover advantage. Gareth Lewis dropped in 13 points to lead us offensively.

Even though the Gaels tried to close the gap, we held on until the 5-1/2 minute mark when Saint Mary’s pulled within 3 points at 58-55. We called a time out and the team came off the court and seniors Darius Bond and D.J. Asbury yelled at their teammates that there was no way they were going to give up this lead. I decided not to give any instructions, but just let Bond and Asbury energy and resolve within the team. The team responded by going back on the court and hitting their shots and playing a tight defense to quickly rebuild a safe lead.

Final Score: Washington State-70, Saint Mary’s -61. Washington State season record: 5-3.

Scoring leaders: Robinson-18, Lewis-15, Asbury-10, Jones-9, Thomas-8.

Rebound leaders: Lewis-6, Thomas-5.

Assist leaders: Jones-4, Lewis-3, Asbury-3, Bond-3.

Player of the Game: PG Scott Robinson-18 pts, 3 reb, 2 assists, 3 steals.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: C Gareth Lewis-15 pts, 6 reb, 3 assists.

Other notes: We hit 50% of our shots from the field, 87% of our FT’s, out-rebounded the Gaels 27-22, and held a 20-15 turnover advantage.

Our RPI is now 47th best in the country, a bit better than what I expected.

[PointGuard]

I nearly fell over when I answered the phone and it was my Dad calling. Mom calls, but not Dad so I was initially worried that something bad had happened. But he merely congratulated me on the early season successes and our recent road victory. Even though he's using oxygen cylinders because of his asbestosis, his breathing was labored.

He asked how I was doing over here and complained about me being so far away. I said, “Why don’t you and Mom move out here? The cost of living is much less than in Philly and you could come to our home games.” He growled, “Sure, and what do I do in Pullman otherwise? Watch the grass grow? No, son. I’ve lived in Philadelphia too long to leave now. Besides your Mother has so much stuff in this house, we could never go through it all.” I quickly replied, “Sure Dad, and what about all the mechanics tools and wood working equipment you have?” He laughed and came back with, “Hey, everything I have is absolutely necessary. You know, there’s lots of guys who can’t do anything on their cars nowadays…like a certain basketball coach out west that I know.”

His energy seemed to be waning, so he finished with, “Well son, next year why not schedule some road games with schools in Philly. I’m sure you could get Temple, Drexel, or a good Catholic school like St. Joe’s to host you! Oh yeah, your Mother wanted me to ask if you’re going to church every Sunday. Don’t worry, you don’t have to answer that one. I’ll just tell her you said you were.”

[PointGuard]

Game #9: Dec. 13, 2021; Loyola Marymount Lions (4-4) at Washington State Cougars (5-3)

Taking on Loyola Marymount brings back memories of being an assistant coach there to Coach Finnegan. I suspect Coach would be pleased to see me coaching a Pac-12 team.

The Lions’ SG Tom Mitchell is only averaging 11.0 ppg, but he’s hitting a high percentage of his shots, whereas Chrishan Williams, their high scorer at 13.6 ppg, has a very low shooting percentage. If that continues we will focus on Mitchell and let Williams fire up mostly misses.

This time it was PG Matt Jones who picked up two fouls in the first 2 minutes of play. Three minutes later Shane Dix followed Matt to the bench with 2 fouls. 90 seconds later Gareth Lewis picked up his 2nd foul. We began pulling away midway through the half as we hit 64% of our shots. The half ended with us holding a 45-33 lead. Our top scorer was D.J. Asbury with 13 points. While we had forced the Lions to make 9 turnovers, we also turned the ball over 9 times, so I ranted in the locker room about the need to take care of the ball in the 2nd half.

Matt Jones got called for his 3rd and 4th fouls on Loyola Marymount’s first possession of the 2nd half. The Lions ripped the net for 3 quick 3-pointers and together with more turnovers by us, they cut our lead to 47-44 with 16-1/2 minutes to play. With 3:30 left on the clock, the Lions hit 2 free throws to tie the game, 71-71. The pulled ahead by 2 points with 2 minutes left. Scott Robinson’s 2 free throws tied the game at 77-77 with 1:16 to go. After both teams missed shots, we got the ball with 35 seconds to play. Without calling a time out, I instructed our players to go for the last shot, even though I was nervous since we had turned the ball over so much. The Lions contested so we had to pass the ball all too much, but the guys didn’t throw it away, and got the ball to Gareth Lewis as he moved out to the foul line with 3 seconds to go. He turned and put up a jumper over his defender as the horn sounded, and the ball rippled through the silks to give us a dramatic win.

Final Score: Washington State-79, Loyola Marymount-77. Washington State season record: 6-3.

Scoring leaders: Asbury-21, Robinson-14, Bond-12.

Rebound leaders: Lewis-6, Thomas-5.

Assist leaders: Bond-9, Smith-3, Robinson-3.

Player of the Game: PF D.J. Asbury-21 pts, 3 reb.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: SF Darius Bond-14 pts, 4 reb, 9 assists, 2 steals.

Other notes: We dropped in 55% of our shots while Loyola Marymount hit 48% of theirs. Loyola Marymount knocked down 9 of 14 three-pointers. Fortunately they only could get 12 of their 25 free throw attempts to drop. We held a 30-27 rebounding advantage but made 18 turnovers compared to the Lions’ 17. Darius Bond nearly pulled off a double-double with 14 points and 9 assists.

[PointGuard]

Game #10: Dec. 17, 2021; Cincinnati Bearcats (4-4) at Washington State Cougars (6-3)

Cincinnati uncharacteristically has lost 2 games at home thus far…and to teams of little repute. Tonight will be only their 2nd road game this season.

Both teams came out and hit their shots. With 14:15 to go in the 1st half it was tied 13-13. After we took a 19-17 lead, Cincinnati sunk 6 shots including 4 from beyond the arc to take a 31-19 lead and put us on our heels. And from thereon Cincinnati continued to put on a clinic and we looked sick. By the end of the half, we trailed 51-28. Cincinnati hit 63% of their shots from the field (including 67% from beyond the arc), out-rebounded us 16-11, and held a 10-8 turnover advantage. Gareth Lewis led our scoring with 10 points. Even though we had dug quite a hole for ourselves, I told the team at the half that the Bearcats couldn’t continue their hot shooting. But I then stressed that we needed to box out to pull down more rebounds and control the ball since turnovers have killed us thus far.

We scored two baskets in the first 30 seconds of the 2nd half and our crowd started to get back into the game. We cut the Bearcats’ lead to 15, but Gareth Lewis picked up his 4th personal with 13:33 remaining. Cincinnati regained their 20 point lead, but after Gareth Lewis returned to the game, we cut the lead to 12 with 5-1/2 minutes to go. But Cincinnati put a break on our run and we couldn’t get closer.

Final Score: Cincinnati-81, Washington State-67. Washington State season record: 6-4.

Scoring leaders: Lewis-16, Asbury-13, Robinson-10, Bond-8.

Rebound leaders: Lewis-8.

Assist leaders: Jones-9, Lewis-4.

Player of the Game: Cincinnati’s C Donnie Chambliss-12 pts, 8 reb, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: C Gareth Lewis-16 pts, 8 reb, 4 assists.

Other notes: Cincinnati showed a lot of class tonight and we just didn’t have the horses to stay with them. While we hit 49% of our shots, the Bearcats sunk 55% of theirs. We were out-rebounded 29-26. Even though the Bearcats turned the ball over 17 times, we couldn’t capitalize because we made 16 turnovers. Obviously, we have a ways to go before we’re ready to play with the good programs.

[PointGuard]

Game #11: Dec. 21, 2021; New Hampshire Wildcats (7-3) at Washington State Cougars (6-4)

While it is nice to see the guys I recruited and coached, I’m not looking forward to having to play against them. They’ve won their last 5 games including a road win against #24 Kansas State. There are no weak spots in their lineup. PG Kueth Kirtz is averaging 12.7 ppg and PF Travis Stone has added 10.7 ppg. DeVante Smith has taken the starting SF position from Byron Windlan.

We opened an early 8 point lead but New Hampshire narrowed the gap to 3 points. Midway through the half we spurted out to an 11 point lead. We finished the half with a 39-29 lead. We hit 50% of our shots from the field while holding New Hampshire’s shooting to 35%. We forced the Wildcats to make 9 turnovers and only had 2 ourselves. But D.J. Asbury was the story of the first half, scoring 21 points and hitting 7 of 8 FG’s and 7 of 7 FT’s. His offensive aggressiveness put New Hampshire’s Travis Stone on bench with 3 fouls.

New Hampshire showed how tough they are and came back to tie us at 51-51 with 12 minutes left. We pulled back into the lead and grittily hung onto a small lead.

Final Score: Washington State-78, New Hampshire-71. Washington State season record: 7-4.

Scoring leaders: Adbury-25, Lewis-16, Robinson-11, Jones-10.

Rebound leaders: Asbury-8.

Assist leaders: Robinson-6, Bond-3, Jones-3.

Player of the Game: PF D.J. Asbury-25 pts, 8 reb, 1 steal.

Coach’s Pat on the Back Award: C Gareth Lewis-16 pts, 4 reb.

Other notes: We held a 27-21 rebounding advantage and a 19-13 turnover advantage, but New Hampshire hit 51% of their shots (and 10 of 24 from 3 point distance). Even though we hit 49% of our shots, the real difference in this game was that we got to the free throw line 36 times (and sunk 33 of our foul shots) while New Hampshire got to the line just 12 times (scoring on 11 of those attempts).

[PointGuard]

Even with intense and continuous tutoring, C Michael Robertson continued to be unable to raise his GPA to a 2.0 or better. He therefore will be academically ineligible the rest of the year. He was academically ineligible last year and follow that up with a similar performance this year. It appears he just doesn’t have the ability to pull good grades no matter how much help we provide. I talk with him and encourage him to get a degree, but that he probably will have a better chance by going to a community college to get an Associate degree and then once he’s better grounded academically to look at undergraduate programs that will be best for him. WSU is close to dropping him due to his grades continuing to not meet the college's academic requirements so we would be likely to lose him anyway. He says he understands and he reluctantly accepts that I’m cutting him from our program. When I offer to help him find a suitable community college, he thanks me but says he can do that on his own. Let's hope he does.

Cutting him from the program means that we will have one more scholarship to fill this year.