DDSCB25: Superstar

[Wayne23]

12/18. 3-6 Eastern Kentucky is here. They’re good outside but they don’t look like a good team.

We have no open scholarships but we’re chasing two good looking recruits in case a scholarship opens up.

12/19: “You need to stop their outside game.”

Back and forth early. Then we take the lead. Up 10 after 10. They catch us late. 37-39 at halftime. 10, 5, 8 for Oats. -14 for the bench. +16 in the lane.

Close early. Down 4 with 10 to play. Mini-run puts us up 6 late. Then it’s 11.

86-74. 18, 5, 16, 3 steals but a career high 7 TOs for Oats. 22, 5, 3 for Newn, 15, 13 for Wats, 17, 8 for Hall. +30 inside.

12/25: Our last pre-conf game is at Air Force, 5-5. They’re tough inside but don’t hit the boards that hard. They give up more points than they score.

12/26: We miss our first 8 shots. I don’t get it. Down 12 after 10. 34-53 at the half. Disgusting. 15, 8 for Wats but he’s by himself. He has 3 fouls and every other starter has 2.

We’re playing better early but it’s a big mountain to climb. Down 13 with 10 to play. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.

82-92. We played terrible D. They were +12 at the line, mostly because we shot only 60%. 19, 9, 3 for Wats, 17, 5, 4 for Newn, 14, 4 for Hall, 12, 3 for Hill. Oats had maybe his poorest game for us, fouling out in just 22 minutes.

We end pre-conf play at 9-3.

Oats leads us in PPG with 16.5, and assists with a terrific 9.8. He also leads in steals and is tied for 2nd in RB. Hell of a player. Newn gets 14.2. 14.1, and a leading 8.3 for Wats. 10.6, 5.8 for Redd, 10.2, 6.2 for Hall.

+7.4 PPG, +2.9 RBs, not enough. -4.5 TOs. A very good 10.2. +5.3 assists.

Lyn Ray has the women at 7-4, which is great!

[Wayne23]

1/1/’29: We start conference play with 6-5 Campbell here. As usual the season is sold out.

They have a very good SG but they give up 5 more than they score and they don’t rebound all that well.

1/2: We miss our first 8 shots again. Then we get hot and go on a big run. Up 12 after 10. We get it to 20. 43-24 at halftime. 11, 3, 4 for Oats, 8, 12 for Wats. After the slow start we played well.

We’re dominating. Up 23 with 10 to go.

93-75. No contest. 29, 4, 3, 3 for Newn, 15, 5, 13 for Oats, 16, 18 for Wats, 14, 8 for Redd. +16 RBs.

Mal Oats asked me about his pro prospects.

“I think you’re ready. If you like I can ask around to se what the pros think. If it looks like you’ll be a lottery pick it’s probably time to go. If not, you might be better to stay one more year. Give me a couple of days.”

“Thanks Coach.”

Your players have to know you have their best interests at heart.

1/4: At 2-10 NC-Wilmington. They’re not a good team by any means. They can score outside.

1/5: Slow start. Down 3 after 10. 34-43 at the break. We shoot a lousy 36.7% to their 51.6%. 10, 3 for Oats. -19 for the bench.

We’re catching up. We fall back again and we’re down 8 with 10 to go. It’s not gonna happen.

71-83. We shot 34.7% to their 44.4%. 19, 11, 6 for Oats but 6 TOs. 14, 9, 4 for Redd, 14 for Newn. -22 for the bench. Lack of depth is hurting us and our two main subs, Hill and Swab, aren’t producing.

“Mal, I talked with my NBA people. They think you’re borderline lottery pick.”

“So what should I do?”

“You don’t need to decide until early March. Let’s see how it goes and I’ll check in with them again in late February.”

[Wayne23]

1/8: 0-13 Towson is here. They’ve been a conference leader but they graduated all 5 starters. They give up 12 more than they score.

1/9: Early lead. Up 9 after 10. 46-37 at the break. 12, 7 for Redd, 10, 0, 3 for Oats. -9 for the bench. Only 4 TOs. +12 in the paint.

We’re holding our lead early. Up 14 with 10 to play. Oats is lighting it up and Redd is playing good ball. They come at us late.

84-72. We came back after they came at us. 22, 6, 6 for Oats, 13, 12, 3 steals for Redd, 13, 6, 6, 4 for Newn, 16 for Wats. -23 for the bench. +20 in the box.

1/11: At 6-8, 2-1 Drexel. They’re good outside.

1/12: We start hot for a change. Double digit lead early. Up 8 after 10. 46-33 at the break. 10, 4 for Wats, 12 for Newn, 7, 4, 7, 3 for Oats. Only 4 TOs. +14 in the paint.

They score the first 11 and it’s a game. Up1 with 10 to play. We need to wake up! Close late.

72-69. They had an open three at the end but it missed. 12, 7, 12, 3 for Oats, 19, 7 for Wats, 18, 3 for Newn. +10 in the paint.

Josh Hill breaks an ankle. Out for at least 6 weeks. That shortens our already weak bench. We’ll play SF John Redd at SG some and see if that works. Milt is our only other option and he’s not ready.

“Hey Lyn. You guys are doing okay.”

“10-6, 3-1. I’m pleased.”

“You should be.”

“Stop into practice when you can. I could use a fresh perspective.”

“I’ll do that.”

[Wayne23]

1/15: 9-6, 2-2 Hampton is here. They’re not bad but we’re better. They have a very good PG. Let’s see how Oats handles him.

1/16: Early lead. 10 point lead. Up 13 after 10. 20 point lead. 53-29. Oats is eating up his man, 12, 4, 8. 14 for Newn, 7, 7 for Wats. Only 3 TOs. +16 in the paint.

Holding the lead early. Up 20 with 10 left.

93-75. Oats and Newn were terrific, Oats had 24, 8, 13, and Newn had 22. 17, 4 for Redd, 12, 8 for Hall. Only 6 TOs. +30 inside.

1/18: At 9-7, 3-2 Campbell. We won by 18 at home. We’re better all around but they’re not a bad team and this is a road game. We’ll need to be sharp.

1/19: 1-7 early. Down 5 after 10. Shooting 4-25. 30-38 at the half. Shooting 26.8%. 1-16 on threes. 2 TOs.

“This is a team you should beat. Wake UP!”

They’re holding their lead early. Down only 4 with 10 to go. Back and forth late. They rally late.

67-75. Bad loss as far as I’m concerned. 21, 7, 6 for Oats, 14, 4 steals for Newn, 10, 4 for Hall. Only 2 TOs, none in the 2nd half. Fouls hurt, Redd fouled out, Wats had 4. Their C lit Wats up.

“Hi Kip.”

“Hey buddy. Cheer up. Every time I see you you look like things are really bad. Hell, you’re one back of first place in the conference.”

“Yeah, but my guys aren’t playing up to my expectations.”

“I think they’re gonna be fine. They’ll get it together soon.”

“Hope you’re right!"

[Wayne23]

1/22: 7-10, 2-4 Wm & Mary is here. They have a decent outside game.

1/23: We score the first 11. Up 16 after 10. 57-39 at halftime. Nothing wrong with the offense. 23, 9, 3 for Wats, 12, 5, 4 for Oats. Only 2 TOs. +12 inside.

We’re doing fine early. Up 17 with 10 left. Wats has 31 already. This is a total blowout.

103-72. 35, 18, 3 for Wats, 25, 9, 8 for Oats, 13, 1, 6, 5 for Newn, 10, 3 for Hall. Only 7 TOs. +22 in the box.

1/25: At 1st place NC A & T, 13-5, 6-1. They’re very good outside, but so are we. We think we’re better inside. Should be a good one!

1/26: They take a quick lead. We come back. Down 1 after 10. Close late. 45-44 at halftime. Hell of a game so far! 13, 2, 6 for Oats. +16 RBs.

Stays close early on. Oats is hot. Up 4 with 10 to go. Still really close late. They go on a very late run.

75-88. It was a great game for 37 minutes. 22, 5, 8, 3 for Oats but 7 TOs. 17, 13, 3 for Redd. Their bench beat us, +14. Plus, they went o the line 31 times to our 15. Those were the two factors. 17 TOs hurt. That’s a season high. +17 RBs.

The meds say Hill should be back for the post season.

“You know what? You need to go to a better school. Maybe you should have gone to Memphis.”

“Ugh. I can’t live in **** kicker country, Kip. Just can’t.”

“Well, if you get an offer from a good school in the Spring you should take it.”

“If Oats goes pro, yeah.”

[Wayne23]

1/29: Mal Oats is #6 on the Norton list.

We’re 14-6, 5-3, tied for 3rd, 2 back of 1st.

Oats leads us with 17.9, 9.5. He gets 6.6 RBs, 3rd on the team. 15.2 for Newn. 14.4, 9.2 for Wats. 11.2, 6.7 for Redd. 9.4, 5.8 for Hall. I think he can do better.

+6.9 PPG, +4.2 RBs, -4.3 TOs, a terrific 9.5. +4.8 assists.

12.7, 6-2, 2nd place Hofstra is here. This figures to be a challenge.

1/30: Both teams are cold early. Newn heats up. Double digit lead. Up 18 after 10. I didn’t expect this but I’ll take it! 53-37 at the half. 16, 3, 9 for Oats, 15 for Newn. The front line is holding its own.
2 TOs. -9 from the line and I’m on the refs.

They’re making a run at us. Up 15 with 10 to play. Our guards are leading the way! The lead goes to 20.

91-74. Great win! 24, 8, 11 for Oats, 21, 5 for Newn, 20, 11, 3, 3 blocks for Hall. 6 TOs.

Seldom used SF Ban Lund hurts his knee. It’s not serious.

NC A & T lost so we’re only 1 game back. In a 4 way tie for 2nd.

2/1: At 10-10, 6-3 Elon. They’ve been winning.

2/2: Early lead. Up 7 after 10. 38-31 at the break. We led by as many as 16. 8, 8 for Wats, 9, 4 for Newn, 8, 3 for Hall. +10 inside.

They’re catching us early on. Then we get it to 10. Up 20 with 10 to go. Subs in early.

83-68. 19, 12, 3 for Wats15, 6 for Hall, 15, 4 for Swab, his best game in a long time. 11, 6, 3 for Newn. 10, 9, 3 for Redd. +14 in the paint.

[Wayne23]

2/5: 9-12, 5-5 Monmouth is here. They have a very good C but not much else.

2/6: Close early. Up 1 after 10. 37-38 at halftime. The difference is at the line. 4 of our starters have 2 fouls. 9, 7 for Redd, 11, for Hall. -13 for the bench.

It stays close early. Up 8 with 10 left. Big lead late.

84-73. 18, 6, 6 for Oats, 18, 3 for Hall, 13, 9, 4 for Redd, 12, 6, 3 steals for Wats, 14 for Newn. +14 in the box.

We’re in a 2 way tie for first.

Ranked! #25.

2/8: At 7-15, 4-7 Stony Brook. We have a big edge, especially outside.

2/9: They take an early lead. Down 7 after 10. We come back and take the lead. 44-39 at the break. Balanced scoring.

Big lead early. Up 15 with 10 to play. In control late.

81-67. 20, 7, 9 for Oats, 10, 10 for Wats. All 5 starters in double figures. +12 inside.

Oats remains #6 on the Norton list.

[Wayne23]

2/12: 7-16, 5-7 NC-Wilmington is in town. They beat us by 12 there in one of our worst losses of the season.

2/13: Early lead. They catch up. Tied after 10. Close late. 36-40. Oats managed to get 4 fouls in the first half. He has 14, 3, 5 but we won’t see much of him. 10, 4 for Wats.

We take the lead early. Up 10 with 10 to play. We’re holding our lead late but it’s close.

82-74. Oats couldn’t play much and then Newn picked up his 4th, and Hall fouled out, but we somehow managed.

19, 5, 5 for Oats, 20, 3, 4, 3 for Newn, 15, 9 for Wats, 12, 6 for Swab. +18 in the paint.

Still tied for 1st, 2 up on third.

2/15: 8-16, 4-9 Delaware is in. They can score, especially outside, but they don’t defend well.

2/16: Back and forth. They can definitely score. We take the lead. Up 6 after 10. We shut them down late. 45-39 at halftime. 12, 7 for Wats, 7, 5, 4 for Oats. Only 2 TOs. +16 in the paint.

They’re keeping it close early. We get the lead to 10. Up 14 with 10 left. We’re in control late.

81-68. 21, 8, 6, 3 blocks for Oats, 20, 11 for Wats, 13, 12 for Redd. +14 RBs, +18 in the paint.

Still tied for 1st.

[Wayne23]

2/19: At 12-13, 7-7 Charleston. They have an excellent C.

We’re now ranked #21.

2/20: Early lead. Then a big lead. Up 10 after 10. They close it up late. 35-30 at the half. We led by as many as 17. Balanced scoring. Wats is holding his own against their C.

“You stopped playing hard. Step it up!”

They’re staying close. Up only 4 with 10 left. They take the lead. Tied late!

77-75. Whew! Oats had a triple double, 14, 10, 14. 18 for Newn, 11, 8 for Redd, 12, 6 for Hall, 13 for Wats who played their C even.

Josh Hill’s cast is off. He’ll be back in 10 days to 2 weeks.

Lyn Ray’s team continues to exceed expectations. They’re 16-9, 9-7 in conf.

2/22: At 4-22, 4-11 Towson. We won by 12 at home. They’re not very good but a team can sneak up on you if you’re not focused.

2/23: Both teams start cold. We miss our first 8 shots. They lead. Down 5 after 10. 32-31 at the half. 9, 4, 5 for Oats. We’re shooting 30.6% and they’re not much better.

“You’re making a **** team look good!”

Back and forth early. We can’t seem to shake them. Mini-run puts us up 11 with 10 to go. They come back.

71-68. They missed a last second three. 20, 7, 11 for Oats but 9 TOs. 16, 11 for Wats, 14, 3 steals for Newn, 10, 3 for Swab. 17 TOs which does NOT make me happy. We didn’t play very well.

[Wayne23]

2/26: 10-17, 6-10 Drexel is here. We won by only 3 at their place. This is a team we should beat easily.

2/27: Early lead. They catch up. Up 1 after 10. We lead late. 41-37 at the half. 10, 3, 4 for Oats, 11, 6 for Wats.

10 point lead early. Up 10 after 10.

85-75. 24, 13, 3 for Wats, 19, 6, 11 for Oats, 13, 6 for Hall, 12, 5, 3, 3 for Newn, 7, 8 for Swab. +15 RBs, +24 in the paint.

Kyle Hall hurts his hand. He’s day to day.

3/1: We end the regular season with what could be a tough one at 16-12, 9-8 Hampton. We won by 18 at home. They can play.

3/2: Close early. Up 5 after 10. Close late. 37-40 at halftime after we led for most of the half. 10, 5, 3 for Oats, 8, 9 for Wats.

Close early. Up only 2 with 10 left. Late lead.

81-72. Late run gave us the win. 25, 9, 8 for Oats. 12, 11, 4 for Wats, 10, 11 for Hall, 10, 7, 3 for Redd, 11, 5 for Swab.

We end the regular season at 24-6, 15-3, tied for 1st, #2 seed.

Oats leads us with 18.2, 9.4, is 2nd in RBs with 6.8. Newn gets 14.6. Wats also gets 14, 6, with a leading 9.1 RBs. 10.6, 6.8 for Redd, 10.1, 6.0 for Hall.

+8.0 PPG, +4.9 RBs, -4.5 TOs, with a very good 9.6. +5.7 assists

Josh Hill will be back for our next game.

I tell Mal Oats that he is definitely ready for the NBA and my sources tell me he’s a top 10 pick or higher.

“It all depends whether you feel mentally and emotionally ready.”

“Yeah, that’s the thing. I gotta say that every time I’ve hit a new level I’ve risen to the challenge, but the NBA is a big step.”

3/5: Oats declares for the NBA draft. He finished #6 on the Norton list.

We offer to a PG.