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Fordham (+7) vs Depaul - NCAA Hoops Analysis

Posted By: Handicapper.net
Date: 12 Nov 01, 11:26 am

First play of the season.

Fordham (+7) at DePaul - 5:30pm Pacific
We had pretty good success playing the Rams last year. They were solid in the early going (5-1 with win over St. John's) before struggling down the stretch. This was due in part to senior guards Bevon Robin and Jason Harris dominating the flow of the team. Head coach Bob Hill did not recruit either of the guards himself and often did not see eye to eye with them. They have both now departed and this will be a better team without them. The other factor in last years struggles was several freshman getting important minutes in the 2nd half of the season. Hill had been pointing to this season and made sure the freshman last year got experience. Now is when that experience will pay off. In fact there are 7 sophomores on this roster in all. Versatile swingman Michael Haynes became eligible the 2nd half of the season last year and showed flashes of brilliance but never was able to put it all together. Big things are expected of him this season and he led the team in scoring in recent exhibition game. The other key sophomore returnee is big man Jeff McMillian who averaged 10.0ppg & 7.8rpg last year. McMillian is big and athletic and outplayed some very good players as a freshman last year despite missing some time with injury. Newcomer guards Smush Parker (JC transfer) and Adrian Walton (once outscored Vince Carter in New York summer league) promise some excitement in the backcourt. All in all, Fordham has 10 players with upside who will make significant contributions this year. Hill is ecstatic to finally have the athleticism and depth needed to play his preferred uptempo style.

DePaul finished last season 12-18 overall and just 4-12 in C-USA play. From that team they lose two NBA draft picks which were also their two leading scorers Bobby Simmons (also led team in minutes and rebounds) and Steve Hunter. This will be the least talented team that Pat Kennedy has had at Depaul in his 4 years here and he has a .475 win percentage here. They are unable to play on their usual homecourt tonight due to a scheduling conflict. The Blue Demons were ugly last year when they had a go-to player in Simmons. It is going to take some time for players on this team to step up and adjust to their new required roles. DePaul's poor discipline (not known for their defense) and questionable shot selection should play right into the hands of Fordham's quick placed style.

This is a key game and a key season for the Bob Hill era. He has done a terrific job upgrading the talent level here. Now it is time to show it off. Fans have anxiously awaited the start of this season and many are already looking forward to a potential 2nd round matchup at Syracuse. That is how high they are on this team. They definitely have the ability to turn the corner this year and a coach who knows how to win. The Rams serve the A-10 notice with a mild upset here. Fordham 1 UNIT

As always, if you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact me.

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Good luck,

Edward
Right Angle Sports
www.Handicapper.net

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