Fairleigh Dickinson Scrimmage

On Sunday October 30, the team headed down to Fairleigh Dickinson University for a scrimmage. Even though it was only a scrimmage this was the first time we got to compete against somebody other then ourselves. Everyone was excited to see how we match up against other competition. For the freshman this was the first time actually getting on the Marist bus as a college athlete. You can sense that they were a little nervous going into the game but they were not the only ones. Everyone had a little jitters in their stomach. The scrimmage was good for us because it was played like a real game with referees. As a team we played really well. We executed our plays well and played very good o defense. We won by a score of 75-74. Sophomore center Adam Kemp scored 15 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. I also had a good game scoring 15 points. Junior guard Devin Price also was in double digit scoring with 14 points. We have practice all week until Saturday when we scrimmage Monmouth University at home. 

Red/White Scrimmage

Thursday night was the first time the Marist basketball team were able to showcase what we were working on up until thus far. We had our annual scrimmage which is open to the public. The scrimmage consisted of a thirty minute game and two situation games. The white team consisted of Freshman point guard Isaiah Morton, junior guard Devin Price, sophomore Guard Jay Bowie, sophomore center Adam Kemp and myself. The red team consisted of senior point guard RJ Hall, Freshman guard TJ Curry, Freshman guard Chavaughn Lewis, Freshman forward Manny Thomas and sophomore forward Anell Alexis. Even though the game was for fun both teams played hard and smart. The red team won by a score of 59-51. Anell Alexis was the high scorer for the red team with 25 points and Adam Kemp led the white team with 13 points and 10 rebounds. The fans walked away happy from what they were seeing and expect good things this year from us.

MAAC Pre-Season Award Show

The MAAC had its annual pre-season award show today in Springfield, MA. This event is where coaches from around the league predicts what palces the MAAC teams will come in at the end of the season and also which players will make 1ST, 2ND and 3RD team. It is no suprise that we were picked to come last (10th place) in the league. Losing two starters and two of our top three scorers really hurt us. Even though we were picked pre-season tenth place, the team and coaching staff has higher expectations for the upcomming year. These rankings really don't matter because any team can have a good season and win the league. We are still keeping our heads high and holding ourselves to high expectations to beat the odds that we face.

10/24/2011

We had a long day today. Waking up at 5:45 for 6:30am lift, then having practice from 12:30-3:30 and finally having to do the video for the new big screens that will be in the new McCann Arena. The team as well as myself are very excited to see how the introduction videos will come out. Everyone is still working hard and getting ready for the season. We have two weeks and four days until our first official game against Kentucky. We have one goal in mind everyday and that is to get BETTER.

Voices from around the NCAA...Chris Fouch(Drexel University)

 The very much anticipated season for the Drexel Dragons Men’s basketball team started this past week. The first week of practice has been very intense for my teammates and I. There is a different vibe around the school towards us as players and from the coaches because we were picked to win the Colonial Athletic Association this year. The media also picked us to have 3 all conference players in Samme Givens, forward Dartaye Ruffin as well as myself. We all feel like we have a bull’s-eye on our back for that and we are doing whatever we can to prepare for what the season has in store for us. As a team we feel that we can have a very successful season and possibly make some noise in the NCAA tournament. We have all of the right pieces to do so, we just have to believe in ourselves. Our coaches has been tough on us during this first week but, I think it's because they can see the potential that we have and how good we can be but, in order for us to be a team who makes a big run we can’t take any days off. From the looks of how hard we are working we are on paste to do something special.

 

First Week of Practice!!!

Overall the first week of practice was great. We had two practices on Sunday, which meant not a lot of rest but we still went hard and pleased the coaching staff. The team chemistry is building which will become a major factor in our upcoming winning season. We focused mainly on defense in week one. Now heading into week two, we are putting the offense and defense together.

Freshman TJ Curry's Transition

High school basketball and college basketball are two completely different games. You would 
think because they both are played on the same court and with a basketball they are exactly 
alike. The differences between the two levels are the height, strength of the 
players, and along with that is the speed of the game. This is a completely 
new ball game making college basketball nothing like high school basketball. I'm glad that I have 
the opportunity to be apart of Division 1 College Basketball.

Hardwork and Dedication

Good Morning Everyone,

It's 5:50am and the team is getting ready for 6:30am lift. It's hard waking up sometimes but while people are sleep we are getting ready for the season.

Coach JJ Outlaw

On Friday, practice opened up for all Men's basketball college programs across the country. For the Marist Red Foxes it was an exciting day of work as we moved into our new basketball facility and started the first day of official practice. From the first day of individual workouts our players have been working extremely hard and have built a team chemistry that was not present in years past. The players have challenged each other to be the best they can possibly be and they are holding each other accountable for they play. Leaders are emerging on the court as we make progressions with practice and our philosophy, defense is where we hang our hat as we embark on a season where we are known across the MAAC for our fearless defense and unmatched toughness.

Voices from around the NCAA....Darryl Bryant (WVU)

The first week of practice went real good. First was mountaineer madness which I 
thought was a great success because it was very interesting and we had a great 
fan base.Practice also been going very good we have a lot of freshmen but it's 
good as a captain to see them playing so hard. This will be a very interesting 
season because we are so young but with Kev Jones, Big Turk and I leading the way, I 
think we will do better than what's expected of us.

RJ Hall: Marist Men's Basketball Senior

My name is RJ Hall, and I am the only senior on the Marist Men's Basketball Team. Friday, October 14th was the first day of the new and my last basketball season. Out of all four of my years this has been the best opening weekend of practice. We have had many let downs in the past 2 seasons, but the dedication and positive attitude this team has so far can almost guarantee us a successful season already. Head Coach Chuck Martin is coaching his best as well as getting the best out of every single coach, manager, and player to make this a great year. Since this is my last year I am giving more of myself to my team to help as much as I can to make this year the best one yet.

First Year

My name is Jesse Martin and this is my first year on Marist Basketball team after first being at American University and sitting out last year due to transfer rules.  It has been a fulfilling experience so far and I am happy to be back participating on the court.  It was a challenge sitting out watching the team participate without me, but I made sure I stayed in shape and worked on my game until the time came for me to be eligible.  The practices so far have been tough but fulfilling.  I have had a fun learning the system and how they handle their practices.  I look forward to a compelling and successful season and I plan to help the team in anyway possible.

1st Weekend of Practice, 10/14/11-10/16/11

We had a great first day as colleges across the nation opened up their seasons.  We showed a lot promise as a collective group and we will grow together throughout the season.  We focused on defense for the most part because we will want to stop people from scoring to be successful during the season.  All in all it was a successful first practice and I am looking forward to our growth and maturity as we progress.