FW*TElegram Transfers give NT bounce

OldTimer · November 9, 2006

Transfers give UNT bounceBy TROY PHILLIPS

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

Kendrick Davis led UNT in scoring last season, but he says he'll be happy to share the scoring load if it means reaching the postseason.DENTON -- You don't have to look far to tell something about the North Texas men's basketball team is different from the previous five seasons.

It shows on a roster full of impact transfers, two of whom are ready to start when the season opens at 7 p.m. Friday at home against Cameron. It shows in the eyes of shooting guard and top scorer Kendrick Davis, last season's Sun Belt Conference's Newcomer of the Year.

"This team is good enough to win 20 games," Davis said. "That's our goal, and we know we're good enough to do it."

Davis, the former Arkansas Razorback who transferred to UNT two years ago, is back after averaging 16.8 points a game last season. In his first season at UNT, he scored in double figures in 24 of 28 games, led UNT in scoring 15 times, and scored 20 or more points 12 times.

Despite some late-season scoring help from guard Calvin Watson (17 points per game in the season's last seven games), Davis and the Mean Green needed help.

UNT (14-14 last season) went 2-8 in its last 10 games after what Davis described as a loss of physical and mental strength to end the season. UNT allowed 76.4 points per game in the last 10 after allowing 72.9 over the first 18.

"I don't know what it was, but it seemed like we just ran out of gas," he said.

If all goes as planned, physical strength won't be a problem for UNT, particularly inside. Former Arizona State center/forward Keith Wooden could be a force at 6-foot-9 and around 250 pounds.

Wooden, from Lawrence, Kan., wound up at UNT last season after being academically ineligible at ASU. In between, a planned transfer by Wooden to Wichita State was scuttled because of too much unfinished classwork.

Now, UNT is Wooden's last chance to make something of his college career. His new teammates and coach Johnny Jones give nothing but glowing reports about Wooden's work on and off the court.

"He's really given us something at both ends of the floor," Jones said. "He gives us that spark, that added dimension."

Said Davis: "Man, you should see this guy. He's going to be something else."

UNT shored up its backcourt with San Jacinto Junior College transfer Ben Bell, who takes over at point guard. As a bonus, junior guard Michael Sturns of North Crowley returned after being banished by Jones last February for "conduct detrimental to the program."

Sturns, one of UNT's most athletic players, can play either guard spot or move up to small forward. Sturns did some fence-mending with Jones and his teammates, vowing to change his life after the death of his grandmother, who had a long bout with cancer.

"We're glad he's back," Davis said. "He was always a good student, so that was never a concern. He's done everything he's been asked to do."

Former Crowley standout Harold Stewart, a sophomore, will start at small forward, but UNT has flexibility there with sophomore Harold Edwards and junior Quincy Williams.

IN THE KNOW

Three questions

1. Will the newcomers mesh? It's always a big "if" when transfers or other newcomers are counted on to contribute. Transfers Keith Wooden, Ben Bell and Jonathan Jackson, who has had injury troubles since his arrival, could help push UNT to coach Johnny Jones' best season.

2. How much must Kendrick Davis score? Davis said he would gladly give back a chunk of last season's 16.8 points per game if it meant making the postseason. If UNT is more balanced, he might get his wish.

3. Can UNT steal a quality nonconference win? With games at Charlotte, Nebraska and Rice, and a home date with Tulsa, a split wouldn't hurt. Right now, it's a long shot.

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Troy Phillips, 817-390-7760 tphillips@star-telegram.com