North Texas

[Censored by Laurie]

A season late, but Johnny Jones finally delivered on the promise he made when he took over the reigns of the Mean Green in 2001...a birth in the NCAA tournament. And it certainly didn't come easy as 2006-2007 proved to be an up and down, tumultuous season. The team started hot, winning 6 of their first seven games...the one loss came at the hands of a buzzer beater by UTA forward Jermaine Griffen. UNT then looked outclassed by a mediocre Nebraska team and lost a double overtime thriller in their conference opener with New Orleans and post season hopes seemed doubtful after an early January road trip to Arkansas (L 86-75 UALR, L 84-60 ASU). But the team found stride at the right time...in the SBC tournament...capped by a remarkable shooting performance by Calvin Watson (9-18, 6-7 3pt) against Arkansas State and a date with Memphis in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Three senior starters return from last years team, and add what many experts are calling Johnny Jones' best recruiting class, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism for the 2007-2008 season.

Projected Starters

• PG. Ben Bell 6'3" 185 Sr.
• SG. Collin Dennis 6'2" 185 Jr.
• SF. Tristan Thompson 6'5" 185 Fr.
• PF. Quincy Williams 6'8" 225 Sr.
• C. Keith Wooden 6'9" 245 Sr.

Frontcourt: UNT will boast what few in the Sun Belt can...a talented, deep and experienced frontcourt. UNT returns their top three rebounders from a team that out-boarded their Sun Belt opponents by nearly 200 total rebounds. Quincy Williams (6'8" 225 Sr.) has improved every season in Denton and is poised for a strong senior campaign. 2006-2007 was a breakout year for Williams, more than doubling his career scoring output (10.5 ppg), leading the team in rebounding (7.1), double doubles (8) and blocks (35). A 12 and 12 season is not out of the question for Williams if he can stay out of foul trouble, however this was an issue for Williams, fouling out four times last season and reaching 4 nine other games. Keith Wooden (6'9" 245 Sr.) delivered arguably his best game on UNT's biggest stage last season with a 16 point performance against Memphis. Consistency was an issue however as Wooden fought injuries and weight issues throughout the year. Wooden under-delivered (9.0ppg, 5.5rpg) on some high expectations after transferring from Arizona State, and will be looking to make a statement his senior season. Wooden was a solid compliment to Williams in the post last season; 26 of 34 games at least one reached double figures, however only seven times did they manage to do it together. The post should be more of a scoring focus this season, and Williams and Wooden should put together more double figure games and will form the most formidable frontcourt duo in the Sun Belt. Harold Stewart (6'8" 195 Jr.) should once again be the first big man off the bench again this season. Stewart was steady (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) in a reserve role and probably won't see any significant jump in minutes or production with Williams and Wooden in front of him, but his energy will once again be key for 18-20 minutes per game. Stewart's numbers also may stall out with the hopeful continued development of Justin Howerton (6'10" 240 Jr.) Howerton will be the only true post available to Jones off the bench, and many big men figure things out in their junior season (see Quincy Williams). Statistically, Howerton didn't do much (1.8ppg, 1.3rpg)...and while his line in the Memphis game is no more impressive (2pts, 1 rbs)...his 11 minutes of defensive presence were key to keeping the game close and he demonstrated a level of basketball competency that will hopefully carry over into his junior year. Kendrick Hogans (6'7" 195 Fr.) was signed late by Johnny Jones and was the second Louisiana All-State player to ink with the Mean Green this class. Hogans is an athletic and active forward, yet with limited range and undersized for the four (think Harold Stewart or Harold Edwards), but with a corps of experienced front court players in front of him he should be given a year to develop and will provide depth off the bench.

Backcourt: Four key members of last years SBC championship team are gone, all of them in the backcourt, including the top 3 scorers. Calvin Watson (15.8ppg), Kendrick Davis (13.2ppg), Michael Sturns (12.4ppg) and Rich Young (5.9ppg) are gone. Yet there is anything but doom and gloom in the Mean Green backcourt. Ben Bell (6'3" 185 Sr.) returns to run the show at the point for his second season in Denton. Bell was steady last year in filling the shoes of the very popular Isaac Hines. Bell was primarily a fifth scoring option when he was on the floor, and embraced the role of the pass first point guard by dealing out a team leading 100 assists to 68 turnovers. But it would be Bell's scoring in the SBC tourney which would endear him with North Texas fans, averaging 12.5 points in the four tourney games, including back-to-back career highs of 15 against ULM and MTSU. If Bell has a hole, it is at the line, shooting just 59% from the charity stripe. All the other guards contributing this season saw no action on last season's squad. Collin Dennis (6'2" 185 Jr.) made the trip to New Orleans, but had to sit out all last year due to NCAA transfer rules, and is the most likely candidate to start at the two. Dennis is a product of Richland High School who began his collegiate career at South Florida. He was an immediate impact player as a freshman for the Bulls (6.6 ppg, 25 point career high vs. UAB) and was ready for a breakout season as a sophomore before an Achilles injury limited him to just 16 games and 4.4 points per game. Dennis is a streaky outside shooter who never found his touch after his injury (7-27 3pt. 26% in 2005), but UNT will bank on him to fill much of the backcourt scoring void. Dez Willingham (6'0" 180 Sr.) is the latest addition to the Mean Green roster and should ease the burden heaped on both Bell and Dennis. Willingham is a lightning quick combo guard who will be joining his third school in the fall...he originally signed with Kansas State out of high school, listed as a four star rival recruit, but transferred after a season to SMU, played two season and will make his way to Denton courtesy of a NCAA transfer loophole. Willingham hasn't lived up to his hype, and can be just as streaky a scorer as Dennis, but the benefit of adding a senior to the backcourt while some kids develop can not be overstated...and will give Johnny Jones versatile line-up options. Two highly touted freshmen will join the team this year and be expected to contribute immediately. Tristan Thompson (6'5" 185 Fr.) has the inside track to start at the three. Thompson prepped last season at Brewster Academy in Maine after leading Angleton High School to their first trip to the State Tournament. Thompson has the size to be a significant impact player on the wing, and how quickly he is able to adapt to the college game will be a key measuring stick for UNT's success this season. Josh White (5'10 167 Fr.) will have the luxury of three upperclassmen ahead of him and a slower learning curve, but still much is expected from the All State Louisiana point guard. If White is ready for the college game, Willingham and Dennis will be able to focus on scoring while White backs up Bell at the point. White is the point guard of the future, the first who will have the chance to contribute four seasons since Jerome Rodgers, but Jones has the ability to bring him along at a slower pace than Thompson. Filling the role behind Thompson will be Mesa C.C. transfer Adam McCoy (6'4" 190 Jr.). McCoy is an uber-athlete (42'' vertical) who can also knock down the outside shot with consistency (48.7%) and will be valuable in the role of sixth man for the Mean Green at both the two and three spots. Collin Mangrum (6'4" 185 Soph.) will sit this season as a medical redshirt after numerous off-season surgeries, and Coby Ray (6'1" 190 Sr) will once again join the team as a walk on and maybe see some minutes this year.

Overall: UNT will put out the best frontline in the Sun Belt...and on paper at least, it will be complimented by a comparable backcourt...but there are many questions that nee to be answered before a return NCAA trip ticket can be punched. Backcourt continuity and shot selection; there is no star in the backcourt so striking a balance between scorers will be a key responsibility that will fall to Ben Bell to improve upon both his scoring (7.4ppg) and his assist (3.0apg) totals. Johnny Jones must reinforce team goals over individual accolades...it is doubtful that anybody on this squad will put up more than 12-15 points per game, yet 6 or 7 are capable of double figures so keeping everybody happy and the team winning will be a delicate task. The frontcourt is set, and this team should once again lead the conference in rebounding, and the inside game should open up outside scoring from the newcomers. I picked ULM to win the West, and I'm sticking to it...just too many questions in the backcourt in a guard dominated league, but this year could be similar to last if the team gels late and makes a strong tourney push.

[UNT_92_Fan]

you act like you know north tx

[risinggreen]

A season late, but Johnny Jones finally delivered on the promise he made when he took over the reigns of the Mean Green in 2001...a birth in the NCAA tournament. And it certainly didn't come easy as 2006-2007 proved to be an up and down, tumultuous season. The team started hot, winning 6 of their first seven games...the one loss came at the hands of a buzzer beater by UTA forward Jermaine Griffen. UNT then looked outclassed by a mediocre Nebraska team and lost a double overtime thriller in their conference opener with New Orleans and post season hopes seemed doubtful after an early January road trip to Arkansas (L 86-75 UALR, L 84-60 ASU). But the team found stride at the right time...in the SBC tournament...capped by a remarkable shooting performance by Calvin Watson (9-18, 6-7 3pt) against Arkansas State and a date with Memphis in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Three senior starters return from last years team, and add what many experts are calling Johnny Jones' best recruiting class, and there are plenty of reasons for optimism for the 2007-2008 season.

Projected Starters

• PG. Ben Bell 6'3" 185 Sr.
• SG. Collin Dennis 6'2" 185 Jr.
• SF. Tristan Thompson 6'5" 185 Fr.
• PF. Quincy Williams 6'8" 225 Sr.
• C. Keith Wooden 6'9" 245 Sr.

Frontcourt: UNT will boast what few in the Sun Belt can...a talented, deep and experienced frontcourt. UNT returns their top three rebounders from a team that out-boarded their Sun Belt opponents by nearly 200 total rebounds. Quincy Williams (6'8" 225 Sr.) has improved every season in Denton and is poised for a strong senior campaign. 2006-2007 was a breakout year for Williams, more than doubling his career scoring output (10.5 ppg), leading the team in rebounding (7.1), double doubles (8) and blocks (35). A 12 and 12 season is not out of the question for Williams if he can stay out of foul trouble, however this was an issue for Williams, fouling out four times last season and reaching 4 nine other games. Keith Wooden (6'9" 245 Sr.) delivered arguably his best game on UNT's biggest stage last season with a 16 point performance against Memphis. Consistency was an issue however as Wooden fought injuries and weight issues throughout the year. Wooden under-delivered (9.0ppg, 5.5rpg) on some high expectations after transferring from Arizona State, and will be looking to make a statement his senior season. Wooden was a solid compliment to Williams in the post last season; 26 of 34 games at least one reached double figures, however only seven times did they manage to do it together. The post should be more of a scoring focus this season, and Williams and Wooden should put together more double figure games and will form the most formidable frontcourt duo in the Sun Belt. Harold Stewart (6'8" 195 Jr.) should once again be the first big man off the bench again this season. Stewart was steady (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg) in a reserve role and probably won't see any significant jump in minutes or production with Williams and Wooden in front of him, but his energy will once again be key for 18-20 minutes per game. Stewart's numbers also may stall out with the hopeful continued development of Justin Howerton (6'10" 240 Jr.) Howerton will be the only true post available to Jones off the bench, and many big men figure things out in their junior season (see Quincy Williams). Statistically, Howerton didn't do much (1.8ppg, 1.3rpg)...and while his line in the Memphis game is no more impressive (2pts, 1 rbs)...his 11 minutes of defensive presence were key to keeping the game close and he demonstrated a level of basketball competency that will hopefully carry over into his junior year. Kendrick Hogans (6'7" 195 Fr.) was signed late by Johnny Jones and was the second Louisiana All-State player to ink with the Mean Green this class. Hogans is an athletic and active forward, yet with limited range and undersized for the four (think Harold Stewart or Harold Edwards), but with a corps of experienced front court players in front of him he should be given a year to develop and will provide depth off the bench.

Backcourt: Four key members of last years SBC championship team are gone, all of them in the backcourt, including the top 3 scorers. Calvin Watson (15.8ppg), Kendrick Davis (13.2ppg), Michael Sturns (12.4ppg) and Rich Young (5.9ppg) are gone. Yet there is anything but doom and gloom in the Mean Green backcourt. Ben Bell (6'3" 185 Sr.) returns to run the show at the point for his second season in Denton. Bell was steady last year in filling the shoes of the very popular Isaac Hines. Bell was primarily a fifth scoring option when he was on the floor, and embraced the role of the pass first point guard by dealing out a team leading 100 assists to 68 turnovers. But it would be Bell's scoring in the SBC tourney which would endear him with North Texas fans, averaging 12.5 points in the four tourney games, including back-to-back career highs of 15 against ULM and MTSU. If Bell has a hole, it is at the line, shooting just 59% from the charity stripe. All the other guards contributing this season saw no action on last season's squad. Collin Dennis (6'2" 185 Jr.) made the trip to New Orleans, but had to sit out all last year due to NCAA transfer rules, and is the most likely candidate to start at the two. Dennis is a product of Richland High School who began his collegiate career at South Florida. He was an immediate impact player as a freshman for the Bulls (6.6 ppg, 25 point career high vs. UAB) and was ready for a breakout season as a sophomore before an Achilles injury limited him to just 16 games and 4.4 points per game. Dennis is a streaky outside shooter who never found his touch after his injury (7-27 3pt. 26% in 2005), but UNT will bank on him to fill much of the backcourt scoring void. Dez Willingham (6'0" 180 Sr.) is the latest addition to the Mean Green roster and should ease the burden heaped on both Bell and Dennis. Willingham is a lightning quick combo guard who will be joining his third school in the fall...he originally signed with Kansas State out of high school, listed as a four star rival recruit, but transferred after a season to SMU, played two season and will make his way to Denton courtesy of a NCAA transfer loophole. Willingham hasn't lived up to his hype, and can be just as streaky a scorer as Dennis, but the benefit of adding a senior to the backcourt while some kids develop can not be overstated...and will give Johnny Jones versatile line-up options. Two highly touted freshmen will join the team this year and be expected to contribute immediately. Tristan Thompson (6'5" 185 Fr.) has the inside track to start at the three. Thompson prepped last season at Brewster Academy in Maine after leading Angleton High School to their first trip to the State Tournament. Thompson has the size to be a significant impact player on the wing, and how quickly he is able to adapt to the college game will be a key measuring stick for UNT's success this season. Josh White (5'10 167 Fr.) will have the luxury of three upperclassmen ahead of him and a slower learning curve, but still much is expected from the All State Louisiana point guard. If White is ready for the college game, Willingham and Dennis will be able to focus on scoring while White backs up Bell at the point. White is the point guard of the future, the first who will have the chance to contribute four seasons since Jerome Rodgers, but Jones has the ability to bring him along at a slower pace than Thompson. Filling the role behind Thompson will be Mesa C.C. transfer Adam McCoy (6'4" 190 Jr.). McCoy is an uber-athlete (42'' vertical) who can also knock down the outside shot with consistency (48.7%) and will be valuable in the role of sixth man for the Mean Green at both the two and three spots. Collin Mangrum (6'4" 185 Soph.) will sit this season as a medical redshirt after numerous off-season surgeries, and Coby Ray (6'1" 190 Sr) will once again join the team as a walk on and maybe see some minutes this year.

Overall: UNT will put out the best frontline in the Sun Belt...and on paper at least, it will be complimented by a comparable backcourt...but there are many questions that nee to be answered before a return NCAA trip ticket can be punched. Backcourt continuity and shot selection; there is no star in the backcourt so striking a balance between scorers will be a key responsibility that will fall to Ben Bell to improve upon both his scoring (7.4ppg) and his assist (3.0apg) totals. Johnny Jones must reinforce team goals over individual accolades...it is doubtful that anybody on this squad will put up more than 12-15 points per game, yet 6 or 7 are capable of double figures so keeping everybody happy and the team winning will be a delicate task. The frontcourt is set, and this team should once again lead the conference in rebounding, and the inside game should open up outside scoring from the newcomers. I picked ULM to win the West, and I'm sticking to it...just too many questions in the backcourt in a guard dominated league, but this year could be similar to last if the team gels late and makes a strong tourney push.

Nice analysis, but I am still hopeful that Dennis can soon develop into a true "go to guy" from the SG position. I saw him play in high school a couple of times and was very impressed with his ability to put the ball in the hole.

[Green Lantern]

What kind of a FT shooter is Dennis? Bell is pretty terrible from the stripe, and I'd really like to have a guy who could conceivably handle the ball at the end of tight games and hit tough free throws when put on the spot.

I've always felt that if our FT shooting could match our teams athleticism, we could really be something special.

[GreenBat]

I've always felt that if our FT shooting could match our teams athleticism, we could really be something special.

If this had ever been the case, we would have many more NCAA appearances. Free Throw shooting is just about practice. Nothing Else. It is a wide open shot. It is inexcuseable not to shoot at least 75 percent from the line.

[Green Lantern]

If this had ever been the case, we would have many more NCAA appearances. Free Throw shooting is just about practice. Nothing Else. It is a wide open shot. It is inexcuseable not to shoot at least 75 percent from the line.

I agree with this, but it seems like players these days are not nearly as focused on fundamentals (I know that's a general assessment, it's just how I feel watching a lot of todays players). If under 75% at the line is inexcusable, then many that have suited up for the Mean Green in recent years have been inexcusable free throw shooters. BTW, I'm not disagreeing with your assessment.

[GreenBat]

If under 75% at the line is inexcusable, then many that have suited up for the Mean Green in recent years have been inexcusable free throw shooters.

I completely agree. Poor FT shooting comes from not caring enough to be good. All it takes is practice.

[foutsrouts]

What kind of a FT shooter is Dennis? Bell is pretty terrible from the stripe, and I'd really like to have a guy who could conceivably handle the ball at the end of tight games and hit tough free throws when put on the spot.

I've always felt that if our FT shooting could match our teams athleticism, we could really be something special.

I'm don't know exactly what Dennis' free throw numbers were in high school, but I do know that he is a very good free throw shooter. There's definitely reason for optimism in that area this year as Willingham shot 83% at smu last year, McCoy shot 84% at Mesa CC last year, and Thompson averaged 80% from the line his senior year in high school. I just hope that Bell has worked really hard since last season at improving his game from the line. We need to hit those one and ones down the stretch this year.

[Green Lantern]

I'm don't know exactly what Dennis' free throw numbers were in high school, but I do know that he is a very good free throw shooter. There's definitely reason for optimism in that area this year as Willingham shot 83% at smu last year, McCoy shot 84% at Mesa CC last year, and Thompson averaged 80% from the line his senior year in high school. I just hope that Bell has worked really hard since last season at improving his game from the line. We need to hit those one and ones down the stretch this year.

Thanks for the info. That is certainly encouraging to hear.

[untgeorge]

This is a team which could go either way. The team lost 8 conf games and then lost its best players: KD and CWat. It's big guys (including Howerton) have been foul prone and we didn't recruit a backup. During the conf tournament Howerton didn't look ready to assume a bigger role. We have some potential in the recruiting class but a lot of people have to come thru to replace KD and CWat.

One positive is that Ben Bell substantially raised his game in the Belt tournament; hopefully that will carry thru. CWat was surely the tourney's Most Outstanding Player, Bell may well have been is most valuable. He dominated the ULM guards on a day when KD and Sturns combined for something like 0-25 from the field (I don't have the exact #s) and his steal at the end of regulation kept ULM from having a last shot at us. He continued his improved play the next two games. Another potentially bigger positive is that the team improved its defensive play late in the season. UNT has been a poor defensive team for some time but turned it up late. That trend HAS to carry through.

This could be a very good team, or it may not. That is what the season is for, isn't it.

Great write-ups, CbL. I love talking basketball this time of year.

[Cooley]

Great job CBL!

Thanks

[untgeorge]

Great job CBL!

Thanks

Should be pinned.

[NCMeanGreen]

I completely agree. Poor FT shooting comes from not caring enough to be good. All it takes is practice.

Not to be rude...but can you qualify your statement please. For instance, how many college basketball games have you played in? NCAA Tournament games?

Do you think it might be a little different playing in a college basketball atmosphere as compared to one's own driveway? Think the noise, pressure, intensity, adrenaline rush, etc. might be a little higher?

Again, not to be rude...just think most of us, and I am not saying you personally, do not really have any basis to talk.

[GreenBat]

Not to be rude...but can you qualify your statement please. For instance, how many college basketball games have you played in? NCAA Tournament games?

Do you think it might be a little different playing in a college basketball atmosphere as compared to one's own driveway? Think the noise, pressure, intensity, adrenaline rush, etc. might be a little higher?

Again, not to be rude...just think most of us, and I am not saying you personally, do not really have any basis to talk.

Not rude. I have never played basketball at the college level. But I have covered HS, college and pro basketball as a sportswriter for the previous 20+ years. I know of at least three former college players who shot 1,000 FT a day during the off season. They were all at least 90 percent FT shooters during their college career.

I have been to more basketball practices, not Johnny Jones basketball practices, than most players who have attended college for 4 years.

I hope that answers the question to your satisfaction.

Brett Tulloss

[Green Lantern]

Not rude. I have never played basketball at the college level. But I have covered HS, college and pro basketball as a sportswriter for the previous 20+ years. I know of at least three former college players who shot 1,000 FT a day during the off season. They were all at least 90 percent FT shooters during their college career.

I have been to more basketball practices, not Johnny Jones basketball practices, than most players who have attended college for 4 years.

I hope that answers the question to your satisfaction.

Brett Tulloss

GreenBat,

To add onto your analysis of the situation, I have been to many JJ practices. I can tell you with a great deal of certainty that FT shooting is not a highly featured part of regular practices. I have rarely seen "consequence" FT's (meaning that you have to hit a certain percentage of your FT's or you run suicides/lane slides/stairs/extend practice ect). This is a common technique to create "pressure" situations and make your FT's mean something when you are practicing.

That's not to say that they don't shoot FT's during practice, just that it never really seemed to be a major focus. With us being a traditionally poor FT shooting team, I was always disappointed to never see much changed in practice to correct this. Poor FT shooting has contributed to many close Mean Green losses over the last few years.

Certainly, there is no way to create true "big game" FT situations in practice, but consistent practice at FT shooting can improve any player from the line. It is all mechanics/repetition. The more often you do it, the better you become.

[chrisfisher]

Not to excuse our poor free show shooting, but an announcer from the Memphis/UNT game last year made an interesting comment. He said that many "run and gun" team likes UNT , Memphis, etc. typically have poor free throw shooting. He went on to say that the players play the game at light speed, and then all of a sudden it comes to a complete halt for a free throw shot, which equates to a duck out of water. Makes sense to me.

However, I still think players need to practice free throws every day for extended periods given our poor history in this area. Hopefully the new recruits will raise the bar in this area. If they hit 80% or more free throws, they will force veteran players to step it up else potentially lose their spot to the new guy.

[Guest GrayEagleOne]

What kind of a FT shooter is Dennis? Bell is pretty terrible from the stripe, and I'd really like to have a guy who could conceivably handle the ball at the end of tight games and hit tough free throws when put on the spot.

I've always felt that if our FT shooting could match our teams athleticism, we could really be something special.

Dennis shot 79% from the free throw line his last year at South Florida.

[Green Lantern]

Just bumping this again. This needs to be pinned.