Seminoles D-livering
Back with a notebook that will run in Tuesday's S-R. I talked with FSU coach Leonard Hamilton and defensive whiz Chris Singleton today. The Seminoles are one of the top defensive teams in the country and we discuss that in the first item in my notebook.
I also touch on GU assistant coach Ray Giacoletti being on the short list for the head coaching opening at Hawaii. At first glance, he has the best resume and the most coaching experience of the names I've seen mentioned for the job. I also heard strong indications today that Gonzaga associate head coach Leon Rice and former Montana coach Larry Krystkowiak are on Boise State's list of candidates, but it sounds like the process is just beginning and Rice will be busy with GU's preparations the rest of the week. Stay tuned on that one.
Also, ex-Zag coach Dan Monson made an interesting NCAA Tournament champion prediction. And the winner is .... revealed below.
By
jimm@spokesman.com; (208) 765-7131
It doesn’t take long to realize
And he loves how they defend.
Since entering the profession in 1973,
“There’s not a lot of trick to it,”
“We have not been as consistent on the offensive end, but this is what we have to do in order to put ourselves in position to win.”
FSU generally plays man-to-man defense. The starting five consists of 6-foot-4 Derwin Kitchen and 6-5 Michael Snaer at the guards, 6-8 Ryan Reid and 6-9 Chris Singleton at forwards and 7-1 center Solomon Alabi. Reid is the only senior and Kitchen the lone junior in the rotation.
The team’s length and strength poses problems for opponents.
“We had good defensive teams when we didn’t have a lot of length, so I think it’s the system,”
Alabi has 74 blocked shots and Singleton has 71 steals. Both made the All-ACC defensive team with Singleton winning conference defensive player of the year honors.
“It wasn’t for me, it was for the team,” said Singleton, who sometimes plays at the point of the zone. “It was something we all worked hard for.”
With a rebounding edge of plus-5.5 per game, the Seminoles finish at the defensive end. Singleton and Alabi combine for 13.3 boards per game.
FSU struggles at the free-throw line (64.6 percent), but the biggest culprit has been turnovers (16.8 per game).
“We’ll play against people who pressure and we’ll turn it over three times,”
“Sometimes we play like a veteran team and sometimes we play like a team that has one junior and one senior.”
Sometimes they play well at both ends of the court.
“As long as our offense shows up, I think when we get rolling we can match up with anybody,” Singleton said.
Giacoletti on
Gonzaga assistant coach Ray Giacoletti is among the candidates for the head coaching opening at
Saint Mary’s assistant coach Kyle Smith reportedly interviewed for the job earlier this week.
No pressure or anything
In the Sporting News’ Selection Sunday preview, ex-Gonzaga coach Dan Monson had an interesting prediction for the 2010 NCAA champion: Gonzaga. He had the Zags joining
Said Monson: “People called it a rebuilding year, but Gonzaga plays their best when people underestimate them.”
Monson guided GU to the Elite Eight in 1999.