SEMIFINALS


UCF
Key Players 

• BJ Taylor
  • A strong and physical scoring point guard.   2^nd team all conference.
  • At 17 points per game, Taylor can beat you in a variety of ways.  Catch and shoot, step back 3-ball, attacks the rim like a freight train.  He’s the next best 1on1 player after Jalen Adams. 

 

• Matt Williams
  • The dude can shoot…
  • All time single season 3-point record holder at UCF and American conference.  Hit 11 3-pointers (record) in one game… 11!  Sixth in the nation in 3-point makes per game. 
  • The dude can shoot.

Intangibles
-It’s all about physical halfcourt defense for the Knights.  Ranked #1 nationally in FG percentage defense and #5 in the nation in scoring defense.
-So much of what makes American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Tacko Fall, special doesn’t show up in the stat sheet.  He will alter at least 10 shots per game. 

SMU 
Key Players

• Semi Ojeleye
  • The best player on the best team in the American Conference… well deserved Player of the Year accolades.
  • Can score (in a variety of ways), rebound, and defend.  WILL be making a lot of money at the next level someday.
• Shake Milton
  • Milton can flat out shoot the rock.  Defenses are constantly worried about Milton’s ability to get hot beyond the arc. 
  • Oh, by the way, he gets about 5 assists per game.   Steady…. Efficient… fun to watch.

Intangibles
-The Mustangs are ranked 1^st in the American conference in 6 major statistical categories.  Trust the system.
-The Mustangs play without a true point guard or a true center.  In most scenarios they use a style called position-less basketball.  Can switch 5 on defense and all five players can handle the rock in the halfcourt.  That system makes it almost impossible to scout against.



UConn
Key Players 

• Jalen Adams
  • 1^st team all conference guard. 
  • Probably the best big shot maker (and taker) in the American conference.   If I need a shot to win it, I don’t think twice, I want the ball in Adams’ hands.   Unstoppable in a 1on1 scenario.

 

• Rodney Purvis
  • A knock down dagger in your heart shooter.  Seems to always make and take the big shots along with Adams.  Emotional leader.
  • Confident guard who can fill it up.  Logs heavy minutes for the Huskies at almost 37 per game.

Intangibles
-It’s March.  The national month of the UConn Huskies.
-Fought severe injuries and some chemistry issues all year.  Huskies now playing the right way at the right now.  Key word… poise.
-Potential X-factor for UConn = freshman Vance Jackson.  A member of the All Rookie team.  Jackson is a mismatch nightmare and can guard multiple positions.

Cincinnati
Key Players

• Troy Caupain
  • The leader, the point guard, the legend.  On of the all time great players in Cincinnati Bearcat history.   2^nd team all conference.
  • 142 assists to ONLY 37 turnovers.  That’s a 4-1 ration my friends… big time!

 

• Kyle Washington
  • 2^nd team all conference.  A serious inside/out scoring threat!
  • When he doesn’t force shots, Washington plays like an all-American.  Mismatch nightmare for opponents.   Dominant with the left hand

Intangibles
-The Bearcats DO NOT turn the ball over.  #11 in the nation in turnovers per game (10).
-Defense, defense, defense.  Cincy is ranked in the top 15 in the nation in 3 major defensive statistical categories. 
-Thanks to the addition of Washington, the Bearcats are much more efficient offensively this year.  Regularly scoring in the 80s.  

QUARTERFINALS


EAST CAROLINA
Key Players 

• Kentrell Barkley
  • Lefty scorer had 26 points and 16 rebounds (that’s called a grown man’s game folks) in opening round win vs Temple.

 

• Andre Washington
  • #5 shot blocker in the country! 
  • ECU needs to go inside to the 7’1” center early in the shot clock.   He can be a unstoppable force in the paint.

Winning Formula
-It’s all about getting SMU into foul trouble.  The Mustangs only play 6 guys on average. 
-Going inside to Washington and forcing a double team or a foul will really open things up offensively for the Pirates.  

SMU 
Key Players

• Semi Ojeleye
  • The best player on the best team in the American Conference.  Likely American POY.
  • Can score (in a variety of ways), rebound, and defend.  WILL be making a lot of money at the next level someday.
• Shake Milton
  • Milton can flat out shoot the rock.  Defenses are constantly worried about Milton’s ability to get hot beyond the arc. 
  • Oh, by the way, he gets about 5 assists per game.   Steady…. Efficient… fun to watch.

Winning Formula
-If it ain’t broke… don’t fix it!  Staying true to who you are is so important come tournament time.  The Mustangs are ranked 1^st in the American conference in 6 major statistical categories.  Trust the system.
-One thing offensively that could really open up continuity vs the Pirates is spacing.  If SMU can force the bigger frontcourt of ECU away from the paint that could open up plenty of mismatch ISO opportunities in the offense.



MEMPHIS
Key Players 

• Dedric Lawson
  • A next level unstoppable force.   36 career double-doubles.  The next closest active American Conference player has only 15. 
  • Lawson has over 1,000 points in his career and he’s only a sophomore.   He is the quickest to 1,000 in the American’s history.  Lawson is an NBA prospect.

 

• Markel Crawford
  • Athletic wing at about 13 points per game. 
  • When Crawford scores in double figures the Tigers are 15-7.  When Crawford scores double figures along Lawson they become one of the most dangerous duos in the conference.

Winning Formula
-Be ready for zone offense.  The Knights are not deep and have been relying on a 2-3 zone to preserve fouls and depth.
-Every single Tiger needs to be ready to shoot when open.  Clear/open jump shots won’t come easy.  Knights lead the nation in field goal percentage defense.   Defense needs to create offense.   Makes the Knights run! 

UCF
Key Players

• BJ Taylor
  • A strong and physical scoring point guard. 
  • At 17 points per game, Taylor can beat you in a variety of ways.  Catch and shoot, step back 3-ball, attacks the rim like a freight train.  He’s the next best 1on1 player after Jalen Adams. 

 

• Matt Williams
  • The dude can shoot…
  • All time single season 3-point record holder at UCF and American conference.  Hit 11 3-pointers (record) in one game… 11!  Sixth in the nation in 3-point makes per game. 
  • The dude can shoot.

Winning Formula
-Taylor will get his points regardless of the opponent.  But, the Knights play there best ball when they go inside to 7’6” center Tacko Fall early in a possession.  It opens everything up.
-Stay out of foul trouble.  The Knights only have 6 scholarship players.  Sound zone defense and limiting turnovers will preserve wind and health.  



TULSA
Key Players 

• Pat Birt
  • The senior guard is a steady force in the back court for the Golden Hurricane.
  • Had 15 points in a hard fought opening round win against Tulane.

 

• Sterling Taplin
  • 10 points and 4 assists in win over Tulane.  He is the engine that makes Tulsa go.  When he limits his turnovers he is an outstanding point guard.

Winning Formula

• Attack the rim!  Work the shot clock and get to the free throw line.  Cincy can guard but they aren’t incredibly deep… especially with their frontcourt.
• Take care of the basketball.  Valuing each possession and not turning the ball over will keep the game close… which is what you want.  Win the turnover battle and be ready to knock down free throws late in the game.

CINCINNATI
Key Players

• Tory Caupain
  • The leader, the point guard, the legend.  On of the all time great players in Cincinnati Bearcat history.
  • 142 assists to ONLY 37 turnovers.  That’s a 4-1 ration my friends… big time!
• Kyle Washington
  • The NC State transfer has been a welcome addition.   A serious inside/out scoring threat. 
  • When he doesn’t force shots, Washington plays like an all-American.  Mismatch nightmare for opponents.  

Winning Formula
-Be prepared to guard for the entirety of the shot clock.  Tulsa loves to drive and attack late in the shot clock.  Unless they have a wide open jumpshot, Tulsa will be patient and take their time each possession.
-Stay out of foul trouble.  Statistically, the Golden Hurricane are the best free throw shooting team in the conference.  Can’t let them off the hook by bail out fouls. 




UCONN
Key Players 

• Jalen Adams
  • 1^st team all conference guard. 
  • Probably the best big shot maker (and taker) in the American conference.   If I need a shot to win it, I don’t think twice, I want the ball in Adams’ hands.   Unstoppable in a 1on1 scenario.

 

• Rodney Purvis
  • Coming off a career high 30 points in lasts nights win over USF Bulls.  Emotional leader.
  • Confident guard who can fill it up.  Logs heavy minutes for the Huskies at almost 37 per game. 

Winning Formula
-Maintain poise and composure.  Houston is team that does not make mistakes (#4 in nation is turnovers at only 10 per game) and they will go on runs offensively.  Weather that storm.
-Guard the 3-point line.  The Cougars have at least 3 players who are deadly from the 3-point line.   Must be there on the catch!

HOUSTON
Key Players

• Rob Gray Jr.
  • The best scorer in the conference!  Over 20 points per game. 
  • Gray can get to the rim in transition, pull up from mid-range, and knock down a deep 3-ball.   His basketball IQ is off the charts.
• Damyean Dotson
  • If it weren’t for Matt Williams at UCF, Dotson would be considered the best shooter in the conference by a landslide. 
  • Dotson shoots 44% from 3-point range!!  It’s incredible because he’s attempted 231!   Also, a severely underrated rebounder (7rpg).

Winning Formula
-Make someone other than Rodney Purvis and Jalen Adams beat you.   The Huskies lack a real 3^rd option scorer.
-Don’t’ be afraid to work some shot clock in a possession.  UConn is very quick and athletic but they have a tendency to breakdown late in the shot clock.

FIRST ROUND


EAST CAROLINA
Key Players 

• Caleb White
  • A true scorer.  White is one of 5 players in the history of ECU basketball to record at least 1,500 points in his career. White is always looking for his 3-point shot… and he can be a nightmare for teams if he hits his first couple shots form behind the arc.


• Andre Washington
  • Leads The American in blocks. A beast on both ends of the floor. Washington tries to own the paint each game so much so that he hasn’t even attempted one 3-point shot in conference play. 

Winning Formula
-Go inside early!  With a clear frontcourt size advantage, going inside early in a possession will force the Owl defense to collapse. 
-Own the glass!  Own it
-Always shade to Shizz Alston’s side of the floor.  The Owls go as Alston goes.  Be ready for those wing ball screens!

TEMPLE
Key Players

• Shizz Alston, Jr.
  • A freshman point guard who plays like a grizzled veteran. Want to know why?  Alston leads the Owls in points per game, assists per game, and minutes played. Future star!


• Daniel Dingle
  • A senior who is a light’s out 3-point shooter (40% from deep). However, Dingle is more than just a shooter, he’s also the Owl’s second leading assist man and rebounder.  An “X-factor” for this Temple team.

Winning Formula
-Perimeter Confidence! ECU is the one of the best shot blocking teams in the country. Easy layups will be hard to come by.  When on open outside presents itself you must have confidence to knock it down!
-Find shots for Dingle. When Dingle is hitting 3-point bombs it really opens up the Owls halfcourt offense. 
-All 5 players must box out!  Size advantage goes to the Pirates. Can’t take anything for granted when a shot goes up.



TULANE
Key Players

• Cameron Reynolds
  • Big time scorer and 3-point shooter! Lefty!
  • Mismatch nightmare for teams. Can go off for 30 any time he steps on floor.
  • Most improved player from last year and it’s not even close. Playing like an all-conference type player.


• Melvin Frazier
  • Athlete! Crazy bounce when attacking the rim. 
  • Sophmore wing who get about 12 points per game will only get better under the tutelage of head coach Mike Dunleavy.

Winning Formula
-Get Reynolds going early. When he has a big game the Green Wave can play with anyone in the conference.
-Pressure Tulsa’s perimeter. Tulane scored 26 points off Tulsa’s 18 turnovers. It’s all about capitalizing on  mistakes and getting easy buckets in conference tournaments. 

TULSA
Key Players

• Junior Etou
  • A strong and imposing post player for the Golden Hurricane. 
  • Plays insanely hard.  He WANTS to dunk on you… believe me.
  • About 13 points per game and 7 rebounds per game.  Etou loves to mix it up!


• Sterling Taplin
  • Most people close to the program feel that Taplin is engine that makes this young Tulsa team run.  When Taplin plays well so does Tulsa. 
  • Very steady and effective sophomore point guard.

Winning Formula
-Avoid big runs.  In their last meeting against Tulane the Golden Hurricane gave up multiple double-digit runs. 
-Guard the 3-point line every possession!  Last time out the Green Wave hit 11 3-point shots that ignited a double digit lead. 
-Lock in on Cameron Reynolds.   



USF
Key Players

• Geno Thorpe
  • Penn State transfer who is one of the better playmaking guards in the conference. 
  • Can score, pass, and defend.  15 points per game, 5 assists per game, and 2 steals per game.   That’s a normal game for Thorpe.


• Tulio Da Silva
  • Da Silva is going to be really really good.  Just a freshman but has show flashes of brilliance. 
  • Double-double threat each game. 
  • Freak athlete.  Trust me, you want to see what he can do in transition.

Winning Formula
-It’s a tall task but if you can hold Adams and Purvis under double-digits scoring the Bulls will have a real chance.
-Find the shooters in the zone.  The Huskies have plenty of threats from beyond the arc.  If the Bulls can key in on the dynamic UConn guards and then rebound out of the zone they will have plenty of opportunities to get easy buckets in transition.

UCONN
Key Players

• Jalen Adams
  • 1^st team all-conference guard. 
  • Probably the best big shot maker (and taker) in the American conference.   If I need a shot to win it, I don’t think twice, I want the ball in Adams’ hands.   You just can’t guard him on a 1on1 scenario.


• Rodney Purvis
  • Senior leader.  Emotional leader.
  • Confident guard who can fill it up.  Logs heavy minutes for the Huskies at almost 37 per game.

Winning Formula
-Run!  Transition defense is not the Bull’s strong suit.
-Be prepared for your zone offense.  Under interim head coach Murry Bartow the Bulls defense has been much better due to the implementation of a 2-3 zone defense.