Green Bay Phoenix 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Post Season

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Green Bay Phoenix

Horizon League (21-12, 11-7)

Big Wins: 11/15 Kent State (87-86), 12/9 Wisconsin (88-84), 2/20 Indiana State (60-59)

Bad Losses: 1/22 at Cleveland State (50-64), 1/31 Valparaiso (79-84), 2/25 at Illinois Chicago (71-78)

Coach: Tod Kowalczyk

Why They Can Surprise:

Led by a veteran group of guards, Green Bay has turned into a dangerous shooting team. And, as is often the case, this is a team that can win games as long as the outside shot is falling. Troy Cotton is the most prolific shooter of the bunch and knocks down nearly three long balls per contest. He will not attack the basket or even set up his teammates too often, but he is certainly a great shooter. Rahmon Fletcher is more than just a shooter. He is the team’s most dynamic scorer and leads the way with 16.1 points per game. Fletcher has also emerged as a leader and is one of the best defenders in the Horizon League.

Bryquis Perine is a capable shooter as well, but he has been very streaky this season. When his shot is falling, Perine can put up big numbers. Yet, he can just as easily fail to do much of anything and Green Bay needs him to be productive. At 6-3 Perine has the size to attack the basket when his shot is not falling and he does do that quite a bit, but there are still some games when he seems to just disappear. Seth Evans is the shooter off the bench. The freshman does not do much but shoot three-pointers, but he can provide a quick spark.

Why They Can Disappoint:

Over the last five years Randy Berry has continued to improve and has become a great forward. At 6-9 and 225 pounds he has the size to battle in the paint and he is not afraid to mix it up with anybody. He is not the best interior scorer in the Horizon League, but he is certainly capable and at least forces the opposition to keep a close eye on him. Berry’s best asset is his rebounding and that is where the Phoenix need to find some help. Matt Smith is in the starting lineup due to lack of other options. The freshman does not play many minutes, but he is a decent scorer who can stretch out the defense with his mid-range jumper. The more experienced big man is Pat Nelson. Almost all of his scoring comes off of offensive rebounds, but he is a stronger rebounder than Smith.

Who To Watch:

Evans can provide a spark off the bench, but if his shot is not falling then it is up to Rian Pearson and Cordero Barkley. Pearson is just a freshman, but he had some moments of brilliance that have Phoenix fans excited for the future. Barkley is an experienced senior whose versatility gives Coach Tod Kowalczyk many options. Barkley is not much of a shooter or scorer, but he is a glue guy who will do whatever his team needs.

Probable Starters:

Rahmon Fletcher, Junior, Guard, 16.1 ppg, 3.0 apg

Troy Cotton, Senior, Guard, 11.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Bryquis Perine, Junior, Guard, 13.8 ppg, 4.2 apg

Matt Smith, Freshman, Forward, 3.2 ppg, 2.0 rpg

Randy Berry, Senior, Forward, 8.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg

Key Roleplayers:

Cordero Barkley, Senior, Forward, 3.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Seth Evans, Freshman, Guard, 5.1 ppg, 1.1 apg

Pat Nelson, Senior, Forward, 2.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg

Rian Pearson, Freshman, Guard, 6.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg

By the Numbers:

Scoring Offense: 68.6 (185^th in nation, 6^th in conference)

Scoring Defense: 66.9 (148, 4)

Field-Goal Percentage: 44.0 (147, 6)

Field-Goal Defense: 44.3 (231, 7)

Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 6.6 (116, 6)

Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 37.9 (36, 1)

Free-Throw Percentage: 73.2 (40, 4)

Rebound Margin: -1.1 (227, 7)

Assists Per Game: 11.7 (259, 11)

Turnovers Per Game: 12.6 (74, 4)