- Joined
- Jan 6, 2015
- Messages
- 8,166
- Reaction Score
- 69,084
Our last cupcake is East Texas A&M, formerly Texas A&M–Commerce, a Southland Conference program now in its fourth year of Division I basketball. Head coach Jaret von Rosenberg previously led the Lions to three Division II NCAA Tournaments in five seasons.
Prior to coaching at East Texas A&M, von Rosenberg had local ties: he was a three-year starter at Hartford and began his Division I coaching career there as well, spending two seasons on John Gallagher’s staff.
Like many mid-majors that lack high-end talent, the Lions rely on winning the perimeter game by attempting more threes than their opponents. Offensively, they work to eliminate mid-range shots in favor of threes, rim attacks, and post touches. Defensively, they employ a full-court press, using their deep 11-man rotation to generate quick turnovers, extend possessions, and force opponents to rush in the half court, where they work hard to push teams inside.
ETAM’s veteran backcourt of Evan Phelps and Gianni Hunt spearheads the press. Von Rosenberg has called Phelps the team’s best defender for the past two years, and Hunt, now a seventh-year senior, brings good length after starting his career at Oregon State.
Senior forward Josh Taylor led last year’s team in rebounds and blocks and will continue anchoring the frontcourt while generating second-chance points. Tarleton State transfer Ronnie Harrison, who played under Billy Gillispie last season in an even more aggressive defensive system than ETAM’s, fits well with his size and assertiveness. He has also been the Lions’ best all-around offensive player. St. Bonaventure Michael Folarin is athletic, a good defender and likes to play above the team.
On the offensive end, Damian Garcia is a volume scorer after he finished third last season in scoring at the NAIA level while Vinny Sigona is the team's best sharpshooter.
With many Lions already having experience playing against UConn, this should be a useful tune-up against a team whose identity is built on pressure, coming right before the start of the meat of the schedule.
Prior to coaching at East Texas A&M, von Rosenberg had local ties: he was a three-year starter at Hartford and began his Division I coaching career there as well, spending two seasons on John Gallagher’s staff.
Like many mid-majors that lack high-end talent, the Lions rely on winning the perimeter game by attempting more threes than their opponents. Offensively, they work to eliminate mid-range shots in favor of threes, rim attacks, and post touches. Defensively, they employ a full-court press, using their deep 11-man rotation to generate quick turnovers, extend possessions, and force opponents to rush in the half court, where they work hard to push teams inside.
ETAM’s veteran backcourt of Evan Phelps and Gianni Hunt spearheads the press. Von Rosenberg has called Phelps the team’s best defender for the past two years, and Hunt, now a seventh-year senior, brings good length after starting his career at Oregon State.
Senior forward Josh Taylor led last year’s team in rebounds and blocks and will continue anchoring the frontcourt while generating second-chance points. Tarleton State transfer Ronnie Harrison, who played under Billy Gillispie last season in an even more aggressive defensive system than ETAM’s, fits well with his size and assertiveness. He has also been the Lions’ best all-around offensive player. St. Bonaventure Michael Folarin is athletic, a good defender and likes to play above the team.
On the offensive end, Damian Garcia is a volume scorer after he finished third last season in scoring at the NAIA level while Vinny Sigona is the team's best sharpshooter.
With many Lions already having experience playing against UConn, this should be a useful tune-up against a team whose identity is built on pressure, coming right before the start of the meat of the schedule.
