By Joel Welser
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Richmond Spiders
Atlantic 10 Conference
2009-10: 26-9, 13-3
2009-10 postseason: NCAA
Coach: Chris Mooney (57-70 at Richmond, 75-82 overall)
Coach Chris Mooney led Richmond to back-to-back CBI appearances in 2008 and 2009, but last year the Spiders finally took the next step and made it to the NCAA Tournament. They were unfortunate to run into St. Mary’s in the first round, but this is a team that will now look to win an NCAA Tournament game, not just get an invitation.
Key Losses: G Ryan Butler, G David Gonzalvez
Key Newcomers:
With the departure of Ryan Butler and David Gonzalvez, the spiders need some perimeter players. Cedrick Lindsay is capable of contributing right away and could even end up in a starting role. Lindsay is a decent outside shooter, but he also has a nice mid-range game and can run the point when necessary. Wayne Sparrow is more of a pure shooter and could play an important role off of the bench. Derrick Williams is a tough power forward who can immediately make an impact…if he can find the playing time.
Backcourt:
The return of reigning conference player of the year Kevin Anderson makes the backcourt dangerous even without Butler and Gonzalvez. Anderson averaged an impressive 17.8 points, 2.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals last season. He will drive the lane and finish with ease or set up one of the outside shooters. Kevin Hovde and Kevin Smith may not be the greatest shooters on this team, but they will need to pick up their production. Hovde missed all of last season with a broken ankle, but saw his playing time decrease two years ago when the backcourt was full of talent. Smith is not a big scorer, but he is a fine glue guy who can play great defense. Smith will have to score more if he wants to break into the starting lineup, but it would be a little odd starting a 6-5 forward who cannot shoot very well at the shooting guard position. Sophomores Greg Robbins and Darien Brothers did not play much last sesaon, but they will be given every opportunity to contribute this time around.
Frontcourt:
Along with Anderson, Justin Harper is the best returning outside shooter. Harper, a 6-10 forward, obviously does a superb job of stretching out the defense and is often the recipient of Anderson’s passes once he drives the lane. However, Harper does do his job under the basket as well. This was an awful rebounding team last season, but Harper did lead the way with 5.4 per contest. The answer to the rebounding woes is not Francis-Cedric Martel, but he could earn a starting job at the small forward position. With more minutes, Martel should use his great athleticism to not only be stronger on the glass, but do a lot more scoring as well. Darrius Garrett and Josh Duinker are a couple more big bodies who give Coach Mooney the luxury of rotating big men in and out of the game. Add Williams to that list and this team should only get better on the boards.
Who to Watch:
Dan Geriot should be ready to be a full-time starter again after missing the 2008-2009 season with a torn ACL. Last year he started 16 games and averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds. Geriot is a dangerous scorer from everywhere on the floor, but he was not the same player last year as he was before the injury and probably will not be again. Yet, Geriot is still an experienced floor leader who can play 25 minutes per game and make the most out of those minutes.
Final Projection:
If the Spiders want to play big they can neutralize their problems on the glass. Even in that scenario, they still have plenty of shooters thanks to players like Harper and Geriot who can hit the long ball. Either way Anderson will control the backcourt and Smith can shut down just about any opposing player. With Garrett emerging as a great shot blocking threat, Richmond can win games with their defense and at least not get beat too bad on the glass.
Projected Post-season Tournament: NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Kevin Anderson, Senior, Guard, 17.8 ppg
Cedrick Lindsay, Freshman, Guard, DNP last season
Francis-Cedric Martel, Junior, Forward, 2.7 ppg
Justin Harper, Senior, Forward, 10.6 ppg
Dan Geriot, Senior, Center, 6.8 ppg
