Villanova head coach Jay Wright sent tremors through the college basketball landscape with his first recruiting class, a heralded group of six who have it all -- talent, potential, size, athleticism, even NBA bloodlines.
Jason Fraser is a 6-foot-10 rebounding machine and an instant Shootout star -- he posted 24 points and 15 rebounds in Thursday's 87-71 win against Loyola Marymount.
Guard Randy Foye is already a starter and the reigning New Jersey High School Player of the Year. Teammate Curtis Sumpter, a forward, was last year's New York City Catholic League Most Valuable Player.
Even the back end of this group is special. Guard Michael Claxton is the brother of NBA point guard Craig "Speedy" Claxton of the San Antonio Spurs and guard Baker Dunleavy is always one call away from the NBA -- he's the son of former NBA player and coach Mike Dunleavy and the brother of current Golden State Warriors forward, Michael.
Finally, there's guard Allan Ray, whose certainly got game but is no relation to NBA superstar and former Shootout standout Ray Allen.
-- Josh Niva
Taking a hit for the team
One of the Shootout's enduring traditions is the Adopt-a-School program that provides cheerleaders from local high schools for visiting college teams.
This year, Dimond High was selected to sponsor College of Charleston, which led to the Dimond cheerleaders yelling, "Go, Cougars!" throughout Charleston's tournament games.
The Cougar, of course, is the mascot at Dimond's South Anchorage archrival, Service High.
"It was kind of hard at first, walking around with Cougars signs in the halls," Dimond senior cheer captain Jennifer Ricksecker said. "But we put a lot of work in, and it's a lot of fun."
-- J.R. Rardon
Loyola the Lion hearted
The Loyola Marymount Lions give a full effort on and off the court.
Most Lions have community service listed on their bios, ranging from work with Arizona Fish and Game (center Chris Ayers) to contributions to churches and the homeless (guard John Haywood).
All Lions participate in coach Steve Aggers' School is Cool campaign, a program that sends players into Los Angeles schools for everything from after-school programs, educational help and community clean-up.
"It's part of the role and mission of our university," Aggers said. "And it's a really important part of their educational experience as young men."
Aggers said community service isn't mandatory for his players, but it is encouraged. He quickly added that his encouragement matters little -- every player on the team volunteers to participate in some area away from school.
"I love the character of our players -- I'm really proud of them," Aggers said. "They all take that upon themselves. And every student at LMU has that attitude."
-- Josh Niva
It's a long season, coach
First-year College of Charleston coach Tom Herrion doesn't believe in pacing. He believes in giving it all, all of the time. He coaches that way. His players play that way.
He said it's the reason he's a head coach today.
"I was too animated as an assistant," Herrion said with a sly smile. "That's why (Virginia) coach (Pete) Gillen got rid of me."
Herrion is a ball of exploding energy in the coach's box. His voice is always chirping instructions or encouragement, his legs and arms in constant motion. He buzzes in front of his bench but never takes a seat, instead choosing to crouch in front of his players when he needs a break.
In Friday's 66-58 semifinal win against Oklahoma State, he tugged at his pants, dropped quickly to a kneeling position, wiped sweat from his temples and eyes and walked three feet onto the court to loudly applaud a player's hustle -- all in a frantic 20-second span.
"If we're doing a lay-up drill, coach is intense," sophomore guard Tony Mitchell said.
That energy feeds directly to his players, who approach their game with the same enthusiasm.
"Everybody loves his energy," freshman guard Miles Pittman said. "You see him give 100 percent everyday in practice and in every game and we have to do the same."
Senior guard Troy Wheless said the team not only gets energy from their coach, they get confidence, as well.
"It makes all the difference in the world when you have a coach who believes in you and your team," Wheless said.
Mitchell added, "He's going to be on you, but he's always going to give you credit. He's never going to try to take you down."
One has to wonder if Herrion can maintain his high-energy show through his first season as a head coach, much less the 23 years his equally intense predecessor, Charleston legend John Kresse, sprinted through for the Cougars.
"Aw, you just have to gear up," Herrion said with a shrug of his shoulders, which were covered by a sweaty dress shirt. "I just have a passion for what I do. I'm very lucky.
"It's somewhat embarrassing, but that's my personality."
-- Josh Niva
