Previewing UNCG

2009 Scouting Reportt / 2009 Game Plan / 2010 Scouting Report / 2010 Game Plan
2010 Stats
2010 Roster
2010 Schedule

Replacing a star player is always a challenge, unless you happen to be Roy Williams, in which case you can flip the switch on your Stud Generator (which looks and sounds exactly like Willie Wonka's Everlasting Gobstopper machine), sip on some Diet Coke and watch the profits continue to roll in.  Shucks.  Unfortunately, Greensboro coach Mike Dement is Greensboro coach Mike Dement.  Witness above the devastation left in the absence of their long-departed star forward, Kyle Hines.  In a snap the Spartans have gone from SoCon contenders to afterthoughts.

As was the case in 2009, this year's Spartans are bad at pretty much everything, offering little in the way of redeeming qualities save their admirable ability to board their numerous failed field goal attempts.  Like the new rims you put on your rusty, failing hoopty, those offensive boards are brazen, utterly pointless defiance in the face of a terrible reality.  The lesson, kids, is never try.

This is an undersized team that cannot handle the basketball and one that has its two-point attempts rejected frequently.  I would go on, but having already ventured beyond harsh and to the point where we are assured an upset loss at their unreliable hands, there is no need.

Starters:

Kyle Randall (5-11, 165) -- Shooting 35.2% while leading the team in FGAs.  NOT HELPFUL, KYLE.  Also turnover prone.

Korey Van Dussen (6-2, 175) -- The only thing less fortunate than his stat line is this anagram: Ravenous 'N Dykes.  Bummers all around, Korey.

Brandon Evans (6-2, 210) -- Greensboro's leading scorer, he should be heavily involved offensively.  He's their most accurate three-point shooter, which doesn't say much but nonetheless makes him worthy of respect.  Rebounds really well at both ends for someone his size, and he's good at drawing fouls.

Mikko Koivisto (6-4, 195) -- A career .391 three-point shooter, he's been a fantastic perimeter specialist for UNCG...until this year.  He's much less involved offensively, suggesting a change in his role or perhaps flagging confidence.  Whatever the case may be, the Spartans must get him back on track.

Ben Stywall (6-5, 210) -- He's been an effective scorer in the paint and a good rebounder over the last couple of seasons, and while he's still hitting the glass, he's seen his accuracy decline with an increasing role.  Turns the ball over too much, doesn't get to the line like he used to.

Bench:

Kendall Toney (6-3, 203), Brian Cole (6-8, 220), Montel Smith (5-10, 182), and Elhanan Bone (6-8, 220) should see action.  Bone started against Wake Forest on Monday in an attempt to counter some of the Deacs' size, so don't be surprised if he gets the nod again.  Neither he nor Smith will be doing much shooting, though Toney and Cole have been pretty involved when they're on the floor.

Their interior D has been particularly atrocious, so expect plenty of zone.  The Pomeroy Predictor likes State by 8.

(Liveblog note: I'm not going to have time to run one, but if someone else wants to, I'll be glad to set one up.  Otherwise, there's always next time.)