2011-12 MEN’S GUIDE 5,200 seats • Private suites and club seats • 120 courtside seats • 420o LED displays A NEW HOME FOR TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL Opening Spring, 2013 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Outlook 2011-12 OUTLOOK Outlook || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL

Senior Robert Nwankwo

1 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Outlook Tigers Senior Head RaShawn Polk Back to Basics During his 13 years as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I level, Pat Skerry was always on the lookout for the right oppor- tunity to become a head coach. He found that situation last spring when Towson University was looking for a head coach. “This situation presented a great opportunity to build some- thing special,” Coach Skerry says. “Towson University has an emerging infrastructure and there are so many things already in place. We have a great University and tremendous leadership.” Coach Skerry spent last season as a member of the coaching staff at the University of Pittsburgh where he helped Coach Jamie Dixon lead the Panthers to a 28-6 record, the regular season championship. Pittsburgh earned a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. At Towson, he inherits a program that has struggled in recent years. Since there are only three letter winners returning from last year’s team, Coach Skerry is virtually starting from scratch. “This group has been very positive,” says Skerry. “They believe in what we’re going to do here. “Our players need a sharper understanding of how intense they need to be,” says the Tigers’ new coach. “We need them to make a complete commitment to play tough and play hard all the time.”

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Nine players on the roster have never played in Nwankwo, a 6-9 forward who was named to the mond’s Henrico High School, is one of the newcom- a college basketball game for the Tigers. That pres- Colonial Athletic Association’s All-Defensive team ers who will make an impact this season. ents a unique opportunity for the Tigers’ new two years ago, has returned to the team after A 6-1 point guard, Walden was a two-year starter coach. missing last year. at Henrico and led the Warriors to a 20-7 record as “Everyone on our team is going to understand In 2009-10, he averaged 9.9 points per game and a senior. Last season, he averaged 17.4 points and that we’ve got to work the right way every day,” finished third in the CAA with 8.9 rebounds per 4.0 assists per game while earning All-District and says Skerry. “That is how we are going to develop contest. The CAA leader with 83 blocked shots, he All-Metro honors. He finished his career with 1,052 proper habits and develop a winning culture here. also shot .558 from the floor. points, eighth on Henrico’s all-time scoring list. We set out to get better every day.” “Robert has every physical tool there is,” says “Kris is a terrific worker and a good team A pair of seniors, RaShawn Polk and Robert Skerry. “We need and expect a monster year from leader,” says Skerry. “He has had a good pre-sea- Nwankwo, join sophomore forward Erique Gumbs him. He is a hard-nosed defender who has done a son and he embodies everything you want in a to form the veteran nucleus of the team. lot of work in the weight room.” student-athlete.” A starter in 21 of 29 games last season, Polk was Coach Skerry will also be relying on Gumbs, a A native of Bay Shore, N.Y., 6-7 Marcus Damas the Tigers’ third-leading scorer last year with an 6-9 forward. Gumbs appeared in 30 games and will also contribute in the Tiger backcourt. A 11.6 average. He led the Tigers with 50 three-point started four times last year. He averaged 3.6 points second team all-conference selection who played baskets and shot 35.2 per cent from long range. A and 2.8 rebounds with a .565 field goal percentage for Westchester Community College last year, 73.4 per cent free throw shooter, Polk averaged 3.2 last season. Damas averaged 14.0 and 9.0 rebounds per game. rebounds per game and 1.0 steals per contest. “Erique is healthy and he is in shape,” says Damas, who averaged 17.0 points per game as a “RaShawn is playing in the best shape of his Skerry. “We need him to be productive and he is high school senior, has three years of eligibility life,” says Skerry. “He is a very intelligent player one of our most skilled players. We need him to be remaining. with a lot of talent. He is going to see a lot of tough physically and mentally. If he does that, he “Marcus has a long reach and he has improved playing time and we’re going to need big produc- should have a great career.” his skills significantly,” says Coach Skerry. “We love tion from him.” Freshman guard Kris Walden, a product of Rich- his energy and his enthusiasm and how hard he

Senior Robert Nwankwo led the CAA with 83 blocked shots in 2009-10.

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plays. He has proven to be a good team leader and Another freshman guard, Will Adams, is com- N.C., Pressley was a four-year starter for the we’re excited to have him on the team.” peting for playing time. A Philadelphia native, he Raiders. As a senior, he averaged 11.3 points and Freshman guard Deon Jones should also see was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease as a high 10.3 rebounds per game while leading his team to playing time this season. A product of Sanford school senior in 2009. Adams finished his career 20 victories. School in Delaware, he led the Warriors to back-to- as Imhotep Charter’s all-time scoring leader. As a “Jervon is an extremely long, talented front back state championships. Honored as the Dela- senior, he led Imhotep to a 32-1 record and the state court player,” says Skerry. “He has enormous ware Player of the Year in 2011, he averaged 18.0 championship. He has been cleared to attend potential. He is a powerful player who is going to points and 9.0 rebounds per game. A first team Towson University and play basketball. play a lot.” All-State selection, he connected on a game-win- “Will has good physical tools,” says Skerry. “He Another newcomer, Jamel Flash, is actually a ning three-point basket at the buzzer in a 60-58 is rounding back into shape and it is our hope that red shirt freshman who sat out last season. A 6-11 win over Red Lion in the state championship game. he will display the type of toughness and persever- forward from West Hempstead, N.Y., Flash averaged “Deon is a mature player with the ability to be ance we want in our players.” 16.0 points, 13.5 rebounds and 5.0 blocked shots per a good defender,” says Skerry. “He is a hard worker Another freshman, Jervon Pressley, should game at West Hempstead High School two years who we are counting on immediately.” play a prominent role on this year’s squad. A 6-7 ago. product of E.E. Waddell High School in Charlotte,

Sophomore Erique Gumbs shot 56.5 per cent from the field last year.

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“This is a big year for Jamel,” admits Skerry. “He has been working hard and making strides. We need him to make an impact in the frontcourt this season.” Another redshirt freshman, 6-7 forward Alex Giergen, rounds out the roster. A native of Dus- seldorf, Germany, he played at Episcopal School as a senior in high school and averaged 15.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. “Alex can help us by defending, rebounding and taking care of the ball,” says Skerry. “We need him to be a stabilizing presence on the floor for us.” In his first season as the Tigers’ coach, Skerry will lead his team against a very challenging sched- ule which includes games against six teams that went to the NCAA Tournament last season. The Tigers open the season with road games at Kansas and Michigan as part of the EA Sports Maui Senior Invitational. They will also play Belmont and either Robert Nwankwo UNC Greensboro or Middle Tennessee State. The Tigers also host Oregon State in their home opener on Nov. 26. The non-conference home schedule also features games against LaSalle, UMBC, Manhattan and Vermont. The Tigers will also play non-league games at Massachusetts and Virginia. “This team will represent Towson with class and dignity and show an unparalleled work ethic both on and off the court,” Skerry added. “Playing in the nation’s top non-BCS conference, we will need to work hard and play with toughness, both key char- acteristics I have learned from all the coaches I worked with during my career.” Their non-conference schedule will prepare the Tigers for another season in the rugged Colonial Athletic Association, a league that grows in stature on an annual basis. Last season, the CAA sent three teams to the NCAA Tournament for the first time. In addition to CAA champion Old Dominion, George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth earned at-large bids. VCU staged a memorable run and became the second CAA team ever to reach the Final Four by shocking Kansas in the regional finals. George Mason was the first CAA team to reach the Final Four. The Patriots reached the Final Four in 2006. “It’s a privilege to coach in such a high-level conference,” says Skerry. “I know it’s going to be a challenge for us. The CAA has a lot of excellent programs and coaches. I am very excited about coaching in the CAA.”

5 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Outlook 2011-12 Tiger Roster

Alphabetically Senior No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School RaShawn Polk 10 Will Adams G 6-4 190 Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter H.S. 11 Christian Collins G 6-0 165 So. Baltimore, Md./Parkville H.S. 1 Marcus Damas F 6-7 200 So. Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore H.S. 44 Jamel Flash F 6-11 205 R-Fr. West Hempstead, N.Y./West Hempstead H.S. 22 Alex Giergen F 6-7 220 R-Fr. Duesseldorf, Ger./Virginia Epis. School 12 Erique Gumbs * F 6-9 230 So. Newark, Del./Caravel Academy 23 Deon Jones F 6-5 190 Fr. Hockessin, Del./Sanford School 25 Robert Nwankwo * F 6-9 220 Sr. Hyattsville, Md./Parkdale H.S. 5 RaShawn Polk * G 6-2 205 Sr. Greensboro, N.C./Dudley H.S. 30 Jervon Pressley F 6-7 210 Fr. Charlotte, N.C./EE Waddell H.S. 3 Kris Walden G 6-1 165 Fr. Richmond, Va./Henrico H.S. Numerically No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Hometown/High School 1 Marcus Damas F 6-7 200 So. Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore H.S. 3 Kris Walden G 6-1 165 Fr. Richmond, Va./Henrico H.S. 5 RaShawn Polk * G 6-2 205 Sr. Greensboro, N.C./Dudley H.S. 10 Will Adams G 6-4 190 Fr. Philadelphia, Pa./Imhotep Charter H.S. 11 Christian Collins G 6-0 165 So. Baltimore, Md./Parkville H.S. 12 Erique Gumbs * F 6-9 230 So. Newark, Del./Caravel Academy 22 Alex Giergen F 6-7 220 R-Fr. Duesseldorf, Ger./Virginia Epis. School 23 Deon Jones F 6-5 190 Fr. Hockessin, Del./Sanford School 25 Robert Nwankwo * F 6-9 220 Sr. Hyattsville, Md./Parkdale H.S. 30 Jervon Pressley F 6-7 210 Fr. Charlotte, N.C./EE Waddell H.S. 44 Jamel Flash F 6-11 205 R-Fr. West Hempstead, N.Y./West Hempstead H.S. Head Coach: Pat Skerry (Tufts, ’92) – 1st season Assistant Head Coach: Kevin Clark (Clark, ’81) – 1st season Assistant Coach: Luke Murray (Fairfield, ’07) – 1st season Assistant Coach: Kenny Johnson (Maryland, ’99) – 1st season Coordinator of Operations: Duane Simpkins (Maryland, ’96) – 1st season Video Coordinator: Mike Swets (Boston College, ’09) – 1st season PRONOUNCIATIONS Head Athletics Trainer: James Shipp (North Carolina, ‘95) – 1st season Will Adams ...... Will Adams * returning letter winners Christian Collins ...... Christian Collins Marcus Damas ...... Marcus DUH - mass Jamel Flash ...... Jah-mell Flash BREAKING DOWN THE TIGER ROSTER Alex Giergen...... Alex GEAR-gen Erique Gumbs...... Eric Gums By State By Class By Position Deon Jones ...... Dee - on Jones New York 2 Seniors 2 Guards 4 Robert Nwankwo ...... Robert Nah-WON-coe North Carolina 2 Juniors 0 Forwards 7 RaShawn Polk...... Ray-sean POKE Delaware 2 Sophomores 3 Jervon Pressley. . . . . Jer - VONN PRESS - lee Maryland 2 Freshmen 6 Kris Walden...... Kriss - WALL - din Pennsylvania 1 Pat Skerry...... Pat SCARE - ee Virginia 1 Kevin Clark ...... Kevin Clark Germany 1 Luke Murray ...... Luke MURR - ee Kenny Johnson ...... Kenny Johnson Duane Simpkins . . . . . Duh - WANE SIMP - kinz Mike Swets ...... Mike SWEATS James Shipp ...... James Ship

6 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Coaching Staff COACHING Coaching Staff || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL STAFF

Head Coach Pat Skerry

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Pat Skerry Tufts, ’92 • 1st Season at Towson

Accompanied by a broad range of experience and a ton of enthusiasm, Pat Sker- final season at URI, the Rams had a 21-12 record and qualified for the NIT. ry’s basketball coaching journey came to Towson University where he was named Skerry served as an assistant for two seasons at the College of Charleston under the Tigers’ head coach on April 5th, 2011. Tom Herrion, the current Marshall coach. While Coach Skerry was at Charleston, the A 19-year coaching veteran, Skerry has spent time building his resume of success Cougars posted a combined 38-19 record. at nine different schools: Pittsburgh (2010-11), Providence (2008-10), Rhode Island Skerry has a great understanding of the Colonial Athletic Association as he spent (2005-08), College of Charleston (2003-05), William & Mary (2000-03), Northeastern five years with league teams William & Mary (2000-03) and Northeastern University (1998-2000), Curry College (1996-98), Stonehill College (1995-96), and his alma ma- (1998-2000). ter, Tufts (1992-95). In 1996, Skerry became the second-youngest head coach in the nation at the age Most recently, Skerry helped Pittsburgh win the Big East Conference regular sea- of 26 when he was selected to guide the Curry College basketball program. son championship and post an overall mark of 28-6 last year. Pittsburgh entered the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed. During his tenure at Pitt, he once again helped Coach Jamie Dixon refill the tal- ent pool for the Panthers as they added one of the Top 15 recruiting classes in the country according to ESPN.com. Two Top 60 incoming players highlighted the class. Skerry spent the last three years recruiting and coaching in the Big East. Prior to working at Pitt, he spent two years coaching at Providence for Coach Keno Davis. In 2008-09, Providence advanced to the NIT with a 19-14 overall record and a 10-8 Big East mark. Skerry assisted with the Friars’ 2009 recruiting class, which ranked No. 35 in the nation by Hoop Scoop. Before his jump to Providence, Skerry spent three years as an assistant coach at the University of Rhode Island working for . During his time at URI, Skerry gained national recognition and was named one of the top assistant coaches in the country in 2007 by Hoop Scoop. In 2008, FoxSports.com went on to name Skerry as the top mid-major assistant in the nation. His recruiting classes at Rhode Island also captured the nation’s attention as his 2006 class was rated No. 24 in the nation by Hoop Scoop along with a No. 61 ranking for the Rams’ 2007 group. Pat Skerry is interviewed by Brent Harris, ‘95 of Comcast SportsNet after his During his three seasons at Rhode Island, he helped URI post a 54-40 record. In his introductory press conference.

8 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Coaching Staff Coaching Staff || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL

What They Are Saying About Pat Skerry Skerry’s Coaching Career Years Title School Jamie Dixon, Head Coach, University of Pittsburgh: 2010-11 Assistant Coach University of Pittsburgh “I’ve had numerous conversations with Towson Athletic Director Mike Waddell re- 2008-10 Assistant Coach Providence College garding Pat Skerry and the job at Towson. During our conversations, I’ve expressed 2005-08 Assistant Coach University of Rhode Island how valuable Pat was for our program and how good of a coach he’s going to be. We 2003-05 Assistant Coach College of Charleston were extremely fortunate to have Pat on our coaching staff for the past year. With 2000-03 Assistant Coach College of William & Mary his talent, work ethic, experience and background, Pat was a valuable addition to 1998-2000 Assistant Coach Northeastern University our staff. He is well-rounded as a coach and assisted us in a variety of ways includ- 1996-98 Head Coach Curry College (Mass.) ing recruiting, scouting and player development. In his one short year at Pitt, he 1995-96 Assistant Coach Stonehill College (Mass.) made a tremendous impact. We are happy and excited for Pat and his family and we 1992-95 Assistant Coach Tufts University are sure that he will do a great job at Towson.”

Tom Herrion, Head Coach, Marshall University: During his two-year stint with the Colonels, he led Curry to its first winning season “I am thrilled for Pat and the wonderful opportunity he has been given at Towson. in five years. I commend Mike (Waddell) and the entire Towson community on an excellent hire. He also spent one year as an assistant at Stonehill and three seasons as an as- There is no doubt he will infuse new life into the basketball program. I am confident sistant at Tufts where he helped direct the Jumbos to two ECAC Tournaments along he will represent Towson in a first-class manner as its head coach.” with the school’s first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament berth in 1995. A native of Medford, Mass., Skerry played collegiately at Tufts from 1989-92 where Jim Baron, Head Coach, University of Rhode Island: he was a two-time team captain and garnered All-New England honors. As a point “Pat is an outstanding individual and one of the hardest workers I have ever guard, he recorded a school record 650 assists during his career - a mark that still coached with. He did an outstanding job for us, both recruiting and developing play- ranks as the 17th best in NCAA Division III history. His 198 assists in 1990-91 is a Tufts ers. I think he has a bright future ahead of him.” single-season record. He also is fifth on the school’s career steals list with 95. Skerry earned both of his collegiate degrees from Tufts, earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1992 and his master’s degree in education in 1995. Pat and his wife, Kristen, have two sons, Ryan and Owen.

Groundbreaking for the new Tiger Arena (left to right): Dr. Maggie Reitz, Dr. Terry Berkeley, Women’s Basketball Head Coach Joe Mathews, Former Tiger Gary Neal, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Pat Skerry, Director of Athletics Mike Waddell, Head Coach Bruce Atkinson.

9 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Coaching Staff Kevin Clark Assistant Head Coach 1st Season Clark University, ‘81

When new Coach Pat Skerry began assem- bling his coaching staff for his new role as the Tigers’ head basketball coach, the first call he made was to his former University of Rhode Island colleague, Kevin Clark. “We’re thrilled to have Kevin here with us,” Skerry says. “He’s the consum- mate professional. He’s been a head coach at the Division I and the Division III level. He has a wealth of experience with recruiting contacts on the Eastern Seaboard and throughout the country. “Moreover he’s an excellent teacher, he’s extremely organized and he’s a good friend to me,” Coach Skerry added. “We worked together at Rhode Island for three years. I’m excited to have him here. He’s the guy I’m going to be able to lean on in every facet of our basketball program.” A native of Stamford, Conn., Clark has been an important figure on the college basketball scene for almost three decades. After an outstanding playing career at Clark University in Massachusetts, During his career, he has coached at five different Division I schools. He Clark began his coaching career in 1982 at Holy Cross. has coached in the Big East, Atlantic 10, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference After one season at Holy Cross, he returned to his alma mater as an and the Patriot League. assistant basketball coach. Clark comes to Towson after a seven-year stint as an assistant at Rhode He spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Clark for his college Island. During his tenure as an assistant coach for Jim Baron, the Rams com- coach, Wally Halas. During the time, he served in a dual capacity as the head piled an impressive 129-97 record that included three trips to the National men’s and women’s track anf field coach. Invitation Tournament and a berth in the 2011 College Basketball Invitational. When Halas left to become the head coach at Columbia, Clark was named Last year, URI completed its fourth straight 20-plus victory season with as the new head coach. a 20-14 mark. In four seasons as the Cougars’ head coach, he led Clark to a 61-43 record. Prior to his stint at Rhode Island, Clark was the associate head coach at In Coach Clark’s first season, he led the Cougars to a 20-7 record and the St. John’s University from 1998 to 2003. Working for Coach Mike Jarvis, he 1988 NCAA Division III Northeast regional championship. helped the Red Storm to a 114-78 record that included the 2003 NIT cham- From 1991-94, Clark was an assistant at Fairfield University. pionship. A 1981 graduate Clark University with a degree in sociology, he enjoyed a In his first season at St. John’s, the Red Storm posted a 28-9 record and tremendous playing career for the Cougars. reached the Elite Eight round of the NCAA Tournament where St. John’s lost A three-time All-American, he was a four-year starter and two-year to Ohio State. In 1999-2000, the Red Storm turned in another impressive captain for the Cougars. season, winning the Big East championship and earning another berth in As a senior, he was chosen as the New England Division III Player of the the NCAA Tournament. Year by the ECAC and United Press International. During his four-year career, After enduring a 14-15 record in 2000-01, St. John’s bounced back with he led the Cougars to four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. Clark a 20-12 mark in 2001-02, earning another NCAA Tournament berth. in the reached the national quarter-finals twice. 2002-03 season, the Red Storm came on strong at the end of the season and The fourth-leading scorer in school history with 1,605 points, he still holds earned a bid to the NIT. St. John’s won the NIT championship with a 70-67 school records for rebounds (1,447), rebounding average (14.4) and field goal victory over Georgetown in Madison Square Garden. percentage (.600). When Jarvis stepped down as the coach at St. John’s on Dec. 20, 2003, On January 28, 1995, he was inducted into Clark University’s Athletic Hall Coach Clark was named as the interim head coach. of Fame. He guided the Red Storm over the final 17 games of the season. Highlight- In September, 2003, Coach Clark received a bigger honor when he was ing his tenure as the interim coach of the Red Storm were a 71-55 win over inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. UCLA at Madison Square Garden and a win over Georgetown. Coach Clark and his wife, Robin, are the parents of a son and a daughter. Before moving to St. John’s, Coach Clark spent four seasons as an assis- tant coach at George Washington University under Jarvis. During his four seasons at GW, the Colonials compiled a 78-45 (.634) mark that included the best record in school history (24-9) during the 1997-98 season. Those four years included two championships and two NCAA tournament bids.

10 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Coaching Staff Coaching Staff || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL Luke Murray Kenny Johnson Assistant Coach Assistant Coach 1st Season 1st Season Fairfield, ‘07 Maryland, ‘99

Luke Murray is headed in one direction in the Former high school coach and travel team ranks of college basketball coaches - up. director Kenny Johnson embarked on his “Luke is one of the rising young star assis- collegiate coaching career when he joined Pat tant coaches in the East,” says Tiger head Skerry’s Tiger staff. coach Pat Skerry. Coach Johnson’s background includes four “He’s a terrific coach and a relentless years at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Va., as recruiter,” he adds. “Luke has deep contacts in the entire Northeast from New well as six years on the travel circuit with Nike Team TakeOver. England down to New York and into the New Jersey, Philly and Maryland areas. “Kenny has been a part of one of the premiere, grass roots programs in the We’re excited to have him on board. I was looking for a young guy who knows how country as well as a national high school powerhouse,” says Coach Skerry. “He’s been to get in the trenches and get results. He certainly fits the bill. He’s already worked a terrific high school coach over the last seven years and has a great reputation with some terrific coaches in at Arizona, Dan Hurley at Wagner and Tom and contacts from the Virginia area all the way through Maryland and beyond. He’s Moore at Quinnipiac. He comes highly recommended from all those guys.” part of the Nike EYBL and AAU circuits and has developed relationships with all Murray embarked on his coaching career at a very young age. During his freshman those programs. year at Fairfield University, he began directing AAU programs. “He’s a very bright guy with a degree in Cell, Molecular Biology and Genetics,” His teams were successful, his players were advancing in the college ranks and Coach Skerry added. “He has a great relationship with his players and he’s a very he was meeting many people, becoming known especially among collegiate coaches. good teacher on the floor.” “I’ve known since I was nine years old that I wanted to be a basketball coach,” A 1999 graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park, he was a recipient Coach Murray said. “I’m excited to be a member of the Towson staff.” of a Benjamin Banneker Scholarship. Murray attended St. Luke’s School in New Caanan, Conn. A four-year letter winner Johnson’s playing career was cut short due to an injury in his second year of at point guard on the varsity basketball team, he also played football, receiving All- varsity basketball at Oxon Hill High School. Conference and All-Region notice as a strong safety. In 2002, Coach Johnson became the associate head coach at Eleanor Roosevelt He later returned to St. Luke’s as an assistant basketball caoch, helping the Cru- High School. In 2006, he became the associate head coach at Dr. Henry Wise High saders capture the 2004-05 New England Class D Championship. School. A 2007 graduate of Fairfield with a degree in sociology, Murray spent one year He began his coaching run at Paul VI H.S. the following year. as the Director of Basketball Operations at Quinnipiac as a member of Coach Tom Johnson recently completed his sixth year as vice president/assistant director Moore’s staff. of basketball operations of Nike Team TakeOver and head coach of its 16-and-under From there, he went to Post University, a Division II school in Waterbury, Conn. At age group. Post, he was an assistant coach to Mike Donnelly. In one season at Post, he helped Since 2002, he has been an integral part of high school programs, including the Eagles post a 17-10 record. Team TakeOver, that porduced a total of 53 Division I scholarship players and a In 2009-10, Coach Murray was in the Southwest, serving as a graduate assistant state championship (PVI - 2009). His travel team tournament ledger includes the coach at the University of Arizona. He spent one season on Coach Sean Miller’s staff prestigious King James Classic (2009, 2010) and the Orlando National Super Showcase while working on a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. (2009). Most recently, he spent one year at Wagner College where he served as an assis- In addition to his many years as a camp coach at Eastern Invitational, as well tant coach for first-year Coach Dan Hurley. as the Reebok Headliner Camp, Johnson was a guest clinician at the New England In one season at Wagner, he helped the Seahawks become one of the most Basketball Coaching Clinic at Reebok Headquarters. improved teams in the nation, winning eight more games than the previous year. He has also served as a camp and tournament director, beginning with the Towson found him back East in Staten Island, N.Y. where he served as an assistant first Annual National High School Hoop Festival in 2007 and the first Annual DMV to Dan Hurley at Wagner College. Basketball Coaching Clinic in 2008. In addition to his college experience, Murray has been a familiar figure in the AAU circles, coaching the New England Playaz and the New York Gauchos. His former players have moved on to play college basketball at Boston College, Connecticut, Michigan, Georgetown, Maryland, Kansas, Florida, Duke and West Vir- ginia.

11 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Coaching Staff Duane Simpkins Michael Swets Coordinator of Basketball Operations Video Coordinator 1st Season 1st Season Maryland, ‘96 Boston College, ‘09

One of the top point guards ever to play at Michael Swets was named as the Video the University of Maryland, Duane Simpkins is Coordinator for the Tiger men’s basketball starting his first year as the Tigers’ Coordinator team shortly after Pat Skerry was named as of Basketball Operations. the Tigers’ new coach. A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference “It is with great enthusiasm that we honorable mention selection, Coach Simpkins announce that Mike has joined our staff,” said was a four-year starter for Coach Gary Williams, who helped the Terrapins reach the Coach Skerry. “I worked with Mike at Providence and immediately became impressed NCAA Tournament four times. with his intelligence, work ethic, loyalty and high character.” “People remember Duane from his playing days at the University of Maryland and “He has a vast knowledge of scouting and video editing systems and a keen DeMatha High School,” said Tiger Coach Pat Skerry. “He’s been the head basketball basketball sense,” added Coach Skerry. “He can also handle a multitude of tasks and coach at St. Alban’s School. He’s a very bright and motivated coach who is going to worked at the highest levels of basketball in the ACC and Big East.” add to our staff in a variety of ways. Swets will be responsible for all aspects related to video, including breakdown of “He’ll also serve as an excellent role model for our student athletes on what it practice and game film for the Tigers and opponent scouting. He will also coordinate takes to be successful on the court,” he added. film exchange and assist the staff in scouting upcoming opponents. Simpkins comes to Towson from St. Alban’s, an all-boys school in Washington, Swets joined the Tigers from Providence College where he served as a graduate D.C., where he was the head basketball coach for four years. He also coached two assistant for two seasons. At Providence, he was responsible for breakdown of years at Sidwell Friends School. game and practice footage for player development and opponent scouting. He also Before starting his college career, Simpkins was an All-Metro point guard at coordinated film exchange and assisted with scheduling for the Friars. DeMatha. He was only the third player in school history to make the varsity as a A 2009 graduate of Boston College, Swets was a student manager for the freshman. He was recognized as a Parade Magazine All-American in 1991 and 1992 basketball program for two years and was named head manager as a senior. As and he was also named a McDonald’s High School All-American. manager, he assisted the staff during games, practices and individual workouts At College Park, he played in 119 career games and made 90 starts. He scored while performing daily administrative duties. He helped the Eagles reach two NCAA 1,123 points for a 9.4 average. His 483 career assists rank him fifth on Maryland’s Tournaments (2007 and 2009). Swets also worked with film exchange and film all-time list. He also ranks among the Terps’ all-time leaders with 120 career steals. breakdown, providing the staff with advanced film edits of upcoming opponents. A solid free throw shooter, his .812 (311-383) percentage ranks him sixth in program As a senior, he received the Mary Kay Waldron Award as the support staff member history at the charity stripe. who best exemplifies inspiration, loyalty and unwavering dedication to the Boston As a sophomore, he averaged 11.8 points and 4.5 assists per game while helping College Basketball program. the Terps to an 18-12 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament’s “Sweet 16.” In Swets has also worked at numerous basketball camps as a coach, instructor and his junior season, he helped Maryland win the ACC regular season title and reach counselor, including those at Maryland, Fairfield, Duke and North Carolina. the NCAA “Sweet 16” for the second year in a row. He averaged 10.5 points and 4.8 Swets earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College in marketing, assists per contest. information systems and management leadership in 2009, graduating Magna Cum As a senior, he averaged 10.5 points per game while helping the Terps finish with Laude. He also received the Athletic Director’s Award for Academic Achievement. a 17-13 record and another NCAA Tournament berth. Swets earned his MBA from Providence in 2011. Following his collegiate career Simpkins played overseas in Belgium, France, Italy and China before retiring from professional basketball in 2004.

Support Staff

Lori Seawright Geoff Gordon Laura Klimchock Tom Mandato Jesse Judy Administrative Assistant Academic Advisor Learning Specialist Game Operations Manager Strength and Conditioning

12 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles PLAYER Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL PROFILES

Sophomore Erique Gumbs

13 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles

George Mason ... helped Tigers to win over James Madison with 13 points and a key RaShawn steal with 1.5 seconds remaining in 81-78 win ... averaged 14.7 points per game over the last seven games of the season ... also shot 50.6 per cent from the floor dur- 5 Polk ing that stretch ... led Tigers to a 74-69 win over Georgia State with a game high 17 points ... nailed a clutch three-pointer with 17 seconds left in overtime, giving the 6-2, 205 lbs. Senior • Guard Tigers a lead they never relinquished ... scored team high 16 points at Old Dominion Greensboro, N.C. • Dudley H.S. ... also led the Tigers with 16 points at Manhattan ... had 12 points and five rebounds Psychology Major to help Tigers to win at William & Mary ... scored 12 points and had a career high One of the Tigers’ most experienced players nine rebounds in win over Delaware in home finale … led Tigers to a 91-74 victory ... third-leading scorer as a junior ... good stu- over UNC Wilmington in first round of CAA Tournament by scoring a season high dent who was named to Colonial Athletic As- 20 points ... shot 8-for-17 from the floor as Tigers rolled to a 52-30 halftime lead ... sociation’s Academic All-Conference second scored 12 points in the first half against UNCW ... scored ten points and had three team ... excellent long-range shooter. steals in loss to Old Dominion at CAA Tournament. JUNIOR YEAR (2010-11): Appeared in 29 games and started 21 times ... Tigers’ FRESHMAN YEAR AT GUILFORD TECH (2008-09): Played at Guilford Technical third-leading scorer with an 11.6 average ... also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 as- Community Col- sists per game ... led Tigers with 50 three-point baskets ... team leader with 29 lege as a fresh- steals ... scored in double figures 19 times ... led Tigers to win over Coppin State man ... averaged in their home opener by scoring a career high 29 points ... shot 10-for-16 from the 24.2 points per floor and made four of five three-point field goal attempts ... also grabbed four re- game for the Ti- bounds against the Eagles ... matched career high with nine rebounds against Navy tans ... leading ... also scored 12 points against Navy ... scored 15 points at Hofstra ... contributed 18 scorer in Region points with six rebounds at George Washington ... scored 11 points with three steals X ... tied the GTCC in win at UMBC ... had 16 points and seven rebounds at Hampton ... did not play in single game scor- Tigers’ win over LaSalle due to an injury ... led Tigers with 20 points at James Madi- ing record with 40 son ... scored 12 points with five rebounds at Georgia State ... scored 15 points with points on 17-of-21 career high four steals against Hofstra ... led Tigers with 19 points at George Mason shooting in the ... had 14 points at Drexel ... chipped in with 13 points in tough loss to Georgia State ... championship scored a team high 18 points with five-for-six free throw shooting at Northeastern contest of the ... played career high 43 minutes in Tigers’ heart-breaking overtime loss to UNC Hampton Inn Clas- Wilmington ... also matched career high with nine rebounds against UNCW ... scored sic ... averaged 5.3 13 points against James Madison ... tallied 13 points in Tigers’ upset bid against rebounds and 3.7 Drexel in the the opening round of the CAA Tournament. assists per game. SOPHOMORE YEAR (2009-10): Junior College transfer who had an immediate AT DUDLEY H.S.: impact … did not play in Tigers’ first two games due to a transfer issue that was Standout at Dud- worked out … appeared in 29 games and started nine times ... averaged 9.2 points ley High School per game, fourth on the team ... also had a 3.2 rebounding mark ... had an impres- where he helped sive debut, scoring 19 points off the bench at Navy in 27 minutes of action ... helped the Panthers to Tigers to win over UMBC with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting ... grabbed six rebounds back-to-back against Hofstra ... scored 13 points and made four-of-six three-pointers in Tigers’ North Carolina last-second loss to George Washington ... scored 12 points in 17 minutes to help State 3A champi- Tigers beat Hampton ... shot five-for-seven from floor in 12-point outing at Mor- onships in junior gan State ... made four-of-six three-point attempts in 14-point performance against and senior sea- sons ... helped Dudley compile a RASHAWN’S CAREER HIGHS: 57-5 record during those championship runs ... member of state runners up team Points: ...... 29, vs. Coppin State, 2010 as a sophomore year ... averaged 17.0 points per game as a junior ... scored 19 Rebounds: ...... 9, vs. Delaware, Navy, 2010 points per game as a senior ... named as the regional MVP and Offensive Player Assists: ...... 6, vs. Delaware, 2010 of the Game in the state championship ... aggressive off the boards, grabbing 7.3 Steals: ...... 4, vs. Hofstra, 2011 rebounds per game. Blocks: ...... 4, vs. Navy, 2010 Turnovers: ...... 6, at Buffalo, 2010 BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Surname is RaShawn Dazmar Polk ... summer jobs have Minutes: ...... 43, vs. UNC Wilmington, 2011 included counseling kids at a group home ... hobbies include playing basketball ... favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant ... favorite movies are Paid In Full and Blow ... favorite actor is Denzel Washington ... enjoys listening to music by Jay-Z ... most memorable experience was winning back-to-back championships in high school ... favorite meal is steak and rice ... has one brother ... born May 22, 1988 in Greens- boro, N.C. ... major is Psychology.

14 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL

RASHAWN’S CAREER STATISTICS (Played 2008-09 at Guilford Technical Community College) Season GP GS Min Avg FG FGA Pct 3FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 2010-11 29 21 852 29.4 119 304 .391 50 142 .352 47 64 .734 34 58 92 3.2 65 1 31 48 8 29 335 11.6 2009-10 29 9 632 21.8 102 235 .434 38 109 .349 25 45 .556 38 54 92 3.2 46 0 29 32 6 27 267 9.2 Career 58 30 1484 25.6 221 539 .410 88 251 .351 72 109 .661 72 112 184 3.2 111 1 60 80 14 56 602 10.4

15 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles

SOPHOMORE YEAR (2008-09): Played in 32 games and started 20 times ... av- Robert eraged 4.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game ... ranked second on team with 49 blocked shots ... fifth in CAA in blocks ... made first career start in season opening 25 Nwankwo victory over Navy ... grabbed three rebounds and blocked a shot ... scored six points with eight rebounds in win over Hampton ... had seven points with three blocked 6-9, 220 lbs. Senior • Forward shots against Villanova ... helped Tigers win at High Point with eight points and nine Hyattsville, Md. • Parkdale H.S rebounds ... had a season high five blocks at Northeastern and at Old Dominion Psychology Major ... Towson’s top offensive rebounder most of the season ... collected nine boards in both games against Georgia State ... led Tigers in rebounding in eight of the last 13 games ... averaged 6.3 rebounds and 5.2 points in his last 14 games ... recorded first Talented inside player who returns to the career “double double” at Old Dominion with career highs 13 points, 13 rebounds team after missing the 2010-11 season ... and five blocks ... shot .564 from the floor in last 14 games ... missed home game fifth-year player who has worked hard in the against William & Mary due to an illness. weight room ... could be one of the top inside players in the Colonial Athletic As- sociation this season ... needs 17 rebounds to move into Tigers’ top ten all-time FRESHMAN YEAR (2007-08): Only freshman on the Tigers’ active roster ... logged leaders ... enters season with 146 career blocked shots, third on Tigers’ career list more playing time as the season ... named to the CAA’s All-Defensive team in 2009-10. progressed ... played 42 total minutes (3.3 mpg) in his first SENIOR YEAR (2010-11): Sat out the 2010-11 season, enabling him to use his final 14 games ... played 181 minutes year of eligibility this season. (12.9 mpg) in his last 14 games JUNIOR YEAR (2009-10): Former walk-on who played his first season as a schol- ... scored his first college basket arship player ... appeared in 27 games and started 24 times ... finished the regular on an offensive rebound in the season as a CAA “triple crown” winner ... led CAA in rebounding (9.2), field goal Bucknell game ... made the most percentage (.565) and blocked shots (3.2) … named to the CAA’s All-Defensive Team of his four minutes on the floor … ranked among the Top 10 nationally in blocks and Top 50 in rebounding … re- at Temple, scoring six points, reg- corded eight “double doubles” to rank third among all CAA players ... Tigers’ third- istering all of his points on a six- leading scorer with a 9.9 average ... led Tigers to early-season win over UMBC with for-six performance at the free 17 points and 14 rebounds ... shot eight-for-nine from the floor against UMBC … had throw line ... suffered a concus- 13 rebounds and four blocked shots against George Washington ... helped Tigers sion in practice just before the to a win over Hampton with 11 points, three blocks and a career high 18 rebounds Auburn game and did not play ... scored a career high 19 points with five blocks at Morgan State ... had 12 points against those Tigers ... played 19 and six blocks against Bowling Green ... set career high with seven blocked shots at minutes against Georgia State Georgia State ... scored 18 points with eight rebounds against Old Dominion ... had and grabbed six rebounds ... also 14 points, ten rebounds and six blocks at Hofstra ... scored 15 points with ten re- had six rebounds in the rematch bounds at James Madison ... helped Tigers to win at Delaware with 12 points and ten at GSU in 17 minutes ... pulled rebounds ... grabbed 14 rebounds at Saint Joseph’s ... missed back-to-back games in down eight rebounds at Virginia Commonwealth ... did not play in the rematch late January with shoulder injury ... scored 15 points with eight rebounds in win at against William & Mary, ending a string of 13 straight appearances ... played a sea- UNC Wilmington ... chipped in 11 points and five rebounds in win over James Madison son high 22 minutes in the home win over Delaware ... contributed four points, five ... shot five-for-five from floor and scored 15 points with eight rebounds and three rebounds and three steals against the Blue Hens. blocks in return game against UNCW ... led Tigers to an overtime victory over Geor- AT PARKDALE H.S.: All-County performer at Parkdale High School ... led the Pan- gia State with 12 points, 12 rebounds and five blocked shots ... scored 16 points with thers in scoring (15.5 ppg), rebounding (8.1 rpg) and blocks (7.2 bpg) as a senior 12 rebounds to lead Tigers to win at William & Mary ... helped Tigers to a win over ... selected to the Washington, D.C. Metro Showcase All-Tournament team ... also Delaware in home finale with eight points and eight rebounds ... scored 13 points chosen to the Prince George’s County All-Star team where he was a starter ... did with eight rebounds in season-ending loss to Old Dominion in CAA Tournament. not start playing basketball until his sophomore year ... began playing basketball at the urging of his older brother, Daniel ... also ran track at Parkdale, turning in a 58.0 ROBERT’S CAREER HIGHS: in the 400 meter run ... played (doubles) in his senior year for the Panthers. Points: ...... 19, at Morgan State, 2009 BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Surname is Robert O. Nwankwo ... has one older broth- Rebounds: ...... 18, vs. Hampton, 2009 er who is attending Towson ... has two younger sisters ... father is a graduate of Ar- Assists: ...... 2, many times kansas Pine Bluff who played football ... mother is a registered nurse who attended Steals: ...... 4, twice school in Nigeria ... spent three years living in Nigeria with his brother where they Blocks: ...... 7, at Georgia State 2009 played soccer instead of basketball ... multi-lingual person who speaks conversa- Turnovers: ...... 3, many times tional French and Igbo, a national language of Nigeria ... played the drums in high Minutes: ...... 38, at Morgan State 2009 school ... most memorable experience to date was scoring a buzzer beater that downed a previously unbeaten High Point team ... born on July 22, 1989 … son of Daniel and Gloria Nwankwo ... major is Psychology.

16 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL

ROBERT’S CAREER STATISTICS Season GP GS Min Avg FG FGA Pct 3FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 2010-11 DNP 2009-10 27 24 812 30.1 106 190 .558 0 0 .000 55 126 .437 91 150 241 8.9 66 2 16 36 83 27 267 9.9 2008-09 32 20 607 19.0 48 91 .527 0 0 .000 45 86 .523 79 95 174 5.4 85 4 14 30 49 25 141 4.4 2007-08 28 0 223 8.0 10 34 .294 0 0 .000 15 24 .625 26 42 68 2.4 25 0 3 9 14 8 35 1.3 Career 87 44 1642 18.9 164 315 .521 0 0 .000 115 236 .487 196 287 483 5.6 176 6 33 75 146 60 443 5.1

17 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles

AT CARAVEL ACADEMY: Honored as the 2007-08 Gatorade Player of the Year in Erique Delaware ... led Caravel to a state championship as a junior ... helped Buccaneers finish as state runners-up as a freshman and sophomore ... averaged 13.5 points 12 Gumbs and 11.0 rebounds as a junior to help Caravel post a 22-4 record on its way to its first state title ... averaged 18.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game as a senior 6-9, 230 lbs. Sophomore • Forward while helping the Buccaneers post a 14-9 record ... played in only 12 of the team’s Newark, Del. • Caravel Academy 23 games due to a knee injury ... named third team All-State in abbreviated senior Psychology Major year ... selected to play in the Delaware Blue/Gold All-Star game ... honored as Reebok All-American ... McDonalds All-American nominee ... also played high school Talented player with tremendous potential . ... one of the Tigers’ most skilled players ... third-year player who missed most of the BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Surname is Erique Christopher Gumbs ... has one 2009-10 season with a knee injury ... very younger sister ... father, Oliver (O.J.), is a graduate of the University of Delaware good student. who played basketball (1986-89) for the Blue Hens ... father played against Towson six times and the teams split those games ... father is currently the chief financial RED SHIRT FRESHMAN YEAR (2010-11): Appeared in all 30 games as a red shirt adviser for the Cape Henlopen school district ... mother, Susan Watson-Halloway freshman ... started four games ... played an average of 12.3 minutes per game ... is also a Delaware grad had a .565 field goal percentage ... averaged 3.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game ...... an uncle, Bruce Wat- finished third on team with 14 blocked shots ... foul troubles limited his playing time son, played football at ... had four or more fouls in six games ... started season opener at Miami (OH) and Brown University ... an scored four points with six rebounds ... helped Tigers to win over Coppin State with aunt, Marsha Johnson, seven points and four rebounds ... had eight points and four rebounds in only ten ran track at Princeton minutes at Buffalo ... helped Tigers to win over Western Michigan with eight points ... lists his mother and five rebounds off the bench ... helped Tigers to victory at UMBC with six points and his sister as the and career high seven rebounds ... shot three-for-four from the floor in win over people he admires the UMBC ... scored five points and had five rebounds in victory at Hampton ... made sec- most ... favorite actors ond start of season against Princeton ... scored six points with four rebounds against are Vince Vaughn and Hofstra ... shot six-for-seven from floor while scoring career high 12 points in home Jamie Foxx ... hobbies game against William & Mary ... also had four rebounds against the Tribe ... scored ten include writing ... fa- points with three rebounds and made four of six field goal attempts in Tigers’ upset vorite video game is bid agianst Virginia Commonwealth ... scored eight points in reserve role at George Call of Duty ... favorite Mason before fouling out after only 14 minutes ... made third start of season at Old meal is chicken alfredo Dominion and scored five points ... played 19 minutes at Drexel and tallied six points ... dedicated fan of the ... made fourth start of season at Northeastern and played only nine minutes due to Washington Redkins ... foul trouble ... scored seven points with two rebounds and made all three field goal son of Oliver Gumbs attempts against James Madison. and Susan Watson- FRESHMAN YEAR (2009-10): Appeared briefly in the first five games of the season Halloway ... born April ... suffered season-ending knee injury against UMBC ... made the most of his time on 5, 1991 in Newark, Del. the floor, averaging 7.5 minutes per game ... made collegiate debut against Miami of ... good student with Ohio and played three minutes ... played seven minutes against Buffalo and scored a major in Psychology two points with three reboubds ... saw 11 minutes of action at Navy and scored four and a minor in Health points with three rebounds, converting both field goal attempts ... played nine min- Science. utes at Dayton and grabbed one rebound ... scored four points with two rebounds in five minutes of action against UMBC ... received a medical redshirt for the 2009-10 season.

ERIQUE’S CAREER HIGHS: Points: ...... 12, vs. William & Mary, 2011 Rebounds: ...... 7, at UMBC, 2010 Assists: ...... 2, vs. William & Mary, 2011 Steals: ...... 2, three times, 2010-11 Blocks: ...... 2, three times, 2010-11 Turnovers: ...... 3, twice, 2010-11 Minutes: ...... 22, vs. William & Mary, 2011

18 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL

ERIQUE’S CAREER STATISTICS Season GP GS Min Avg FG FGA Pct 3FG FGA Pct FT FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg 2010-11 30 4 368 12.3 48 85 .565 0 2 .000 13 35 .371 23 60 83 2.8 59 1 9 23 14 16 109 3.6 2009-10 5 0 35 7.0 4 9 .444 0 0 .000 2 4 .500 4 5 9 1.8 2 0 1 0 0 0 10 2.0 Career 35 4 403 11.5 52 94 ,553 0 2 .000 15 39 .385 27 65 92 2.6 61 1 10 23 14 16 119 3.4

19 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Marcus Jamel 1 Damas 44 Flash 6-7, 200 lbs. Sophomore • Guard 6-11, 205 lbs. R-Freshman • Forward Bay Shore, N.Y.. • Bay Shore H.S. West Hempstead, N.Y. • Undeclared Major West Hempstead H.S. Undeclared Major Transfer from Westchester Community Col- Promising inside player who was a red shirt lege in New York ... played one year at West- last season ... has worked very hard and has chester ... has a long reach ... should con- made progress ... could make an impact in tribute this season ... hard worker who has the front court this season ... one of two improved significantly ... has plenty of energy and enthusiasm. Long Island natives on the Tigers’ roster. AT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Played one year at Westchester Commu- nity College ... earned second team All Mid-Hudson Conference honors ... averaged AT WEST HEMPSTEAD H.S.: Two-time All-Nassau County performer … selected to 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game ... attended Cowley Community College in play in two all-star games ... appeared in the Nassau vs. Suffolk County all-star Kansas for one year but did not play basketball. game ... also played in the City vs. Long Island all-star games … averaged 16.0 points, and 13.5 rebounds per game as a senior ... also blocked five shots per game as a BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: McDonald’s All-American candidate at Bay Shore High senior ... led the Rams to a 12-0 league record and a 15-5 overall mark as a junior School ... averaged 17.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game as a senior ... invited to … averaged 12.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.1 blocks as a junior … served as Rams’ the prestigious Pangos All-American camp in Long Beach, Cal., in 2008 ... named to captain as a junior and senior … began playing basketball in the seventh grade … the “Cream-of-the-Crop” top 40 all-star game at Pangos All-American camp ... Coach did not play in the 8th grade because of a broken finger … was 6-3 as a freshman, Pat Skerry On Marcus - “Marcus is a very versatile forward. He can play multiple his first year of organized basketball … grew eight inches in two years to 6-11 … positions. He’s another guy who puts it on the deck pretty good. He has a long reach played the tuba in the West Hempstead marching band and the sousaphone in the and we love his energy and his enthusiasm. He has improved his skills significantly.” school concert and jazz bands … good student who was a member of the high honor roll (90.0 average and above) … played for the celebrated New York Panthers AAU program under the direction of Gary Charles and coached by former NBA point guard Rafer Alston. BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Surname is Jamel Christian Flash … lists his parents as the people he admires the most … has one younger sister ... ambition is to play professional basketball ... also wants to earn a pilot’s license …has always been fascinated by flying … father and two of his uncles work in the aviation profession … father is a regional manager for the cargo express airline, ABX Air … favorite video game is Flight Simulator 2010 … lists Dwight Howard as his favorite pro athlete … avid fan of the Orlando Magic … listens to music by Lil Wayne and Drake … his most memorable experience occurred when his sister was born … has served as a youth exaltor at his church … works out in the summer months with his cousin, Shawnelle Scott, a former St. John’s All-American who played with the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets … favorite actor is Will Smith ... enjoys watching the television show, Cops ... father played soccer in Jamaica ... mother played bas- ketball … mother runs her own day care business ... son of Fasiel and Carolyn Flash … born June 20, 1992 in Queens, N.Y. ... has not declared a major.

20 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL Alex Deon 22 Giergen 23 Jones 6-7, 225 lbs. R-Freshman • Forward 6-5, 200 lbs. Freshman • Guard Duesseldorf, Germany • Wilmington, Del. • Sanford School Virginia Episcopal School Undeclared Major International Business Major Second-year performer for the Tigers ... was Very talented newcomer who will add depth a freshman red shirt last season ... attended and talent to the Tigers’ backcourt ... one of schools in Germany until his senior year of two Delaware natives on the Tiger roster ... high school ... came to America and enrolled mature player with plenty of ability ... hard at Virginia Episcopal School ... will provide Tigers with a stablizing force on the worker with the potential to be a very good defensive player ... third high-profile floor this season. player from Sanford School to attend Towson, joining Lewis Waller, ‘91 and Ralph AT VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL: Attended Virginia Episcopal School for one Blalock, ‘96. year … averaged 15.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game for the Bishops … also AT SANFORD SCHOOL: Named as Delaware State Player of the Year as a senior averaged four assists per contest for Coach Ren Marquette ... named first team ... played at Sanford as a junior and senior, helping the Warriors win back-to-back All-Virginia Independent Conference ... also honored as the Bishops’ Most Valu- state championships ... led the Warriors to a two-year record of 45-3 ... attended able Player in 2009-10 … named to several all-tournament teams for the Bishops ... Paul VI H.S. in Virginia as a sophomore and played for another state championship member of track and field team ... won VIC championship in the high jump with a team ... averaged 15.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game as a junior, helping San- 6-2 leap ... also named as MVP of track and field team. ford win the state title ... averaged 18.0 points and 8.1 rebounds during his senior BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Born and raised in Duesseldorf, Germany … has an year ... named first team All-State as a senior ... a McDonald’s All-American nomi- older brother, Max, who sparked Alex’s interest in basketball … played club ball (no nee ... hit game-winning three-point basket at the buzzer in 60-58 state champion- organized athletic teams in the schools) … averaged 12.0 points his last three years ship game victory over Red Lion in a game played at the University of Delaware ... with the club’s under-19 team … ambition is to play professional basketball ... could played in the Blue-Gold All-Star game ... second-ranked player in the state accord- also become a sports agent … lists his parents as the people he admires the most ing to Premo Hoops Recruiting ... “You can’t put a number on Deon,” says Warriors’ … multi-lingual who speaks, English, German and Spanish ... favorite pro athlete is Coach Stanley Waterman. “He can do so many things. Towson’s a good fit for Deon. Gary Neal of the San Antonio Spurs, a former standout at Towson who also played He’s got a chance to make an impact down there.” in Europe ... favorite video game is NBA 2K11 … favorite television shows are Prison BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Has one older brother and one older sister ... older Break and Entourage … favorite actor is George Clooney … listens to music by Ryan brother, Jeff, played basketball at Rider ... career goal is working with computers Leslie and Jay-Z … what he misses most is the variety of ethnic food available in his ... lists father as the person he admires the most ... hobbies include golf ... favorite country … favorite meal is pasta with pesto … father is a business consultant and athlete is LeBron James ... dedicated fan of the Miami Heat ... favorite video game a writer ... mother works as an interior designer ... son of Bernd Kreutz and Ingrid is NBA 2K11 ... enjoys watching reruns of the television show, “Martin” ... favorite Giergen … born February 10, 1991 in Duesseldorf, Germany ... major is International actor is Zach Galifianakis ... favorite actress is Megan Fox ... enjoys listening to Business. music by Wale ... most memorable experience was hitting game-winning three- pointer in state championship game ... born on January 4, 1993 in Chester, Pa. ... son of Jeff Jones Senior and Jovon Jones ... father is a graduate of Lenoir Rhyne who works as a sales representative ... mother is a graduate of Cheyney State ... major is undeclared.

21 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Will Christian 10 Adams 11 Collins 6-4, 190 lbs. Freshman • Guard 6-0, 165 lbs. Sophomore • Guard Philadelphia, Pa • Imhotep Charter H.S. Baltimore, Md. •Parkville H.S. Undeclared Major Exercise Science Major

Promising backcourt performer who origi- Second-year performer for the Tigers who nally signed with the Tigers in November, made the team as a walk-on last year ... hard 2008 ... diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease worker who adds depth to the Tigers’ back- as a senior in high school and spent the last few years in treatment ... has been court. cleared to resume his education and basketball career ... has good physical tools AT PARKVILLE H.S.: Two-year standout at Parkville who played for Coach Rod ... will add depth to the Tigers’ backcourt ... needs to come back strong from long Norris, a former Tiger basketball player ... averaged 8.0 and 5.0 assists per game layoff. as a senior ... member of the Knights’ regional championship team as a sophomore AT IMHOTEP CHARTER H.S.: First team All-Philadelphia Public League selection ... very good student who won Scholar-Athlete award at 14th annual Basketball ... finished career as Imhotep’s all-time scoring leader ... first player in school his- Academy. tory to score 1,000 career points ... led the Panthers to the Class AA state cham- BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Has one younger brother ... lists mother as the person pionship and Philadelphia City and district titles as a junior ... averaged with a 13.1 he admires the most ... favorite athlete is Michael Jordan ... avid fan of the NBA average ... Imhotep finished its most successful season ever in 2008-09 with an champion Dallas Mavericks ... favorite television show is “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” impressive 32-1 record that included an astounding 31-game winning streak and a ... lists Jim Carrey as his favorite actor ... enjoys listening to music by Nelly ... most state championship ... named third team All-State as a senior after averaging 14.5 memorable experience was watching kids play wheelchair basketball when he was points per game for Coach Andre Noble ... led Panthers to a combined 59-5 during 13 years old ... mother is a florist ... born on February 2, 1992 in Baltimore, Md. ... son final two years ... first-team All-Public League selection in the C Division as a junior of Nancy Utz ... major is Exercise Science. and senior ... played entire season while suffering from Hodgkin’s Disease which was diagnosed in May, 2009 after the end of his senior season.

22 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Player Profiles || 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL Jervon Kris 30 Pressley 3 Walden 6-7, 245 lbs. Freshman • Forward 6-1, 165 lbs. Freshman • Guard Charlotte, N.C. • E.E. Waddell H.S. Richmond, Va. • Henrico H.S. Undeclared Major Business Management Major

Talented inside player with enormous po- tential ... will see plenty of action as a fresh- Promising newcomer who will see plenty of man ... powerful player who is an excellent action at point guard as a freshman ... hard rebounder. worker and a good team leader ... has done well in the pre-season. AT E.E. WADDELL H.S.: Four-year starter for Coach Oscar Jermaine Walker ... led the Panthers to the second round of the state playoffs twice ... finished career as AT HENRICO H.S.: Three-year starter in the backcourt for Coach Vance Harmon the Panthers’ career leader in rebounds and blocked shots ... led team to a 20-10 ... two-year captain ... led the Warriors to a 20-7 record as a senior ... directed the record as a senior ... averaged 11.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game as a senior highest scoring offensive team in the state of Virginia ... averaged 17.4 points and ... also averaged four blocked shots per game ... scored 33 points in one game as a 4.0 assists per game ... earned first team All-District and first team All-Metro as a junior ... All-City selection ... earned All-State notice as a senior ... selected to play junior and senior ... finished career with 1,052 points, eighth on Henrico’s all-time in North Carolina-South Carolina all-star game called “Battle of Borders” ... named scoring list ... led Henrico to a 53-26 record in his three seasons as a starter at as Most Valuable Player of the all-star game ... Elite 75 invitee. point guard ... earned second team All-Region notice two years in a row ... led the Warriors to the regional semi-finals as a junior ... finished career with a 13.3 scor- BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Has three brothers and four sisters ... enjoys watch- ing average ... named to Henrico’s all-decade team ... All-Academic first team ing anything on ESPN ... avid fan of the Charlotte Bobcats ... favorite video game is selection ... invited to play in the 804 All-Star and the Elite Showcase Basketball Madden Football ... favorite actress is Halle Berry ... lists Lil Wayne as his favorite Classic games ... Coach Pat Skerry : “Kris is a very hard worker. He’s strong. He musician ... hobbies include fishing ... lists grandfather as the person he admires can shoot the ball and he’s quick. He comes from good stock and is a very good the most ... son of Kelle Pressley ... mother attended Johnson and Wales ... born on student as well.” December 16, 1992 in Florence, S.C. ... major is Undeclared. BACKGROUND/PERSONAL: Has one younger brother ... career goal is to become a lawyer ... lists mother as the person he admires the most ... enjoys listening mu- sic by Prince ... favorite video game is 2K Basketball ... avid fan of the Washington Redskins ... favorite actress is Gabrielle Union ... most memorable experience was time spent with his grandfather ... father is a graduate of Saint Paul’s College who works as a insurance sales representative ... mother is a George Mason graduate who works for a credit union ... son of Lawrence Walden and Kimberly Muhammed ... born on May 26, 1993 in Richmond, Va. ... major is Business Management.

23 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL || Player Profiles Tiger Nickname Towson’s Logo Towson University is one of 28 NCAA member The Towson Tiger logo has also experi- Through the Years institutions using The tiger is the most enced change. Several years ago, the new popular mascot among American colleges “stylistic” tiger was unveiled, replacing the and universities. upright caricature that had been used since However, its obvious popularity was not the mid-80’s. That took the place of the old Athletic Logo the real reason the Tiger was selected to rep- block tiger which served as the logo from circa - 2002 resent Towson. 1979. The present logo was altered slightly When Towson was a two-year normal this past July, deleting the word “State” in school the Baltimore media referred to its keeping with the University’s renaming of teams as the “Teachers.” As the school Towson University from Towson State Univer- expanded to three and four year programs, sity. the newspapers granted Towson student ath- The Towson logo is registered. Approval letes tenure, calling them the “Professors” for its use commercially is required. For color and even shortening it to “Profs.” Later, it was reproduction purposes, please contact the changed again to the “Schoolmasters.” Towson University Athletic Media Relations The “Indians” and “Golden Knights” were Office for separation instructions. other nicknames used over the years. But as Other schools across the country who are Athletic Logo the tale goes, the moniker was finally decided also members of the “Tiger” fraternity include circa - 1995 after a soccer match. Auburn, Bishop, Clemson, Colorado College, One autumn afternoon a sportswriter was DePauw, Doane, Grambling, Hampden-Sydney, covering the Towson soccer team in an uphill Jackson State, Lincoln (Mo.), Livingston, LSU, struggle. The next day the writer wrote that Memphis, Missouri, Morehouse, Occidental, although the team had lost the game, “…they Pacific, Princeton, Rochester Tech, St. Paul’s, played like tigers.” Savannah State, Sewanee, Tennessee State, The soccer team appreciated the comment Texas Southern, Trinity (Tex.), Tuskegee and and adopted “Tigers” as its nickname. Enthu- Wittenberg. siasm for it spread throughout the campus According to the NCAA, other popular nick- and the tiger eventually became the official names include Bears (16), Wildcats (12) and designated mascot. Eagles (12). Athletic Logo circa - 1985

Athletic Logo circa - 1979

24 SENIOR GUARD RASHAWN POLK 2011-12 TIGER MEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Nov. 11 at Kansas ^ 8 p.m. Jan. 25 VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH * 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Michigan ^ 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28 UNC WILMINGTON * 7 p.m. Nov. 19 vs. Belmont ^ 2:30 p.m. Feb. 1 at Hofstra * TBA Nov. 20 vs. UNCG/Middle Tenn. St. ^ TBA Feb. 4 DREXEL * 7 p.m. Nov. 26 OREGON STATE 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at Virginia Commonwealth * TBA Nov. 30 at Massachusetts 7 p.m. Feb. 11 JAMES MADISON * 7 p.m. Dec. 3 GEORGE MASON * 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Northeastern * TBA Dec. 7 LA SALLE 7 p.m. Feb. 17-19 ESPN BracketBusters vs. TBA TBA Dec. 10 UMBC 7 p.m. Feb. 22 DELAWARE * 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Coppin State 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at James Madison * TBA Dec. 20 MANHATTAN 7 p.m. Mar. 2 CAA Tournament First Round TBA Dec. 23 VERMONT 7 p.m. Mar. 3 CAA Tournament Quarter-Finals TBA Dec. 30 at Virginia 7 p.m. Mar. 4 CAA Tournament Semi-Finals TBA Jan. 2 NORTHEASTERN * 7 p.m. Mar. 5 CAA Tournament Championship TBA Jan. 4 at Drexel * 7 p.m. Home games in BOLD. Jan. 7 at Old Dominion * TBA * - CAA Games Jan. 11 WILLIAM & MARY * 7 p.m. ^ - EA Sports Maui Invitational Jan. 14 at Georgia State * 2 p.m. For Tickets: 1-855-TU-TIGER Jan. 18 OLD DOMINION * 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at George Mason * TBA Jan. 23 at Delaware * 7 p.m.

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