C10 Thursday, November 13, 2003 Old Gold and Black ACC Preview Duke North Carolina

2002-03 Record: 26-7, 11-5 ACC, 2002-03 Record: 19-16, 6-10 ACC, no NCAA Sweet 16 NCAA bid

Key Returners: Senior guard Chris Key Returners: Junior forward Jawad Wil- Duhon, junior guard , liams, junior guard , sophomore sophomore guard J.J. Redick, sophomore guard , sophomore guard/ forward Sheldon Williams and sophomore forward Rashad McCants and sophomore forward Shavlik Randolph. .

Key Newcomers: Forward and guard Patrick Davidson. Key Newcomers: Head Coach Roy Williams, forward and forward Justin Bohlander. Stunning Stats: The Blue Devils have made the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for six consecutive seasons and have won a record five-straight Stunning Stats: The Tar Heels haven’t been selected to play in the NCAA ACC Tournaments. Tournament the past two years after making it a record 27 consecutive years from 1975-2001. Strengths: Duke will once again be loaded at the guard position. Both Duhon and Redick are Naismith Player of the Year candidates. Meanwhile, Strengths: North Carolina boasts one of the best starting fives in the Ewing could be even better than both and Duke won’t lose too much when country. The sophomore trio of Felton, McCants and May mixed with sophomore guard Sean Dockery spells Duhon at times. gives UNC a ton of weapons. And Roy Williams is one of the best coaches around. Weaknesses: Although Duke has a bevy of talent at all the positions, the Blue Devils lack a truly dominant big man. Their reliance on the three Weaknesses: While the starting five is stacked, UNC’s bench is lacking. point shot has also hurt them in the past. And they need to overcome the damage done by ex-Head Coach Matt Doherty. Most of the Heels have never been on a good Best Case Scenario: Duke will once again begin the season as the team team so experience and lack of a winning attitude could be a problem that to beat in the ACC. However, they will have to overcome many challeng- Roy Williams will need to address. ers if they want to continue their streak of consecutive ACC Tournament titles. They will need Deng, the second-rated high school player last year Best Case Scenario: With Williams inheriting a very talented team, behind LeBron James, to come right in and be a top college player. If North Carolina could return to its glory days immediately by making a this team gets hot, it could definitely make a run at the NCAA title. More Final Four run. More likely, the Tar Heels will make it to the Sweet 16 if likely, their season will end in a Final Four appearance. they stay healthy. Maryland Florida State 2002-03 Record: 14-15, 4-12 ACC, no 2002-03 Record: 21-10, 11-5 ACC, NCAA NCAA bid Sweet 16 Key Returners: Senior forward Michael Key Returners: Senior forward Jamar Smith, Joiner, senior guard and junior junior guard Andre Collins, sophomore forward Anthony Richardson. guard John Gilchrist, sophomore forward Nik Caner-Medley and sophomore forward Travis Garrison. Key Newcomers: Forward Alexander Johnson, forward , guard . Key Newcomers: Guard Mike Jones, guard D.J. Strawberry, forward Ekene Ibekwe, center Will Bowers and center Stunning Stats: Nearly every major publication ranks the ‘Noles’ freshman Hassan Fofana. class as the best in the nation. Pickett was fourth in the nation with 2.83 steals per game last year. He also averaged 17.1 points and 5.7 rebounds Stunning Stats: The Terps lone returning senior is Jamar Smith after per game. losing a very strong class to graduation. Despite their losses, Maryland begins the season ranked in the Top-25 for a seventh consecutive year. Strengths: Pickett is one of the ACC’s top players on both sides of the ball, and Joiner is a solid and experienced inside scorer and rebounder. Strengths: The Terps will have a confident sophomore running the The few significant returning players have plenty of big-game experience, point in John Gilchrist, making the loss of less important as Florida State has knocked off Duke in each of the past two years. than people think. They also have plenty of big men who can stroke it from the outside. Weaknesses: The ’Noles are not deep and will most likely ask a lot of their freshmen. Weaknesses: Inexperience. Hardly any Terps coming back played significant minutes last year. This could show up when the team finds itself in close games and when they play on the road. Best Case Scenario: If the freshmen step in and contribute this season, and Pickett and Joiner are able to play as well as they did last year, this could be a dangerous team. Pickett can take over games. Even at the Best Case Scenario: If this young team can gel and mature quickly, they could make a repeat run to the Sweet 16 and stay near the top of very worst, they should finish ahead of Clemson, Virginia and Georgia the ACC standings. Realistically, they should be happy with a return trip Tech, not bad for a perennial cellar-dweller. But watch out. With Head to the NCAA Tournament and staying ahead of Florida State and N.C. Coach Leonard Hamilton at the helm, this team will be very good soon. State in the ACC. The question is just how soon. ACC Preview Old Gold and Black Thursday, November 13, 2003 C11 Virginia Clemson

2002-03 Record: 15-13, 5-11 ACC, no NCAA 2002-03 Record: 16-16, 6-10 ACC, no NCAA bid bid Key Returners: Junior forward Olu Babalola, Key Returners: Senior guard Todd Billet, junior senior forward Chris Hobbs, junior forward/ forward/center Elton Brown, senior guard Majes- center , junior guard Chey Chris- tic Mapp, junior forward Devin Smith. tie.

Key Newcomers: Guard T.J. Bannister, forward Key Newcomers: Head Coach Oliver Purnell, Jason Cain, guard/forward Gary Forbes, forward/ guard Vernon Hamilton, guard Jimmy Hudson, center Donte Minter, guard J.R. Reynolds. forward Lamar Rice (JC transfer).

Stunning Stats: The Cavs were one of just three ACC teams to beat Wake Stunning Stats: The Tigers were 13-4 at home last season, but they were Forest in the regular season, winning 85-75 Jan. 23. Billet made 54-of-119 2-9 away from Death Valley. three-pointers in ACC play (45.5 percent). Strengths: Hobbs and Ford provide strong inside presence, Babalola is Strengths: Billet is one of the ACC’s most dangerous scorers, especially a gritty player and at the very least, Purnell will inject some new life into from the perimeter, and fifth-year senior Mapp, who returned to action a team that has gotten used to losing in the ACC. The Tigers also have a last year after missing two seasons due to injury, provides veteran leader- strong home court advantage in Death Valley. ship. Weaknesses: The Tigers do not have a proven three-point threat. The Weaknesses: The Cavs lost their best inside scoring threat and rebounder, only bright spot on a terrible squad the past two years was star guard Travis Watson, to graduation, and arguably their best playmaker, Keith Edward Scott, who graduated. Jenifer, who left the team. Best Case Scenario: If Hobbs and Ford can become formidable scorers Best Case Scenario: If Mapp and Billet establish themselves as a top and someone steps in to replace Scott as the and sparkplug backcourt duo and Brown and Smith step up to fill Watson’s shoes in the of this team, and if Georgia Tech and Virginia have poor seasons, then paint, the Cavs could crack the top six in the conference. But the ACC the Tigers could finish as high as seventh. But that’s a lot of things that is stacked, and unfortunately for Virginia fans, their team is one of the are not very likely to happen. The smart money says the Tigers will be three teams that will most likely take a beating this season. They can look lucky to win just a few games in the conference, and they will probably forward to the games against Clemson and Georgia Tech. finish last. N.C. State Georgia Tech

2002-03 Record: 18-13, 9-7 ACC, second round 2002-03 Record: 16-15, 7-9 ACC, no of NCAAs NCAA bid

Key Returners: Sophomore forward Ilian Evti- Key Returners: Junior guard/forward mov, junior guard/forward , senior B.J. Elder, sophomore guard , forward Marcus Melvin, senior guard Scooter senior guard Marvin Lewis, junior center Sherrill. Luke Schenscher.

Key Newcomers: Guard Engin Atsur and guard Key Newcomers: No significant addi- Mike O’Donnell. tions.

Stunning Stats: Hodge (17.7), Melvin (12.9) and Stunning Stats: The Yellow Jackets were 13-2 on their home court last Sherrill (10.5) each averaged double digit scoring last season. year, but 3-13 away from home. Elder shot 39.6 percent from three-point range. Strengths: The Wolfpack is loaded. Sherrill is a sharpshooter, Melvin can score inside and Hodge can score from anywhere. Even with the Strengths: Elder, Jack and Lewis provide clutch outside shooting. Schen- early departure of forward Josh Powell, the ‘Pack won’t suffer much, since scher, if nothing else, provides size as a seven-footer. Evtimov, who sat out last season with an injury after a promising freshman season, will return to the lineup. Weaknesses: Schenscher is the definition of soft. Tech will miss forwards , who left for the NBA after one year of college, and Ed Nelson, Weaknesses: Someone needs to step up as a defensive stopper for who transferred. Not to mention the fact that with those departures, Tech the Wolfpack. Guard Clifford Crawford filled that role last year, but he has no proven go-to guy. graduated. Best Case Scenario: If Schenscher suddenly learns to take advantage of Best Case Scenario: Hodge is probably the best player in the conference, his height and becomes a dominating inside player, the Yellow Jackets and if Evtimov fulfills the potential as a big man that the think he has, this could finish as high as sixth in the conference. Even then it is a stretch to team could have all the ingredients to win a conference. Unfortunately put them ahead of any of the ACC’s top six teams this year. And if the for them, the conference for whose title the Wolfpack is gunning is the Jackets can not find an inside scorer, then teams can focus their defense stacked ACC. They will be lucky to get into the top three in the confer- on the perimeter, especially shutting down Elder, and the Jackets will ence standings. struggle mightily. C12 Thursday, November 13, 2003 Old Gold and Black ACC Preview Curtis’ crew sets sights on the postseason By Trey Kalny and finish in the top half of the frontcourt game, seniors toughest conferences in wom- make things happen as opposed Old Gold and Black Reporter the conference,” junior Jen- Tracy Alston, Bianca Brown en’s college basketball. Featur- to letting things happen.” nifer Johnson said. “We know and Tonia Brown will play a ing defending ACC champion Making matters worse is the In Head Coach Charlene that this would give us a better large role in the team’s success Duke as well as North Caro- strength of schedule that the Curtis’ office, she has a moti- opportunity for post-season this year. lina and Virginia, who have Deacons face. Wake Forest vational book that the coach has play and that’s something “I expect the seniors to set the preseason national rankings plays preseason No. 9 Purdue given to each of her incoming that the women’s program tone both on and off the floor of 14th and 24th respectively, Nov. 29 as well as Marshall, freshman to prepare them for hasn’t done in a while. We this year,” she said. “These girls the ACC is tough. Curtis has Hampton and Holy Cross, all their first season of Division I feel that’s definitely a goal we want to be the class that gets the focused primarily on the mental teams that were in the NCAA college basketball. can reach.” school back to postseason play, aspect of the game during this tournament a season ago. In essence the book is a This team will be very differ- and they have to be the ones to off-season and hopes that it will In order to secure a postsea- parallel to the 2003-04 Wake ent from years past in which make it happen.” pay off when pressure situations son berth, the team must have Forest women’s basketball talented backcourts were the The Deacs will also look for arise. a winning record. Wake Forest team: it foretells good times, key to the Deacons’ fortunes. the continued development “This team has said that it has not gone to a postseason it warns about the inevitable The talent at the post positions of sophomore guard Cotelia wants to make the post-season, tournament in women’s bas- misfortunes and it has colorful has added another aspect to Bond-Young, who averaged but to do that we must play ketball since 1989. illustrations. The book is Dr. Wake Forest’s game. With the 9.9 as a fresh- every game like it matters and Nevertheless, the players Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!. graduation of forward Tiffani man last year, making her the not let wins get away from us remain optimistic about their This year’s Deacons look to Listenbee, junior Erin Ferrell team’s second-leading return- like we did last year,” Curtis chances. “I have a great feeling improve on a mediocre show- and sophomores Liz Strunk and ing scorer. said. about this year and this team, ing last year in which they Keila Evans will be expected to One intangible advantage the When playing in a tough con- and once we get everything finished 13-15. After winning contribute immediately. Deacs feel they have this year ference like the ACC, Curtis together and focus on us, we several games in the early part “Our post players must find is solid team chemistry. stresses that the team cannot can’t be broken,” Alston said. of the season, last year’s squad a way to contribute in order to “We all are very close,” junior afford to pay attention to every- As the women’s basketball had some problems down the provide the inside aspect of our Meredith Bell said. “As a junior, thing that is going on around team hopes to add a new stretch but still managed to game,” Curtis said. “They will I have to say that it is by far the conference, but instead chapter to the history of Wake give Duke, the eventual ACC give us size, rebounds, and an the closest I have ever seen our must focus on themselves. Forest athletics, Dr. Seuss’ book Champs, a run for its money in inside presence that has been team come together. The key “As a team we have to remem- seems to be a roadmap to the two out of three games. missing in years past.” is, though, remaining together ber to take things one game at season ahead. However, simply improving Unlike the finesse game that throughout the season – that is a time and must concentrate With new talent, veteran lead- on last year’s record will not Listenbee possessed, Ferrell, the true test of our chemistry on the fine points of the game: ership and improved coaching, be enough for this squad – the Strunk and Evans are aggres- and desire to win.” making free throws, - a trip to the postseason could team has set its sights on post- sive players who will give the Playing in the ACC does ing, playing defense and taking very likely be one of the many season play. team true inside post play. present a major challenge for care of the basketball,” Curtis places the Deacons will go to “We are working hard to try Despite the importance of the Deacons, as it is one of the said. “This year we have to in 2003-04. Editors’ Season Predictions

Jim Gleitman Alex Myers Jason Mazda Editor Assistant Editor Assistant Editor

ACC First Team ACC First Team ACC First Team Standings All-ACC Standings All-ACC Standings All-ACC 1. Duke Raymond Felton 1. Duke Raymond Felton 1. Wake Forest Raymond Felton 2. Wake Forest UNC 2. Wake Forest UNC 2. Duke UNC 3. North Carolina Tim Pickett 3. North Carolina John Gilchrist 3. N.C. State Justin Gray 4. N.C. State Florida State 4. N.C. State Maryland 4. North Carolina Wake Forest Julius Hodge 5. Florida State 5. Maryland Julius Hodge 5. Maryland Julius Hodge N.C. State N.C. State 6. Maryland 6. Florida State N.C. State Jamaal Levy 6. Florida State 7. Virginia Shavlik Wake Forest 7. Virginia Duke 7. Virginia 8. Clemson 8. Georgia Tech 8. Georgia Tech Randolph Shavlik Vytas Danelius Duke 9. Georgia Tech 9. Clemson 9. Clemson Randolph Wake Forest Sean May Duke UNC

ACC Player of the Year ACC Player of the Year ACC Player of the Year Julius Hodge Julius Hodge Julius Hodge C2 Thursday, November 13, 2003 Old Gold and Black ACC Preview Prosser’s posse set to defend ACC title

By Mike Scott and sophomores comprise nine rebounding? With Howard at year, Prosser’s squad will not Prosser is also a stickler on fun- Senior Reporter of the team’s top 12 players. the reigns last year, everyone lack for experience despite its damentals, as evidenced by the Has Prosser’s success in his knew and accepted that he relative youth. Add in sopho- fact that last year’s team led the Expectations and predic- first two years created added was the team leader – “The mores Trent Strickland, Chris nation in rebounding differen- tions don’t seem to mean a lot pressure for this team? If so, Man.” While many players Ellis and Richard Joyce and a tial and was among the leaders to . Of course, that the coach doesn’t seem to be are capable of picking up the stellar recruiting class head- in percentage. His shouldn’t be surprising, consid- feeling it. statistical slack left by Howard’s lined by point guard Chris focus on the basics has shown ering his Deacons are coming “We may departure, just as much in ques- Paul and forward Todd Hend- up in his preparation for this off a season in which they went have in tion is whether the order his ley and there’s no shortage of season. 25-5 and won an ACC regular some ways presence and play brought to talent either. “From a defensive standpoint season championship after sort of over- the locker room will be missed The considerable depth of my concern is we don’t have an most pundits had picked them a c h i e v e d more than his contributions on this team may very well mean edge,” Prosser said. “Josh gave to finish in the bottom third of last year,” the court. Prosser will finally be able to us a little bit of an edge, that’s the conference. And as useful as P r o s s e r In short, will the process of implement his preferred high- a concern, we try to do that in Prosser’s ambivalence to prog- said. “Obvi- finding a new Alpha Deacon speed, pressing style of play, practice. Offensively, we can’t nostication was to his team last ously Josh cause unrest among the play- though much progress is still to be so perimeter-oriented, we year, it may prove to be even Skip Prosser (Howard, ers? While Prosser foresees a be made before the Pittsburgh need to be more inside, have more valuable this year. ‘03) had a significant change from last native will be satisfied. more of a balance.” That’s because the Deacons, superlative year, he does not seem con- “We still don’t understand So, while life without Howard thanks in large part to the per- year, and we had so many cerned with its effects. how fast I want to play,” he has definitely raised some formances turned in during freshmen and sophomores, “Number one, there’s a qual- said. “I don’t know if they (the questions for this Deacon Prosser’s first two campaigns, and I think that has really ity of person on our team – we players) don’t believe me, but team, Prosser does not seem enter this season weighted heightened expectations this really have great kids,” he said. I still don’t think we’re rushing interested in mourning the loss down with the high hopes of year. Are they misplaced? I “I don’t think they care who the ball like we need to rush – it appears the past, just like their fans and the high opin- have no idea. I hate to sound gets the credit as long as they the ball up the court. We’re still expectations, is not something ions of the experts. The boys trite, but time will tell.” play well. not aggressive – it becomes a he tends to dwell on. in Black and Gold enjoy a pre- This brings up the most press- With returning juniors state of mind, you don’t have “It was time for him (Howard) season No. 21 ranking nation- ing question surrounding this Jamaal Levy, Vytas Danelius to talk about it, you just expect to go, he had an unbelievable ally, as well as being picked by team – how will the Deacons and Taron Downey as well as it, and I don’t think we’re near year and a terrific four years,” most to finish in the top three replace Howard, last year’s sophomores Justin Gray and there yet.” Prosser said. in the ACC. And all this comes ACC Player of the Year and Eric Williams, all of whom But while he stresses a speed of “Now we have to try and despite the fact that freshmen the team leader in scoring and started at least 10 games last play that seems rather modern, remake this team.” Talented freshman class provides depth

By Gerard McMahon about me not shooting the ball as much, ity to hit the outside jumper in addition Old Gold and Black Reporter because a lot of times I look to pass.” to matching up well on defense. While Paul may need to shoot more “Hopefully I can do whatever I can to A year ago, five freshmen played on the court, fellow freshman Ingram help the team,” Hendley said. “Coach key roles en route to the Deacons’ 25 says he just needs to get meaner on the has been telling me to hit the glass and win season and regular season ACC court. rebound as hard as I can.” Championship. “ARGHH!” the outgoing guard Hendley, who was also recruited by This year’s highly regarded recruit- exclaimed as he showed what kind of Clemson and N.C. State, chose Wake ing class, which features McDonald’s game face Head Coach Skip Prosser Forest for its academics, teammates and All-American point guard , wants him to have on the court. Todd Hendley Jeremy Ingram the coaching staff, which he brags is the Jeremy Ingram, forward “Coach Prosser knows I have a nice “best in the country.” Todd Hendley and forward Kyle personality and all off the court,” Ingram 6-foot-9-inch Kyle Visser, the only Visser, aspire to do more of the same. said. “But he wants me to get an edge Deacon recruit who hails from outside “The team’s coming along really good when I’m on the court. It’s something North Carolina (Michigan), decided to and really gelling together,” Paul said. I’m working on because I go every day come east to Wake Forest because of Paul, who chose Wake Forest over trying to be humble and then I get on the great people, the fans and the great Boston College, Connecticut and the court and he wants me to get all up academics. North Carolina, among others, cited in everyone’s face. But this is definitely “I just came down here and fell in love the “family atmosphere” as one of his something I’m willing to work on.” with the school,” Visser said. “The ACC biggest reasons for choosing to be a The 6-foot-3-inch guard, who aver- is obviously the best basketball confer- Demon Deacon. aged 17 points per game last year, Chris Paul Kyle Visser ence there is.” “(I loved the) family atmosphere, the chose Wake Forest over N.C. State, Visser, who averaged 12 points per teammates, everybody gets along just Virginia, Georgia Tech and his first to accept whatever role Prosser decides game his senior year in high school, fine, and I love being close to home,” love, Maryland. best fits the team. has seen an increased role on the team Paul said. “I chose Wake first of all because of “I just want to fit in where I fit in,” since the injury to returning sopho- Paul, rated as the top point guard the academics,” Ingram said. “I know Ingram said. “There’s a whole lot of good more Chris Ellis. With the season fast recruit in the nation by many publi- that after I graduate I’ll be in a place players on this ball club, so whatever approaching after so few practices, the cations, averaged 25 points per game where I can get a good job. I love the I can do to help this team win I’ll do freshmen know their immediate impact last year, but he figures he should have small campus, cool people and the … even if Coach just puts me in for 50 may be limited. a different role with the Deacons this basketball program is just outstanding seconds, I’m going to go all out because “I just want the freshmen to go out year. – great coaches, great advisors. I made what I do may determine how the game there and not play tentatively,” Prosser “I’m hoping to contribute leadership the right choice and wouldn’t take my goes along.” said. and a spark off the bench,” Paul said. decision back for the world.” Scrappy forward Todd Hendley has “As long as they’re aggressive and “Whenever I get in, I just try to push the While Ingram has admitted to wanting been the surprise of the exhibition attacking – right now they’re still play- ball up the court and make something more practices so he can find his rhythm season thus far for Deacon fans. The 6- ing much more tentatively. We don’t happen. Coach has been getting on me better in Prosser’s scheme, he is willing foot-9-inch forward has shown the abil- want that.” ACC Preview Old Gold and Black Thursday, November 13, 2003 C3 H H H Vytas Danelius H H H

By Patrick Brennan shots out of 125 attempts, would have ranked Contributing Reporter giving him a .784 third in the ACC, but average. he did not have In the absence of the departed Josh Danelius is also enough attempts Vytas Danelius Howard, the biggest question mark for the Deacs’ best to qualify. the Demon Deacons this season is not returning player D a n e l i u s ’ at any individual position—the Deacs are in terms of field s o p h o m o r e 13 solid at every position. The question is goal percentage. season revealed who will fill the role of the “go-to guy.” His a new facet to his If you ask many experts, that guy will be percent- game: a successful Hometown: junior Vytas Danelius, who was chosen age of three-point shot. to the preseason first team All-ACC. .510 He said that after Kaunas, Lithuania Danelius is coming off a breakout his freshman Year: Junior sophomore season. Scoring 15 points year, during Height: 6’9” and bringing down 10 rebounds in which he went the season finale against N.C. State, 0-of-3 behind Weight: 228 lbs. he literally had a hand in helping the arch, Position: Forward the Deacons capture the ACC regu- Head Coach 2001-02 PPG: 12.3 lar season title. He was also a second Skip Prosser team All-ACC selection. e n c o u r a g e d “Last season was great, but nobody’s him to add the happy with the way it ended,” Dane- ability to make the three- gaila plays. Danelius made it to the third lius said. “We thought we had a chance point shot. Danelius did this round of tryouts, but cut his tryout short to advance to the Sweet 16 (in the successfully, making 18-of-48 to attend summer school and summer NCAA tournament), but I person- attempts during his sophomore workouts back in Winston-Salem. Prior ally am hungry to prove how good campaign. to trying out for the National Team he we are and to go deeper into the This season, spectators will played for the Junior National Team in tournament.” see more skills that Danelius the Euro Cup and helped lead the team Danelius will play a significant role in improved during the offseason, to the finals. Not only does Danelius ensuring that the Deacons do not suffer including his improved ability to put up All-Conference numbers on the a similar fate to last year’s NCAA Tour- create a shot of the dribble. “This basketball court, he performs well in nament upset. Scoring just six points in year, I want to add some perimeter the classroom as well. He has frequently two games, Danelius’ slump was just one skills like guarding, playing defense on been on the Dean’s List. One reason he of the causes of the poor tournament the perimeter against the , chose to attend Wake Forest was for showing by the Deacs. taking more jump shots and working the quality academic environment of Danelius, an inch taller this year at on my dribbling,” Danelius said. the university. 6’9’’, comes into his junior season Danelius is a native of Kaunas, Lithu- “I really enjoy the academics and the as a preseason first team All-ACC ania, and he went back there this past low student-to-faculty ratio, and I really selection. summer. During his time there, Danelius feel like I belong here,” Danelius said. “(The preseason All-ACC selec- tried out for the Lithuanian National So when you see Vytas Danelius on tion) is going to motivate me to work team, the team for which current Sac- campus, say ‘labas,’ which is the Lithu- harder and to get better,” he said. ramento King, former Demon Deacon anian equivalent to hello. He will be a Already, he ranks among the and close friend of Danelius Darius Son- key to the Deacs’ success this season. conference’s best players statis- tically. With the departure of Virginia’s Travis Watson, Georgia Tech’s Chris Bosh and Howard, Danelius returns as the league’s leading rebounder. He started 30 out of 31 games during the 2002-2003 season. While play- ing an average of 30.8 minutes per game he averaged 7.5 rebounds and compiled 231 total rebounds. “Vido,” as his current teammates call him, ranked fourth in the ACC in offensive rebounding with an average of 2.81 per game, and ranked fifth in the ACC in defensive rebounds as he averaged 4.65 per game. With reputable stats that included 14-rebound per- formances against Temple and Duke, Danelius was a big reason the Deacons led the nation in rebounding in 2003. During Danelius’ sophomore season he had five double-doubles. He has seven double-doubles in his college career thus far. Danelius’ free throw shoot- Old Gold and Black file photo ing percentage ranked ninth Danelius, driving to the basket against Virginia last season, has developed into in the ACC. He made 98 foul Graphics by Elliot Nickles one of the ACC’s toughest inside players. C4 Thursday, November 13, 2003 Old Gold and Black ACC Preview H H H Eric Williams H H H

By Allison Soule “It was just a moment of relief and (a team that lost 17 games last year and than I am, show people the physicality Old Gold and Black Reporter major shock,” Williams said. “I couldn’t finished seventh in the ACC). Addition- I can play at instead of being so timid believe that I had no fouls. It’s like the ally, they have garnered the ranking of like I was last year to make a move Sophomore Eric Williams began the refs must have skipped some. I think 21st in the nation. According to Wil- and to just be a force for Wake Forest,” 2003-2004 season under the appropri- they’re teasing me right now cause this liams, however, ranking has no bearing Williams says. ate parental supervision: that of his is an exhibition game.” on the team’s performance, a belief that With an attitude like that, Williams mother, Debra. This scrimmage is just the beginning is hammered home by Prosser. “She couldn’t wait to wear that hat,” of the preseason games in which “Coach always tells us that Eric Williams said of his mother. the Deacs a r e rankings are not that impor- For each home game, Debra makes taking part tant, just guard them and her two-hour commute from the town after being play the game like you’re Eric Williams of Wake Forest, a trip that is well worth voted third ranked last in the ACC,” the effort when her own flesh and blood in the ACC Williams says. “We just (all 270 pounds of him) is the starting preseason go out and play the game center for the regular season ACC poll behind the same way and not like 31 Champs. Duke and ‘Oh, we should be first,’ or WilliamsWilliams bbeganegan hhisis ssecondecond yyearear uundernder N o r t h ‘Oh, this team should be Head Coach Skip Prosser as the five- Carolina first.’ We just guard that Hometown: man on a new and improved Wake player, every game, the Wake Forest ForestForest squad,squad, a teamteam thatthat hashas gainedgained fivefive same way.” Sophomore players and lost only one – correction, Aside from the rankings, Year: the one. In spite of losing superstar the games against North Height: 6’9” , Williams now has to Carolina are the ones Wil- Weight: 270 lbs. step up, with the rest of his team- liams is anticipating the Position: Center mates, to fill the void. most. Not because of “The loss of Josh Howard was a rivalry or competition, 2002-03 PPG: 8.7 big loss, but Coach has just told but, believe it or not, us we can’t dwell on that as friendship. much,” Williams said. “We’ve “Me and Sean May, we go back,” got to pick up where he left WilliamsWilliams saidsaid ofof thethe 6-foot-9-inch6-foot-9-inch TarTar will certainly excel even more so than off. I think we’re doing a Heel sophomore. “We were real last year. He is confident, but not cocky; good job.” coolcool inin AAU,AAU, wewe playedplayed inin thethe NikeNike anticipatory, but not nervous and his WilliamsWilliams andand hishis counter-counter- Camp together, we played in the jubilant attitude says it all. “I think we’re parts proved that ability McDonald’s game together. We going to surprise a lot of people this toto bbounceounce bbackack iinn ttheirheir grew a relationship and I didn’t year,” Williams said with a smile. first scrimmage, get the pleasure of playing Nov. 3, when him last year. So I think they defeated I’m looking forward to EAEA SportsSports 1100-00- playing UNC, 80. Williams be c a u s e ch i m e d for some in with 14 reason,reason, points, two I just blocks, six w a n t reboundsrebounds to play and – get Se a n this – abso- May.” lutely no fouls. After accu- DespiteDespite mulating a co n s o r t i n g team-high 96 with the enemy, Williams has not fouls in his been distracted from knowing his rookie season, niche on the team. He still under- Williams has stands his role and the ways in made it a primary which that role has morphed since objective to reduce lastlast season.season. HeHe isis nono longerlonger a rookierookie that statistic, an issue who is permitted to commit petty thatthat PProsserrosser addressesaddresses fouls. Rather, he is being shaped as one “we’ve worked into the most formidable center in mightily to correct.” the ACC. Williams says, “Last “Last year, it was more ‘you’re year, I reacted late. This the post player, you got to get all year,year, ifif I anticipateanticipate wherewhere thethe rebounds,rebounds, andand demanddemand thethe ballball the ball is going, if I can in the post,’” Williams says. “This get to places quicker, I’ll year,year, iitt ddidn’tidn’t cchangehange mmuch.uch. I tthinkhink reduce some of the fouls that now that Josh is gone, and the I’ve been getting.” pointspoints nnowow aarere wwidespread,idespread, CCoachoach DespiteDespite kknowingnowing wwhathat expects everybody to score.” actions he needed to Additionally, Williams has take, seeing the results formulated his own aims for the of those actions was upcoming season and is deter- somewhat of a sur- mined not to repeat his mistakes prise to Williams from last season. Jonathan Tauber/Old Gold and Black after the scrim- Graphics by Elliot Nickles “My individual goals are just to mage. be a more dominant post player Williams dunks in the exhibition game against EA Sports. ACC Preview Old Gold and Black Thursday, November 13, 2003 C5 H H H Jamaal Levy H H H

By Graham Hall up in every category,” Levy said. of height and the season. Old Gold and Black Reporter Levy only averaged 2.7 points and 2.0 athleticism, “I worked on a little bit of everything,” rebounds per game during his fresh- he is able to he says. “Specifically, I worked on learn- With the departure of Josh Howard man season in 2001-2002. However, he defend play- ing the game so I can be a leader.” to the , a key position nearly tripled his numbers last season, ers bigger than Levy is one of only three returning for the Deacs this season will be small averaging 7.2 points and 6.8 rebounds him as well as scholarship players with two or more forward, a position at which Howard per game. those who are varsity letters won for the Deacs. Because was arguably the best in the nation last Levy’s 6.8 rebounds per game were smaller. His of this, he will be looked at as a team season. third-best on the team and sixth-best ball-handling leader by the younger players. in the ACC. After the loss of is good Not only are the Deacons sophomore power forward returning one of the ACC’s Chris Ellis to a fractured most talented freshman Jamaal Levy foot for the first part classes from last season, of this season and the but Head Coach Skip departure of Howard, Prosser also brought in one of the best in the one of the top recruiting 10 business at rebounding classes in the conference from the small forward this year as well, which position, the Deacs are includes McDonald’s All- Hometown: in need of players who American Chris Paul. Panama City, Panama can compete in the paint “(The freshmen) Year: Junior for rebounds, and Levy have played very seems to fit the bill. w e l l , ” Height: 6’9” Even though Levy Weight: 180 lbs. may not have the Position: Forward weight of most for- wards – he weighs 2001-02 PPG: 7.2 just 180 pounds – his ability to get position and his long arms allow To fill part of that void, the Deacs will him to thrive on the boards. look to talented six-foot-nine-inch junior “Since I started playing I have Jamaal Levy. been skinny, but being a good Levy, one of the ACC’s most improved player does not always depend on players last season, seems poised for a size,” Levy said. e n o u g h Levy says. “They are good breakout year this season. Levy is an extremely versatile player that he can guys who are willing to listen “One of my goals is to improve my who can play almost any position. play guard, and work hard.” season, hopefully my numbers will go Because of his unique combination while his A key to the Deacs chances height and of winning the ACC Regular inside abil- Season Championship was ity make their dominance at home, him a winning all 16 games formidable – in part because of the forward. fans. L a s t “(The Screamin’ season, after Demons) are great,” Levy then-starting says. “They have been get- guard Justin ting better every year, and Gray broke his they take the time to come jaw in January, to the games.” Levy stepped in to If Levy is able to con- fill Gray’s position and tinue to improve and the dominated, even though it rest of the team plays was not his natural position. up to its potential, the With his long arms and strong Deacs’ chances of cap- court presence, Levy asserted turing another ACC himself as one of the best shot- Championship look blockers on the team, forcing good. Some experts opposing players to pass the ball are predicting that instead of risking having their shot Levy could establish blocked. himself as one of the He was arguably the best rebounder ACC’s top players and shot-blocker from the guard posi- and come close tion in the conference. to filling the huge As a starter this season, Levy under- shoes vacated by stands the importance of being well- Howard. “Our prepared for every game, as all games expectations for are important in the highly-competitive this season are ACC. no lower than “Every team in the ACC has a chance they were last to win,” Levy said. “There are no auto- year,” Levy Jonathan Tauber/Old Gold and Black matic wins.” says. “We Levy is one of the most versatile players in the nation. His athletic ability and During the off-season, expect to ball-handling skills allow him to play guard, while his height and rebounding Levy worked exten- Graphics by Elliot Nickles be a good ability allow him to play forward. sively in preparation for team.” C6 ACC Preview Thursday, November 13, 2003 C7 H H H Justin Gray H H H H H H Taron Downey H H H

By Alex Myers double overtime. be spread wider and everyone will have to “I have had a lot of turnovers and I need to get Assistant Sports Editor “It seemed like a story from a storybook,” Gray step up to fill Howard’s void. that down, but as far as my game, I tried to work said. “Go out against Duke and come back “We don’t have a real go-to guy on this year’s on every aspect of it this summer.” Justin Gray almost had a brilliant freshman against Duke. And we beat them, too, we beat Justin Gray Taron Downey team like we did with Josh Howard last year,” Part of Downey’s success this season could come season cut short. Near the end of the Deacs’ first Duke. And now that we beat them, we’re going Downey said. “That means everybody is going from the added depth in the backcourt keeping loss of the season, at Duke, the guard was laid to try to keep beating them.” to have to come prepared to play because no him rested through the games. Especially after last out by Blue Devil . The shot broke Gray listed that game and the N.C. State matter who is out there we are going to have season when Gray went down with a jaw injury, Gray’s jaw and left some with doubts about when game in which the Deacs clinched the ACC 1 4 to get big points from everybody.” he had to carry the weight of more minutes and he would return. regular season title as the two main highlights And more points could come from more responsibilities. However, Downey isn’t worried Now a sophomore, Gray was frus- of an eventful freshman campaign. One talent. The talented freshman class is about fatigue or responsibilities, as he wants to trated to miss such a large portion of could argue the Deacs wouldn’t have Hometown: Hometown: highlighted by the arrival of highly touted carry this team for 40 minutes every game. the season, especially after already won the ACC regular season title had Charlotte Oxford McDonald’s All-American “If you are a good player you want to be out there establishing himself as a scoring it not been for Gray. Upon returning Year: Sophomore Year: Junior point guard Chris Paul, anyway no matter what. With the depth we have I threat with performances such as the to the team, his energy and ability to which many experts still want to be out on the court, but it just can’t be Deacs’ big road win over Wisconsin, in to put points on the board led the Height: 6’2” Height: 6’2” have asked questions like that – other guys have to play,” Downey said. which he scored 20 points. However, Deacs to a 7-1 record during their Weight: 185 lbs. Weight: 171 lbs. surrounding Downey’s “I am just looking forward to getting out there on the then-freshman used his time on the second time through the brutal ACC Position: Guard Position: Guard future. However, the court and playing with all these other guys.” bench to his benefit as well. schedule. 12.7 D o w n e y Moreover, Downey and the rest of his teammates “I think it was real tough, For the season, Gray averaged 2001-02 PPG: 2001-02 PPG: 10.2 are looking forward to returning to the stage of but it was also a learning 12.7 points a game and was prominence and proving their accomplishments experience for me,” named to the ACC All- last season were not a fluke. Last season the team Gray said. “Every Freshman team as well take the shot.” By Jim Gleitman played with an intense desire to prove critics moment I was out as fourth team freshman While Gray played both point and shooting guard Sports Editor wrong and gain the respect they felt they I could recog- All-America by College at different times last year, he will exclusively be deserved. The Deacs had nize that things Basketball News. playing the role of the shooting guard this year. As He doesn’t want to be flashy or popular – it’s the mantra, were different If the Duke and N.C. a result, one of the things he worked on most in the just not his style. However, if you look at the daily “They Just and once you State games were the off-season was movement away from the ball. grind, the hard work and the constant determina- D o n ’ t sit down and highlights of Gray’s “I’m trying to play smarter and doing more tion to help Deacon Basketball succeed, no player K n o w , ” watch from first year as a Deac, without the ball,” Gray said. “Just having a better betterbetter embodiesembodies suchsuch a rolerole tthanhan jjuniorunior pointpoint guardguard and this the outside, then the team’s loss knowledge of the game.” Taron Downey. s e a s o n it’s a totally to Auburn in the Overall, the sky is the limit for the player who “I think I am a leader in whatever I do, whether they plan different second round of has already made a huge splash on the college I lead with my vocalism or just by my values,” to take view. I the NCAA tourna- basketball scene, despite not even playing a full Downey said. “I just think I can lead in any kind things a think it’s ment was clearly season yet. of way and I am just ready to do it. I can lead the step fur- m a d e the worst moment. As for the rest of his team, Gray is also opti- team wherever we need to go.” ther. me more Although Gray did mistic. Hopefully, they can go deep into the post- “You can comfort- his part to keep the “We lost to EA Sports last year and we beat season. Except for the loss of the supernatural never get enough able (on No.No. 22-seeded-seeded DDeacseacs them pretty good (this year),” Gray said. “If this Josh Howard, the Deacs return the rest of the respect; we are just going the court) alive by scoring game is any kind of tip to what we’re going to be, defending ACC regular season championship to go out there and keep on now.” a career-best 26 I think we’ll be pretty good.” team. With a strong core and a highly-touted playing hard and just try and win points, it wasn’t freshman class sitting on the doorstep, there games,” Downey said. “I expect enough. This is no reason the Deacs can’t be successful us to do a lot of the things we did loss was more this season. However, responsibilities will in the regular season, like win the than enough Graphic by Elliot Nickles conference championship, but I reason for want us to win the tournament – go him not further in the NCAA tournament. to care doesn’t listen; in fact, And we just have to work on that about his he welcomes Paul into during our practices.” sparklingsparkling the now-trio of talent And you can expect Downey individualindividual in the backcourt, along to be at the mantle of leadership performance on college bas- with sophomore Justin during those practices with his ketball’s biggest stage. Gray. “We just like each desire to put it all on the line for “It was tough,” Gray said. other a lot, I mean all three his teammates. Fortunately “Now, I really don’t even recol- of us are guards, we play Set aside talk about for the Charlotte lect the game. I really don’t even well with each other, we the loss of Howard native, he came think about it that much. But I are going to go hard and and the back earlier than know at that point, it was a real, we just motivate each other expected, wear- real bad feeling.” by competing,” Downey said. ing a protective The young Deacs will be “I think that is the biggest thing mask. Despite Graphic by Elliot Nickles counting on more such we can do for each other is to just this hindrance, performances by Gray compete. If we are competing we are Gray made an this year after the depar- going to improve each day.” immediate impact ture of All-American Josh Downey has been working hard since the in his comeback Howard to the NBA. team’s loss to Auburn in the second round of entrance game – against Duke With Howard gone, the NCAA tournament last season. Though he of Paul, because of all teams – when Gray, the team’s leading had a solid 2003 campaign with a free throw with Downey on the roster he scored 18 points, returning scorer, will be percentage of .861 – good enough for third you can be sure the Deacs including a memo- expected to step up his in the ACC – 10.2 points per game and 3.5 will be successful. rable three- game to another level. rebounds per game, the 6-foot-2-inch, 180- “I want to fill the leader- pointer for He has no problem being pound native of Oxford, N.C. believes he can ship role,” Downey said. w h i c h the new go-to-guy if that is get better. Downey ranked sixth in the ACC “Whether it is by example the Joel what is expected of him by his with an average of 4.19, registering 130 oror jjustust bbeingeing vvocal;ocal; wwhateverhatever I C o l i s e u m teammates and coaches. assists and only 80 turnovers. Still, turnovers need to do. If it’s getting rebounds I will Old Gold and Black file photo Old Gold and Black file photo try to do that, if it’s assists, points whatever, I am crowd erupted. “Right now, if we had a last second shot, I For his first few games after returning from a broken The hard-working Downey, shown manning the are something he has focused on improving. Gray’s spark off the bench was a major factor in thinkthink itit wouldwould bebe meme oror VytasVytas (Danelius),”(Danelius),” GrayGray “I worked on everything in the off-season: just going to try and do whatever it is to get this jaw, Gray sported a protective mask that became point guard position, has stepped up to become team going.” the Deacs’ 94-80 upset over the Blue Devils in said. “I think we’re both ready to step up and legendary among Deacon fans. the unquestioned leader of the young Deacons. my shooting, my ball handling,” Downey said. C8 Thursday, November 13, 2003 Old Gold and Black ACC Preview H H H Trent Strickland H H H

By Jason Mazda he really broke out. can drive to the basket, play defense “(It is) a saying that my mother told Assistant Sports Editor With Josh Howard having fouled out and rebound well, Strickland worked me over the summer,” Strickland says. relatively early in the game and over the summer at improving other “It says, ‘The man who walks with God With a smile the size three other Deacs joining him aspects of his game. always gets to his destination.’ So I wrote of North Carolina on as the game wore on, Strick- “I improved my jump shot a little bit,” that on my shoe his face, then-freshman land was the difference in the Strickland says. “I worked a lot so I can forward Trent Strick- game. In the decisive second on that over the summer, and land was lifted into the overtime period, he scored 10 I worked a lot on my ball air by his classmates as points and had a big and handling.” Trent Strickland players and fans alike a rebound. Strickland also said he basked in the euphoria of After the game, ecstatic and the other returning the Demon Deacons’ first Deacon fans players hope to reap the win over Duke in 15 meet- rushed the benefits of having gotten 33 ings, a double-overtime thriller. court and a lot of playing time so It is the most lasting image p i c k e d early in their careers last from the memorable 2002-2003 Strickland year. Hometown: season. The picture made it into up, pro- He played in all 31 many national publications, ducing the games last season, aver- East Flat Rock including , and image that aging 4.3 points in 12.1 Year: sophomore now is on posters and the 2003- w o u l d minutes per game. On Height: 6’5” 2004 pocket schedules. Noth- become multiple occasions, he 200 lbs. ing represents that Deacon famous. was a difference-maker Weight: team more than that picture. “ I off the bench for the Position: Guard/Forward The thing about last year’s c a n ’ t Deacons, scoring at least 2002-03 PPG: 4.3 team was that they had a 10 points in a game four special relationship with the times. fans.fans. TheThe playersplayers andand thethe fansfans “I think that experience bonded, and the result was is going to help a lot,” Strickland says. remember that at all times.” an undefeated record at the “Because now when we’re in big games, As for what that destination is, time Joel Coliseum. we know what to do.” will tell. But with Strickland in the fold And no player embodies This season, Strickland has written a as one of the ACC’s best sixth men, that bond more than Strick- saying on his shoe that he intends to you have to like the Deacs’ chances of land. keep in mind all season. another ACC Championship. Now a sophomore, Strick- land is a fan favorite. One e x p l a i n of the nicest and most polite how much people you will ever meet, joy and Strickland always has a smile how much on his face. As for his play fun it was on the court, whether it is afterward, by way of an amazing dunk with the or an in-your-face block, crowd rush- StricklandStrickland nevernever failsfails ttoo ggetet ing the court the Joel Coliseum crowd and picking on its feet. me up and “I just love going out everything,” there playing the game S t r i c k l a n d and whatever I do said. I always thank the Now, Strick- fans for being there land will and supporting me,” be counted Strickland said. “I like on to help the dunks, because I junior Jamaal like to dunk on people, Levy replace and it gets the crowd Howard at the hyped. I like getting the small forward fans into it because if spot. Levyis you can get them into it, the starter, but you play better and the both players team plays better. I just are extremely think we feed off them, so versatile, so that’s all we’re going out there will therethere aandnd ddoing—justoing—just pplayinglaying be plenty of hard, trying to get them into playing time the game.” for both at ItIt waswas evidentevident tthathat tthehe 66-foot--foot- the small for- 5-inch Strickland was a solid ward position player from the second he as well as other putput oonn a WakeWake ForestForest jersey.jersey. spots on the floor. He was exceptionally ath- “We need to hit letic, a solid defender the boards hard like and he could take it to (Howard) did and prob- the basket and hit the ably pick up our game on Jonathan Tauber/Old Gold and Black runner with ease. But offense as well,” Strickland Strickland looks to pass in the Deacs’ exhibition win over EA Sports. The the win over Duke said. sophomore is a fan favorite because of his propensity for spectacular dunks was the game when After showing last year that he Graphic by Elliot Nickles and in-your-face blocks, as well as for his fan-friendliness. ACC Preview Old Gold and Black Thursday, November 13, 2003 C9 H H H Chris Ellis H H H By Peter Bergman condition,” Ellis said. “I have Despite these solid outings, the that it is the team’s diversity became one of the hardest Old Gold and Black Reporter been off for so long, I haven’t season made him hungrier to and depth that could make places to play in the ACC, a far played in a month, so when this do more, and he looked toward them dangerous. cry from years past. The players The 2003-2004 basketball heals I have to have myself in the summer to make himself “I think we are going to have appreciate the fan support, and season began ominously for top condition to be ready.” better. a good chance at doing some Ellis is no exception. sophomore forward Chris Ellis finished his freshman Ellis is no stranger to hard big things this year,” he said. “Our fans, they love us,” he Ellis, with a fluke injury in the year with averages of 2.8 points work and dedication and he “We’ve got a lot of says. “I like Demon Deacons’ first practice and 2.5 rebounds per game, but worked hard to improve his young talent, a those of the season. he was an extremely unselfish game. lot of old Ellis broke the fifth metatarsal player who excelled at play- “I worked on my touch t a l e n t , in his right foot during one of ing tough interior defense and around the basket, my shoot- w i t h Chris Ellis Head Coach Skip Prosser’s nearly-mistake-free offense ing and my dribbling a little bit, people famous rebounding drills and (only 17 turnovers in 31 and my ability to run the court coming will be out six to 12 weeks, games). well,” Ellis said. off the depending on how well the “I got in and played some With such a young team once b e n c h 0 bone heals. defense, hustled a lot and did again this season – the Deacs a n d Ellis, a 6-foot-9-inch power what I had to do,” Ellis said. have no scholarship seniors people forward from Marietta, Ga., “I have to step it up this year, – Ellis has also been forced to s t a r t - Hometown: came in last season and sur- though, and take it to the next take on a leadership role. This ing, so Marietta, Ga. prised many with his low- level.” became even more important we are sophomore post defense and his shooting An early season matchup when he was injured and two going to Year: percentage, which was above with No. 23 Wisconsin was freshmen on the front line, for- come at Height: 6’9” 50 percent. He was set to log where Ellis first made his wards Kyle Visser and Todd y o u Weight: 265 lbs. serious minutes in the Deacon mark. Starting center Eric Hendley, were thrust into more in a lot Position: Forward frontcourt this season, until the Williams got into foul trouble, important roles. of dif- setback due to injury. and Prosser looked to Ellis to “I try to coach (Hendley and f e r e n t 2002-03 PPG: 2.8 Don’t count him out just yet, fill the gap. Ellis responded with Visser) a little on the sidelines,” ways.” though, because Ellis knows outstanding defense down the Ellis said. “Everybody puts T h e what it is going to take to stretch and six points on 3-of-4 their part in, when someone is D e a c s be ready to contribute when shooting. down we all try to lift them up. will always have a talented crazy, die-hard fans. They have he rejoins the team in mid- Other standout performances We’re just a big family.” team on the floor, but as last been there through thick and season. for Ellis included a career-high It is this team-first attitude that year’s undefeated home record thin, camping out and missing “The biggest thing I am going 14 points against Bethune- could make Ellis and the Deacs will tell you, the fans can have class for tickets. That’s the kind to have to focus on is getting Cookman, and 10 rebounds special this year. a big influence on the game. of people we need coming to in shape, being in top physical in a win against Georgia Tech. However, Ellis also believes Last season the Joel Coliseum the games.” H H H Richard Joyce H H H

By Don Pogoda chance to play on last year’s ACC Joyce is also impressed with the has a strong mindset about his role on Old Gold and Black Reporter Regular Season Championship squad amount of school spirit at Wake Forest the team. Preparing for each game and as a freshman. and hopes for it to continue throughout each moment of playing time that he After experiencing tendonitis in his He observed All-American Josh the season. gets, especially in the ACC, is extremely knee his junior year in high school, Howard and learned a grew from his “(The) fans are great and I appreci- important. sophomore Richard Joyce has had to experience. ate everything (they) do for everybody,” “I love to take a develop physical toughness in addition “I learned more how to be a leader and Joyce said. “I can’t describe that shower to honing his basketball skills. how to help out the younger guys this feeling when everybody is Joyce has played with many basket- year, along with developing a stronger screaming our names and ball stars including work ethic,” Joyce said. “We are a family jumping up and down. Richard Joyce of the Nuggets, Chadd Moore and without a family bond we aren’t able (They) give us the of Cincinnati and Eric Willins of Miami. to achieve our goals; we have to stick energy when we get tired Playing at Mount Airy High School in together and work hard.” and I just want to thank North Carolina helped him mature as a Joyce saw action in 19 of the 31 games (them).” 23 basketball player, and having his senior last season and is looking to increase Motivation is a key in season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia his playing time after a productive off- basketball, and Joyce gave him even more experience while season. remembers what it took to Hometown: improving his skills. “I worked on so many aspects of my get through his tendonitis. These opportunities have aided Joyce game, including dropping my weight He keeps himself moti- Mount Airy with his transition to Division I com- from 215 to 200 pounds to increase vated intrinsically but is Year: sophomore petition. my athleticism,” Joyce said. “I got into also inspired by Head Height: 6’5” “It is a lot more intense and physical shape and worked on my shot everyday Coach Skip Prosser. because the guys are bigger, stronger along with my ball handling; I just did “(Prosser) always has Weight: 200 lbs. and faster,” Joyce said. “The intensity everything possible to get more playing words of wisdom and Position: Guard/Forward picks up, you have to run, run, run and time this year.” goes out of his way to 2002-03 PPG: 1.8 play defense.” Joyce is optimistic about the season pick us up when we are Joyce is appreciative to be playing at because of the number of guys returning down,” Joyce said. “He Wake Forest and is excited every time from last year’s team. always has a little speech he steps on the floor. “We have a bunch of guys back and or something to fire us up for each game, to relax myself before the game,” Joyce “It’s a great feeling when your name is that helps our bond,” he said. “Every- but all the coaches do a great job as well said. “When my name is called I try to called or when you make a shot,” Joyce body here wants to make everybody else to get us ready.” go in there and do the little things to said. “When everybody starts cheering, better, and that is only going to help the Getting fired up is important for each help the team. I try to see who is doing you can’t describe the feeling.” team improve and allow us to achieve game and that motivation is key, espe- what and help the team to the best of Now a sophomore, Joyce had the our goals.” cially when coming off the bench. Joyce my ability.”