Vol.The LXI No. 7 Providence CollegeCowl - Providence, Rhode Island October 14,1996 Awesome Austin and the Rest of the Boys Take on the BIG EAST

By Cory R. McGann '98 Sports Editor This is the year for the Provi­ dence College Friars. All the pieces have seemingly come together to to a very successful upcoming season for the men’s team. Head Coach Pete Gillen likes to use the word “flexibility” when referring to his team this year, but the only thing the Friars will flex this year will be their strengh. They boast solid players at every position, usually going two deep. They can play the half-court game, they can score, and they can run. My God, can they run. The success of the season, how­ ever, rests mightly on the shoul­ ders of power forward and All- American candidate Austin Croshere. A.C. will be one of the tri-captains for the year and will have to be a leader in some of the stat columns as well. “He is a big part of our team, a big focus.... last year that was new to him, it was a lot of pressure,” comments Gillen. The feisty head coach told The Cowl that he wanted Austin to attack the basket more this year, hopefully taking advantage of a career .806 percentage. At the other forward position will be the ever-popular Derrick “Flight” Brown. D-Flight showed glimpses of what is to come last year when he averaged 14.8 points per game (ppg) and 6.8 rebounds per game (rpg) in only his first sea­ son wearing the Black and White. Gillen used many adjectives to describe Brown, such as “consis­ tent," but Coach hit the nail on the head when he put forth that “Flight is a warrior.” At will be big Ruben Garces. A popular player among the Civic Center crowd (they’re not booing, they’re chanting "Ruben"), he wasn’t as popular continued on page 4 INSIDE: Bob Dole, Bill Clinton, George Blaney and Matt Gelb answer the question ’’What will it take for the Friars to get

SHAQ-LED: Austin Croshere '97, seen here showing Dream Team member Shaquille O'Neal the door, will lead the Friars to battle into the NCAA against the Big East giants. Croshere played with the Under 22 Select Team over the summer, and played against Dream Team III. Tournament? The Cowl 2 SPORTS October 14,1996 JUST WHAT WILL IT TAKE? Various Pundits Offer Their Opinions on What it Will Take (Short of Bribery) to Get the Friars Into the NCAA's by "Shaggy" Pete Keenan '99 basketball monolith, Georgetown. Advertising Guru We toppled St. John’s on their Slave to Mike Sablone home turf in the Big East tourna­ Neil Diamond Groupie ment, and we managed to play Contributing Sports Writer UConn and lose by less than 20 points. All in all a season to re­ Flashback: 1986-1987 Division member, and the respect we earned I men’s basketball season: The last year will carry over to this sea­ Providence College Friars were the son. Plus, this year Corey Wright team to beat. Marching victori­ strips off his red shirt, and this ously into the NCAA semi-finals year’s new crop of players should where their path of destruction was prove to be an asset to Gillen’s finally curbed, horsemen. the Friars Anyone who slashed and has seen burned all the Ross Perot was N d o n g o way to the top. N’daiye, the 7' The team not asked for a warrior from cleaved a ridge , walk­ of despair comment ing around Ray through the Cafe is prob­ ranks of the 64 because it was ably as excited top teams in col­ as I am to see lege ball, and left determined he the young man their hapless op­ play. As stated ponents bobbing had no by popular ru­ like corpses in a mor, N’daiye rough surf, as realistic chance cleans the glass they sailed on in like Windex a wake of vic­ of winning the (no streaks!). tory. Good So, 1 am times, indeed. election minding my The years own business have not been so kind to the Fri­ in The Cowl’s office, when I get ars. Several seasons have passed asked to write this article; exact since the glory days, and their last question being “What will it take tournament appearance was in the for the Friars to be invited to the ’93-’94 season. The Friars seem NCAA tournament?” I am a to be drowning in the marketing simple kind of guy. I take pictures war, falling behind big names such of the games and write a couple as G-town and ‘Nova, and other Arts and Entertainment articles Big East teams with better mascots here and there, but a sports com­ than us. mentator? No, not me. I think to Is all that about to change this myself that I better talk to some year? The Friars are riding high more qualified folks on this issue, from a successful season last year, continued on page 5 which included a win against the I THINK MATT GELB IS ON TO SOMETHING HERE: Austin and Flight ponder the answers of some astute basketball groupies New Faces, Old Connections New Men's Basketball Team Members Brown, N'Diaye Pointer, and Wright are Ready to Make an Impact

two years and now has two years ors, earned a first team All Con­ schoolers were fortunate enough to on the same high school team, by Gladys Ganiel '99 of NCAA eligibility remaining at ference pick, and averaged 12 avoid a Brown-Pointer combina­ Wright says he already knew team­ Sports Writer PC. points and nine rebounds per tion, the Big East won’t be so mates and Jamel lucky. Their age difference pre- Thomas. He attended PC last sea­ Whenever new players come game. At 6’9" and 225 pounds he son but was forced to sit out the into a basketball program, there are can play either forward or center. year because he had transferred awkward moments as the veterans ”1 want to And although he can bang inside from South Plains Junior College and the strangers try to blend their for the boards, Brown is also adept "I came to in Texas. “It was a nice school out styles of play. This season, how­ at running the floor and sticking there (in Texas),” Wright says. ever, the men’s basketball team’s help us win the outside jumper. “But there was nothing there. I strangers aren’t quite as “strange” Brown says he appreciates PC’s Providence came to Providence because it’s a as usual. Coach Pete Gillen and small school atmosphere and en­ a lot of small college and it’s close to his staff have assembled a quartet joys playing for Coach Gillen. because it's home.” of newcomers whose familiarity “There’s a lot of tradition here,” Wright, a 5’8", 165 pound with each other extends beyond games. The he observes. “I want to help us win playmaker, has quick moves off Providence College. With the ex­ a lot of games. The biggest games, a small col­ the dribble. At South Plains he ception of Senegal native Ndongo not just any games.” biggest averaged 10.9 points and 14 assists N’Diaye (see page 5), the new Fri­ Like Brown, Pointer is a force lege and it's per game. Wright says he hopes ars (Abdul Brown, Kofi Pointer, under the basket. The 6’8", 215 to be a “sparkplug” for the team, and Corey Wright) have geo­ games, not pound freshman paced Southern graphical connections that exceed High to the 1996 Maryland AAAA close to someone who can give Shammgod Eaton Street and Huxley Avenue. State Title and a top ten rank in the a breather at the point or play just any alongside him in the backcourt. And that can only help the Friars’ USA Today high school polls. He home" “We want to get in the (NCAA) teamwork and chemistry. racked up 15 points and 16 re­ tournament,” Wright says. “But Brown and Pointer, for instance, games.” bounds per game as a senior and we’re taking it one step at a time.” both hail from the same high has been rated among the top 100 vented them from playing together The NCAA will be a big step up school in Baltimore. But while Last season Brown led the high- freshmen recruits in the nation. on the same high school team. from last winter, when Wright led Pointer followed the direct route profile junior college team from Pointer has impressed the PC “But,” Brown notes, “we had the a PC intramural team to the col­ to PC from Maryland, Brown took the College of Southern Idaho to coaching staff with his rebounding, same coach.” Wright, a New lege title. “I’ve already got a a couple of detours in Kansas and the semi-finals of the national tour­ athleticism, and affinity for up­ York, NY native, is rejoining old championship under my belt,” he Idaho. He has attended two dif­ nament. Along the way he gar­ tempo basketball. friends from his home city. Al­ grins. ferent junior colleges in the past nered preseason All America hon­ But while Maryland high though they never played together October 14,1996 SPORTS The Cowl 3 men's conference preview Beasts of the BIG EAST Set To Do Battle by Todd McKeating '97 Knight and Eric Hayward, signed sons, the Eagles are one of the pre­ John Wallace, Lazurus Sims and starters. , the Confer­ Sports Writer seven prospects. Freshman guard season favorites in the Big East. J.B. Reafsynder due to graduation, ence Player of the Year, Doron Richard Hamilton was a However, the Eagles will surprise don’t think ‘Cuse will be down this Sheffer, their floor general, Travis Last season, The Big East Con­ McDonald’s All-American and anyone this season, as they did last season. They return three starters Knight, their seven-foot center and ference posted three top-10 teams, may be the heir apparent to Ray season. and are joined by one of the best Eric Hayward. They only return three-first team All-Americans, Allen. Syracuse grabbed Villanova: After losing their recruiting classes in the country. one player who has started a col­ sent five schools to the NCAA Michigan’s Mr. Basketball, top two scorers, Eric Eberz, and Jason Cipolla, Todd Burgan, Otis lege game, Kirk King. King, who Tournament, including a school to Winfred Walton. Regarded as a the school’s All-Time scoring Hill and Michigan’s Mr. Basket­ set an NCAA record last season by the Final Four. For the first time top-five prospect, Walton has leader, , the Wildcat’s ball, Winfred Walton, will all be making 25 straight at­ in Big East history, six players drawn comparisons to Syracuse returning cast is strong enough to instrumental to Syracuse’s success. tempts, shot a team high .575 from were selected in the first round of greats, Derrick Coleman and Billy be a power in the league. After fin­ Cipolla started 23 games and av­ the field. Sophomore guard Ricky the National Basketball Associa­ Owens. , widely re­ ishing 26-7 and advancing to the eraged 7.7 points. Burgan, the Moore looks to take over the reigns tion draft, including the first over­ garded as the second best prep second round of the NCAA Tour­ Orangeman’s top defensive player, of the Husky attack. At the point, all draft choice, Georgetown’s player in the country, chose to at­ nament, most of Villanova’s talent was named to the All-Final Four the young Moore must provide Team. As a sophomore, he aver­ production and leadership for the aged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds young Connecticut team. UConn a game. Hill, with a bruising body does have a highly touted recruit­ and soft touch inside, must re­ ing class, led by McDonald’s All- bound and stay out of foul trouble. American, Richard Hamilton. Af­ He can give the Orangeman the ter amassing a 49-5 conference presence inside with his quickness record over the last three seasons, and toughness. The freshman one must expect the Huskies to slip Walton has the ability to start right a little this season after they lost away, maybe even lead the team four starters, including Big East in scoring. The key to Syracuse’s Player of the Year, Ray Allen. success will be their bench. They Georgetown: Along with the must rely on youthful and un­ Huskies departures, the Hoyas lost proven players to step in and get three key players. They lost the the job done. conference’s leading scorer and ON THE BUBBLE number one draft choice, Allen Connecticut: Last season the Iverson, along with Othella Huskies enjoyed one of the most Harrington and Jerome Williams. successful season in college his­ Coach Thompson will have to look tory. They posted a 32-3 overall to some new faces. Sophomore mark, 17-1 in the Big East and had sensation Victor Page averaged four starters selected in the NBA 12.5 points per game in 1995-96 draft. UConn has appeared in the and was named MVP of the Big Sweet 16 in five of the last seven East Tournament. Defensive cata­ seasons and captured the Big East lyst Boubacar Aw is able to match regular-season title four times. up with anyone and his physical However they have been unable to chest-to-chest style is perfect for make an appearance at the Final Four. This season they lose four continued on page 5

ABOVE: Gillen is looking for a little respect from the refs. RIGHT: Austin, Shamm, and Jamel will be instrumental to a successful Friar season

Allen Iverson. Translation: no tend Villanova over the NBA. is in their senior class. This in­ conference was better last season Hamilton, Walton and Thomas, cludes starters , than the Big East. However, for along with Seton Hall’s Shaheen and Chuck the conference to continue to be Holloway, Pitt’s Jarrett Lockheart Kornegay and reserve Zeffy Penn. successful, they must blend a and Providence’s Ndongo N’daiye Lawson, who earned All-Big East heavy mix of returning stars with should keep the Big East near the Second Team honors last season the highly touted recruiting class top of the world. averaged 12.3 points per game. He the Big East coaches brought in TITLE CONTENDERS also led all Big East players with this season. Boston College: The Eagles 3.1 blocks per game. Williams The league first must cope with return all five starters from a team averaged 11.0 points a game last the mass exodus of its’ star play­ that finished 19-11 and advanced season and dished out 177 assists. ers and rely on the superb recruit­ to the second round of the NCAA He could be the go-to guy on of­ ing class. Georgetown’s Allen Tournament. Senior Danya fense this season. Freshman Tim Iverson, the conference’s leading Abrams is the only returning Thomas gives the Wildcats some scorer from last season, became player in the league from last’s size and versatility up front. He the conference’s third player to be season’s All-Big East First Team. can play the perimeter and post up selected first overall in the draft. Abrams is the key player for the inside as well. With the group of The Conference’s Player of the Eagles. He is strong, plays tough seniors and a four-man freshman Year, Ray Allen, decided to for go defense and gives BC a presence class, highly regarded as one of the his senior year for the NBA, while on the court. However, the Eagles top recruiting classes in the coun­ the 1995 Big East Player of the are still a young team; only two try, Villanova should be a force Year, Kerry Kittles closed out his starters will be seniors. Sopho­ once again this season. career at Villanova as the All-Time more guard James “Scoonie” Providence: Providence goes leading scorer. Iverson, Allen and Penn, Big East Rookie of the Year, from being one of the least expe­ Kittles were all First-Team All- will continue to be a key for the rienced teams in the Big East to Americans last season. After de­ upstart Eagles. Penn started all 30 one of the oldest. Last season, with ciding to comeback for his senior games as a freshman and averaged five key newcomers and only one year, Syracuse’s John Wallace led 34.5 minutes. The sophomore returning starter, the Friars’ suf­ his team to the Final Four and a guard scored 22 or more points in fered through some early season spo.t in the NCAA Championship four of five Big East games in growing pains. Led by senior All- game. These are just some of the January. Aiding the cause will be American candidate, Austin shoes this highly touted recruiting Keenan Jourdon, the Eagles defen­ Croshere, God Shammgod, Der­ class must fill. sive stopper, and Antonio Granger, rick Brown and a cast of others, The biggest winners in the re­ a 6-6 junior forward who took the Friars will contend for the Big cruiting sweepstakes was UConn, much of the scoring load off of East title if they have the-right Syracuse and Villanova, as 10 of Abrams and Penn. Boston College chemistry. 13 schools grabbed marquee play­ finds themselves in unfamiliar ter­ Syracuse: Even though the ers. UConn, after losing Ray ritory these days. After posting a Orangeman went to the Final Four, Allen, Doron Sheffer, Travis 146-157 record in the last 10 sea­ posted a 29-9 record, lost seniors The Cowl 4 SPORTS October 14,1996 Friars Solid At All Positions

continued from page 1

with the officials. They called more fouls than the IRS. This year, hopefully they will give the big man more of the benefit of the doubt. And, if not, you can be sure that the Civic Center crowd will let the refs have it. Shooting guard might be one of the few spots up for grabs, and it is not because of a lack of talent. Coach Gillen has so much talent at this spot, he’s probably just going to let the boys play for it. A favorite for the position should be senior Jason Murdock. A tri-captain, Jason found himself on the bench throughout Mike Brown’s senior sea- They can play the half-court game, they can score, and they can run...

son. This season should be different as his hellacious defense, height (6’3") and sweet jump shot should put him as the front run­ ner. Running the team will be the much ma­ ligned point guard God Shammgod. Per­ haps the most talented player on the team, he broke the Big East record for assists by a freshman, finishing the year with 110 (189 overall). “He had a great freshman year,” com­ mented Gillen. “He worked hard over the summer, his shot is much improved... he is a leader, our quarterback.” ABOVE: A.C. Taking it baseline. The entire Big East has a great starting BELOW: Murdock passes to teammate before going out of bounds.

five; the champion will have the best depth. Providence should be right there. They have The Cowl perhaps the best sixth man in the league with Established in 1935 Jamel Thomas. “530,” amid all the Shammgod hype, quietly assembled a solid Sports Editor...... Cory R. McGann '98 freshman season and had all the Friar faith­ ful reaching for their programs and saying Editor-In-Chief...... Mary M. Shaffrey '97 to each other, “who the hell was that guy?” Two frontcourt guys who have the coach­ Managing Editor ...... David Canal '98 ing staff impressed are sophomore Llewelyn Cole and newcomer Abdul Brown. Cole not Asst. Sports Editor...... John Carchcdi '98 only is huge, but has a vertical leap that could be the best in the league. Brown is a Assistant to Mr. McGann: Pete Keenan '99 juco transfer who will provide much needed Sports Staff...... Todd McKeating '97 frontcourt depth, which will also allow him to get a Big East season under his belt. Mike Friess '97 Corey Wright will be taking the floor Scott Palmieri '97 after being redshirted last year. He will spell Frank Mills '98 Shamm at the point whenever the speed Pete Keenan '99 Kim Galipeau '99 demon needs a rest. Not that it will be much Ken Martin '99 better for Friar opponents: rumor has it that Gladys Ganiel '99 Wright is faster (is that possible?!?) Ryan Donaghy '99 Not to be forgotten is N’dongo N’daiye, the 7' center from Senegal. You can’t for­ Copy Editor...... Shaggy Pete Keenan '99 get him, he’s HUGE. N’daiye will be spell­ ing Garces at center (he sure isn’t gonna play Caterer...... Derek from Domino's point guard). His main job will be to and change shots, but word around the Web Surfer...... Mike Sablone '98 campfire is that he can run the Boor. Just lob it, Shamm. Former Staff...... Renet M.A. Ladosci '96 Rounding out the rosier will be Kofi Pointer, a freshman from Maryland who Donuts Gofer...... Mary Murphy '97 averaged 15 points and 16 rebounds per game as a senior. Layout...... Cory R. McGann '98 So, it should be a pretty exciting year for hoops here in Providence. Look for PC to Shortstop...... Cory R. McGann '98 finally live up to all the expectations they have received over the years. Key Grip...... Cory R. McGann '98 Faculty Advisor: 7r. Vincent DeLucia, O.P. October 14,1996 SPORTS The Cowl 5 Providence Among the Contenders in the Big East

to strengthen his team. He added continued from page 3 in the way? BEST OF THE REST two players seven feet or taller and the Hoyas defense. Georgetown’s Seton Hall: After the depar­ added much quickness. After a captain, Ya-Ya Dia will be called ture of Danny Hurley and Adrian season which Rutgers lost two on to be the leader of the squad. Griffin, highly recruited Shaheen one-point games against Boston He is able to and play de­ Holloway should make an imme­ College and Syracuse, Rutgers fense and may even move into the diate impact on a team which fin­ might surprise a few people this starting line-up. The Hoyas will ished 12-16 last season. Holloway, season. have to rely on their defensive the MVP of the McDonald’s High Pittsburgh: Last season the pressure to score easy baskets off School All-Star game, will be im­ Panthers managed a 10-17 overall of turnovers. mediately successful on defense. record (5-13 mark in the Big East) St. John’s: Could this be the Guard Levell Sanders is the team’s as they fought injuries all season. year of the Johnnies, or will the returning scorer. However, if Senior forward Chad Varga is the Red Storm falter, as in the past? Seton Hall is going to be success­ lone returning Panther who aver­ With new head coach, Fran ful, they will have to rely on their aged in double figures last season. Fraschilla, St. John’s is looking to frontcourt, senior Bayonne Taty, Point guard Jerry McCullough was rebuild the strong tradition at St. junior Jacky Kaba and sophomore the team’s leading scorer at 13.4 John’s. Schoolboy star Felipe Kelland Payton, who are all 6-10. points and dealt 133 assists last Lopez has yet to become the star Miami: The ‘Canes will be a season, but he was lost due to everyone has expected. However, very inexperienced squad this sea­ graduation. Pitt will have to look it has been junior forward Zendon son, with five standout freshman. to strengthen up this season so they Hamilton that has led the Red They have three returning starters, do not get pushed around and re­ Storm. He was named Second- but graduated their starting for­ main injury free. Team All-Big East Conference last wards. Winless in the league three Notre Dame: In their first year season, after he averaged 20.8 years ago, they posted nine wins in conference action, Notre Dame points per game and 10.3 rebounds in 1994-95 and eight wins last sea­ had some expected problems. per game. One bright spot for the son in the Big East. This blend of They were at the bottom of the Red Storm last season was fresh­ returning players and new recruit­ league in scoring at 66.8 points per man forward Tyrone Grant. He ing class should prove for an ex­ game and in free throw shooting averaged 7.8 points and 7.1 re­ citing season in Miami. at .622. Head Coach John bounds per game as a reserve. He Rutgers: In their inaugural MacLeod hopes the Fighting Irish will be expected to contribute season in the Big East, Rutgers can improve on their 9-18 overall much more this season. The ques­ posted six wins last season in the mark and 4-14 record in the league, tion is, whether or not Head Coach conference. For their second sea­ but they are the new kids on the Shamm and Jamel should be doing some serious celebrating this Fran Frashilla can build the chem­ son in the Big East, Head Coach block and it will take time to turn season istry and produce a team everyone Bob Wenzel added key additions heads in the Big East. has expected, or will the egos get Freshman Prophecy Continued Speaker Newt Gingrich’s office continued from page 2 invitations, Hancock says to cinch was also contacted, but was less a spot in the last 64 that we need so I took my act on the road. . compliant with my media request. to “beat the good teams, win ev­ N'Daiye, A I need a quote on college ball, Quoth an anonymous worker in the ery game.” PC must “play the bet­ so I knew I had to go straight to Speaker’s press relations depart­ ter teams close,” and “play well on the horse’s mouth: Patrolman Ri­ ment, “I’m sorry, but we won’t be the road.” In addition, the Friars chard Bennett of the Providence able to participate in your little ar­ must finish strongly, and must Police Department. It is a little ticle.” “win their last ten games.” When Tall Tale known fact that while Ptlm. Matt Gelb, the very insightful asked as to whether or not team Bennett is not being accused of Sports Editor of the Boston Col­ mascots will have an effect on be­ battering PC kids like a Gestapo lege Heights comments that the ing invited, he answered in the interrogator, he is an avid college by Ken Martin '99 “It is a lifetime dream to just Friars “need to finish in the top negative. “No,” laughed Hancock. basketball enthusiast. Unfortu­ Sports Writer get an education in college. I four of the Big East.” “Witness the fact that the Stanford worked very hard since elementary nately, Bennett could not be Coach George Blaney of the Tree made an appearance in the Many students saw the ex­ school to get here. God has reached for comment, and has re­ Seton Hall Pirates has lended his tournament last year,” pointed out tended Columbus Day weekend as blessed me with my size and with fused to return my phone calls. words as well. “The Friars,” Hancock. Hmmm. Good point. a welcomed opportunity to dash this chance.” Other parties who were not While all these viewpoints are home and escape the bustle of Ndongo has also been blessed available, but were contacted for interesting, some of them even school for at least a few days. Yet, with the ability to speak five lan­ comments were Providence Mayor valid, I think that the main issues one student who might have had a guages. Along with his native lan­ Buddy Cianci, Congressman It is a little are being overlooked. In my little trouble getting home was guage of Wolof he is also fluent in Sonny Bono (R-Ca.), O.J. known fact that humble opinion, if PC wants to be freshman Ndongo N’daiye (pro­ French, Arabic, Spanish and En­ Simpson trial prosecutor Marcia invited to the Big Dance, they have nounced Nah-dongo En-jeye for glish. No matter how you say it, Clark, television personality David while Ptlm. to concentrate on the important is­ all you Friar Fanatics who want to though, N’daiye is learning to be Letterman, and Chief Executive sues. Sure, skill is great and all, chant his name during the games). more and more like his American Officer of Disney, Michael Eisner. Bennett is not but it can only take you so far. The For N’daiye, the latest addition to classmates enjoying pizza, music, Despite the obvious disappoint­ Friars need to pick up some big- the Providence Men’s Basketball movies and just hanging out with ment of not being able to secure being accused of name sponsors like Miller, Team and the tallest member of the friends. opinions from the above, I did battering PC Budweiser and Marlboro. Think squad standing just over seven N’daiye leaves behind five sis­ manage to hear some interesting about the half-time shows. Sure, feet, home is the north-western ters in Senegal along with his thoughts from other prominent kids like a Ge­ dancing cheerleaders and a couple African country of Senegal. And mother Goain and father David. citizens. Pat Judge ’99 thought of putzes on trampolines is great, seeing the rapid chain of events Also left behind is Demba Diop, that the Friars would get their in­ stapo interroga­ but picture this: the Bud Girls that brought N’daiye here a week the high school in his home town vitations to the Big Dance if he was shaking their moneymakers and into the semester he may not have of Dakar where he played basket­ added to the roster. I suppose its tor, he is an avid the Marlboro Man putting on an wanted to leave just yet anyhow. ball and captained the soccer team. an idea, at least. college basket­ extra special rodeo where fresh­ Before arriving at Providence, Excelling in the classroom as well, Speaking for President Clinton, man are hog-tied in the middle of Ndongo came to America under Ndongo was named best mathema­ Orson Porter, the state director for ball enthusiast. the Civic Center. Maybe if we the guidance of an assistant bas­ tician in the school. the Clinton/Gore re-election cam­ spent less money on the players’ ketball coach from Maine Univer­ Ndongo, who didn’t start play­ paign, says “With hard work and uniforms and devoted some cash sity. N’daiye signed a letter-of- ing basketball until age fifteen, determination, anything is pos­ into getting a couple musical acts intent with Maine last fall and gives a quick Friars club some sible. I’m sure the Providence Fri­ Blaney begins, “are a terrific to play in between halves. I hear spent the year honing his academic needed height that they lost when ars will not let their fans down.” team,” with “experience.” Blaney Pavarotti’s schedule is open for the and athletic skills at Suffield Acad­ seven foot Jason Evans transferred Not to be outdone, Bob Dole and labels Austin Croshere as one of next couple months, and he’s open emy Prep in Connecticut. How­ over the summer. Jack Kemp offered their predic­ the “best players in the Big East.” to performing with Pearl Jam. ever, as summer came Maine “PC has some great players, but tions via Joan Quick, media direc­ The Friars have “a good size and a A wide variety of opinions have Head Coach Rudy Keeling went, my size is a good addition,” tor for the local Dole/Kemp cam­ good quickness.” However, to go been put on the table in the last opting to take a job at Northeast­ Ndongo also commented in the paign office. She (and supposedly to the NCAA tournament, Blaney several paragraphs. The only sure ern. The unexpected move swayed September sixth Journal-Bulletin they) commented that “the drive says that we need a certain “atti­ thing is that everyone seems to N’daiye from Maine to PC where article. “I like to play defense and to win can overcome all ob­ tude and chemistry.” Providence agree that this will be an exciting he enrolled five days into the se­ block shots, but I can run like ev­ stacles.” Reform Party candidate must “win the close games...to season for the Friars. In the end, mester. In a September sixth ar­ erybody else too.” Ross Perot was not asked for a have a good season.” only time will answer what it will ticle in the Providence Journal- At seven feet-one inch tall the comment because it was deter­ In agreement with Blaney is take for the PC Friars to be invited Bulletin, N’daiye remarked about only people running might be the mined he had no realistic chance Bill Hancock of the NCAA Mens’ to the NCAA tournament. his new found home. opposing team. of winning the election. Basketball Tournament’s invita­ (Get it? Kind of like the de­ tion committee. Although “there bates. Duh.) are so many factors,” influencing The Cowl 6 SPORTS October 14,1996 MEET THE '96-'97 FRIARS

Tri-captain Derrick Brown '97 Tri-captain Austin Croshere '97 Tri-captain Jason Murdock '97

Mark Adams'98 Abdul Brown'98 Dennis Cleary'99 Llewellyn Cole'99

Richard Cordelia '99 Ruben Garces '97 Kendrick Moore '99 Ndongo N'Diaye '00

Kofi Pointer '00 God Shammgod '99 Jamel Thomas '99 Corey Wright '99

.» i’Ci oVVi.V.'/V, October 14,1996 SPORTS The Cowl 7 MEET THE '96-'97 LADY FRIARS

Shannon Bresnahan '98 Kerri Chatten '98 Jen Davis '97

Tavia Horton '99 Nadine Malcolm '97 Mandy Saunders '97

Julie Wheeler '98 Dana Simonelli '99 Kerri Sullivan '99 photo not available: Meghan Hinds '00 The Cowl 8 ETC. October 14,1996

Large Pizzas SI I.«» any style erust

Phone: 861-9800 OPEN LATE Sunday - Wednesday : 11 am - 2 am Thursday - Saturday : 11 am - 3 am F ree Delivery October 14,1996 SPORTS The Cowl 9 I ■ MILLS CONTINUED I I I 1996-97 PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS' BASKETBALL I continued from page 10 6’7" freshman center Nickeia Morris to contribute for the Lady I NOVEMBER I All Big East rookie Susan Blauser Panthers. I 4 Monday WASHINGTON AAU 7:30 p.m. I is the top returning scorer. Also St. John’s, which finished 6- I 12 Tuesday YUGOSLAVIAN SELECT TEAM 7:30 p.m. I returning is Jen Clemente, who led 21 last season, welcomes new the team in field-goal percentage, coach Charlene Thomas. The Red I at TOP OF THE WORLD CLASSIC (Fairbanks, Alaska) I 22 Friday vs. Alaska-Fairbanks 10:30 p.m. Storm lost six players to gradua­ I I senior guard Kristen Somogyi, and 23 Saturday with Alabama, Baylor, Middle Tennessee State, T.B.A. sophomore guard Tomora Young. tion, but boast some impressive I 24 Sunday Montana. North Carolina-Wilmington and Southern Illinois T.B.A. I Coach Stringer this season will newcomers. Junior guard Nerilee I I debut her recruited class, a group Miller returns and the team’s lead­ 27 Wednesday LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY 7:30 p.m. of five freshmen with very high ing scorer at 11.2 ppg and 6.5 re­ I 30 Saturday COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 1:00 p.m. I expectations. Look for the Lady bounds. Keep an yey on Junior I I DECEMBER Knights to improve this season and College transfer Latricia Gunnells, I 4 Wednesday at Villanova University 7:30 p.m. I next, as the freshmen and who is expected to make an im­ I 7 Saturday UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME 4:00 p.m. I sohomores gain Big East experi­ pact in her first season with the 10 Tuesday UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND 8:00 p.m. ence. Storm I 21 Saturday BROWN UNIVERSITY 2:00 p.m. I Pittsburgh, after a 6-24 season, Well, there you have it. It looks I 23 Monday at University of Wisconsin 9:00 p.m. I but an impressive stretch run un­ like an exciting season for I 28 Saturday at Loyola Marymount University 10:00 p.m. I der coach Kirk Bruce, return five Women’s Basketball in the Big 31 Tuesday UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS (ESPN2) 6:30 p.m. East with continued success from I I players while losing four. Four JANUARY I returning starters will lead the way, traditional powers and high expec­ I 2 Thursday ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY 6:00 p.m. including junior center Latia tations from a well-recruited fresh­ I 6 Monday VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (ESPN) 7:30 p.m. I Howard, who led the team aver­ man class. Look for Connecticut, I 11 Saturday at Seton Hall University (BE Game of the Week) 12:00 noon I aging 13.6 ppg, and senior forward Notre Dame, and Seton Hall to 15 Wednesday at University of Miami 7:00 p.m. Missy Thompson. Look for dominate the conference, while I 19 Sunday WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY 12:00 noon I I 25 Saturday at St. John's University (at MSG) 8:00 p.m. I sophomore Gina Montesano and pursuing national exposure. 27 Monday CANISIUS COLLEGE 7:30 p.m. I 29 Wednesday at University of Connecticut (ESPN) 7:00 p.m. I I I CARCHEDI CONTINUED FEBRUARY I 1 Saturday BOSTON COLLEGE 8:00 p.m. I I 5 Wednesday RUTGERS UNIVERSITY 7:30 p.m. I continued from page 11 of depth is a concern, but Jabir 8 Saturday at West Virginia University 4:00 p.m. I hopes work ethic will compensate I 12 Wednesday at Georgetown University 7:30 p.m. admits that was a big reason why for it. I 15 Saturday UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 2:00 p.m. I 18 Tuesday at Rutgers University (ESPN2) 7:30 p.m. he took the Friar job. “The philosophy we’d like (the I I Saturday at University of Notre Dame (NBC) 4:00 p.m. “My wife is from upstate New 22 team) to have is that we’re just I 24 Monday SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY (ESPN) 7:30 p.m. I York and I’m from New York going to give our best effort, and I I City,” mentioned Jabir. “My kids we’ll measure our success by our MARCH can see their grandparents now. effort; not by what the scoreboard I 2 Sunday GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY (CBS) 12:00 noon I We’ve managed to go and find says but how we feel about our­ I 5 Wednesday at BIG EAST TOURNAMENT (ESPN/ESPN2) I some really great restaurants. We selves after the game,” said the 6 Thursday at BIG EAST TOURNAMENT (ESPN/ESPN2) I 7 Friday at BIG EAST TOURNAMENT (ESPN) I have a nice home in Gloucester coach. “I think that’s the best way 8 Saturday at BIG EAST TOURNAMENT (ESPN) I and we’ve settled in really well, to measure our success. I my wife likes it a lot. And I think “I think the thing that I’m most I CAPS AND BOLD INDICATE HOME GAMES SCNE - SponsChannel New England I this is a great place to work. So proud of is that whenever we’ve I Times and dates subject to change I when you put all those things to­ gotten a compliment from another I I gether, we’re very, very pleased to coach it’s always been that your be here.” team worked hard. And I think J So he’s here. But the question that’s the greatest compliment a remains, will he be able do here coach can get because that’s really what he did at Marquette? Lack the only thing you can control.” I I I I I 1996-97 PROVIDENCE COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE I I NOVEMBER I I 6 Wednesday NOR'EASTER STORM EXHIBITION 7:00 pm I United Way Nignt I 14 Thursday AUSTRALIA SPARTANS EXHIBITION 7:00 pm I WHITFCO Girls Club Night I 22 Friday OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY 7:00 pm I I XTFtAMAPT Schedule Pastor Giveaway I 24 Sunday at University of Rhode island 2:00 pm ■ 27 Wednesday at Purdue University 7:30 pm I 30 Sat-Sun at ECAC Holiday Festival (Worcester. MA) I Saturday Long island vs Holy Cross 1:00 pm I I Providence vs Dartmouth 3:30 pm I I DECEMBER I I 1 Sunday at ECAC Holiday Festival 1:00/3:30 I 4 Wednesday WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY 7:00 pm I Family Day I I 7 Saturday at University of Notre Dame 1:00 pm 28-30 Sat-Mon at Univ. of Central Florida Holiday Tournament (Orlando. FL) I I Saturday George Mason vs Western Michigan 1:00 pm I UNC-Charlotte vs Northwestern State 3:00 pm I Providence vs Auburn 6:00 pm I I Central Florida vs Eastern Washington 8:00 pm JANUARY I I 2 Thursday VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY 6:00 pm I I CYO NIGHT 5 Sunday at Georgetown University 2:00 pm I I 7 Tuesday at St. John’s University I 7:00 pm I 9 Thursday RUTGERS UNIVERSITY 7:00 pm I I Faculty-Staff Night 12 Sunday UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI 1:00 pm I I Family Day - Post Game Autographs I I 16 Thursday SETON HALL UNIVERSITY 7:00 pm 22 Wednesday at University of Pittsburgh 7:30 pm I I 25 Saturday at Syracuse University 2:00 pm I I 29 Wednesday at Rutgers University 7:30 pm I I FEBRUARY I 2 Sunday UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT 4:00 pm I Parents' Weekend I I 5 Wednesday at Boston College 7:00 pm 9 Sunday ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY 1:00 pm I I National Take a Girl to the Game Day I 16 Sunday NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY 1:00 pm I Alumni Weekend/Bud Light Daredevils I I 19 Wednesday GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY 7:00 pm I Senior Night I 22 Saturday at West Virginia University 2:00 pm I I 25 Tuesday at Villanova University 7:30 pm I I MARCH I at BIG EAST Tournament (Storrs. CT) I 1-4 Sat-Tue I I I Nadine Malcolm '97 attacks the rim I I The Cowl 10 SPORTS October 14,1996 women's conference preview UCONN TEAM TO BEAT

by Frank Mills '98 rebounder for the second straight Ebiho Ahonkhai, and All Rookie Syracuse can match frontcourt tal­ Harry Perreta does have junior for­ Sports Writer year. Wynne recorded 23 double­ Team member Sylita Thomas. ent to the talent level at the guard ward Jen Beisel coming back, who doubles, the highest total in the Look for Kim Gallon and Tesha position, watch out for the last year averaged 8.6 points and As another season of Big East nation. Wynne is also the Pirates Nixon to step up this season. The Orangewomen. 4.4 boards per game. Ready to step Women’s Basketball dawns, so leading scorer, averaging 18.1 ppg. Lady Hoyas will be an improved up this season are sophomore begins another season of height­ All Big East Rookie Danielle team this year, with a line-up full guard Shanette Lee, Jen Sliwa, and ened expectations for a traditional Golay returns this season, and is of young, talented players. An improved junior Jenny Higgens. The key to powerhouse. The Big East can expected to step up. The Pirate Returning this year for West this season for the Wildcats is pro­ only boast of two top-25 ranked backcourt is strong, with senior Virginia will be Big East All Star defense and duction at key positions from teams (AP): Connecticut, and Tahnee Heins, sophomore Chris­ Talisha Hargis, who led the con­ inexpereienced players. Notre Dame. Look for these two tine Koren, and junior Sandy ference averaging four steals per good Boston College looks solid for teams to dominate the division, Mitchell competing for the two top game last year. Also returning are his season. Returning for the with competition from Seton Hall stpots. All the pieces fit this year junior guard Christie Lambert and Eagles will be senior froward and Miami. With many teams re­ for the Pirates, as they try to relive senior guard Christie Ammons. production Holly Porter, who led the team in turning quality players, look for some of the NCAA Tounament Also contributing will be sopho­ points (20.7 per game) and re­ more Rebecca Burbridge and jun­ from key bounds (8.4 per game), as well as ior Monique McCowy. A highly being a Big East All Star. Joining regarded group of newcomers as players Porter in the frontcourt are sopho­ well as seasoned veterans give the mores Allison Booth, Whitney Mountaineers reason to look for­ should put Steele, and Paula Basco. The ward to this season. backcourt will be run by a solid Syracuse, after a 14-14 record the Lady group of upperclassmen, including last season under coach Marianna Toya Squair and Kim Beezer. Freeman, look forward to a suc­ Friars in the Look for All Big East rookie cessful season. Senior Krysten Amanda West to produce this sea­ Cook, who averaged 13.1 ppg last Big East hunt son as well. year, and junior Racquel Nurse, Returning to the Big East for who dished out a team-high 150 their second year will be Rutgers. assists, lead a potent ‘Cuse A team hopingto continue last Their inaugural season went well, backcourt. After playing in 27 year’s 21-7 success will be as they compiled a 13-15 record games as a freshman, Caryn Schoff Villanova. This will be a tough under coach C. Vivian Stringer. will be looked to to step up, as will task, considering they lost four continued on page 9 junior guard Teakyta Barnes. If starters to graduation. Head coach

Jen Davis '97 turns the corner

1996-97 to be an exciting year in success they experienced in years the Big East. past. Connecticut, coming off a 34- Miami, after a 14-13 season 3 championship season under under coach Feme Labati, hopes coach Geno Auriemma, hope to to build on last year’s successes, continue their domination of the which included a share of the Big Big East. The Huskies return 11 East Seven regular-season crown. players and lost four to graduation. Returning his season are junior Among these losses is last year’s forward Octavia Blue, who led her Big East Player of the Year, Jenni­ team with 16 ppg, as well as jun­ fer Rizzotti. Returning this sea­ ior center Jennifer Jordan and se­ son is senior center Kara Wolters nior forward Desma Thomas. who, last year, averaged 18.9 Look for junior guard Cassaundra points per game. Also returning is Wimes to step up and lead the junior forward Nykesha Sales, a backcourt. Returning 10 players second-team All Big East player. while returning four, the Hurri­ Look for Amy Duran and Tammy canes look to improve this year in Arnold to step up this year. Last search of national recognition. year, Connecticut averaged 81.1 Brandy new head coach Jim points per game, leading the con­ Jabir inherits a 12-15 Providence ference. Look for similar results team, which returns nine players this season. while losing four. Returning this The team with the best chance season is senior center/forward to catch them is Notre Dame. Nadine Malcolm. Last year she They hope to improve on last averaged 24.2 ppg and was a Big year’s 23-8 record in order to keep East second-team All Star. Also pace with the Huskies. Coach returning this season are seniors McGraw returns nine players Mandy Saunders and Jen Davis. while losing only two. Returning Look for Kerri Chatten and Julie is senior forward Katryna Gaither, Wheeler to play well. The Lady who averaged 19.8 ppg, and senior Friars were third in Big East scor­ guard Beth Morgan, who last year ing last year, averaging 75.4 ppg shot a conference-best 43 percent but allowed the most points in the from beyond the arc. Look for conference with 76.2 ppg. An im­ Molly Peirick and Rosanne Boham proved defense and good produc­ to step up this season. The Irish tion from key players should put will be an improved team this sea­ the Lady Friars in the Big East son, but won’t be able to overtake hunt. UConn. Georgetown last year finished Seton Hall is coming off a 16- 12-15, eleventh in the Big East. 13 season under coach Phyllis The Lady Hoyas return eleven Mangina, returning ten players and players, while losing only one. losing only one. Top returnees in­ Returning is last year’s Big East clude senior forward Dana Wynne, Rookie of the Year, Kimberly the nation’s top returning Smith, as well as senior forward Mandy Saunders '97 will be directing the Friar attack October 14,1996 SPORTS The Cowl 11 1997 All-American Candidate NADINE MALCOLM Optimistic for Lady Friar's Season

by Ryan Donaghy '99 Malcolm’s 1996 season was her Malcolm is one of PC’s 1997 Contributing Sports Writer first healthy one at PC. She suf­ All-America candidates. However, fered a stress fracture her freshman The 1996-97 Lady Friars Bas­ this attention does not really effect year, followed by a broken wrist ketball squad promises to have an her. Malcolm states, “I don’t really her sophomore year. Despite these exciting season. Fueling their fire think about All-America that is our very own 1997 All-America injuries, Malcolm managed to much, I just go out and do my job make significant contributions, Candidate Nadine Malcolm. A the best that I can.” She hopes that 6" 1" senior center from Syracuse, such as leading the team in scor­ the rest of the team will follow her ing and rebounding after just 17 NY, Malcolm hopes to end her suc­ example. games in her sophomore year. cessful four years at PC with a Coach Jabir adds, “I’m trying Malcolm believes that this to push her to do better... she has bang. year’s program has some signifi­ Malcolm’s resume speaks for the potential to finish strongly.” cant changes that will likely pro­ itself. In the 1996 season, she Malcolm has aspirations for her vide successful results. The intro­ achieved All-America Honorable post-PC career. She would like to Mention, First Team All-ECAC, duction of Marquette University play basketball in the U.S., but veteran coach Jim Jabir is one ex­ Second Team All BIG EAST, Europe is also a possibility. Coach ample of the monumental changes. Jabir adds, “Nadine does not real­ ECAC Player of the Week twice, and BIG EAST Player of the Week Malcolm said, “With the combina­ ize how talented she is. I’d like to tion of Coach Jabir and the togeth­ three times. see her have a successful year and Malcolm is overly qualified for erness of the team, a championship have her go on to play profession­ title is definitely within reach.” these awards. She averaged 24.2 ally.” Malcolm hopes to have her The Lady Friars play some points per game which made her most exciting season yet. She says tough opponents this season in­ the leading scorer in the BIG that she wants to “go out with a EAST. Also, she averaged 9.8 re­ cluding Purdue and Ohio State. Of bang!” bounds making her a close second. course, the game on everybody's “I want to win the champion­ However, Malcolm’s greatest ac­ mind is the UCONN matchup ship, so I have to put more into scheduled for February 2nd. complishment came on February it,’’explains Malcolm. Coach Jabir 15th, 1996 versus Seton Hall when Malcolm is very optimistic and she scored her 1000th career point adds, “Nadine does not realize anticipating great performances at at PC. Throughout PC history, no I what an asset] she is. She can ef­ all games. “We need fans to come other woman has reached the 1000 fect so many things in so many out and support us,” says Malcolm. point plateau more quickly than ways.” Malcolm has been training “We are a tough, hard-working hard during the off-season to en­ team who needs to see the PC fans Malcolm, who accomplished the Nadine Malcolm will be a key factor for the Lady Friars task in just 54 games. sure success in her leading role. in the stands.” An Introduction The New Head Coach Jim Jabir is a New Face On Campus Kid in Town by John Carchedi '98 we had 16 losing years. We got mosphere here and a lot of values, and I think a lot of kids want that. Jim Jabir and his staff she felt Asst. Sports Editor there and in two years we were in by Scott Palmieri '97 Our style of play is very aggres­ much better. “I’m more than Deadline Deficient______then NIT, in three and four years Sports Writer we were in the NCAA tourna­ sive, we shoot a lot of threes, we pleased with the new coaching Over the past six years, Jim ment. I love the challenge and I run a lot of transition offense. So The only new player for the staff and their style.” Jabir turned the Marquette Univer­ love turning kids on to working we’re offering that package.” Lady Friars squad this season is For now she is trying to settle sity women’s basketball team from hard and making the most of them­ Coach Jabir is 34 years old with Meghan Hinds, a 5-10' freshman in to college life as well as college a rickety program to one of natonal selves. I think that’s my goal, it’s a wife and two kids, Lauren (5) and guard from Perrysburg, Ohio. basketball. “I’m adapting to the recognition. Now he’s trying his my job, to make sure they give the Shane (3). Now, fellow college Hinds was a three sport athlete at run and gun style of play and I’m hand at Providence College. best they have every day, and make students, work with me for a mo­ Notre Dame getting to On May 21, 1996 Jabir was them better people.” ment. While we may consider Academy. In know how the named the sixth Lady Friar head There’s a pain-in-the-neck part month long road trips to be heaven, hoops, she was a others players coach in the club’s 22-year history, of college coaching called recruit­ imagine having to leave a young First Team All- "I'm play.” Hinds succeeding 11-year head coach ing, but it’s the key to accomplish family at home. City four con­ and her team­ Bob Foley who resigned a month all Jabir hopes to accomplish. So “As my kids get older, they secutive years, adapting to mates are all earlier. Admittedly, the Brooklyn, understand when I’m gone, and it’s Toledo City excited about New York native is leaving a good harder because all of the sudden the coming thing at Marquette, but the Friar they miss you more,” noted Jabir. Ksfthe run and season as they Land position was too great an “When they were younger it’s just and was named count down opportunity. ‘feed me and change my diaper Second Team the days until “Coach Foley had a very suc­ and I’m fine’. But now it’s the deal All-State as a gun style of practice. cessful, rich tradition here, and the where they’re older and they un­ junior and senior. She knows last four or five years there’s been derstand when you’re not around. She holds her that her perfor­ a problem continuing that,” ex­ But as my kids get older I try to school’s record play and mance in prac­ plained Jabir. “But I think that we spend as much time with them as I for most career tice will de­ can do that here again and that we can.” points and as a cide her role can be very, very successful. I Jabir graduated from Nazareth senior led her I’m getting for this year. think we can be a perennial NCAA College in 1984 and earned an as­ team to the To­ “I don’t want team, and I want the opportunity sistant coaching position at the ledo City League to expect toe to rebuild it.” school the following season. He Championship. to know much,” say.1 The man can rebuild. When spent the '85-'86 season as an as­ Hinds, origi­ Hinds. “I’n Jabir arrived on the Marquette sistant at Buffalo State, and the nally from Con­ going to b< campus in 1990 the Golden Eagles following year, just three years af­ necticut, chose how the open-minded had suffered through 16 losing sea­ ter he graduated, became the head Providence for its try to contrib sons in 20 years of existence. Af­ Head Coach Jim Jabir coach at Buffalo State where the academic reputa­ ute and do th ter a disappointing first season, club went 14-11 and earned a spot tion and the other best I can do. Jabir guided the squad to a remark­ the man, and assistant coaches in the NCAA Tournament. The friendly atmo­ able 22-9 mark and a berth in the Mary Helen Walker, Serry Jones NCAA appearance was huge, and sphere she felt on NIT. The next two seasons and Kerri Reaves, have recently allowed Jabir to climb another her visits here. “I players brought more success and two in­ completed a tour of the nation, hit­ rung by becoming the head coach liked the team a vitations to the NCAA tournament. ting 17 homes in 17 different cit­ at Siena. lot when I vis­ “It was hard to leave Marquette, ies in just 19 days. Over the next three seasons ited,” said Hinds play” because we’d been there six years “We have to go out and very with the Lady Saints, Jabir and who has contin­ and really built the program from aggressively and very positively company compiled a 50-29 record ued to get along well with her nothing,” noted Jabir. “I left the sell our strengths and I think we’ve and earned the young coach the teammates. “I also wanted to play 12th ranked recruiting class in the been doing that well so far this re­ stint at Marquette. After spending in the Big East.” country to come here and that’s cruiting period,” assessed Jabir. “I the past six years in the midwest, Hinds signed before the depar­ difficult. think kids want to play in the Big Jabir is happy to be back east and ture of Coach Foley and was dis­ “And I like the challenge of East, I think kids want to get a solid appointed about the change at first, continued on page 9 building something. At Marquette education. We have a family at­ but after meeting with new coach The Cowl 12 SPORTS October 14,1996 Expectations Galore For the Talented Women's Basketball Team... Friar Frontcourt Club The Lady Friars, Behind a Solid Backcourt, Awesome Frontcourt, and a New Coach, Look to Catch UConn

by Mike Friess '97 To augment this talented hasn’t decided his starting five, but swingman position.” In response Expectations are high for the Sports Writer frontcourt, Coach Jabir has at his he has reviewed films from last to the injuries that have afflicted 1996-97 Lady Friars. With the disposal a lethal three point attack year and is already making plans this team over the past few years, majority of last year’s squad re­ The 1996-97 Friars have prob­ from the backcourt. Mandy for the offense. “We’re probably Jabir has instituted a vigorous con­ turning and a new, successful ably the best frontcourt since Mike Saunders, a senior shooting guard going to have to run a three guard ditioning program under condi­ coach debuting, the expectations Smith, Dickey Simpkins, and Eric once hit seven threes in a row offense with Jen Davis, or maybe tioning coach Kevin Keenen and the possibilities are endless. Williams. Only they don’t play against Syracuse as part of a ca­ Meghan Hinds, playing the downtown at the Civic Center. This dynamic duo plays right here on campus at Alumni Hall. And their names aren’t Ruben, Austin, or Jamel. Their names are Nadine Malcolm and Kerri Chatten. These two veteran forwards hope to lead the Lady Friars to a Big East Championship and an in­ vitation to the NCAA’s in new Head Coach Jim Jabir’s first year at Providence. Jabir, a 1984 graduate from Nazareth, comes to Providence af­ ter ten years of coaching at Marquette, Siena, and Buffalo State. He has compiled a record of 158-121 overall with three NCAA and one Women’s NIT bid. He took over an anemic Marquette team in 1990 and after one rebuild­ ing season posted four consecutive winning seasons, including back- to-back 22-win seasons. He earned two Reebok Great Midwest Conference Coach of the Year Awards and Basketball Times re­ cently named him as one of the top ten up-and-coming coaches in the country. Jabir walks into a great situa­ tion, inheriting a team that went .500 last season despite numerous injuries. Eight of last year’s twelve reer-high 28 point performance. letter-winners return, including Saunders is joined by junior point four of the five starters. This squad guard Julie Wheeler. Wheeler is a went 16-16 last year and won the career .341 three point shooter, and Big East 7 Division, securing a #2 she averaged 10.0 PPG last year seed at the conference tournament despite a leg injury that lasted for behind only national powerhouse much of the season. Senior guard and the defending national cham­ Jen Davis, an Academic All- pions, UConn. American Candidate, may be the Nadine third starting Malcolm was guard if Jabir quite simply a elects to run a scoring ma­ "I would like three guard of­ chine last sea­ fense. son. A terror to do for Sopho­ in the paint, mores Tavia yet deceiv­ Providence Horton, Kerri ingly accurate Sullivan, and from outside, DanaSimonelli Malcolm led what they did should be the key reserves 3Kat UConn... for for Providence son and fin­ this season, ished ninth in that we're with each of the nation av­ them seeing ex­ eraging 24.2 tensive playing PPG and 9.8 gonna need time last year. RPG. She was Horton should a .529 shooter student sup­ see time at the overall includ­ point, with ing an impres­ port and we rebounders sive .358 from Sullivan and the arc and certainly invite Simonelli get­ .815 from the ting major line. Kerri playing time in Chatten com­ everyone to a shallow pletes the frontcourt. frontcourt. come out and Coach Jabir After a disap­ has high hopes pointing be­ be loud and for not only this ginning to last year, but the fu­ eason and a ture of Provi- roken nose vocal" d e n c e that sidelined Women’s Bas­ her for seven games, Chatten re- ketball in general. “I would like urned to the form that earned her to do for Providence what they Big East Rookie of the Year hon­ (Gino Auriemma) did at UConn. ors in 1995. Chatten averaged 19.4 For that we’re gonna need student PPG in the last eleven games of support and we certainly invite ihe season and was a consistent everyone to come out and be loud rebounder all year, averaging and vocal.” Not having been on nearly nine a game. the floor with his players yet, he