FGCU Eagles Nest: January 2014

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Sunday, January 26, 2014

FGCU WBB Recruiting Wrap: Goodall Breaks Out In New Year

Tayler Goodall (Columbus North)

62-53 loss vs. Rock Bridge (Jan. 9)
Stats: 21 points (7/14 FGs), 7 rebounds, 2 assists.

77-40 win vs. Perry Meridian (Jan. 11)
Stats: 9 points (4/11 FGs), 10 rebounds, 4 assists.

85-43 win vs. East Central (Jan. 14)
Stats: 17 points (6/11 FGs), 9 rebounds, 4 assists.

74-32 win vs. Franklin Community (Jan. 22)
Stats: 27 points (11/19 FGs), 7 rebounds, 3 assists.

59-51 win vs. Bloomington South (Jan. 23)
Stats: 11 points (3/11 FGs), 7 rebounds, 3 assists.

FGCU MBB Recruiting Wrap January 20 - 25

Zach Johnson (Miami-Norland)

70-47 win vs. Deerfield Beach (Jan. 20)
Stats: 11 points (4/11 FGs), 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

78-24 win vs. Goleman (Jan. 22)
Stats: 12 points (5/9 FGs), 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

62-49 win vs. Somerset Academy (Jan. 24)
Stats: N/A

74-72 win vs. American Heritage (Jan. 25)
Stats: 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Christian Terrell (Jacksonville-Providence)

83-47 win vs. Villages Charter (Jan. 20)
Stats: 22 points.

88-52 win vs. Trinity Christian (Jan. 24)
Stats: 18 points.

79-64 win vs. Oldsmar Christian (Jan. 25)
Stats: 20 points.

Eric Moeller (College of Central Florida)

66-61 win vs. Daytona State College (Jan. 22)
Stats: N/A

Sherwood Brown Posts Double Double In Best Performance Yet

(Courtesy of Mike McSweeney)

In his fifth game with the Red Claws, Sherwood Brown put together his most impressive performance of the young season.

His 11 rebounds and +24 plus/minus were both team highs as he led a ferocious Red Claws comeback that ended in a 115-104 win.

Full Stat Line: 19 points (6/8 FGs, 2/4 3-PT FGs, 5/6 FTs), 11 rebounds, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal. 28:35 minutes: +24 (team high).

Former Coastal SS Pruett Making Most Of Transfer Season

Part of the reason former Coastal Carolina shortstop Brian Pruett transferred to FGCU was to be closer to his home and family. When he arrived, Pruett found another family.

"The program is family orientated," Pruett said. "Coach Tollett is very down to earth and cares about the players. When that happens you get the best out of the guys."

Now donning the Blue and Green, Pruett will have to sit out the 2013-14 season due to NCAA transfer rules.

"This next whole semester I plan on being the best I can be and try to not let the time go to waste even though I'm not competing this year," Pruett said. "I can work out and get bigger, faster, and stronger."

When he returns following the spring semester and time playing summer ball up in Minnesota, the Sarasota native has high expectations for his time as an Eagle.

"I hope to come back in the fall and the spring and be a big time player on the roster, be a everyday starter and get to a regional and further," Pruett said.

During his freshman season at Coastal, Pruett started 57 of the Chanticleers' 59 games at shortstop and batted .400 during their NCAA regional.

So although fans won't see him turning double plays when the Eagles open their season February 14th against Rhode Island, there is no doubt Pruett is working hard to make the Eagles 'family' better.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Gameday Info & Live Thread: FGCU Eagles vs. Mercer Bears

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Location: Hawkins Arena - Macon, Ga (Capacity - 3,200)
Time: 7:00 p.m ET

Video Stream: ASun.TV
Live Stats: PrimeTime
Updates: @FGCUEaglesNest on Twitter

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Coach: Joe Dooley
Record: 12-8 (6-1)
Conference: Atlantic Sun
Roster | Schedule

Mercer Bears
Coach: Bob Hoffman
Record: 15-5 (6-1)
Conference: Atlantic Sun
Roster | Schedule

Stats / Streaks / History
• Mercer leads the all time series 10-4. The Eagles have never won a regular season matchup at Mercer.
• Both FGCU and Mercer are tied atop the A-Sun with 6-1 conference records.
• The Eagles come in with a 4-1 record in their last 5 games while Mercer has won all five of their previous contests.
• Mercer is ahead of FGCU in all forms of rankings. KenPom: Mercer-81, FGCU-207. RPI: Mercer-67, FGCU-188. College Insider Mid-Major Top 25: Mercer-12 (451 votes), FGCU-NR (1 vote).

Live Thread
FGCU fans, show your support down below in the comments section! Come here at 7:00 p.m ET and live chat with other Eagles fans about the game.

Monday, January 20, 2014

2015 Point Guard Talks Unofficial Visit And More

At the Wally Keller Classic this weekend there were a lot of names on the Eagles radar, including 2015 North Gwinnett (Ga) point guard Tobias Howard.

"It went really well, we won both of our games," Howard said.

After recently being medically cleared following a concussion, the 6'0" guard put up 19 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds in a 63-42 win against Gibbs, and 17 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in a win against Palmetto.

The Bulldogs are currently 17-3 on the season and ranked third in the state of Georgia.

"It's going well, we're just trying to take it one game at a time and focus in on defense,"Howard said.

While in the neighborhood for the Wally Keller Classic, Howard took an unofficial visit to the sunny campus of Florida Gulf Coast.

"I liked the campus, especially the dorms, and just the feel," Howard said. "The weather and beach are nice.

While holding offers from Northeastern, UT Martin, and Kennesaw State, Howard also said he has received interest from Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Appalachian State, UCF, Virginia, and of course FGCU.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Schwab And Staff Making Use Of Advanced Hoops Software

(Courtesy: Linwood Ferguson, FGCU Athletics)

Hidden away in his make shift video den on the 2nd floor of Alico Arena, Tyler Schwab works away at downloading the three latest Atlantic Sun games. It's only a couple of minutes after he finished live cutting FGCU's impressive win over ETSU but with Mercer upcoming on Thursday, Joe Dooley is ready to watch the Bears latest tape early the next morning morning.

Using a combination Synergy and XOS Thunder, Schwab, the Florida Gulf Coast video coordinator, is in charge of cutting and organizing all of the Eagles video needs. For each game, one of the FGCU assistant coaches then breaks down the trends they see.

"For ETSU, that was Coach Fly," Schwab said. "He broke down offensively and defensively what they [ETSU] like to do, baseline, sideline out of bounds plays and personnel."

Following the Eagle loss to NC State back in November, Joe Dooley stressed that they knew Wolfpack big man Jordan Vandenberg was primarily a right arm over left shoulder post player.

“In practice we give our guys statistical things on tendencies, especially on different players," Dooley said.

In order to have the game tape ready in time, Schwab must live cut, or splice out all the unnecessary footage, while managers Dylan Waxler, or Chase Goldstein man the camera. Even in early fall, when FGCU, at the most, could only scrimmage against themselves, Schwab was already taking advantage of the software.

“Before the regular season, I’m recording practice and cutting live so if after practice Dooley wants to see a certain set, shell drill for example, he can," Schwab said.

Complimenting the video scouting, Joe Dooley also takes advantage of, as many other college coaches such as Buzz Williams and Mike Krzyzewski do, statistics from guru Ken Pomeroy.

“I've been on KenPom, can’t even tell you how long," Dooley said. "You get mathematical equations, personnel tendencies and a real clear look on what they’re doing and what other people have done against them."

Pomeroy, a Utah based meteorologist, boasts statistics that take into account team tempos, adjusted efficiency and more.

"A guy can be shooting 44% from the three point line but the first four games he was 15/51 and then went on an unbelievable streak," Dooley said. "It enables you to look at all of their game and streaks."

The task ahead for the analytical minded Eagles staff? Find a way to slow down Langston Hall and the Mercer Bears before Thursday.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Sherwood Brown Back At Home: On The Court (With Maine Red Claws)

(Courtesy: Mike McSweeney)

After a month of practicing and waiting for his next chance, Sherwood Brown finally has a couple of D-League games under his belt and is feeling confident.

"I was waiting for my moment to get another opportunity," Brown said. "As the days went by I got more anxious to get back out there."

In two games, the former FGCU guard is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds a game with the Red Claws. In his debut against the LA D-Fenders, now USC head coach Andy Enfield was in attendance.

"It just shows he still cares about us" Brown said. "I didn't even speak to him before the game and didn't know he was going to be there."

After two excursions overseas, Brown felt that the D-League was best for him both because of the location and for its one on one skill development.

While the D-League website boasts that 126 current NBA players have D-League experience, there is no doubt that players have the odds stacked against them.

"I've always been seen as an underdog my entire career," Brown said.

In his usual fashion, Brown has already drained a couple threes and thrown down a few dunks. You can catch Sherwood and the Red Claws on Monday, Jan. 20 at 3:00 p.m on YouTube.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Saturday, January 18, 2014

FGCU MBB Opens With Energy, Cruises Past ETSU 90-62

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

FORT MYERS, FL - After USC Upstate on Thursday night, Chase Fieler stressed the importance of getting off to a good start. It's safe to say Dunk City listened. Early in the first half the Eagles went on a 26-3 run, which included five crowd electrifying dunks, and never looked back, easily handling ETSU 90-62.

"We did a good job of attacking the zone, getting the ball to the rim. Brett, Chase and Bernard got the ball inside to Eric and Nate early in the game and that set the tempo," Joe Dooley said.

To celebrate his 21st birthday, Bernard Thompson poured in 21 points. Going 3/8 from beyond the arc, Thompson was vital in keeping the ETSU zone honest.

"It was a great feeling to just have that kind of night. I'm coming back and being aggressive and keeping that going," Thompson said. "We were just trying to bring energy and push the ball."

After tallying zero assists on Thursday, Brett Comer added seven tonight, including five in ten minutes to start the game.

"I just went with what the defense gave me. With Upstate they took away others players and wanted me to drive," Comer said. "Today with ETSU, Chase was open in the high post or if a guy stepped up on him, Eric was open on the baseline."

The fun loving FGCU energy is perfectly encompassed by Marc-Eddy Norelia. On the end of the bench, the Tulane transfer has an original celebration well, for pretty much anything that happens on the court. Norelia wasn't the only one enjoying himself though.

"I have fun every night, might not seem like it though" Dooley said. The Eagles head coach even made a few jokes about the mask Comer has, and will been donning for the next 4-6 weeks. "Our goalie had three saves in the first half."

"Coach loves the goalie joke. He brought me a catcher's mask the first day," Comer said.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Terrell & Johnson Go Head To Head At Wally Keller Classic

Florida Gulf Coasts fans caught a glimpse of the future on Thursday night as Eagles commits Christian Terrell, of Providence, and Zach Johnson, of Miami Norland, went head to head just a half hour north of Fort Myers at the Wally Keller Classic.

While the Stallions of Providence got the better of Norland, winning 68-44, Johnson won Co-Player of the Game after pouring in 21 points.

"We should have came out with some more energy," Johnson said. "We started the 2nd half the way we should have to start the game."

As for playing against his future teammate. "It was interesting to see how your future teammate plays. Especially the defense we throw out, see how he reacts," Johnson said. "I'm looking forward to playing with him."

Terrell tallied 17 points for Providence and added some beautiful no look passes. He matched up on Johnson a few times.

“Both of us can play either guard position,” Terrell said. “I think we will compliment each other really well. We can play wherever they want to put us.”

While both Terrell and Johnson have signed their LOIs and are ensured to meet up in Dunk City, one of Terrell's teammates might become a opponent after this season.

Providence big man Wyatt Walker holds offers from three Atlantic Sun teams: Jacksonville, North Florida, and Mercer.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Brett Comer Suffers Broken Nose, Won't Miss Time

After missing a layup on Thursday night, Brett Comer went back up for the offensive rebound and was elbowed in the nose. Gushing blood all over the court, Comer was slow to get up and it didn't look promising.

Today, it was released that the junior point guard suffered a "non-displaced fracture" which is a broken nose. However, he is not expected to miss anytime. The Eagles game on Saturday against A-Sun foe ETSU. It looks like Comer will be donning a mask, similar to that of NBA player Rip Hamilton.

Thought I was gonna miss a game? Haha Never #FGCU pic.twitter.com/aPXzIax8jj
— Brett Comer (@BrettComer0) January 17, 2014

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Sherwood Brown Tallies Seven In D-League Debut

In his long awaited professional debut, former Florida Gulf Coast guard Sherwood Brown, of the Maine Red Claws, tallied seven points against the LA D-Fenders.

After checking in with 3:08 remaining in the 1st quarter, Brown nailed a three pointer before the quarters end. Later in the game he connected on another jumper and hustled out in transition for an easy layup.

The Red Claws return home to battle the Erie Bay Hawks on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7:00 p.m ET on YouTube.

Official Stat Line (14:01 min) - 7 points (3/4 FG, 1/1 3-PT FG), 4 rebounds, 1 turnover.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

MBB Recruiting Wrap: Great Performances To Start New Year

Christian Terrell

78-42 win vs. Palatka (Jan. 3)
Stats: not found

84-38 win vs. University Christian (Jan. 7)
Stats: 15 points.

72-59 win vs. White (Jan. 9)
Stats: 18 points.

66-60 win vs. Evans (Jan. 11)
Stats: 14 points.

Zach Johnson

54-41 vs. the Rock-Gainesville (Jan. 4)
Stats: 8 points (3/6 FG), 3 rebounds, 5 assists.

74-32 win vs. Carol City (Jan. 9)
Stats: 8 points (4/7 FG), 3 rebounds, 4 assists.

57-24 win vs. Miami (Jan. 11)
Stats: 13 points (5/10 FG), 2 rebounds, 4 assists.

Eric Moeller

68-66 win vs. Albany Technical (Jan. 4)
Stats: 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 blocks.

78-64 win vs. Pasco-Hernando CC (Jan. 9)
Stats: not found

72-65 loss vs. Polk State (Jan. 11)
Stats: not found

Thursday, January 9, 2014

FGCU Keeping Close Eye On Determined 2015 Small Forward

With eight FGCU players potentially graduating following the 2014-15 season, the Eagles are going hard after some of the top Floridian talent in the class of 2015.

High on the list is small forward Jeantal Cylla, of Lake Worth Christian HS.

Behind the junior's 25 point average, the Defenders are 14-2 and best in their county.

"14-2, it's been a great start, competing with some of the best in Florida," Cylla said.

This fall, the attention has started pouring in for the 6-6 SF. He attributes that to all the hard-work during the off-season.
"I've been working every day this off-season, been doing one one one skills work with my coach. I know what I need to get better at and I've been working at that. It pays off in games,"

Cylla takes advantage of his athleticism and length to be an opponent's nightmare on the defensive end. His ability to finish near the rim has also garnered great attention.

Dunk City has been paying notice and keeping tabs on the rising star.

"I always let Coach Fly know how my team is doing. He is always keeping me updated on FGCU and how they are doing - we have a great relationship. Once in a while, Coach Dooley and I will talk. I just have a great relationship with the coaching staff there."

Dooley and company aren't the only ones taking notice; Cylla also holds offers from FIU, Memphis, and USF to name a few.

Cylla doesn't like to think about that though "right now I'm just focusing on winning, getting our team better."

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Sherwood Brown Signs With Maine Red Claws Of NBA D-League

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

After being cut by both Maccabi Haifa and Ramat Gan in Israeli, former FGCU basketball star Sherwood Brown has been acquired by the Maine Red Claws of the NBA D-League.

The Orlando native, who will wear No. 17 for the Red Claws, is scheduled to join the team in Santa Cruz, before the game against the Warriors on January 10.

The Red Claws are the D-League affiliate of the Boston Celtics and all of their games are broadcast live on the D-League's YouTube channel.

For More on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Vote For FGCU In NCAA #6thFan Contest

You know the Dirty Birds are the best fans in college basketball. Let everyone know by voting for FGCU in the NCAA's #6thFan Contest.

The first round ends on February 16 and only the top 16 schools advance so be sure to vote.

Go to this link in order vote. There are multiple ways to vote:

1. Enter your email, click "I agree" and submit.
2. Click Twitter, choose a message, and click "Tweet To Vote". Anything with the hashtags #FGCU and #6thFan count as a vote. (RTs of tweets that include those hashtags also count as a vote).
3. Click Facebook, choose a message, and click "Post To Vote". Anything with the hashtags #FGCU and #6thFan count as a vote.

You can vote once a day per voting method so be sure to vote three times a day. Show your Eagle Pride!

If Florida Gulf Coast makes it into the "Sweet Sixteen", the University will receive $10,000 and if FGCU wins it all, the school will receive $100,000. Each round one entry is selected to win an iPad Air. A grand prize winner is selected to an all expenses paid trip to the 2015 Men's Final Four.

#EaglePride Help FGCU win the NCAA 6th Fan Competition, currently ranked 27, RETWEET TO VOTE http://t.co/7RjvmQvXPu #6thFan #FGCU
— FGCU Eagles Nest (@FGCUEaglesNest) January 7, 2014

Sunday, January 5, 2014

FGCU MBB Tops Stetson, Moves To 3-0 In A-Sun Play

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Florida Gulf Coast moved to 3-0 in Atlantic Sun play on Sunday as they defeated Stetson 68-55.

Led by Eric McKnight, the Blue and Green out-rebounded the Hatters 44-28 - a main force in FGCU's eventual double digit victory.

"What was really working for me was going to the glass and taking my time in the post," McKnight said.

The crashing of the glass led to the redshirt junior's 14 points, on 7/7 from the field.

Although FGCU only shot 41% from the field, they were able to put up an impressive 68 points. Dooley attributed that to a great defensive attitude that led to steals and 2nd chance points.

Also contributing to the Eagles' success was the bench play; Dajuan Graf, Kevin Boyle, and Filip Cvjeticanin combined for 21 bench points for FGCU.

Although the Eagles are now 3-0 in Atlantic Sun play for the first time in program history, Joe Dooley looks at it a different way.

"Our focus is now on North Florida...we just have to take it one game at a time," Dooley said.

A lot will be on the line January 9 in Jacksonville; the Eagles and Ospreys, both with 3-0 conference records, are tied a top the A-Sun.

Friday, January 3, 2014

FGCU WBB Recruiting Wrap: Goodall Impresses At Holiday Tournament (12/27-1/3)

FGCU Women's Basketball commit Tayler Goodall capped off an impressive performance at the Columbus North Invitational by tallying her 1,000 point with the Bulldogs.

Tayler Goodall (Columbus North)

78-33 win vs. Chaminade Julienne
Stats: 14 points (5/11 FGs, 3/7 3-PT FGs), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals.

76-37 win vs. Notre Dame Academy
Stats: 15 points (6/12 FGs, 2/5 3-PT FGs), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals.

66-56 win vs. Roncalli
Stats: 14 points (6/10 FGs, 2/6 3-PT FGs), 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals.

FGCU MBB Recruiting Wrap, Beach Ball Classic (12/26-1/3)

Christian Terrell and Providence were in action at the Beach Ball Classic while both Zach Johnson and Eric Moeller had no games this week.

Christian Terrell (Providence)

70-38 win vs. Socastee (Dec. 27)
Stats: 12 points (4/4 FG), 3 rebounds, 3 steals.

What a great get for Florida Gulf Coast in getting Providence G Christian Terrell. Athletic shooting lefty w/high IQ
— Kevin Schneider (@BigShotsReport) December 29, 2013

60-56 win vs. Moeller (Dec. 28)
Stats: 11 points (5/12 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists.

74-55 win vs. Bishop Loughlin (Dec. 30)
Stats: 18 points (7/13 FG), 5 rebounds, 3 assists.

69-43 win vs. Northland (Dec. 31)
Stats: 16 points (4/10 FG), 8 rebounds, 5 assists.

Providence wins Beach Ball Classic Championship. Terrell lands himself on All-Tournament team and in the semis of the dunk contest.

Zach Johnson (Norland)

No games. Looking ahead: vs. Rock (Gainesville) on Jan. 4

Eric Moeller (Co. Central Florida)

No games. Looking ahead: vs. Albany Technical College on Jan. 4

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Comer's Career Night Powers FGCU Over Lipscomb

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Brett Comer tallied a career high tying 24 points as Florida Gulf Coast flew by Lipscomb 75-62 on New Year's Day.

“I thought that we got off to a pretty good start,” said Joe Dooley. “Lipscomb did a really good job, especially in the first half. They spread us out and shot some threes...but we were able to eliminate some of those in the second half."

Comer's 24 points came from 9/15 from the field including some acrobatic lay ins.

"We need him to be aggressive because I think a lot of the scoring will open up passing for him," Dooley said. "He's become a lot more well rounded player.

In his first start of the season, redshirt junior Eric McKnight snagged a game high 10 rebounds and added 6 points.

"It was a big emphasis for me to crash the boards tonight so that's what I tried to do," said Eric McKnight. "So I got my job done."

The Eagles have now started Atlantic Sun play 2-0 for the first time in Florida Gulf Coast history. Next up is a road trip that starts in DeLand, against Stetson.

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