FGCU Continues Uphill Battle With Scheduling

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Recruits rave about them. Players feed off their energy. The cameras love them. They are the Dirty Birds, FGCU's student section.

Ever since Florida Gulf Coast's Sweet Sixteen appearance in March of 2013, they have flocked to Alico Arena in unprecedented numbers. The arena housed 13 sellout crowds the past season, including a record of 4,673.

While Dunk City's 'founding' caused many fans to enter Alico Arena, it encouraged a few other people to keep their distance - most importantly, Division I basketball programs.

"We're in that situation where we've gotten more successful so teams are more leery of coming to play us because they know how hard it is to win at Alico Arena," said Florida Gulf Coast athletic director Ken Kavanagh.

While the Eagles encountered this problem in the offseason immediately following the Sweet Sixteen run, it has continued to nag at them.

"In both cases it hasn't been easy," Kavanagh. "It's probably been even harder now because our team's gotten even more strength from an overall depth stand point."

The reduction of conference games from 18 to 14 has also increased difficulties with scheduling. This stemmed from both Mercer and East Tennessee State departing the Atlantic Sun for the Southern Conference. The former of the two teams has developed quite a buddy rivalry with FGCU.

"We've talked to them and showed that we'd love to play the likes of Mercer and Belmont because of the respect for their great programs as well as our schools know each others teams," Kavanagh said. "It'd be a good game to have on schedule. "

"Unfortunately, we've not been able to find mutually agreeable dates," Kavanagh continued with reference to only 14 A-Sun games. "We have more needs then Mercer does with them going to the Southern Conference."

They will "continue to pursue that" and Kavanagh also noted the realistic possibility of adding them to the non-conference schedule for other sports as well.

"The more we can continue to develop familiarity with our opponents to our fans, the better it is in terms of developing rivalries," Kavanagh said.

The Eagles are after another former Atlantic Sun foe as well: Belmont. The Bruins compete in the Ohio Valley and concluded a 26-10 season with a deep NIT run.

"Coach Byrd is a tremendous coach. I've spoken to him as well as their AD Mike Strickland. We thought we had a date this year but unfortunately we already had a committed opponent for a home game and we couldn't move it," Kavanagh said. "Furman is coming back to play us next year and we couldn't find another date to do it otherwise we we're going to start a series with them as of next year. We're hoping the following year we'll be able to start doing that."

Although talks with Florida Atlantic were initially promising as well, a coaching change put a temporary stop to the potential matchup.

"The previous coach (Mike Jarvis) had agreed to play us and we we're going to start a series at FAU," Kavanagh said. "When their new coach came on board it was a combination...there was a feeling that they couldn't play us this year. We are working trying to start a series already for next year. I'd like to play them for a four game series."

The Owls are just one of many sunshine state schools that FGCU is attempting to schedule. The reception hasn't been overwhelmingly supportive, however.

"Unfortunately right now there's been a reluctance by most of those schools to play us. It's disappointing we'd think it'd be a good game for those schools from a marketing and RPI standpoint," Kavanagh said. "Many of those schools have FGCU alums in the area. We have pockets of FGCU fans everywhere. When we played FIU, that was probably one of their biggest crowds of the year."

In addition, Florida Gulf Coast continues to play three "guarantee" games next season. For these contests, a power conference school, such as Xavier, pays FGCU a sum ($95,000 in the Xavier situation) to visit for a single game. Last season, these trips included Nebraska and North Carolina State.

"We're trying to go less of those so we can balance our schedule with more home games," Kavanagh said. "We keep trying to call others schools like ourselves, good mid-majors, with the same problems getting home games."

FGCU concludes series' with mid-majors Furman and Iona this season and will have to replenish their home games.

"We're even looking at a couple schools where we may play a home and home against them in the same year where we play one home and one road against the same team," Kavanagh said. "It's not a common occurrence but it does happen occasionally."

And if the Eagles lured the "right team" to Fort Myers, Kavanagh said FGCU would consider playing a home game at nearby Germain Arena.

"It is still something for down the road..." Kavanagh said. "It's still not a total venue that's ready for basketball. In the meantime, it wouldn't be worth it financially at this point. We like the fact that there is more demand for our games."

For now, Florida Gulf Coast has confirmed games with Furman and FIU as well as visits to Xavier and Iona. Also, Kavanagh said the Eagles are "very likely playing" at the Gulf Coast Showcase over Thanksgiving at Germain Arena.

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

Read more ...

Vanderbilt Transfer Kady Schrann Signs With FGCU

The Florida Gulf Coast women's basketball team filled their final scholarship spot for the upcoming season on Tuesday as Karl Smesko announced the signing of Vanderbilt transfer Kady Schrann.

"Kady is a great addition for us. She will add competitiveness to our practices this season and should be a major contributor the following year," Smesko said in a release. She has been a successful player in the SEC and we believe she can be more aggressive offensively at FGCU. We feel that she can be a consistent scorer in our system and we’re looking forward to having her on the court with us.”

Schrann, a 5-foot-9 guard, will sit out the 2014-15 season due to NCAA transfer rules and will have one year of eligibility remaining afterwards.

During the 2013-14 season, the Commodores junior averaged 4.1 points per game in 30 appearances. Her numbers declined ever since putting up 6.7 points per game, including a 29 point performance against LSU, as a member of the 2011-12 SEC Freshman First Team.

At York Catholic HS in Pennsylvania, Schrann tallied 2,161 career points en route to been named the 48th best class of 2011 recruit by ESPN HoopGurlz.

"FGCU stuck out to me because I watched them play against Oklahoma State, and I was like, 'They're pretty good,'" Schrann told SB Nation's Swish Appeal. "They also had my major and I was like, 'This looks like a great fit for me.'"

Schrann joins fellow 5-foot-9 guard Tayler Goodall (Columbus North HS - Indiana) in the Eagles 2014 recruiting class. ESPN graded Goodall as the No. 19 point guard in the incoming freshman class.

The two will look to build on a team that is coming off an Atlantic Sun post-season title and a narrow NCAA first round loss to Oklahoma State. The Blue and Green only suffer the departure of all time program leader in points, Sarah Hansen.

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

Read more ...

FGCU Lands Commitment From UNLV Transfer Demetris Morant

(via Sam Morris)

Florida Gulf Coast landed a huge transfer on Wednesday as UNLV forward Demetris Morant signed with Joe Dooley and the Eagles.

"They were my first choice from the beginning. I'm excited about it" Morant said. The 6-9 forward made the decision after his campus visit to FGCU this past weekend.

"It was one of the best visits I've been on," Morant said. "The whole time I was down there, they made me feel like I was home already before I even committed.

After red-shirting his first season with the Rebels, Morant appeared in 13 games in 2013-14, averaging just 3.8 minutes and .6 points. He decided to leave the UNLV program in order to be closer to his father, Leroy, who suffered a stroke and lives in Florida.

"I had a great time at UNLV," Morant said. "It was fun while it lasted but it was hard to stay dealing with my family situation. I had to go. I'm going to miss it though."

Morant has three years of eligibility remaining and will seek an NCAA hardship waiver in order to play immediately in Fort Myers, which won't be unfamiliar territory.

With Bishop Gorman High School, Morant, and teammate Shabazz Muhammad, competed twice in the City of Palms Classic, a tournament located near Florida Gulf Coast. 247Sports Composite ratings ranked Morant as a three star and the 18th best center in the class of 2012. The Eagles recruited him out of high school, but he eventually choose the Rebels over Memphis, Texas A&M, and New Mexico.

Now, the top-150 recruit and Miami, Fla. native is headed back to the Sunshine State to don the Eagles' blue and green. In his interview with the Eagles Nest last week, he noted the drastic difference a couple years makes.

"FGCU's [status] changed a lot knowing a school so young made it to the Sweet Sixteen. That made me look at them even more. Wow, if they add more talent around them like me and a couple more players, who knows what could happen," Morant said last week.

"I'm very used to that. I play great in transition" Morant said of Dunk City's iconic style of play. "I'll be a great fit for this program.

He joins guard Christian Terrell, guard Zach Johnson, and center Eric Moeller in the FGCU's 2014 recruiting class. Morant and Moeller, along with 6-foot-7 redshirt freshman Logan Hovey and 6-foot-8 redshirt sophomore Marc-Eddy Norelia, will fill the gaps left in the front court from the departures of Chase Fieler and Eric McKnight.

It has yet to be seen where the Eagles will first display this new talent but Furman, Iona, Xavier, FIU, and games at the Gulf Coast Showcase have all been confirmed to be on their schedule.

Morant's commitment fills the 13th and final scholarship spot for Florida Gulf Coast in the 2014-15 season. His decision also marks the fifth high high-major transfer Joe Dooley has brought to Dunk City in his two years at the helm.

“We are very excited about Demetris joining our program. He’s a tremendous young man with great potential,” Dooley said in a release. “We look forward to having the opportunity to work with him. Demetris comes from a tremendous family and has a great work ethic. He’s going to be a major part of our program as we move forward. The players in our program will enjoy getting the opportunity to have him be a part of FGCU basketball.”

“I think Demetris has outstanding potential,” Dooley said. “He needs, and will get the chance, to develop here at FGCU as a person and as a player. I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

If this dunk and a high jump state title are any indication, Morant will have no problem fitting in at Dunk City.

Check out Morant's high school highlights here.

Read more ...

FGCU Transfer Dajuan Graf Commits To North Carolina Central

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Former Florida Gulf Coast guard Dajuan Graf is transferring to North Carolina Central, he confirmed with the Eagles Nest on Monday. The news was first reported by Jeff Borzello of CBS Sports.

The Charlotte, N.C, native is headed back to his home state after averaging 4.9 points and 2.1 points in his sophomore season at FGCU. His 73 assists on the year were second only to starting point guard Brett Comer. He will have two years of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2014-15 season.

Graf joins a NCCU team that finished the 2013-14 season with a 28-6 record. After defeating Morgan State in the MEAC Championship, the Eagles saw their upset bid fall just short against Iowa State in the NCAA Tournament first round.

While Graf transferred to be closer to home, center Eric McKnight was kicked off the team after the 2013-14 season. He is headed to Tennessee to play his final year under Donnie Tyndall.

Back at Florida Gulf Coast, point guard Brett Comer returns for his senior season while Miami Norland HS senior Zach Johnson, and Auburn transfer Brian Greene Jr. become available at PG for the Eagles.

FGCU also holds one more scholarship for the 2014-15 season and are looking to add a big man. Butler transfer Nolan Berry visited Dunk City last Tuesday through Thursday, and UNLV transfer Demetris Morant spent the weekend visiting Florida Gulf Coast. The latter stated that "If I had to [have a leader], my number one choice right now is FGCU."

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

Read more ...

FGCU Baseball Splits Double Header, Captures Atlantic Sun Regular Season Title

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Despite splitting Friday's double header at Lipscomb, the FGCU baseball team clinched the Atlantic Sun regular season title.

In game one, redshirt sophomore Brady Anderson started on the mound. Over 7.1 innings, the Arcadia, Fla. native struck out six Bison while giving up zero earned runs. In support, both Colton Bottomley (Parkland, Fla.) and Zack Tillery (Naples, Fla.) sent solo shots over the wall. Tillery then pitched a clean slate in the ninth to capture the save, as the Eagles won 3-2.

Florida Gulf Coast ran out of steam in the final game of the series, however. Jack English allowed two earned runs in three innings of work, and the Bison tacked on more later to defeat the Eagles, 7-1. But with Mercer's 7-6 loss to ETSU, the Eagles still claimed the outright Atlantic Sun regular season title.

This is Florida Gulf Coast's fifth Atlantic Sun Regular Season Championship of the 2013-14 season. The men's basketball, women's basketball, men's soccer, and women's soccer programs captured the other four. It is also the Eagles' 35th Division I conference title.

With team success, person accolades are just icing on the cake. After recording two base knocks in each double header contest, Jake Noll's season hit total is now up to 96 - tied for best in the NCAA.

@Jake_Noll's 96 hits are tied for best in the NCAA #EagleUp (photo via @tessamort) pic.twitter.com/XYYhDs0NsV
— FGCU Eagles Nest (@FGCUEaglesNest) May 17, 2014

The Eagles finished the regular season with a 19-8 conference mark which, in addition to the title, gives them the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Sun Baseball Championship in Fort Myers. The Blue and Green will face off against the No. 8 seeded North Florida Ospreys on Wednesday, May 21 at 5:00 p.m.

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

Read more ...

Royals Call Up Former FGCU Baseball Star Casey Coleman

Just a month after signing a minor league contract with the Class AAA Omaha Storm Chasers, former Florida Gulf Coast star Casey Coleman received his MLB call-up from the Kansas City Royals.

In Omaha, Coleman went 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA over 12 innings of work out of the bullpen.

"He's a guy that's got really good stuff: 95-mile-an-hour fastball, good breaking ball, good competitor," Royals manager Ned Yost said in the release. "Grew up in a baseball family, been throwing the ball well down in Omaha."

Earlier this spring, the former FGCU pitcher was released from the Chicago Cubs after spending his entire professional career in the organization. Although much of his time was spent with the Class AAA Iowa Cubs, he did pitch over 160 innings in Chicago from 2010-2012. In that time, Coleman went 7-13 with a 5.76 ERA.

The Cubs selected Coleman in the 15th round of the 2008 Draft after he went 7-3 with a 4.11 ERA as a junior in Fort Myers.

Coleman's promotion gives FGCU two alumni in the major leagues. Former Eagle Chris Sale is the Chicago White Sox ace, but he is currently on a rehab assignment after straining his muscle flexor.

The Royals host the Orioles this weekend before the White Sox come to town for a three game set to start next week. Although this hypothetically could set up an Eagle vs. Eagle showdown, Sale is not expected to return until the end of the month.

UPDATE: Friday, May 16 | 10:00 p.m.

In his debut with the Royals, Coleman worked a perfect 1-2-3 ninth inning. Kansas City still fell, 4-0, to the Orioles.

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

Read more ...

2015 Guard Fletcher Magee Bursting Onto Spring Scene

Fletcher Magee, a 2015 prospect with Each 1 Teach 1, has quickly become one of the hottest recruiting commodities this spring. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard has accumulated over ten offers since starting the AAU season.

"It's been because of my work. I go in and shoot and do dribbling drills at the YMCA in the morning and after school I have workouts with my team," Magee told the Eagles Nest. "My shooting and the time I've put into getting my ball handling better has definitely helped me get those offers."

In his second year with E1T1, Magee has averaged 8.1 points a game through two EYBL sessions so far. His most impressive performance came against Expressions Elite (Ma.), when he posted 17 points on an efficient 5/8 shooting. Coming off the bench is a change for Magee, who averages 20 ppg during the high school season at First Academy.

"I have to be willing to not play as much but to be efficient with the time I'm getting. I still play my normal game. I don't really dribble and create as much with E1T1, but my role is to be more of a shooter," Magee said. "It's a lot different, but I've adapted pretty good."

When on the court, Magee is productive with his time, often taking advantage of smaller match-ups.

"The best thing I take advantage of is shooting over people," said the 6'4" Magee. "I have a quick, high release so if a smaller defender is on me, I can just rise over and shoot it.

After keeping an eye on Magee for a while, FGCU offered the Orlando product in mid-April.

"I was really happy," Magee said. "I've been down on campus and seen what FGCU's like so I was really excited about it. Since they've shown success in their program, it's a really big offer. Especially with the program they're building there, and I think their best years are to come. They can do something special."

The program's noticeable success is due to the hard work of many Orlando area products. Olympia High School's Sherwood Brown was named 2013 A-Sun Player of the Year as he led the Eagles to a Sweet Sixteen. Brett Comer, who holds the program record for assists, committed to FGCU out of Winter Park HS.

"Them going to Florida Gulf Coast shows it's definitely a good fit for kids around here because they've all gone there and seemed like they enjoyed it," Magee said.

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

Read more ...

UNLV Transfer Demetris Morant To Visit Florida Gulf Coast

(via RunRebs)

UNLV redshirt freshman forward Demetris Morant is transferring from the Rebels program to be closer to his ill father in Florida.

"I had a great time at UNLV. It was fun while it lasted but it was hard to stay dealing with my family situation," Morant told the Eagles Nest. "I had to go. I'm going to miss it though."

In the 2013-14 season under head coach Dave Rice, Morant averaged 3.8 minutes a game in 13 appearances. Despite limited time, the 6-foot-9 forward showed true promise. He is originally from Miami, Fla. and now will be looking to return to the Sunshine State.

"The top school showing interest is Florida Gulf Coast," said Morant, who also stated interest from Florida International.

He noted that the Eagles have been after him since his high school days. The class of 2012 three star recruit powered Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nev.) to back to back state titles. The Gaels also competed twice (2011 and 2012) in the City of Palms Classic, a prestigious high school tournament located near FGCU.

Quite a bit has changed at Florida Gulf Coast since then - most prominently the creation of 'Dunk City' after the Eagles Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.

"FGCU's [status] changed a lot knowing a school so young made it to the Sweet Sixteen," Morant said. "That made me look at them even more. Wow, if they add more talent around them like me and a couple more players, who knows what could happen."

Morant talked to the Eagles Nest about the reports of FGCU being a likely landing spot.

"If I had to [have a leader], my number one choice right now is FGCU," Morant said. "I'm taking a visit there on Friday. If I go down there and like it a lot, I pretty much might just commit then just to get the whole process over with."

Morant's visit is the second for FGCU this week. The Eagles Nest confirmed that Butler transfer Nolan Berry, a former teammate of Eagles signee Eric Moeller, is on campus from Tuesday to Thursday. FGCU only has one remaining scholarship spot for the 2014-15 season, however.

But regardless of what school Morant chooses, he will seek a hardship waiver from the NCAA in order to bypass transfer rules and be granted eligibility to play in the 2014-15 season. Whether or not that goes through, he will have three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting a year and playing a year at UNLV.

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

Read more ...

2015 Guard Ahmad Caver Talks Florida Gulf Coast Offer

FGCU continued their pursuit of a 2015 floor general on Monday when Joe Dooley offered point guard Ahmad Caver.

"At first I didn't hear him clearly. I thought he said 'what others offers do you have?' And I told him ODU," Caver told the Eagles Nest. "And then he said 'Now you've got one from us'. I was really surprised because I just woke up from a nap after working out."

Although listed as a point guard on most recruiting websites, the 6-foot-0 guard can play both positions.

"Dooley said I was versatile. I could play point guard or shooting guard," Caver said. "He likes players like that."

Caver's versatility is showcased with North Gwinnett High School (Suwanee, Ga.) during the school year. There, he plays with fellow D-I recruit Tobias Howard.

"Believe it or not, a couple years ago we were rivals. We played all the time. Then we came together and found that chemistry quickly," Caver said. "That first tournament we got it and everything since then we've been great."

While North Gwinnett competed at the Wally Keller Classic in nearby Punta Gorda, Fla., the two guards took in FGCU's campus during their spare time.

"I loved the campus. I wanted to go back the very next day," Caver said. "It's on the beach and in Florida where the weather's always good."

The two recruits also play together on the AAU circuit for Stackhouse Elite - coached by former NBA All-Star Jerry Stackhouse.

"Everything I do now, I learned from him [Jerry Stackhouse]. He taught the fundaments at first because when he played, he wasn't a flash player," Caver said.

His play with Stackhouse Elite has drawn the interest of over a dozen mid-major schools; Florida Gulf Coast and Old Dominion are the only ones to offer, as of now. Caver was originally in the class of 2014 but after reclassifying, he will take prep school visits soon.

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

Read more ...

UNLV's Demetris Morant Transferring To FGCU?

According to a report from the Review-Journal, UNLV forward Demtris Morant is transferring to be closer to his ill father in Florida.

The same report notes that he will seek a waiver and "is most likely transferring to Florida Gulf Coast." Whether this comes to fruition or not, we will know in the coming days (and the Eagles Nest will keep you updated).

Morant, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 3.8 minutes a game in 13 appearances for the Rebels last season. UNLV redshirted Morant his 2012-13 season so during the 2013-14 campaign, he played as a redshirt freshman.

Prior to his time at UNLV, Morant led Bishop Gorman HS (Las Vegas, Nev.) to two straight titles. The Rivals rated three star recruit was ranked in the top 150 in the class of 2012. He choose the rebels over San Diego State and also held offers from Memphis, Texas A&M, and New Mexico.

Morant, who was born in Miami, Fla., is looking to be closer to his father, Leroy.

“Demetris has been granted his release and he will be transferring,” coach Dave Rice said to the Review-Journal. “His dad has been very ill. We will support a hardship waiver 100 percent. He’s a great kid, and he’s done a great job for us academically.”

A hardship waiver would enable Morant to play immediately. The situation is similar to FGCU WBB's Kaneisha Atwater who was eligible to play immediately following her transfer from VCU.

His potential transfer would fill FGCU's 13th and final scholarship for the 2014-15 season. The Eagles were reportedly trying to secure one more forward to polish out a thin looking front court. Morant fits the ball. Also, the same report from the news-press noted that Butler transfer Nolan Berry will also be on campus from Tuesday to Thursday, for a visit.

This news comes in a busy week for FGCU basketball. Former Eagle Eric McKnight announced he will transfer to Tennessee while ex-FGCU guard Christophe Varidel will be headed to Alabama. Now in the pro ranks, 2013 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year Sherwood Brown will spend his spring with Fuerza Guinda de Nogales in Mexico. In his debut, Brown recorded 12 points and 2 rebounds.

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

Read more ...

FGCU Target To Make Decision Tuesday

With one scholarship to fill and a thin front court, FGCU is trying to sign one more forward in the class of 2014. That signing could come on Tuesday.

Former Southern Miss signee Willie Carmichael shared, on his Twitter account, that he will announce his new college decision tomorrow at his high school basketball banquet. And according to Ben Frederickson of GoVolsExtra, Carmichael will be deciding between Tennessee, Florida Atlantic, Alabama, and Florida Gulf Coast.

The 6-foot-7 power forward from Wekiva High School (Apopka, Fla.) received his official release from Southern Miss on May 5, and will quickly make another choice.

The obvious one seems to be Tennessee. Carmichael could follow Southern Miss coach Donnie Tyndall to Knoxville, and play under the man he originally committed to. Apparently he is "very high on the Vols." Furthermore, current 247Sports Crystal Ball Predictions are 100 percent Tennessee.

The consensus three star's decision comes during a busy week for FGCU hoops. Former Eagle Eric McKnight announced he will transfer to Tennessee while ex-FGCU guard Christophe Varidel will be headed to Alabama. Now in the pro ranks, 2013 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year Sherwood Brown will spend his spring with Fuerza Guinda de Nogales in Mexico. In his debut, Brown recorded 12 points and 2 rebounds.

As reported by the news-press, Butler transfer Nolan Berry will be on campus Tuesday through Thursday for a visit. The former teammate of Florida Gulf Coast signee Eric Moeller is just one of many big men FGCU is trying to entice into committing to Dunk City. The same report noted that three to four bigs have scheduled tentative visits with the Eagles this month.

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

Read more ...

FGCU Center Eric McKnight Transferring To Tennessee

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Florida Gulf Coast transfer center Eric McKnight is headed to Tennessee, according to Ben Frederickson.

The 6'9" redshirt junior averaged 6.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks a game in 23 contests for FGCU. The former Iowa State transfer was suspended for the first twelve games of the season due to a violation of team rules.

He just graduated from Florida Gulf Coast with a degree in communications and will be eligible to play immediately, according to ESPN.

"This might sound crazy, but I've always kind of wanted to be a Vol. Growing up near there, it was just kind of a childhood dream to play for Tennessee," McKnight said in a GoVols247 bolt. "I'm not from Tennessee, but I'm from near there, and I've always seen them be successful, and I've known Coach (Donnie) Tyndall. It was just a honor for them to call me."

Contrary to earlier releases from FGCU, the Eagles kicked McKnight off the team after multiple violations of team and school rules. The twelve game suspension to start the season stemmed from a violation prior to Dooley's arrival while his departure from the program came from a violation following the 2013-14 season.

"If he hadn't violated team rules he would have been back," Dooley told the news-press. "It was something separate from the 12 games. It was after the season."

McKnight becomes the second former Eagle to land on an SEC roster, as it was reported that ex-FGCU guard Christophe Varidel will be transferring to Alabama.

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

Read more ...

Former FGCU Star Sherwood Brown Makes Debut In Mexico

(Courtesy of Mike McSweeney)

FGCU basketball alum and Maine Red Claws guard Sherwood Brown recently made his debut with Fuerza Guinda de Nogales.

The team, located in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, competes in the Basketball Circuit of Pacific Coast - a league consisting of nine squads that battle through the spring and early summer each year.

In his debut with the Force, Brown recorded 12 points and 2 rebounds in 15 minutes of play as they went on to win 93-83. Nogales continues their season on Tuesday when they take on Ostioneros De Guaymas.

Earlier this spring, Brown, the 2013 Atlantic Sun Player of the Year, concluded his first season with the NBA D-League's Maine Red Claws (affiliate of the Boston Celtics). In his rookie campaign, he averaged 7.3 points and 4.9 rebounds a game and recorded a career high 21 points on March 21.

Brown will hope to earn an invitation to the NBA Summer League, putting him one step closer to achieving the NBA dream. Both Summer Leagues, in Orlando and Las Vegas, take place in July. After last year's Sweet Sixteen run, Brown worked out with a multitude of teams, including the Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

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

Read more ...

Mike Murray's Historic Season Continues With Another Record Breaking Performance

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Florida Gulf Coast sophomore Mike Murray surpassed historic company on Friday night.

The West Palm Beach native dealt six innings of scoreless work to capture his 12th win of the season, breaking the program record for single season wins. The mark was previously held by former Eagle and current White Sox ace Chris Sale who went 11-0 in his junior year in Fort Myers.

“It’s a great win for Mike Murray,” head coach Dave Tollett said in a release. “Everybody knows what Chris Sale meant to this program. Chris Sale was National Pitcher of the Year and for Mike to exceed what Chris did, I think it speaks very loudly of just how good of a pitcher Mike Murray is.”

Murray (12-0, 1.42 ERA) gave up just three hits and struck out two batters as the Eagles gave him plenty of run supporting - defeating ETSU, 14-0.

Now the current NCAA leader in wins on the season, Murray has garnered some much deserved national attention. Headlining the honors is his name on the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award 30-Man Watch List. On the way to naming the top amateur baseball player in the country, the award will cut down to semifinalists on May 27. After more rounds of voting, the winner will be announced on June 17.

But a larger task awaits for the Eagles (33-18, 16-6) as they still sit in second place in the Atlantic Sun, behind arch rival Mercer. The Blue and Green return to Swanson on Saturday when Brady Anderson takes the mound for game two against ETSU.

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

Read more ...

Dedicated Managers Have Unique Opportunity With FGCU Staff

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

For a moment, tear your eyes away from Marc-Eddy Norelia's ecstatic celebrations and look just behind the bench. A few college students with FGCU polos occupy the small space between the team's bench and FGCU's fans. At a second's notice, they're ready to grab a whiteboard, a water bottle, a mask, or accomplish any task needed for Dunk City's program to run at it's most efficient level.

Some might know them as @FGCUManagers on Twitter. Looking through the multitude of tweets still won't do their dedication justice. From cleaning up prank wars in the athletic office, to manning the food counter at the athletics banquet, the managers do it all.

It's a thankless job to say the least. The six man manager crew is ready at practices, games, and almost around the clock.

"[We do] late night rebounding for the guys, go to the office when we can," said FGCU sophomore manager Chase Goldstein. "During practice, we’ll have a manager on the clock, a couple on the court with a ball and a towel. If someone falls we’ll wipe out the sweat, hop into a drill if coaches need us to."

They also assist video coordinator Tyler Schwab with taping and cutting games. With this, the team has comprehensive opponent breakdowns.

Duties increase further when away from Alico. The managers take care of the laundry, drinks, etc. and for the first time in program history, FGCU sent a manager on every road trip this season.

Usually everything goes as expected, but once in a while plans go awry. It was just a few hours before the Eagles' game against Florida State in the NIT, and mangers Chase Goldstein, Chris Ramos, and Dylan Waxler started to sweat; Marcus Blake's jersey was nowhere to be found.

"We we’re going crazy looking around. It took a while and we found it when we shook it out of Kevin Boyle’s jersey," Goldstein said. "We were just really happy and relieved."

Blake donned his jersey and fortunately the mishap didn't phase the managers as they went on to defeat the Seminole managers following the NIT first round matchup.

Being a manager means long hours on the road, some worrisome few minutes, and a dedication to the game of basketball.

But it's also a gateway to a very sought after profession, coaching. For Florida Gulf Coast sophomore manager Chase Goldstein, he realized early on, as most of us have, that playing Division I basketball wasn't a realistic option. Managing proved to be the next best choice.

"I want to be a coach, real bad. I was an assistant coach in AAU and the coach I was with got me in contact with FGCU," Goldstein said. "I really liked it here and I’ve got to start somewhere since I’m not playing college basketball."

With the Eagles, Goldstein has a chance to learn from experienced coaches whose willingness to teach stuck out to the FGCU sophomore.

"Anytime I ever have a question, even in a practice running a drill or play, they’ll come up to the office, run up the play and explain it to me," Goldstein said. "They’re very open and understand that I want to learn. The coaches are just awesome. Compared to other programs, they really embrace us, and use us a lot here."

But, it wouldn't be Dunk City unless the manager crew snuck in a little fun between the hours of assisting the program. It also wouldn't be Dunk City unless that fun came on the national stage.

"We had an open practice before one of our NCAA games, and there were fans there. That was my first time managing in front of a thousand fans," Goldstein said. "Right when someone hit the ground, I ran over wiped that sweat as fast as I could and gave a nice wave to all the fans."

As well as waves to the crowd, their escapades at the NCAA Tournament also included being mistaken for players and consequently being bombarded with autograph requests.

But now over a year removed from March Madness, the managers are back behind the bench, managing - in hopes of one day sitting on the bench, coaching.

For more on the managers, make sure to follow them on Twitter (@FGCUManagers)

Read more ...

Former FGCU Guard Christophe Varidel Headed To Alabama

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Former Florida Gulf Coast guard Christophe Varidel, who spent the 2013-14 season with the D-II Silverswords of Chaminade, will transfer to Alabama according to ESPN.

Varidel captured America's hearts last March with his viral celebrations as part of the FGCU team that became the first 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16. He added 11 points in the Eagles' victory over San Diego State in the round of 32. In his sophomore year at Florida Gulf Coast, Varidel averaged 9.2 ppg while shooting 42% from three, before seeing his number's decline during his junior campaign.

Earlier this season, the Switzerland native popped up on the national radar again when he dropped 42 points against Baylor in the Maui Invitational.

Although the heel clicking guard is a major three point threat, knee problems have plagued him much of his career, and he only competed in five games for Chaminade last season.

Despite that, Varidel has been well traveled. From Dunk City to Hawaii, Varidel will now conclude his fifth and final season of college basketball in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

But before he joins Anthony Grant's squad, college basketball's most mysterious man has some more surfing to do.

Varidel, who began his career at Florida Gulf Coast, chose Alabama over UCLA. Said he will celebrate decision by going surfing now.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 10, 2014

@AndyGlockner He texted me at 3 a.m. Hawaii time this morning on his way to hike up a mountain. FGCU to Hawaii to Tuscaloosa.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) May 10, 2014

Read more ...

Chase Fieler: Road To The Pros - Part I

Throughout his road to the professional level, Florida Gulf Coast Eagles forward Chase Fieler will update you on his progress by checking with exclusive Road To The Pros interviews here at fgcueaglesnest.com

Fieler recently concluded his historic career as an Eagle. He left the program as the career leader in rebounds (714), field goals made (487), games played (134), and blocked shots (134). He also became one of two FGCU players to record at least 13 field goals in a Division I game. The Parkersburg, W.V. product is a two time Atlantic Sun All Second-Team and Atlantic Sun Tournament Team selection.

Here, the Dunk City co-founder checks in with us for Part I of the series as he continued to practice and workout in preparation for the next level.

"I've been practicing with the team and working out with the different assistant coaches. Sherwood Brown came back in town so I've been working out with him a lot too. He gave me an idea about what workouts would be like and the stuff he worked on and stuff he wished he worked on - just a lot of insight on the difference going from the college level to the pro level.

The agent [Dave Saltzman] I signed with is out of Athens, Ohio which is where I grew up and spent ten years. I've worked out with his son since I was in high school so there is a lot of trust there. They have two pretty good clients in Nerlens Noel and Erik Murphy so I felt comfortable that they have a lot of connections and I just felt trust in him when I was talking with him.

[Switching from the two guard to forward] gives me different ideas and different ways I can play. It makes me a lot more marketable teams since I can play multiple positions."

For more on his journey, make sure to follow Chase Fieler (@fieler20) and us (@FGCUEaglesNest) on Twitter.

Read more ...

FGCU Basketball Schedules Xavier For 2014-15 Season

Florida Gulf Coast added an official non-conference foe for the 2014-15 season on Thursday as it was announced that the Xavier Musketeers would be hosting FGCU.

The one year 'guarantee' deal brings the Eagles to Cincinnati to battle the Musketeers on Sunday, Dec. 28. The two teams will face off in the Cintas Center, an on campus facility that holds over 10,000 fans.

Last season, Xavier finished with a 21-13 record, including a 10-8 mark in Big East play. The Musketeers snagged an at large bid to the NCAA Tournament but ultimately fell to NC State, 74-59, in the Round of 64. The finished their 2013-14 campaign ranked at No. 56 in the NCAA RPI.

This game is a great first step for a FGCU team that struggled to find a tough non-conference schedule last season; they finished the season with a SOS well into the 200s. This is often the case following a Cinderella run because powerhouse teams know it will no longer be an easy win.

But again it will be an uphill battle for scheduling as league leading Mercer, and ETSU both depart the Atlantic Sun. Excluding FGCU, USC Upstate is the only returning A-Sun team that finished the 13-14 season with above .500 record.

The Eagles were previously announced to be part of the eight team Gulf Coast Showcase tournament at Germain Arena on Nov. 24-26. FGCU will also finish two year deals with Iona, on an unknown date, and Furman, on Dec. 19. Furthermore, North Dakota State (former - Saul Phillips) expressed the possibility of a home and home, while athletic director Ken Kavanagh said in a news-press article that the Eagles will start another home and home series with FIU.

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

Read more ...