2014/15 FGCU Basketball Positional Preview

On paper, FGCU has more talent than ever before. The Eagles return 58% of their scoring, 57% of their rebounding, and 66% of their assists. Going into the season, Florida Gulf Coast is the prohibitive favorite to win the Atlantic Sun and return to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years.  In addition to the players that FGCU retains, the Eagles also bring in a ton of new talent in a quintet of transfers from Rice, UNLV, Tulane and Auburn, as well as one of the best recruiting classes in the conference.

Unfortunately there will always departures to go with the additions, most notably, Chase Fieler. Fieler was integral to FGCU’s success last season averaging fourteen points and seven and a half rebounds a game. Other departures include the transfers of Dajuan Graf and Eric McKnight, and walk-on Kevin Boyle, and the season long injuries to both senior forward Filip Cvjeticanin and highly touted freshman guard Zach Johnson.

Point Guard
Starter: Brett Comer
It’s no secret in Dunk City that Brett Comer is back again to command the offense in his final season at the helm of the Eagles, so it should come as no surprise that Comer is closing in on the Atlantic Sun all time assist record at 623. “Agent Zero” is fourteen assists from the record and will spend a majority of the season cushioning his record. Comer is a preseason All-Conference guard and likely one of the best mid-major point guards in the entire country. Without Comer, the Eagle’s offense would likely stall and truly put a damper on the season.

Backup Options:
Although the starter is well established, the backup point guard has yet to be determined. The early candidates are Auburn transfer Brian Greene, who is better described as a combo guard, and freshman Christian Terrell, who is more of a scorer and slasher than a distributer. Fellow freshman Zach Johnson was brought in to be Comer’s heir apparent, but due to an undisclosed injury he will redshirt this season. The early advantage would have to go to Greene due to the fact that he has a year in the program and should know the playbook better. This battle could possibly run over into the season and depending on how they play, we may not have a definitive backup point guard until December rolls around.

Shooting Guard
Starter: Bernard Thompson
Thompson has been an integral part of the offense since the day he stepped on to the sunny campus of FGCU. Combining with Comer to create one of the most experienced backcourts in the country, the all time leading scorer for the program comes into the season with high expectations on both sides of the ball. Not only is Bernard already in the top fifty all time in the conference for scoring, but he is also twelfth all time in the conference for steals.


Backup Options: 
The early consensus is that Rice transfer Julian DeBose will be Thompson’s primary backup this season. The 6’4” guard averaged ten points a game two years ago, so he is already something of a known quantity. Not only did he score well at Rice, but he was also a solid rebounder from the guard position. The other contenders for minutes at the backup shooting guard position are again the versatile Greene and Terrell. Both players are solid scorers and if given the chance they will both finish with authority at the rim despite their relative lack of size.

Small Forward
Starter: Jamail Jones
Jones came to FGCU as a transfer from Marquette and after sitting out the 2012-2013 season, started thirty-two games as a redshirt junior. After a somewhat slow start while he adjusted to his third coach in as many years, Jamail came on strong and scored double digits in ten of his final thirteen games. The senior is the team’s leading returning rebounder and will continue to bring energy every time he is on the court.


Backup Options:
Much like how Greene and Terrell could play both guard positions, DeBose could also be a backup option at the small forward position if the Eagles choose to go small at any point in time. His main competition for those minutes would be the highly touted redshirt freshman Logan Hovey. Hovey was expected to contribute last year, but unfortunately his season ended before it could even begin thanks to a stress fracture in his leg.  The walk-on transfer from Auburn, Nick Peller, could also grab some spot minutes if the situation calls for it.


Power Forward
Starter: Marc-Eddy Norelia
This is where things get a little hairy for the Eagles. Gone is all time leading rebounder Chase Fieler. Tasked with filling the void left by Fieler is a talented group of transfers. The early leader is Norelia who is an athletic jumping jack who could provide the same kind of spark as Fieler in transition and slashing to the hoop.


Backup Options: 
Two other transfers, Demetris Morant from UNLV and Eric Moeller from Missouri and College of Central Florida (JUCO), will battle Norelia for playing time. Morant is very much like Norelia in the fact that he jumps out of the gym and can finish with power around the rim. If he is able to learn the playbook he could be a big time factor throughout the entire season. Moeller is a walking mismatch given his height (6’11”) and his ability to shoot the three. If he can prove effective playing on the perimeter on offense and provide a defensive force on the other side of the ball, he could soften the loss of senior forward Filip Cvjeticanin - the team’s leading three point shooter last season. The final big man in play for minutes at power forward is none other than the Mayor of Dunk City himself, Marcus Blake. He has been in the program for a long time and has tasted success and knows what it takes to get there. Marcus will give you everything he has whenever he is on the court and can always be counted on to rally the troops if things are not going well.


Center
Starter: Nate Hicks
Hicks went down in the final game of the season last year with an ACL tear in his left leg. When Hicks is healthy, he is an imposing player on the defensive side of the ball accounting for over 33% of the team’s blocks by himself. Though his stats don’t suggest Nate had a good year, that has more to do with the fact that he split time at center with Eric McKnight and because FGCU is more of a perimeter oriented team.


Backup Options: 
It might be more center by committee with so many talented post players.  All four of the bigs could see time manning the middle depending on if the game plan calls for it. If the coaches are looking to push the tempo, then both Norelia and Morant would be great options for Comer to throw lobs to in the transition game. The same could be said for Moeller if the coaches are looking to spread the floor on the offensive side of the ball. In all likelihood all four of the bigs could finish between fifteen and twenty-five minutes a game.

Written by Sterling Thomas

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2015 SF Rayjon Tucker Commits To FGCU

Florida Gulf Coast landed their first commitment of the 2015 class on Wednesday when Rayjon Tucker (Charlotte, NC) gave his verbal pledge to the Eagles.

"They just built a relationship with me and my family from the start," Tucker said. "I like how family oriented they are. I just felt like I was part of the family from day one. That was the main thing that pushed them to number one."

The small forward out of Northside Christian Academy took an official visit in late August and now a month later has announced his decision to continue his basketball career at FGCU in the fall of 2015.

"The campus is great and beautiful. It's not too hot. Most people think being in Florida is really hot," Tucker said. "The people and facilities are great. It's just a family environment."

While FGCU assistant Jamill Jones was on the lead for Tucker's recruitment, Joe Dooley traveled to Charlotte on Wednesday to watch the explosive wing. The Eagles ended up landing quite possibly the highest rated commit in FGCU history.

"The coaching staff likes how I play on both ends of the court...bringing intensity to the game and pushing everybody as hard as I push myself - just my work ethic," Tucker said.

Recruiting outlets evaluated the 6-foot-5 wing as a three/four star prospect and the sky is the limit for high-flying Charlotte product. 247Sports ranked him as the No. 111 player in the class of 2015.

Pretty impressive for someone who just started focusing on the sport two years ago. Tucker gave up football, where he played wide receiver, and started playing solely basketball his sophomore year.

"I just loved basketball more. The desire in my heart was to play basketball more than football," Tucker said.

He exploded onto the recruiting scene this summer and started attracting high major interest. Tucker held offers from Virginia Tech, Boston College, VCU, Clemson, and Auburn, among others. He attributed that to his multifaceted game.

"I'm a slasher, mid-range. I play defense and rebound the well and am great in open space," said Tucker, who also mentioned improving his ball handling and shot.

Remember how internet sensation and current FGCU freshman guard Christian Terrell seemed like a perfect fit at Dunk City for his above the rim antics? I think you can throw Tucker in that same category (just check out his mixtape)

"Without a doubt. That was what led me to my decision as well. The style of play is fast, up tempo - just like my high school and AAU teams. That's what I excel at most," Tucker said.

He plans on signing his NLI to FGCU during the early signing period in November (Nov. 12-19).

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Interview with FGCU Men's Soccer's Albert Ruiz

(Courtesy of Captive Photons)

Last Friday morning I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down for an interview with FGCU men's soccer's own Albert Ruiz. Ruiz is a freshman forward that stands 6'2", 180 pounds, and has started all seven of the games for the Eagles so far. Albert hails from Barcelona, Spain, putting him about 4,730 miles away from his home.

Admittedly, I am not the world's biggest soccer fan, in fact the only time I watch is every four years when the World Cup rolls around. I'm sure that my definition of "football" is extremely different from what he knows as "fútbol." Despite that, getting to talk to Ruiz one on one was extraordinary to me.

I asked him why he came to America, a country that is not rich in soccer tradition, to continue his playing career. He explained to me that the economic situation in Spain is "difficult," and that there "is not much money in the soccer world." He went on to tell me how Bob Butehorn, head coach of the Eagles, came to see him play at his home, and how he visited FGCU in April where he cited the school, the players, and the climate as reasons he decided to attend. 

Like most athletes, Ruiz grew up playing his respective sport. As soon as he was walking, he was playing soccer. He talked about how his grandfather use to be a goalkeeper, and that he learned play forward by trying to score on him as a child. 

Considering that it is rarely easy for any new college student, athlete or not, to adjust immediately to a new setting, I asked Ruiz how he is adapting to life at FGCU. 

"It's not easy because I have always lived in Barcelona with my friends, family, my girlfriend. I have everything there, and suddenly I am here alone with myself. And you know it's not easy to do everything by yourself, you have to cook, you have to wash your clothes, you have to make payments, you have to do everything by yourself. It's not easy, but it's going well. Everyday is better than the other one."

Ruiz said that so far the decision to come to FGCU has been a good one. 

The Eagle soccer team currently has a record of 1-3-3, but was ranked #24 in the country before last weekend. Before Saturday's tie against Brown they had suffered three gut wrenching one goal losses in a row to San Francisco, St. Mary's, and #8 Washington. Despite the tough stretch, Ruiz is still confident in the team's ability to bounce back.

Courtesy of Captive Photons

"I think that the most important period will be November with the big games," said Ruiz, "we have to learn and grow to be there as good as we can. This is a process, we are still working. That is all. Big moments and big games will be in November. We are just learning how to win those games."

Although the past week has not gone as planned for the FGCU men's soccer team, coaches across the country have obviously seen something out of them that prompted them to vote the Eagles in the top 25. This is a very talented team that has yet to find its footing. They have scored a total of only 3 goals in 7 games, yet they average over 14.5 shots per game. Once they start finding the back of the net, wins will follow. When I asked him what his expectations were for the team going forward, Ruiz gave an inspired response. 

"Why not? We can go to the NCAA tournament, and when we get there let's see what happens." 

Funny he should answer like that. It reminds me of the attitude of another FGCU athletic team that made it to the NCAA tournament. 

Use the audio player below to listen to the entire interview. Special thanks to Albert Ruiz for making this possible!

By: Cameron J. Kaiser

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Joey Cantens Recaps Summer With Dominican Republic National Team

It all started with a simple phone call four years ago. Joey Cantens reached out to then Kentucky assistant coach Orlando Antigua in hopes of watching the Dominican Republic at training camp in Lexington.

"My goal was to watch the practices, and I was just trying to learn," Cantens said. "Being young and new in the business, I was just looking for a learning opportunity watching practices.

The basketball minded Cantens, fluent in both Spanish and English, stuck and "next thing I knew, I was applying for a Visa to go to Brazil that summer."

Since then, Cantens has worked on John Calipari's staff every summer as they made continual progress in FIBA competition. Led by multiple NBA players, including Al Horford, the Dominican Republic captured third place in the FIBA America Championships in 2011, landing them a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

This spring, the Florida Gulf Coast director of basketball operations left his position in Dunk City to continue his work with the national team, as well as with Leones de Ponce (a club team in the Dominican).

During the first portion of this summer, Cantens served as a delegate to the federation under new head coach Orlando Antigua (Calipari stepped down in 2013).

"I was in charge of all team operations," Cantens said. "Including game schedule, practices, travel, etc. [for the Olympic qualifying in Mexico]"

As the team shifted focus towards the World Games in Spain, Cantens took on a role as equipment manager but had a hands-on approach on the floor.

"It's not like the NCAA where they have rules...so I am allowed to be on the floor, unlike my operations role at FGCU," Cantens said. "And of course I was a translator."

The Dominican Republic entered the FIBA World Cup ranked 26th in the world and, like many other countries, were heavy underdogs.

"The biggest challenge this summer was managing the players' health because it was a 2.5 month summer. All these players are pros and make money elsewhere so you have to be careful not wearing their bodies out," Cantens said. "So I think our federation had a great idea making two teams for this summer so that our guys did not wear out."

Led by Rockets guard Francisco Garcia (17.6 points per game), they exceeded all expectations by escaping pool play and qualifying for the 2nd round for the first time in Dominican history.

"Everyone was extremely proud. I believe the reason for our success was the lack of egos on our team. From coaches to players, everyone forgot about their ego and had one goal, to win," Cantens said. "We had NBA coaches taking a lesser role, guys who are stars in their league that didn't get off the bench with this team. But no one was worried about that, everyone was worried about the team and not their personal interests."

The Dominican's spectacular results boosted them to 20th in the FIBA rankings, and the young squad isn't slowing down anytime soon. Team standouts Orlando Sanchez (St. John's) and Victor Liz have signed with the Knicks and Mavericks, respectively.

Cantens, meanwhile, will be headed back to the United States as well. The former FGCU DOBO will reunite with former colleague Andy Enfield at USC and serve as the Director of Video and Scouting for the Trojans.

"At FGCU my duties were more administrative, at USC I have more of a role with film, doing game planning and game preparation. It will be tough leaving, but I'm excited about the opportunity to learn and grow as a coach."

Headed to Southern California, Cantens still acknowledges that the possibilities are endless as he continues his budding coaching career. Who knows what opportunities another phone call may present?

"I love teaching basketball and the idea of making a group work together for a common goal. I'm not sure exactly where my path will take me but I'm open for anything," Cantens said. "The past six months have opened my eyes to how much basketball is out there in the world."

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Derric Jean Talks FGCU Visit & Recruitment

Florida Gulf Coast hosted 2015 guard Derric Jean, of Florida Flash and McArthur High School, on an official visit this past weekend.

"Everything, the campus and scenery, was just beautiful," Jean said of his trip to Dunk City.

The Eagles offered the explosive Hollywood, Fla. guard on July 11, after a phenomenal showing at Best of the South in Suwanee, Ga.

"The coaching staff likes my game penetrating the lane and handling the ball," Jean said. "...I'm at my best in transition and on the defensive end."

The stat stuffing prospect averaged 13.2 points, 3.4 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 steals en route to McArthur's 21-7 record last season. ESPN ranks the 6-foot-1 guard as a three star recruit and the 20th best player in Florida's 2015 class.

This was Jean's 2nd official visit of the fall as he already visited FIU and will be headed to Louisiana Tech next weekend, Sept. 20-21. He then plans to make a decision in November, before the high school season resumes.

In the meantime however, Jean wants to improve his "decision making and shooting." He also voiced his focus on communicating better with his teammates on the floor.

You can check out his high school highlights below.

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