FGCU basketball: Nowhere to go but up

(via Captive Photons)

By: Bryan Cooney

Mid-major basketball at large bids come as a result of big road wins against premium opponents that propel a team to a conference schedule run to March. Florida Gulf Coast had the makings of a resume filled with potential high quality victories. An 8-1 start with good wins away from home against North Dakota State and UMass sparked optimism across Southwest Florida, but after a 1-4 stretch the past three weeks, the Eagles are now looking to regroup against local foe Ave Maria on Friday night.

The second suspension of the season for redshirt senior Jamail Jones before the contest against Furman on December 19th will last six games. Without question, this has altered the offensive game plan during this stretch. Jones’ versatility and energy have been sorely missed against higher level of competition, forcing Joe Dooley to alter his rotation game after game. The mix of players getting minutes has fluctuated with opposing matchup dictating who sees the court. The starting five of Brett Comer, Bernard Thompson, Julian DeBose, Demetrius Morant and Nate Hicks hasn’t changed since the Jones suspension. Meanwhile, Marc-Eddy Noreila, Brian Greene, and Eric Moeller have been getting the bulk of the bench minutes.

The past three games have seen a startling statistic emerge that is a major concern going forward. Forty-two turnovers have limited the ability for the offense to flow and maintain efficiency. Against Xavier and Pittsburgh, FGCU cut into leads at manageable situations in the second half but could not get out of their own way to try to further cut into the deficits. The concern with road games has been a bugaboo for the program the past five years. With the most talented roster the school has ever had,   failing to capitalize on big opportunities has been disappointing - albeit being shorthanded with Jones’ suspension.

The road trip did see signs of progression from two notable players. Julian DeBose is becoming the team’s best scorer and can consistently get his own shot at any given time. Averaging over 12 points a game on 44% shooting, DeBose seems to be gaining a comfort level within the offense that can take pressure off Comer and Thompson as conference play looms. The performance of Eric Moeller against Pittsburgh showed flashes of promise in the 6’11 redshirt sophomore from St. Louis. Scoring nine points and pulling down four rebounds in 22 minutes, Moeller also seems to be gaining confidence as the season has progressed. More minutes should come his way with his ability to stretch defenses with his outside shooting.

One more road contest out of conference awaits the Eagles after Ave Maria. January 5th will be a unique opportunity to make adjustments playing a team for a second time this season. UC Santa Barbara came to Alico Arena on November 17th, and the two teams played a highly entertaining game resulting in a FGCU 81-75 overtime win. Since that result, UCSB has struggled to a 5-7 record, but the force that is Alan Williams is still one of the toughest big men to cover in all of college basketball. Averaging 18.2 points and 11.8 rebounds, Williams will be the focus of the Eagles's defense. Game adjustments will be interesting to watch for, giving the coaching staff a chance to try different things that will be necessary in conference play in a few weeks’ time.

I attended the matchup against Xavier in Cincinnati to get my first in-person look at the team this season, with mixed reviews of what I saw. Much of the offense was predicated by Comer making things happen, freewheeling and doing what he does best. This is a great luxury to have, however I would prefer to see more structured sets that I have yet to see established. The limited offensive sets can be attributed to Jamail Jones’ absence and forcing others into different roles in those sets.

The best ball movement was quick passing inside-out which led to the best looks from the outside that FGCU hit, and those looks will be out there for our guards. I believe perimeter shooting is going to be needed in conference play, and I am hopeful Christian Terrell will be utilized more in the offense in this role. With Jones’ absence, it would have made sense for Terrell to get more opportunities to play, but it hasn’t happened with a lack of trust in his defense - which isn’t surprising for a true freshman. However, I believe he has the basketball IQ that can help him adjust in-game to the flow of the contest at both ends. I really think he can be a weapon for the Eagles in conference play.

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Georgia transfer Sydnei McCaskill reportedly commits to FGCU

(via ESPNHS)

Georgia Bulldogs sophomore transfer point guard Sydnei McCaskill has committed to Florida Gulf Coast, according to McCaskill's AAU team Central Florida Elite.

McCaskill told the Eagles Nest she will start classes on Monday, Jan. 5th and is waiting on an NCAA appeal. She said she will "likely" be eligible to play next fall. For the 2015 spring semester, she will be a walk on but will then be on scholarship after that.

The Orlando, Fla. product averaged 1.4 points and 1.3 assists during her freshman season in 2013-14. In her 14 appearances with the Bulldogs, 60% of her field goal attempts came from beyond the three point line.

Coming out of high school at Dr. Phillips in 2013, she was ranked 86th in the country and 19th at the point guard position by ESPN. McCaskill was named 8A Miss Basketball in Florida after averaging 13.2 points and 9.1 assists her senior season. She lead Dr. Phillips to a 31-3 record. 

This story is developing. FGCU Eagles Nest will have more information soon.

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FGCU alum Chase Fieler posts dominating Dunk City performance

(via Captive Photons)

Fort Myers, Fla. will always be the home of Dunk City, but former Florida Gulf Coast star Chase Fieler made a strong case for the nickname's temporary move to Ourense, Spain.

The Eagles' all time leading rebounder and face of FGCU's Sweet Sixteen team shut down the gym with multiple rim-shaking slams in a recent game with Ourense Termal (see video below). He ended up with 16 points (7/8 FGs), 4 rebounds, and 4 steals in a 94-66 win over Oviedo.

Fieler is averaging 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds so far in his rookie season as Ourense sits fourth in the LEB Oro standings with a 9-5 record. The former two guard is also shooting 36.1% from three, on 36 attempts.

"They said I need to make sure my perimeter game is a strength that I use to maneuver the league and use it to my advantage," Fieler said in August. "It's kind of something I went away from this season."

At the conclusion of the LEB Oro year, the regular season and post season champions are promoted to the Liga ACB, Spain's top tier league.

"Being my first year playing professionally, I just want to go out there and play as hard as I can to produce enough to help the team win more games than last year," Fieler said in August. "Then try to get into the playoffs and make a run."

Dunks
0:48, 1:30, 1:35, 2:14, 2:47

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Eagles' recent struggles show room for improvement

By: Cameron J. Kaiser

It's no secret to anyone, but the FGCU men's basketball team has been in a bit of a rut the past two weeks. After racing out to a 8-1 start, the crew from Dunk City have lost three of their last four to drop their record to 9-4. It's easy to point the finger to the fact that they have been playing better opponents lately, but that doesn't tell the full story. FGCU has the ability to knock off big time opponents; they've done it before and certainly have the talent to do it again. With a huge road game against Pittsburgh coming up Tuesday night, the Eagles will have to correct a grave mistake that has plagued them all season.

The main problem for Dunk City over the past two weeks has been their inability to hold down the opposition's offense. FGCU held opponents to an average 58.7 points through their first nine games. In their last four, the Eagles are allowing an inflated 76 points per game. However, their defense is not to fully to blame for these problems. The Eagles showcase a strong defense that puts pressure on shooters, and is physical in the paint. The problem is that the offense has been turning the ball over too much all season, and the good teams they have been facing lately are making them pay the price.

FGCU is averaging 12.8 turnovers per game, which is tied with Stetson and Cleveland State for 124th in the country. While that number doesn't seem much larger than the 8.5 turnovers the top team in the country, Cal Poly, is averaging, over the course of a game those four extra possessions for an opponent can turn into double digit points, which can kill a team. Teams are averaging 12.5 points off turnovers per game in the last four, compared to the 11.4 points opponents were averaging in their first nine. While a one point difference doesn't seem like a lot, turnovers can also kill the team that commits them by taking offensive chances away.

Not only do turnovers lead to points for the opposition, they takeaway a possession from the team that commits them. The Eagles have an explosive offense that can score swiftly when it gets into a rhythm, however turning the ball over does not allow them to find that groove. Against sharp-shooting opponents like Iona and Xavier, FGCU needs all of the possessions they can get.

FGCU can get away with 13 turnovers a game against their lower level opponents, but that number might not fly against the teams they will need to beat down the stretch to win the Atlantic Sun conference, and definitely won't work when trying to knock off a national powerhouse should they earn a spot in the NCAA tournament. Turnovers are part of the game, but if FGCU can knock off around three per game, that could give them a six shot swing in their favor. The Eagles feature a talented, deep roster, but in order to fully reach their potential they will need to protect the ball better going forward.

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FGCU vs Xavier Recap: Turnovers Doom Eagles

Florida Gulf Coast dropped their second consecutive regular season game in over a year on Sunday evening, as the Eagles fell, 71-57, to the Xavier Musketeers.

The glaring problem for the FGCU was giving the ball away. The Eagles committed 16 turnovers, tied for 2nd most on the season. Xavier took advantage, netting 14 points off those mistakes.

"We turned the ball over uncharacteristically in some situations which I though they took advantage and pressured us into. I thought we dug ourselves into a hole which we could never overcome," head coach Joe Dooley said.

That, combined with a poor shooting first half for the Eagles, left the Blue and Green trailing 43-29 at the half. Comer and Thompson combined for just 7 points before the break but fortunately, Julian DeBose picked up the slack - netting 12 first half points en route to a career high 17.

"I didn't feel as though it was pressure, I just felt I needed to bring what I'm capable of bringing to the team every game, and thats what I tried doing," DeBose said.

But starting the 2nd half, the Eagles started to find their rhythm as Bernard Thompson knocked down 4/7 from three point range. The Musketeers lead was cut to just 9, at 52-43, with 11:33 remaining.

"I was just being more aggressive, taking shots that I just happened to be open," Thompson said. "In the first half, I was just a little passive. It kind of came together in the 2nd half."

Despite the Atlantic Sun Preseason Player of the Year's best efforts, Florida Gulf Coast couldn't seem to get over the hump and get any close than 8 or 9 points.

"We had a couple shots at the rim we didn't finish. We had a couple turnovers at inopportune times," Dooley said. "We just never could get consecutive stops, they scored and put us in some tough situations."

But Joe Dooley and staff can't dwell on this loss for long as they continue on their road trip  to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers on Tuesday night.

"We'll rally tonight, talk about some things we can do better," Dooley said. "Pittsburgh's got a good team, it enables us to find out where we are...it's a quick turn around so we'll be able to refocus our guys."

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FGCU vs. Xavier Preview: Q&A with Banners on the Parkway

(via Captive Photons)

In anticipation of Sundays game between Florida Gulf Coast and Xavier, we conducted a brief question and answer with Musketeers hoops expert Caleb Childers of Banners on the Parkway. Be sure to check out their site and my answers.

LJ: Xavier has a very high powered attack, ranking very well in offensive stats, such as PPG, FG%, assists, etc en route to a 8-3 record. What has been key to such a great start to the season?

CC: The key to success is exactly what you just said. Our offense is explosive. Several players putting up points and lots of good ball movement. On the flip side we haven't played very good defense, but we're averaging 82 points per game. So to answer your question, lots of talented players on offense. 

LJ: Who are a few players to watch for the Musketeers?

CC: I tend to love just about everyone on this team, but I'm going to focus on two guys for y'all to watch out for. First up is our senior big man Matt Stainbrook (lovingly known as the Stain Train). He's putting up big numbers and as a monster around the glass. The other is Trevon Bluiett, our superstar freshman forward. He has exceeded every expectation so far this season and constantly puts up points. Everyone has been impressed with him and he plays a lot of minutes for the team. Those two are almost always on the court for the Musketeers, so watch out for them.

LJ: Xavier dropped two games to mid-major opponents, in UTEP & LBSU. Is there anything from those games that FGCU can learn from - how to maybe slow down the Xavier attack?

CC: Ouch. I kinda figured that you would bring up the Thanksgiving tournament, but it still hurts to think about. Xavier historically (granted it's only been 3 or so years) has been horrid during holiday tournaments. This year they defeated San Diego just to lose to UTEP and blow a game to Long Beach State, who they had already beaten earlier in the season. Both teams shot well from behind the arc and Xavier never clamped down on defense. Basically both teams outshot the musketeers and made us look bad.

LJ: Are there any Musketeers suspensions/injuries that FGCU fans should be aware of. How will these absences affect Xavier?

CC: This team has been lucky this year to be avoiding injuries and suspensions. Sumner is on a medical redshirt, but he was a freshman far down on the depth chart so his absence is not really missed at all this season. This looks to be a fair fight on our end, everyone is healthy is eligible besides the student section who is home for the holidays.

LJ: How do you see this one playing out?

CC: I tend to be an optimist, so I'm thinking that Xavier is going to be sloppy to start the game and it will be close for the first 10 or so minutes, then Xavier is going to pull away and win by about 9 or 10.

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Breaking down FGCU basketball RPI, 12.22.14

(via Captive Photons)

By: Sterling Thomas

As we are getting set to turn the page on the calendar, it is time to look at FGCU and some of its opponents thus far. At the time that this is being written, FGCU has the 85th ranked RPI (editor's note: FGCU now at 93) in the nation coming on the heels of one of the programs best road wins ever. The Eagles are 1-1 against other teams in the top-50 and 5-1 versus all other division one opponents. In games against D-1 oppositions, FGCU has a scoring margin of 6.7 points per game, which is good for 82nd in the nation.

It is still early for bracketology, but FGCU has been seeded everywhere from a 13 seed down to a 16 seed. The more FGCU handles their business the lower that number is likely to be. TeamRankings.com gives FGCU a 32.1% chance of making the big dance as of right now, which is about twelve percent behind USC Upstate who has been surging as of late with key victories over Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.

UCSB: After a slow start which saw the Gauchos drop their first two games at Kansas and at FGCU, they have gone on to win five of their next eight and seen their RPI climb up to 101st. Their rank should continue to rise thanks to the strength of their remaining non-conference games. This in turn will make FGCU’s victory over them look better and give the Eagles a solid non-conference win. The Eagles and the Gauchos will meet again on January 5th, which will be a pivotal matchup for the Eagles if they want to secure a decent seed in the tournament.

Ohio: The Ohio Bobcats have struggled thus far in 2014, falling to 3-4 on the season with an RPI of 242. Ohio has played a relatively easy schedule to this point and it doesn’t get much tougher the rest of the way. The Bobcats are in the Mid-American Conference which is a step up from the A-Sun and the competition, this fact alone will boost Ohio’s RPI and will only serve to improve FGCU’s standing with the committee come selection time.

Marist: Arguably the worst team the Eagles have played this team has been the Red Foxes. The lone win for Marist was against Fresno State in the seventh place game of the Gulf Coast Showcase. This was a game the Eagles were favored to win and they did not disappoint. Marist’s RPI is ranked an abysmal 332nd out of 351.

San Francisco: The Dons are a mediocre 6-6 with an RPI over 200, which does not look very good, but they play in a very good conference and even if they continue to struggle, the rest of the conference is strong enough to lift them to a top-150 RP, if not better. Additionally if San Francisco is able to get their act together, that number has a chance to climb even higher - giving the Eagles another quality win.

Green Bay: The Eagles suffered their first loss of the season versus the Phoenix of Green Bay in the championship of the Gulf Coast Showcase. Although the loss is disappointing, it is not as damaging as it would seem to the untrained eye. Green Bay has a fantastic RPI of 16 and peaked at number one in the nation earlier in the year. Barring a collapse of epic proportions Green Bay’s RPI will be in the top 100 at the end of the season. This will not hurt the Eagles as long as we continue to win the games we should and then steal one or two more on the road.

South Dakota State: Since losing to FGCU on November 30th the Jackrabbits have rattled off seven straight victories. This run has included impressive victories over Saint Louis and Utah State, both of whom should be contenders for the big dance when it is all said and done. SDSU has a few more out of conference games against top tier competition - they should finish with an RPI around 150.

Massachusetts: Possibly FGCU’s best regular season victory away from Alico ever, the Minutemen have played a very ambitious out of conference schedule. Even though they have had their struggles thus far, you wouldn’t know it by looking at their RPI (43). UMass has given themselves a chance to earn key non-conference victories with games against BYU and Iona, before going into conference play.

Florida International: The most disappointing game for the Eagles this season was against the Panthers, who are a mundane 6-6. FIU is 139th in the nation in RPI and unfortunately they don’t play in a power conference. Even if they play well the rest of the way it is unlikely that the Panthers finish with an RPI above 200, which makes this loss hurt even more.

Furman: The Eagles bounced back from the FIU loss with a win over the Paladins. Furman is not a great team this year, and the Eagles needed to handle business - which they did. Furman is ranked 248th in the nation and are going to hurt FGCU’s RPI. Outside of a game at Minnesota next week, the Paladins don’t have any chances to make a splash and help FGCU.

Atlantic Sun: The Atlantic Sun as a whole is ranked as the is a poultry 28th out of 33 conferences. Although the conference’s RPI is weak there have been a couple of bright spots. FGCU, USC Upstate, and North Florida have all scored victories over top level competition. Upstate has beaten both Georgia Tech and Mississippi State away from home, to go along with FGCU’s victory over UMass. To top it all off, North Florida went to West Lafayette and upset Purdue. These wins, along with the post season success the Atlantic Sun has experienced in the last couple of years, do wonders for the conference image

So what does all mean for the Eagles? Honestly, not much until FGCU finds a better conference or builds the clout necessary to be a consistent at-large threat. The only way the Eagles are making the big dance is via the conference tournament. FGCU has been impressive through the first eleven games of the season, but the last five games of the non-conference schedule are the types of games that could put the Eagles over the top for a possible at-large bid. The only thing the Eagles can do at this point is continue to play hard and win as many games as possible. As the season progresses we will track the progression of the Eagles and each of their non-conference opponents as well as the rest of the conference.

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