Power forward from California lends inside presence

TOLEDO, Ohio -- The monkey is off the back.

 
Devontae Lane and Dallas Morgan combined to score 32 second-half points on Tuesday as Central Michigan topped Toledo, 74-67, in a Mid-American Conference men's basketball game at the Rockets' Savage Arena.
 
The win lifted CMU (10-7) to 3-1 in the MAC. It snapped a five-game losing streak against the Rockets and it was the Chippewas' first win in Toledo since Feb. 27, 2016.
 
It was also CMU's first road victory of the season.
 
"Getting that first road victory is important," CMU coach Keno Davis said. "We've been there, we know we're good enough to win the road but sometimes it's a mental block that you have to able to break through just to show that you can do it."
 
How It Happened
Down 59-53 with under eight minutes to play, the Chippewas went on a 17-2 run beginning with a Lane layup with 7:30 to play and ending with a Lane free throw with 1:13 remaining that left the Chippewas up, 70-61.
 
CMU held Toledo scoreless for a near five-minute stretch during its take-control spurt.
 
"I think our depth and the pace we played with gave us an advantage," Davis said. "We felt that if the game was close coming to the last four or five minutes that we had a great chance because of what we do and how we do it.
 
"For being on the road, our composure and effort was probably better than it's been all year and that's exciting moving forward."
 
Individual Stats
Morgan scored 20 of his 22 points and Lane had 12 of his 16 in the second half. They accounted for nearly all of the after-halftime Chippewa points as CMU outscored the Rockets, 36-26, over the final 20 minutes.
 
David DiLeo added 16 points – all in the first half -- for the Chippewas.
 
Rob Montgomery hauled down a career-high 11 rebounds as the Chippewas finished with a 41-35 edge on the boards.
 
Key Stat
The Chippewas limited Toledo to just two 3-pointers on nine attempts over the final 20 minutes. The Rockets made nine of their 17 3-point tries in the first half en route to a 41-38 lead at the break.
 
"Great effort on the defensive end in the second half," Davis said. "Really proud of our guys. And the execution – it wasn't anything X and O wise that you would exactly draw up; (it was) trying to get mismatches, trying to get shots, trying to be able to penetrate and not turn the ball over."
 
Big Win
It was an important victory on several fronts for the Chippewas, not the least of which is that it keeps them tied for first place with Ball State in the MAC West.
 
"If you had told me (we'd be) 3-1, I think just about anybody in the conference would take that," Davis said. "Getting a win on the road and against such a quality opponent, I think we have to really celebrate and acknowledge every win that you get this year during this conference because there is nobody that you would look ahead and say, 'Oh that's a win. You don't have to play well in that game, you're going to win that game.'
 
"It's so equal this year that you should celebrate every win and acknowledge that you did a lot and then try to get better as you go forward."
 
Next
CMU will return to McGuirk Arena on Saturday (2 p.m.) to play Buffalo, which is 11-6, 2-2, after a 76-73 win over Ohio on Tuesday. The Bulls have won four of the last five MAC Tournament championships.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. – Dallas Morgan scored 19 of his 23 points in the second half and Rob Montgomeryposted his second career double-double on Saturday as the Central Michigan men's basketball team opened Mid-American Conference play with a 93-82 victory over Miami (Ohio) at McGuirk Arena.
 
The win snapped a four-game losing streak as the Chippewas improved to 8-6, 8-0 at home.
 
"I was really pleased that we were able to come away with a win," said CMU coach Keno Davis, whose team last played at home on Dec. 6, when it posted an 84-75 nonleague victory over UT Martin. "Coming off of not playing here in what seems like forever, it's nice to be able to get the win, start off conference play (1-0), and we'll get ready for Tuesday."
 
The Chippewas, who have won 71 of their last 90 games at McGuirk, play host to Northern Illinois in a MAC game on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The Huskies are 8-6 and upended two-time defending MAC Tournament champion Buffalo, 73-72, on Saturday.
 
How It Happened
Morgan hit all five of his second-half 3-point attempts in finishing five for seven from long range for the game. He was nine for 14 from the floor overall.
 
Morgan hit back-to-back 3-pointers midway through the second half as the Chippewas finally put some space between themselves and the pesky RedHawks. Morgan's triple with 11:05 to play gave CMU a 66-55 lead, and another Morgan 3-pointer with 5:00 left put the Chippewas up 15, 80-65, their largest lead of the second half.
 
Miami never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.
 
"First half, I came out and missed a few shots," Morgan said. "But then my teammates were telling me to stay confident and keep shooting the ball. Second half is a new half, and I just continued to do what I know how to do, which is to shoot the ball."
 
Team Stats 
The Chippewas needed all 15 of the 3-pointers they got because Miami was just as hot from long range. The RedHawks finished 13 of 25 (52 percent) from beyond the arc, while CMU was 15 of 29 (51.7 percent).
 
CMU's Devontae Lane, Travon Broadway Jr. and David DiLeo each hit three 3-pointers. The trio combined with Morgan to make 14 of 23 (60.8 percent) from long range. DiLeo had 16 points, while Lane had 14, Kevin McKayadded 13.
 
Double-Double
Montgomery, a 6-foot-7 senior, scored 11 points and grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds.
 
Miami's big men "were physical," Montgomery said. "They played hard. I just went there and played as hard as I could. I tried to dominate the paint. Our assistant coach, coach Chris Tifft, has been on me about owning the paint, wanting me to be down there, and be that guy that's in control down there."
 
Off to a Good Start
One win, Davis cautioned, does not a season make. Still, it's better to be 1-0 in league play than the alternative.
 
"It wouldn't have been the end if we started 0-1," Davis said. "There's a lot of games (left). But you know that every time you get a win, you should enjoy it and realize you've done something. It's nice coming off a layoff, as well as coming off a week of practice without a game, to able to start (conference) play with a victory, and to be able to hold serve on our home court."

With Cal State Bakersfield's win over Weber State in the ensuing tournament finale, CMU was crowned champion of the 2018 Junkanoo Jam. Central Michigan, Weber State and CSUB all finished tournament play 2-1, but it was the Chippewas' 12-point win over in the opener that was the deciding factor. CMU has captured preseason tournament championship in consecutive seasons after winning the Great Alaska Shootout in 2017.

The Chippewas forced 20 turnovers, including tallying 13 steals, while shooting 47 percent from the field, 15-of-30 in the second half, but finished 7-of-30 from beyond the arc.

"We understand some nights shots aren't falling and the other team is making plays," said head coach Keno Davis. "We made enough plays down the stretch, our pressure was big and our guys seemed to have that attitude and confidence that they were going to win a game coming off the heels of a last second loss."

The Spartans shot 51 percent from the floor and 44 percent from three, including 5-of-10 in the first half.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Spartans shot 58 percent from the field in the first half, including 5-of-10 from the 3-point line, but the Chippewas trailed by only four points going into intermission. Kevin McKay lead CMU with 12 points and four rebounds in the opening 20 minutes. Craig Lecesne scored 11 points on four-of-four shooting for the Spartans.

The Chippewas opened a 50-48 lead in the second half, but a 12-0 Spartan run put CMU in a 10-point deficit. The Chippewas clawed their way back to tie the game 69-69 with 2:15 remaining, setting the stage for a back-and-forth finale.

With the game tied 74-74, Roundtree Jr. took the game into his own hands, dropping in a running floater to provide the Chippewas a 76-74 lead. San Jose State attempted a hail mary on the ensuing in-bounds but Larry Austin Jr. intercepted it at the free throw line, securing CMU's fourth victory of the season.

LEADERS
McKay lead CMU with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four steals, shooting 11-of-17 from the floor. The double-double was the sixth of his career, tied with David DiLeo for most among active Chippewas. Roundtree Jr. added 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Austin Jr. contributed 15 points.

TURNING DOWN 3'S
Davis said the Chippewas found offensive success late in the game by passing up 3-point opportunities, leaning on driving to the basket instead.

"We have to be able to learn that when the (3-point) shots aren't falling we can score at the basket, score in the post, score off the dribble," Davis said. "I thought late in the game we did a good job of attacking the basket."
 

Andy Sneddon, CMUChippweas.com

Central Michigan’s Luke Meyer has been selected to participate in the Reach USA Friendship Tour of the Far East.

Meyer, a 6-foot-10 ½ forward, will join nine other players from around the country on the tour, during which the American squad will play eight games over a two-week period against various professional teams in Asia.

“I’m very excited about learning a new culture and seeing an entirely different part of the world,” said Meyer, who is a senior-to-be at CMU who hails from Addison. “I have never been that far away from home. I know that it will benefit me and help me grow as an individual both on and off the court.

“It will be very interesting to see how the game is played in a different part of the world.”

Meyer, a product design major who carries a 3.23 grade point average, has started every game of his CMU career and has been named to the Academic All-Mid-American Conference in each of the past two seasons.

He averaged 5.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, when the Chippewas finished 16-16. He was second in the team with 36 blocks.

For his career, Meyer has appeared in 97 games, and is averaging 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He ranks ninth in program history with 88 career blocks.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan men's basketball team has experienced its share of success the past two seasons. 

The Chippewas have captured two MAC West titles, put together the program's first back-to-back winning seasons since the late 1980s and made two postseason tournament appearances. 

Mirroring the program's recent rise on the court has been its progress in the classroom. 

In 2016, CMU led the conference with four Academic All-MAC selections, twice as many as any other team. It marked the third consecutive year that the Chippewas had more players honored than any other team in the league. Following the Spring semester, a total of 10 men's basketball student-athletes have compiled a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. 

This season, senior guard Chris Fowler became the first CMU player in program history named to the College Sports Information Directors Association Academic All-District 5 Division I team. Both Fowler and senior John Simons were three-time Academic All-MAC honorees. Blake Hibbitts, who will return after missing what was to be his senior season in 2015-16 due to a knee injury, is a two-time recipient. 

"I am very proud of our graduating group of seniors for their accomplishments on the court and in the classroom," said head coach Keno Davis. "They have set a high standard for our program for years to come." 
In 2015, CMU was one of 175 institutions and one of just 19 in Division I from across the nation to earn the Team Academic Excellence Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a team with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better for the 2014-15 season. 

It was the third season that the organization has handed out the award, and the second time the Chippewas have received it. CMU was the lone member of the Mid-American Conference to receive recognition.

Fowler was named First Team All-District 14 for the second consecutive season while Rayson was selected to the second team. 

The NABC divides the nation into 25 districts and honors 10 players from each district, signifying a five-player first team and a five-player second team.

Fowler, a two-time First Team All-MAC honoree, averaged a team-high 16.5 points and 5.9 assists per game to go with a career-best 4.0 rebounds in 2015-16. The four-time team captain finished his brilliant career as Central Michigan’s all-time assists leader with 686 and ranks No. 3 all-time in steals (185) and No. 5 in scoring (1,736 points). A starter of all 120 career games in which he appeared, Fowler is the only CMU player to have all four seasons rank in the top 10 in assists, including 2015-16 when he missed the first seven games due to injury.

A Third Team All-MAC selection, Rayson had a breakout year in 2015-16. The Dallas, Texas native ranked second on the team in scoring (16.3 ppg) and 3-pointers (81), helping the Chippewas break the program mark for triples in a season set a year ago. He scored in double figures in 27 games, including nine 20-plus point efforts. Rayson reached the 1,000-point scoring milestone this season and rose to his current position of No. 16 with 1,206 career points. With one season remaining, he also ranks eighth in career 3-pointers made (178) and sixth in attempts (510). 

Fowler and Rayson were instrumental in leading Central Michigan to back-to-back MAC West titles and to 40 wins over the last season two seasons, the most since 1986-87 and 1987-88 (41).

Central Michigan used that combination down the stretch Saturday in wrestling away a 79-71 non-league men’s basketball victory over Texas Southern before 2,492 at McGuirk Arena.

Braylon Rayson hit 6-of-9 3-pointers en route to 22 points, Chris Fowler finished with 20 points, and Luke Meyer added 12 as the Chippewas won their second straight game, improving to 5-4.

“We started off the game with the right focus, the attention to detail, and we got off to a little bit of a lead,” said Fowler, who, in his second game since returning from an injury, also had six assists and finished 7-of-9 from the floor. “We lost that, lost that focus, that attention to detail, and we got it back in the last 10 minutes of that game and we were able to get on a run.”

Derrick Griffin scored 23 points and hauled down 13 rebounds to lead the Tigers (1-8), who, despite their record, gave the Chippewas all they could handle.

The game was tied nine times and the lead changed hands 10 times, the last on a Rayson triple that put CMU up, 63-62, with 7 minutes, 49 seconds remaining.

The triggered a 16-9 game-closing run for the Chippewas. 

“They’re a good basketball team,” Fowler said of Texas Southern. “Their record doesn’t show it right now because they’ve played every game on the road. In their conference they’re picked to win for a reason. They went to the NCAA Tournament last year for a reason.

“They’re tough, they play hard, they make some difficult shots. Getting a win against an NCAA Tournament team, regardless of the record that they have, it’s always big for us.”

The Chippewas made a season-high 14 3-pointers and finished 56 percent from beyond the arc. Overall, the Chippewas made 28 of their 50 field goal attempts. Both their overall shooting percentage (56 percent) and 3-point percentage were season-bests.

Rayson and John Simons hit 3-pointers during CMU’s late game-breaking surge, and Fowler scored twice on drives through the lane left open by defenders forced to honor the outside exploits of Rayson and Simons.

“When those guys start hitting shots, you can’t help on defense anymore, and that opened up the lane for me and I was able to make a couple nice moves, finish at the basket,” said Fowler, who logged 38 minutes after putting in 25 on Monday in his return to the lineup.

The Chippewas held Texas Southern to 3-of-13 shooting in the final 7:16.

CMU was whistled for 19 fouls to Texas Southern’s 17. At least eight of CMU’s fouls came on the offensive end.

“Credit our guys for being able to not get frustrated in a game that was unique in the way that it was called and in the way that it was played,” CMU coach Keno Davis said. “We have to learn from that. We have to understand that every game’s going to be different and we have a senior-laden group that’s got to be able to respond and our thought our guys did well tonight.”

Texas Southern outrebounded the Chippewas, 38-27, and 18 of the Tigers’ boards came on the offensive end. But just four of those offensive rebounds came in the second half, during which CMU played the Tigers to a 15-15 draw on the boards overall.

Texas Southern led, 38-35, at the break. CMU outscored the Tigers, 44-33, in the final 20 minutes.

“I think in some of those early games (this season) where we were short-handed, we just ran out of steam,” Davis said. “And now I think we look at our team, if we’re able to stay healthy, that we might be the deeper team than most teams that we face, and that’s what you want the last few minutes, to be able to be fresh.

“I think the combination of having more bodies and also having a regular rest time is something that’s going to benefit us going forward.”

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Fans will get their first look at the Central Michigan men's basketball team Saturday when the Chippewas take on NCAA Division II Ferris State in an exhibition game at 4:30 p.m. at McGuirk Arena.

The Chippewas return all five starters and most of their key reserves from a team that finished 23-9 in 2014-15, winning the program's first Mid-American Conference regular-season championship since 2003.

CMU's season opener is Friday, Nov. 13 (4:30 p.m.) against Jacksonville State.

"In putting your schedule together and you look at your exhibition game before the season, you need to make sure you're playing a team that's going to prepare you for the year," said fourth-year CMU coach Keno Davis, whose team was picked to win the MAC regular-season and tournament championships in the preseason poll.

Ferris State finished 23-9 last season, winning the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament and playing in the NCAA Division II Tournament. On Monday, Ferris plays an exhibition game at Michigan State.

Last season, the Bulldogs defeated Bowling Green in an exhibition game.

"I have a lot of respect for the Ferris State program," Davis said. "I know that they're better than a lot of Division I programs that are out there. We know about the success that they've had, about their win at Bowling Green last year."

The Bulldogs return a number of letterwinners, including at least six who either started or logged significant minutes off the bench a year ago.

"Win or lose, for us, it's going to help us become a better team," Davis said. "Although we're not as focused with the end result as much as we would be in a regular-season (game) we're taking it seriously and we have to because we know the caliber of the opponent that is going to be coming to McGuirk on Saturday."

Two Chippewas, seniors Chris Fowler and John Simons, were named to the five-member West Division Preseason All-MAC team.

CMU earned 138 points and all 23 first-place votes in balloting to win the West. Toledo was selected second with 110. Akron, with 132 points and 17 first-place votes, was picked to win the East.

The Chippewas, who return all five starters from a team that won the MAC regular-season title a year ago, were selected by 15 voters to win the league tournament. Akron, with seven votes, was second.

“It’s nice to get that recognition,” said CMU coach Keno Davis, the reigning MAC coach of the year. “It’s a testament to our student-athletes and how hard they’ve worked, but we understand it’s not where you’re picked, but where you finish.”

The Chippewas were picked near the bottom in last year’s preseason poll then delivered CMU’s first regular-season championship since 2003 to earn the No. 1 seed in the MAC Tournament.

“Had we not won the league last year and been the No. 1 seed in the tournament, I think we’d find more pressure this year going in to the season,” Davis said. “Where we’ve come from and where the program is headed, the players realize it’s important to not take anything for granted and focus on the process rather than a final result.

“That’s how we have been able to become one of the better teams in the league, at least on paper, and we have to continue to make sure we have the same focus that got us to where we are right now.”

Fowler, CMU’s leading scorer in each of the past two seasons, was the runner-up in the MAC player of the year voting a year ago when he earned a spot on the all-conference first team.

He has earned a slew of awards in his career at CMU, is a four-year captain, and is the first player in program history to compile the combination of 1,000 points, 500 assists, 250 rebounds and 150 steals for a career. He enters his senior year as CMU’s all-time assists leader (533).

Simons was the Chippewas’ second-leading scorer and top rebounder in 2014-15, earning Third Team All-MAC honors. He ranked fourth in the nation with a .455 shooting percentage from 3-point range.

West Division Preseason Predictions (1st place votes)
Central Michigan — 138 points (23)
Toledo — 110
Western Michigan — 94
Eastern Michigan — 71
Northern Illinois — 37
Ball State — 33 

East Division Preseason Predictions (1st place votes)
Akron – 132 points (17)
Kent State – 116 (5)
Ohio — 69
Buffalo – 64 (1)
Miami — 60
Bowling Green — 42

Tournament Champions: Central Michigan (15), Akron (7), Buffalo (1)

West Division Preseason All-MAC
Chris Fowler, Central Michigan
John Simons, Central Michigan
Raven Lee, Eastern Michigan
Nathan Boothe, Toledo
Connar Tava, Western Michigan

East Division Preseason All-MAC
Pat Forsythe, Akron
Lamonte Bearden, Buffalo
Jimmy Hall, Kent State
Eric Washington, Miami
Antonio Campbell, Ohio

Today, we are previewing the MAC.

The MAC enters the 2015-16 season with one clear favorite and a lot of teams fighting to form an identity. The two-division conference has some interesting candidates emerging from both sides of the equation, but one team stands out above the rest.

Central Michigan and head coach Keno Davis are coming off of a 23-win season and return all eight players who averaged at least 15 minutes a game last season, when the Chippewas made the NIT and won the West Division. Now the goal is the NCAA tournament as they have the pieces and experience to try to make a run. Led by MAC preseason player of the year favorite Chris Fowler at point guard, all eight of Central Michigan’s returning players can hit 3-pointers and they can space the floor in any lineup.

After a .500 finish in the MAC in 2014-15, Akron comes in as a major player thanks to the return of four starters and a solid backup guard in Antino Jackson. Senior center Pat Forsythe is a load to handle at 6-foot-11 and the Zips will ride his post touches and double-figure scoring as far as it can take them. Akron is coming off of a 21-14 season and the key could be the return of guard Noah Robotham, who tore his ACL in February.

Kent State checks in right behind Akron in the East Division thanks to the return of its three frontcourt starters and All-MAC junior power forward Jimmy Hall. The 6-foot-8 Hall is joined in the starting group by Chris Ortiz and Khaliq Spencer while Maine transfer Xavier Powell and redshirt guard Kellon Thomas, a former starter, could become the new starting perimeter tandem.

Similar to the Flashes in backstory is second-place in the West Division: Western Michigan. The Broncos lost some experienced guards but get back potential All-MAC forward Connar Tava for his senior season along with wing Tucker Haymond and 6-foot-10 sophomore Drake LaMont. With the addition of 7-foot recruit Seth Dugan and talented guard Bryce Moore, the Broncos could be a team that could make a surprise run.

Trailing Western Michigan in the West Division is Toledo, who has to replace the dynamic senior trio of double-figure scorers that are gone. Senior center Nathan Boothe returns and he’s joined by junior guard Jonathan Williams, so two double-figure scorers remain, but from there it will be interesting to see who takes over at point guard for the Rockets.

Things were looking very positive for Buffalo this summer, even with the loss of head coach Bobby Hurley to Arizona State. But then new head coach Nate Oats had to deal with the dismissal of MAC Player of the Year Justin Moss, which leaves the Bulls with a huge hole. Talent is still around, especially on the perimeter, where senior Jarryn Skeete and versatile sophomore Lamonte Bearden are back. But can the program withstand the loss of Hurley and the talent he took with to the Aztecs?

One team to keep tabs on is Miami (Ohio), as the RedHawks return four starters and six scholarship seniors, led by potential all-league selection Eric Washington. Miami is looking for its first winning record since 2009, but they have the potential talent of a postseason team. Northern Illinois has trended upward since head coach Mark Montgomery took over and the Huskies hope that three returning starters and three top rotation players gives them a winning record. Seniors Travon Baker and Darrell Bowie have both started a ton of games while junior Aaric Armstead has All-MAC potential.

The Central Michigan men’s basketball team kicked off the 2015-16 season Friday with a 70-minute practice in Parfitt Gym in the Student Events Center.

The Chippewas last season won their first Mid-American Conference regular-season championship since 2003, finishing 23-9.

All five starters and most of the key reserves return as coach Keno Davis enters his fourth season in charge of the program.

“Coaches rarely have to worry about intensity being there on day one,” said Davis, who was named the MAC Coach of the Year in 2014-15. “Even though we’ve got a lot of guys who have been through this before, they’re excited about the season.

“There’s a lot of excitement, not just from the community, but from within our team about what this season can be about and what kind of steps we can take.”

The Chippewas open on Friday, Nov. 13, at home against Jacksonville State. With so many veterans back, and so much talent, the focus over the next few weeks will be on determining roles.

“I think what you’re looking for at the start is which players, through their hard work through the offseason and the summer, are going to step into different roles from what they had last year,” Davis said. “Whether they’re going to play more minutes, whether we’re going to throw the ball to them more, if we’re going to have more plays for them.

“Really, you’re trying to figure out what the makeup of the team is and yet you’re cautious about making too many decisions based on one particular day in October.”

Any coach in the country would envy what Davis and his staff have to work with going into the season: A veteran talented cast that now has the experience of having played in big games, led by the likes of seniors Chris Fowler, John Simons and Rayshawn Simmons.

“It’s teaching the whole process,” Davis said, “everything that goes within the game because you have a veteran team you’re looking at a lot of little things: The footwork, the spacing, the execution of plays both offensively and defensively that means a point here or a point there and that could mean a post-season berth or staying at home in March.

“You want to make sure, at this time of year, that you’re focusing on those things when you have a veteran team like we have.”

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan men's basketball team will open the 2015-16 season on Nov. 13 at home with a non-conference game against Jacksonville State.

The schedule was unveiled today and comprises 12 non-leaguers before the Chippewas begin defense of their Mid-American Conference championship at home against Eastern Michigan on Wednesday, Jan. 6.

CMU made a remarkable turnaround last season, finishing 23-9 including 12-6 in the MAC. It marked the first time since 2003 that CMU won the regular-season league title, appeared in the MAC Tournament championship game, and made a post-season appearance, the NIT. The Chippewas also finished atop the MAC West for the first time since 2010.

The 23 wins were the most by a CMU team since the Chippewas finished 25-7 in 2002-03.

All five starters and most of the key reserves return this season.

"I think a good problem to have coming into the season was trying to find teams willing to schedule us for the upcoming season," said Keno Davis, who is entering his fourth season as CMU's head coach and who last year was named the MAC Coach of the Year.

"I feel like we've done a good job of being able to build a home-court schedule so that our fans can see us prior to conference and I think we have enough games that will challenge us, will really prepare us for the heart of our conference schedule and hopefully prepare us for postseason play," Davis said.

Jacksonville State finished 12-19 last season. The Chippewas will also play home non-leaguers with Alma (12-14), McNeese State (15-16), Aquinas (19-13), Texas Southern (22-13), Howard (16-16) and Lourdes (17-14).

They will play at Grand Canyon (17-15), BYU (25-10), William & Mary (20-13) and will play three games in the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Fla., Nov. 23-25.

The Showcase features several of the nation's top mid-major programs including Murray State, Drake, Duquesne, Milwaukee, Pepperdine, Weber State and Western Kentucky. CMU will open the event with Weber State on Nov. 23.

Texas Southern is the defending Southwestern Athletic Conference; William & Mary, BYU and Grand Canyon each finished second in their respective conferences last season, William & Mary in the Colonial Athletic Association, BYU in the West Coast, and Grand Canyon in the Western Athletic.

Both Texas Southern and BYU appeared in the NCAA Tournament, William & Mary reached the NIT, and Grand Canyon, which is coached by former Chippewa great Dan Majerle, played in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.

Among the highlights of CMU's MAC slate are a trip to Buffalo on Jan. 16 and a home game with Kent State on Feb. 2. Buffalo and Kent State also finished 12-6 in the conference last season, and the Chippewas fell to the Bulls in the league tournament title game.

The Chippewas go to rival Western Michigan on Feb. 20 and entertain the Broncos in their regular-season finale on March 4. 

Start times will be announced later. CMU's games that are scheduled for Saturdays - there are eight of them - could be moved to Friday for TV.
 

2015-16 Schedule

"Keno Davis has done a fantastic job over the past three years building our program the right way," Athletics Director Dave Heeke said. "Coach Davis and his staff have invested in a process of hard work and patience that is producing success with high quality student athletes on the court, in the classroom and in the community--the essence of our Championship Culture that defines Chippewa Athletics.

"This new contract is competitive while at the same time responsible and includes elements that provide stability for both Coach Davis and the athletic department. The agreement also reinforces the commitment Keno has shown to CMU and this community since his arrival."

The new contract will run through the 2019-20 season. Davis' base salary is $300,000, with another $100,000 for radio, television and personal appearances.

"I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff, administration and student-athletes over the past three seasons and am excited about the bright future of the Central Michigan basketball program," said Davis. "We will continue to build upon our success on and off the court while representing the University, alumni and the community in a positive manner."

Davis engineered one of college basketball's biggest turnarounds in 2014-15. After being selected to finish 11th in the preseason media poll, the Chippewas finished with a 23-9 record and captured their first Mid-American Conference regular season championship in 12 years.

Davis was the architect of one of the nation's most prolific offenses last season. CMU ranked 12th in the NCAA in scoring (78.3 points per game), third in 3-point field goals per game (10.1) and eighth in 3-pointers made, totaling a MAC record 322.

Chris Fowler (first team), John Simons (third team) and Josh Kozinski (all-freshman) earned All-MAC honors, helping CMU reach the championship game of the MAC Tournament and secure a bid to the NIT, the program's first postseason appearance since 2003.

After the season, Davis received MAC and NABC District Coach of the Year honors. Last weekend at the Final Four in Indianapolis, he was named the 2015 winner of the Skip Prosser Award, which is presented annually to a coach who achieves success on the basketball court and also displays moral integrity off of it.

"Keno has provided strong vision and leadership which has produced a program Chippewa fans everywhere can be deeply proud of," Heeke said. "The future of our men's basketball program is incredibly bright."

Central Michigan was hosting Eastern Michigan at McGuirk Arena on Jan. 24, and the Chippewas were huddled around coach Keno Davis as they had been every game for his first 21/2 years.

Almost always, their eyes were locked on him before tip-off, getting the crucial final message.

Not that afternoon, however.

"You see their eyes wandering around and the smiles on their faces," Davis recalled Monday in his Rose Center office.

Instead of snapping at them, he understood the moment.

For one of the first times in his tenure, there was a real crowd — excited and vibrant — with 4,041 fans on that Saturday, reminding the Chippewas what home felt like.

"It's nice for them to be able to do it," Davis said. "Because these are not guys that are taking that for granted. Because the whole team had seen the days when there was no one in there and you could hear people ... what they said."

For those first two years, what they said often was frustrating.

That's what happens at a program that wins 21 games in two years.

Apathy. Lack of interest.

Suddenly, there was energy, excitement, even electricity in that 65-51 win.

A week later, 4,403 came for a game against Ohio, and last weekend a game against Western Michigan drew 5,350, a sellout.

CMU is one game behind first-place Toledo in the Mid-American Conference's West Division, but the Chips held the tiebreaker over the Rockets thanks to a Jan. 6 win there.

In the wide-open MAC, the final month will determine the Chippewas' seeding in the conference tournament, which is heavily slanted toward the top-two teams.

Yet this conversation about what's next is even beyond Davis' expectations. "We're ahead of schedule," he said this week.

After Tuesday's win at Ohio to improve to 17-5, 7-4 in the MAC, the third-year coach was surprised by the acceleration.

"As we looked forward to Year 3, we would have hoped that we would be truly competitive," Davis said. "Maybe not a winning program or a contending-for-championship program, but when you stepped on the court, you felt like it wasn't apples and oranges out there. You really could compete against the other teams and have a realistic chance of having a winning season.

"But to be able with nine to 10 games remaining to have already clinched a winning season puts us in a really good position, not just for the rest of the year, but for years to come. To be able to cross those hurdles, take pressure off you and allow you to do other things in your program to be successful."

It's no surprise to athletic director Dave Heeke, who demonstrated his unconventional approach to Davis over the past two years.

Years of 12 and 15 wins got Davis fired at Providence. Years of 11 and 10 wins at CMU got him reassurance from bosses.

Instead of Davis asking them to be patient, they were telling him they believed and could see the results in the community, the classroom and the recruiting, even if not the games.

This season has provided validation.

Leaning on Davis' up-tempo, bombs-away style, the Chippewas entered Tuesday ranked sixth nationally in scoring (80.9 points per game) and third in three-point field goals per game (10.6).

The engine is run by powerful guard Chris Fowler, averaging 15.8 points and six assists entering Tuesday, and forward John Simons, a wicked mismatch at 6-feet-8 as he was averaging 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds but still shooting nearly 46% from three-point range.

"Our confidence and our work put in during the off-season has led this to be a successful season," said Fowler, named MAC player of the week Monday after a 42-point game (with a broken thumb) a week ago. "These guys are all self-motivated."

He noticed a different vibe during the preseason, when players were arriving early and staying late, putting in solo work. The difference between what they were told to do and what they chose stood out to him.

But even when the season began, they needed proof in games.

A nonconference schedule littered with no-name opponents had only two moments of truth: at Bradley and at Northwestern.

Bradley dominated the glass and shot well, exposing some concerns.

But then the Dec. 17 trip to Northwestern became a landmark, an 80-67 victory in which the Chippewas controlled the game.

Davis felt the shift at that moment. A team that went 2-13 on the road last season had its first road win over a Big Ten team since 2007 and a reference point that this could be different.

"We always thought we would have a chance, but you never really know until you start winning games," said Simons, who is from Cadillac and grew up watching CMU games. "In the back of our mind, we always felt we had the pieces put together, especially when we got a few new freshman big guys. Because last year, we struggled when we were smaller. When they came in, we thought we had a chance.

"Maybe we're a little further along than people thought we would be."

There's that expectation again.

"I hadn't given it a lot of thought, why we're ahead of schedule," Davis said. "Part of it is we have several guys. As a coach, you're always looking for that one special player that's going to come in and work and put in the extra time to lead the team. Chris Fowler no doubt is that player. But I'm not so sure the reason for our rapid success is we have some other players who have followed and are trying to lead as well. It's not just Chris. He gets a lot of the publicity, and rightly so.

"But a Rayshawn Simmons, a John Simons have really stepped up as leaders as well. When you have two or three guys like that, as a coach you don't take that for granted because it doesn't come around that often."

Players insist they haven't talked about that four-letter acronym looming in the middle of March.

No one's banking that this will be the Chippewas' first NCAA tournament team since 2003, but in a conference where the top-six teams entered this week separated by one game, there's no reason they're out of it, either.

If they fall short with a roster that only has one senior — and he's coming off the bench — there's optimism ahead.

"You're not looking too far ahead," Davis said, "but when you do allow yourself to do that … we don't feel like it's going be a jump up one year and have success and then drop back down to the pack. When you know that and believe it, there's not as much pressure. … Our window of opportunity is for the foreseeable future.

"We're going to be at that point where we can say we're going to consistently compete for championships year in and year out."

Contact Mark Snyder: msnyder@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark__snyder.

The Davis file

Who: Keno Davis, third-year Central Michigan men's basketball coach.

Age: 42.

College: Iowa.

Previous jobs: Providence coach (46-50 in 2008-11), Drake coach (28-5 in 2007-08).

CMU RECORD

Jan. 5, 2015

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - The Central Michigan men's basketball team completed the 2014 fall semester with a 3.17 cumulative grade point average.

Five Chippewas, including Academic All-America candidates Blake Hibbitts, Chris Fowler and John Simons, recorded a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Simons was at 3.95, Hibbitts at 3.85, and Fowler at 3.52.

Fowler and Simons both earned Academic All-MAC honors last season, and three others, including Hibbitts and Austin Stewart, received honorable mention.

The team cumulative GPA is now at 3.15.

"The student-athletes should be commended for their hard work in the classroom, and the way they represent CMU and the Mount Pleasant community," coach Keno Davis said. "We will continue to build the program as we strive for greatness academically and athletically."

In 2013, CMU was one of only 19 NCAA Division I schools to receive the Team Academic Excellence Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches, which recognizes outstanding academic achievement by a team with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.

July 25, 2014

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - For the CMU basketball coaching staff, the month of July is prime time for the all-important duty of recruiting. And this summer, like last year, head coach Keno Davis and his assistants have been scouring the Midwest for top talent.

It was a different story two summers ago after Davis was hired in the spring of 2012. With only three players returning from the previous season, Davis and his staff weren't able to immediately make recruiting in-roads during the summer but instead decided to spend the predominance of their time focusing on preparing for the upcoming year.

"We believed that if we were to only win two or three games that first season, it would be almost impossible to recruit for the foreseeable future," said Davis. "That first year was important not only to be able to have some success, but we needed to set the tone and lay a foundation for the program."

Fast forward to this summer. Through a lot of hard work and diligence by Davis and his staff, those vital recruiting roots have been firmly established and the fruits of that labor are coming to bear. The prospects for the future are bright and excitement for the program is beginning to build.

This year, the program will welcome three highly regarded freshmen in 6-11 forward Luke Meyer, 6-81/2 forward DaRohn Scott and 6-3 guard Filip Medjo, who are expected to immediately challenge for playing time or add crucial depth.

"The credit to our recruiting success goes to the assistant coaches and their tireless work in recruiting the right fit for CMU," said Davis. "When we talk about the right fit, we take in to account how driven the recruit is to succeed in college both in the classroom and on the court."

With the end of July drawing near, the CMU basketball staff will embark on its final recruiting session of the month buoyed by its recent success and aiming for the next piece to add to program puzzle, knowing that when they return to campus they will be able to reap the benefits of their prior recruiting successes on the court in 2014-15.

Central Michigan men's basketball is on Twitter. Follow head coach Keno Davis (@CoachKenoDavis) and the program's official Twitter account (@CMUMensBball) to get insider news and information and team updates. The Chippewas are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CMUMensBBall.

*Courtsey of CMUChippewas.com

“Not only have the immediate needs for next year’s team been addressed with this recruiting class but the talent and competitive drive of the players will help us become an elite team in the MAC for years to come,” said Davis.

Scott averaged a double-double as a senior at Grand Rapids Christian High School, posting 10.8 points and 11.4 rebounds in addition to 5.2 blocks per game. He was rated as the eighth best player in Michigan by ESPN, selecting the Chippewas over Wake Forest and Western Michigan.

“DaRohn is an extremely gifted young man who can give us a physical dimension to our game, as well as the ability to finish plays at the basket,” said Davis.

“The additions of DaRohn at 6-8½ and Luke Meyer at 6-10, along with 7-0 Milos Cabarkapa, will give our team an inside presence both defensively and on the boards next season.” 

Medjo comes to from CMU via Impact Academy in Florida, the same school that produced fellow Serbian Cabarkapa. Medjo averaged 20 points, six rebounds and six assists per game as a senior, highlighted by a 39-point effort and a 29 point-17 rebound performance.

“Filip is a strong, athletic talent who will be an important addition to our backcourt, as he possesses the ability to score equally from the perimeter and off the dribble,” said Davis.

Meyer is a two-time Associated Press Class C First Team All-State honoree who averaged 17.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, three blocks and two steals while shooting 57 percent from the field as a senior at Addison (Mich.) High School.

“The culmination of hard work in recruiting put forth by the assistant coaches over the past two years is paying off and will continue to do so in the future,” said Davis. “I am looking forward to getting this group on campus and working together as a team toward our goals for the upcoming season.”

Scott, Medjo and Meyer will join a young but experienced Chippewas squad that returns all five starters and 96 percent of its scoring from the 2013-14 team. Included in that group is All-MAC guard Chris Fowler, who ranked near the top of the conference in scoring, assists, steals and assist/turnover ratio last season, forward Blake Hibbitts, who moved into the top 10 in program history in three-point shooting in 2014, and forward John Simons, the team’s leading rebounder the last two seasons.

Central Michigan men’s basketball is on Twitter. Follow head coach Keno Davis (@CoachKenoDavis) and the program’s official Twitter account (@CMUMensBBall) to get insider news and information and team updates. The Chippewas are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CMUMensBBall.

*courtsey of CMUChippewas.com

Link to Article

November 7, 2012
 

Central Michigan's Keno Davis: A Chip off the old block

By Mark Snyder
Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

When Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke set out to find a new basketball coach, he had to face reality.

His first basketball coaching hire, Ernie Zeigler, approached the job from the outside, examining how other programs succeeded.

Over Zeigler's six years, during which the Chippewas were 75-111, Heeke learned a valuable lesson: Central Michigan can't live like everyone else.

"It's a niche program," Heeke said this summer, "a niche approach to having a system that brings in the right players."

He described Zeigler's approach as, "Let's just bring in a lot of players and see where we can get."

To be fair to Zeigler, that was what Central asked for when it hired the noted recruiter who would bring players to Mt. Pleasant who wouldn't come before. He brought in players, but it never added up to on-court success.

So when Heeke fired Zeigler after last season, he sought a coach who would build.

Heeke was selling a more attractive job than he was six years earlier, months after he took over as AD. Now he could offer a renovated Rose Arena (now the McGuirk Arena) with an attached, dedicated practice facility, and more financial support.

One of Central Michigan's best selling points came from a rival, Ohio University, which reached the NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 -- a reminder to all that a quick turnaround is possible.

So Mt. Pleasant was attractive. And Keno Davis was available.

A proven winner

There aren't many accoutrements in Davis' windowless, corner office in the McGuirk: A big-screen television for watching film, a prominent desk, couches, white walls and a few photos.

No frills -- except for three large trophies behind the desk.

In the Central Michigan athletic department, especially in the men's basketball program, those are foreign objects.

The Chippewas have reached one NCAA tournament in the past 25 years, and that was a decade ago. In the past 21 years, they've had four coaches who have combined for a 211-388 record and .352 winning percentage.

So when Davis, 40, unpacked those trophies -- as national coach of the year in 2007-08 when he led the 28-5 Drake Bulldogs -- there was instant credibility.

"You saw what he did at Drake, a consistently underperforming program -- I don't think they'd had a winning season for 20 years," Heeke said.

After one year as head coach at Drake (and four as an assistant), Davis jumped to Providence, only to be fired three years later.

But Heeke had a wide view of Davis while watching him try to compete with the Big East monsters with few resources and player limitations. Heeke also saw in Davis -- who spent a year analyzing games on the Big Ten Network -- a Midwest familiarity.

Meanwhile, Davis, who was fired at Providence with five years remaining on his contract, had the flexibility to be selective, and he felt Central Michigan was a perfect fit.

Charting his own course

Davis barely knew there were other professions when he was growing up.

His father, Tom Davis, had three college head coaching jobs in Keno's first 14 years, before finally finding the right fit at Iowa, where he coached in 1986-99.

His son stood by, never running wild on the court but always around it, watching and listening, understanding the demands on his father and his family.

Never a star player, even in high school, Keno may have been good enough to play at a smaller, nonscholarship college, but instead he chose Iowa, where he was a student assistant.

"I didn't want to be on the team," Davis said, "I didn't want to have a uniform. I didn't deserve it."

Staying in Iowa City reinforced his career path. He spent eight years as an assistant at Southern Indiana and Southeast Missouri State, paying his dues as coaches without famous fathers would.

When his father took the job at Drake in 2003, Keno joined as an assistant and, 2 1/2 years into the job, the Drake administration made him the coach-in-waiting.

That positioned him to spend a year and a half recruiting players who would fit his up-tempo, pressure style, the one he learned alongside his father.

"Having your father in a fishbowl that Iowa is with basketball, football and wrestling ... everybody's going to know who you are," Keno said. "That's kind of the negative, but there are a lot of positives.

"It's the only way I've ever known. I was going to be scrutinized if I changed something my father didn't do offensively and defensively. One of the best pieces of advice coaching-wise from him was, 'You've got to go with what you believe.' "

Handed the keys in 2007-08, he only had to start the car.

Magical season

The Bulldogs were picked ninth in the Missouri Valley Conference. There was one returning starter, and the other returnees were a three-year walk-on point guard, a power forward walk-on, a shooting guard who had averaged 4.5 points as a junior and a small forward who lost his job on the previous year's 17-win team.

Yet they loved Davis, and he loved them back.

"We weren't that fast, we weren't that deep, but we were a pretty tight-knit group," said Klayton Korver, a forward who set the school record for games played. "He gave us a ton of confidence. A lot of coaches are very controlling and 'You run my thing my way.' I thought it was a great coaching job. You guys know what you're doing. He just guided us. Incredible confidence."

All those years of watching allowed Davis to go his own way. He rarely screamed; he always taught and showed no pretense.

"I've tried to be every year more positive than the year before," Davis said. "The most success we've had at Drake that one year, we went in without any expectations, and I told them I wasn't going to yell at them after losses as long as they worked hard.

"I want you to take that shot. I don't care if you miss it, I'm not going to take you out. It was that kind of attitude, that message and nature that allowed a team to have that kind of success. When expectations are higher, you change as a coach and you shouldn't. ... You should reward those teams that bring it every moment."

It energized the players, who had the man who recruited them now guiding them. In mid-December that year, Drake won at Iowa for the first time in 20 years; by late January they were 16-1, cruising through The Valley and ranked for the first time in 33 years. The 20th win came Feb. 2, the first time at Drake since 1971. The MVC conference and tournament titles followed for the first time since that 1971 season.

However, in the NCAA tournament, the No. 5 seed Bulldogs were upset by a last-second, overtime shot in the first round.

Weeks later, Davis took an offer reported to be nearly $1 million per year from Providence.

Lessons learned

The three years in Rhode Island taught Davis what not to do.

Don't bend to recruit players -- recruit the person as well. Embrace where you are -- not where others think you should be. Stay with your strategy. Be patient.

None of those was achievable with the pressure at Providence, yet all seem within reach in Mt. Pleasant.

Heeke gave Davis a five-year contract for $300,000 per year and told him he knows it will take time.

When most of the team left after Zeigler's firing -- including Zeigler's talented son, Trey -- Davis was left with a new scenario: five returning players, only one who averaged more than three points.

For the coaches, that meant filling out this year's team immediately. As assistants, Davis brought former NBA forward Kevin Gamble with him from Providence; a former Southeast Missouri State player, Kyle Gerdeman, from Davis' time there; and former Oakland University and CMU assistant Jeff Smith.

Without a dominant player, playing time, the offense and the defense are all wide open.

"He's more of a player's coach," said guard Austin Keel, one of the holdovers. "He teaches the game more, the fundamentals instead of just going out there to play. He's teaching ways with that criticism you can manipulate the game and produce more."

No one in Mt. Pleasant is expecting this group to compete at the top of the MAC West. Yet three wins on this summer's trip to the Bahamas -- averaging 113 points per game -- provided confidence and optimism, even if it's distant.

Along with the mantra of patience.

"I like that calmness," Heeke said. "We needed some stability, some solid foundational elements to calm things here. It's going to be a process to rebuild ... the program. He's got those shoulders and demeanor to weather the storm."

In Mt. Pleasant, optimism is a rare commodity.

"We need to break the cycle," Heeke said. "We need to have a successful program here. The '70s were a terrific time, but that's a long time ago for college basketball."

Contact Mark Snyder: msnyder@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark__snyder.

More Details: The book on Keno

Who: Keno Davis, 40, first-year men’s basketball coach at Central Michigan.

Personal: Son of longtime college basketball coach Tom Davis; Keno was born in Pennsylvania and graduated from Iowa, where his father coached in 1986-99; wife Krista, children Mara and Brady.

Coaching career

1995-97: Assistant coach, Southern Indiana.

1997-2003: Assistant coach, Southeast Missouri State.

2003-07: Assistant coach, Drake.

2007-08: Head coach, Drake (28-5).

2008-11: Head coach, Providence (64-86).

Pre-preseason interview with Coach Keno Davis

Coach Keno Davis

@CoachKenoDavis

Keno Davis Facebook Page

Central Michigan basketball fans can now put down a $25 deposit for season tickets for the 2012-2013 season!  Thanks for the support and Fire Up Chips!

http://ev5.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ACMICH%3AMBB12-13%3AMBBDP%3A&linkID=cmich&shopperContext&pc&caller&appCode&groupCode=MBB&cgc

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Highly touted 6-foot-7 all-area forward Blake Hibbitts, who led Hudsonville (Mich.) High School to back-to-back district titles, has joined the Central Michigan men's basketball roster for the 2012-13 season.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Incoming Central Michigan freshman John Simons earned a spot this week on the 2012 PARADE All-America High School Boys Basketball Team, the only player committed to a Mid-American Conference school named to the 40-player list.

It has been a busy month at Central Michigan as we put together a staff, worked on scheduling, hit the recruiting trail and developed our student-athletes. However, I want to use this blog entry to talk about one of the most important factors for us to be a successful program...a great home crowd!

Our staff is going to work hard as we reach out to the community and surrounding area of Mt. Pleasant to fill the seats. We will need our season ticket holders to continue their great support, past supporters to get back on board, and our students to come out in full force this year. A true home court will help us not only on the court, but also help build the CMU reputation across the state of Michigan and nationwide.

Fire Up Chips!

Coach Keno Davis

Worked the regular 2011-2012 season for the Big Ten Network both in the studio, and on site.  I appreciate the opportunity I was given to work for BTN and learned a lot from everyone there.  It is definitely a network on the rise as they continue to add programming that sports fans of any team or conference would be interested to watch.

Had an opportunity for the "post season" in broadcasting as I was the color commentator for HDNet and the CBI tournament.  With HDNet I found the staff to be incredible, and a corresponding great quality of broadcast.  

Accepted the Head Men's Basketball coaching position at Central Michigan University.  Have been spending the past two weeks interviewing candidates for the staff, hitting the recruiting trail, and getting a chance to interact with the student-athletes with meetings and workouts prior to the end of the semester.

Thanks for all the calls, texts, and e-mails!

Fire Up Chips!

Coach Keno Davis

All the best,

Coach Keno Davis

Friars All-Access presented by Dexter Credit Union is a weekly television program that goes behind the scenes of the Providence College Men's Basketball Program. This week, host Kristina Akra will sit down with Head Coach Keno Davis as well as freshman guard Dre Evans.

The show will also air on SportsNet New York (SNY) on Friday, February 25 at 1:30pm as well as Saturday, February 26 at 8:00am.

Thanks to all of our great fans that supported us as we knocked off #15 Louisville on Saturday night.

Next up is a home game on January 1st against St. John's at "The Dunk."

Yes, I believe we were able to learn from our early season games as we continue to face tougher competition. We are able to have a highlighted aspect of our team each night. As the different areas continue to improve together we can be a much tougher team to play late in the season.

What individual players stood out in the past couple of games?

It is important for different players to step up every night with such a young team this season. I was pleased with many of the players’ efforts highlighted by Ron Giplaye’s defense and rebounding, Duke Mondy’s clutch three point shooting versus Wyoming and Vincent Council’s ability to close out of the game with an impressive 16-16 from the free throw line.

What are the benefits of playing in an event such as the Cancun Challenge?

Events such as the Cancun Challenge are listed as “exempt” tournaments. By participating in such an event, you can play in more games during the non-conference season (nothing improves your team and players better than game experience). We will continue to play in events similar to the Cancun Challenge and hopefully with continued success.

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

 To receive regular updates from Coach Keno, sign up for the free newsletter at: www.coachkenodavis.com/newsletter.cfm

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

Five practices into the season finds us optimistic for our future success at PC. Our talent is evident in our backcourt as well as our depth in the frontcourt. The question mark for this year's team is youth and inexperience. (Fortunately, a team's youth is taken care of by time and great effort on the court.) It is an exciting time for PC Basketball and I look forward to update you often this season!

Go Friars!

Coach Keno Davis

The NCAA limits us to just 2 hours per week on the court, but we have maximized our effort in the weight room and have conditioning starting on Tuesday.

There will be sure to be some surprises to our fans with the newcomers and returners alike. We have been able to improve our ability to have continuity on offense and an improved defensive effort. It is early to have predicitions on the team's season-long performance, but we are excited about the new year.

September marks an important recruiting month with home visits, school visits and official visits on the Providence College campus. We hope to have some good news on the recruiting front before our games start this season.

Thanks again for all of the great support from our fans!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

www.coachkenodavis.com

Nov. 13 - Dartmouth

Nov. 15 - Yale

Nov. 18 - Morgan State

Nov. 20 - Prairie View A&M

Nov. 23 - vs. LaSalle (Cancun)

Nov. 24 - vs. Missouri/Wyoming (Cancun)

Nov. 29 - Central Connecticut State

Dec. 1 - Northeastern

Dec. 4 - Rhode Island

Dec. 6 - Brown

Dec. 8 - @ Boston College

Dec. 11 - Alabama

Dec. 21 - Sacred Heart

I look forward to seeing you at The Dunk this season and Go Friars!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College men's basketball coach Keno Davis announced today (June 28) that Kevin Gamble has been named coordinator of player development and video operations. Gamble has served as the head coach at University of Illinois at Springfield for the last eight years, posting a 130-79 mark. Gamble replaces Mike Mennenga who left last month.

In 2002, Gamble was named the first men's basketball head coach at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Gamble helped found the Prairie Stars men's basketball program. In 2005-06, the Prairie Stars won the AMC Tournament and advanced to the first round of the NAIA national tournament. By 2006-07, Gamble helped guide the squad to its first American Midwest Conference regular season title. He also led the squad to its second consecutive AMC Tournament title and helped the team advance to the second round of the NAIA national tournament. His team posted a 23-9 mark overall and an 11-1 record in conference play in 2006-07. For his efforts, Gamble was named AMC Coach of the Year for the second time.

"Kevin's experience as a 10-year NBA veteran along with his collegiate coaching experience will be beneficial to our program," Davis said. " We expect Kevin to have an immediate impact on the development of our student-athletes."

In 2008-09, his squad registered a 21-9 record, including a 10-4 mark in conference play. It was the team's final season of NAIA action as the program became a member of the NCAA in 2009-10, posting an 11-13 record (7-11 Great Lakes Valley Conference) in Division II.

"I am excited to begin this chapter of my life at Providence College," Gamble said. "This is a great opportunity as I will be working to help make the players and the program better. Having played for Keno Davis' dad, I am really looking forward to working with Keno."

Gamble was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers (63rd pick overall) in the third round of the 1987 NBA Draft. In 1988, the Boston Celtics selected Gamble as a free agent and he played with the Celtics until 1994 when he signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent. From 1990-94, Gamble was under the watchful eye of former Friar Head Coach Dave Gavitt, who was the Celtics CEO. He was traded to the Sacramento Kings in 1996, where he played for one season. Gamble averaged 9.5 ppg and shot 50.2 percent from the field, including 36 percent from three-point territory in 649 career NBA games.

"It was great to have Kevin as a teammate," former Celtics star Larry Bird said. "He was very competitive and worked hard all the time. I know it has carried over into coaching. He's a good hire and a great addition for Providence."

Gamble attended Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill. He led his team to the Class AA state title in 1983. He attended Lincoln College for two years before transferring to the University of Iowa for his final two seasons. In his senior season, Gamble played for Keno Davis' father, Dr. Tom Davis, where he helped lead the team to a 30-5 record and a berth to the NCAA Tournament Regional finals.

"Kevin Gamble is great hire and a wonderful addition to Keno's staff." Gavitt said. "He is a remarkable person and will serve as a outstanding role model for the student-athletes."

Gamble, a native of Springfield, Ill., and his wife Alesha, have one son, Kevin, Jr., and one daughter, Averi.

When you have a moment, please check out the link below. If you have questions for our Men's Basketball players and/or team, send them in and it could be aired during a Friar home game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center as part of the "Get To Know Your Friars" promotion this upcoming season.

http://www.friars.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/060410aaa.html

Thank you for all your support and Go Friars!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

In order for us to maximize our success we need to improve all areas of the program. Some of the areas we are working on right now are recruiting, scheduling and fundraising. Another area that we can improve is our home court advantage at "The Dunk." Please send your  comments and ideas on how we can have the best crowd and how to create one of the toughest places to play in the country.

Thanks for your support and keep checking back for updates at www.coachkenodavis.com.

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

Thanks again for all of our great fans that back our program! Whether you contribute financially, buy season tickets, or just cheer for the Friars, we value your support. Keep checking back to www.coachkenodavis.com for new features and updates on our program. Our fans truly understand that hard work pays dividends, and I can promise you that no one will work harder!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

Our long-term approach as individuals and as a team is for off-season dedication and improvement. We are excited about our recruiting efforts, but will rely on our returners to set the tone for years to come.

Thanks for all the support from many true Friar fans that have written and emailed the office. We are indeed proud of our past at Providence College but excited about our future!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

We have had many bright spots from our young team this year. Bilal Dixon stood out against #7 Georgetown this week. To be able to pull down 16 rebounds as a freshman alongside Jamine Peterson's rebounding ability should translate to good things in the future.

Our post-season celebration banquet is set for April 10th at the Downtown Westin in Providence. For more information, you can contact Susan in the Basketball Office at 401-865-2266.

Thanks again for your support of our team and of www.coachkenodavis.com.

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

In the past week we were able to beat number 19 ranked UConn behind a plus 15 rebounding margin. It was exciting to see our team pull away behind her strength of our defense and rebounding.  Every win we get on a national stage will only help us with our develoment on the court and on the recruiting trail.

After the season I will review all areas of our program, including the www.coachkenodavis.com website. Feel free to send in your comments or suggestions via the question and answer page.  I appreciate all your support!

All the Best,

Coach Keno Davis

Our win against DePaul was important for the progress of the program as it was viewed by many households because of the ESPN2 coverage.  A chance for recruits to see our uptempo fastbreaking style has not gone unnoticed.

The focus of our staff going forward is twofold. One is on player development as we need to become better defenders, rebounders and shooters. The players on our team that will put in the extra time necessary to reach another level will be the ones that will determine our teams success. The other focus is that of recruiting. No staff in the country will outwork ours in the efforts of finding and attracting the best student athletes and the best fits for Providence College.

Thanks for your support and continue to check back in for updates at www.coachkenodavis.com

All the Best,

Keno Davis

Individually, we have already seen great progress from our young team. The statistic that stood out Saturday was Jamine Peterson's 29 point, 20 rebound game. Developing players to be multi-dimensional with their game is important for their individual and our team success.

We go on the road for a pair of games this week as we play DePaul and Marquette. We again will focus on effort, with the understanding that executing will come in time.

Thanks for your support and make sure to send in your questions under the "Ask Coach Davis" link.

All the Best,

Keno Davis

There was quite a bit of good feedback from the posting comparing our team this year to last season, so I will try and continue to give you that information.  The following are national rankings from this date of the season.

Although statistics can at times be misleading, the more games we play, the more often they lead us to areas that we need to improve.  Our staff and players are committed to working hard to become better individually and as a team.

Thank you for your support!

All the Best,

Keno Davis

p.s. If you know of anyone that might be interested in attending camp this summer, please check out www.providencebasketballcamp.com

In the seventeen NCAA categories we have improved in thirteen and down in four.  On the negative side, our aggressiveness has led to more fouling - which we are currently working on in practice.

Thanks again for all your support of the new website and make sure you sign up for the free monthly newsletter for more updates.

All the Best,

Keno Davis

We have made solid progress as one can see when you compare last year's statistics with this team. As always, we are focused on effort and improvement. If we continue to do that, the wins and losses will take care of themselves.

Although I'm not allowed to give out specifics regarding our recruiting, I'm very pleased with the talent and character level of recruits we are involved with. In order for us to compete nationally, we must always look to improve in all areas of our program, and recruiting is always in the conversation.

Thanks for all your support of our program and continue to check-in at www.coachkenodavis.com.

All the Best,

Keno Davis

Both Providence and Brown will have quick turn-arounds by playing on Monday night at "The Dunk." We are looking forward to every game as an opportunity to improve and prepare ourselves for the always tough BIG EAST schedule.

We have shown great improvement in many areas from last year and continue to work for bigger and better things in the future. It's an exciting time to be a fan of Providence College Basketball and I appreciate your support!

All the Best,

Keno Davis

Our team has the opportunity to improve greatly this year as six of our twelve scholarship players are freshmen. The demanding non-conference schedule we have this year, including four road contests, should prepare our young players for the BIG EAST conference.

We have two tough road games coming up this week (Tuesday at Northeastern and Saturday at Rhode Island). I know our players are looking forward to the challenge and the rest of the season!

All the Best,

Keno Davis

Our opportunity to win games this year will come from our depth and ability to play an up-tempo style.  It is for this reason that it is essential that our younger players improve each week of the year as there aren't any easy games in the BIG EAST conference.

Thanks to everyone that follows the website and those that have signed up for the free monthly newsletter. I will continue to look to improve the site and give insight into the improvements of our program.  We have had over a quarter of a million hits so far as the momentum behind Providence College Basketball grows.  Tell your friends and go Friars!!

All the Best,

Keno Davis

We have three days to prepare to play our first road game at Alabama. It will be a good test for our young team to be able to play with the same intensity we showed in front of our home fans. In addition we will be working on improving our execution on offense, deffense and special situations. Hopefully starting off 3-0 gives us added motivation to improve as a team.

Thanks for checking out the weekly blog and keep an eye out for upcoming videos from my radio and television show.

Go Friars!

All the Best,

Keno Davis

The regular season opens up for us this weekend with games verses Bryant, Bucknell, and Mercer.

Thanks for your support and don’t forget to sign up for the free monthly newsletter.

We’ve had some great early season practices with competition for all five starting spots and our rotation for the upcoming season.  I’ve been impressed with our newcomers the most as they seem to improve every day.  The most important element in our players must be their work ethic, and we see our student-athletes starting to embrace that.

In the past week I had the opportunity to represent Providence College along with Seniors Brian McKenzie and Sharaud Curry at Madison Square Garden for BIG EAST Media Day.  I had many people tell me how impressed they were with these two young men and I have no doubt they’ll be successful in the future.

All the Best,

Keno Davis

In a short amount of time we have had 5 practices and an opportunity to improve as a group.  There is definitely a lot of competition this year for starting spots as well as playing time.  The statistics from our practices this week should give everyone an idea where they currently stand.  Thanks for everyone checking out the website (as we have over 100,000 hits already this month).  I encourage you to sign up for the free monthly newsletter to get more PC Basketball info!
           

All the Best,
 

Coach Keno Davis

All the best,

Keno Davis

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I hope you enjoy the features of the site today and for years to come.

All the best,

Coach Keno Davis