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GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Preseason polls don't matter much to Grambling football coach Broderick Fobbs.
He said it in 2015 and will continue to say it as long as he's coaching. Last year came under different circumstances, though, as Grambling was picked to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference West Division, a label the Tigers lived up to with a trip to the title game in Houston.
This year, that target goes to Prairie View A&M, which was picked as the preseason favorite to meet Alcorn State in the 2016 SWAC title game.
Prairie View earned 41 points to push Grambling (35 points) aside as the team to beat in 2016. In 2015, Grambling was picked to win the West, edging out Southern by just two points (93-91).
"We have a lot of potential. Potential doesn't mean anything," Fobbs told The News-Star on Friday morning via telephone from Birmingham before SWAC Media Day kicked off. "We have a lot of depth, a lot of guys who have played a lot of football and have played well for us. That's the way we set our program. We set our program where a lot of guys play. The reason we do that so when guys leave we always have guys with some experience to step in and play." CONTINUE READING
BIRMINGHAM -- Alabama State is picked to finish second in the SWAC East behind two-time defending league champion, Alcorn State, as the results were announced Friday at SWAC media day.
The predicted order of finish was a result of votes of the 10 head coaches and sports information directors.
"I don't even pay attention to things like that," Alabama State coach Brian Jenkins said. "I learned from a coach a long time ago if you start pay attention to that and those things really matter, then why play the season? Just go ahead and give who you've got picked first, give them the trophy and go from there."
The Hornets received 35 points while Alcorn State tallied 44. Jackson State (28) was picked to finish third followed by Alabama A&M (16) and Mississippi Valley State (12).
"It's fuel, motivation," ASU senior center Kerry Williams said. "We use anything we can as motivation. I don't think nobody wants to finish second. Nobody ever wants to finish second. Everybody wants to finish first. That's our goal. To finish first and win a SWAC championship."
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2016 SWAC Preseason Teams with Southern running back Lenard Tillery and Alabama State linebacker Kourtney Berry being tabbed for individual honors.
The teams were released during the 2016 SWAC Football Media Day after ballots were completed by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors. Fifty-one players were named to this year’s preseason teams, with several returning players that earned all-conference at the conclusion of the 2015 season. Should a player that was named to the first team during the postseason not return, the second-team player for that position was elevated to the first team. Players were ranked in their position based on the number of votes received.
After leading the league in rushing en route to a second-straight first-team All-SWAC nod, Tillery was the voters’ favorite for the SWAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year award. For the third-straight year, Berry was tabbed as SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
Tillery rushed for 1,211 yards on 197 carries (6.1 average) in 2015, scoring a SWAC-best 14 touchdowns on the ground for the Jaguars. He was the only runner to average 100 yards or better a game, posting an average of 110.1 yards per contest.
The Baton Rouge, La. native is one of five Southern players on the preseason first-team offense, with quarterback Austin Howard, offensive linemen Anthony Mosley and Terrell Lee, tight end Dillon Beard and return specialist Willie Quinn. Rounding out the first-team offense are running back Martez Carter (Grambling State), offensive linemen Detonio Dade (Alcorn State), Justin Miller (Grambling State), Josiah Freeman (Prairie View A&M), and wide receivers Chad Williams (Grambling State) and Daniel Williams (Jackson State).
Berry, who won the 2015 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year award, has led the SWAC in stops during each of his first three seasons. The Merrillville, Ind. product accounted for a league-best 130 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He is a three-time First Team All-SWAC performer and has earned several pre-and post-season honors.
Joining Berry on the preseason first-team defense are: defensive linemen Stacey Garner (Alcorn State), Javancy Jones (Jackson State), Mike Brooks (Alcorn State), and DeVohn Reed (Prairie View A&M), linebackers Darien Anderson (Alcorn State) and Willie Duncan (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), and defensive backs Guy Stallworth (Grambling State), Marquice O’Leary (Prairie View A&M), Danny Johnson (Southern) and Marquis Green (Mississippi Valley State).
Kicker Marc Orozco (Grambling State) and punter Haiden McCraney were each tabbed as first team selections for special teams.
Two-time defending champion Alcorn State totaled 44 votes points as it was named the preseason favorite out of the East Division. Alabama State followed with 35 points, Jackson State received 28 points, followed by Alabama A&M (16) and Mississippi Valley State (12).
Out in the West Division, Prairie View A&M was chosen as the division favorite after amassing 41 points in the voting. Grambling State followed with 35 points, and Southern received 32 points. Texas Southern (16) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (11) rounded out the order of predicted finish. Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Lenard Tillery (RB) – Southern Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Kourtney Berry (LB) - Alabama State
2016 Preseason All SWAC Football Team * indicates tie in voting at the position
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Brian Jenkins did something this summer he hasn’t done in a long time – took a vacation.
“I went to Key West (Florida),” Jenkins said Friday at SWAC media day. “Been all over and this was the first vacation I’ve taken in 15 years. Actually take a vacation. Got away from the game. Got away from everything and I tell you what, it’s actually helped. Kind of rejuvenated me a little bit. Cleared my mind on some things I needed to do.”
Jenkins said he also spent quality time with his kids and got a chance to recognize some things he needs to change in his football program at Alabama State.
“I went away, took a deep breath and it really has helped,” Jenkins said.
In a couple of weeks, Jenkins will open camp with a goal of improving upon going 6-5 in his first year at ASU after having great success at Bethune-Cookman. With the adjustment and learning phases behind them, the players feel more comfortable playing for Jenkins going into the 2016 season.
The path from SWAC to the rest of college football is suddenly clear in both directions, something that could not be said before this offseason.
“The perception was the SWAC was somewhere you go when your career is over,” SWAC commissioner Duer Sharp said during the conference’s media day Friday. “That’s not the case, and I don’t think it’s ever been the case. I think it was just a label given to the league.”
So what happened? Why now? The SWAC let the outside world in, and vice-versa.
Hopson’s 2012 hire at Alcorn State was a big deal for reasons outside of being the first white head coach in the historically-black conference; this was a guy with major college experience coming into the league. Same thing with Fobbs two years later; all of his prior experience was outside of the league.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Jay Hopson may have left Alcorn State this past oflafseason, but expectations still remain high for the Braves.
Preseason polls and all-conference teams were released at SWAC Media Day, which was held at the Birmingham Marriott, on Friday and it's apparent Alcorn State is still thought highly of.
The Braves, who have won back-to-back conference titles, were picked to win the SWAC East Division and landed 11 players on the All-SWAC first or second team.
"I like the modesty of the people that pick us to be first," Alcorn State coach Fred McNair said. "Like I tell the guys, still you have to come out every week and play football. We have to come out and play hard every week."
McNair will get a good indication of how good his team is right away when it faces Bethune-Cookman, which went 9-2 and won a share of the MEAC for the fourth consecutive season in 2015, in the season opener on Sept. 4. CONTINUE READING
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A change in head coaches hasn't tempered the high expectations surrounding Alcorn State, the two-time defending Southwestern Athletic Conference champion.
Alcorn State and Prairie View A&M were selected as the East and West division favorites, respectively, in the SWAC's preseason poll announced during Friday's media day in Birmingham, Alabama.
Alcorn State (9-4, 7-2 SWAC) lost to North Carolina A&T in the inaugural Celebration Bowl last December after beating Grambling State 49-21 in the SWAC championship game. Jay Hopson, the first white head football coach in the conference's illustrious history, resigned to become Southern Mississippi's head coach during the offseason, and Fred McNair, the brother of late Pro Bowl quarterback Steve McNair, was elevated from offensive coordinator. It is the 47-year-old McNair's first head coaching job.
Prairie View (8-2, 8-1), which last won the SWAC title in 2009, was installed as the preseason choice in the West over Grambling.
ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State sports fans will soon have a new reason to Just Do It, whether It is cheering on their student-athletes who will be wearing Nike jerseys or wearing a new SCSU Nike T-shirt to show their Bulldog pride.
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and Nike just entered into a multiyear agreement to have the Nike brand become the official apparel, accessory and equipment provider of the conference until 2020.
Currently, the MEAC has a conference-wide footwear agreement for all 13 member institutions with Nike that began on Sept. 1, 2005, and will end on Aug. 31, 2020.
The apparel, accessory and equipment agreement will begin Sept. 1, 2016 with 10 institutions associated, including Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State, South Carolina State and the MEAC Office.
"It's exciting because our kids were wanting to be Nike for some time now, and it's probably the foremost manufacturer of all in the business," SCSU head football coach Buddy Pough said on Wednesday. "We'll see how the uniforms look and it'll be fun to have something new to give us some pizzazz in our first few games this season. CONTINUE READING
TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M Athletics announced today that as part of the reorganization of its department, the men’s and women’s track programs will be combined under a single director, with assistants for each of the teams.
Coach Darlene Moore, Ed.D., will assume the new title of Director of Track & Field. Moore’s experience and success over the last few seasons with the Lady Rattlers, both on and off the field, coupled with the economic impact of combining the programs factored into the decision to unify the teams.
Moore has amassed 18 conference championships in her coaching career, including six championships since taking the position at FAMU. This season she repeated as MEAC women’s cross country champion, making it her teams fourth consecutive title. The Lady Rattlers also won back-to-back MEAC outdoor track and field championships under Moore’s leadership the last two seasons.
In addition to the success of the Lady Rattlers on the track, they have been stellar in the classroom. Over the last two season, her teams have had more than a 3.10 G.P.A., carding several perfect NCAA APR scores and placed many of her team members of the MEAC All-Academic team.
“As we Build Champions (In the Class Room on the Field and in Life) we must apply effective and effect industry standard practices to maximize our resources. Combining the men’s and women’s track programs is a natural step towards this effort. Coach Moore has a proven success formula that works for both men and women track and field student-athletes. The ability for the men and women track and field student-athletes to train together will consolidate training philosophy and streamline travel logistics. We thank Marc Small for his dedication to the program over the last two season and wish him well in his future endeavors. Milton Overton COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Mississippi State's Dan Mullen finished his media obligations at SEC Media Day on Tuesday, while Ole Miss' Hugh Freeze completed his on Thursday.
On Friday, Mississippi's three SWAC coaches will take their turns in front of the press at SWAC Media Day, which will begin at 10 a.m. from the Birmingham Marriott.
Here's a couple of things to watch out for at SWAC Media Day. The new guys
Hughes and Haywood are both taking over struggling programs, which combined to win six games in 2015. It's the exact opposite situation for McNair, who was Chanded the keys to a Braves program which has won back-to-back SWAC titles. CONTINUE READING
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- I didn’t know what to expect when I arranged to meet Marquise Gaddy at Bowman Gray Stadium’s fieldhouse earlier this week.
Gaddy, who lives with his family in Charlotte, was severely injured last September in a tackling drill and suffered a broken neck and spinal cord injuries.
By some 10 months later when I saw him bounce out of his car and walk to the fieldhouse I was amazed.
As you could imagine the reason I wanted to talk with Gaddy was to see how excited he was about re-enrolling for the fall and getting back to school. I had no idea that Gaddy has bigger plans and is open to the possibility of playing again.
I’ve written a story that will run in the newspaper in the morning but there is so much going on with how powerful a statement Gaddy is making. He looks good, looks taller and weighing at about 185 pounds he doesn’t look at all like somebody who had to learn to walk again.
BOWIE, Maryland -- Bowie State University officially named Shadae Swan as head women's basketball coach on Wednesday (7/13) following a national search.
Swan took over leadership of the Bulldogs midway through the 2014-2015 campaign (January 29, 2015). She coached the women's basketball team the entire 2015-2016 season on an interim basis, compiling an overall mark of 11-17 and 3-13 in league (CIAA) play.
Bowie State Athletic Director Clyde Doughty said, "After a very extensive search, it is with profound excitement that I have selected Coach Shadae Swan as the next head women's basketball coach for Bowie State University. Coach Swan is a dedicated professional who is academic minded and driven to achieving a high level of success athletically. Bulldog Nation is looking forward to the upcoming women's basketball season and many, many more under the direction of Coach Swan".
Swan is a graduate of Goucher College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies in 2008, a Master's of Education with a specialization in Athletic Administration in 2010 and another Master's of Arts in Teaching with a dual certification in Elementary/Middle and Special Education in May 2014. Before coming to Bowie State University, Swan was an assistant women's basketball coach at Baltimore City Community College from 2009 to 2010.
"I am blessed, excited and honored to begin this journey as head coach at Bowie State University. All members of the team (coaches and players) have been working extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming season. We will commit to excel in the classroom and on the basketball court while producing leaders as we represent the University with pride and integrity. I would like to thank Mr. Doughty, President Burnim, the Alumni Association and Bowie State staff members for their continued support along this journey", Swan said.
COURTESY BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
KISSIMMEE, Florida -- Two-event Orange Belt Conference track champion Cayla William will continue her career at Savannah State University in Georgia.
The Osceola Lady Kowboys sprinter won the 100 and 400 meters championships at the OBC meet and she also competed for the school’s relay teams under Coach Eric Pinellas.
She also went to the state meet as a member of the regional champion 4×100 relay with teammates Sadae Davidson, Nydaiyah Pickett and Talyssa Gatlin, continuing Osceola’s tradition of track excellence.
MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Jose' Vazquez has been named Alabama State head baseball coach, Athletic Director Melvin Hinesannounced today. Vazquez will be formally introduced at a 1 p.m. press conference Thursday at the ASU Stadium Club Lounge. Vazquez has spent 14 seasons as an assistant baseball coach, the last six as Associate Head Coach. In addition to the day-to-day duties of the Alabama State baseball program, Vazquez has coached Hornet hitters and outfielders and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation. Vazquez, named the 2013 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association, has helped Alabama State post a Top 60 recruiting class each year, as rated by Perfect Game, the largest amateur baseball scouting service in the nation. He has played in an integral role in the rise of Alabama State baseball into a championship program. Vazquez helped the Hornets land C Richard Gonzalez and OF Richard Amion in the 2011 signing class, both of whom would go on to earn Freshman All-America accolades in 2012. Those two players, along with another 2011 signee in SS Emmanuel Marrero, would prove to be cornerstone pieces of the ASU program, leading the team to 89 wins from 2012-14. All three players were selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.
In 2015, two other freshmen from the initial signing class, RHPs Armando Ruiz and Michael Estevez, along with 2012 signing class pitcher Jorge Pantoja, were drafted for signed to pro contracts. This past season, RHP Angel Alicea was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, and three-time SWAC Pitcher of the Year Joseph Camacho signed a free agent contract with the Oakland A's. Alabama State has had nine players earn a chance to play professional baseball, with six players drafted, all in the last three seasons.
In 2016, the Hornets set a school record with 64 home runs as Alabama State baseball won a school record 38 games, including an unprecedented 24-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, in winning the first SWAC Championship in program history and earning ASU first berth to the Division I NCAA Baseball Tournament. Prior to Alabama State, Vazquez spent the previous nine seasons as assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, with 2011 his first as Associate Head Coach. Vazquez played a prominent role in the programs' success, bringing in players that posted a staggering 100-4 MEAC record over the final six seasons, all ending in conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.
Playing under former ASU head coach Mervyl Melendez at B-CU, Vazquez earned all-conference honors as a catcher in his only season with the Wildcats, transferring there for his senior season in 2002. As a starter, Vazquez helped post the best record in school history (39-22), including the programs' only NCAA Regional victory over Florida International. Vazquez then joined the coaching ranks, first as a student in 2003 and, upon graduating, a full-time assistant.
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
Two-sport standout wants to run track & field and play basketball
ALBANY. Georgia — Bryshea Jackson admitted she stayed up late Tuesday night responding to all the congratulatory social media posts, texts and emails she received after signing with Savannah State.
The Westover High School two-sport standout signed a track & field scholarship with the Division I Tigers Tuesday afternoon. But the best part about signing with the school is she will be able to play both sports.
“I’m up for the challenge,” she said.
Jackson won the region title in the triple jump three times during her high school career and placed fifth at the Georgia High School Association state track & field meet this past season.
She was also a four-year starter for the Lady Patriots’ basketball team, helping them finish second in Region 1-AAAA and make the first round of the state tournament.
Jackson led the team in scoring at 14 points per game and also averaged 10 rebounds. She said it was on a basketball visit where the track & field coach also expressed interest.
Florida A&M's 3-time Super Bowl winner Henry Lawrence says Lincoln helped prepare him for his pro career. Lawrence played for the NFL Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders for 13 seasons as an offensive tackle earning 2 Pro Bowl appearances. He was selected in the 1974 NFL draft in Round 1/Pick 19. Video by Alan Dell
MANATEE, Florida -- The 2016 college football season will mark the 50th anniversary of Ray Bellamy’s signing with the University of Miami.
A historic moment changed the landscape of college football in the country forever. With his signature, Bellamy became the first African-American to play football for a major college program in the Southeastern United States.
In a short time, it opened the floodgates for talented black athletes to play college football on the highest level in the only area of the country left that was closed to them.
Some may wonder how Lincoln, a small all-black high school nestled in the migrant farm area of Manatee County in those days, became the epicenter of a movement that would forever alter the landscape of college football.
In the coming weeks, the Bradenton Herald will highlight some of the people who helped put the school on the map.
It’s impossible to write about everyone, but Lincoln, devoid of the amenities that the all-white schools had at the time, showed a remarkable resiliency and wherewithal to conquer enormous odds.
Ray Bellamy is the face of this movement, but he will tell you, it was a collective effort. The coaches and teachers and current and former players at Lincoln had a camaraderie and dedication to each other that enabled them to succeed despite numerous roadblocks. They had a true brotherhood in every sense of the word.
BRADENTON, Florida -- Waite Bellamy was destined to be a standout football player, but he did what many people would consider the unthinkable. He fell in love with basketball and switched sports.
A highly touted center and offensive tackle on Lincoln’s successful football team during his sophomore and junior years, Bellamy decided he couldn’t turn away from his true passion, though he admits the transition was not easy.
Bellamy (no relation to Lincoln great Ray Bellamy) turned himself into one of the greatest basketball players to ever come out of Manatee County. Some even consider him a step above Clifford Rozier, the county’s only first-round NBA draft pick.
Bellamy also was an excellent student and president of the Lincoln student body when he walked the through the graduation line in 1959.
Ray Bellamy, who broke the color barriers for major college football players in the southeast in 1966, said Waite Bellamy was one of those guys who made it happen.
“He was also captain of the football team and student body president. You don’t do things like breaking down those barriers alone. It takes a lot of people,” Ray Bellamy said. “He was an excellent student and set an example for all of us both in the classroom and in athletics. He was an inspiration for me.”
Waite Bellamy went to Florida A&M, where the coaches gave him the choice of playing football or basketball. At 6-feet-4 and possessing a variety of skills, he chose the latter, which arguably turned out to be the right decision.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Former Jackson State sprinter Anaso Jobadwana is Rio bound after qualifying to compete in the 200 meter dash at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Jobodwana, who joins fellow Tiger alum Michael Tinsley as JSU standouts who are heading to Brazil, will compete in his second-straight Olympiad and will represent his home country of South Africa. In 2012 during the London Olympics, the then-sophomore posted an eighth-place result in the 200m finals, along with a time of 20.27 seconds.
Since then, Jobdwana has bettered his personal record in the 200m, most recently claiming the bronze medal during the 2015 IAAF World Championships at Beijing. His time of 19.87 seconds during the race currently stands as the South African record for best mark in the event.
Jackson State University's track and field star, Michael Tinsley is Rio bound after finishing third in the 400 meter hurdles finals Sunday evening during the 2016 US Olympic Trials. Tinsley posted a time of 48.82. Tinsley, who won the 400 meter hurdles silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics while setting a personal best time of 47.91, makes his second straight trip to the Olympics.
Tinsley, who won the 2012 Olympic Trails, posted a semifinal win (49.15) on Saturday. He followed up his London Olympics silver medal with a silver medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.
While at Jackson State, the Little Rock, Arkansas native became the first track and field Tiger to win an NCAA Division I title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2006.
In addition to Tinsley, JSU's Anaso Jobodwana is also headed to Rio to represent his homeland of South Africa in his second straight Olympics. In the 2012 Olympics, at age 20, Jobodwana recorded a personal best time of 20.27 in the 200 meter dash semifinals. The time was just 0.09 behind Usain Bolt, before finishing in eighth place in the finals.
COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin -- The Marquette athletic department has been slowly (or, if you prefer S-L-O-W-L-Y) releasing the men’s basketball non-conference schedule since July 5th. The plan, apparently, was to announce MU’s home games as part of the 2K Classic as they popped up, but ESPN apparently holds the right to announce the bracket for the event.
During the day on Monday, the Bison released their entire 2016-17 schedule, all the way down to the MEAC conference tournament in March. As a part of that release, they included a road trip to Marquette on Monday, November 14th, which would be the home opener for the Golden Eagles.
I can’t prove this now, though. Someone over in Washington, D.C., realized that there’s an embargo on the 2K Classic games and if you check out the press release now or the schedule page, there’s no mention of their contests against Marquette or their subsequent trip to Michigan.
Well, almost no mention. Whomever they put in charge of editing the page forgot that the statement from head coach Kevin Nickelberry mentioned the games.
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania -- As training camp draws closer the 90 day series shifts it’s attention to an explosive rookie interior linemen
Player: Javon Hargrave
Position: Interior Line
School: South Carolina State
Overview:
The selection of Javan Hargrave and his potential of sliding into the NT position for the Steelers is a real embodiment of the shifting nature of their defensive philosophy. It seems like a sign that the days of Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork type 2 gap, block eating monsters have ended, for now. Enter Hargrave who played his college ball at South Carolina State as an accomplished pass rusher who put up some eye popping numbers including tying and FBS record with six in a single game.
Granted, stepping into the NFL from the MEAC conference will be a major challenge, but after 2015 where Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt really led the charge much of the time on the pass rush it will be interesting to see how he fits into the game plan.
While it seems unlikely that Hargrave will win a starting spot coming out of camp it’s more than plausible for him to see time subbing in on obvious passing downs and replacing for Tuitt or Heyward when they need breaks.
NORFOLK, Virginia – Head coach Robert Jones and the Norfolk State men's basketball program officially announced their full 2016-17 schedule on Tuesday. NSU will host four non-conference games in the early part of the season and play six of its first nine MEAC games at home as well.
The Spartans play two teams from the SEC, one from the Big Ten and one from the Big East as part of their non-conference schedule. Overall, four of Norfolk State's opponents competed in the NCAA tournament last year.
"This year's schedule is as tough as it gets," said Jones. "We will be tested early and often by some of the top high- and mid-majors in the country. This schedule is also a product of recent success during a five-year span. It is becoming more and more difficult to schedule like opponents, thus the level of competition willing to play us has increased."
The Spartans host Shenandoah University and renew one of their longest rivalries with Elizabeth City State to highlight their early home schedule. NSU also welcomes Northern Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky to Joseph Echols Hall before diving into conference play. In addition, the Spartans will play an open exhibition game at Virginia State on Nov. 5 in Petersburg.
"Renewing these two old rivalries with Virginia State and Elizabeth City State is something we thought would be good for the fans," stated Jones. "Despite it being an exhibition against the Trojans, we know everyone will be chomping at the bit for that game. Exposing our players to a hostile environment before the season starts against the defending CIAA champion, a Division I caliber team in my opinion, will pay dividends down the road for us."
The regular season starts off with a Friday night contest at Mississippi State on Nov. 11. NSU's busy opening week includes the home games with Shenandoah on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. and Elizabeth City State on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. The Spartans then hit the road for a week straight, competing at Vanderbilt on Nov. 18 and at Butler on Nov. 21 – both NCAA tournament participants last year – as part of the 2016 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational.
Following the game against the Bulldogs, NSU will fly out to Las Vegas for two games at Orleans Arena on Nov. 24 and 25. On its side of the bracket, Norfolk State plays Bucknell on Thanksgiving and then either Sacred Heart or Northern Colorado on day 2.
"We are extremely excited to be invited to this tournament," Jones continued. "It is an honor for this program and university to face the likes of SEC-member Vanderbilt, a very tough Butler team that could possibly be top 25, as well as top mid-majors in Bucknell, who competed in the NIT last year, and Northern Colorado and Sacred Heart."
NSU will close out the opening month of the season with a contest at Loyola Chicago on Nov. 30. The Spartans then return home to host Northern Kentucky on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m., followed by road games at Niagara on Dec. 10 and at Evansville on Dec. 14, the latter of whom did not go to the postseason last year but nevertheless finished 25-9 overall and as the runner-up in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
The last non-conference home contest takes place on Dec. 19 against Eastern Kentucky at 7 p.m. NSU then closes out non-conference play with a game at NCAA participant Purdue on Dec. 21 and at Bowling Green on Dec. 30.
"It will be a difficult challenge facing Mississippi State in the season opener, a team that has a top 10 recruiting class in the nation and a future Hall of Fame coach in Ben Howland," added Jones. "Purdue was one of the best teams in a strong Big Ten conference last year, and of course Northern Kentucky, Evansville, Bowling Green, Loyola and Niagara will be extremely tough as well."
Six of the Spartans' first nine MEAC games will be at home this year, all in the month of January. NSU will thus play just twice at home after Feb. 1, closing out the regular season with five of seven games on the road. Of the program's eight home MEAC games, six will take place on Saturdays this year.
The MEAC schedule begins with a game at Morgan State on Jan. 4, followed by a home weekend against Savannah State on Jan. 7 and South Carolina State on Jan. 9. The Spartans stay in Echols for a contest against North Carolina Central on Jan. 14 before traveling to Delaware State to play the Hornets two days later on Jan. 16.
The Battle of the Bay against Hampton will be held on Jan. 21 at Echols Hall, and again NSU will hit the road for a Monday game, this time at Coppin State on Jan. 23. To close out the month, the Spartans host Bethune-Cookman on Jan. 28 and North Carolina A&T on Jan. 30.
They make the return trip to South Carolina State and Savannah State on Feb. 4 and 6, respectively, to begin the second part of the MEAC season. The following weekend, the Spartans host UMES on Feb. 11 before making another long weekend trip to Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 18 and 20, respectively. The last NSU home game occurs on Feb. 25 against Howard, and like Savannah State, S.C. State and B-CU, NSU will also play Hampton twice this season. The second of those two matchups against the Pirates will be on Feb. 27 at Hampton.
Following the conclusion of the regular season in the second Battle of the Bay, NSU will compete in the MEAC tournament, scheduled to run from March 6-11 at Scope Arena in Norfolk.
"This year the MEAC schedule will be extremely balanced and of course as difficult as it always is," said Jones. "Our challenging non-conference schedule will really help us grow as a team and get prepared for the rigors of 16 conference games."
NSU was one of four teams in the MEAC to compete in the postseason last year, joining Hampton (NCAA) and S.C. State and Savannah State. The Spartans joined the latter two schools in competing in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
The Spartans will welcome eight newcomers to this year's team, including three Division I transfers, and return six players from last year's squad. NSU finished 12-4 and in second place in the MEAC as well as 17-17 overall in 2015-16. Mike Bello, Asst. SID COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida A&M Women’s basketball coach Ledawn Gibson announced recently the signing of seven new players for the 2016-2017 season.
The septet of newcomers include Kennedy Burks (5’11 G/F Grand Prairie, TX, Jamella Smith (5’10 G Chapel Hill, NC) , Ny’Asia Davis (6’3 C Starke, FL) , Dy’Manee Royal (6’0 F Savannah ,GA ) , Ecenur Yurdakul (5’7 PG, Eyup, Turkey), Shakeyrra Morrison (6’0 G/F, and DI transfer Taylor Darks (5’11 W Cincinnati, OH) .
"We are rebuilding this year after losing 72% of our scoring in Khadejra Young and Olivia Antilla, but my staff and I have done a remarkable job in selecting the kind of student athletes we need here at Florida A&M University. I am EXCITED to introduce the new additions to the Orange and Green family.” Ecenur “E” Yurdakul- 5-7 PG/G
Yurdakul is a 5-7 point guard from St. Fair Community College.
The Istanbul, Turkey, native helped the Lady Roadrunners to a 22-8 record and a Region 16 tournament championship in her one season in Sedalia. Yurdakul shot a team-high 82.6 percent from the free-throw line. Yurdakul missed six games in the second half of the season due to injury, but battled her way back to contribute for SFCC.
GIBSON ON YURDAKUL: “Yurdakul enters FAMU with a lot of experience playing basketball on the international level. While in Turkey she had the opportunity to play against some of the best basketball players in the world. She will play the point guard position but also has the ability to stretch the defense by hitting 3pt shots.”
Shakerrya Morrison- 6-0 G/F
She played high school ball at East Wake High School in North Carolina and Junior College at East Central Community
College and was coached by Crandel Porter.
GIBSON ON MORRISON: “Morrison is a high energy aggressive player. She is a great defender and relentless rebounder who will make an immediate impact on this program. She’s been sitting out a year but there is no doubt she will give us all she has to give.”
Jamella Smith- 5-10 G
At Pensacola State College Smith averaged 13 pts, 4 rbs. A tar heel native with many different accolades, the most memorable is when she led her high school team to an undefeated record (32-0 season).
GIBSON ON SMITH: “She possesses a scorer’s mentality with the ability to perform for us in 3 different positions. She’s a rebounding taller guard who doesn’t mind getting gritty with the post players.”
Kennedy Burks- 5-11 SG
Played for Mansfield Lake Ridge High school averaging 12.4 pts, 5 rbs.
GIBSON ON BURKS: “Burks is a long athletic guard that can score in multiple ways and play multiple different positions. Although she is a freshman, she will be expected to develop beyond her years. Which is fine because she has the ability to do so.”
Ny’Asia Davis- 6-3 C
The 6’3 center played for Bradford High School where she averaged 16 pts and 12 rebs.
GIBSON ON DAVIS: “Davis is a very physical post player that can finish around the rim. Davis has great hands, great court vision for a post player and is relentless on the glass. She will add the extra GURTH that we’ve needed over the years.”
Dy’Manee Royal- 6-1 Forward
The Beach senior led the Bulldogs (18-4) with 12.1 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. The 6-foot forward also participates on the Bulldog volleyball and track and field teams.
GIBSON ON ROYAL: “Royal is a player that likes to get up and down the court. She is an aggressive defender and rebounder that has a very high motor. For her size and position, she has unique scoring capabilities. She is a native of Savannah Ga and wishes to show the conference what Ga has to offer.”
Taylor Darks 5’11 W
Darks appeared in a total of 18 games as a freshman. She was a standout at Walnut Hills High School. She is a two-time All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) first team selection, ECC player of the year averaging 16.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Ranked the No.88 guard ESPNW and led her team in scoring. Per NCAA transfer rules, Darks will sit out the 2016-2017 season.
GIBSON ON DARKS: “Darks is a high energy caliber player who could've also obtained a track scholarship because of her athletic abilities. She is the type of player that just keeps going and going and going! She is an over achiever, not just on the court but also in the classroom and we are excited to see her mature in this upcoming year.”
In addition to a seven-woman recruiting class, the Rattlers also return eight players from the 2015-2016 squad, headed key veterans Victoria Nguyen and Alicia McCray.
Redshirt guard Florence Outtara, a 5’10 G (Tiassale, Ivory Coast), who sat out last season, is also scheduled to play.
COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
JACKSON, Mississippi -- Seven months have passed since Jackson State ended its 2015 season against in-state rival Alcorn State.
The Tigers will kick off the 2016 regular season in less than two months, and will open training camp in about three weeks. Not to mention, SWAC Media Day is this Friday.
In preparation for that, The Clarion-Ledger will count down the 10 most important Tigers in 2016.
This list isn't ranking JSU's best players or most talented, but the importance of the role they'll play this fall.
In 2015: As a sophomore, Anderson was the third defensive end in JSU’s defensive line rotation last season, behind standouts Javancy Jones and Teddrick Terrell.
Anderson started plenty of games, though, and recorded 46 tackles, with 10.5 of those coming for a loss. He finished fourth on the team with four sacks, but led the Tigers with 13 quarterback hurries.
VIVIAN, Louisiana -- As one of the driving forces behind North Caddo’s run to three consecutive LHSAA Class 2A state basketball titles, Sumer Williams opted to wait a while before choosing a college.
She made that decision recently when she inked with Jackson State in a ceremony at the school.
“I went over there for a visit, watched them practice and I felt like it was a perfect fit for me,” Williams told The Times. “I like the campus, the coaches and what they were about as a program.”
The Times All-City selection and Times Best of Preps honoree averaged 15 points and 8 rebounds this past season for coach Sandra Dennis. Williams was also coached by Rickey Evans and Angela Channell, who was her counselor for four years.
“Sumer is a hard worker both on the court and in the classroom. She is a very determined young lady who has yet to reach her full potential athletically, so she has the chance to offer some depth in multiple positions,” Channell said. With a coaching staff similar to what she's experienced in high school and an opportunity to continue to develop as a player, she will be an asset in any position at Jackson State.”
GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- Preseason polls don't matter much to Grambling football coach Broderick Fobbs.
