Welcome back to the Trentonian's Full-Court Press blog. Yes, we're still alive, and with the 2015-16 season rapidly approaching, it's time to fire up the old blog for another season. Check back here throughout the year for updates on all things Rider and Princeton, including coverage of both the MAAC and Ivy League. Feel free to drop me a line on twitter @kj_franko (https://twitter.com/kj_franko) or email kfranko@trentonian.com.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Shawn Valentine is Rider's Mr. Do-It-All
Shawn Valentine has the trust of coach Kevin Baggett. // John Blaine Photo
By KYLE FRANKO kfranko@trentonian.com @kj_franko on Twitter
Lawrenceville >> Shawn Valentine doesn't like to admit he's a jack of all trades, but head coach Kevin Baggett knows how valuable the junior forward is to the Rider basketball team.
"Shawn knows that I trust him in a lot of situations," Baggett said. "He's a guy that's normally in the game when the game's on the line for us."
On a team with only two seniors, Valentine is one of the leaders. In two seasons, he's played 63 games, logging 19.1 minutes per contest a year ago as a sophomore.
Anthony D'Orazio looking to make impact in only year at Rider
Lawrenceville >> Remember the Lehigh team which upset Duke in the NCAA Tournament?
Well, if you look at that squad’s statistics you’ll find a name that might become familiar to Rider fans this season.
Anthony D’Orazio was part of that 27-win team as a sophomore and then went on to start on the Mountain Hawks’ 21-win side as a junior.
But he missed all of his senior season with an injury, and after completing all his coursework at Lehigh, was looking to transfer to complete his graduate degree. Read more »
Lawrenceville >> Zedric Sadler had to beg head coach Kevin Baggett to let him be in the dunk contest during Rider's annual Midnight MAACness event held Friday night at Alumni Gymnasium.
When Baggett finally relented, allowing the junior guard to take part, Sadler went out and won the competition, earning bragging rights over his teammates.
"I never did it," Sadler said. "My freshman I didn't get in it and my second year I was hurt. I just wanted to do it one time and experience it. Now, I have to defend next year."
Head coach Kevin Baggett likes his team's depth. (John Blaine Photo)
Lawrenceville >> Now in his third season, Rider head coach Kevin Baggett feels like he's got his team molded just the way he wants.
It helps to have a pair of players who sat out last year due to NCAA transfer rules eligible.
Both Matt Lopez and Teddy Okereafor are expected to be starters for the Broncs, who are coming off a 14-17 season in which they finished eighth in the 11-team MAAC.
Jimmie Taylor, Rider working to get fit as practice begins
Jimmie Taylor is Rider's top returning scorer. (John Blaine Photo)
Lawrenceville >> Nearly 20 minutes after practice ended, Jimmie
Taylor emerged from the Rider locker room still trying to catch his
breath.
The Broncs had just completed their first practice in preparation
for the 2014-15 season, and to say fitness was on the agenda would be
an understatement.
“That’s the toughest part when you’re coming back,” Taylor said.
“When we do all this running, we have to push through it. He’s not going
to let us off easy. So the best thing for us to do is get mentally
tough fast and get through it, so we can keep moving on.”
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