Ingram leads in exhibition win over Catholic
Andre Ingram scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds, and freshman Garrison Carr scored 18 off the bench Wednesday night as AU defeated Catholic University, 71-63, in a home exhibition.
The Eagles started three guards, including freshman Derrick Mercer at point guard. As expected AU pushed the tempo ooffensively and utilized different pressing defenses early and often.
Key 3-pointers and great free throw shooting were the keys to the victory. AU shot 24-of-58 from the floor, 6-of-16 from 3-point range and 28-of-34 from the free throw line. Catholic shot just 17-of-41, and hit just one 3-pointer
Young point guards could be key in three-guard plan
There's alot to get used to for the AU men's basketball team in 2005-2006, including five freshmen, a three-guard lineup, and a return to transition basketball.
With only one senior and a roster with only two upperclassmen above 6-foot-5, the coaching staff had little choice but to opt for the a smaller three-guard set and a starting lineup that could have at least one freshman.
"We're young and small first semester, and we're going to try to play a more up-tempo and faster style of play," assistant coach Jason Williford said.
The coaching staff is especially high on Mercer, who could compete for starting point guard with Florida State transfer Romone Penny.
"Mercer has had a very impressive preseason and is like a coach on the floor," said assistant coach Kieran Donohue.
Donahue credits Mercer's high school background for helping him fit in early on. He played at the nationally competitive Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony's
"He's not the flashiest of players, but at the end of the day, he gets the job done," Donahue said.
The potential at point guard should shift junior Linas Lekavicius to the shooting guard and Ingram to small forward.
Ingram, last year's top scorer, is already getting on well with the freshman.
"I love Derrick," Ingram said. "He's a true point guard."
Big expectations for big man Billbe
The AU coaching staff is expecting big things out of veteran big man, Brayden Billbe.
The 6-foot-10 junior spent the summer in Washington working out and playing in the Kenner League, against players from George Mason, Georgetown and Maryland. He also got his weight up to 235 pounds.
"I would be surprised if there's a player more improved in our league than Brayden Billbe," Donahue said.
A surefire starter for the first time, Billbe is AU lone post presence until 6-foot-11 Paulius Joneliunas becomes eligible to play. The junior South Carolina transfer will be ready for the Dec. 23 game at Maryland.
Bucknell's Chris McNaughton still is the PL's dominant post players. The junior is the preseason pick for PL Player of the Year.
Don't touch that dial: AU hoops returns to radio
After years of being relegated to the Internet, the Eagles are returning to the radio. Every home game and two road games will be broadcast on WWRC 1260 AM.
AU alum Bram Weinstein will do play-by-play. Weinstein is a local radio personality on SportsTalk 980 where he hosts the Joe Gibbs Show and the Bram Weinstein Show.
Weinstein will do the games alongside color analyst Mike Vallaincourt.
