The final result isn’t pretty. 77-62, and it really wasn’t that close in the second half. But the deeper the Spartans go in the NCAA Tournament, the better the result looks. Especially that 17-minute stretch where tiny Robert Morris matched the big bad Spartans shot for shot, possession for possession.
Everyone wants to be Cleveland State, but they usually end up like Robert Morris, Binghamton, Cal-State Northridge, Cornell, and North Dakota State.
However, outside of that 17 minute stretch, there were some positives to take out of the NCAA Tournament game.
- Mezie Nwigwe showed poise off the bench, scoring 8 points, 3 boards, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 22 minutes.
- Gary Wallace was even more efficient, spending much of his time alongside Jimmy Langhurst rather than as his sub (Langhurst played 32 minutes, second only to Jeremy Chappell’s 34). Wallace had seven points and zero turnovers in 15 minutes. His offense has dipped a bit since the start of the season, but he had a stretch where he couldn’t seem to get out of his own way. Since the NEC Tournament started, though, Wallace is back to limiting turnovers and creating opportunities on offense.
- He blew a dunk and couldn’t get a shot to fall, but Rob Robinson had an interesting all-around performance. All of his four assists were exemplary demonstrations of his court vision, something Mike Rice had said only Robinson, Chappell, and Tony Lee last year have shown while he’s been a head coach.
- They never quit. Wallace, in particular, was active in the huddle. We went back to the NEC Championship Game and it was Wallace, coming off the bench, who calmed everyone down in the huddle following Dallas Green’s big shot. Early bet is that Wallace, a frequent target of Mike Rice’s criticisms in practice late in the season, is named captain along with Jimmy Langhurst next year.
Speaking of next year, what’s in store? We’ve said already that replacing Chappell, Francisco, and Ehirim will be difficult. But so was the idea of replacing Tony Lee, AJ Jackson, and Freddie Harris. Doubtful that the Colonials are the favorite next year (Mount St. Mary’s is probably a good bet), but they certainly have a chance to repeat. Why? They’ll have depth like no one else in the league. They may not be explosive, but they’re going to be relentless on defense because they’ll likely be going 11 deep. That just doesn’t happen at this level.
As far as a schedule goes, there should be a different look to it. Duquesne is likely still on the schedule, but Pitt likely won’t be (Jamie Dixon expressed his desire to not play again, but he may be convinced otherwise). Youngstown State should still be on it, as should Iona, as I believe those were 4-year contracts signed two years ago. Central Michigan is done, Miami and Xavier were one-year games only. Bryant will definitely be on it as they’re a future NEC opponent. Count on an exempt tournament with 4 games as well.
For Colonials Corner, we’re taking a step back on the number of posts for the next couple of weeks. We’ll post as we have news, and we’ll try and get a spring football report up, but otherwise, take some time off and regroup. We’ll also do weekly Q+As to keep the interest up.
We have a breakdown of the roster/depth chart listed below, with each player’s expected role and contribution level included. Projected starters are in italics.
CENTERS
Rob Robinson (6’8, 215, Sr.) – With his athleticism, Robinson was expected to make an impact right away. But he wowed even his teammates with his abilities. Now, he just needs to become more efficient. Likely the #1 option next year, Robinson needs to work on his shot, including a mid-range jumper. He’ll also need to cut down on the fouls. After a year of playing D-I ball, though, his comfort level has skyrocketed. Could be a potential Player of the Year candidate.
Brad Piehl (6’8, 215 Fr.) – Mike Rice expects Piehl to play right away. The native Ohioan averages 15 and 10, has taken his team on a tremendous winning streak with state championships, and is a very good defender already. He’ll likely take Iffy Ehirim’s minutes, with perhaps a little more if he shows a firm grasp of the system.
FORWARDS
Dallas Green (6’8, 190, Sr.) – He did this year what Robinson needs to do – cut down on the fouls. He’ll be a hero on campus through the summer, but Green will need to step up his game as a senior to make those shots a bit more common place. The super screener will need to develop an all-around game to help carry a team that doesn’t have a clear offensive threat.
Josiah Whitehead (6’6, 225, Sr.) – He’ll stay on the bench, but expect some more minutes out of him if he can be more aggressive on offense. A few more rebounds per game and a field goal percentage above 50% should be reasonable expectations.
Lijah Thompson (6’7, 200, Fr.) – Thompson might find more playing time as a wing/small forward as a freshman, but Rice seems to envision him as a starting forward as a sophomore. Year one will be a learning experience, but his defense is probably going to get him minutes first. That said, reports indicate that Thompson might be even more athletic than Robinson, so expect some flashes of brilliance in select spots.
WINGS
Mezie Nwgiwe (6’4, 195, Sr.) - The biggest task for Nwigwe will be to take over Bateko Francisco’s role as the top defender. Sure, he’ll be asked to score more with Chappell gone, but Francisco’s on-the-ball defense will be harder to replace. Points can be found, but a game changer on defense can be tough. Nwgiwe can do it if he continues to harness his athletic ability.
Russell Johnson (6’6, 175, So.) – The enigma. The highest rated recruit (even more than Thompson) to come to Robert Morris, Johnson hasn’t practiced with the team since arriving last year because he’s not officially on the team. A Prop 48, Johnson turned down Penn State and Temple to come to Bobby Mo. How fast he picks up the system and how well he adjusts to Rice’s demands will determine the number of minutes he plays.
TWO GUARDS
Gary Wallace (6’3, 185, Jr.) – A likely choice for captain, Wallace will be asked to contribute much more offensively. He and Langhurst will likely switch off running the offense in order to run set plays for both of them, but Wallace might be allowed to freelance a bit more. Almost a 50% shooter from trey, Wallace just needs to be more aggressive in his shot selection. Couple that with fewer fouls, and Wallace could help propel this team back into contention.
Khalif Foster (6’3, 210, R. So.) – He has to get it. Foster will be needed next year, and he can’t spend it in Rice’s doghouse. He’s shown some promise in the handful of games he’s appeared in down the stretch, but Rice clearly didn’t trust him to be efficient on the floor. If he can even go from 5 minutes per game over two-thirds of the season to 15 minutes per game over the full season, the Colonials will be better off. He does have three years left, though, since he redshirted his freshman year.
Coron Williams (6’2, 160, Fr.) – He could redshirt so that the Colonials don’t waste a year with him. He’s only verballed, so he may not even be the guy that the Colonials bring in to fill Will Royal’s scholarship. They will bring someone in, though, and it likely will be a guard. Like Nwigwe, he tends to play a bit fast and out of control, so if he does get minutes, expect them to be controlled.
POINT GUARDS
Jimmy Langhurst (5’11, 185, Sr.) – If Robinson is the first opportunity on offense, Langhurst will be #2. He really might be the first option, but no coach will admit an outside shooter is his first option. Langhurst needs to work on creating some more separation, and he needs to continue something he developed this year – a fearlessness in going to the hole, despite a size disadvantage. Perhaps the most controlled player on the team, Langhurst will need to continue his leadership role next year, especially with the young players. Five seniors on this team, and no matter what happens, Langhurst needs to make sure that he and his fellow seniors are leaving the team in good hands.
Velton Jones (6’0, 170, So.) – Expect a Gary Wallace type role from Jones next year. He looks dynamic in practice, but he’ll need to make quality decisions on the floor to run the point. With Wallace likely starting, Jones will be needed as Langhurst’s backup. Jimmy can’t play 40 minutes like Derek Coleman, and Jones offers a nice change of pace. With no game action to judge him, Jones will need to show a solid grasp of the game early.
Karon Abraham (5’9, 150, Fr.) – Surprise, surprise, another defender. Abraham is relentless and might be the eventual replacement for Francisco. Plus, he can score. 26 points per game in high school in a New Jersey league, especially for a 5’9 guard? Impressive. Clearly a major component to the future, there’s a bit of a logjam in front of him for this year. He’ll likely get a taste early on defense, and how he handles that will determine how fast he earns playing time. Could be a redshirt candidate, just based off of sheer numbers.
Also expect a few walkons next year. With five seniors departing, Rice might try and find some magic from some local players who don’t accept scholarships elsewhere and decide to stay close. Bringing in five freshmen the next year could be tough on the system, so Rice could tell one or two guys that if they come in as preferred walk-ons and showcase their abilities for a year, he’ll give them a scholarship the next year.
Enjoy the break.
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