Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons Begin Three-Game Homestand Monday Night
11/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 20, 2005
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Game No. 5
#19/18 Wake Forest (3-1) vs.
UNC-Asheville (0-1)
Tip-Off: 7:05 p.m.
TV: None.
Radio: ISP/Deacon Radio Network. Stan Cotten (play-by-play) and Mark Freidinger (color analysis) call the action.
Records: Wake Forest is 3-1 after a 78-73 double-overtime win against Texas Tech Friday night in New York. UNC-Asheville is 0-1 following an 80-52 loss in its season opener at Georgia Tech Friday night.
Rankings: Wake Forest is ranked 19th in the Associated Press poll and 18th in the ESPN/USA Today preseason polls. UNC-Asheville is not ranked.
Coaches: Wake Forest coach Skip Prosser (U.S. Merchant Marine Academy `72) is 97-36 (.729) in his fifth season with the Demon Deacons, 262-114 (.697) in his 13th season overall. UNC-Asheville head coach Eddie Biedenbach (NC State `68) is 122-139 in 10 seasons with the Bulldogs, 131-190 in 13 seasons overall.
Series: Wake Forest leads the all-time series, 6-0. Monday's game will be the first meeting since 1983.
On Deck: Wake Forest will host Appalachian State Friday night in Joel Coliseum at 7 p.m. UNC-Asheville hosts Lenoir-Rhyne Saturday night.
Officials: Announced on game day.
Wake Forest Begins Three-Game Homestand Monday vs. UNCA
Wake Forest, coming off a disappointing loss and a thrilling double-overtime victory in New York, begins a three-game homestand Monday against UNC-Asheville (7:05/no TV).
The Demon Deacons, 3-1, fell 77-72 to Florida Thursday night, then beat Texas Tech 78-73 in double-OT Friday night at Madison Square Garden in the 2k Classic.
UNC-Asheville, 0-1, opened its season Friday night in Atlanta with an 80-52 loss to Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs made just 1-of-14 three-point attempts and committed 25 turnovers in the loss.
Monday's game is the first between the two North Carolina schools since Dec. 4, 1982. Wake Forest leads the all-time series, 6-0.
Following Monday's game, Wake Forest hosts Appalachian State Friday and Wisconsin Nov. 29.
Demon Deacon Streaks, Trends
- Wake Forest is 17-2 in November under Skip Prosser. The Deacons are trying to avoid losing two November games for the first time ever.
- The Deacons own an 18-game home court winning streak.
- Monday's game marks the first of 11 games Wake Forest will play this season against teams from North Carolina.
- If the Deacons remain in the Associated Press poll on Monday, it would mark the 54th consecutive week Wake has been in the AP top 25. That would match a school record set in the Tim Duncan era.
UNC-Asheville Is The First Of Four Renewed In-State Rivalries
The Wake Forest schedule has a strong state of North Carolina flavor this year as the Demon Deacons play eight different teams from within the state boundaries.
Four of those opponents -- UNC-Asheville, Appalachian State, East Carolina and Charlotte -- are back on the Deacon schedule after a lengthy layoff.
UNC-Asheville, Monday's opponent, will play Wake Forest for the first time in more than 20 years. It has been nearly 20 years since the Deacons played East Carolina.
The Deacons also play Elon, a team that has been a regular part of the Wake non-conference schedule recently. There are also a combined five games against in-state ACC opponents Duke, North Carolina and NC State.
In-State Opponent Last Meeting Result
UNC-Asheville Dec. 4, 1982 WF, 72-54
Appalachian State Dec. 18, 1995 WF, 91-50
East Carolina Feb. 5, 1986 WF, 65-60
Charlotte Feb. 14, 1987 WF, 84-76
Wake's 66 Rebounds Nearly A Record
Wake Forest pulled down 66 rebounds Friday in the win over Texas Tech, which attempted 82 shots but shot just 31.7 percent.
The 66 rebounds were the most by a Deacon team in more than 40 years and rank second in school single-game history. Only the 1960-61 team, which had 73 rebounds against Virginia on Jan. 7, 1961, had more boards in a game.
Most Rebounds In Wake Forest History
73 vs. Virginia at Winston-Salem Jan. 7, 1961
66 vs. Texas Tech at New York Nov. 18, 2005
64 vs. Appalachian State at Winston-Salem Dec. 18, 1975
64 vs. Marquette at Winston-Salem Dec. 14, 1963
64 vs. Tennessee at Winston-Salem Jan. 18, 1960
Deacons Saw Doubles Against Tech
Three Wake Forest players -- Trent Strickland (16 rebounds), Kyle Visser (16) and Eric Williams (10) -- had double-figure rebounds against Texas Tech Friday night. That hasn't happened very often. In fact, three Deacons have pulled down double-digit boards in the same game just three times in the last 25 years.
Strickland and Visser, each of whom had 16 points and 16 rebounds, gave Wake Forest two players with a double-double. The previous time that happened came on Feb. 13, 2003 against Duke -- also a double-overtime Wake Forest win.
Most Players With Double-Figure Rebounds/Last 25 Seasons
3 vs. Texas Tech at New York Nov. 18, 2005
3 vs. Temple at Winston-Salem Dec. 1, 2002
3 vs. Marquette at Milwaukee Dec. 12, 1981
Through 4 Games: Stats Report Card
Wake Forest, through four games, has developed a few habits. Some habits, like its rebounding, it would like to keep. Other habits, such as turnovers, the Deacons would like to discard.
In all four games this season, Wake Forest has out-rebounded its opponent. And it hasn't been close. The Deacons pulled down 21 more rebounds than Texas Tech Friday night.
For the season, Wake owns a rebound margin of +10.3.
One habit the Deacons would like to kick is their tendency to turn the ball over. Wake Forest has had more turnovers than its opponent in all four games this season. The Deacs, who have had at least 19 turnovers in every game, have 28 more turnovers than assists.
Strickland May Be One Of The ACC's Most Improved Players
Wake Forest senior Trent Strickland has often been compared to former Deacon Josh Howard. That's an unfair comparison, seeing how Howard was an NBA first-round draft pick and is currently the Dallas Mavericks' second-leading scorer.
Yet Strickland continues to play much like Howard, the 2003 ACC Player of the Year.
- He has earned a double-double in three of the first four games of the season -- the first three double-doubles of his career.
- Strickland averages a double-double with 17.0 points and a team-best 11.5 rebounds per game.
- Against Texas Tech last Friday, Strickland had 16 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.
- He made his first six three-point field goal attempts of the season and is currently shooting 77.7 percent (7-of-9) from behind the arc.
- He is shooting 64.7 percent from the field.
- He was named MVP of the 2k Classic Winston-Salem Regional.
- He was named ACC Player of the Week Nov. 14.
Strickland In 2005-06
vs. Mississippi Valley 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 6-7 FGs
vs. George Mason 18 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 6-9 FGs
vs. Florida 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2-2 3pt FGs
vs. Texas Tech 16 points, *16 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
* Career high
Deacons Already 2-0 In Overtime Games
This year's Wake Forest team has already done something last year's team did not do -- win an overtime game. And the Deacons have done it twice.
Wake beat George Mason in overtime on Nov. 11, then topped Texas Tech in double-overtime on Nov. 18.
Last year the Deacons went 0-3 in overtime games, including a double-overtime loss to West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Wake Forest is 46-47 all-time in overtime games.
Big E Off And Dunking
Wake Forest senior Eric Williams, who flirted with the NBA Draft before returning to school, is off to the start he had hoped for.
Williams is averaging a team-best 17.5 points per game to go with 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 1.3 steals. The 6-9 Williams is shooting 63.8 percent (30-of-47) from the field, bolstered by 10 dunks.
"Big E" scored in double figures in 21 straight games until that streak ended Friday against Texas Tech. He is the only Deacon to score 20 points in a game this season and he has done it twice.
Williams Closing In On Milestones
Eric Williams will leave his name etched in the Wake Forest record books.
n Williams is shooting 58.5 percent for his career, which ranks second in Wake Forest history.
- He ranks 25th in Wake Forest scoring history with 1,253 career points.
- "Big E" is closing in on 600 career rebounds. He has 589.
- On Monday, he will play in his 100th career game.
- He needs 13 free throws to have 300 made for his career.
- Williams ranks 12th in Wake history with 79 career blocked shots.
- With 93 career steals, he is closing in on 100.
- Williams has 136 career dunks.
Gray Finds Touch, Is Hero In New York
Against Texas Tech Friday night, Wake trailed 64-60 with a minute left in the first overtime. That's when Justin Gray buried a deep 3-pointer to cut the lead to one. After Martin Zeno of the Red Raiders hit two free throws to push it to 66-63 Gray hit another long three to tie it with 3.7 seconds left.
The Deacons went on to win 78-73 in two overtimes.
Gray went without a three-pointer in the first two games of the season, but he sank eight treys in two games in New York.
Gray Moving Up Scoring, Assists Ladder
Seniors Justin Gray is the 19th player in Wake Forest history to score 1,400 points. He has scored 1,409 career points to rank 19th in school history.
- Gray has 232 career three-point field goals, which rank fifth in Wake Forest history.
- He has 263 career assists and is closing in on joining the top 10.
- Gray has 107 career steals, also approaching the top 10 in that category.
- Gray (1,372 points) needs 28 points to become the 19th player at Wake Forest to score 1,400 points. Williams (1,224) will move into 27th place with two points and into 26th place with 16 points.
Wale Forest Career Scoring Leaders
Rk. Player Years GP FG 3PT FT Avg Points
1. Dickie Hemric 1952-55 113 841 -- 905 22.9 2,587
2. Randolph Childress 1991-95 120 648 329 583 18.4 2,208
3. Len Chappell 1960-62 87 764 -- 637 24.9 2,165
4. Tim Duncan 1994-97 128 790 17 520 16.5 2,117
5. Skip Brown 1974-77 108 846 -- 342 18.8 2,034
6. Rod Griffin 1975-78 107 773 -- 439 18.6 1,985
7. Charlie Davis 1969-71 79 696 -- 578 24.9 1,970
8. Robert O'Kelley 1998-01 127 618 288 361 14.8 1,885
9. Darius Songaila 1999-02 130 636 12 575 14.3 1,859
10. Josh Howard 2000-03 127 647 109 362 13.9 1,765
11. Frank Johnson 1977-81 120 708 -- 333 14.6 1,749
12. Chris King 1988-92 113 702 29 288 15.2 1,721
13. Rodney Rogers 1991-93 89 683 53 301 19.3 1,720
14. Bob Leonard 1964-66 80 623 -- 391 20.5 1,637
15. Lefty Davis 1953-56 84 574 -- 416 18.6 1,564
16. Sam Ivy 1987-90 111 645 -- 261 14.0 1,551
17. Jack Williams 1953, 56-57 82 531 -- 391 17.7 1,453
18. Alvis Rogers 1979-83 114 570 -- 301 12.6 1,441
19. Justin Gray 2003- 91 434 224 280 15.4 1,409
20. Jerry Schellenberg 1974-77 109 560 -- 246 12.5 1,366
21. Craig Dawson 1999-02 128 481 255 125 10.5 1,342
22. Delaney Rudd 1982-85 114 561 13 194 11.7 1,329
23. Billy Packer 1960-62 89 527 -- 262 14.8 1,316
24. Tony Rutland 1995-98 122 392 247 242 10.4 1,273
25. Eric Williams 2003- 99 471 0 282 12.7 1,253
Wake Forest Will Tie School Record If Ranked In Monday's AP Poll
Wake Forest, despite a loss to Florida last week, should remain in the Associated Press top 25 when that poll is released on Monday. That is significant because it would be the 54th consecutive week the Deacons have been ranked, tying a school record set from 1996 to 1997.
Only Duke, Kentucky and Arizona have been ranked in more consecutive polls than the Deacons.
In five seasons under coach Skip Prosser, Wake Forest has been ranked in the AP poll every week but four.
Ellis Questionable With Ankle Injury
Senior forward Chris Ellis remains questionable with a right ankle injury he suffered in the first half of Friday's game against Texas Tech. Ellis did not play in the second half against the Red Raiders.
On This Date In Deacon History
November 21st -- Wake Forest is 3-0 all-time on this date. The Deacons last played on November 21st in 2001 -- a 62-61 win over 23rd-ranked Fresno State in the Preseason NIT semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Wake Forest also played on Nov. 21 in 1998 -- an 81-66 win over Mercer -- and in 1997 -- a 56-54 victory against Georgetown.
Deacs Own 18-Game Home Win Streak
Wake Forest has the nation's fifth-longest current homecourt winning streak at 18 games. The Deacons have not lost in Lawrence Joel Coliseum since March 6, 2004 versus NC State.
The Deacons have won 48 of their last 49 non-conference home games.
Deacons Sign Five To Letters Of Intent
Five highly-regarded high school seniors have signed letters-of-intent to play basketball at Wake Forest next season, head coach Skip Prosser confirmed Nov. 15.
L.D. Williams (East Bend, NC), Jamie Skeen (Charlotte, NC), Ishmael Smith (Concord, NC) , Anthony Gurley (Newton, MA) and Chas McFrarland (Lovington, IL) all signed official letters of intent.
"I am thrilled with this recruiting class," Prosser said. "It answers many of our needs for the future. While recruiting is the most inexact of sciences, I am confident that this class will allow Wake Forest to compete with the best in the ACC and the best in the nation."
Rivals.com rated the Wake Forest recruiting class 18th nationally.
Williams, 6-4 and 185 pounds, is from the Winston-Salem area but is completing high school at Monteverde Academy in Florida. He is ranked among the top prospects nationally by Rivals.com. Williams chose Wake Forest after receiving a great deal of attention from several schools in the ACC and the SEC.
Skeen, 6-8 and 215, is embarking on his senior season at North Mecklenburg High School. Ranked among the nation's top 150 prospects, he is considered one of the nation's top high school senior small forwards. An all-state performer in 2005, Skeen led his team to the state 4A championship last season. Skeen was North Carolina's Mr. Basketball in 2005.
Smith, 5-11 and 155, gives Wake Forest an outstanding prospect at point guard. He plays for Central Cabarrus High School. Smith is considered one of the quickest players in this year's class. Smith led Central Cabarrus to a 20-8 record and to the sectional finals last season as a junior. He plays for coach Scott Brewer.
Gurley is ranked among the nation's top prep prospects by Rivals. The 6-3, 185-pound Newton North High School senior is ranked as the 22nd-best shooting guard prospect. He averaged 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game last season for coach Paul Connolly's team, which won the state championship last season.
McFarland, 7-0, averaged 16.7 points, 14.3 rebounds and 7.5 blocked shots per game last season at Lovington High School in Illinois, where he was an all-state selection. McFarland is playing this season at Worcester (Mass.) Academy for coach Ed Reilly.
Gray, Williams Are Wooden Candidates
Wake Forest seniors Justin Gray and Eric Williams were named two of the 50 preseason candidates for the John R. Wooden Award, which goes annually to the nation's top college player.
Gray and Williams are two of eight ACC players on the list, joining Maryland's Nik Caner-Medley, Miami's Guillermo Diaz, Boston College's Jared Dudley and Craig Smith, and Duke's J.J. Redick and Sheldon Williams.
Starter In A Drum
Junior transfer Michael Drum started in the season opener, becoming the first non-scholarship player to start for the Deacons since Jim Fitzpatrick in 1999-00. Drum has started all four gamesFitzpatrick made five starts as a walk-on senior.
Miscellaneous Notes
- Wake Forest has won 12 straight season openers dating back to a Nov. 25, 1993 loss to Alaska-Anchorage in the opening round of the Great Alaska Shootout.
- The Deacons have not lost a home opener since Nov. 28, 1988, against Richmond, 74-61.
Three Walk-Ons Added To Roster
Three freshmen non-scholarship walk-on players, including two with local ties, were added to the Wake Forest 2005-06 men's basketball roster.
Joining the Deacons are 6-7 forward Bobby Hoekstra (Lewisville, NC), 6-2 guard Matt Smith (Advance, NC) and 6-1 guard Mike Lepore (Flemington, NJ).
Hoekstra is a local product who enjoyed an outstanding prep career at Forsyth Country Day. A basketball and baseball standout for the Furies, Hoekstra averaged 15 points and 11 rebounds per game last season.
Smith played his prep basketball at Davie County High School, where he was all-conference and offensive team MVP.
Lepore played on the high school level at Lawrenceville Prep in New Jersey, where he lettered in both basketball and golf.
Four Fresh Faces
With the loss of seniors Vytas Danelius, Taron Downey and Jamaal Levy, plus the departure of sophomore Chris Paul to the NBA, head coach Skip Prosser had some serious holes to fill.
While it wouldn't be fair to expect Wake's four newcomers to replace the above-mentioned foursome, the Deacon freshmen class will play a vital role in 2005-06.
Forward Kevin Swinton, 6-7, will certainly contribute right away -- at least when he returns from suspension Thursday night. A strong presence in the paint, Swinton will compete for a starting role at small forward.
The Deacon coaching staff is hoping to get valuable minutes this season from both 6-1 Shamaine Dukes and 6-2 Harvey Hale. If either can emerge at point guard, it would be a big plus for Wake Forest as it tries to compensate for the loss of Paul.
David Weaver, an athletic 6-10 post player, has potential to be an outstanding player in the ACC.
. He will compete with and learn from Williams and Visser this season.
Four Seniors, One Junior Back
The bad news for Wake Forest is just five scholarship players return in 2005-06. The good news is that those five include four battle-tested seniors and a junior.
And it's no stretch to say that Wake Forest has two of the best players in college basketball on its roster. Senior guard Justin Gray and senior center Eric Williams, both second team All-ACC selections last season and both preseason candidates for the John Wooden Award, are back in the fold.
Also returning are senior swingman Trent Strickland, a part-time starter the last three seasons, and senior forward Chris Ellis, who is hoping to be healthy after recent foot surgery. Junior center Kyle Visser, who has shown flashes of great potential, is also back in 2005-06.
Not So New Newcomers
Much of the preseason talk is about Wake Forest's four-man freshman class, but two other "rookies" will play a key role in 2005-06.
Cameron Stanley, 6-6, redshirted last season. His once-injured knee is now completely healed and after a year of practicing with the Deacons, Stanley is raring to go.
There is also junior Michael Drum, who sat out last season after transferring from Presbyterian College. While Drum is a non-scholarship player, he is expected to compete for playing time this season.
Seniors Have Accomplished Much
Wake Forest's senior class has combined to go 73-22 over the last three years, including a 35-13 mark in the ACC. No team has won more ACC games during that stretch.
The seniors are 24 victories away from tying the school record for the most wins over a four-year period. That record of 97 wins was set from 1994 to 1997 when Tim Duncan played for the Deacons.
Celebrating 100 Seasons
Wake Forest is celebrating its 100th season of basketball in 2005-06 and festivities will go on throughout the year.
A commemorative 100-year logo (see top of box at right) is in place. On the agenda is a reunion of former players and coaches, a throwback (or turn-back-the-clock game) and more.
Deacon Basketball Calendar
November
21 - 7:00, Wake Forest vs. UNC-Asheville at Joel Coliseum
22 - 6:00-9:00, practice at Miller Center
23 - 12:00-3:00, practice at Miller Center
24 - 12:00-3:00, practice at Joel Coliseum
25 - 7:00, Wake Forest vs. Appalachian State at Joel Coliseum
25 - Chicago Bulls (Darius Songaila) at San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan), 8:30
26 - No practice
27 - 12:00-3:00, practice at Joel Coliseum
28 - 3:30-7:00, practice at Joel Coliseum
28 - Freshman Matt Smith's birthday (born Nov. 28, 1985)
29 - 7:00, Wake Forest vs. Wisconsin at Joel Coliseum (ACC/Big Ten Challenge), ESPN
December
1 - 3:30-7:00, practice at the Miller Center
1 - San Antonio Spurs (Tim Duncan) at Dallas Mavericks (Josh Howard), 8:00
2 - 3:30-7:00, practice at the Miller Center
3 - 2:00, Wake Forest vs. Elon, Greensboro Coliseum
3 - New Orleans Hornets (Chris Paul) at Dallas Mavericks (Josh Howard), 8:30
4 - off
5 - final exams
5 - Dallas Mavericks (Josh Howard) at Chicago Bulls (Darius Songaila), 8:30
6 - final exams
7 - final exams
8 - final exams
9 - 4:00-7:00, practice at Miller Center
10 - 4:00-7:00, practice at Miller Center
11 - 4:00-7:00, practice at Joel Coliseum
12 - 12:00-3:00, practice at Joel Coliseum
12 - Michael Drum's birthday (born in 1983)
