UNTLifer
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GoMeanGreen.com
Posts posted by UNTLifer
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Final question: How many teams can the Sun Belt lose without folding?
I'm not too worried about folding. In fact, rumor has it that we will be adding a couple more teams in the very near future.
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Awasom prowls for hoops rings
01/09/2003
By Tim MacMahon / Staff Writer
Adrian Awasom sends a message to his North Texas basketball teammates with his middle finger, though there is nothing profane about the manner in which he does it.
DRC/Al Key
Adrian Awasom, a defensive end on the UNT football team, makes the transition to power forward for the basketball team when he steps inside the Super Pit.
The part-time power forward sports a pair of Sun Belt championship rings on his right hand. He displays his reward for playing defensive end on the 2001 football conference title team on his ring finger. He decorates his index finger with a track and field championship ring, earned by finishing third in the discus in his only meet of last spring to help UNT win the outdoor men’s crown.
One can’t help but notice the absence of jewelry on his middle finger, especially since it’s about the size of a Lincoln log.
"That’s where the basketball one will go," said Awasom, who apparently has picked out another digit for the Sun Belt and New Orleans Bowl championship ring he earned in the fall. "That’s why there’s a gap in the middle."
The 6-5, 275-pound sophomore gives the Mean Green much-needed muscle in the paint, even more so than he did when he played limited minutes last season. Awasom, who added 25 pounds of muscle last summer, has switched from No. 15 to No. 35 this season because he outgrew his previous basketball jersey.
Awasom joined the team a couple days after Christmas and was rushed into playing significant minutes earlier than expected because of injuries to centers Will Smith and Justin Barnett. Smith will be sidelined at least another week by an infection in his foot, and Barnett has battled back pain all season.
Though he had minimal practice time, Awasom was a key factor in UNT’s double-overtime victory at Florida International in the league opener, when he played a career-high 26 minutes.
His stat line — two points and four rebounds — wasn’t spectacular. But Awasom provided a physical presence and played dominating defense, helping force Florida International star Eulis Baez into his worst shooting game of the season. He also came up with the biggest rebound of the game, ripping the ball away from two Golden Panthers under their basket with nine seconds remaining in the final overtime.
"It’s too early to dictate exactly what his role on this team is," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "But I like his start. From what he was able to accomplish over the weekend, he’s definitely going to get looked at."
Awasom isn’t quite as brute on the basketball court as he is on the football field, where he made eight sacks this season for the nation’s third-ranked scoring defense and was named second-team All-Sun Belt.
"It’s not a loose-cannon physical presence like it was last year," said UNT assistant coach Charlie Leonard, noting that Awasom picked up only two fouls in those 26 minutes. "He’s a little more purposeful with the way that he uses his body."
But Awasom definitely doesn’t back away from contact. In fact, he verbally invites opposing big men to bang with him. He’s pleasantly surprised by how often his challenge is accepted.
"The big dude did last game — and he got hurt," said Awasom. He’s referring to 6-10 Florida International center Belco Bamba, who injured his hip in a collision with Awasom under the boards just before halftime and did not return to the game.
Jones summoned Awasom off the bench after Bamba scored a couple of easy baskets in the first few minutes of the game. Bamba didn’t score again from the floor.
Awasom’s defensive strategy is simple: He doesn’t allow the man he is guarding to get comfortable. Awasom understands that he is always at a height disadvantage, so he meets his man with a firm forearm and doesn’t allow him to get to his favorite spots on the floor.
"That 6-footer becomes a 10-footer, which lowers your field-goal percentage opportunity," said Leonard, who works with UNT’s post players. "For big guys who have limited range, if you can get them to 10 or 12 feet, that’s an advantage."
Added Awasom: "It’s just getting them out of their rhythm. They want to get to the block, but I’m not going to let them get there to do their move. It’s being physical with them, but it’s outsmarting them, too."
Awasom is still catching up with the changes the Mean Green has made in its playbook since last season, so his impact offensively has been mostly limited to setting some pretty powerful picks.
But Awasom isn’t shy to let it fly when he has a wide-open shot. He showed as much on his lone field goal against Florida International, a 16-footer that he took with UNT trailing by three with less than six minutes remaining in regulation. The Mean Green was in transition at the time, and star swingman Chris Davis was open on the wing.
"If he would have missed, I wouldn’t have said nothing," Davis said with a laugh. "I’d have just got back on defense. I don’t want to make him mad at me."
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Wish I could be there to see Coach Blakeley. My whole life my folks have been telling me how great he was.
He was great. He used to drap signs over the back of his chair on the bench with a saying usually aimed at either the officials or the opponent. I don't remember the exact wording of any of these, but they were always something to look forward to. He was not only a great coach, but he knew how to bring entertainment to the Super Pit, not only with his coaching style, but also with his antics on the sidelines.
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You know, if we expect TCU and SMU to play us in football, it is only right that UTA expects us to play them in Bball. I don't have a problem with this as it would help attendance for sure.
I don't know if I agree with his assessment that ASU will return to the Southland though. ULM may be another story.
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This was a great win. It's just too bad more people aren't familiar with the quality of Weber State's program and what a big step in the right direction this was for us.
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He keeps firing the wrong person
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Thank God it is such a long season with so many games to be played and so much time for the team to improve.
Where was the football team at the midway point in the season when the games with power conference teams ended and the conference schedule began? As I remember it was 1-5.
Buford, I love your optimism, but the comparisions aren't valid. The football team only got beaten badly, by final score standards, by UT and Bama while playing the rest of the teams from the "power" conferences closely. In fact, they should have won a couple of these games. The basketball team, on the other hand, is getting hammered by everyone.
I hope my feelings are wrong, and your outlook on the future is correct.
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"They got off to a great start," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "We were competing and battling, but as the game went on, they continued to play and executed their offense. That's something we didn't do."
Why, at this point in the season, are we still having trouble executing our offense? It seems we are also lacking in the basic fundamentals, rebounding, shooting, etc... This is usually a reflection of the coach. I hope this is not the case in this instance.
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Baylor rains 3's on Mean Green in victory
12/31/2002
By TIM MACMAHON / Denton Record-Chronicle
WACO - The latest edition of the lopsided Baylor-North Texas series was a laugher.
The Bears, who have beaten the Mean Green 11 of the last 12 times the teams met and hold a 31-11 edge in the series, rolled to an 82-56 rout Monday night in front of a crowd of 6,751 at the Ferrell Center.
"They got off to a great start," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "We were competing and battling, but as the game went on, they continued to play and executed their offense. That's something we didn't do."
A pair of sophomores provided the spark for Baylor. Shooting guard Kenny Taylor and power forward Lawrence Roberts each scored 23 points
"We left on a bad note before Christmas break," said Roberts, whose team suffered a 66-58 loss at SMU on Dec. 21. "We just wanted to come out and play the kind of game we knew we could play."
Taylor, who had a career-high point total for the second consecutive game, was 7-of-10 from the floor despite not taking a shot inside the 3-point arc.
Roberts, who made nine of 13 shots, did the majority of his damage around the basket. However, he capped his performance by knocking down a pair of 3-pointers, the second one becoming a 4-point play.
Baylor (7-2) shot a season-best 49 percent from the floor and made 13 of 28 3-point attempts.
"That's a little more like it," said Baylor coach Dave Bliss, pleased that his team's inside play opened up the perimeter game.
UNT (5-6), playing its second game without injured shooting guard Leonard Hopkins, struggled to get any semblance of offense going, shooting 36 percent from the floor and 12 percent from 3-point range.
Forward Michael DeGrate, a transfer from Baylor who scored 13 points, was the only player in double figures for UNT. Swingman Chris Davis, the Mean GreenÕs go-to guy, was held to four points. Forward Jermaine Green, the only other healthy UNT player averaging in double figures, scored six points.
"Our shooters have got to knock down shots," Jones said. "The shots are there for them. We've just got to be better."
Baylor blew the game open with a 24-4 run minutes into the game and took a 46-21 lead into the locker room - its biggest halftime lead since its upset of Kansas on Feb. 12, 2001. Roberts and Taylor outscored UNT in the half, combining for 27 points.
Roberts got the Bears going early in the game with his powerful play in the paint, scoring 12 of their first 20 points. He finished the first half with 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting.
Taylor's outside shooting provided a perfect complement to Roberts' inside presence. Taylor was 3-of-4 from 3-point range and had 11 points in the half.
By the first media timeout of the second half, Taylor had hit another three shots from behind the 3-point arc, basically eliminating any chance the Mean Green had of mounting a miraculous comeback.
"It's a pretty good feeling when shots fall and everything goes your way," Taylor said.
It's a feeling UNT longs for - and was a long way away from Monday
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I couldn't have said it better myself Mark. Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year to all.
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Mean Green go cold
12/22/2002
By Steve Wilson / For the Denton Record-Chronicle
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. — North Texas became the latest in a long line of losers at the Eblen Center, suffering a 75-60 setback Saturday night to Tennessee Tech.
The Golden Eagles (5-4) stretched their home winning streak to 33 games — the second-longest current streak in the nation — with the victory.
"We didn’t talk at all about the streak coming into the game," UNT coach Johnny Jones said. "However, our young men knew that Tennessee Tech is very good at home. We knew that we were going to have to play great defense if we wanted to give ourselves a chance. We thought if we could jump on them early, we could take them out of their offense."
North Texas, one of the better offensive units in the Sun Belt, hit only nine baskets in the second half, including only two of 10 attempts from 3-point land.
After battling tenaciously to pull within two at 47-45 with 10:43 remaining in the game Saturday night, UNT was outscored 28-15 down the stretch.
The Mean Green took the early lead with Chris Davis opening game with a 3-pointer from deep in the corner. The two teams alternated baskets and when Leonard Hopkins nailed a jumper from the paint and Jerome Rogers hit a free throw, North Texas led by three at 21-18 with 6:15 remaining in the first half.
However, that’s when the Golden Eagle offense kicked into gear and Tennessee Tech outscored North Texas 17-5 over the remainder of the first period to put the Mean Green in a 35-26 hole at halftime.
"We came into the game wanting to trap the post and force (Damien) Kinloch and (Greg) Morgan to throw the ball back out," Jones said. "However, we didn’t do a good job of defending the post and that cost us. Their big men also hurt us on the offensive glass."
"Kinloch and Morgan are very good players and we knew we were going to have to stop them tonight," said Davis. "But they did a great job of making the plays when they had to."
The Mean Green opened the final 20 minutes of play with a zone defense that seemed to confuse the Golden Eagles as North Texas started to chip away at the Tennessee Tech advantage. A free throw by Will Smith made it 39-32 with 16:16 on the clock and when Davis converted two charity tosses of his own and Rogers nailed a 3-pointer from almost halfcourt, the Mean Green were within two at 47-45 with 10:43 on the clock.
Davis led the Mean Green with 17 points and six rebounds. He had one assist, two blocks and two steals. Hopkins added 11 points and only two rebounds, while Rogers chipped in with 10 points, three assists and three steals.
As a team, North Texas shot 39 percent from the field, hitting 19 of 48 shots. The Mean Green hit only 22 percent from long range, nailing four of 18 attempts. UNT was outrebounded 44-29.
The Golden Eagles were led in scoring by Antwyon Jones, who came off the bench to get 14 points and pull down 11 rebounds. Cameron Crisp added 13 points and four assists, while Kinloch chipped in with his third double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.
Brent Jolly, who went over 1,000 points for his career, had 10 points, three assists and three steals.
As a team, the Golden Eagles shot 43 percent from the field. Tech nailed 27 of 62 attempts, including four of 12 shots from outside the arc.
Now, North Texas must put this game behind them as they hit the road
Sunday morning to Boulder, Colorado to take on the Colorado Buffaloes.
That game is slated for Monday night at 8 p.m.
"We’ve got to put this behind us because we’re going to play another very good team on Monday," Jones said. "Colorado is extremely talented and we’ve got to be ready to play."
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You know, I'm not going for classy, so shut up.
You succeeded
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Oh I guess you are right, your message board DOES have more people then ours, I guess that makes your MUCH COOLER!
BTW, why the hell would we schedule you for our out of conference games when we can schedule BIG 12 and CUSA teams? Don't be an idiot, just go back to your cruddy crappy Denton Community College.
Also, we smack you us like we did in basketball last night. TAKE IT!
Let me reply to your thoughtful points:
1. Oh I guess you are right, your message board DOES have more people then ours, I guess that makes your MUCH COOLER!
Answer: This was not to point out that our board had more members, but a comment to address your attendance figures. It appears, from YOUR radio team on KTCK, that your announced crowds greatly inflate your actual attendance figures. I would suggest you correct this. The NCAA will be counting actual fans in the seats, not tickets sold when the attendance requirements go in to effect.
2. BTW, why the hell would we schedule you for our out of conference games when we can schedule BIG 12 and CUSA teams?
Answer: Because we would help each other's home attendance, which is an issue at both schools. Plus, since we are only about 30 miles apart, this is a natural rivalry. Also, CUSA teams, other than TCU, won't draw the attendance you need, and the Big 12's big boys, UT, TAMU, OU, won't come to Ford to play due to the size of your stadium. This is not a slam at your fine stadium, just the facts.
3. Don't be an idiot, just go back to your cruddy crappy Denton Community College.
Answer: The education UNT provides rivals and surpasses in some fields, the education you receive at SMU. Face it, UNT has been a quality institution for years that doesn't require Daddy's Money to attend.
4. Also, we smack you us like we did in basketball last night. TAKE IT!
Answer: "we smack you us?" Is this classic evidence of the quality English program SMU runs? Regarding the BBall game, yes, you did win, but I wouldn't qualify it as a "smacking." BTW, I am referring to football in this post, and must ask one question. "What/Where will your football team be tonight"?
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He is listed on the two deep depth chart in the DMN this morning as the backup fullback. I think/hope this is a misprint.
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Did I miss something? Is Andy Blount not playing football at UNT anymore or just not in the bowl game?
What makes you ask this?
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Yeah, well, he flipped ya'll off cuz you constantly antagonized the band. So if you guys got so much more class then us, show it by SHUTTING THE HELL UP! And he didn't come over to talk, he came over and yelled at him some more.
Also, congrats on your piece of crap sunbelt bowl game. Wow, that's awesome....NOT
Now suck my WAC long one and get back to mopping the floors.
Nice talk from a Christian school student. I'm sure you make the fellow Methodist proud! I'm sure you are just still upset you don't get free meth. in study hall. Lose the superiority complex, at least our football team gets to go somewhere in the post season. If SMU wasn't afraid of taking a beating from UNT, you would put us on your football schedule. Until then, go back to your own website where the announced membership is 15,000, but actual membership is 200!
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In another thread coach Segal said the following
"Our home games will more than likely be played at North Lakes Park. In 2004-2005 our stadium will be complete at Liberty Christian School.
SEE YOU AT THE BALLPARK!
GO MEAN GREEN!
ss "
From the Denton city website the park appears to be off Bonnie Brae north of University drive.
To get to this ball park, take Bonnie Brae north across University and turn right on Windsor. You will now be in the middle of the park. The ballfields will be on the left across from the recreation center.
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My favorites:
MLB: The St. Louis Cardinals have a classic uniform.
Rangers: Hated the Dodger look, maybe because of my dislike of the Dodgers! I will have to go with the red uniforms of a few years ago as my favorite. Of course the baby/powder blue with the red, white and blue accents of the 70's takes me back to my childhood when I thought they were the greatest.
NBA: Not much stands out to me. I do prefer the new Maverick's uniforms over the old ones though.
NFL: The Cowboys' 70's era uniform was the best by far. JJ has messed up a good thing. The Bears have a classic timeless look.
NHL: Montreal and Chicago with the chief head are classics.
UNT: I know a lot of you all despised the Fry era Flying Worm uniforms, but they are my favorite. We still need to redo the current helmets with something other than the script North Texas on the side.
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Dear UNTLifer-
What a great name!!! Would love to have you and your daughter attend our games. Maybe a future bat girl??? The program is off to a fantastic start having a wonderful early signing period. Recently, we just received two more verbal committments!!!
Our home games will more than likely be played at North Lakes Park. In 2004-2005 our stadium will be complete at Liberty Christian School.
SEE YOU AT THE BALLPARK!
GO MEAN GREEN!
ss
Well, actually it is my 11 year old neice, but I'm sure we will be coming to watch a few games. The best of luck starting our newest athletic program.
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Maybe this should be a question for "Ask the AD". I am sure RV would listen, give an explanation for the early game times, or even consider a change if he thought it would help attendance.
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Hello Harry-
Our schedule will be EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE! I anticipate that we will compete against many of the Top 25 teams in the nation. Upon completion, I will post.
GO MEAN GREEN!
Welcome to the Mean Green Nation Coach!!
I look forward to the start of the softball program and will be bringing, hopefully, a future Lady Eagle ball player to a few games. The best of luck as you build a program we can all be proud of. Do you know where your home games will be played?
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Jones has taken them on the road and we haven't backed down in some tough arenas.
This will be a good year.
I would like to see Jones emphasize passing more. We are one deminsional relying on the ru..... Crap, wrong board.
Seriously, great win for the men. Let's beat the Froggies.
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Mav's choke big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Anaheim won the World Series
How Many Grammy's Will UNT Alum Norah Jones
in Mean Green Athletics
Posted
5, nuf' said