DRC Men's BB prepared for Lamar

OldTimer · November 27, 2004

Men's basketball: UNT men prepared for Lamar

07:26 AM CST on Saturday, November 27, 2004

By Brett Vito / Staff Writer

North Texas men's basketball coach Johnny Jones has faced old friend Billy Tubbs and his teams at TCU and Lamar enough times to know just what the Mean Green is up against today.

The run-and-gun style is one Jones believes UNT is better prepared to face than ever before in a 7 p.m. game against Lamar at The Super Pit.

The Mean Green is deeper and quicker than in previous seasons and has already shown an ability to play in the open floor in its first three games of the season. UNT is hoping that ability will help the Mean Green build on a solid 2-1 start and avenge a lopsided 88-72 loss to the Cardinals last year.

"We are deeper at every position," Jones said. "Our depth will help us against Lamar. We will be able to play at a higher speed and continue to apply pressure at a comfortable pace because we have guys who can come in and play at the same level."

UNT has taken advantage of its depth while getting off to a solid start. UNT opened with a win over Angelo State before knocking off perennial NCAA tournament participant UNC Wilmington in one of its most impressive non-conference victories in recent seasons.

The Mean Green's only loss of the year came against Alabama, which was ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press top 25 poll at the time.

Seven different players have scored in double figures for the Mean Green during its first three games. Senior guard Leonard Hopkins is averaging 16 points a game to pace UNT, while senior forward Michael Jones (14) and sophomore guard Calvin Watson (13) are also averaging double figures.

"We are deeper with our bench and are a running team just like they were last year," Michael Jones said. "We are definitely more capable of running with them this year."

UNT was more comfortable in the halfcourt last season when the team featured third-team All-Sun Belt Conference selection Shawnson Johnson and fellow forward Michael DeGrate.

UNT's guards have sparked the team during the early stages of this season.

The way those guards handle Lamar's full court pressure defense could be the key to the game for UNT. The Cardinals forced 33 turnovers in its season-opening win over Jarvis Christian.

"We have to make smart decisions with the basketball on the press because that is what cost us against Lamar last time," Michael Jones said. "Their press is how they get fast baskets and open 3-pointers."

Junior forward Alan Daniels took advantage of the opportunities Lamar's press produced against Jarvis Christian to score 34 points. Senior guard Raymond Anthony added 21 points.

UNT struggled to slow down Lamar's high-powered attack last season when the Mean Green fell behind 53-35 at halftime. The Mean Green is hoping its deeper and quicker roster will help turn the tide against the Cardinals.

A win over Lamar would give the Mean Green a 3-1 record to open the year for the first time since the 1994-95 season.

"Getting to 3-1 would be a big accomplishment," Michael Jones said. "It would definitely give us a lot of momentum."

BRETT VITO can be reached at 940-566-6870. His e-mail address is bvito@dentonrc.com