America East 2004-05 Season Recap
The America East Conference had one of its better seasons in 2004-05, though the conference looked a little top-heavy in the final standings. Two games separated first from third place, then five games separated third from fourth. The end result was three teams making postseason play, the first time that has happened in the conference’s history. Overall, the conference was 15th in the RPI ratings, one of its highest ever.
Vermont held off a late charge by Northeastern to take the regular season title. The Catamounts won their first 14 conference games before finally losing, while the Huskies closed out the regular season as the conference’s only team with a winning streak as won their final six. Boston University, which finished third, had an eight-game winning streak at one point and posted non-conference wins over teams like Michigan and Fordham.
After the Terriers came an emerging school, as Albany jumped to fourth place in the standings. After two years with depth concerns and injuries, the Great Danes had key transfers join the team and also got Jamar Wilson back from an injury that prematurely ended his 2003-04 season. They were in the top half of the conference for most of the season, and survived another major injury, this one to guard Jon Iati, last season’s rookie of the year.
Although injuries certainly had their impact, it was not as large as in some other recent seasons. Maine was hobbled by a number of injuries at different parts of the season, while Stony Brook lost sophomore guard Mitchell Beauford for the season in December and Albany lost sophomore guard Jon Iati for the season in January. At various points in the seasons, other teams lost man-games to injuries as well.
America East Tournament
First Round
No. 9 UMBC 78, No. 8 New Hampshire 73
No. 7 Stony Brook 66, No. 10 Hartford 46
Quarterfinals
No. 5 Binghamton 76, No. 4 Albany 70
No. 1 Vermont 76, No. 9 UMBC 61
No. 2 Northeastern 90, No. 7 Stony Brook 79
No. 6 Maine 47, No. 3 Boston University 45
Semifinals
No. 1 Vermont 76, No. 5 Binghamton 65
No. 2 Northeastern 86, No. 6 Maine 73
Championship
No. 1 Vermont 80, No. 2 Northeastern 57
The biggest surprise was in the quarterfinals, where No. 6 Maine knocked off No. 3 Boston University. The Terriers were slumping at the end of the season, and this went right with that trend.
The Black Bears didn’t go quietly the next day, as Northeastern went up 52-31 in the second half before Kevin Reed (game-high 28 points) led a 31-11 run that brought them within one point before running out of gas. The Huskies went on a decisive 11-0 run late to pull away and take home the win.
In Burlington, the championship game was dominated by host Vermont, as they used two runs of seven unanswered points to break the game open early. They shot nearly 62 percent from the field in the first half and cruised to an 80-57 win for their third straight conference championship. The tournament’s Most Outstanding Player was Taylor Coppenrath, who led the charge with 37 points and nine rebounds, and the Catamouts shot nearly 55 percent from the field.
NCAA/NIT
Vermont – NCAA Tournament, No. 13 seed in the Austin region
The Catamounts were the biggest first round story in the NCAA Tournament for at least a couple of hours, as they upset No. 4 Syracuse by a score of 60-57 in overtime in Worcester, Mass. The game was close throughout, with the Catamounts leading for a good portion of the game and holding off several rallies by the Orange. T.J. Sorrentine’s deep three-pointer with the shot clock running down, which ultimately decided the game, will be replayed for years to come.
Two days later, Michigan State ended their run with a 72-61 win. The Spartans had a definite edge in depth and athleticism and used both to their advantage.
Northeastern – NIT
The shorthanded Huskies (playing without suspended star Jose Juan Barea) were blown out by Memphis in the first round of the NIT, losing 90-65 in Memphis. Marcus Barnes led the Huskies with 21 points in their first-ever appearance in the NIT.
Boston University – NIT
The Terriers were blown out in the first round of the NIT for the second straight year, this time losing 64-34 at Georgetown. The Terriers shot below 24 percent from the field and were never really in the game.
America East Postseason Awards
Player of the Year: Taylor Coppenrath, Vermont
Rookie of the Year: Shawn James, Northeastern
Coach of the Year: Ron Everhart, Northeastern
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn James, Northeastern
All-America East Team
Jose Juan Barea, Jr. G, Northeastern
Rashad Bell, Sr. F, Boston University
Chaz Carr, Sr. G, Boston University
Taylor Coppenrath, Sr. F, Vermont
T.J. Sorrentine, Sr. G, Vermont
Vermont (25-7, 16-2 America East)
Season Recap: There weren’t many better stories in college basketball this season than the Catamounts, with all that surrounded them. They put together another terrific season, cruising through the America East season and winning their third straight tournament title. As if that, along with all the honors racked up by Coppenrath and Sorrentine, wasn’t enough, they then proceeded to upset Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament and became the biggest story of the first round along with Bucknell. Coppenrath and Sorrentine often carried this team, but role players like Mopa Njila, Hehn and Klimes were also essential to their success.
Team MVP: Taylor Coppenrath (25.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg)
Top scorer: Taylor Coppenrath (25.1 ppg)
Top rebounder: Taylor Coppenrath (8.9 rpg)
Assists leader: T.J. Sorrentine (4.2 apg)
Starters leaving: F Taylor Coppenrath (25.1 ppg, 8.9 rpg), G T.J. Sorrentine (18.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.2 apg), F Germain Mopa Njila (5.8 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.6 spg), G David Hehn (4.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.9 apg)
Key players returning: Jr. F Martin Klimes (4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), So. F Josh Duell (5.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.8 apg), So. F Ryan Schneider (4.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg)
News: Head coach Tom Brennan retired after 19 seasons. In late February, the school named Maryland assistant Mike Lonergan as Brennan’s replacement.
2005-06 outlook: All good things must come to an end, and that includes the magical run Brennan and the Catamounts have been on. Personnel-wise, Lonergan won’t start with a bare cupboard, but there’s no sugar-coating things: the Catamounts are losing a ton from this team. They will be solid in the frontcourt, as most of the holdovers are there and Rhode Island transfer Chris Holm becomes eligible. They won’t struggle to put fans in the seats, and the program is now on much more solid footing than it ever was.
Northeastern (21-10, 15-3 America East)
Season Recap: The Huskies’ non-conference play left a little to be desired given their personnel, but they really came alive at the end and then early in conference play. They closed the regular season out as the hottest team in the conference with six straight wins, then got to the championship game. In Burlington, the Huskies ran into a buzz-saw as Vermont hammered them. Defense and rebounding weren’t this team’s calling card all season long, and that game was no different. But when they did both, they were surprisingly good, like when they gained a season sweep of cross-town rival Boston University in late February with a hard-fought win over the Terriers in their new arena.
Team MVP: Jose Juan Barea (22.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.8 spg)
Top scorer: Jose Juan Barea (22.2 ppg)
Top rebounder: Shawn James (7.6 rpg)
Assists leader: Jose Juan Barea (7.3 apg)
Starters leaving: G Marcus Barnes (15.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Jose Juan Barea (22.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7.3 apg, 1.8 spg), So. C Shawn James (10.3 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 5.4 bpg), Jr. F Bennet Davis (8.0 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Sr. G Aaron Davis (6.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Jr. G Bobby Kelly (4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Sr. F Janon Cole (4.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg), Jr. G Adrian Martinez (3.4 ppg), So. F Mark Washington (1.7 ppg)
News: Barea announced late in the season that he will declare for the NBA Draft. He will not sign with an agent and will return to Northeastern if not given a first round guarantee. Also, assistant coach Adam Ginsburg left in April to become part of Travis Ford’s staff at Massachusetts.
2005-06 outlook: The Huskies leave the conference for the Colonial Athletic Association, and they should be instant contenders there if Barea returns. He’ll have Aaron Davis and Kelly alongside him on the perimeter and Bennet Davis and James are only going to get better in forming a potent frontcourt.
Boston University (20-9, 14-4 America East)
Season Recap: The Terriers rode the excellent play of seniors Chaz Carr and Rashad Bell to another 20-win season, making them the first players to be part of four 20-win seasons at the school. They were the best defensive team in the conference and were right in the hunt for the regular season title until the final week, when they began a late-season slide that carried into the postseason. Etienne Brower made a nice leap and was one of the conference’s most improved players until fading late, while Shaun Wynn filled the stat sheet, although not as much as last year. Kevin Gardner remained a valuable role player, and the three freshmen were up-and-down, but showed some promise.
Team MVP: Rashad Bell (15.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg)
Top scorer: Rashad Bell (15.6 ppg)
Top rebounder: Rashad Bell (5.8 rpg)
Assists leader: Shaun Wynn (3.5 apg)
Starters leaving: G Chaz Carr (13.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), F Rashad Bell (15.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.7 bpg), F Etienne Brower (8.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Shaun Wynn (6.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.8 spg), Sr. F Kevin Gardner (7.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg), So. F Tony Gaffney (3.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg), So. F Matt Wolff (4.3 ppg, 2.1 rpg), So. G Bryan Geffen (3.0 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.3 apg), Jr. F-C Omari Peterkin (2.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg)
News: Brower will transfer after the academic year is over.
2005-06 outlook: Carr and Bell will be very difficult to replace, but expect the Terriers to still contend next season. Wynn and Gardner are solid leaders, and the freshmen should get better now that they have a year under their belt. Wolff is also high on Ben Coblyn and Ibrahim Konate, who were forced to redshirt due to injury. They will give them good depth up front, while there may be questions on the perimeter aside from Wynn. The Terriers opened the new Harry Agganis Arena this season and will have five home games there next season, and the product put out will continue to be good.
Albany (13-15, 9-9 America East)
Season Recap: This was the season many were pointing to for the Great Danes, and they made a big jump in the conference standings. They finished in fourth place and were in the upper division for most of conference play. They survived another major injury, this time to sophomore guard Jon Iati, forcing Jamar Wilson to play the point. He admirably ran the show and again led the team in scoring, while Lucious Jordan had a good first season closer to home and Levi Levine had another steady season.
Team MVP: Jamar Wilson (16.9 ppg, 4.2 apg)
Top scorer: Jamar Wilson (16.9 ppg)
Top rebounder: Levi Levine (6.0 rpg)
Assists leader: Jamar Wilson (4.2 apg)
Starters leaving: F Aquawasi St. Hillaire (4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Key players returning: Jr. G Jamar Wilson (16.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.3 spg), Sr. G Lucious Jordan (14.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.4 spg), Sr. F Levi Levine (10.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.4 spg), Jr. G Jon Iati (11.0 ppg, 2.2 apg in 6 games), Sr. C Kirsten Zoellner (6.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg), So. F Brent Wilson (7.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg), So. F Brian Lillis (4.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg)
News: After the season, top assistant coach Gallagher Driscoll was fired by the athletic director. Driscoll had been an assistant for six years.
2005-06 outlook: Next season could be the year for the Great Danes. Head coach Will Brown is happy with where the team has come from and where they are, and he has every reason to feel that way. With just one starter gone and a team with good class balance and experience returning, Albany projects to be a serious contender for the league title next season. They will also get Iati back, giving them one more option as long as everyone stays healthy.
Binghamton (12-17, 8-10 America East)
Season Recap: The Bearcats got off to a slow start, as a four-game losing streak in December put them at 2-7, then they lost four of their first five games in conference play. After another three-game losing streak to close out January, things turned around as they won five straight games and were suddenly right in the middle of the pack. They struggled with turnovers for most of the season, but tied for second in turnovers forced, so that helped keep them in many games. After steadily improving over his first three years, Nick Billings became a role player this year as the team became guard-oriented on the offensive end. Andre Heard and Troy Hailey, the latter of whom got hot during their winning streak, led the way for the team at the offensive end.
Team MVP: Andre Heard (14.3 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg)
Top scorer: Andre Heard (14.3 ppg)
Top rebounder: Sebastian Hermenier (6.5 rpg)
Assists leader: Andre Heard (2.6 apg)
Starters leaving: F Alex Adediran (8.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg), C Nick Billings (4.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 bpg), G Billy Williams (4.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.7 apg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Andre Heard (14.3 ppg, 2.6 apg, 2.0 spg), Jr. G Troy Hailey (9.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg), Sr. F Sebastian Hermenier (6.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Sr. G Schafer Jackson (5.6 ppg), So. F Jordan Fithian (3.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
News: none
2005-06 outlook: The Bearcats should be in the mix again next season. Heard and Hailey now have a season together, and both are capable of lighting it up offensively. If the right complements emerge behind them, Hermenier and Jackson, and Fithian keeps getting better, they have something to look forward to next season.
Maine (14-15, 8-10 America East)
Season Recap: Two words proved to be the bane of Ted Woodward’s first season as head coach in Orono: injuries and turnovers. Injuries were a constant thorn in the team’s side; Chris Markwood missed most of January, Ernest Turner missed four games in February, and players often played with nagging injuries or illnesses. Turnovers were the biggest problem on the court, as they turned the ball over nearly two times more per game than any other team in the conference. Kevin Reed and Joe Campbell were once again the do-everything players, while Turner came in and led the team in scoring and assists. Injuries and other depth issues led to walk-on Jason Hight getting starts later in the season and developing into a contributor.
Team MVP: Kevin Reed
Top scorer: Ernest Turner (13.7 ppg)
Top rebounder: Joe Campbell (7.2 rpg)
Assists leader: Ernest Turner (2.8 apg)
Starters leaving: G Chris Markwood (7.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.7 apg), C Mark Flavin (10.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.3 bpg), F Joe Campbell (9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.3 spg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Kevin Reed (12.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 2.2 spg), Sr. G Ernest Turner (13.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.8 apg), Sr. F Freddy Petkus (redshirt), So. G Jason Hight (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.7 apg), Jr. G Chris Bruff (2.7 ppg, 1.9 rpg), Jr. C Olli Ahveniemi (1.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg)
News: Freddy Petkus will obtain a medical redshirt for this season and return next season. He never fully recovered from a bad back he had during the 2003-04 season, and the coaching staff expects that it might relegate him to a small role next season.
2005-06 outlook: The Black Bears lose three key starters and spot starter David Dubois, and with the issues at the point guard spot, their personnel needs appear to be deep right now. They will need some frontcourt help next season since that’s the area where three of the departed players were, but another point guard would help and they’re still trying to land a player or two in the spring signing period. That said, Turner and Reed potentially form one of the more potent backcourts in the conference, and that can help carry a team far at this level.
Stony Brook (12-17, 6-12 America East)
Season Recap: It was an inconsistent season for the Seawolves, who only twice won consecutive games all season. No single statistical area consistently doomed them, but only Hartford allowed teams to shoot the ball better from the field and they were in the lower half of the conference in most categories. Bobby Santiago came back from a tough sophomore year and capably ran the show, and his primary help came from freshman Antwan Hardy. Cori Spencer and Mike Popoko were the primary players up front, with Popoko playing well at the end of the season.
Team MVP: Bobby Santiago (10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.4 apg)
Top scorer: Antwan Hardy (11.0 ppg)
Top rebounder: Cori Spencer (6.1 rpg)
Assists leader: Bobby Santiago (3.4 apg)
Starters leaving: F Cori Spencer (10.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg), F Mike Orfini (2.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg)
Key players returning: G Bobby Santiago (10.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.4 apg), So. G Antwan Hardy (11.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.4 apg), So. G Mitchell Beauford (redshirt), Jr. F Mike Popoko (9.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg), Sr. G-F Hendrick Feist (3.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg)
News: Head coach Nick Macarchuk retired, taking another position in the athletic department. Former George Washington assistant Steve Pikiell was hired to replace him.
2005-06 outlook: Pikiell will inherit a guard-heavy team that loses a lot up front, but this is a place where he can win. Macarchuk said when he announced his retirement that the program is committed to winning, and with a New York recruiting base and Northeastern leaving the conference, there’s no question this team can become a contender before long.
New Hampshire (9-19, 5-13 America East)
Season Recap: The season started out promising for the Wildcats, as they won four of their first five games, though two were against non-Division I schools. After that, they never got going, as they never won consecutive games the rest of the way starting with a five-game losing streak. They entered with freshmen poised to give the veterans a life to the next level, but that never quite happened even though two freshmen, Mike Christensen and Chris Vetrano, showed plenty of promise. Senior Ben Sturgill had a solid season, though he again had to play through injuries, while Craig Walls was a steady player and Jermaine Anderson capably ran the show and defended opposing point guards.
Team MVP: Ben Sturgill (13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg)
Top scorer: Ben Sturgill (13.6 ppg)
Top rebounder: Ben Sturgill (6.7 rpg)
Assists leader: Chris Vetrano (3.4 apg)
Starters leaving: F Ben Sturgill (13.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg), F Craig Walls (7.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.9 apg)
Key players returning: Jr. F Blagoj Janev (10.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg), So. F Mike Christensen (9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.2 apg), Jr. G Jermaine Anderson (8.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.0 spg), So. G Chris Vetrano (7.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.4 apg, 1.2 spg), Sr. G-F Ioannis Karalis (3.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.5 apg), So. F Brandon Odom (3.2 ppg, 1.3 rpg)
News: On May 5, Phil Rowe resigned as head coach with one year remaining on his contract. He spent six seasons at the school and had some times of improvement, but overall the program has continued to struggle to reach the first division. Bill Herrion, who had been the head coach at East Carolina and previously coached in the conference at Drexel, was named the new head coach on May 26.
2005-06 outlook: Rowe was on the hot seat prior to his resignation, as the talent base definitely improved in his tenure, but the results didn’t and attendance took a dip this season. Herrion will inherit a team with some frontcourt personnel losses, although the unit has two good players in Christensen and Janev. Anderson and Vetrano form a steady backcourt, but they’ll all need help. The Wildcats won’t be very experienced, one more reason that 2005-06 doesn’t look to be a season where a conference title can be expected. Nonetheless, they have a coach who is a proven winner and in this conference, although it has a different look from Herrion’s days at Drexel.
UMBC (11-18, 5-13 America East)
Season Recap: Two words: baby steps. In their second year in the conference, the Retrievers improved by one game in conference play and won four more games overall, though they hit the skids after they had a little three-game winning streak in January. Andrew Feeley closed out his college career by leading the team in scoring and rebounding, while classmate Rob Gogerty capably ran the show. Brian Hodges gave them a glimpse of the future with a solid freshman season, and he closed out the season with some momentum as he scored 28 points in their win over New Hampshire in the tournament and followed that up with a team-high 14 in the quarterfinal loss to Vermont.
Team MVP: Andrew Feeley (9.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg)
Top scorer: Andrew Feeley (9.6 ppg)
Top rebounder: Andrew Feeley (7.2 rpg)
Assists leader: Rob Gogerty (4.9 apg)
Starters leaving: C Andrew Feeley (9.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg), G Rob Gogerty (9.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.9 apg, 1.4 spg)
Key players returning: So. G Brian Hodges (9.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Sr. F Cory McJimson (7.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), Sr. F John Zito (6.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.5 apg), So. G Rashad Bilal (6.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 apg), So. Michael Knight (4.0 ppg), Jr. G Chris Pugh (3.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.7 apg), Sr. F Seth Davis (1.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg)
News: After the season, assistant coach Jeff Estis resigned.
2005-06 outlook: Head coach Randy Monroe is happy where the team went this past season, and he’ll continue to keep them moving forward next season. Losing Gogerty and Feeley will be difficult, but the Retrievers have capable players and the talent base will continue to improve, especially since they can recruit in the Baltimore area. With the conference being wide open, a jump towards the first division next season is possible.
Hartford (8-20, 4-14 America East)
Season Recap: The Hawks struggled mightily at the offensive end this season, and everything else followed from there. Symbolic of it was a game in late January where the Hawks had just three turnovers, but also had just three assists and shot 31 percent from the field. They were in the bottom three of the conference in most statistical categories. At one point, they lost eight games in a row and finished the season losing 10 of 11.
Team MVP: Aaron Cook (14.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.8 spg)
Top scorer: Aaron Cook (14.9 ppg)
Top rebounder: Bo Taylor (6.2 rpg)
Assists leader: Charles Ford (2.6 apg)
Starters leaving: F Sean Regan (2.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg), C Trevor Goode (5.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Aaron Cook (14.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.8 spg), Sr. G Charles Ford (7.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.3 spg), Jr. F Bo Taylor (7.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Sr. G David Ruffin (8.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.2 apg), Jr. F-C Bernard Lowndes (6.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg), Sr. G-F Demarcquez Rembert (4.2 ppg, 1.5 rpg), So. G Brian Glowiak (3.3 ppg, 1.3 rpg), So. G Rich Baker (redshirt)
News: none
2005-06 outlook: The Hawks figure to get better on paper despite losing two starters, as they’ll have an experienced backcourt. But none of the returning guards had more assists than turnovers, and Cook led in three-point shooting after making just 32 percent from behind the arc. Lowndes showed some promise later in the season when Taylor’s injury led to more playing time, so the hope is that he emerges.
America East 2005-06 Outlook
The conference will certainly have a different look next year, in more ways than one. Northeastern leaves for the Colonial Athletic Association, while several of the league’s best players move on as well as three head coaches. Depending on who teams may sign in the spring, next year doesn’t project to be as good a year for the conference overall. Vermont loses four key starters, Boston University loses two stalwarts, Northeastern leaves (the Huskies would be the clear preseason favorites if they were not leaving), and teams in the middle all lose a key player or two as well.
A look at early contenders would have to start with Boston University and Albany. The Terriers lose three starters and return everyone else, though the two graduating seniors were very important players and backcourt questions loom. The Great Danes return most of their team that jumped to fourth place in the standings and get Jon Iati back. Binghamton and Maine figure to have the personnel to contend as well, though each will enter with questions much like the rest of the pack. All told, the conference looks to be wide open next season.
