2010-11 Hoops Preview Special- New Hampshire Wildcats

2010-11 Hoops Preview Special- New Hampshire Wildcats

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Quick Facts: 2009 Record: 13-17 (6-10 America East)

                     Letterwinners Returning: 9

                     Starters Returning: 3

                     Newcomers: 5

                     Head Coach: Bill Herrion (6th season)/ 295-259 career record

 

As he prepares to enter his sixth season as the head coach of the University of New Hampshire men's basketball program, Bill Herrion has perhaps the most talented team of his tenure. The Wildcats return three starters, including the three top scorers, and nine letterwinners from a team that went 13-17 (6-10 America East) and advanced to the semifinals of the America East Championship for the second consecutive season.

With so much experience throughout the roster, Herrion knows that this team has the ability to compete with anyone in the America East. In order to build the momentum heading into the conference portion of the schedule, the sixth-year head coach as emphasized the importance of getting off to a strong start this season.

"We have got to play better earlier in the year," Herrion said. "We have to be successful with our non-conference schedule, so when we get into January and we get into conference play, we have our head above water."

One of the keys to building momentum prior to the conference season is utilizing the experience that exists throughout the roster. With four seniors who have seen extensive playing time in critical games throughout their career, the New Hampshire head coach believes this group will understand what it takes to win.

"We finally have depth," emphasized Herrion. "We have numbers. We have 14 players in the program. So, I think having a full complement of players and having a full team is going to be a real advantage for us this year."

In senior guards Alvin Abreu and Tyrone Conley, the Wildcats have one of the most experienced and talented backcourts in the America East conference. Both possess the ability to score the basketball and also create open looks for teammates.

"I think that both these guys came in as freshman and have started basically every game," the sixth-year head coach pointed out. "Both kids were on the All-Rookie team their freshman year and have really developed as players. We are expecting both of them to finish their college careers on a positive note. Alvin was a Second Team All-Conference guy last year and has already scored over 1,100 points in his career at UNH. Tyrone Conley will go over 1,000 points this year. So, we need them to play like seniors and be our guys this year."

While he has been overshadowed by the exploits of Abreu and Conley, senior center Dane DiLiegro provides New Hampshire with an outstanding toughness and competitiveness in the post. It's this inside/outside balance that Herrion believes will be essential for this team to reach its lofty goals.

"To win championships, you need a balance. You need good perimeter players, which we have, and you need an inside game. His (DiLiegro) offensive game has really improved since his freshman year and throughout his career. He is a great rebounder. He has a very good chance this year, if he has a great year on the glass, to become the all-time leading career rebounder in UNH basketball history. When you combine an experienced senior inside, with two experienced senior guards, you have a chance to have a very good team."

There is a strong sense of confidence surrounding this team. With an outstanding backcourt, complimented by one of the best rebounders in the America East conference, this squad has the pieces to be one of the top teams in the America East. As Herrion mentioned, if this group can build momentum during the non-conference portion of its schedule, it could be a dark horse contender during the conference season.