2011-2012 Montana Grizzlies Basketball Preview

Montana Grizzlies - Big Sky Conference

2010-11: 22-11, 12-4

2010-11 postseason: CBI

Coach: Wayne Tinkle (92-64 at Montana, 92-64 overall)  

The Montana backcourt had a tough time last year. Outside of point guard Will Cherry, the Grizzlies failed to find a consistent player who could score and shoot from the perimeter. Cherry averaged 14.1 points and 4.3 assists per game in 2010-2011 and may have to play an even bigger role during his junior season, if such a thing is even possible. More importantly, Coach Wayne Tinkle needs to find some more guards. Kareem Jamar started 18 games as a freshman and performed admirably, averaging 8.1 points per game and shooting pretty well from beyond the arc. With his ability to hit the glass, he will be a big time player for Montana once he is a little more consistent. Jordan Wood and Shawn Stockton were given opportunities as well, but neither made the most of their playing time.

Who’s Out:

While the backcourt struggled, Chase Adams and Vaughn Autry pretty much sat on the bench and have decided to transfer. Yet, those are not the big losses for Montana. Brian Qvale has been a defensive monster for years and has been the Big Sky’s best big man for most of his career. Last year he led the Griz with 14.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks. Nobody is going to replace those numbers any time soon.

Who’s In:

The three incoming freshmen will get a crack at helping out the ailing backcourt…or at least give Coach Tinkle more options. Karon DeShields is a solid defender who could play either guard spot. Jordan Gregory could be the shooter that this team needs off of the bench. If his shot can fall, the Grizzlies will finally have a guard who can spark the offense. Kevin Henderson is a bigger 6-4 wing. He is not a great shooter at this point in his career, but he can get to the basket and could be a fine backup to Jamar at the small forward spot for the time being.

Final Projection:

Art Steward and Mathias Ward will help out Selvig in the paint. Steward is undersized at 6-4, but he will likely have to play some power forward. Steward is mostly a slashing wing, but he can get in there and bang around in the paint a little bit. At 6-7, Ward has the size of a traditional power forward, but is not particularly effective in the scoring department. However, his size will be needed at times on the defensive end. Despite the struggles of the backcourt a year ago, that is where this team will win games. Even their seven-footer is a perimeter orientated player to a certain degree. Qvale will be missed, but Montana can run a little more and all they need to do is find a shooter or two and they can win the Big Sky and head back to the NCAA Tournament.

Projected Postseason Tournament: NCAA

Projected Starting Five:

• Will Cherry, Junior, Guard, 14.1 points per game

• Jordan Wood, Senior, Guard, 3.3 points per game

• Kareem Jamar, Sophomore, Guard, 8.1 points per game

• Art Steward, Senior, Forward, 8.6 points per game

• Derek Selvig, Senior, Forward, 10.1 points per game

By Joel Welser courtesy of www.CollegeSportsMadness.com
CollegeSports-fans.com Senior Basketball Writer

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