New Hampshire Wildcats: Strong Defense + Any Offense = Dark Horse?

Last Season: 12-18, 6-10, lost in first round of AE Tournament to Boston University.

Head Coach: Bill Herrion

Key Losses: Tyrone Conley, Dane DiLiegro, DeAndray Buckley, James Valladares

Newcomers: Garrett Jones, Tommy McDonnell, Patrick Konan, Jeron Trotman

Projected Line-up:

G: Alvin Abreu, Sr..

G: Chandler Rhoads, Jr.

F: Ferg Myrick, Jr.

F: Brian Benson, Sr.

Bench: Garrett Jones, Fr; Ryan Herrion, Jr; Tommy McDonnell, Fr; Jordan Bronner, So. ; Scott Morris, So; Kazadi Nyanguila, C; Chris Matagrano, Jr; Jeron Trotman, Jr

A Look Back:

Injuries did in UNH early. Alvin Abreu was done after two games. 12 games later, their All-Rookie Ferg Myrick went down with an injury. That was basically all she wrote for the Wildcats. However, UNH did come out of the gate quickly. They started the season 5-2, almost pulling the major upset against UConn, losing only 62-55. UNH played opponents very close, with six of their first seven games being decided by 10 points or less (four games by five points or less, in which they went 3-1). However, they would go 1-8 in their next nine games, which sunk the season. However, despite everything, they were able to play solid defense, as they ranked 18^th nationally in scoring defense.

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes:

The Wildcats will need to keep all these things from snapping and tearing. They return two of their best players from knee injuries. If they can avoid the injury bug (which is impossible for most teams, so at least minimize the damage), UNH has the ability to be a sleeper in the conference. If Herrion can work with a healthy team (a talented one as well), watch out America East.

More on the Wildcats after the jump

The Konan Show:

Patrick Konan, a 6'5 sophomore forward, transferred in from Liberty, where he was one of the better offensive rebounders in the country, and now he's drawing rave reviews from OBW after a year sitting out. This team will depend on their defensive prowess -- and Konan will give them a big boost. If the wheels start turning on offense, he could easily be the teams best player.

A Good Flat-top is Hard to Find:

Welcome to the America East, Jeron Trotman!
via image.cdnl3.xosnetwork.com (unhwildcats.com)

Defense wins Championships:

You have heard the saying before, and we know Herrion teams can do it. They have the capability to shut down any offense in the AE. Chandler Rhoads is an All-Defensive Player and the springy Brian Benson cleans up on the glass and is one of the best shot blockers in the league. UNH was solid on the outside, forcing teams to try and beat them down low. There were only 157 three-point attempts against the Wildcats last season, the lowest in the conference. If UNH can shut down the outside again, adding both Benson and Konan in the paint, it could mean even more difficult times for teams to score on the Wildcats. They were the fourth best defense in the league last season -- and will need to make sure that doesn't suffer when offensive minded Abreu and Myrick return. 

And your offense probably shouldn't be terrible if you hope to win games...:

It seems UNH isn't always aware the scoring is the primary objective of basketball. They finished dead last in the AE and were among the 25 worst offensive teams in the country last season. They scored nearly 100 points less than Hartford, the second worst scoring team last season (58.3 points per game average). Abreu and Myrick return and add offensive capability -- but the problem is both are gunners who don't always score efficiently. This team desperately needs Chandler Rhoads (or Bronner) to play a true point guard and orchestrate this offense. 

Worst Case:

A major injury from a key contributor takes place. Abreu doesn’t find his A-game from the past and Myrick doesn’t return as a force in the paint. No one steps up as the secondary scorer and offensive woes continue. UNH fans start questioning and asking, "Is Herrion worth the wait anymore?"

Best Case:

The Dark Horse of the America East. They have and can play this roll. They have all the talent and solid mix of veterans and new comers. The offensive skill that this team has finally clicks with the defensive game Herrion loves to play. They win 3 out of 4 in the mid-January stretch against UAlbany, Vermont, Stony Brook and Boston and I go around telling everyone "TOLD YA!"