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Challenging
Winston-Salem State hopes to improve as it continues its transition to Division I
Coach Bobby Collins says that defense will be a key for Winston-Salem State to improve on last season’s 12-18 finish.
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Published: November 14, 2008
Winston-Salem State didn't back down from challenges during another season of transition to Division I, and Coach Bobby Collins expects the same attitude this season.
"I would say we have to play well early," Collins said. "We need some confidence early."
The Rams had some good moments last season -- victories to relish over Maryland-Eastern Shore, Florida A&M and N.C. A&T, plus a late-season, double-overtime win against Bethune-Cookman -- but the 12-18 finish was far short of their goal of 20 wins.
WSSU is still two seasons short of full membership in the MEAC and has no championship to play for, but again will have a chance to make an impression on future conference rivals.
"We always emphasize rebounding and defense, and if we have a chance to win it's got to come from defense," Collins said. "I know this league, and if you can defend, you have a chance against every team."
The Rams lost two four-year starters and team leaders -- point guard Roy Peake and forward Darrell Wonge -- and will lean heavily on senior Jamal Durham, a Winston-Salem native who starred at North Davidson High. Durham (6-5) has been a power player throughout his career, forced to play center early on even though he's better suited at power forward.
Durham led the Rams in scoring last season (12.2 ppg), was second in rebounding (5.6) and needs just 118 points to reach 1,000 for his career.
"I really think we've got more guards who can shoot the ball, and we've got some size in the post," Durham said.
Durham worked very hard in the offseason, Collins said, trying to build endurance.
"I've seen Jamal mature a lot since last year," Collins said. "He communicates more and has a certain level of confidence. I think he kind of played in the shadows last year of Darrell Wonge and Roy Peake."
Joining Durham on the front line will be Paul Davis, a 6-9 sophomore and last season's leading rebounder, However, Davis battled a hip injury in the preseason, and that could allow 6-10 Corey Morris to break into the starting lineup. Morris has dropped nearly 40 pounds since last season, and Collins has been pleased with his preseason play.
"I'm impressed with his commitment to lose weight, and he's been showing me a lot," Collins said.
Collins has another experienced front-line player in Julian Murphy-Long, a 6-9 senior walk-on who is in his fourth season in the program. Murphy-Long has played in just 38 games and has a career average of 1.2 points, but he showed improvement last season. Also back is McIntoche Alcius, a 6-8, 230-pound sophomore.
At small forward, Mike Bonner, a 6-5 freshman, has impressed Collins enough that he probably will start tonight's opener at Georgia Tech, and freshman Jemarcus McClinton has been solid.
Sophomore Isiah Tucker returns at point guard after backing up Peake last season. Tucker started nine games, averaged 22 points and had 80 assists against 70 turnovers. Junior Brian Fisher is the team's best shooter and most experienced guard. He averaged 10.8 points last season, but shot 36 percent from the field and 33 percent from 3-point range (48 for 143).
The Rams also lost Mike Puckett (grades) and Darius Floyd (transfer). Both were solid outside shooters Collins could count on.
"We have some capable guys," Collins said of replacing Puckett and Floyd.
Diontae Gibson, a 6-2 junior-college transfer, should see ample playing time at guard. He stood out in late August during two exhibition games in the Bahamas. Freshman Lamar Monger and walk-on Donald Sims, from Thomasville, can also help out at point guard.
"Our success is going to depend on how our point guards lead," Collins said. "I challenge them every day about leading and communicating, and hopefully one of those guys will be there for us."
The Rams played just five home games and won just six games against a full Division I schedule in Collins' first season of 2006-07. They improved to 12 wins last season, but Collins said that the program isn't where he wants it to be.
"Absolutely not," he said. "There are still a lot of things we need to get into place. With recruiting, we are involved in some very good kids, and we just have to keep hustling and find a way to bring the caliber of kids in here we need to win."
Durham says it's hard to believe that his senior season is here.
"It definitely means a lot to me for us to win some games this year," he said. "I just want to go out on a winning note, and I think we can win 20 games or more. That's our goal."
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