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Toledo Basketball Update & UT @ Drexel Preview

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The Rockets won the consolation bracket of the Paradise Jam with a 2-1 record edging out Virginia Commonwealth and Middle Tennessee State, two teams who could be in position to participate in the NCAA tournament come March. Toledo started off with a 13 point loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes where the inside presence of Tyler Smith and Kurt Looby out-muscled, out-rebounded, and out-played the smaller sized Rockets. It appeared that game number two against the Blue Raiders would draw a similar result until senior Justin Ingram’s three pointer near the end of the second half propelled the Rockets into overtime and an eventual 75-69 victory. Neither game saw the Rockets perform consistently in both halves but with a victory under their belt, Toledo had some momentum heading into their match-up against the VCU Rams.

A strong first half positioned the Rockets with a seven point lead at intermission, but as expected, the Rams took advantage in the second period using a full court press that essentially made this a game. The two teams battled each other closely with the Rockets able to close this one out at the free throw line despite hitting only 57% the entire game. However, head coach Stan Joplin seemed pleased to exit this tournament with a 2-1 mark against tough competition, which will no doubt prepare the Rockets come conference play.

With the Drexel Dragons next on the Rocket schedule followed by additional road games at Vanderbilt and Kansas, Toledo will have its work cut out. The Paradise Jam showcased Toledo’s fast-paced, upbeat tempo and strong guard play, which is the cornerstone of this year’s squad. With veterans Justin Ingram, Keonta Howell, and Kashif Payne and sophomores Jonathan Amos, Ridley Johnson, and Tyrone Kent, the Rockets have the capability of taking the ball to the hole or getting good looks from beyond the arc. Kent emerged as a potential star with strong rebounding skills and a defensive presence that is sure to create a lot of turnovers this season.

Rebounding has been and will be a problem all season long with the lack of size, but Joplin is countering it by forcing his guards to help down low and look for steals. Although this sometimes fails and turns into easy dunks or open lay-ups, the potential for turnovers is great and really is the only viable option for this season. With only three power forwards on the roster, Joplin’s guards will have to make plays on the defensive end in order to have any success on the year. There will be some nights where Toledo looks superior on the defensive end and other nights where people will be cursing Joplin out for not signing a 6-9 center. It’s the nature of the game.

With a week in between games, the Rockets should be well rested heading into Philadelphia where they will be facing a tough Drexel squad led by seniors Dominick Mejia and Bashir Mason, and Chaz Crawford. Mejia is a threat from the three point line, Mason is a Payne protégé at the point who creates turnovers and finds the open guy, while Crawford dominates the interior with 6 blocks per game. This will be a key start to the three game road stretch. A win may propel the Rockets to victory at Vanderbilt and a potential 4-3 mark heading into its home games against UNC-Wilmington and Detroit. But, a loss and Toledo could drop all three to some tough competition including an ESPN showdown against the Kansas Jayhawks. Although early in the season and really of no bearing on Toledo’s chances come March, these next few games will no doubt be an opportunity for the Rockets to make a statement.

By Mike Sopher, Toledo Sports Beat Writer for VanDelaySports.com

published 11.28.2006

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