Falcon Greats Return for Alumni Game November 6th

Basketball to Host Meet the Falcons/Media Day on November 6th; Festivities Begin at Noon!

MISENHEIMER, N.C. – The Pfeiffer University men’s and women’s basketball will host a Meet the Falcons/Media Day on Saturday, November 6th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. in the Merner Gym as both teams prepare for the upcoming 2010-2011 season. The event is free and open to the public as plenty of events and activities are planned for the fans which includes a shot for free season tickets.

The festivities begin with the women’s alumni game at high noon as the current Lady Falcons take on former athletes such as Nicole Maready and Shannon Reid in the hour-long contest. Following the women’s alumni game will be the introduction of Falcons with cheerleaders, the spirit club and Pfeiffer’s newest mascot, Freddie the Falcon.

During the one o’clock hour, fans will get the first look and introduction of the Pfeiffer squads competing on the hardwood this season while getting to witness a dunk contest and three-point shootout judged by the fans. After that exhibition, fans will have a chance to come down onto the floor and take a half-court shot to score season tickets for all home games during the 2010-2011 season.

Wrapping things up at 2:00 p.m. will be the men’s alumni game bringing back familiar faces to include Tony Smith, Pfeiffer’s all-time leading scorer with a 15 year professional career, and the Grier brothers Rico and Mario. Rico departed Pfeiffer as one of the winningest player in Pfeiffer history notching over 1,900 points. His counterpart Mario topped the 2,000-point plateau as a two-time All-American representing Pfeiffer in the NABC All-Star Game.

After the event, media members will be allowed full access to all players and coaches in preparation for the season. To RSVP, please contact Sean Fox, Director of Sports Information at Sean.Fox@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu. For questions or more information on Meet the Falcons/Media Day, contact men’s head coach Jeremy Currier through Jeremy.Currier@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu.

Former Pfeiffer Star Earns Ireland Superleague Player of the Week

(Courtesy of Eurobasket.com) First place in round 3 took James Crowder (201-F-86, agency: Agency No 10, college: Pfeiffer) of Hibernian UCD Marian Dublin scoring 32 points with 14 rebs and 3 blocks. He helped his team to win against Ulster Elks 91-75. James Crowder is currently 5th in the league scoring 22.75 ppg and 4th in the league averaging 13.5 rebounds. He receives eurobasket.com player of the week award in round 3.
"The Pfeiffer Basketball Family is so proud of James and his accomplishments," said Falcon head coach Jeremy Currier. "James is a first rate player that knows how to make his teammates better and his team win games."

Basketball Times Covers Pfeiffer Basketball

From Basketball Times: Chuck Mistovich


Pfeiffer (NC) has led Division 2 in scoring the last two seasons, including 103.1 ppg last year in an 18-10 season. The Falcons take that big time offense to North Carolina State in a season opening exhibition game. The team lost 128-70 to Duke in an exhibition game last season. Pfeiffer returns seven players who were in the starting lineup. The lineup also features two All-American types in 6’5 Chris Woods and 5’9 Jeff Pettiway. Woods averaged 22.4 points and 7.3 rebounds and shot 60% from the floor. Pettiway scored 18.3 ppg and added 3.5 apg. Other top returning scorers are 5’10 Davon Gilliard (10.6) and Reggie Hollinger (9.2).

“Basketball Times is one of the most reputable media outlets that covers college basketball,” said Falcon head coach Jeremy Currier. “I have been pleased with the work that our players have done this preseason as the beginning of our season approaches. The Conference Carolinas league will be extremely competitive this season, and we are excited about taking on those challenges every night. We are honored that Chuck and everyone at the Basketball Times would cover Pfeiffer Basketball.”

National Collegiate Scouting Association Article

Coach Jeremy Currier was named head coach of men’s basketball at Pfeiffer University on April 20, 2010, having spent the past two seasons as the program’s top assistant. Considered a highly successful and talented recruiter, Coach Currier was rated the sixth best Division II assistant coach for recruiting success in 2009 by College Bound Hoops. Along the way, his recruiting efforts have helped build a Falcons offense that has netted the two highest single season scoring averages in program history (98.9 and 103.1 ppg) including the all-time Conference Carolinas single game scoring record set against Barton College in February 2010. We recently caught up to him and had the opportunity to discuss why his recruiting efforts have been so successful:

1. What do you look for when evaluating potential recruits?

We really try to target guys that love the game, want to work at it, and have the capability to be coached and be a great teammate. All coaches are looking for “winners”- but we really try to evaluate if a kid makes winning plays on the basketball court and championship decisions off the court. We feel like if a kid loves the game and has a winning mentality, then we can get them better in their time at Pfeiffer.



2.How do you initially reach out to a recruit?

Generally, we start with the initial introduction phone call to their coach to get a character reference. We are not looking to get kids to Pfeiffer that we will have to worry about whether they are going to get into the gym, go to class, and act responsibly on campus. Because of this, we contact multiple people that know the recruit on personal basis. Once we have done our homework, we will call the recruit, and begin the process.



3. Discuss your 1st call strategy for a recruit:

We want our first call to be memorable. We are in a age where every kid is being recruited by a number of schools, so we try to make an impact on the recruit. Every recruit is different, and has different goals, so we try to connect with the recruit and figure out what is important to them athletically, academically, and socially.



4. How often do you communicate with your recruits?

Because of NCAA restrictions, we are only allowed to call a recruit once a week. It is critical that we make that phone call count!



5. How do you “close” a recruit when you want them to commit?

I think that every kid is different- and we really try to figure out the most effective means to ‘close’ them. Some kids need an ultimatum or deadline to decide. Other kids, you need to just go along for the ride, and be there when he is ready to make the decision. Understanding this is critical in getting the commitment- and making a mistake in the process can result in losing the recruit.



6. What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting

I think it is awfully important to get out and do your own evaluations of kids, and see what you think. I see more and more coaches out there that are recruiting just off what the ‘experts’ say. We certainly value this information because many of the recruiting services out there are very thorough in the job that they do- but they are not in practice with your team everyday- you are. Coaches need to get out there and see a potential recruit play, and decide if they are someone that they would like to go to practice with everyday. I think that the best coaches and recruiters are the ones that are meticulous in their evaluations.

Read more: Tips from the Legends: Coach Jeremy Currier – Pfeiffer University Men’s Basketball
College Recruiting Blog - Athletic Scholarships Blog
NCSA http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/2010/09/01/tips-from-the-legends-coach-jeremy-currier-–-pfeiffer-university-mens-basketball/#ixzz0zGPitrag
 
 

Woods Named to The Sporting News Preseason All American Team

(CHARLOTTE, NC)---Pfeiffer University senior forward Chris Woods (Thomasville, NC) has been tabbed as a preseason All American selection in the NCAA Division II ranks by the Sporting News. Woods led a prolific offensive attack in 2009-2010, as the Falcons averaged an NCAA record 103.1 points per game and finished the season with an 18-10 record. In his junior campaign, Woods was nationally ranked in the top ten in scoring (22.4 points per game) and field goal percentage (61%), and averaged 7.3 rebounds per game while playing 23 minutes per game. For his efforts, Chris was named to the Division II Bulletin All American team, the NABC All Southeast Region Team, and was the only underclassmen on the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association All State Team. Woods was most recently recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches with their Honors Court Award which identifies student athletes that excel on the court and in the classroom.

“Chris is coming off the best individual seasons that we have seen at Pfeiffer since two time All American Demario Grier in 2007, and we are extremely proud of what he has accomplished thus far in his career” said Falcon head coach Jeremy Currier. “Chris is a special young man that is determined do whatever it takes to lead this year’s team to a Conference Carolina championship and NCAA Tournament bid.”

Woods and the Falcons will kick off the 2010-11 campaign with a trip Reynolds Coliseum on November 9 to face the North Carolina State Wolfpak. Following the NC State game, Pfeiffer will compete in the Highway 52 Shootout Tournament hosted at Catawba College on November 12th where they will face off against Livingstone College.

FORMER FALCON JAMES CROWDER SIGNS DEAL WITH IRELAND’S TOP LEAGUE

MISENHEIMER, N.C. – A recent graduate of the Pfeiffer University men’s basketball program has signed a professional contract to play ball in Ireland’s Super League, the highest league level in Ireland. James Crowder, from nearby High Point, inked a deal with UCD-Marian out of Dublin playing under head coach Frank Ryan.

The Super League runs from October to March with games every other Sunday amongst the 10 teams. UCD-Marian struggled in 2009-2010 and will look for Crowder’s immediate impact competing in the league’s North Conference. Quotes from both Crowder and Falcon basketball head coach Jeremy Currier are featured below.

CROWDER’S QUOTE

“It’s truly a blessing to get the opportunity to play basketball overseas, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without the Lord’s blessing me and placing coaches in my life that pushed me to my limits to make me better. I can look back on things now and say that attending Pfeiffer University was the best decision that I could have made. I was surrounded by coaches who demanded only the best from me, and played alongside a group of guys who wanted to win games every night.”
CURRIER’S QUOTE

“James Crowder is one of the finest young men to come through our program. During his time at Pfeiffer, we saw James turn in to a hard worker that was a good teammate, and leader on and off the court. James continues an incredible tradition of Falcon players leaving Misenheimer and continuing on in basketball at the professional ranks. Coach Frank Ryan and the UCD-Marian basketball team is getting a terrific basketball player and an even better person. The Falcon basketball program is extremely proud of James and wishes him the absolute best in his professional career.”

Falcons in the Professional Ranks

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 Former Pfeiffer University center Antonio Harvey headlines a lengthy list of players that have left the Misenheimer, NC campus and moved on to the professional ranks.

James Crowder Ireland



Dele Ojo ABA


Tavares Cooper ABA


Demario Grier Cyprus, Germany


Damien Argrett Romania, Czech Republic, England


Rico Grier Germany, Czech Republic


Anthony Williams Germany


Tim Granold Germany


Willie Bullock Mexico, Dominican Republic


Nem Sovic Iceland


Travis O’Sullivan Australia


Eric Coates Greece, ABA


Justin Thompson USBL


Marvin Dixon CBA, Australia


Poo Quillens Canada


Larry Washington France, Mexico


Antonio Harvey NBA, Greece


Leon Purdue Iceland, Australia


Tony Smith Spain


Brad Brown Turkey


Jeff Pinder Germany


Jermaine Carlton Spain, Kosovo


Antoine Davidson CBA


Craig Cordes Belgium


William Milteer Ireland


David Lee France


Jeff McPherson France


Steve Hickey Luxembourg


Mike Epps Australia


John Banner Europe


Harrison Finklea Europe


Henry Panzer Luxembourg, France

 

Pfeiffer Basketball All Americans

All American Senior Chris Woods looks to lead the Falcons back to the NCAA for the first time since 2004-2005

2010 Chris Woods *

2007 Demario Grier

2006 Demario Grier
2005 Damien Argrett

2005 Rico Grier

2001 Nem Sovic

2000 Nem Sovic

1995 Justin Thompson

1994 Jermaine Carlton

1993 Antonio Harvey

1992 Tony Smith

1991 Tony Smith

1990 Jeff Pinder

1986 Craig Cordes

1979 Mike Epps

1962 Bobby Franks

                                                             *Denotes Player Still Active

FALCONS TO BATTLE WOLFPACK IN MEN’S BASKETBALL EXHIBITION ON NOVEMBER 9th

FALCONS TO BATTLE WOLFPACK IN MEN’S BASKETBALL EXHIBITION ON NOVEMBER 9th


MISENHEIMER, N.C. – Men’s basketball head coach Jeremy Currier announced on Thursday afternoon that the Pfeiffer University Falcons will begin their 2010-2011 season with an exhibition contest in Raleigh against the Wolfpack of N.C. State on Tuesday night, November 9th at 7:00 p.m.
The Falcons and Wolfpack are scheduled to tip-off in Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of N.C. State. The Wolfpack started last year winning eight of their first nine tilts en route to conference play in the powerful Atlantic Coast Conference. Senior Chris Woods (Greensboro, NC) and Jeff Pettiway (Edgewood, MD) return for the Falcons after leading the team in minutes played and scoring a year ago. Woods averaged 22.4 points and 24 minutes per game last season while Pettiway scored 18.3 per game with just under 25 minutes per game.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our basketball program,” remarks Currier. “Few Division II teams in the country get to play against ACC opponents, and we have had two of the best in the last two years with Duke and N.C. State. The atmosphere around campus is electrifying about the 2010-11 season and there is no better way to kick things off than playing the Wolfpack in Reynolds Coliseum.”

Tickets for the exhibition contest will be just $5.00 and available for purchase in late September, early October. Tickets can be purchased through the Wolfpack athletic website (www.gopack.com) or by calling the ticket office at 919-815-1510.

Going to School

(Courtesy of Southern Maryland Newspaper) How are you rewarded for playing a particular sport, in this case basketball, since age 6 for basically free? How do you repay a family who gave you rides to and from practices and games?

If you are recent St. Mary's Ryken graduate Elijah Matthews, you perform well enough on the hardwood, the only place you have known since you were a toddler, to earn a full athletic scholarship to Pfeiffer University. Matthews recently signed his letter of intent to attend the North Carolina-based institution.

"I am really excited, but just ready to get down there," Matthews said. "I am kind of nervous. I have to kind of show these upperclassmen what I can do. But, really, I am just going to go out there and try to have fun."

Matthews had a long list of suitors for his strong defensive skills on the floor and equal leadership abilities on the court. Schools such as Coastal Carolina, Mount St. Mary's, Holy Family (Pa.) and Philadelphia University, among others, each were after Matthews, but it was Pfeiffer and head coach Jeremy Currier who received Matthews' services.

"It's a good, Christian environment down there," Matthews said of Pfeiffer‘s campus. "That was the first thing that I noticed. People are very nice down there and really family-oriented. … It's a really nice campus and I was able to speak to a couple of the professors. I talked to a couple of basketball players that helped persuade me, too."

He said Currier expects a lot out of him coming into Pfeiffer, a Conference Carolinas school, but Matthews expects a lot out of himself as well.

"He told me he wanted me to come down and play big minutes," Matthews said. "He just wants me to do what I can do and help him get a championship."

Although he is talented on the court, Matthews said he understands what the game of basketball has meant to his life off the court. Openly admitting that life around him has been a bit tough at times, basketball is where Matthews always has been able to turn to.

"Basketball probably kept me out of a lot of trouble," Matthews admitted. "I have a lot of friends and some of them are dead, some of them are in jail, and basketball just kept me out of that. It's something for me to do, and I just love it."

The All-County honorable mention was the defensive stopper for a Ryken team, head coach Dave Tallman said, that set school records in overall wins, conference wins and conference team finishes this past season.

"It was really special this year," he said. "Breaking those records was really fun, really good for the school, especially with it being done in my senior year and being able to go out with a bang."

But with all of the numbers of points, rebounds, steals and statistics Matthews' biggest number just may be, in fact, zero, as in how much he will have to pay for school. And Matthews said he fully understands how special that is for him and his family.

"It's great," he said. "My parents don't have to pay for anything, so that's good."