UMass men's basketball looking for scoring threat
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AMHERST - There are plenty of questions facing the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team as it tries to shake off the disappointing finish to the 2010-11 season. But the biggest of this year's questions is the most obvious one:
Who's going to score?
Before last season, the Minutemen had to replace Ricky Harris, the program's No. 3 all-time scorer and his 19.8 points per game. But his successor was obvious. Anthony Gurley had averaged in double digits each of the two previous seasons. He was a scorer and plenty willing to take on a bigger offensive load. He finished with an 18.7 points per game average, leading UMass in 22 of 30 games, and his 560 points were over a fourth of the team's total points scored.
But with Gurley gone, the Minutemen don't have a single player who has ever averaged at least 10 points per game over a whole college season.
The coaching staff is hoping that an up-tempo offense and point guard Chaz Williams, who is capable of creating shots and more opportunities for his teammates, will cause some players to emerge as scorers.
"Putting the ball in the basket is part of the game. We relied too much on Anthony last year. I need a bunch of guys to chip in and have a better team effort," UMass coach Derek Kellogg said.
So who is going to score? Here are the leading candidates:
Terrell Vinson
6-foot-7 - Junior Forward
Career average: 8.1 - Career high: 21
Why he could score: As a freshman, Vinson looked to be headed for stardom after back-to-back 20 point games and by his game winner vs. Memphis. He should benefit from the offensive style change, a new point guard and being healthier.
Why he might not: His scoring average dropped from 9.6 per game as a freshman to 6.5 last year. He's a poor 3-point shooter (21.4 percent) and settled for too many shots from the outside last year.
Javorn Farrell
6-foot-5 - Junior Wing
Career average: 6.5 - Career high: 25
Why he could score: His scoring average jumped almost four points per game last year, from 4.6 as a freshman to 8.5 as a sophomore. He had 10 games in double figures, including 25 against Quinnipiac. At least to start the season, he's no longer weighed down by playing backup point guard, which should keep him off the ball. Like many Minutemen, he figures to benefit from playing up-tempo.
Why he might not: He might not get the chance. UMass is better when Farrell is utilizing his versatility. He's among the Minutemen's better defenders and is the player most likely to dive for a loose ball. Kellogg might not need Farrell to attempt double-digit shots.
Freddie Riley
6-foot-5 - Junior Guard
Career average: 8.6 - Career high: 28
Why he could score: When Riley is hot, he's unstoppable. He has deep range and a quick release on his 3-pointers and he's quicker and more athletic than he sometimes appears. If he can play at or near his peak more often he could be in for a terrific season.
Why he might not: His scoring, and seemingly his confidence, waned somewhat last year as his scoring dropped from 9.3 to 8.0. He's very streaky and at times disappears offensively.
Chaz Williams
5-foot-9 - Sophomore Guard
Career average: 9.8 - Career high: 20
Why he could score: He has before. He averaged nearly 10 points per game as a freshman at Hofstra. He'll be the quickest player on the floor most of the time and despite his 5-foot-9 frame, he can finish in traffic. He's also a solid 3-point shooter at 38.9 percent.
Why he might not: He's being charged with finding better shots for his teammates, a task that could cut into his scoring. He's also the team's only point guard making fatigue, both in games and as the season wears on, a potential issue.
Jesse Morgan
6-foot-5 - Sophomore Guard
Career average: 4.4 - Career high: 14
Why he could score: It's hard to know how much to judge of Morgan's game last year. After a year and a half off, he got thrown into things in the middle of the season. He showed an ability to create his own shot, get to the basket and flashed a 3-point stroke at times. That, combined with his reputation as a scorer coming out of high school, might make him a candidate to shoulder some of the load.
Why he might not: He'll have to show better defensive instincts to be on the floor and the fact that he's the backup point guard could slow his scoring down.
Raphiael Putney
6-foot-9 - Sophomore Forward
Career average: 4.4 - Career high: 14
Why he could score: He's the wild card. At times he looks like he has star potential. Regular viewers of the Minutemen last year are waiting for Putney to break out and his hands, speed and athleticism make that seem possible. He could be quite the finisher on alley-oops.
Why he might not: He's still thin and can be pushed around in a physical game. He needs to be able to play at top speed for longer stretches and for all his ability, he only cracked double figures three times last year.
Sampson Carter
6-foot-8 - Junior Forward
Career average: 5.6 - Career high: 17
Why he could score: His offense should absolutely be better in the new system. He showed flashes last year, especially early, and overall increased his scoring average from 4.3 to 7.0 points per game. It's hard to picture him as a leading scorer, but he could increase his share.
Why he might not: He's been battling leg injuries throughout the preseason, which could slow him down. On top of that he's not really a natural scorer so if other people are scoring his numbers figure to dwindle.
Cady Lalanne
6-foot-8 - Freshman Forward/Center
Career average/Career high: Making his collegiate debut
Why he could score: He's an athletic big man with skills around the hoop. He could give the Minutemen an inside scoring presence for the first time in quite some time. Reportedly his shooting range even extends well outside of the paint.
Why he might not: He's had a year off as an academic nonqualifier and a foot injury, and his minutes aren't guaranteed this year.
Matt Vautour can be reached at mvautour@gazettenet.com. Follow UMass coverage on Twitter at twitter.com/GazetteUMass.
