Jerry Brewer wrote a great article on the Seattle University men's basketball team in this Sunday's edition of the Seattle Times. Completely building a division one basketball program from the ground up is not the easiest task in the world. It is my firm belief that Coach Dollar has this ship sailing in the right direction. What is Dollar's vision for this program? 

"Usually, it takes most programs about 10 years to win a national championship, from the time they hire a new coach and rebuild the program," Dollar says. "Add four years to that with us because we're really starting all over. So, that's why I say I hope to win a national title in 10 to 14 years."

He may sound a little crazy, but if he doesn't believe it can happen, who will? 

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Gavin Gilmore dunks home two points in the Redhawks' 60-51 victory over Eastern Washington.  Photo courtesy of Kyle Scholzen.

Men’s basketball (6-11) played at Pepperdine and against Eastern Washington this week. The team continued their Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde routine, as they struggled on the road before showing strong at home. The Redhawks lost to Pepperdine 84-64, despite Sterling Carter’s career high 28 points. Carter’s seven three-pointers were the most by a Redhawk in four years. Aaron Broussard chipped in 15 points, but the Wave’s Mychel Thompson and Lorne Jackson both posted double-doubles to lead their team to the victory. The Redhawks then returned home to KeyArena to take on cross-state rival in a rematch of the Eagles’ 95-91 victory in Cheney last December. Behind Alex Jones’ season high 21 points, the Redhawks dominated down low en route to a 60-51 victory. Seattle outscored Eastern Washington 40-8 in the paint, and outrebounded the Eagles 49-26. Broussard again contributed 15 points, and Gavin Gilmore scored 10 off the bench. The Redhawks play at home again this Saturday against Cal State Northridge.

Women’s basketball (5-11) kicked off the New Year’s with a 62-50 home win against Navy. Salena Dickerson continued her outstanding play this year, as she led the team with 22 points and seven rebounds. It was Dickerson’s 10th time scoring in double figures this year. The Redhawks shot 51.1% while playing outstanding defense and holding Navy to only 33.9% from the field. Seattle also outrebounded Navy 36-32, leading to 11 second chance points. Ashley Ward made her first career start for the Redhawks, and provided several key baskets down the stretch. The team will take to the road for their next several games, starting with the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners this Sunday. The team also announced this week they received a midseason transfer, sophomore Nichole Jackson. Jackson, a 5’9” sophomore point guard, comes from Portland State, and will be eligible to play starting winter of 2012.

For all your Redhawks’ news, scores and highlights, go to http://www.goseattleu.com. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter @su_athletics.

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Cervante Burrell was named the Elgin Baylor Classic MVP after a game-high 20 points.  Photo Courtesy of Kyle Scholzen.


Men’s basketball (4-8) continued to play tough at home, while also continuing their road woes.  The Redhawks hosted Idaho last weekend as part of the Elgin Baylor Classic.  The team earned a 66-56 victory after playing solid defense against the Vandals.  The Redhawks led most of the game until Idaho managed to take a 51-50 lead with 7:40 left in the game, before Seattle U clamped down on defense to end the game on a 16-5 run.  Cervante Burrell was named the MVP of the Classic, as he scored a game-high 20 points.  Aaron Broussard chipped in with his fourth double-double of the year as he contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds.  The Redhawks then hit the road for a game against in-state rival Eastern Washington, and despite a 2nd half comeback attempt, succumbed 95-91 to the Eagles to fall to 0-7 on the road for the year.  The team played valiantly, cutting a 20 point deficit to only two in the waning minutes of the second half, but the Eagles held them off.  Freshman Sterling Carter put in the best game of his young career with his first double-double ever with 19 points and 13 assists.  Carter started the comeback with consecutive three-pointers.  Aaron Broussard and Alex Jones contributed 18 and 16 points, respectively.  The Redhawks host San Jose State at KeyArena this Saturday at 7:10 PM.

Sylvia Shephard had a career best 11 points in Seattle U's game against UC Irvine.  Photo Courtesy of Kyle Scholzen.

Women’s basketball (3-7) started out the week by handily defeating a strong Idaho team 62-43.  The team put forth an outstanding defensive effort, holding the Vandals to 27.5% shooting, including a dismal 6.3% from beyond the three-point arc.  Daidra Brown had career highs with 14 points and eight steals, as well as five rebounds and four assists in one of the best all-around performances of the year.  Leading scorer Elle Kerfoot led the team with 18 points, including four three-pointers.  The team was unable to continue the momentum into their game against UC Irvine, however, as they fell 69-55.  Despite stretches of brilliance, the team shot themselves in the foot as they were plagued with turnover problems throughout.  17 Redhawks turnovers were converted into 22 Anteaters points.  Freshman Ashley Ward put in a great game against her hometown school, with seven rebounds, and 11 points, tied with Sylvia Shephard for a team-high.  The team will travel to California this week, for a three game set against Sacramento State, Santa Clara and St. Mary’s.  In addition, Redhawks’ fans can now purchase tickets for the State Farm Holiday Hoops Classic December 29-30.  Teams at the Classic will be SU, #18 Notre Dame, Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount.

For all your Redhawks’ news, scores and highlights, go to http://www.goseattleu.com.You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter @su_athletics.

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Jordan Anderson was named the MPSF Swimmer of the Week.  Photo Courtesy of Eric Badeau.

Men’s basketball (3-8) played Weber State last weekend.  The Redhawks jumped out to an early 35-26 lead in the first half, but succumbed to a second half outburst by Weber State to lose 65-61.  Aaron Broussard put up a valiant effort in the loss, tallying 23 points.  Chad Rasmussen had his best game of the year, pouring in 13 points, including three 3-pointers.  The Redhawks led 50-43 with as little as 9 minutes left in the game, but couldn’t hold off the Wildcats, who went 7-8 from the free throw line in the last minute to solidify the win.  This weekend, the Redhawks will host Idaho in the Elgin Baylor Classic on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 5 PM.  It is also Take a Kid to the Game Day, as Seattle University will offer free tickets to children 14 and under when accompanied by an adult with a paid ticket.

 Salena Dickerson scored 18 as the Redhawks fell short 66-57 against Boise State.  Photo Courtesy of Eric Badeau.

Women’s basketball (2-6) played Boise State last weekend.  The Broncos took a huge early lead, up by as much as 28, before the Redhawks stormed back.  Ultimately, however, Boise State held off Seattle U for the 66-57 win.  Salena Dickerson continued her strong play this season with 18 points, and was joined in double figures by three other Redhawks.  Tatiana Heck put in 16, Elle Kerfoot contributed 10 and Amani Butler also scored 10.  This weekend, the Redhawks host Idaho on Saturday December 11, 2010 at the Connolly Center, and UC Irvine on the 13^th.  In addition, Redhawks’ fans can now purchase tickets for the State Farm Holiday Hoops Classic December 29-30.  Teams at the Classic will be SU, #18 Notre Dame, Gonzaga and Loyola Marymount.

Swimming visited Utah and Brigham Young last weekend.  Against Utah, both the men and women lost despite several first place finishes by Alexis Morehouse and Jordan Anderson.  The team also lost to BYU, despite another outstanding performance by Anderson.  For his efforts, Anderson was named the MPSF Swimmer of the Week.  He is the first Redhawk this year to earn the honor.  Swimming is on a break until January, when they host Whitworth on the 28^th.

Midfielder Kara Kuttler was named to the NSCAA All-Pacific Regional Third Team this week.  Kuttler is the first Redhawk to earn such honors at the Division I level.  Kuttler, a senior, was an integral part of the team’s transition from Division II, and finished her career with the ninth most goals in school history.

For all your Redhawks’ news, scores and highlights, go to http://www.goseattleu.com.  You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter @su_athletics.

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Aaron Broussard scored the go-ahead three in the Redhawks 72-70 comeback win over Montana State.  Photo Courtesy of Kyle Scholzen.

Men’s basketball (3-7) had a mixed week.  They played UC Davis on the road last weekend, and were unable to come up victorious, as the Aggies scored an 80-58 victory.  Cervante Burrell led the way with 18 points in the loss, while freshman Mark McLaughlin scored a season-high 14.  The Redhawks were doomed by UC Davis’ 11-2 run to start the second half, which gave the Aggies a 42-28 lead that would prove to be insurmountable.  Seattle U’s shooting woes continued, as the team shot only 30.8% from the floor.  The Redhawks then returned home to host the Montana State Bobcats, and earned a comeback victory in a thrilling 72-70 game.  The Bobcats had gone up by as many as 10 before the Redhawks clamped down defensively.  After taking a 64-54 lead with 9 minutes left, Montana State was held scoreless by Seattle U for eight and a half minutes while the Redhawks scored 14 unanswered points.  Aaron Broussard scored the go-ahead three with 2 minutes left and the team never looked back.  Broussard turned in a 20 point, 12 rebound performance for his third double-double of the year.  Two days after the win, the team traveled south to take on Portland State.  The Redhawks attempted another comeback, but fell just short, 83-76.  The Vikings had taken 52-38 lead in the second half, before Seattle U battled back.  They trailed just 67-65 with 6 minutes left, but were able to ice the game with solid free throw shooting down the stretch.  Alex Jones paced the team with 13 points, while Sterling Carter contributed 9 in the second half, and 11 total.  The team will travel to play Weber State this weekend.

Women’s basketball (3-5) played well in the Seattle U Thanksgiving Tournament, earning a second place finish.  They beat the Montana State Bobcats to earn a spot in the finals, where they ran into a tough Bowling Green squad.  The team rebounded to beat the University of Portland 61-58 on the back of senior forward Salena Dickerson, who scored 16 points to go along with six rebounds.  The team will host Boise State on Sunday, December 5 at 2 PM at the Connolly Center.

Swimming will take on the University of Utah and Brigham Young University on the road this weekend.

You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter @su_athletics.

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Cervante Burrell scored 22 as Seattle U beat Oregon State for the second straight year, 83-80.  Photo Courtesy of Eric Badeau.

Check out this week in Seattle U sports after the jump!

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Cervante Burrell scored 13 points for the Redhawks, but it wasn't enough to overcome defending ACC Champion Maryland. Photo Courtesy of Greg Fiume.

Check out this week in Seattle U sports after the jump!

 

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Vitals:
Conference: Independent
Last Season: 17-14
Starter's Lost/Returning: 2/3
Homecourt: Key Arena
Coach: Cameron Dollar (UCLA '97)
Record at Seattle U: 17-14
Assistants:
Donald Dollar (Morehouse '62)
Darren Talley (Chapman '02)
Yasir Rosemond (Oregon '03)

Projected Starters:
G-Cervante Burrell (5'10" Jr.)
G-Garrett Lever (6'0" Sr.)
G-Mark McLaughlin (6'6" Fr.)
F-Aaron Broussard (6'5" Jr.)
F-Gavin Gilmore (6'8" Jr.)

Bench Players:
G-Freddy Wilson (6'2" Fr.)
G-Sterling Carter (6'0" Fr.)
G-Jarell Flora (6'3" Fr.)
F-Taylor Stevens (6'7" Jr.)
F-Clarence Trent (6'6") (Ineligible So.)
F-Chad Rasmussen (6'7" So.)
F-Brandon Durham (6'7" So.)
F-Alex Jones (6'8" Sr.)

With one year under his belt as head coach, Cameron Dollar is looking to improve upon last year's performance. Though last season was full of ups and downs, it is safe to say that the team's performance provided insurance that this program is headed into the right direction. Victories over legitimate division one programs like Utah, Portland State, and a 51 point win over Oregon State are evidence that Cameron Dollar is creating a competitive environment at Seattle U. Though there were still some instances where Seattle U looked like they had a long way to go (see: 46 point loss to Washington).

Every opponent this year will be a division one opponent with games against some upper-echelain teams in Maryland, Oregon St., Virginia, Washington, Stanford, and Loyola Marymount. Coach Dollar has repeatedly stated that his goal is to win the NIT, but Seattle U still might not put together enough wins to be invited to the post season tournament. It will all depend on the performance of the returning starters and whether the new comers will be able to come in and have an impact right away.

Last year it was the Charles Garcia show, with Garcia accounting for 23% of the Redhawks' point production. Garcia made the ill-devised decision to enter the NBA draft and is now playing professionally in Turkey. Returning for the Redhawks are forwards Aaron Broussard (10.3ppg, 5.1rpg) and Gavin Gilmore (4.4ppg, 2.9rpg), with guard Cervante Burrell (11.4ppg, 3.9rpg) also returning. Both Burrell and Broussard averaged a little over ten points last season, and will probably up their scoring averages with Garcia's departure.

Gavin Gilmore played in all 31 games last season, but will need to improve his rebound numbers and free-throw percentage if he wants to make a positive contribution to the team. Also returning from last season is senior guard Garrett Lever (3.5ppg, 2.9rpg) Lever is the team's best perimeter defender, leading the team with 45 steals last season. He will likely be named a starter because of his experience. The last significant returning player is forward Alex Jones (8.9ppg, 3.3rpg). Jones is another guy that needs to step up if Seattle U wants to pull off some upsets over opponents like Maryland and Virginia. He can score buckets, but his ability to rebound the basketball and being an imposing presence in the paint will open the game up for Seattle U's plethora of athletic perimeter players.

Dollar welcomes in his first recruiting class, those familiar with the local Seattle high school basketball scene will be familiar with most of these names. Freddy Wilson from Franklin High schools is an athletic guard that has a knack for scoring. Sterling Carter is also from Franklin, he will be another athletic guard that can score that Dollar will have at his disposal. I am beginning to sound like a broken record, but freshman Jarell Flora is yet again another athletic guard that can score the basketball. Flora is also from the Seattle-area, grauduating from Bremerton high school.

The biggest addition to the squad will be Mark McLaughlin from Inglemoor High School. McLaughlin is a 6-6 guard that has a natural ability to score. Perhaps the team's best athlete is former Husky, transfer Clarence Trent. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Trent will sit-out this year and practice with the team. Trent's athleticism and height will serve Dollar's goal of creating a style characterized by fast and athletic players.

A winning record is expected out of this squad, however, reaching the 20 win mark may be what the Redhawks need to be invited to the NIT. There is a strong core of returning players, but the Redhawks success will depend on how fast the newcomers will be able to adjust to the college level of play and have a contribution right away. McLaughlin could very well end up leading this team in scoring, with Brousard and Burrell chipping in double digits.

It will be interesting to see how this offense will find a rhythm. The lack of height on the perimeter and in the post hurts the Redhawks tremendously in the half-court game. As a result, similar to last season, the Redhawks will need to push the ball and use their guard depth to their advantage. Dollar may not have a potent weapon like Garcia this season, but with several returning players and a host of talented freshman, this season promises to be a relatively successful one if they can improve upon last year's record of 17 wins.

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Check out this week's action in Seattle U sports after the jump!

 

 

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Preston Matchett was named America Sky Conference's Golfer of the Week following his eighth place finish at the Kauai Invitational (Photo Courtesy of Rod Commons)

Check out this week's action in Seattle U sports after the jump!

 

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