Image by Julie Malakie, Lowell Sun
02/26/2016
Lowell Sun
By Matt Langone
LOWELL -- They were the highest-scoring team in the America East Conference. They pulled off an upset in Chestnut Hill. Heck, they even shattered a backboard.
For the most part, the 2015-16 season was a positive experience for a UMass Lowell men's basketball squad that carried nine freshmen.
"There's plenty to be encouraged about, given the amount of success we've had already and the number of core players that we have coming back over the next two years," said UMass Lowell head coach Pat Duquette.
"It's going to come down to how much better we get, how they develop and how much work they put in during the offseason in their strength and conditioning, and how badly they want it. If they continue to develop both in-season and out of the season, then the future looks bright."
The River Hawks wrapped up their third Division 1 season on Wednesday night with an 86-61 loss to Albany at the Tsongas Center. UMass Lowell finished on a three-game losing skid, resulting in a final record of 11-18 (7-9 AE). UML is ineligible for postseason play because of a four-year transition phase.
Still, the River Hawks continued to win over respect from the rest of America East. After being picked eighth out of nine teams in the preseason coaches' poll, UML is assured of finishing fifth in the regular season standings.
"They've got a really good coach and I think they're well-prepared," said Albany head coach Will Brown on Wednesday night.
"They've got good young players. The tough thing with young players, though, is there's got to be a point where you come together and you learn to win, and you learn to win consistently. Pat is still playing a lot of young guys and I think they're just going to continue to get better. Next year, I'd be shocked if they sneak up on anybody."
The River Hawks snuck up on Boston College back in December and shocked the Eagles, 68-66, at Conte Forum. Sure, it's been a rough year for BC (7-21, 0-15 ACC), but for UMass Lowell it was a still a landmark win over a power conference team from in-state.
UMass Lowell averaged 76.6 points per game, thanks to an attack heavily reliant on guard play. Sophomore Jahad Thomas, who figures to be an All-America East selection, led the team in points (14.2), rebounds (7.4), assists (3.4) and field goal percentage (58.6). Freshman point guard Isaac White (11.5 ppg, 42.7 3-point pct.) and sophomore guard Matt Harris (10.1 ppg, 42.1 3-point pct.) also provided offensive punch.
The team's firepower pleasantly surprised Duquette.
"I knew we would have a different identity than in years past because we had guys that were offensively very skilled," Duquette said. "But I wasn't sure that we'd be ready to score that many points."
Defense on the agenda
The flip side of that is UMass Lowell allowed 82.8 points per game. Duquette would like to see significant defensive improvements next season and believes that will come with experience and increased strength.
To that point, the development of 6-foot-8, 195-pound freshman Dontavious Smith will be ultra-important. With a huge wingspan and endless athletic ability, the native of Cullen, La., could be a game-changer on both sides of the ball.
Smith averaged 3.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 11.4 minutes in 24 appearances this season. He was also the one who shattered the backboard at Costello Athletic Center with an emphatic two-handed dunk attempt during a blowout November win over Wheelock.
"The first thing I would say I need to do is, obviously, gain more weight," said Smith. "And then just work on my craft. The main goal, as a team, is to get better and stronger."
Incoming 6-foot-8, 235-pound forward Cameron Wolter (Fishers, Ind.) may help address some of those strength and defensive issues next season. As will the development of 6-foot-7 starting freshman Josh Gantz, who led the team in blocks.
"We have a good group of guys coming back who fit the system," said Harris. "I think with a good offseason and a lot of hard work, we'll be in good shape. The best is yet to come."