SB Nation - Ben McCauley

ACC Tournament: NC State vs. Maryland Recap

MRickman84 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 01:23:54 -0000

Obviously this game had a lot of weight seeing as the winner plays the Deacs tomorrow and that put more emphasis on the outcome. That doesn't mean that it was the best ACC Tournament game I've ever seen...

This was an ugly game all around. Both teams plodded and made poor decisions and shot selections. At the end though, Eric Hayes' 21 points on 5-6 three-pointers and 6-8 free throws and Greivis Vasquez's 17 points, 10 assists and four rebounds were too much for the Wolfpack.

The Pack got a combined 2-15 performance good for 9 total points from Brandon Costner and Courtney Fells. Not exactly what you would be hoping for from two of your court leaders. State was paced by a great effort from Ben McCauley (7-10 shooting, 14 points and seven rebounds) and a career game from Julius Mays--18 points.

NC State was able to stay in it midway through the second half, even leading 62-61 at one point. They were unable to get any offense going after that though, allowing Maryland to go on an extended run that basically put the game away.

Vasquez, who announced today that he was going to declare for the NBA draft, tied his career high in assists and only had two turnovers. He looked poised and focused, but his words about the Demon Deacon defense after their loss in College Park makes for good bulletin board material.

The Deacs know what is at stake, especially with Pitt, Kansas and Oklahoma going down today. Not only is the battle for Greensboro still up for grabs, but there is a potential number one seed on the line if Wake could pull out a miracle ACC Tournament Championship. To get there though, they have to go through the Terrapins who gave the Deacs a run for their money just recently.

Wake will need to play solid defense and get the ball inside early and often. They absolutely must seal off Dave Neal and Eric Hayes from getting open opportunities and just make Greivis beat them--play him like everyone else and shut down the rest of the Terps and beat up on Maryland inside. This is a game Wake should win. Now they need to go out and do it.

Lunchtime Links 3/2

MRickman84 — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:54:52 -0000

It's a thin link day (I'm pretty sure most of North Carolina is shut down because of the snow). Wake Forest's game against Maryland tomorrow will cap off a three game in six day marathon right in the heart of midterms. If they can pull it out tomorrow, that'll make the Clemson game that much bigger and will give them a terrific shot at finishing in the top four. Win out and a Duke loss against UNC and the Deacs could get the second seed. I don't have the best feeling about tomorrow, but Wake has played a lot better lately.

Dan Collins on the Deacs' end to February.

Wake Forest recruit Andre Whitmore will attend Clemson's junior day.

I sometimes get burnt out from driving to away games, but after reading this article on Ben McCauley's family traveling more than 100,000 miles and seeing more than 100 of his games in his four years at State, well that puts things in perspective a little bit.

Recently at a Wake Forest football dinner, Chris Barclay and Eric King spoke and did a terrific job. Barclay is easily one of the best Deacs ever and the only reason King doesn't get the respect he deserves is because we had the privilege of getting Alphonso Smith right after him. King in his own right was one heck of a DB.

The bottom two slots in the ACC Tournament are set: Georgia Tech at 12 and Virginia at 11.

Brett Hodges has left the Wake Forest football team.

Women's ACC Tournament pairings--the Deacs will play NC State at 3 PM this Thursday. The Deacs lost to State both times this season.

Wake Forest vs. N.C. State Preview

Brian Burke — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 07:13:25 -0000

Wake Forest has payback on its mind when it goes to Raleigh on Wednesday to take on an N.C. State team that has yet to win an ACC game in regulation this season.

Wake Forest (18-3, 5-3 ACC) hasn't traveled to the RBC center since February 3 of last year, when Ben McCauley dunked in a Gavin Grant miss with one second on the clock to beat the Deacons 67-65. While Wake hasn't forgotten that loss, McCauley and the Wolfpack are just trying to remember what it's like to win an ACC game in regulation. The last time they won a conference game in 40 minutes was February 5 of last year, just two days after they beat Wake on the buzzer beater...

Still, the Wolfpack (12-9, 2-6 ACC) have won two ACC games this year, both in overtime, and both at home. In conference play this season, N.C. State is averaging about 10 points per game more at home than on the road. In fact, they haven't won an away game of any kind since their first game of the season, beating New Orleans by just six.

And although State will be happy to play on their home court, Wake Forest has shown an ability to win on the road this season. Before losing back-to-back road games at Georgia Tech and at Miami, Wake ended BYU's then nation's best 53-game home winning streak, beat an undefeated Clemson team on the road, and won at Boston College... by 20.

The Demon Deacons completed the season sweep of the Eagles this past Sunday, defeating Boston College 93-76. This win may prove to be a turning point in the young team's season, after losing three of their previous four. The difference was more consistent passing and ball control from the Deacs, who had 16 assists to only 12 turnovers in the game.

The key stat to keep your eye on in Wednesday's match-up is turnovers. N.C. State doesn't have a true ACC-caliber starting point guard, while Wake has two in Teague and Smith. Neither Wake nor State is particularly good at protecting the rock on offense, ranking 163^rd and 228^th respectively in turnover percentage (turnovers per possession) on offense.

The difference is that Wake is good at forcing turnovers on defense, whereas the Wolfpack rank in the bottom 15 in the nation in that category. If they want to stop the Deacons' high-powered offense, N.C. State, who has had 42 turnovers in their past two games, will need to hold on to the basketball.

Other noteworthy stats:

N.C. State's highest scorer (Brandon Costner) only ranks 19^th in the ACC in PPG, lower than any other ACC team's highest scorer.
40.6% of the minutes played for N.C. State have been by bench players, good for 11^th in the nation.
Wake Forest hasn't won at the RBC Center since 2005.
N.C. State is coming off of an OT loss to Virginia Tech, and teams are only 3-24 in games after OT losses this year in men's college basketball (top 125 matchups only).

Predictions:

Player Profile: Ben McCauley

WakeJake — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:40:17 -0000

Most Deacon fans know McCauley as the guy that James Johnson failed to box out in the final seconds of last year's buzzer-beating loss on Super Bowl Sunday. McCauley trotted down the lane and slammed down a Gavin Grant miss to continue Wake's woes in the RBC Center. Although this season has been disappointing thus far for the Wolfpack, McCauley has been more than solid. What sets him apart from other big men in the ACC though?

The stats may not back me up as much as I would like on this, but from watching several State games over the past 4 years, I really appreciate Ben McCauley's passing ability. Big Ben is the one remnant of Herb Sendek that is still evident in Raleigh, as he often hits slashers perfectly when he backs his defender down in the paint. This is one skill that many of the premier post players in the ACC, such as Hansbrough and Booker, do not possess. Once they get the ball with their back to the basket, it is going up no matter what.

As for this season, McCauley is averaging a solid 13.5 points, eight rebounds, and 2 assists per game. The best news for State fans is that his last game was his best one: A 25 point, 15 rebound performance in a crushing overtime loss at Virginia Tech. Wednesday night should be a bigger challenge for Ben, as he tries to manage his way around Wake's numerous big men.

While it is unclear who will have the assignment initially, he is sure to see a combination of long arms with McFarland, Aminu, Woods and Weaver rotating duties. As we have seen several times throughout the season (and as I predicted in the Lawal article as well), McCauley has a chance to collect some garbage buckets against the sometimes poor defensive rebounding of the Deacs. He certainly does not lack the effort and intensity to pull off a great performance on the boards and will likely hurt us again if we do not commit to boxing out instead of going for the big block every time.

Finally, I'm a Ben McCauley fan because he does not back down at any point in the game. This was best exemplified in his final home game against the Heels:

(via plastastic)

Let's hope James puts a body on him tomorrow...

My End of January All-ACC Teams

SHammonds — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:16:54 -0000

When I sat down to put together these teams I thought it was going to be much easier than it turned out to be. We all know the big names: Hansbrough, Teague, Singler, Rice, Vasquez, etc. Those guys, among others, are the guys you see on ESPN because of their play, their point totals, and their intensity (i.e. Vasquez). That said, after sitting down and looking at each players efficiency ratings and the contributions they make to their teams, two of the players mentioned above didn't even make my 2nd team. That said, I present to you my All-ACC Honors. To be fair, efficiency ratings were taken from within the ACC schedule.

1st Team All-ACC

PG) Jeff Teague, Wake Forest

We all know about Teague's spectacular shooting from beyond the arc and his impressive point totals, but what you may not know is how efficient a player he is. He is the ranked 19th in offensive efficiency, with a value of 114.42. His 20.9 PPG account for 25% of Wake's total scoring and he accounts for more than 21% of Wake's totals in FG made and attempted, FT made (31%) and attempted, 3pt FG made (40%) and attempted, assists, and steals. He is 45th in the country in true shooting percentage, which is great considering how many shots he takes. A 1.1 A/TO ratio isn't good, but for a player expected to score as much as he does, its manageable. These numbers have pushed him past Lawson into his rightful role as a 1st team All-ACC PG and could be close to All-America honors.

SG) Malcolm Delaney, Virginia Tech

Now here is a guy that has BURST onto the scene as, I consider easily, the best SG in the conference. He is 3rd in the conference in offensive efficiency, with a value of 123.8. He accounts for 7.5% or more of all of his teams important statistical categories, including 38.6% of their made FGs, 32,1% of their made FTs, 36% of their made 3pt FGs, 25% of their points, 27% of their assists, and 23.6% of their steals. 18.6 points, 3.7 assists, 4,3 rebounds, and 1.6 steals a game. He's a great player and, with the help of Vassallo, is really carrying this team.

SF) James Johnson, Wake Forest

The small forward crop is relatively weak this year in the ACC, with the exception of Johnson and Duke's Gerald Henderson. I feel like James Johnson is the better of the two, and the numbers support that. He's 10th in the conference in offensive efficiency at 118.24. His 13.6 PPG accounts for 16.3% of Wake's production. What is even more impressive is he accounts for 13% or more of all of Wake's important statistical categories, with highlights in blocks (26.5%), rebounds (17.5%), and steals (19%). 13.6 points, 8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals is just a stellar line.

PF) Kyle Singler, Duke

Like Johnson, Singler is just another do-it-all forward that contributes all across the stat-line. He ranks 21st in offensive efficiency at 113.13. He also accounts for 18% or more of his teams production in EVERY important statistical category. He highlights this in 3pt FG made (24%), points (21%), and rebounds (19%). His 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.8 steals a game have been vital to Duke's success, and without him Duke would be middle of the pack in the ACC.

C) Tyler Hansbrough, UNC

We all know about Tyler Hansbrough. Many of you probably hate him. I actually do not; I love his tenacity and the way he plays. It just won't translate to the NBA very well. That said, there is sufficient reason to put him 1st team this year. He is 11th in efficiency at 117.64 and accounts for 31.9% of his teams made FTs, 19% of UNC's points, and 16.6 % of their made FGs, which is high considering how many FTs he takes. His 21.8 points, and 7.8 rebounds are down from last year, and he doesn't contribute much elsewhere, but he does enough to get first team All-ACC Center honors.

Second Team and All-Freshman after the jump...

2nd Team All-ACC

PG) Ty Lawson, UNC

6th in efficiency at 123.27, and may very well be the second best player in the conference, but is stuck at a loaded position and Teague is just better. That said, his 15.2 points and 6.6 assists acount for 16.4% and 33.4% of his teams totals. Also, 2.3 SPG is great, and accounts for 24.3% of what his team grabs, which is very very good.

SG) A.D. Vassallo, Virginia Tech

Another standout SG, like Delaney, and he just happens to be on the same team. Technically G-F, I cheated and made him a SG for this list. He is 24th in efficiency at 112.09 and he's accounting for 39% of his teams made 3pt baskets, and 22% of their assists, 25% of their points, and 26.3% of their made FGs. 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3 assists a game.

SF) Gerald Henderson, Duke

Like Singler and Johnson, Henderson contributes at every category, and is 13th in efficiency at 117.02. His 14.8 points a game accounts for 18.5% of Duke's output, and he accounts for 20% of Duke's blocks, 17% of their steals, and 14% of their assists. 14.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1 block and 1.6 steals a game; Henderson contributes in all aspects of the game. All this at 52% FG shooting.

PF) Trevor Booker, Clemson

Not the highest in efficiency, falling to 45th at 98.9, Booker still is a player that puts up great numbers and has elevated his game this year. His 9.1 rebounds a game accounts for 22.2% of what Clemson reels in, and he makes 23% of their FTs, 18.6 of their points, and 37.8% of their blocks. His all around game is great this year, at 14.8 points, 1.9 assists, 9.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.4 steals a game.

C) Ben McCauley, North Carolina State

This was a tough spot to fill, but I really like McCauley's game. He's 25th in efficency at 111.9, and accounts for 18.5% of their points, 18.6% of their rebounds, and check this, 21.6% of their steals. Thats great for a big man. 13.1 points, 1.8 assists, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game. N.C. State isn't that good, but they'd be terrible without McCauley down low.

All Freshman Team

PG) Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech

68th in efficiency, at 84.36, 11.7 points, 5.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 steals. 37.4% of GT's assists this year have come from Shumpert. Another great PG down in Atlanta to follow Jack and Crittenton.

SG) Reggie Jackson, Maryland

8th in efficiency at 120.3, 8 points, 1.9 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals a game. Not many good freshman SGs get minutes in the ACC, and he does the most with what he's given.

SF) Sylven Landesberg, Virginia

37th in efficiency at 104.8, he is dominating throughout his freshman year. His 17.1 points a game account for 23% of his team's output. He's also contributing 2.5 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals a game. Check out what he does for his team. 35% of his teams FTs.

PF) Al-Farouq Aminu, Wake Forest

50th in efficiency and 95.45, we all know what he brings to the table. 12.8 points and 8.7 rebounds a game is great. 2 assists is good, as is 1.6 blocks a game. He is shooting 52% from the field, but only 10% from behind the arc. 25% of his teams blocks is great.

C) Ed Davis, UNC

I cheated, but no freshman center has contributed like Davis. 42nd if efficiency at 100.84, 7.7 rebounds in 20 minutes a game is phenomenal. He's also putting up 7 points, 2 blocks, and is shooting 52%. Thats 30.8% of UNC's blocks, and 16.5% of their rebounds....in one half.

Big East Basketball Preview: 50 non-conference games of note

Mike Rutherford — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:53:31 -0000

Only games guaranteed to be played are eligible for the list.

Anyone who watches all 50 games in their entirety wins a night of dinner, drinks and dancing with me and This Guy at the White Castle on Westport Rd.

50. Connecticut vs. Hartford (Nov. 17)

Coming off their best season in two decades, the Hawks will provide the only semi-test for Connecticut before the Huskies head to Spokane on Dec. 20. Big man Warren McClendon is gone, but U of H returns its other four starters, including sharp-shooter Joe Zeglinski.

49. Notre Dame vs. Indiana (Nov. 24)

The two schools from the Hoosier state meet in the opening round of the Maui Invitational with preseason expectations significantly higher for the less storied program.

48. Pittsburgh vs. Vermont (Dec. 6)

Pitt's non-conference schedule doesn't feature a big-name opponent - although participation in the Legends Classic could bring about one - but it does feature several formidable mid-major foes, including the preseason favorites in the America East. The Panthers will be tested by the inside-out duo of Mike Trimboli and reigning league POY Marqus Blakely.

47. Rutgers at Rider (Dec. 31)

Jason Thompson is gone, but Rider still returns four starters and should provide a solid road test for a young Scarlet Knight squad looking to prove it's ready to compete in the Big East.

46. West Virginia vs. Miami (OH) (Dec. 20)

The Redhawks figure to finish near the top of the standings in the always tough Mid-American Conference, but this is the type of game Bob Huggins' team can't afford to have lost if they find themselves planted squarely on the bubble come early March.

45. Pittsburgh vs. Belmont (Nov. 25)

Belmont knocked off Cincinnati in the season-opener for both a year ago, and the Bruins are picked to win the Atlantic Sun yet again this season.

44. Georgetown vs. American (Dec. 6)

American appears to be the class of the Patriot League, and the Eagles have the experience and maturity to deal with Georgetown's methodical style of play.

43. Louisville vs. UAB (Dec. 27)

The Cardinals will have to avoid a holiday hangover because they'll get the best shot of a Blazer team needing a marquee win to bolster its NCAA Tournament hopes.

42. St. John's vs. Cornell (Nov. 17)

The Johnnies open the preseason NIT with a dangerous draw in the defending Ivy League champs.

41. Pittsburgh at Texas Tech (Nov. 28)

Pat Knight's Red Raiders don't appear to be destined for anything approaching greatness this season, but there's enough there to test Pitt in the Panthers' Legends Classic opener.

40. South Florida at Wright State (Dec. 21)

A trip to the Nutter Center to take on one of the better mid-major teams in the land should be a good challenge for Stan Heath's guard-heavy squad.

39. Depaul at St. Louis (Dec. 22)

The Billikens made great strides in Rick Majerus' first season, and should serve as a formidable first-round opponent in the Las Vegas Classic for the Blue Demons.

38. Marquette at North Carolina State (Dec. 22)

The Pack is down, but Brandon Costner and Ben McCauley will test Marquette's emaciated frontcourt early in the season.

37. Cincinnati vs. UAB (Dec. 6)

The former C-USA rivals meet in an early December game that could have a great impact on the NCAA Tournament resume of each.

36. Pittsburgh vs. Miami (OH) (Nov. 17)

Pitt begins the season on Nov. 14 with Fairleigh Dickinson and gets its first real test three days later when Charlie Coles and the Redhawks come to the Peterson Events Center.

35. Depaul at California (Dec. 3)

Dar Tucker and Mac Koshwal can make the rest of the league take notice by going out West and knocking off a beatable Cal squad.

34. West Virginia vs. Cleveland State (Dec. 6)

The 'Eers return from Vegas and begin a tough four-game stretch at home with the favorites to take the Horizon League.

33. Connecticut vs. Michigan (Feb. 7)

The Huskies take a break from Big East play to host the Wolverines and sophomore stud Manny Harris.

32. Louisville at Minnesota (Dec. 20)

Tubby Smith had a solid amount of success against Rick Pitino when he was at Kentucky, but the odds are a bit more stacked against him in this game which will be played in Phoenix.

31. South Florida at Vanderbilt (Dec. 16)

How the Kentrell Gransberry-less Bulls handle A.J. Ogilvy should serve as a barometer of how they'll fare in the post talent-heavy Big East.

30. West Virginia at Mississippi (Dec. 3)

Serving as the X factor against a talented Ole Miss backcourt, this could be Devin Ebanks' first opportunity to really sparkle.

29. Providence at Boston College (Dec. 20)

If Keno Davis wants to prove he can get the talented Friars to play to their potential then he needs to go on the road and take care of a BC team that has little outside of Tyrese Rice.

28. Villanova vs. St. Joseph's (Dec. 11)

The Wildcats are the clear favorites on paper, but All-American candidate Ahmad Nivins presents a real matchup problem.

27. Syracuse vs. Cleveland State (Dec. 15)

Seniors J'Nathan Bullock and Cedric Jackson might be the two best players in the Horizon League, and could easily lead the Vikings to an early season upset. The fact that Syracuse has just a day to prepare after a home tilt with Long Beach State certainly doesn't help.

26. St. John's vs. Miami (Fla.) (Dec. 27)

Norm Roberts could make a lot of folks in Brooklyn more comfortable about his contract extension if he could lead the Johnnies to an early upset of a nationally ranked foe.

25. Marquette vs. Dayton (Nov. 29)

The Flyers have been tough to beat in pre-Atlantic 10 action in recent years, which makes this tussle in Chicago a dangerous one for the Golden Eagles. Chris Wright can jump super high.

24. Louisville vs. Mississippi (Dec. 18)

The guard trio of Huertas, Polynice and Warren should provide a tough early test for the occasionally eccentric Cardinal backcourt.

23. St. John's vs. Duke (Feb. 19)

This one stopped being cute when Ron Artest rode out of town.

22. Depaul at UCLA (Dec. 13)

The Blue Demons might be just a bit outclassed in this John Wooden Classic game being played in Anaheim.

21. Rutgers at North Carolina (Dec. 28)

If RU keeps it closer than 22 (UNC won 93-71 a year ago), I say they win. Which means a lot.

20. Pittsburgh vs. Siena (Dec. 17)

The Saints return all five starters from the squad that routed Vanderbilt in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

19. Villanova vs. Temple (Dec. 29)

'Nova will have to find an answer for Dionte Christmas if they want to prevail in what could end up being the de facto Big Five title game.

18. Louisville vs. UNLV (Dec. 31)

The Runnin' Rebs hung with the Cards for 35 minutes a year ago before falling apart and losing by 20. They return their top two scorers and add highly-touted freshman Beas Hamga.

17. Cincinnati vs. Xavier (Dec. 13)

If Cincinnati can take as large a stride in Mick Cronin's second season as they did in his first, then this could be the most even Crosstown Shootout in quite some time.

16. Seton Hall vs. USC (Nov. 20)

The Pirates have next-to-no non-con challenges outside of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, so a strong performance on the island is paramount for the squad's postseason aspirations. It all starts with a date with the 18th ranked Trojans.

15. West Virginia at Ohio State (Dec. 27)

Seven-foot freshman sensation B.J. Mullens is a matchup nightmare for the undersized Mountaineers.

14. Cincinnati at Memphis (Dec. 29)

Things started to turn around for the Bearcats a season ago when they hung with the top-ranked Tigers for 40 minutes. Expecations are a bit higher at UC 12 months later.

13. Providence at Baylor (Nov. 27)

A huge opening round matchup in the Anaheim Classic for a pair of programs looking to take giant leaps forward in 2008-2009.

12. Syracuse vs. Florida (Nov. 24)

A win over the Gators could be the difference between NCAA and NIT if the Big East threatens to swallow SU's postseason dreams for a third straight year.

11. Notre Dame vs. Ohio State (Dec. 6)

Lots of talent + contrasting styles = December fun for the whole family.

10. Marquette vs. Wisconsin (Dec. 6)

The most underrated rivalry in college basketball will almost assuredly again involve a pair of top 25 teams.

9. West Virginia vs. Davidson (Dec. 9)

I hear these guys are kind of dangerous. Apparently have a decent little guard.

8. Syracuse at Memphis (Dec. 20)

The Tigers' mini-tour of the Big East hits its second stop when the Orange roll into the FedExForum. Chances are 100% that Eric Devendorf and Tyreke Evans have words.

7. Louisville vs. Kentucky (Jan. 4)

The most hate-filled rivalry in the sport could turn into must-see-TV if the Cats show early improvement in their second season under Billy Gillispie.

6. Georgetown vs. Memphis (Dec. 13)

Memphis exposed the Hoyas with their athleticism a year ago, but the two main culprits - Chris Douglas-Roberts and Derrick Rose - are now being paid to play the game.

5. Marquette at Tennessee (Dec. 13)

Sensational veteran guards vs. athletic veteran wings. Also, two programs who have or have had a head coach with the first name Buzz.

4. Villanova vs. Texas (Dec. 9)

This Jimmy V. Classic tilt will feature a pair of nationally ranked teams and a couple of shot-happy guards who have the potential to go for 30 every time they step on the floor.

3. Georgetown at Duke (Jan. 17)

The Hoyas get a quick reprieve from Big East play, unfortunately it involves a trip to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

2. Connecticut at Gonzaga (Dec. 20)

The sixth-annual Battle in Seattle will be a rematch of last year's classic which the 'Zags won 85-82.

1. Notre Dame at UCLA (Feb. 7)

A February clash in Pauley featuring two presaeason top ten squads that will affect the seeding of multiple teams in both the Pac-10 and Big East.