GETTING INSIDE

Some good things happened in Durham last year.

Bill Herrion, now armed with a contract extension, coached a team that went 8-8 in conference play and then beat Stony Brook in the first round of the America East Tournament before the season ended with a tough loss to eventual-champion Binghamton.

Now, Herrion, minus second-team all-conference pick Tyrece Gibbs, looks toward the future.

The Wildcats, who seemingly used to be in the league to battle fellow hockey school Maine for the bottom spots in the conference, are building something under Herrion and are coming off the program’s best season in 14 years.

The Cats remain strong in the backcourt, but center Dane Diliegro is going to need help inside for thing to get even better this season.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Coach Bill Herrion received a five-year contract extension last season, while leading the Wildcats to the program’s best season in 14 years.

• The Cats reached the America East Tournament semifinals for the second time in four years under coach Bill Herrion, after not getting there since 1995.

• F Allie Fullah, an incoming freshman from England who played two seasons with the British U-20 National Team, left UNH and returned home. “We are disappointed that this situation did not work out for Allie,” Herrion said. “We wish him the best of luck in the future.”

• The Wildcats lost G Tyrece Gibbs, who was eighth in America East in scoring last year and accounted for 23 percent of the UNH offense.

Last Year:   14-16 overall, 8-8 in America East, tied for fourth

Head Coach:   Bill Herrion (career 282-242); fifth year at UNH (45-73).

Quote To Note:   “We have great confidence in Bill Herrion and what he is accomplishing at UNH. Bill, his staff and the student-athletes are building a strong foundation for future success. We knew that this building process was a long-term proposition, and I see daily tangible evidence that our program is advancing. We are fortunate to have Bill leading this program. He knows what it takes and is dogged in his pursuit to make our program competitive.”—New Hampshire athletic director Marty Scarano, after Herrion signed a five-year contract extension.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Scouting The Newcomers:   New Hampshire has three freshmen this season—6-9 post Chris Matagrano, 6-2 point guard Chandler Rhoads and 6-6 wing Ferg Myrick. Matagrano averaged 12 points and eight rebounds last season for Blair Academy, a prep school in New Jersey. Rhoads attended Air Force Prep last season, averaging 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Myrick averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks last season at Prep Charter in Philadelphia.

Key Early-season Games:   The Wildcats visit a couple of the big boys early, with a trip to Maryland on Nov. 20 and to Pittsburgh on Dec. 4. UNH also travels out to Santa Clara on Jan. 2. The Wildcats defeated Santa Clara in Durham last season.

Program Direction:   Going up. Bill Herrion has brought stability and some success and has a five-year contract extension as his reward. This guy has always been able to coach and is very popular in Durham.

Probable Starting Lineup:   PG Tyrone Conley, SG Alvin Abreu, G Colbey Santos, PF Radar Onguetou, C Dane Diliegro.

Roster Report:  

• Seniors Radar Onguetou and Colbey Santos, and junior Alvin Abreu, were named team captains. “Colbey, Radar and Alvin are young men that have proven to be leaders both on and off the court,” said UNH coach Bill Herrion. “We look forward to all three of them being a real integral part this season.”

• C Dane Diliegro was a central figure in the United States capturing the gold medal at the 18th Maccabiah Games.

• F Rony Tchatchoua left the program.