Complete Game Notes
Chicago State men's basketball (0-0) opens the 2012-13 campaign with a non-conference contest at UW-Green Bay (0-0) on Saturday at 1 p.m. The clubs last met on Dec. 12, 2006 when the Phoenix pulled out a 92-81 decision.
SEASON PREVIEW
Thanks to nine newcomers on the 2012-13 Chicago State University men's basketball roster, head coach
Tracy Dildy is going with an “all hands on deck” philosophy for the season.
“Our motto this year is 'all hands on deck,'” Dildy said. “We're going to be successful if we keep working together to get better each day.”
So far Dildy has been pleased with the intensity level in practice.
“We have received energy every single day, and you have to have that,” Dildy said. “They are a confident group. Some of them think they are better than they really are, but I don't have a problem with that. It is better to have that than the other way around.”
The Cougars will need that confidence as they take on a challenging schedule featuring visits to UNLV, Ohio State and Notre Dame. The Cougars host local rivals DePaul and Loyola at the Jones Convocation Center.
The Cougars' undeniable leader is senior
Jeremy Robinson (Decatur, Ill./Eisenhower). On the court, he was 2012 Great West Conference Player of the Year. In the classroom, he was a CSU Athletic Director's Honor Roll selection thanks to a grade point average above 3.50.
“Jeremy is a model student-athlete,” Dildy said. “Some of the polls have selected him as the Preseason GWC Player of the Year and he has that type of capability. He's a very vocal guy and the younger players have really gravitated toward him. We are going to go as far as Jeremy leads us.”
No Cougar is more excited for the season to start than
Corey Gray (Houston, Texas/Hightower). The junior point guard redshirted last season after transferring from UIC.
“Corey hasn't played Division I basketball in a year so he is excited,” Dildy said. “Corey is a scoring point guard that has started Division I games and we will lean on that experience.”
A name familiar to Chicago basketball fans returns to the court in 2012-13. Junior
Quinton Pippen (Hamburg, Ark./Hamburg), Scottie Pippen's nephew, joins the squad after transferring from Missouri State-West Plaines Community College.
“Quinton has more to his game than his name,” Dildy said. “He has a chance to do some special things this year. He has one of the better shots I've seen and I'd describe him as tough as a bulldog.”
Another transfer looking to make a difference this year is forward
Matt Ross (Dixon, Ill./Dixon). The 6'8” Ross attended Sauk Valley Community College last season.
“Matt has really emerged during camp and I feel like he really fell under the radar during the recruiting season,” Dildy said. “He shoots the ball well, has an inside game and is a solid offensive rebounder. He is very versatile and can make a name for himself.”
Junior
Jamere Dismukes (Park Forest, Ill./Rich East) is also new to the squad in 2012-13. Dildy believes opposing point guards will remember him.
“Jamere will surprise people with his defense,” Dildy said. “He will pick you up from the moment you walk off the bus.”
The Cougars open the 2012-13 slate on Saturday (Nov. 10) at UW-Green Bay. The home opener is set for Tuesday, Nov. 13 against Concordia Chicago.
“We're going to be a fun team watch,” Dildy said. “We are going to surprise a lot of people and at the end of the year a lot of people are going to be pleased with what this team has accomplished.”
