Watch Denver Holmes' Heroics vs. UNI

The student staff members of AcesTV put together this video of the high drama final seconds. Enjoy watching Denver Holmes play the role of hero in the 63-62 win!  I have become close with Denver in his four years at UE.  There is no one I could be happier for to knock down such high-pressure shots in his final year in an Aces uniform than Denver Holmes.

Listen to Ending of Aces Thrilling 63-62 Win Against UNI

Another magical memory for Aces Fans.  Here are the final three possessions of the game.  The audio begins with the Aces having the ball down 2 with :27 left.

Thank you Denver!

Denver Holmes Near-Buzzer Beating Winner vs. UNI 2.15.12
Audio Courtesy: WUEV

Aces Ranked High Nationally in Several Categories

As I sit to write an entry about Aces basketball, I realize that the season has been as unique as a 60 degree day in February. From the wild victory against Butler in the opener, to the heart-breaking banked in three point buzzer beater loss at Illinois State, to the 39 point outburst by Colt Ryan, or the seven dunks on Wednesday night in a 30 point win at Bradley, we have seen it all.

With seven regular season games to go, our Aces are all evened up. UE is 11-11 overall and 6-6 in the rugged MVC. The Valley is the 7th ranked conference this year. That is one notch higher than the PAC-12 (a BCS Conference).

Friday morning on campus, someone asked me how good is Colt Ryan. I thought about it for a moment and realized that I did not have 30 minutes to give her a thorough answer. So I summed it up in a simple way. I said, “Colt is so good that on Wednesday he had 24 points and it wasn’t even a big deal.” Oh, by the way, Colt also had a 3.9 grade point average this Fall semester.

Colt and the coaching staff would be quick to point out that the team is always first, and rightfully so. Against Bradley, the guys were so unselfish that they recorded an amazing 31 assists on 41 made field goals. Denver Holmes had 11 helpers on his own.

It’s a privilege for me to be around these guys so much. I have been with them at games, at practice, at meals, at hotels, and through gut-wrenching losses and exhilarating wins. I can assure you that they are a team in every way. They are always there for their teammates whether it is on or off the court.
 
I challenge you, the fans, to support these young men by cheering them on down the stretch during these final four games at the Ford Center.  Let’s make it a February to remember.  After we play at Southern Illinois this afternoon, we are back at home against #12 Creighton. Be loud and proud for a special bunch of kids!

How special? Look how well we rank nationally among all 344 Division I programs:

Turnover Margin	9th	4.6
Free Throw Percentage	10th	76.3%
Assists	27th	15.8/game
Three Point Percentage	33rd	.385
Assist to Turnover Ratio	35th	1.21
Team Scoring	42nd	75.1 ppg
Individual
Scoring - Colt Ryan	9th	21.2 ppg
Free Throws - Denver Holmes	35th	88%

Listen to Colt Ryan's Career-High 39 Points vs. Bradley

Aces junior Colt Ryan was nearly unstoppable as he poured in a career-high 39 points at home in the Ford Center against Bradley.  UE won the game 90-67.  Below is the audio call as well as my interview with Colt after the game:

WUEV Radio Call.  Lance Wilkerson/Aaron Hancock

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Here is video highlight package from UE student Braden Pretzsch:

Watch & Listen to My Call of Ned Cox's Incredible Dunk

Evansville Aces guard Ned Cox threw down an awesome alley oop against Drake on Wednesday night.  It was so good it made ESPN's Top Ten on Sportscenter at #8.

Here is the video and my audio call.

WUEV Radio Call of Slam.  Lance Wilkerson/Scott Shreffler

Listen to Coach Simmons Talk about Arad McCutchan

1971 Champs Celebrate as Buzzer Sounds/Photo: UEMonday Aces head coach Marty Simmons and I got into a great conversation about National Basketball Hall of Famer Arad McCutchan.  Coach McCutchan guided the Aces from 1946-1977.  He had a record of 514-314 and won 5 College Division National Championships.  His greatest year was in 1964-65 season in which the Aces were a perfect 29-0.

On January 22nd and 23rd we are honoring Coach Mac's 5th National Championship team from 1971.  It's the 40th anniversary of that title team.  If you would like to attend the luncheon or want to know more information click this official UE link:  CLICK HERE.

You can listen to the entire segment about the 1971 team and Coach Simmons' thoughts on Arad McCutchan here:

Marty Simmons Show on WUEV from 1.10.11

Listen to My Call of the Aces Thrilling Win at Butler

It was a privilege and a thrill to call the Aces victory at #23 Butler on 91.5 FM WUEV.  I am so happy for the players and staff who have worked so hard.  It is one of UE's greatest wins this decade.

Here are some of the highlights as I called them courtside at Hinkle Fieldhouse.  If you listen closely I think you might be able to tell which team I grew up following since I was a little kid.

Congrats Aces!

Highlights of Aces at Butler 11.27.10

Steve Merfeld Hired at Creighton

Steve Merfeld is back in coaching and back in the Valley.  The former Aces head coach has been hired by Creighton as an assistant coach.  Brand new head coach of the Blue Jays Greg McDermott has brought Merfeld on staff. 

Merfeld tells me that he is “blessed and thrilled with the opportunity.” 

Merfeld was the head coach of Evansville for five seasons.  He then landed at Bradley as an assistant coach, and continues his MVC tour at Creighton.

While Merfeld was at Evansville and McDermott was at Northern Iowa the two were good friends.  Now they will work alongside each other in Omaha.

I have been very good friends with Steve over the years.  He couldn't have treated me any better.  He's a great man off the court with great integrity.  I think Merf at Creighton is a perfect fit.  I will continue to root for him every game...except two! ha!

Congrats Coach Merfeld!



Aces Land Basketball Recruit Kenny Harris

The Aces land another recruit.  This time it is Kenny Harris out of John A. Logan Junior College from Carterville, IL.  He is a 6’6” small forward.  He averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds a game this past season.  He will have two years of eligibility left with the Aces.

A National Letter of Intent has not yet reached the University of Evansville.  A college program cannot talk about any potential recruit until the school receives a LOI.

Harris will join Matt Peeler and Jordan Jahr in this year’s recruiting class.  Harris is a St. Louis native and attended Gateway Tech High School. 

Thanks to Tom for his help on this story.



Aces Land Second Recruit Jordan Jahr

The Aces land a 6'6" shooting guard Jordan Jahr out of central Texas.  Jahr attended Lake Travis high school.  Jahr originally committed to Air Force, but before signing day decided he did not want to join the academy. 

Last year he played for the Air Force Prep team.  It is ironic just yesterday it was announced UE would play at Air Force in the MVC/MWC series in December.

Jahr will join current Ace Ned Cox as another player from central Texas. 

Proper credit goes to this website that covers Texas Basketball for the story: link here  As well as my Aces buddy Tim Otte.