Digging into San Jose State University basketball 2011-12

Not to downplay what appears below but it's always critical to keep in mind that some of the players on any team will move forward over the summer, some will remain in a static state and some will regress. Coupling that with 'determining' the impact of new (unseen) recruits make the following a fun exercise but not much else.


It's going to be a brave new world for the Spartans what with the graduation of Adrian Oliver and Justin Graham. The latter seemed around so long -- five years -- that he didn't bother with OshKoshB'gosh, he must have went straight into a San Jose State uniform.

So who and what will Coach George Nessman's team be?

Sophomore Keith Shamburger will lead from the backcourt. He averaged an extremely solid 12.4 points and 3.8 rebounds a game last season but has to upgrade his 36% and 32% overall shooting percentages.

But Shamburger is also going to be the major target of opposing defenses this coming season so that will take adjusting to. Another element worth noting is his 80/42 assist to turnover ratio, remarkable for a freshman.

The other backcourter bringing big expectations is junior college transfer James Kinney, a combo guard with scoring prowess plus the ability to create on the floor.

Look for Sham Wow and Kinney to be the offense instigators.

Senior Calvin Douglas shot 41% overall from long distance and seemingly should improve on that number but he will also be drawing greater attention due to the departure of Oliver and Graham.

JC transfer Lavanne Pennington has a rep for possessing three-point range -- can he perform right away at the D-1 level?

Point Aalim Moor and wing Chris Jones, both juniors, haven't played enough to determine their value but Jones has enjoyed moments as a scrappy defender and rebounder.

Prepster Derek Brown redshirted last season so it remains to be seen what he brings to the court.

Sophomore to be JC transfer Khufu Najee is probably a redshirt candidate.

Derek Brown PG 6-2 & 185 Fr   
Calvin Douglas SG 6-3/215 Sr          
Chris Jones SG 6-4 & 205 Jr   
James Kinney PG 6-1 & 175 Jr  
Aalim Moor PG 6-3 & 195 Jr    
Khufu Najee SG 6-3 & 185 So   
LaVanne Pennington SG 6-4 & 180 Jr    
Keith Shamburger PG 5-11 & 170 So

It's Wil Carter and let's see regarding the Spartan frontcourt. He led the squad in rebounding at 8 a game while scoring 9.8 points per contest. Look for him to be a double-double guy in 2011-12.

It's Matt Ballard and Joe Henson in the middle but both have appeared so far to be of greater service as backups rather than starters.

Texan Stephon Smith is Mr. Beef for SJSU and his bulk and strength is really needed in the paint even as a freshman.

Frosh Jaleel Williams will compete more playing time on the wing.

Word is that 6-foot-7 Brylle Kamen has departed from the program making it critical for Smith to step in quickly and produce.

Matt Ballard PF 6-9 & 220 Sr
Wil Carter PF 6-8 & 215 Sr
Jerry Casey PF 6-8 & 195 Jr (walk-o)n
Joe Henson PF 6-8 & 245 Jr
Stephon Smith PF 6-8 & 245 Fr
Garrett Ton PF 6-8 & 220 Sr (walk-on)
Jaleel Williams SF 6-6 & 200

SUMMARY

SJSU needs another upfront scorer besides Carter -- is one on the roster? -- plus Shamburger and Kinney will need to consistently contribute plus shoot well.