Bills Fill Needs in 2012 Draft

Gilmore's play in SEC should prepare him for NFL game

The Buffalo Bills had nine picks entering the 2012 NFL draft.  They used eight of them (trading one away) and selected many quality players to fill their most desperate needs.

Stephon Gilmore, the speedy corner out of South Carolina became a Buffalo Bill when the organization drafted him with the tenth overall pick.  I had Gilmore as the second best corner in the draft behind Morris Claiborne and just ahead of Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama.  Gilmore gives the Bills an instant starter in the secondary that can add cover skills both in man coverage and zone.  He will have to continue to work on his overall technique and adjusting to the NFL game but the Bills finally realized that the SEC produces the best "ready to play" athletes so Gilmore should have no problem catching on.

The Bills then addressed another major need in the offensive line.  OG Cordy Glenn from Georgia (SEC) fell all the way to 41st.  Glenn, projected by some to be a target of the Bills in the first round was certain to go in the first round, or at least before 41st.  The Bills didn't trade up and didn't panic like in past years.  They stayed the course and waited until the 6-6, 345 pound guard fell to them.  The Bills plan is to use Glenn as the solution to their mediocre left tackle play but his original position at Georgia was guard.  He will be best suited at the guard position.  Trying his skill set at tackle isn't a poor idea, but it may not the best way to get the fullest out of Glenn.

The Bills followed up their first two selections by filling the last of their three main needs.  T.J. Graham became a Bill when he was drafted 69th overall.  Graham, mainly a slot receiver at North Carolina State stands just under six feet tall.  He will come in and try and provide the Bills with that number two receiver they have been missing for many years now.  They do not have many weapons for Fitzpatrick after Stevie Johnson.  Johnson will see many double teams this year especially if the Bills didn't add any weapons but Graham should be able to provide an impact in the middle of the field which will open up the big play for Johnson.

Tank Carder will add explosiveness

Nigel Bradham, outside linebacker from Florida State was the team's next selection to go along with another linebacker Tank Carder they picked up in the fifth round.  The additions of Mario Williams and Mark Anderson will help the pass rush immensely but the linebacking core was still weak.  The Bills hope that both Bradham's and Carder's college careers can translate into success at the NFL level.  Carder has an interesting story.  A former BMX world champion at age nine suddenly had his life flash in front of him when he was involved in a car accident in seventh grade.  "The only thing I remember was looking down the road and passing out... then I was in the hospital" Carder told ESPN back in 2009.  The vehicle hit a pole and he was flung from the car which caused the car to actually roll on top of him causing a punctured diaphragm, collapsed lung, broken back in two places, 5 or 6 broken ribs, and two chest tubes.  Miraculously, almost ten years later, the former TCU standout has achieved the unthinkable of dream of making it to the National Football League.

The Bills draft in it's entirety is listed below.  There were two themes of the teams' draft this year which has the team headed in the right direction.  They took the approach of defense defense defense and said through their picks "you're not scoring on us this year."  They also realized that the SEC Conference traditionally produces the best pro prospects.  Buffalo spend 3 of their first 5 picks on SEC players, Gilmore, Glenn, and LSU cornerback Ron Brooks.

1st round (10th): CB Stephon Gilmore [South Carolina]
2nd round (41st): OG Cordy Glenn [Georgia]
3rd round (69th): WR T.J. Graham [North Carolina St]
4th round (105th): OLB Nigel Bradham [Florida St]
4th round (124th): CB Ron Brooks [LSU]
5th round (144th): OT Zebrie Sanders [Florida St]
5th round (147th): OLB Tank Carder [TCU]
6th round (178th): OG Mark Asper [Oregon]
7th round (251st): K John Potter [Western Michigan]

My grade: B+
Mel Kiper's grade: B-

Many of these players the Bills drafted have the ability and potential to be contributors very early in their pro careers which makes this class even the more intriguing.  Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey have this team headed in the right direction which is what all fans expect having not made the playoffs in over a decade.  The schedule sets up favorable for the franchise this year but one thing that has been proven over the years in the NFL is you cannot win without the quarterback.  The X-factor for this team is Ryan Fitzpatrick.  In a passing league, Bills fans will need to see the Fitzpatrick that beat the Patriots and Eagles and not the one who threw a league leading 23 interceptions last year.  Injured or not, the performance of Fitzpatrick in the last two thirds of the season was J.P. Losman and Trent Edwards "esque."  Well, not that bad but he struggled enough to turn a promising start into a disappointment once again.  He will have to put his gun-slinging mentality away and focus on getting the balls to his receivers in spots they can catch it and methodically moving his drives down field.  When he gets anxious, he gun-slings, and what he does that, he overthrows... by a lot.  Overthrows lead to interceptions or drive killers.  The Bills, and Fitzpatrick can't have any of those if they expect to end this overdue drought.

Final 2012 NFL Mock Draft

With the NFL draft just a little over 24 hours away, I have finished a final mock for this year.  The Colts and Redskins own the first two picks and with Andrew Luck going to Indianapolis and Robert Griffin III most certainly headed to Washington, the rest of the draft is unpredictable.  Minnesota, at pick number three, holds the key to the rest of the draft.  Whatever star player they choose can impact every team for the rest of the first round or at least the first half.

The Buffalo Bills select tenth in this years' draft after finishing last year with a 6-10 record.  The Bills come into this draft already revamped on the defensive side of the ball with their main additions being DE Mario Williams from Houston and DL Mark Anderson from New England.  With those two big bodies standing on the line with Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams, the pass rush will be much improved.  They do however have major needs that need to be filled before any significant steps are made (i.e. Playoffs).

Wide receiver, defensive back, and offensive lineman are the three main needs for the Bills.  Wide receiver of all the positions has the deepest class this year.  Defensive back and offensive line are still large needs for the Bills though .  Offensive line is probably the most important.  With Ryan Fitzpatrick receiving a large contract last year, protecting him will be a main priority as the season progresses.  Assuring up the left tackle position can really pay dividends to not only Fitzpatrick but the running backs and receivers as well.  The defensive backs for the Bills improved this winter without adding anyone at all.  The additions of Williams and Anderson in effect make those same backs as last year better.  A more efficient pass rush will lead to more arrant throws and turnovers.

Thursday should be a very interesting day for the Bills and the entire league.  Nothing is better than watching young men achieve their dreams of playing in the National Football League.  This draft may be the most important for the Bills in the latest decade as there is a national buzz that this team hasn't seen in a very long time.  With that said, here is my final 2012 first round NFL mock draft.

1. Indianapolis Colts- QB Andrew Luck (Stanford)
*Luck is this year's best player and the release of Peyton Manning assured us that the Colts were ready to move on with Andrew Luck.  Owner Jim Irsay loves Luck and will try and have the same success he did with Peyton Manning.  On Tuesday the organization confirmed the rumors rather than making us wait until Thursday night, that they were selecting Andrew Luck with the first pick.

2. Washington Redskins- QB Robert Griffin III (Baylor)
*The Redskins did not trade up to the number two spot to draft a tackle.  They spent three first round picks to get their guy and that guys is the Heisman trophy winner RG3.  Griffin will head into a Mike Shanahan system where he will try and make the Redskins relevant again in the NFC East.  Washington has some pieces in place but will need more if they want to give Griffin the best chance to succeed.

3. Minnesota Vikings- OT Matt Kalil (USC)
*With rumors circulating that the Vikings are highly interested in LSU defensive back Morris Claiborne, the draft can be gauged by this pick.  Minnesota holds the key to how the first round will play out.  Claiborne and Kalil seem to be the only two serious contenders for the number three pick but guys like Justin Blackmon and Trent Richardson can shape the possibilities for the Vikings to trade down.  Kalil should be the pick at three however.  Having a solid left tackle to protect developing Christian Ponder really would pay dividends to the team going forward.

4. Cleveland Browns- RB Trent Richardson (Alabama)
*The Browns are very weak on the offensive side of the football so they need to get a playmaker that can score touchdowns.  They would like to have had the opportunity at RG3 but with him off the board, Colt McCoy's development will continue.  They will then turn to the next best available player on the board and that is Alabama running back Trent Richardson.  Richardson is a strong, physical, and quick back that can add explosiveness to a  lackluster offense in Cleveland.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- CB Morris Claiborne (LSU)
*The Bucs would be absolutely thrilled to have Claiborne fall into their lap at five.  If Minnesota passes on the star corner, that is what is sure to happen.  Claiborne has tremendous ball skills and is poised to create many turnovers at the next level.  He is a great cover corner that can play both man-to-man and a bit of zone.  Claiborne is one of the best one on one defenders we have seen in the draft in some time.  He is a steal at the fifth pick.

6. St. Louis Rams- WR Justin Blackmon (Oklahoma St.)
*The main weakness for the Rams over the past two seasons in the development of Sam Bradford is what they have surrounded him with.  Their receiving core is weak to begin with and each year it has been decimated with injuries.  They were able to snag Brandon Lloyd from Denver last year to help and now they will have the opportunity to add another big time player at the wide receiver position.  Blackmon, at 6'1, 205 lbs doesn't have tremendous size but his physicality and hands will add a weapon for Sam Bradford to add to his arsenal.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars- DT Fletcher Cox (Mississippi St.)
*This pick was a toss up between Cox and Quinton Couples from North Carolina.  Both are outstanding players on the defensive line but Cox is going to be the pick here.  At 6'4" 298, Cox is rising up most all draft boards.  His first team all-SEC selection last year in part due to his league leading 14.5 TFL.  What makes Cox stand out here at seven is the fact that he can play at the tackle or end position on the line.  He ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the combine which caught many teams' eye.  Cox can make an immediate impact.

8. Miami Dolphins- QB Ryan Tannenhill (Texas A&M)
*Even though I don't believe Tannenhill is the best pick here, it is inevitable that if he is available, the Dolphins will take him.  His numbers didn't stand out this past season in a very weak defensive conference in the Big 12 but his talent level and ceiling is through the roof.  He will need a year or two to learn and develop his skill set further so Dolphins fans will need to have patience.  Miami is in desperate need of a safety so Mark Barron from Alabama is probably the better option but Tannenhill is going to be the pick.

9. Carolina Panthers- CB Stephon Gilmore (South Carolina)
*The Panthers will have the luxury at pick number 9 to choose from 3-4 solid football players.  The two front runners are DE Quinton Couples and CB Stephon Gilmore.  Both are needs on the defensive side of the ball but with the bountiful amount of receivers in the NFC south, cornerback is the better pick.  Gilmore can step into the role of starting corner and vastly improve the Panthers defense who ranked 24th in opponents passing yards in 2011.

10. Buffalo Bills- SS Mark Barron (Alabama)
*Mark Barron wasn't considered one of the best options for the Bills a few weeks ago but their needs for a defensive back and Barron's outstanding defensive skills will help the Bills in shoring up their defense.  This pick wasn't easy to make as there is many players the Bills can choose from, all of which can provide impacts immediately.  Chan Gailey really likes the Bama defenders so between Barron and CB Dre Kirkpatrick, Barron is the better player on the board.
----Other Possibilities----
+ OT Riley Reiff (Iowa): Offensive tackle is one the three main needs for the Bills so Reiff would be a good pick for the Bills if Barron isn't the choice.  Reiff's size and strength will help Ryan Fitzpatrick sleep at night knowing his left side if protected.
+ WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame): Michael Floyd is the most popular choice it seems by fans of the Bills.  Floyd will be on the board and would help the Bills add that second receiver to complement Stevie Johnson.
+ LB Luke Keuchly (Boston College): Keuchly may be the best player on the board at this pick.  His quickness and athleticism makes him the top linebacker in this year's draft, and a good option for anyone after the top few picks. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs- LB Luke Keuchly (Boston College)
*Keuchly doesn't necessarily fill the biggest need for the Chiefs but when a player this solid is on the board with a double digit pick, you can't pass it up.  David DeCastro is probably the pick that fills the biggest need at the guard position but Keuchly's potential impact is too strong to pass up.

12. Seattle Seahawks- DE Quinton Couples (North Carolina)
*Couples has fell far enough and won't slip past the Seahawks at number 12.  This pick is between Couples and Melvin Ingram.  Both are solid players but Couples' can help improve the Seahawks pass rush.  He can also play in the middle of the line which adds to his versatility.

13. Arizona Cardinals- OT Riley Reiff (Iowa)
*With the Bills selecting Barron and passing on Reiff, the Cardinals will have him fall into their lap.  He was the top OT in the Big 10 this season and his body of work looks promising and transferable into the next level.  He is a big tackle at 6'6", 313 that looks to be able to throw his weight around in the NFL.  He will be the first player from South Dakota (hometown) selected in the first round since 2006 and the first from his hometown of Parkston (population of 1,508).

14. Dallas Cowboys- CB Dre Kirkpatrick (Alabama)
*I am very high on Bama corner Dre Kirkpatrick.  Although Morris Claiborne possesses the better ball skills, Kirkpatrick's talents are very close behind.  I have him as the 7th best player in the entire draft.  He would help the Cowboys' secondary immensely as they struggled down the stretch last season.

15. Philadelphia Eagles- LB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama)
*Back-to-back Alabama defenders drafted and both in the same division... how ironic.  Upshaw is a physical linebacker, but who isn't physical on Alabama?  He is very quick for his size at 6'2" 265.  His performance in the national title game in January (MVP) pushed him over the top and into the first half of the first round.

16. New York Jets- WR Michael Floyd (Notre Dame)
*Floyd is the best player on the board at the 16th pick.  This will provide an instant duo of Santonio Holmes and Floyd for Mark Sanchez to work with.  The Jets traded for Tim Tebow during the offseason but they just gave Sanchez a contract extension so they will try and surround him with as many pieces they can for him to succeed.

17. Cincinnati Bengals- DT Michael Brockers (LSU)
*Best player available on the board

18. San Diego Chargers- LB Dont'a Hightower (Alabama)
*Bama's defense was stacked... plain and simple

19. Chicago Bears- DE Chandler Jones (Syracuse)
*Continues to rise fast up draft boards


20. Tennessee Titans- DE Melvin Ingram (South Carolina)
*This is very late for a talent like Ingram to fall.  Pieces fell in place for Titans to grab stud at 20

21. Cincinnati Bengals- WR/KR Kendall Wright (Baylor)
*Cornerback is still a major lead but with no stud on the board here they will focus attention to a playmaker in Kendall Wright to go along with A.J. Green.

22. Cleveland Browns- QB Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma St)
*27 going on 28 but it doesn't matter.  Arm strength and accuracy are solid and he still has 6-7 solid years ahead of him.  Will make huge improvements in Cleveland.  New York Yankee to a Cleveland Brown.

23. Detroit Lions- OT Jonathan Martin (Stanford)
*Offensive line is key to continue to keep Matt Stafford away from injuries.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers- G Cordy Glenn (Georgia)
*This pick would be the best player on the board.  Glenn also fills a major need at the guard position.

25. Denver Broncos- DT Dontari Poe (Memphis)
*The Broncos would prefer a stud corner here but with Claiborne, Kirkpatrick, and Gilmore gone, they will look for one later in draft.  Poe is a big body to occupy the middle of the defensive line.

26. Houston Texans- WR Alshon Jeffery (South Carolina)
*The Texans really have just one solid option for Matt Schaub in Andre Johnson so adding another weapon is key.  Jeffery has fell on some boards but I still keep him in the first round.

27. New England Patriots- DE/OLB Shea McClellin (Boise State)
*I believe the Patriots will select a player with this pick or at least use one of their two first round picks.  Whether it is this one or the 31, we don't know.
28. Green Bay Packers- DE Nick Perry (USC)
*The defense was still suspect last year as Aaron Rodgers and the potent offense was able to overshadow it until the playoffs.  Perry will help along the line and in the pass rush.

29. Baltimore Ravens- C/G Peter Knoz (Wisconsin)
*The team is getting older so adding a center to learn behind a veteran like Matt Birk is the right move for the future.

30. San Francisco 49ers- DT Jerel Worthy (Michigan State)
*They added so much on the offensive side of the ball during the offseason, they could use another piece to the already loaded defense.

31. New England Patriots- DE Whitney Mercilus (Illinois)
*This would be a steal if Mercilus falls this low and almost out of the first round.  The Pats would be crazy to trade this pick away if he is available.  Great value

32. New York Giants- OT Mike Adams (Ohio State)
*The defensive line is set so it's time for the champs to focus on the other line.

Bills Schedule Released

Tuesday night, the latest NFL schedule was released on ESPN. This years' schedule pits every team in at least one prime-time game. The Bills will host the Miami Dolphins on November 15th at 8:20pm on a game televised on NFL Network. This will be the Bills only prime-time slot of the season. They will continue to host their annual Toronto game with this year's opponent being the Seattle Seahawks.  Below is the remaining 2012 schedule which has the Bills facing opponents from the NFC West and the AFC South.

This year's schedule sets up for success for the Bills.  With a re-built defensive line with Mario Williams and Mark Anderson to complement Kyle Williams, the defensive is going to already be improved upon last season.  A healthy Fred Jackson will help with the 1-2 punch of him and C.J. Spiller who made significant strides at the end of last season at the running back position.  Stevie Johnson, after getting his long term contract will have to live up to it as the receiving core if quite thin as it is.  Johnson will have to mature and improve on his childish antics if he want so supplement himself as a top receiver in the league.

The NFL Draft is Thursday night and the Bills will be looking to use the tenth pick on a player that can help them achieve their goal of ending a decade long playoff drought.  Offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback are the two biggest needs of the team and with a deep class, there will be good players at all three positions available at the tenth pick.

Home games
Kansas City Chiefs 1:00pm 09/16/2012 CBS
New England Patriots 1:00pm 09/30/2012 CBS
Tennessee Titans 1:00pm 10/21/2012 CBS
Miami Dolphins 8:20pm 11/15/2012 NFLN
Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00pm 12/02/2012 CBS
St. Louis Rams 1:00pm 12/09/2012 FOX
New York Jets 1:00pm 12/30/2012 CBS

Away games
New York Jets 1:00pm 09/09/2012 CBS
Cleveland Browns 1:00pm 09/23/2012 CBS
San Francisco 49ers 4:15pm 10/07/2012 CBS
Arizona Cardinals 4:05pm 10/14/2012 CBS
Houston Texans 1:00pm 11/04/2012 CBS
New England 1:00pm 11/11/2012 CBS
Indianapolis Colts 1:00pm 11/25/2012 CBS
Miami Dolphins 1:00pm 12/23/2012 CBS

Toronto games
Seattle Seahawks 4:05pm 12/16/2012 FOX

NHL Quarter Finals Playoff Predictions

Despite the Buffalo Sabres missing the playoffs this year, this should be a very entertaining playoff round for the Quarter Finals for both the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Not surprisingly the defending Stanley Cup champions the Boston Bruins are back and they are the #2 seed, and could be a favorite to repeat as champions. While the defending co-champions, the Vancouver Canucks, are back again as they are the #1 seed in the West again for the second year in a row. There has also been a lot of surprises in this years playoff seeding as the Florida Panthers, who not only snapped a playoff drought that dated back to the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but also won the Southeastern division. The surprise in the West was the Coyotes and there new veteran goalie,  Mike Smith. Despite bankruptcy and a possible relocation of the team, they won the Pacific Division and hope that a Stanley Cup run in in there future.  And there was some disappointment too. The Washington Capitals fired Bruce Boudreau earlier last season, and then hired a Capital great, or known as a instigator to the rest of the league during his career, Dale Hunter. Hunter, who is a rookie head coach in the NHL, got the Capitals in the playoffs after almost missing it based on the play of the team and having goalie issues, and they are starting rookie goalie Braden Holtby against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins.The San Jose Sharks who are a #7 seed this year had a few issues, as they were the Western Conference runner up champions. The playoffs begin today, and it looks to start out on the right foot as a very anticipated series in the East between the #4 and #5 teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers square off again after six very exciting times in the regular season. The division rivals start the series in Pittsburgh. While in the West the Canucks take on the #8 Los Angles Kings in Vancouver as the #4 and #5 teams the Nashville Predators take on the Detroit Red Wings in Nashville. Here is the playoff schedule for each series

x-=if necessary
TBD= To Be Determined

Eastern Conference

#1 New York Rangers Vs #8 Ottawa Senators
Game 1: Senators @ Rangers April 12th 7:00
Game 2: Senators @ Rangers April 14th 7:00
Game 3: Rangers @ Senators April 16th 7:30
Game 4: Rangers @ Senators April 18th 7:30
x-Game 5: Senators @ Rangers April 21st 7:00
x-Game 6 Rangers @ Senators  April 23rd TBD
x-Game 7: Senators @ Rangers April 26th TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Rangers in 5

#2 Boston Bruins Vs #7 Washington Capitals
Game 1: Capitals @ Bruins April 12th 7:30
Game 2: Capitals @ Bruins April 14th 3:00
Game 3: Bruins @ Capitals April 16th 7:30
Game 4: Bruins @ Capitals April 19th 7:30
x-Game 5: Capitals @ Bruins April 21st 3:00
x-Game 6: Bruins @ Capitals April 22nd TBD
x-Game 7: Capitals @ Bruins April 25th TBD

Predictions:
Tony-Bruins in 6

#3 Florida Panthers vs #6 New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Devils @ Panthers April 13th 7:00
Game 2: Devils @ Panthers April 15th 7:30
Game 3: Panthers @ Devils April 17th 7:00
Game 4: Panthers @ Devils April 19th 7:00
x-Game 5 Devils  @ Panthers April 21st 6:30
x-Game 6: Panthers @ Devils April 24th  TBD
x-Game 7: Devils  @ Panthers April 26th TBD

Predictions:
Tony-Devils in 5

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins Vs. #5 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1: Flyers @ Penguins April 11th 7:30
Game 2: Flyers @ Penguins April 13th 7:30
Game 3: Penguins @ Flyers April 15th 3:00
Game 4: Penguins @ Flyers  April 18th 7:30
x-Game 5: Flyers  @ Penguins April 20th 7:30
x-Game 6: Penguins @ Flyers TBD
x-Game 7: Flyers @ Penguins TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Penguins in 7

Western Conference
#1 Vancouver Canucks Vs #8 Los Angles Kings
Game 1: Kings @ Canucks April 11th 10:30
Game 2: Kings @ Canucks April 13th 10:00
Game 3: Canucks @ Kings April 15th 10:30
Game 4: Canucks @ Kings April 18th 10:00
x-Game 5: Kings @ Canucks April 22nd TBD
x-Game 6: Canucks @ Kings April 24th TBD
x-Game 7: Kings @ Canucks April 26th TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Canucks in 6

#2 St Louis Blues Vs #7 San Jose Sharks
Game 1: Sharks @ Blues April 12th 7:30
Game 2: Sharks @ Blues April 14th 7:30
Game 3: Blues @ Sharks April 16th 10:00
Game 4: Blues @ Sharks  April 19th 10:30
x-Game 5: Sharks @ Blues April 21st 7:30
x-Game 6: Blues @ Sharks April 23rd TBD
x-Game 7: Sharks @ Blues April 25th TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Sharks in 7

#3 Phoenix Coyotes Vs #6 Chicago Blackhawks
Game 1: Blackhawks @ Coyotes April 12th 10:00
Game 2: Blackhawks @ Coyotes April 14th 10:00
Game 3: Coyotes @ Blackhawks April 17th 9:00
Game 4: Coyotes @ Blackhawks April 19th 8:00
x-Game 5: Blackhawks @ Coyotes April 21st 10:00
x-Game 6: Coyotes @ Blackhawks April 23rd TBD
x-Game 7: Blackhawks @ Coyotes April 25th TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Coyotes in 6


#4 Nashville Predators Vs #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 1: Red Wings @ Predators April 11th 8:00
Game 2: Red Wings @ Predators April 13th 7:30
Game 3: Predators @ Red Wings April 15th Noon
Game 4: Predators @ Red Wings April 17th 7:30
x-Game 5: Red Wings @ Predators April 20th 8:00
x-Game 6: Predators @ Red Wings April 22nd TBD
x-Game 7: Red Wings @ Predators April 24th TBD

Predictions:
Tony- Predators in 7

Baron Excited for Challenge at Canisius

The Canisius College Golden Griffins have a new men's basketball coach. Jim Baron was introduced Tuesday afternoon inside the Koessler Athletic Center in front of many students, faculty, alumni, fans, and media.

Baron thanked the Griffs for giving him another chance to coach. He has coached at St. Bonaventure, St. Francis, and most recently Rhode Island to go along with many stints as an assistant. Baron is a proven winner and has shown that everywhere he goes. Canisius will be looking for him to make their struggling program into a winner as well.

"I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the great high school coaches that are in the area," said Baron. "I think the MAAC conference is a solid conference, with great balance and has excellent programs with terrific coaches... When I come into programs, those young men become our young men. I'm really looking forward to the challenges, but also to the support, and the individuals."

Towards the end of his conference, Baron showed his familiarity with the area by noting that he is excited to get chicken wings from the anchor bar and to eat at Chef's.

Forward Chris Manhertz, heading into his junior year told me that Baron "just gave us an overview of his coaching style and what he expects of us as student-athletes."

Losing head coach Tom Parrotta was a blow to most players on the team as they had developed relationships with him over his six year stint at Canisius. Manhertz said, "it was unfortunate at the time... but we can't worry about what we can't control."

The team itself will have to recover from a very disappointing 5-25 (1-17) finish last year. "I think we were somewhat sub-par defensively in my opinion and that's one thing we need to tighten up this year," said Manhertz. He told me that he is working on becoming a more complete player. Manhertz averaged 7.9 rebounds per game last year. He also had 99 offensive boards. "I'm just trying to be as versatile as possible. I'm just working on my ball handling and perimeter skills, and jump shot."

The buzz around the team last year was the three transfer students waiting in the wings having to sit out the entire season due to NCAA transfer rules. 6 foot 10 inch forwards Freddy Asprilla from Kansas State and Jordan Heath from NAIA II Roberts Wesleyan are going to add a major force down low for the Griffs. "With Freddy, Jordan, and Issac coming in we are going to have a very complete team," junior guard Gabby Belardo told me. "They are going to have a big impact."

Belardo of course was a preseason first team all MAAC last season after transferring from South Florida but didn't have the season he would have liked. He was nagged all season by a back injury which forced him to miss some time and play hurt for most of the season. I asked Belardo about his back and he told me "it feels a lot better. I have been doing my workouts good, its a work in progress."

This hire is something that will hopefully provide a spark for the program that it hasn't seen since the 1996, the last time the Griffs were atop the MAAC. Baron will have a tough task in front of him but re-building a basketball program doesn't happen overnight.

Griffs to Introduce Baron at 3:00pm Today

After the long search, the Canisius College men's basketball program has found their next head coach to replace Tom Parrotta.

"I am extremely pleased to introduce Jim Baron as our men's basketball coach," athletic director Bill Maher said. "In naming Jim to his position, we have hired a man who has a proven track record of building successful basketball programs and developing young men. He is excited to return to Western New York to lead the Canisius College basketball program."

Jim Baron, a Saint Bonaventure graduate and player himself will take over as the 23rd coach in the school's history and try to rebuild an already broken down program.

Baron was an assistant coach at Notre Dame (1981-87), St. Bonaventure (1980-81), Loyola University (Md.) (1979-80), and the University of Rochester (1978-79).

His first head coaching job was at Saint Francis University (PA) where he led the program to it's only NCAA Tournament berth in 1991. Baron also spent time coaching in the Atlantic-10 with his alma mater St. Bonaventure and Rhode Island.

Jim Baron has won 390 games in his career to go along with eight 20 win seasons, 2 NCAA Tournament berths, and 11 postseason appearances.

Canisius will introduce Baron today in a 3:00pm press conference at the Koessler Athletic Center.