THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995 TAG: 9512210496
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Hampton University has been playing men's basketball for 43 years, but until Wednesday night the Pirates had never met I-64 rival William and Mary.
Then again, Hampton has been making a lot of new acquaintances this year, its first in Division I. As a fledgling Division I program, the Pirates are America's guests. Established teams don't mind playing them, as long as the Pirates do the traveling.
As road trips go, Wednesday's was better than most. Not only did the Pirates have to venture just 30 miles, they came out on the front end of an 84-76 score.
The Pirates (3-6) have played just one home game and leave today for Coastal Carolina. But despite the rigorous schedule and losing record, they say they wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
``We've had some comments from our seniors, J.J. (Williams) and Jermaine (Gholson),'' coach Byron Samuels said. ``They've said basically, `No disrespect to the CIAA, but this is a whole new world, we've kind of missed.' Those guys would do anything to have another year.''
At times it seems the Pirates are seeing the world. Or at least the Eastern half of the U.S. They've already played at Grambling, George Washington, Marist, Niagra and The Citadel. Seventeen of their 26 games this season will be on the road.
``We knew it was going to be that way coming in,'' Samuels said. ``We can't make excuses. I think we've handled it very well to this point.''
Hampton has lost twice as many as it's won, but the Pirates have put the fear of the basketball gods into several teams. The Pirates led Old Dominion by 10 with five minutes to go before losing 75-67. James Madison beat the Pirates on a tip at the buzzer 88-86. Niagra snuck by 64-62.
The Pirates aren't big, or experienced, but what makes them dangerous is their 3-point shooting, and pressure defense. Heading into Wednesday's game, the Pirates were jacking up 25 treys per game, most of them from the 6-foot-1 Williams, who is averaging 23 points per game, and 6-3 guard Al Bell, who averages 17.7.
Samuels, a first-year coach, says he would like to have more offensive balance. But he's playing the hand dealt him, and most of Hampton's talent is in the backcourt.
``We've sort of lived on the trey in the games we've had opportunities to win,'' Samuels said. ``We're searching for a little more balance.
``But if you look at teams that are successful, their best players take the shots. We're no different. Our best players need to shoot.''
That Williams and Bell are the best Pirates was evident Wednesday, when they combined for 45 points. Williams, whose range extends well beyond the 3-point arc, scored nine straight in a 90-second stretch in the second half to give Hampton a 63-58 lead. The Pirates never trailed again, even after Williams fouled out with 4:47 left.
Williams, a senior who was an All-CIAA performer last year, has lost nothing in the transition to the next level. He hit 5 of 9 treys Wednesday and handed out four assists.
Williams said he enjoyed the CIAA, but prefers the night-in, night-out competition of Division I.
``You always want something better,'' he said. ``This year, every game is big. You can't take a night off. You take a night off, you might lose by 30 or 40.''
The Pirates have not had one of those nights yet. That pleases Samuels as much as anything.
``Our guys are just really playing hard. If our defense can be consistent and our effort remains where it is, we're going to beat some people.''
William and Mary (1-4) certainly doesn't need to be told that twice. by CNB