The new Friar hotness in nicknames. BUCKETS AND ICE.
In early August, Friars.com announced that Bryce Cotton was joining the Global Sports Academy Tour this summer in Europe. Around the same time the tour was getting started, LaDontae Henton tweeted he was going to Europe as well, presumably to play with Bryce. From August 8th to the 16th, the two Friars did in fact make the trek to Belgium, Germany, and France to play various Euro League teams for the non-profit organization GSA in order to help “promote international goodwill and a better understanding between nations through sports”. How did they do on the court while there were in the middle of promoting goodwil? Other than some basic scores from the GSA twitter feed, Ice Cotton and LaDontae were true international men of mystery.
To get more insight on what Buckets and Ice did over there (by the way, had did I miss this nickname combination last year?!), I exchanged some emails with their head coach on the tour, Greg Manning. Greg is the current Loyola University of Maryland assistant coach, who also played there for 4 years.
Big thanks to Greg for taking the time to provide Friartown with his thoughts on how they did on the tour.
Friarblog: First of all coach, sounds like you had a successful trip with a 5-0 record. What was the competition like?
Greg Manning: We had a great group of unselfish guys which is the reason I believe e were able to go 5-0. We played two First Division team and 3 Second Division teams. The competition was pretty good. The first division teams had kid that could play at the mid major and high major level. They were big and really know how to play the game. We had to make sure we brought it each time we stepped on the court.
Friarblog: Were there any official stats recorded for Henton or Cotton? If not, what can you tell us about their playing time, role on the team etc. Any big games or moments from either that stand out?
Greg Manning: We do have stats which I have attached to the email. Both guys were tremendous for me. Our second game which we won by 2 Henton was huge. He took over down the stretch. He really showed his ability to get his own shot. I put him in high pick and rolls the last few times down the floor and he got us a bucket each time.
(Ed. note: including stats)
Averages
LaDontae Henton: 18.6 PPG, 4.6 RPB
Bryce Cotton: 14.8 PPG, 3.8 PPG
Game Stats
Henton
| GAME |
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
| GSA 92, CEP Fluerus 65 |
18 |
6 |
2 |
| GSA 78, Gent Dragons 76 |
20 |
3 |
4 |
| GSA 113, LTV 59 |
16 |
5 |
4 |
| GSA 115, Solingen Sharks 80 |
16 |
4 |
3 |
| GSA 100, SJBA 87 |
23 |
5 |
1 |
Cotton
| GAME |
Points |
Rebounds |
Assists |
| GSA 92, CEP Fluerus 65 |
6 |
4 |
3 |
| GSA 78, Gent Dragons 76 |
7 |
4 |
1 |
| GSA 113, LTV 59 |
24 |
4 |
1 |
| GSA 115, Solingen Sharks 80 |
19 |
5 |
2 |
| GSA 100, SJBA 87 |
21 |
2 |
1 |
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