Controlling What They Can

(St. Louis, MO) – Drake Head Coach Ray Giacoletti believes there are things you can control and some things you can’t. So far the Bulldogs and Giacoletti have been doing their fair share of controlling the right things. Picked to finish last in the Missouri Valley Conference, Drake has won six of their first eight games and has shown the ability to battle.

Drake won the Fresno Classic and in five of their last six games they have held the opposition below their season scoring average. The first year head coach is no rookie. Coming into the season Giacoletti had won 171 college basketball games and recently spent six seasons assisting Mark Few at Gonzaga. Giacoletti knows winning college hoops.

The more demanding portion of the Bulldogs’ schedule is still to come, but this team has absorbed their coach’s message. He told me recently the key to their season comes down to rebounding and defense. They have out rebounded six of their first eight opponents. Giacoletti continues to preach that his team has great opportunities to surprise.

Here’s a surprise for you. The Bulldogs are 35th in the latest RPI report. Giacoletti told me that the timing was perfect for his connection with the Drake program.

 

Those four seniors are making the most of their final seasons in Des Moines. Guard Richard Carter is averaging 20 points per game. Gary Ricks has quadrupled is scoring average up to 12 points a game. Center Seth Van Deest has stayed healthy and playing valuable minutes and the Bulldogs got a shot in the arm when Aaron Hawley returned to the program after a year away from basketball and is averaging eight points per game.

The Bulldogs are second in the MVC in scoring defense and steals and they lead the league in three point baskets.

After a tough loss to Iowa the Dogs have four games before the league season begins. They have stiff tests coming with New Mexico State, Western Michigan and IUPUI and also a game with Albany. Three of those contests are at Knapp Center.

Do Good