Busy Doherty still has lot of work left

By Ted Hutton
Staff Writer
Posted May 22 2005


Matt Doherty has made the most of his first month as Florida Atlantic coach.

"It's been rather hectic," said Doherty, who in the past four weeks has hired two assistants, signed four players and come close to finalizing the upcoming season's schedule.

But Doherty has more to do, including moving his wife and two children from North Carolina to South Florida. There is also one more assistant position open, and Doherty can sign three more players, if he can find them.

"At such a late date the pool of prospects shrinks. We've been fortunate to get players we got at this point," Doherty said.

Doherty signed a seven-year deal April 18, replacing Sidney Green, who had one winning season in six years.

Doherty, who inherited five openings on the roster, has seven openings due to the departure of two players.

Kahleaf Watson, a two-year starter, has left the university due to academic problems, and Andrew Lomond, who was a little-used freshman last season, will not be returning.

"I don't want to take a player just to take a player. I've already passed on some kids because I just didn't know if they would fit with the way we are going to play," Doherty said.

Doherty has signed two freshmen and two junior college transfers. To replace Watson he signed Kevin Green, a 5-foot-11 point guard from Santa Fe Junior College. For size he added Carlos Monroe, a 6-7, 235-pound freshman forward from Cape Coral.

Also committing to FAU were freshman Paul Graham, a 6-4 guard from Philadelphia, and DeAndre Rice, a 6-3 guard from Michigan.

Doherty hasn't had much of a chance to scout the returning players, getting in just a one-hour workout. "It's hard to evaluate, but it looks like we have pretty good speed and quickness but not a whole lot of size," Doherty said.

Doherty said FAU will open the season at Colgate on Nov. 18, then play at Pittsburgh.

Basketball: Doherty busy luring fans, recruits
By Marcus Nelson

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

BOCA RATON ? New Florida Atlantic basketball coach Matt Doherty marked the recent end of the NCAA late recruiting period by signing his fourth player to complete his first class.

Now a recruiting job that is just as tough and important takes top priority.

"It's starting to get real exciting," Doherty said. "I've enjoyed getting to know some people in the community and developing some friends. We need to create an emotional bond with the people in the community. I like going out there and saying hello, shaking hands and creating awareness about our program."

Doherty apparently already has made an impact. FAU will begin selling basketball season tickets by the end of the month ? earlier than ever.

"He does have an energy level that is appreciated in our department," said FAU Athletic Director Craig Angelos. "It's really been more that we could have hoped for."

It's been a whirlwind month since Doherty was hired as FAU's fifth coach, taking over for Sidney Green, who was fired after a 10-17 season. Most of the effort since Doherty took the job has been filling the scholarships that were available from last year's players who graduated.

Doherty was hired after the late signing period began, so he and assistant coach Rex Walters already were behind before they started. However, Doherty is pleased with the players he was able to sign.

"You don't know if it's a good recruiting class until they graduate and you hang banners" Doherty said. "But in such short notice, I think we did a very good job."

With the recruiting period over, Doherty now can turn his attention to the other things that can make the program successful.

Doherty has been working on several projects, from locker-room improvements to painting the Owls' logo on the gym floor to landscaping around FAU Gym.

Doherty said attention to detail is important.

"One of my favorite sayings is: "Little things are big things," Doherty said. "Even small things mean a lot to a program."

Doherty also will finalize the rest of his coaching staff soon, he said.

Noteworthy: Malcom Farmer, who spent the past two seasons at Western Illinois following four years as manager at Notre Dame, has been named FAU's director of basketball operations.