The Unofficial Furman Football Page

Davis Molnar starred as his Sanford HS team played their first game of the season Friday. Sanford beat South View HS 52-48. Molnar scored 32 of his team's 52. He had 16 of their 17 4th quarter points and hit 12 of his 15 FTs for the game.

Meanwhile, Ben Vanderwal is also off to a strong start to his season. He had 30 pts 9 rebs. and 3 blocked shots in Timothy Christian HS's 50-49 victory over Wheaton Academy Saturday. Vanderwal had 23 pts. 14 rebs., 3 assists and 5 steals in a win against Fenton HS the game before. He was also named all-tournament in an earlier event.

Both signees have continued their strong senior seasons. Both reached the career 1000 points scored mark -on the same night this week.

Vanderwal was named player of the week by a recruiting website in Illinois after getting 35 points and 17 rebs. Friday night and 35 pts., 7 rebs Saturday night. Vanderwal has posted mulltiple double-doubles this season.

Both signees continue to shine. Vanderwal went for 40 points, 10 rebs., 6 assists in an double OT thriller last week and followed up with 20 points in a rout the next game.Molnar with a typical 18 in another win.

Ben VanderWal’s big season continues. Chicago SunTimes writer Joe Hendricksen with praise for Vanderwal. LINK

Ben VanderWal of Timothy Christian is having a monster season.

For a player who was one of the biggest stories during the AAU club circuit last spring and summer, who has signed with a Division I school, is among the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top 15 prospects in the class and is putting up star-like numbers, VanderWal gets the distinction of being the best player no one talks about.

Being off the radar after such a stellar offseason is no fault of his own. Timothy Christian is a Class 2A school playing in the Metro Suburban Blue and is just 13-17 overall. That’s not going to draw a lot of eyes on you or bring attention your way.

The 6-6 forward, who is fresh off a 34-point, 12-rebound performance this past weekend against Riverside-Brookfield, has signed with Furman. The Southern Conference school is a great fit for a player who earned double-digit Division I offers last summer.

But what he’s done this season has been so impressive. He’s averaging 26.4 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.3 blocks and 2.4 steals a game. VanderWal, who has knocked down 49 three-pointers while shooting 66 percent from the field inside the arc, consistently plays with purpose and toughness.

Vanderwal has also had two 40 point games recently.

Davis Molnar had a triple double recently and has been picked for the Carolina Classic all-star game in March for NC against the SC all-stars

Vanderwal was named to the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team just announced.
LINK
14 of the 20 players honored are seniors, 5 juniors and 1 is a sophomore. Eleven of the seniors have signed with D1 teams -Furman Duke, Illinois, Gonzaga,Miami(FL), No. Illinois, Indiana State, Dartmouth,Princeton, Elon, and North Dakota State.

Ben VanderWal, Timothy Christian, 6-7, G, Sr.

Furman recruit. Put up astounding numbers despite being the focus of every opposing defense. Averaged 26.4 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.3 steals. Shot 66% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line and drew 25 charges.

tya1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 6:52 pm

Vanderwal was named to the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team just announced.
LINK
14 of the 20 players honored are seniors, 5 juniors and 1 is a sophomore. Eleven of the seniors have signed with D1 teams -Furman Duke, Illinois, Gonzaga,Miami(FL), No. Illinois, Indiana State, Dartmouth,Princeton, Elon, and North Dakota State.

Ben VanderWal, Timothy Christian, 6-7, G, Sr.

Furman recruit. Put up astounding numbers despite being the focus of every opposing defense. Averaged 26.4 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.3 steals. Shot 66% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line and drew 25 charges.

If he is a 6 7 guard, that will be something fun to watch

Sad Din wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:17 pm

tya1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 6:52 pm

Vanderwal was named to the Chicago Sun-Times all-area team just announced.
LINK
14 of the 20 players honored are seniors, 5 juniors and 1 is a sophomore. Eleven of the seniors have signed with D1 teams -Furman Duke, Illinois, Gonzaga,Miami(FL), No. Illinois, Indiana State, Dartmouth,Princeton, Elon, and North Dakota State.

Ben VanderWal, Timothy Christian, 6-7, G, Sr.

Furman recruit. Put up astounding numbers despite being the focus of every opposing defense. Averaged 26.4 points, 10 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.3 steals. Shot 66% from the field and 80% from the free-throw line and drew 25 charges.

If he is a 6 7 guard, that will be something fun to watch

Think he will be more of a SF/PF for us

Sad Din wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:17 pm

f he is a 6 7 guard, that will be something fun to watch

These days they often call anyone who doesn't primarily play back-to-the-basket a guard. I would compare Vanderwal to Mounce. A little less athletic than Mounce but a better shooter and probably better prepared for early contributions. Vanderwal has faced tougher competition up in Chicago than Mounce faced in small town and rural North Carolina.

So what can we expect from the two incoming freshman next year, either ready to contribute or looking at redshirts?

Vanderwal selected as one of Chicago SunTimes sportwriter Joe Hendricksen's top Illinois prospects for 2022. LINK Vanderwal listed #10 of 15.

10. Ben VanderWal, 6-6, Timothy Christian

The breakout player in the class last summer, VandeWal is a space-the-floor 4-man who is efficient from the three-point line. He also brings a toughness and tenacity on the glass and to the floor each time out. Furman nabbed a good one who could flourish in the Southern Conference.

tya1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:29 pm

Vanderwal has faced tougher competition up in Chicago than Mounce faced in small town and rural North Carolina.

Yep…never been any good basketball players come out of small town and rural North Carolina

You are exactly right FUBeAR if you don't count

Michael Jordon - Wilmington
James Worthy - Gastonia
Phil Ford - Kinston
Brad Daugherty - Black Mountain
David Thompson - Shelby
Walter Davis - Charlotte
Bobby Jones - Charlotte
Dominique Wilkins - Washington
John Lucas - Durham
Henry Bibby - Franklinton
Bob McAdoo - Greensboro
Steph Curry - Charlotte

I'm sure I've left a few out that I couldn't think of.

FUBeAR wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 25, 2022 8:20 pm

tya1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:29 pm

Vanderwal has faced tougher competition up in Chicago than Mounce faced in small town and rural North Carolina.

Yep…never been any good basketball players come out of small town and rural North Carolina

First, I am not sure why a post from a month and a half ago got a new reply. Second, there was nothing in the post claiming anything about how players from rural small town NC can't play. It is always down to the individual player. Third, It should be reasonably obvious that experience against talented players usually aids in young guys getting early playing time.
Example - Mounce was at Furman three years before he became a starter. Matt Rafferty (from the suburbs of Chicago) started 30 of 35 games as a freshman. The stats for Rafferty and Mounce were similar their first year in the starting lineup. Rafferty was ready to go, it took Mounce a bit longer to get up to D1 speed.

I am a little puzzled by the list of NC players. Almost none of them are from small town or rural areas. Do Charlotte,Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, etc qualify as rural or small town - or any of their suburbs. I don't think so. I wouldn't count Wilmington as small town or rural either. So,Washington or Kinston could qualify. Black Mountain is part of the Asheville metro. Small town, perhaps but not rural.

tya1 wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 25, 2022 11:36 pm

FUBeAR wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 25, 2022 8:20 pm

tya1 wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:29 pm

Vanderwal has faced tougher competition up in Chicago than Mounce faced in small town and rural North Carolina.

Yep…never been any good basketball players come out of small town and rural North Carolina

First, I am not sure why a post from a month and a half ago got a new reply. Second, there was nothing in the post claiming anything about how players from rural small town NC can't play. It is always down to the individual player. Third, It should be reasonably obvious that experience against talented players usually aids in young guys getting early playing time.
Example - Mounce was at Furman three years before he became a starter. Matt Rafferty (from the suburbs of Chicago) started 30 of 35 games as a freshman. The stats for Rafferty and Mounce were similar their first year in the starting lineup. Rafferty was ready to go, it took Mounce a bit longer to get up to D1 speed.

I am a little puzzled by the list of NC players. Almost none of them are from small town or rural areas. Do Charlotte,Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro, etc qualify as rural or small town - or any of their suburbs. I don't think so. I wouldn't count Wilmington as small town or rural either. So,Washington or Kinston could qualify. Black Mountain is part of the Asheville metro. Small town, perhaps but not rural.

Just an odd statement (that FUBeAR just noticed) since so many of the best basketball players in all of history have come from rural and small town North Carolina (the way FUBeAR, a native of The Old North State, defines rural and small town North Carolina…only Charlotte & Raleigh (proper) are/were not).

Don’t sweat it.

Oh…also should probably add Tall (7’4”) Tommy Burleson from Newland (The Newland Needle), NC to the list. Newland’s population, way up in the NC mountains, was just over 500 when Tom was recruited to the “big city” of Raleigh. It’s boomed since though…up to 698 in the 2010 census.

And as FurmAlum said…there are a few…actually, quite a few more, that we have omitted….

Pete Maravich just jumped to mind….but guess since he was in Raleigh (proper) we can’t count him…dang!

FurmAlum wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 25, 2022 10:34 pm

You are exactly right FUBeAR if you don't count

Michael Jordon - Wilmington
James Worthy - Gastonia
Phil Ford - Kinston
Brad Daugherty - Black Mountain
David Thompson - Shelby
Walter Davis - Charlotte
Bobby Jones - Charlotte
Dominique Wilkins - Washington
John Lucas - Durham
Henry Bibby - Franklinton
Bob McAdoo - Greensboro
Steph Curry - Charlotte

I'm sure I've left a few out that I couldn't think of.

Here’s a fun list from Ranker … kinda crowd sourced rankings…

Top 130 NBA Players from North Carolina.

Seems to be some recency bias with the list…and a list like this without Pistol Pete & Dominique on it can’t be taken too seriously. Nique’s nephew, Damien, slides in @ #48 though…

* 1 Michael Jordan Shooting guard from Wilmington
* 2 Stephen Curry Point guard from Charlotte
* 3 Bob McAdoo Power forward and Center from Greensboro
* 4 James Worthy Small forward from Gastonia
* 5 Chris Paul Point guard from Winston-Salem
* 6 Sam Jones Point guard and Shooting guard from Wilmington
* 7 David Thompson Shooting guard from Shelby
* 8 Jerry Stackhouse Shooting guard and Small forward from Kinston
* 9 John Wall Point guard from Raleigh
* 10 Brad Daugherty Center from Black Mountain
* 11 Phil Ford Point guard from Rocky Mount
* 12 Cedric Maxwell Power forward from Kinston
* 13 Walter Davis Shooting guard and Small forward from Pineville
* 14 Brandon Ingram Small forward from Kinston
* 15 Zion Williamson Power forward BORN in Salisbury, North Carolina (shouldn’t be on list)
* 16 Bam Adebayo Center from Pinetown
* 17 Nate McMillan Point guard from Raleigh
* 18 Lou Hudson Shooting guard and Small forward from Greensboro
* 19 Montrezl Harrell Power forward and Center from Tarboro
* 20 Devonte' Graham Point guard from Raleigh
* 21 Sleepy Floyd Point guard from Gastonia
* 22 P. J. Tucker Small forward from Raleigh
* 23 Hassan Whiteside Center from Gastonia
* 24 Seth Curry Guard from Charlotte
* 25 T. J. Warren Small forward from Durham
* 26 Buck Williams Power forward from Rocky Mount
* 27 Rodney Rogers Power forward from Durham
* 28 John Lucas Jr. Forward from Durham
* 29 Henry Bibby Guard from Franklinton
* 30 Walt Bellamy Power forward and Center from New Bern
* 31 Josh Howard Shooting guard and Small forward from Winston-Salem
* 32 Kent Bazemore Shooting guard from Kelford
* 33 Coby White Point guard from Goldsboro
* 34 Bobby Jones Small forward from Charlotte
* 35 Hubert Davis Shooting guard from Winston-Salem
* 36 Dennis Smith Jr. Point guard from Fayetteville
* 37 Ish Smith Point guard from Charlotte
* 38 Bobby Jackson Point guard from Salisbury
* 39 John Henson Power forward from Greensboro
* 40 Happy Hairston Power forward from Winston-Salem
* 41 Tommy Burleson Center from Crossnore
* 42 Darrell Armstrong Point guard from Gastonia
* 43 Jeff McInnis Point guard from Charlotte
* 44 Reggie Bullock Guard from Kinston
* 45 Charles Shackleford Power forward and Center from Kinston
* 46 Jerome Robinson Shooting guard from Raleigh
* 47 Kenny Williams Power forward from Elizabeth City
* 48 Damien Wilkins Shooting guard and Small forward from Washington
* 49 Anthony Morrow Shooting guard from Charlotte
* 50 Harry Giles Power forward from Winston-Salem
* 51 Jim McMillian Small forward from Raeford
* 52 Dickie Hemric Power forward from Jonesville
* 53 Rusty LaRue Point guard from Winston-Salem
* 54 Rodney Purvis Guard from Raleigh
* 55 Jim Caldwell Center from Durham
* 56 M. L. Carr Small forward from Wallace
* 57 Jacob Evans Shooting guard from Jacksonville
* 58 Randy Denton Center from Raleigh
* 59 Chris Washburn Center from Hickory
* 60 Gary Clark Power forward from Smithfield
* 61 Chris Wilcox Power forward and Center from Raleigh
* 62 Rashad McCants Shooting guard from Asheville
* 63 Mike Evans Point guard from Goldsboro
* 64 David Noel Small forward from Durham
* 65 P. J. Hairston Shooting guard and Guard from Greensboro
* 66 Herm Gilliam Shooting guard from Winston-Salem
* 67 Todd Fuller Power forward and Center from Fayetteville
* 68 Reggie Hanson Forward from Charlotte
* 69 Kenny Gattison Power forward and Center from Wilmington
* 70 JamesOn Curry Point guard and Shooting guard from Pleasant Grove
* 71 Saddiq Bey Small forward from Charlotte
* 72 Eric Maynor Point guard from Raeford
* 73 Mel Gibson Guard from Rockingham
* 74 Patrick Williams Small forward from Charlotte
* 75 Junior Burrough Power forward from Charlotte
* 76 Henry Logan Shooting guard from Asheville
* 77 Harthorne Wingo Forward from Tryon
* 78 Grant Williams Power forward from Charlotte
* 79 George Adams Forward from Kings Mountain
* 80 Kenny Dennard Power forward from King
* 81 Sam Pellom Center from Wilmington
* 82 Trent Tucker Shooting guard from Tarboro
* 83 Darius Johnson-Odom Shooting guard from Raleigh
* 84 Richard Coffey Small forward from Aurora
* 85 Tony Dawson Small forward from Kinston
* 86 Lee Davis Power forward and Center from Raleigh
* 87 Brian Howard Small forward from Winston-Salem
* 88 Bones McKinney Center from Durham
* 89 Bill Bunting Small forward from New Bern
* 90 Anthony Avent Power forward and Center from Rocky Mount
* 91 Junior Harrington Point guard from Wagram
* 92 Byron Dinkins Point guard from Charlotte
* 93 Ansu Sesay Power forward from Greensboro
* 94 Tony White Forward from Charlotte
* 95 Wayne Robinson Power forward from Greensboro
* 96 Cedric Simmons Small forward and Power forward from Shallotte
* 97 Bob Warlick Forward from Hickory
* 98 Delaney Rudd Point guard from Hollister
* 99 Clarence Kea Power forward from Wilmington
* 100 George King Small forward from Fayetteville
* 101 Goo Kennedy Power forward and Center from Charlotte
* 102 Jesse Branson Forward from Graham
* 103 Geoff Crompton Center from Burlington
* 104 Jim Cleamons Point guard and Shooting guard from Lincolnton
* 105 Larry Mcneill Forward from North Carolina
* 106 DeMarco Johnson Power forward from Charlotte
* 107 Chris King Power forward from Newton Grove
* 108 Jerrod Mustaf Power forward from Whiteville
* 109 Mitchell Wiggins Shooting guard from Kinston
* 110 Haywoode Workman Point guard from Charlotte
* 111 Carlos Terry Shooting guard from Lexington
* 112 Charles Pittman Power forward from Rocky Mount
* 113 Brook Steppe Point guard from Chapel Hill
* 114 Belus Smawley Guard from Ellenboro
* 115 Shavlik Randolph Power forward from Raleigh
* 116 Bubba Wilson Shooting guard from Gastonia
* 117 Othello Hunter Power forward from Winston-Salem
* 118 Danny Young Point guard from Raleigh
* 119 Dave Henderson Shooting guard and Small forward from Henderson
* 120 Kevin Thompson Center from Winston-Salem
* 121 Aaron Wiggins Small forward from Greensboro
* 122 Trey Murphy III Small forward from Durham
* 123 Day'Ron Sharpe Center from Greenville
* 124 Jamie Watson Center from Elm City
* 125 Norton Barnhill Forward from Winston-Salem
* 126 Jaden Springer Shooting guard from Charlotte
* 127 Gus Bailey Shooting guard and Small forward from Gibson
* 128 Fred Vinson Small forward from Murfreesboro
* 129 Wayman Britt Guard from Wilson's Mills
* 130 Greg Wittman Power forward from Rockingham