University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Men's Basketball Picked to Win Big South; Dickey Named Pre-Season Player of Year
10.11.2011 | Men's Basketball
In addition, the Bulldogs were tapped as the pre-season favorite to win the league championship. Asheville is the defending Big South Conference championship after winning the league tournament last season and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Dickey's backcourt mate, senior guard, J.P. Primm, was named to Big South Conference's Preseason All-Conference first team along with Dickey.
Dickey is the first Bulldog player to be selected as the Big South Pre-Season Player of the Year since Andre Smith earned the honor prior to the 2002-03 season.
This also marks the first time the Bulldogs have been selected to win the league crown since the 2002-03 season. Asheville would finish in fifth place in the regular-season that year but capture the tournament championship and go to the NCAA Tournament.
There's much to be optimistic about in Bulldog country as Asheville welcome's back four starters from last year's championship team. Veteran coach Eddie Biedenbach is cautiously optimistic about this year's club.
"I've been here for 15 years, and the build-up for this season is the most I have ever seen," stated Biedenbach, the Big South's all-time winningest coach. "With the returnees we have back, the success we had last year and our new arena, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the season.
"However, our guys know it took a tremendous amount of effort and sacrifice to accomplish what we did last season," he added. "We're going to need that kind of effort and even more this year. UNC Asheville will have a target on its back from day one. But I believe our guys understand that the target is on their back and welcome the opportunity to win another championship."
Biedenbach is happy for Dickey to get some pre-season recognition.
"Matt has a great work ethic and a tremendous desire to get better and that's what drives great players," admitted Biedenbach. "He's quicker and more athletic than you realize. Matt just has a knack for scoring and can do it a variety of ways."
Dickey enjoyed a breakout season last year. He led Asheville in scoring (15.7 ppg) and three-pointers made (65) and was second in assists (111) and steals (64). The senior guard earned first-team All-Conference honors and was named Big South Tournament MVP. He captivated the country with his clutch plays and shots. Dickey had a steal and a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Bulldogs a win at Coastal Carolina late in the season, 61-58. He knocked down a clutch three-pointer late in the championship game victory over the Chanticleers, and his three-pointer with 10 seconds left against Arkansas-Little Rock in the first round of the NCAA Tournament tied the game and allowed the Bulldogs to win the game in overtime, 81-77. Former NBA star and now TV analyst Charles Barkley commented, "How did a great player like Matt Dickey get out of the state of Alabama and end up in Asheville? That boy can play."
Biedenbach was also happy for Primm to get some recognition.
"J.P. is a strong, tough player who has worked hard on getting stronger and quicker. He plays hard both offensively and defensively," stated Biedenbach. "J.P. is always striving to get better and we've seen that every year with him."
Primm also enjoyed a tremendous season as a junior. He led Asheville in assists (154) and set a single-season record for steals in a season with 71. Primm was second in scoring (14.6) and three-pointers made (55). He earned second-team All-Conference honors and made the All-Tournament team. Primm was outstanding in Asheville's two NCAA Tournament games as he scored 22 points against UALR and 14 vs. Pitt in the second round.
The public will get its first chance to see the 2011-12 Bulldogs on Friday night at Dunkin' at the Doghouse presented by Zaxby's at Kimmel Arena starting at 6 p.m. Admission is free.
Asheville's first exhibition game at its new home will take place on Nov. 7 when the Bulldogs host Lees-McRae in an exhibition game starting at 8 p.m. The Blue & White open the regular-season at N.C. State on Friday, Nov. 11. Two days later (Nov. 13), Asheville plays its official first game at Kimmel when national power North Carolina comes to town. The game will be broadcast nationally by ESPNU.
