--State of the Hoops Union

With March Madness in full swing, I checked in with Towson Men's Hoops coach Pat Skerry. Actively working the recruiting trail, Skerry and I talked about Towson Hoops, CAA Hoops and the Big Dance.

Heavyweight: With a full season under your belt, from your perspective what is the state of Tigers Hoops?

Skerry: "Obviously, we didn't have the results we'd like to have had. I think in the long term we showed marked improvement in guarding and rebounding, and the numbers showed it. We went from the tenth team in the league rebounding to the fourth. We guarded better, our shots against average improved by 4 points. Where we need to improve is shooting and taking better care of the ball."

HWT: With March Madness in full swing and you see a team like VCU making a pattern out of appearing in the dance, much like George Mason in the last few years, do you see these teams in your back yard and look at that as how to win the CAA?

Skerry: "I think we have a great respect for them. We clearly will play faster, but we don't have the personnel to play that way, yet. We didn't shoot a lot from the perimeter because our personnel didn't allow that. We were committed to guarding and rebounding.

HWT: Now it's no surprise you and your staff are well known as talented recruiters on all levels -- before even evaluating the new class of recruits, describe what you've seen out of Mike Burwell and Jerrelle Benimon?

Skerry: "Burwell has done a great job as a leader. He's getting stronger and working on guarding better --he's got tools, he can run and he can shoot. Jerrelle was our most talented guy on the roster by miles. He has the mental awareness to step up as our best player. We need them. We need them to play well."

HWT: With a highly regarded recruiting class coming in, are all five starting positions up for grabs next year?

Skerry: "Absolutely. We expect our freshmen to come in and compete. But they have to  earn it. We have guys on the roster now that have paid their dues and showed they will be better. Kris Walden has shown a lot of improvement. He shows he can handle the ball better and continues to get stronger."

HWT: Have you had a chance to watch the Tournament at all? Who do you like out of what's left in the Sweet 16.

Skerry: "I watched some of it. We worked out last week and now the guys are off this week. I like watching as a fan and also to see the national landscape of the game and talent.

"Kentucky's talent is ridiculous. I mean at this point there's no upsets really. They're all good teams to make it this far. But teams like Kentucky, Syracuse, Ohio State, you can't ignore their talent."