by: MistiLynn, July 18, 2004

Former Spurs Matt Carroll and Mario Elie, now with the Golden State Warriors, matched up tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies. Another recent addition to the Warriors regular season roster is Derek Fisher. I imagine there will be a certain topic avoided as relentlessly as between Hedo Turkoglu and Robert Horry.

Matt Carroll ended the game as the Warrior's second highest scorer, below Tony Bland from San Diego State. Bland made only two of his eight shots but was perfect on all 10 free throws to give him 14 points. Carroll totalled 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting and made both of his free throws.

He looked more comfortable defensively than offensively, which must be why San Antonio liked him. He moved his feet well, stayed up on his man and has good recognition of the ball. While he didn't have any blocks or steals, his defense altered his opponent's shots or made them avoid shooting altogether.

On the other end of the court, he had one purpose and stuck to that. He would either run up to the right corner and cut backdoor to the left side or he would run directly to the left corner. He would then dance around the three-point line, watching play and waiting for the pass out. His points were scored off catch-and-shoot opportunities, though he missed his final 3-point attempt with 11 seconds remaining in the game. If made, he would have cut the Grizzlies lead to three and given the Warriors a chance, though slim, to win.

As it was, with Hube Brown in attendance to support them, Memphis defeated Golden State 80-74.

Career Highlights:
Named Honorable Mention All-America by AP and earned All-Big East Conference First Team honors as a senior. Finished career sixth on Notre Dame’s all-time scoring list with 1,850 points. Also ranks as the school’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made (301), games played (133), games started (125), and second in career free throw percentage (.825). Scored in double figures in 96 of 133 career games.

Senior (2002-03): Led team in scoring and ranked eighth in the Big East. Also ranked third in the conference in three-point field goal percentage and fourth in free throw percentage. Set single-season school record for three-point field goals made in a season (99). Recorded three 30-point games, including a career-high 36 points in double overtime win over Georgetown. Hit eight three-pointers on his way to 28 points while grabbing six rebounds vs. eventual NCAA champion Syracuse.

Junior (2001-02): Paced team in scoring six times, including a season-high 30 points at Georgetown. Recorded back-to-back 20 point games vs. St. John’s and Connecticut in the Big East Tournament. Shot 8-for-12 from the field in scoring 20 points vs. Charlotte in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Scored 20 points and grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds vs. Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Sophomore (2000-01): Averaged career-best 3.8 assists. Led team in three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage. Registered season-high 22 points while dishing out nine assists vs. Loyola (IL). Led team with 20 points vs. Rutgers. Recorded first career double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds in win over Boston College. Scored 21 points vs. Xavier in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Freshman (1999-00): Ranked third on the team in scoring. Scored in double figures in 18 games, including a season-high 22 points vs. VMI. Led team in scoring with 17 points vs. Villanova. Dished out season-high seven assists vs. Rider. Tallied 11 points in win over Michigan in the first round of the NIT.

Strengths: Has excellent shooting stroke from long range and quick release. Good size for shooting guard position.