By Ryan McCord
If Pride sophomore forward/center Chris Gadley can someday elevate his game and play with enough consistency to merit his potential, according to head coach Tom Pecora, a league-wide scouting report will read something like this during his senior season:
“A physical specimen who dominates the paint and glass on both ends of the court. Great size, hands, tremendous footwork and runs the floor well.”
In order for the Pride to make their February dancing dreams a March reality, Pecora also suggested that his acclaimed backcourt will at some point need an effective chemistry both inside and outside the key in order for the team’s expectations to come full-circle. Pecora and the rest of the Pride faithful are hoping the broad-shouldered, 260-pound frame of No. 54 will begin building the foundation of his legacy immediately.
“We need him to become our catalyst,” Pecora said. “In order for us to win the CAA tournament and compete in the NCAA tournament, he must become our presence in the post both scoring and defending. If that happens, we can be as good as anybody.”
So what are the odds that the 6-9 Gadley can mature fast enough for Pride fans to make travelling arrangements with the exclusive field of 64 in mind? The big man is anxious and willing to prove himself and acknowledged that if there is one guy on the team whose opinion he admires most and makes an effort not to disappoint, it’s Pecora.
“I want his [Pecora] trust to know he can give me the green light when I get into the game,” Gadley said. “I need to stop fouling people, move my feet and play smart. Things feel like they are getting easier for me. Now I feel like I might be a better player coming off the bench.”
When asked who he patterned his game after in high school, Gadley mentioned NBA superstar and high-flying extraordinaire Tracy McGrady. The Amherst, N.Y., native and aspiring psychology major admits that part of his lack of productivity this season can be attributed to an identity and role crises on the court, coupled with the setback of a concussion in an exhibition game back on Nov. 7.
“It was a big mess, it set me back a lot,” said Gadley, who feels the injury affected him in more ways than one. “People don’t realize that I didn’t play post in high school. I’m working on getting through all of that. I was out four games and got the feeling coaches were looking at me differently. It was a bad experience, but I don’t use it as an excuse anymore.”
Another adjustment Gadley has had to make is how to go about life without his mentor and friend, former Hofstra assistant Tom Parrotta was an adjustment in itself. As an incoming freshman, Gadley took a liking to Parrotta, who took the head coaching job at Canisius this past off-season.
“He is like a father to me,” Gadley said. “He let me know what was right and what was wrong.”
Without Parrotta’s guidance this season, Gadley may or may not have dealt with his sophomore growing pains in a conscientious manner: “Everyone says the biggest thing with me is my mouth,” he says.
Gadley understands his opportunity to shine is still there, and most importantly, the 2007 Pride team has all the tools for success.
“[We have to] play as a team. The three guards [Loren Stokes, Antoine Agudio and Carlos Rivera] can only do so much,” Gadley explained. “Me and Mike [forward Davis-Saab] have to do our part rebounding and working together.
“With the guys we have, we can definitely go far.”