12-27-2015, 09:34 AM
SoCon teams have beaten Arkansas, Nebraska, Idaho, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Illinois and Dayton. There have been losses, too, but not many people would have predicted those out of conference wins going into the season.
Chattanooga 10-2
Big wins at Georgia (6-3), Illinois (8-5), at Dayton (9-2). Only losses were at Iowa State (10-1) and at Louisiana Monroe (4-7) without Justin Tuoyo on the bayou. A significant home win (take note ETSU) was over 8-5 Tennessee Tech (80-69), and a home squeeker over 7-6 Radford 77-75 without Casey Jones. But Radford was good enough to knock off Georgetown and 7-3 UNC Wilmington.
This is the most familiar team, and yet MUCH improved from last year: with even better rebounding (+4.7), much better shooting (9 threes per game on .396), higher scoring and MUCH better ballhandling (13.3 t.o.’s to 14.8 opponent t.o.’s with 8.6 steals). They have patched up most of their weaknesses.
Even an ankle injury to their best player, Casey Jones, has been unable to derail the Mocs, who have won 6 in a row, including road wins at Dayton and Radford, without the consensus preseason pick for SoCon Player of the Year.
Guards:
6’5” 205 Sr. Casey Jones: 29.6 min., 12.6 ppg (only 0.4 three’s), 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s
6’2” 195 Jr. Greg Pryor: 28.0 min., 10.4 ppg (1.6 on .422 from 3) 3.3 assists, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.8 steals
6’4” 200 Sr. Eric Robertson: 24.6 min., 8.8 ppg (2.5 on .469 from 3), 1.1 steals
6’2” 177 Jr. Jonathan Burroughs-Cook: 16.8 min., 8.2 ppg (0.7 on .308 from 3) 1.0 steals
6’4” 208 Sr. Dee Oldham: 14.3 min., 5.0 ppg (0.6 on .333 from 3), 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Front Court:
6’10” 235 Jr. Justin Tuoyo: 25.1 min., 10.5 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
6’5” 205 R.Jr. Tre’ McLean: 28.8 min., 9.2 ppg (1.0 on .308 three’s), 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals
6’7” 218 Jr. Chuck Ester: 22.5 min., 7.2 ppg (0.3 on .400 three’s), 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals
6’6” 225 Sr. Duke Ethridge: 16.1 min., 7.4 ppg (0.7 on .368 three’s), 4.1 rebounds
Mercer 8-3
OT win at 6-5 Arkansas. Home win over 6-7 George Mason, Neutral site over 7-6 Tulane, 2-9 App State, 5-6 Western Michigan. Losses at 9-2 Davidson 77-71, at 6-5 Auburn 78-71and at 7-5 Ohio State 64-44 (but a 1 point game at the half).
For the second year in a row Bob Hoffman does one hell of a job replacing key losses (2 all-SoCon players in Darius Moten and Ike Nwamu, and best big man T.J. Hallice). If you think that's easy to do - see Wofford below. 6’6” 225 So. Stephon Jelks and 6’9” 255 So. Transfer Desmond Ringer make a solid Center/Power Forward pair, in a reconstituted, and improved, front court. Rebounding margin is a killer best of conference 11.0 and 12th in all of D1! 6’5” Freshman guard Ethan Stair with 6’8” 180 Sophomore string bean Demetre Rivers have fought their way into the experienced guard rotation. Turnover margin is a worst in conference -2.83. But assists are very good: plus 3.6. 3 point shooting is a fairly weak 5.5 on .325.
Guard:
6’1” 170 Sr. Jestin Lewis: 24.0 min., 12.1 ppg (1.9 on .354 from 3), 2.3 assists, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
6’2” 200 Sr., Phillip Leonard: 24.8 min., 9.3 ppg (no 3’s), 4.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s
6’8” 180 So., Demetre Rivers: 21.6 min., 9.0 ppg (0.9 on .306 from 3), 0.5 assists, 1.8 t.o.’s
6’5” 205 Fr., Ethan Stair: 21.3 min., 6.5 ppg (0.4 on .357 from 3)
6’1” 175 So., Jordan Strawberry: 22.5 min., 5.3 ppg (0.6 on .292 from 3), 3.8 assists, 1.6 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
6’4” 185 Sr., Jibri Bryan: 15.0 min., but only 3 games, (0.3 on .250 from 3)
Front Court:
6’6” 225 So. Stephon Jelks: 28.8 min., 11.4 ppg (1.2 on .341 from 3), 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals
6’9” 255 So., Desmond Ringer: 24.8 min., 7.4 ppg (0 three’s) 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Samford 8-4
Solid wins at 8-5 Nebraska 69-58 (!!), and over 8-5 Idaho (75-58)
Losses at 11-2 Louisville, at 8-3 Texas, at 6-7 Austin Peay by 1,73-74, at home in double OT to 5-6 South Alabama.
Picked to finish 7th in both the Coaches’ and the Media Preseason Polls, Samford rivals the Citadel for the surprise of the pre-conference season.
Every player on this roster has arrived in the last 2 years as Head Coach Scott Padgett has totally rebuilt this squad in his 2 years on the job (Jones-Gibson, Shabazz and Marcus Johnson are 2nd yr JUCO’s, Iman Johnson is a transfer, remainder of the rotation are freshmen and sophomores).
2 fine Freshmen have joined last year’s additions to key their success: 6’7” 200 Matt Rose who both nails three’s (2.0 on .471 while averaging 10.1 ppg) and snags rebounds (4.6) in 25.3 minutes; and 6’9” 230 Wyatt Walker who scores 7.4 ppg and grabs 5.8 rebounds in only 19 .1 minutes.
Rebounding is not strong: -0.5; turnover margin is very good +2.4.
Guards:
6’2”185 Sr. Darius Jones-Gibson: 31.9 min., 16.1 ppg (0.8 on .381 three’s) 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 3 t.o.’s, 1.2 steals
6’2”185 So., PG Christen Cunningham: 33.2 min., 14.6 ppg (0.8 on .286 three’s) 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 t.o.’s, 1.0 steals
5’11” 185 Sr., Marcus Johnson: 23.6 min., 6.7 ppg (1.1 three’s on .265), 0.9 steals
Front Court:
6’7” 200 Fr., Matt Rose: 25.3 min., 10.1 ppg (2.0 threes on .471), 4.6 rebounds
6’9” 230 Fr., Wyatt Walker: 19.1 min., 7.4 ppg on 0 threes, 5.8 rebounds
6’6” 200 Sr. Wing, Jamal Shabazz: 22.8 min., 7.3 ppg (1.2 threes on .292) 2.8 rebounds
6’5” 215 Sr. Iman Johnson: 19.9 min., 3.8 ppg, 3.6 rebounds
6’7” 185 So. Eric Adams: 11.0 min., 2.9 ppg
ETSU 5-6
Wins at 9-3 Georgia Tech, and at home over 6-5 Wisconsin Green Bay and 8-6 Eastern Kentucky. Very close loss at 6-5 UT.
Blowout losses at home to 7-3 UNC-Wilmington and on the road at 7-5 UNC-Asheville
New coaching staff and 7 new players – it’s been up and down, and is still a work in progress.
The Bucs have 2nd best scoring offense in the SoCon at 77.8. And the 2nd worst scoring defense in the SoCon at 75.0. With the 4th best scoring margin at +2.8 (behind Chattanooga at +9.8, Mercer at +8.3 and Furman at +5.7.
To go with the 2nd best scoring offense, the Bucs have 3rd best field goal percentage and 3rd best 3 point percentage in the SoCon. Scoring remains a Buc strength (although individuals like Desonta, Petey and Deuce struggle), as it has all year.
The Bucs struggle with rebounding, a sad 7th in the conference at -2.7. Assists are also weak, tied for 6th . We are not getting enough front court production – neither from rebounding nor from scoring
Ge’lawn has been a real stud. A .292 career 3 point shooter who made more than 11 in a season only once (total of 29), he has already matched his career best for an entire season with 29 makes from 3 and is shooting .439 from the arc. But the team cannot be just Guyn with some Cromer on the side. The front court, mostly brand new to D1 ball, is still not what we need. The UT game suggests that a solution will involve more Peter Jurkin (if he stays healthy) inside, and more Lester Wilson outside.
Guards:
6’2” 185 Gr. Ge’lawn Guyn: 30.4 min., 18.4 ppg (2.6 on .439 from 3) 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists. 2. 4 t.o.’s, 0.9 blks, 1.1 stl
6’3” 190 Jr. T.J. Cromer: 28.8 min., 14.3 ppg (1.3 on .375 from 3) 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 ass’t, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’2” 190 Jr. A.J. Merriweather: 23.1 min., 9.5 ppg (0.4 on .308 from 3) 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 ass’t, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’4” 195 Sr. Deuce Bello: 20.8 min., 8.0 ppg, (0.7 on .229 from 3) 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 1.9 t.o.’s, 1 stl
6’0” 190 Sr. Petey McClain: 17.6 min., 2.4 ppg (only 2 three’s) 1.9 rebounds, 2.2 ass’t, 1.2 t.o.’s, 0.8 stl
6’4” 185 So. Desonta Bradford: 15.0 min., 4.5 ppg (only 2 three’s) 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 ass’t, 0.9 t.o.’s, 0.6 stl
Front Court:
6’7” 220 Jr. Isaac Banks: 21.4 min., 5.1 ppg (no 3’s) 4.5 rebounds, 0.6 blks
7’0” 230 Jr. Peter Jurkin: 11.5 min., 5.1 ppg (no 3’s) 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 blks
6’7” 240 Jr. Abednego Lufile: 12.8 min., 4.5 ppg (no 3’s) 3.8 rebounds, 0.5 blks
6’4”220 Sr. Lester Wilson: 7.7 min., 4.1 ppg (1.1 on .393 from 3) 1.5 rebounds,
6’8” 235 Jr., Nigel Holley: 9.3 min., 2.2 ppg (no 3’s) 1.3 rebounds
FURMAN 6-6
Best win probably at 2-9 Appy State 79-70, or vs 3-9 Mount St. Mary’s – not much to brag about.
Worst loss was at home to 5-8 Gardner –Webb 53-73.
Neutral loss to 8-3 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Wins and losses are not impressive, but stats have improved with plus 7.0 rebounds, plus 5.8 points, and positive turnover margin. Everybody is back from last year with 6’8” Freshman Matt Rafferty making a big new contribution, averaging near a double-double and a close second in the SoCon in rebounds per game. Early choice for Freshman of the Year. As a team, Furman is second in rebounding margin to Mercer and tied for 39th in all D1 with 7.1. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys wind up making another end of year run.
Guards:
6’0” 170 Sr. Stephen Croone: 26.7 min., 13.6 ppg (0.8 on .178 from 3), 2.7 rpg, 2.4 ass’t, 2.0 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’2” 174 So. Devin Sibley: 24.0 min., 8.1 ppg (1.0 on .343 from 3), 2.3 rpg, 1ass’t, 2.4 t.o.’s
6’4” 195 So., Daniel Fowler: 24.4 min., 6.8 ppg (1.0 on .382 from 3), 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 asst, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1 steal
5’10 160 So., John Davis: 21.9 min., 5.7 ppg (1.0 on .400 from 3), 1.4 rpg, 1.8 ass’t, 0.8 t.o.’s
6’4” 190 Fr., Andrew Brown 16.0 min., 5.1 ppg (1.0 on .375 from 3), 3.2 rpg, 1.0 ass’t, 0.3 t.o.’s
Front Court:
6’8” 215 Fr. Matt Rafferty: 25.6 min., 9.8 ppg (0.8 on .333 from 3), 8.4 rpg, 2.5 ass’t, 1.1 t.o.’s, 1.1 stl
6’6” 215 Jr. Kris Acox: 20.8 min., 7.5 ppg (0 three’s), 5.5 rpg,
6’9” 235 Sr. Kendrec Ferrara: 15.4 min., 6.5 ppg (0.5 on .438 three’s), 3.7 rpg, 0.5 blk
6’7” 210 So. Geoff Beans: 13.3 min., 4.3 ppg (1.0 on .267 three’s), 1.3 rpg
WOFFORD 3-8
Only wins so far are at home over 3-10 UMES, at 5-7 Presbyterian, at home over Kentucky Christian.
Without Karl Cochran and Lee Skinner, Wofford has struggled badly. Picked to finish 2nd in both the Coaches’ and the Media Preseason polls, two time defending SoCon champ Wofford is easily the disappointment of the preconference season.
Scoring margin for the Terriers is a worst in conference -6.4. Rebounding margin is 3rd worst in conference -4.4, 297th in D1 nationally. T.o. margin is still a very good +2. But field goal percentage allowed is 2nd worst in conference at .502 and 3 point percentage allowed is a worst in conference .438.
Of the newcomers only 6’4” Freshman guard Fletcher McGee has been productive. 6’8” Evansville transfer Ryan Sawvell has been a bust with 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds.
Guards:
6’4” 195 Sr. Spencer Collins: 25.6 min., 12.7 ppg (1.5 on .320 three’s) 2.5 rebounds, 2 ass’t, 1 t.o.’s
6’4” 195 Fr. Fletcher Magee: 24.2 min., 11.6 ppg (2.3 on .417 three’s) 2.9 rebounds
6’0” 181 Jr. Eric Garcia: 30.5 min., 9.7 ppg (1.7 on .373 three’s) 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists 1.1 t.o.’s
6’3” 180 Jr. Jaylen Allen: 18.7 min., 5.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.2 ass’t, 0.4 t.o.’s
6’2” 190 So. Derrick Brooks: 13.2 min., 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.2 ass’t, 1.1 t.o.’s.
Front Court:
6’6” 205 Sr. Justin Gordon: 25.6 min., 11.7 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s
6’7” 230 Sr. C.J. Neumann: 26.9 min., 3.7 ppg, 5.4 rebounds
6’7” 255 So. Cameron Jackson: 14.3 min., 4.0 ppg, 3.9 rebounds
6’10” 250 Fr. Matthew Pegram: 11.3 min., 3.1 ppg, 1.6 rebounds
THE CITADEL 7-5
Wins over 4-9 Stetson 94-93, versus 4-6 Georgia Southern 95-90, at 2-11 USC Upstate 88-81.
Losses at 7-4 Campbell 82-101, at 5-7 Presbyterian 79-95.
Picked to finish 9th in both the Coaches and the Media preseason poll, the Citadel is the success of the year thus far,
The Duggar Baucom effect has them playing fast and hard, with a crowd of new players including a couple of experienced transfers. The impact of Baucom on this program cannot be overstated. He has them scoring a 1st in the nation 93.08. And allowing a worst in the nation 91.33. Yep – “first and worst”. But the balance is plus 1.75 points in their favor. And the wins in their freakish style are plus 2 in their favor at 7-5. They make 19.3 assists to 16.8 for opponents. They make 14.9 t.o.’s but force 19.3 for a best in conference +4.33, 17th best in the country, grabbing 10.2 steals per game, tied for 5th in the country. Talk about chaos!
3 of the top 4 guys in terms of minutes played were significant in the rotation last year (Quinton Marshall, Warren Sledge and Brian White) but 2 of the top 7 are Graduate transfers (P.J. "Big" Boutte from IUPIU, and Derrick Henry from Winthrop) and 2 others are Freshmen (Zane Najdawi and Quayson Williams).
Guards:
6’3” 190 Gr. Derrick Henry: 25.5 min., 19.2 ppg (2.1 on .385 from 3) 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 1.5 t.o.’s, 1 stl
6’3” 180 Jr. Warren Sledge: 27.8 min., 10.6 ppg (2.6 on .425 from 3) 2.2 rebounds, 3.3 ass’t, 1.5 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
5’9” 160 Gr. P.J. Boutte: 25.1 min., 8.8 ppg (0.4 on .179 from 3) 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 ass’t, 2.7 t.o.’s, 2.1 stl; With a name like "Boutte", they've got to call him "Big", right?
5’11” 170 Fr. Quayson Williams: 17.8 min., 9.3 ppg (2.4 on .349 from 3) 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 ass’t, 1.2 t.o.’s, 1 stl
Front Court:
6’5” 205 Sr. Quinton Marshall: 26.8 min., 13.2 ppg (1.6 on .297 from 3) 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 ass’t, 3.1 t.o.’s, 1.8 stl
6’8” 205 Jr. Brian White: 19.3 min., 10.6 ppg (0.5 on .214 from 3) 4.5 rebounds, 1 stl
6’9” 205 Fr. Zane Najdawi: 18.2 min., 6.8 ppg (only 1 3) 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks
6’7” 225 Fr. Connor Schroeder: 7.3 min., 5.2 ppg (1.0 on .286 from 3) 2.4 rebounds
WESTERN CAROLINA 4-8
Wins at home over 7-5 UNC Asheville 90-81 and 6-6 Eastern Washington 97-80. Loss at 8-4 High Point 69-75. But close loses to Morehead State 52-60 and Pitt 73-79.
Guards:
6’3 175 Sr. Mike Brown: 30.8 min., 15.5 ppg (1.5 on .327 from three)
5’10 170 Sr. Rhett Harrelson: 28.3 min., 12.5 ppg (2.6 on .400 from three)
6’1” 175 Fr. Elijah Pughsley: 17.3 min., 9.8 ppg (2.3 on .380 from three)
6’5 190 R-So Haboubacar Mutombo: 14.6 min., 3.3 ppg (0.3 on .308)
6’1” 170 Sr. Devin Peterson: 16.0 min., 3.3 ppg (0.3 on .222)
Front Court:
6’7” 240 Sr. Torrion Brummitt: 24.8 min., 12.5 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 ass’t, 3.1 t.o.’s
6’4” 175 Sr Justin Browning: 28.7 min., 9.9 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s
6’7” 195 Fr. Marc Gosselin: 18.8 min., 2.6 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 ass’t, 0.8 t.o.’s
UNCG 4-8
Best win was at home over 5-8 Jacksonville 71-69. The only other wins so far were also at home, over Greensboro College, Chowan and Belmont Abbey. Losses to 9-3 Elon 69-79, 8-4 High Point 72-90 and 5-9 North Carolina A&T 68-77. Close loss at NC State 52-58.
UNCG was surprised by their best player, all SoCon Tevon Saddler, quitting the week before the season started. Their struggles are a little more understandable in those circumstances.
They shoot 3’s well: 9.5 three’s on .343 shooting. Weak -1.8 rebounds. An excellent +2.58 t.o. margin. 6.9 steals
Guards:
6’0” 181 Jr. Diante Baldwin: 31.9 min., 10.8 ppg (0.5 on .207 three’s), 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s, 2 stl
6’3” 185 Fr. Francis Alonso: 25.8 min., 10.9 ppg (2.3 on .424 three’s), 1.4 rebounds, 1.7 asst 1.7 t.o.
6’1” 185 R-Sr. Asad Lamot: 21.6 min., 5.1 ppg (1.2 on .389 three’s), 1.8 rebounds
6’0” 176 Jr. Clay Byrd: 24.5 min., 8.3 ppg (1.3 on .444 three’s), 2.7 rebounds
6’0” 187 Fr. Demetrius Troy: 18.9 min., 5.7 ppg (1.1 on .385 three’s), 2.0 rebounds, 2.3 ass’t, 1.7 t.o.’s
Front Court:
6’5” 240 Sr. Kayel Locke: 28.8 min., 11.4 ppg (0.8 on .300 three’s) 5.3 rebounds, 1steal
6’8” 280 R-Jr. R.J. White: 27.4 min., 11.0 ppg (.182 three) 6.9 rebounds
6’6” 190 So. Marvin Smith: 25.8 min., 9.2 ppg (1.5 on .286 three’s), 5.2 rebounds, 1 steal
6’9” 250 Jr. Jordy Kuiper: 12.4 min., 2.8 ppg (no three’s), 2.5 rebounds
VMI 4-6
Best win at 5-8 Gardner-Webb 76-75. Only others at home over Tusculum 88-76, 5-7 Presbyterian and Central Penn. Loss at 7-4 Campbell 65-66. Close loss at home to Navy 62-68.
VMI was built to run Dugger Baucom’s unique system and is struggling to adjust with him gone. They have nobody over 6’6” 210. They get outrebounded by -5.1 (only Citadel at -6.1 is worse) and outscored by -3.4 ppg (only Wofford at -6.4 is worse).
Guards:
6’0” 185 Jr. Q.J. Peterson: 33.1 min., 20.3 ppg (2.8 on .326 three’s) 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.6 t.o.’s, 1.3 stl
6’3” 190 Jr. Julian Eleby: 31.8 min., 15.2 ppg (1.8 on .367 three’s) 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s, 1.0 stl
6’3” 195 Sr. Tim Marshall: 18.4 min., 6.9 ppg (1.5 on .319 three’s) 1.8 rebounds
6’2” 170 Fr. Adrian Rich: 25.0 min., 4.3 ppg (0.3 on .176 three’s) 1.4 rebounds
6’4” 190 Fr. Austin Vereen: 12.6 min., 2.6 ppg
Front Court:
6’6” 205 Jr. Trey Chapman: 27.0 min., 8.4 ppg (0.8 on .533 three’s) 5.5 rebounds
6’5” 210 Sr. Phillp Anglade: 23.2 min., 6.7 ppg (no three’s) 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
6’6” 210 R-Sr. Jordan Weethee: 13.9 min., 4.3 ppg (1.1 on .407 three’s) 2.1 rebounds
6’6” 205 So. Fred Iruafemi: 12.1 min., 2.3 ppg (no three’s) 2.3 rebounds
Chattanooga 10-2
Big wins at Georgia (6-3), Illinois (8-5), at Dayton (9-2). Only losses were at Iowa State (10-1) and at Louisiana Monroe (4-7) without Justin Tuoyo on the bayou. A significant home win (take note ETSU) was over 8-5 Tennessee Tech (80-69), and a home squeeker over 7-6 Radford 77-75 without Casey Jones. But Radford was good enough to knock off Georgetown and 7-3 UNC Wilmington.
This is the most familiar team, and yet MUCH improved from last year: with even better rebounding (+4.7), much better shooting (9 threes per game on .396), higher scoring and MUCH better ballhandling (13.3 t.o.’s to 14.8 opponent t.o.’s with 8.6 steals). They have patched up most of their weaknesses.
Even an ankle injury to their best player, Casey Jones, has been unable to derail the Mocs, who have won 6 in a row, including road wins at Dayton and Radford, without the consensus preseason pick for SoCon Player of the Year.
Guards:
6’5” 205 Sr. Casey Jones: 29.6 min., 12.6 ppg (only 0.4 three’s), 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s
6’2” 195 Jr. Greg Pryor: 28.0 min., 10.4 ppg (1.6 on .422 from 3) 3.3 assists, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.8 steals
6’4” 200 Sr. Eric Robertson: 24.6 min., 8.8 ppg (2.5 on .469 from 3), 1.1 steals
6’2” 177 Jr. Jonathan Burroughs-Cook: 16.8 min., 8.2 ppg (0.7 on .308 from 3) 1.0 steals
6’4” 208 Sr. Dee Oldham: 14.3 min., 5.0 ppg (0.6 on .333 from 3), 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists
Front Court:
6’10” 235 Jr. Justin Tuoyo: 25.1 min., 10.5 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 blocks
6’5” 205 R.Jr. Tre’ McLean: 28.8 min., 9.2 ppg (1.0 on .308 three’s), 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals
6’7” 218 Jr. Chuck Ester: 22.5 min., 7.2 ppg (0.3 on .400 three’s), 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals
6’6” 225 Sr. Duke Ethridge: 16.1 min., 7.4 ppg (0.7 on .368 three’s), 4.1 rebounds
Mercer 8-3
OT win at 6-5 Arkansas. Home win over 6-7 George Mason, Neutral site over 7-6 Tulane, 2-9 App State, 5-6 Western Michigan. Losses at 9-2 Davidson 77-71, at 6-5 Auburn 78-71and at 7-5 Ohio State 64-44 (but a 1 point game at the half).
For the second year in a row Bob Hoffman does one hell of a job replacing key losses (2 all-SoCon players in Darius Moten and Ike Nwamu, and best big man T.J. Hallice). If you think that's easy to do - see Wofford below. 6’6” 225 So. Stephon Jelks and 6’9” 255 So. Transfer Desmond Ringer make a solid Center/Power Forward pair, in a reconstituted, and improved, front court. Rebounding margin is a killer best of conference 11.0 and 12th in all of D1! 6’5” Freshman guard Ethan Stair with 6’8” 180 Sophomore string bean Demetre Rivers have fought their way into the experienced guard rotation. Turnover margin is a worst in conference -2.83. But assists are very good: plus 3.6. 3 point shooting is a fairly weak 5.5 on .325.
Guard:
6’1” 170 Sr. Jestin Lewis: 24.0 min., 12.1 ppg (1.9 on .354 from 3), 2.3 assists, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
6’2” 200 Sr., Phillip Leonard: 24.8 min., 9.3 ppg (no 3’s), 4.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s
6’8” 180 So., Demetre Rivers: 21.6 min., 9.0 ppg (0.9 on .306 from 3), 0.5 assists, 1.8 t.o.’s
6’5” 205 Fr., Ethan Stair: 21.3 min., 6.5 ppg (0.4 on .357 from 3)
6’1” 175 So., Jordan Strawberry: 22.5 min., 5.3 ppg (0.6 on .292 from 3), 3.8 assists, 1.6 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
6’4” 185 Sr., Jibri Bryan: 15.0 min., but only 3 games, (0.3 on .250 from 3)
Front Court:
6’6” 225 So. Stephon Jelks: 28.8 min., 11.4 ppg (1.2 on .341 from 3), 8.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals
6’9” 255 So., Desmond Ringer: 24.8 min., 7.4 ppg (0 three’s) 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Samford 8-4
Solid wins at 8-5 Nebraska 69-58 (!!), and over 8-5 Idaho (75-58)
Losses at 11-2 Louisville, at 8-3 Texas, at 6-7 Austin Peay by 1,73-74, at home in double OT to 5-6 South Alabama.
Picked to finish 7th in both the Coaches’ and the Media Preseason Polls, Samford rivals the Citadel for the surprise of the pre-conference season.
Every player on this roster has arrived in the last 2 years as Head Coach Scott Padgett has totally rebuilt this squad in his 2 years on the job (Jones-Gibson, Shabazz and Marcus Johnson are 2nd yr JUCO’s, Iman Johnson is a transfer, remainder of the rotation are freshmen and sophomores).
2 fine Freshmen have joined last year’s additions to key their success: 6’7” 200 Matt Rose who both nails three’s (2.0 on .471 while averaging 10.1 ppg) and snags rebounds (4.6) in 25.3 minutes; and 6’9” 230 Wyatt Walker who scores 7.4 ppg and grabs 5.8 rebounds in only 19 .1 minutes.
Rebounding is not strong: -0.5; turnover margin is very good +2.4.
Guards:
6’2”185 Sr. Darius Jones-Gibson: 31.9 min., 16.1 ppg (0.8 on .381 three’s) 2.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 3 t.o.’s, 1.2 steals
6’2”185 So., PG Christen Cunningham: 33.2 min., 14.6 ppg (0.8 on .286 three’s) 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 t.o.’s, 1.0 steals
5’11” 185 Sr., Marcus Johnson: 23.6 min., 6.7 ppg (1.1 three’s on .265), 0.9 steals
Front Court:
6’7” 200 Fr., Matt Rose: 25.3 min., 10.1 ppg (2.0 threes on .471), 4.6 rebounds
6’9” 230 Fr., Wyatt Walker: 19.1 min., 7.4 ppg on 0 threes, 5.8 rebounds
6’6” 200 Sr. Wing, Jamal Shabazz: 22.8 min., 7.3 ppg (1.2 threes on .292) 2.8 rebounds
6’5” 215 Sr. Iman Johnson: 19.9 min., 3.8 ppg, 3.6 rebounds
6’7” 185 So. Eric Adams: 11.0 min., 2.9 ppg
ETSU 5-6
Wins at 9-3 Georgia Tech, and at home over 6-5 Wisconsin Green Bay and 8-6 Eastern Kentucky. Very close loss at 6-5 UT.
Blowout losses at home to 7-3 UNC-Wilmington and on the road at 7-5 UNC-Asheville
New coaching staff and 7 new players – it’s been up and down, and is still a work in progress.
The Bucs have 2nd best scoring offense in the SoCon at 77.8. And the 2nd worst scoring defense in the SoCon at 75.0. With the 4th best scoring margin at +2.8 (behind Chattanooga at +9.8, Mercer at +8.3 and Furman at +5.7.
To go with the 2nd best scoring offense, the Bucs have 3rd best field goal percentage and 3rd best 3 point percentage in the SoCon. Scoring remains a Buc strength (although individuals like Desonta, Petey and Deuce struggle), as it has all year.
The Bucs struggle with rebounding, a sad 7th in the conference at -2.7. Assists are also weak, tied for 6th . We are not getting enough front court production – neither from rebounding nor from scoring
Ge’lawn has been a real stud. A .292 career 3 point shooter who made more than 11 in a season only once (total of 29), he has already matched his career best for an entire season with 29 makes from 3 and is shooting .439 from the arc. But the team cannot be just Guyn with some Cromer on the side. The front court, mostly brand new to D1 ball, is still not what we need. The UT game suggests that a solution will involve more Peter Jurkin (if he stays healthy) inside, and more Lester Wilson outside.
Guards:
6’2” 185 Gr. Ge’lawn Guyn: 30.4 min., 18.4 ppg (2.6 on .439 from 3) 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists. 2. 4 t.o.’s, 0.9 blks, 1.1 stl
6’3” 190 Jr. T.J. Cromer: 28.8 min., 14.3 ppg (1.3 on .375 from 3) 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 ass’t, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’2” 190 Jr. A.J. Merriweather: 23.1 min., 9.5 ppg (0.4 on .308 from 3) 4.5 rebounds, 1.1 ass’t, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’4” 195 Sr. Deuce Bello: 20.8 min., 8.0 ppg, (0.7 on .229 from 3) 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 1.9 t.o.’s, 1 stl
6’0” 190 Sr. Petey McClain: 17.6 min., 2.4 ppg (only 2 three’s) 1.9 rebounds, 2.2 ass’t, 1.2 t.o.’s, 0.8 stl
6’4” 185 So. Desonta Bradford: 15.0 min., 4.5 ppg (only 2 three’s) 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 ass’t, 0.9 t.o.’s, 0.6 stl
Front Court:
6’7” 220 Jr. Isaac Banks: 21.4 min., 5.1 ppg (no 3’s) 4.5 rebounds, 0.6 blks
7’0” 230 Jr. Peter Jurkin: 11.5 min., 5.1 ppg (no 3’s) 3.1 rebounds, 0.5 blks
6’7” 240 Jr. Abednego Lufile: 12.8 min., 4.5 ppg (no 3’s) 3.8 rebounds, 0.5 blks
6’4”220 Sr. Lester Wilson: 7.7 min., 4.1 ppg (1.1 on .393 from 3) 1.5 rebounds,
6’8” 235 Jr., Nigel Holley: 9.3 min., 2.2 ppg (no 3’s) 1.3 rebounds
FURMAN 6-6
Best win probably at 2-9 Appy State 79-70, or vs 3-9 Mount St. Mary’s – not much to brag about.
Worst loss was at home to 5-8 Gardner –Webb 53-73.
Neutral loss to 8-3 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi
Wins and losses are not impressive, but stats have improved with plus 7.0 rebounds, plus 5.8 points, and positive turnover margin. Everybody is back from last year with 6’8” Freshman Matt Rafferty making a big new contribution, averaging near a double-double and a close second in the SoCon in rebounds per game. Early choice for Freshman of the Year. As a team, Furman is second in rebounding margin to Mercer and tied for 39th in all D1 with 7.1. I wouldn’t be surprised if these guys wind up making another end of year run.
Guards:
6’0” 170 Sr. Stephen Croone: 26.7 min., 13.6 ppg (0.8 on .178 from 3), 2.7 rpg, 2.4 ass’t, 2.0 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
6’2” 174 So. Devin Sibley: 24.0 min., 8.1 ppg (1.0 on .343 from 3), 2.3 rpg, 1ass’t, 2.4 t.o.’s
6’4” 195 So., Daniel Fowler: 24.4 min., 6.8 ppg (1.0 on .382 from 3), 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 asst, 1.8 t.o.’s, 1 steal
5’10 160 So., John Davis: 21.9 min., 5.7 ppg (1.0 on .400 from 3), 1.4 rpg, 1.8 ass’t, 0.8 t.o.’s
6’4” 190 Fr., Andrew Brown 16.0 min., 5.1 ppg (1.0 on .375 from 3), 3.2 rpg, 1.0 ass’t, 0.3 t.o.’s
Front Court:
6’8” 215 Fr. Matt Rafferty: 25.6 min., 9.8 ppg (0.8 on .333 from 3), 8.4 rpg, 2.5 ass’t, 1.1 t.o.’s, 1.1 stl
6’6” 215 Jr. Kris Acox: 20.8 min., 7.5 ppg (0 three’s), 5.5 rpg,
6’9” 235 Sr. Kendrec Ferrara: 15.4 min., 6.5 ppg (0.5 on .438 three’s), 3.7 rpg, 0.5 blk
6’7” 210 So. Geoff Beans: 13.3 min., 4.3 ppg (1.0 on .267 three’s), 1.3 rpg
WOFFORD 3-8
Only wins so far are at home over 3-10 UMES, at 5-7 Presbyterian, at home over Kentucky Christian.
Without Karl Cochran and Lee Skinner, Wofford has struggled badly. Picked to finish 2nd in both the Coaches’ and the Media Preseason polls, two time defending SoCon champ Wofford is easily the disappointment of the preconference season.
Scoring margin for the Terriers is a worst in conference -6.4. Rebounding margin is 3rd worst in conference -4.4, 297th in D1 nationally. T.o. margin is still a very good +2. But field goal percentage allowed is 2nd worst in conference at .502 and 3 point percentage allowed is a worst in conference .438.
Of the newcomers only 6’4” Freshman guard Fletcher McGee has been productive. 6’8” Evansville transfer Ryan Sawvell has been a bust with 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds.
Guards:
6’4” 195 Sr. Spencer Collins: 25.6 min., 12.7 ppg (1.5 on .320 three’s) 2.5 rebounds, 2 ass’t, 1 t.o.’s
6’4” 195 Fr. Fletcher Magee: 24.2 min., 11.6 ppg (2.3 on .417 three’s) 2.9 rebounds
6’0” 181 Jr. Eric Garcia: 30.5 min., 9.7 ppg (1.7 on .373 three’s) 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists 1.1 t.o.’s
6’3” 180 Jr. Jaylen Allen: 18.7 min., 5.8 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.2 ass’t, 0.4 t.o.’s
6’2” 190 So. Derrick Brooks: 13.2 min., 1.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.2 ass’t, 1.1 t.o.’s.
Front Court:
6’6” 205 Sr. Justin Gordon: 25.6 min., 11.7 ppg, 4.1 rebounds, 1.7 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s
6’7” 230 Sr. C.J. Neumann: 26.9 min., 3.7 ppg, 5.4 rebounds
6’7” 255 So. Cameron Jackson: 14.3 min., 4.0 ppg, 3.9 rebounds
6’10” 250 Fr. Matthew Pegram: 11.3 min., 3.1 ppg, 1.6 rebounds
THE CITADEL 7-5
Wins over 4-9 Stetson 94-93, versus 4-6 Georgia Southern 95-90, at 2-11 USC Upstate 88-81.
Losses at 7-4 Campbell 82-101, at 5-7 Presbyterian 79-95.
Picked to finish 9th in both the Coaches and the Media preseason poll, the Citadel is the success of the year thus far,
The Duggar Baucom effect has them playing fast and hard, with a crowd of new players including a couple of experienced transfers. The impact of Baucom on this program cannot be overstated. He has them scoring a 1st in the nation 93.08. And allowing a worst in the nation 91.33. Yep – “first and worst”. But the balance is plus 1.75 points in their favor. And the wins in their freakish style are plus 2 in their favor at 7-5. They make 19.3 assists to 16.8 for opponents. They make 14.9 t.o.’s but force 19.3 for a best in conference +4.33, 17th best in the country, grabbing 10.2 steals per game, tied for 5th in the country. Talk about chaos!
3 of the top 4 guys in terms of minutes played were significant in the rotation last year (Quinton Marshall, Warren Sledge and Brian White) but 2 of the top 7 are Graduate transfers (P.J. "Big" Boutte from IUPIU, and Derrick Henry from Winthrop) and 2 others are Freshmen (Zane Najdawi and Quayson Williams).
Guards:
6’3” 190 Gr. Derrick Henry: 25.5 min., 19.2 ppg (2.1 on .385 from 3) 3.8 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 1.5 t.o.’s, 1 stl
6’3” 180 Jr. Warren Sledge: 27.8 min., 10.6 ppg (2.6 on .425 from 3) 2.2 rebounds, 3.3 ass’t, 1.5 t.o.’s, 1.2 stl
5’9” 160 Gr. P.J. Boutte: 25.1 min., 8.8 ppg (0.4 on .179 from 3) 4.1 rebounds, 6.7 ass’t, 2.7 t.o.’s, 2.1 stl; With a name like "Boutte", they've got to call him "Big", right?
5’11” 170 Fr. Quayson Williams: 17.8 min., 9.3 ppg (2.4 on .349 from 3) 1.6 rebounds, 0.9 ass’t, 1.2 t.o.’s, 1 stl
Front Court:
6’5” 205 Sr. Quinton Marshall: 26.8 min., 13.2 ppg (1.6 on .297 from 3) 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 ass’t, 3.1 t.o.’s, 1.8 stl
6’8” 205 Jr. Brian White: 19.3 min., 10.6 ppg (0.5 on .214 from 3) 4.5 rebounds, 1 stl
6’9” 205 Fr. Zane Najdawi: 18.2 min., 6.8 ppg (only 1 3) 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks
6’7” 225 Fr. Connor Schroeder: 7.3 min., 5.2 ppg (1.0 on .286 from 3) 2.4 rebounds
WESTERN CAROLINA 4-8
Wins at home over 7-5 UNC Asheville 90-81 and 6-6 Eastern Washington 97-80. Loss at 8-4 High Point 69-75. But close loses to Morehead State 52-60 and Pitt 73-79.
Guards:
6’3 175 Sr. Mike Brown: 30.8 min., 15.5 ppg (1.5 on .327 from three)
5’10 170 Sr. Rhett Harrelson: 28.3 min., 12.5 ppg (2.6 on .400 from three)
6’1” 175 Fr. Elijah Pughsley: 17.3 min., 9.8 ppg (2.3 on .380 from three)
6’5 190 R-So Haboubacar Mutombo: 14.6 min., 3.3 ppg (0.3 on .308)
6’1” 170 Sr. Devin Peterson: 16.0 min., 3.3 ppg (0.3 on .222)
Front Court:
6’7” 240 Sr. Torrion Brummitt: 24.8 min., 12.5 ppg, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 ass’t, 3.1 t.o.’s
6’4” 175 Sr Justin Browning: 28.7 min., 9.9 ppg, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s
6’7” 195 Fr. Marc Gosselin: 18.8 min., 2.6 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, 1.0 ass’t, 0.8 t.o.’s
UNCG 4-8
Best win was at home over 5-8 Jacksonville 71-69. The only other wins so far were also at home, over Greensboro College, Chowan and Belmont Abbey. Losses to 9-3 Elon 69-79, 8-4 High Point 72-90 and 5-9 North Carolina A&T 68-77. Close loss at NC State 52-58.
UNCG was surprised by their best player, all SoCon Tevon Saddler, quitting the week before the season started. Their struggles are a little more understandable in those circumstances.
They shoot 3’s well: 9.5 three’s on .343 shooting. Weak -1.8 rebounds. An excellent +2.58 t.o. margin. 6.9 steals
Guards:
6’0” 181 Jr. Diante Baldwin: 31.9 min., 10.8 ppg (0.5 on .207 three’s), 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s, 2 stl
6’3” 185 Fr. Francis Alonso: 25.8 min., 10.9 ppg (2.3 on .424 three’s), 1.4 rebounds, 1.7 asst 1.7 t.o.
6’1” 185 R-Sr. Asad Lamot: 21.6 min., 5.1 ppg (1.2 on .389 three’s), 1.8 rebounds
6’0” 176 Jr. Clay Byrd: 24.5 min., 8.3 ppg (1.3 on .444 three’s), 2.7 rebounds
6’0” 187 Fr. Demetrius Troy: 18.9 min., 5.7 ppg (1.1 on .385 three’s), 2.0 rebounds, 2.3 ass’t, 1.7 t.o.’s
Front Court:
6’5” 240 Sr. Kayel Locke: 28.8 min., 11.4 ppg (0.8 on .300 three’s) 5.3 rebounds, 1steal
6’8” 280 R-Jr. R.J. White: 27.4 min., 11.0 ppg (.182 three) 6.9 rebounds
6’6” 190 So. Marvin Smith: 25.8 min., 9.2 ppg (1.5 on .286 three’s), 5.2 rebounds, 1 steal
6’9” 250 Jr. Jordy Kuiper: 12.4 min., 2.8 ppg (no three’s), 2.5 rebounds
VMI 4-6
Best win at 5-8 Gardner-Webb 76-75. Only others at home over Tusculum 88-76, 5-7 Presbyterian and Central Penn. Loss at 7-4 Campbell 65-66. Close loss at home to Navy 62-68.
VMI was built to run Dugger Baucom’s unique system and is struggling to adjust with him gone. They have nobody over 6’6” 210. They get outrebounded by -5.1 (only Citadel at -6.1 is worse) and outscored by -3.4 ppg (only Wofford at -6.4 is worse).
Guards:
6’0” 185 Jr. Q.J. Peterson: 33.1 min., 20.3 ppg (2.8 on .326 three’s) 6.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.6 t.o.’s, 1.3 stl
6’3” 190 Jr. Julian Eleby: 31.8 min., 15.2 ppg (1.8 on .367 three’s) 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 ass’t, 2.3 t.o.’s, 1.0 stl
6’3” 195 Sr. Tim Marshall: 18.4 min., 6.9 ppg (1.5 on .319 three’s) 1.8 rebounds
6’2” 170 Fr. Adrian Rich: 25.0 min., 4.3 ppg (0.3 on .176 three’s) 1.4 rebounds
6’4” 190 Fr. Austin Vereen: 12.6 min., 2.6 ppg
Front Court:
6’6” 205 Jr. Trey Chapman: 27.0 min., 8.4 ppg (0.8 on .533 three’s) 5.5 rebounds
6’5” 210 Sr. Phillp Anglade: 23.2 min., 6.7 ppg (no three’s) 5.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks
6’6” 210 R-Sr. Jordan Weethee: 13.9 min., 4.3 ppg (1.1 on .407 three’s) 2.1 rebounds
6’6” 205 So. Fred Iruafemi: 12.1 min., 2.3 ppg (no three’s) 2.3 rebounds