A Preview of Iowa State Prior to Sunday's Matchup Against UConn

Iowa State: 5-0

Kenpom Rating: 42

Previous games: 

• Early season cupcake wins over IUPUI, North Carolina A&T and Milwaukee

• 11/24 win over Villanova 81-79 in OT

• Gabe Kalscheur: 23 points, 5 threes made, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

• Osun Osunniyi: 17 points, 8-10 from the field, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks

• 11/25 win over North Carolina 70-65

• Caleb Grill: 31 points, 7 threes made, no TOs

• Jaren Holmes: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

OFFENSE:  79th in efficiency

• 15th in offensive rebounding

• Don’t shoot a ton of threes (220th in 3PA ratio, and shoot 30.4%)

• Efficient inside the arc (53.7 2p%, 79th in the nation)

• Don’t get the the line often (294th in FTA/FGA)

• Good ball movement (59.3% FGMs are assisted, 45th in the nation)

DEFENSE: 21st in efficiency

• 2nd highest turnover ratio (30.5%!!)

• Every other defensive metric ranks in the top-ten, except for…

• Teams get to the line against them (44.6% FTA/FGA is 334th lowest in the nation)

What I love about their head coach TJ Otzelberger is that he’s not a system guy, he coaches to his talent. At South Dakota State, his teams played fast, shot a ton of threes but were pretty bad defensively. At UNLV, he had Bryce Hamilton, an incredible bucket getter, and played more of an iso-based, inside the arc halfcourt offense. 

Prior to Otzelberger’s hiring, Iowa State was a dumpster fire under Steve Prohm, going 2-22 in his last year and 12-20 the year before. Year 1 with Otzelberger was 22-13, an insane turnaround.

In year 2 at Ames, the identity of Iowa State is clear: hard-working, tough with great guard play, a solid rotation of bigs and a stretch forward to help with opening up space inside.

This will be a rock fight. First team to 65 points wins. 

Another game where I like the matchup. Jaren Holmes and Osun Osunniyi are an excellent inside/outside duo with a lot of experience together from their four years together in Olean, but UConn did a nice job limiting their effectiveness when playing the Bonnies last season: Holmes scored 19, but gave up 5 turnovers. Osunniyi had 10 points, but no blocks. 

Based on an excellent deep dive Q&A with Otzelberger from The Athletic their head coach builds his team defensively by how they generate pressure on an effort based defense. Having Karaban at the 4 allows Hurley to regularly put out four guys who can handle the ball well, something that North Carolina does not have playing two bigs (Bacot and Nance combined for seven turnovers).

This is a game where I like Jackson’s ability to do all the little things well: I imagine a game where he finishes with like 4 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, plus lockdown defense shutting down Holmes.

Marshall's Newcomers Prove Value As Schedule Toughens

 When I previewed Marshall's season back in June, I pegged Marshall as a bounce-back candidate entering their first year in the Sun Belt Conference.

Dan D’Antoni’s fast paced, frenetic offensive is predicated on guard-like skills and capable shooters but last year’s roster was bigger than most of D’Antoni’s Thundering Herds of years’ past.

In fact, only two true guards played regular minutes: Andrew Taylor and Taevion Kinsey. In the two years prior to last, Taylor and Kinsey played on the backcourt with Jarrod West, the 5’11 point guard who took his final year of eligibility at Louisville.

The void left behind from West’s absence forced Taylor to play point guard, Kinsey to play the 2 guard and a plethora of mostly 6’7+ wings, forwards and bigs filling out the remainder of the roster. 

As a result, Marshall finished last season with its lowest team 3p% of the D’Antoni era, shooting 30.1% from deep, and its second lowest offensive efficiency (205th).

However, D’Antoni and his staff worked marvelously on the recruiting trail to build depth around their exceptional veteran duo of Taylor and Kinsey.

In mid-April, Marshall hit the portal to find a much needed smooth-shooting veteran guard with the addition of VMI transfer Kamdyn Curfman. The 6’1 guard was a lights-out shooter in coach Dan Earl’s three-point-centric offensive attack: in three years at VMI, Curfman converted a total of 270 three-point attempts at an impressive 39.2%.

At Marshall, Curfman has made 3.4 threes per game at 40.5% while adding 3.8 assists per game. Playing an average of 32 minutes per game, Curfman has been a perfect backcourt mate for Taylor (20.2 p, 4.4a) and especially for Kinsey by providing much needed spacing to let Kinsey do what he does best: use his NBA-level athleticism to attack the rim (22.0p, 6.0a and ~90% of his FGAs from inside the arc).

Last year’s 6’9 220 starting forward Mikel Byers voiding his extra year of eligibility to play professionally in Denmark opened up for a wide open competition for his departed spot in the starting lineup. Prior to the start of the season, senior Goran Miladinovic and sophomore Aymeric Toussaint looked like the most certain bets to earn the starting nod but freshman big Micah Handlongten seized the opportunity and has started every game this season.

Earning four other D1 offers prior to signing with Marshall, the 7’1 227 big from Huntersville, NC has been a low-post revelation, ranking in the top-30 nationally in block percentage, offensive and defensive rebounding rates. 

Despite his size, Handlongten possesses a latent ability, along with frontcourt starting mate Obinna Anochili-Killen, to shoot from deep. With his ability to rebound with ease, a big like Handlongten is super valuable in providing an extra layer of assurance to Marshall’s shooters knowing that a missed shot has a good chance to become second or third-chance points. 

Even with D’Antoni keeping his rotations to mostly seven or eight deep throughout the early portion of the season, freshman forward Jacob Conner has been a consistent piece off the bench. 

Playing 25 minutes per game, the 6’8 191 combo forward has quietly stuffed the box score, averaging 6.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.4 steals, 1.0 blocks and 0.6 threes made per game. The most highly recruited commit from their ‘22 class, Conner held a total of eighteen offers throughout his recruitment before committing to Marshall.

Five games into the season, Marshall has taken care of business, winning four straight after a one-point loss on opening night visiting Queens. However, only four D1 teams have played a weaker schedule than Marshall, according to KenPom. 

This will change soon: over the next three weeks, Marshall will finish up their non-conference schedule with games against Akron, Duquesne, UNC Greensboro and Toledo, all teams ranked within the top-120 in KenPom efficiency rating, before starting conference play. 

This quality slate will not only help prepare Marshall for Year One in the Sun Belt, but will also help solidify the roles and confirm the value newcomers Curfman, Handlogten and Conner have graced this roster, especially with a conference title a more than fair goal for this season. 

Deep Dive of Alabama's Seasons Prior to Friday's Tilt Against UConn

 Alabama: 5-0

Kenpom Rating: 11

Previous games: 

• 11/7 win over #166 Longwood 75-54

• Six scorers between 8 and 14 points

• Four players with 10+ rebounds

• Three players with 2+ blocks

• 11/11 win over #82 Liberty 95-59

• Three players with 16+ points

• Three players with 3+ assists

• 11/15 win over #218 South Alabama 65-55

• Brandon Miller: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 threes made

• 11/18 win over #228 Jacksonville State 104-62

• Three players with 18+ points

• Four players with 3+ assists

• Seven players with a made three pointer

• 11/24 win over #24 Michigan State 81-70

• Brandon Miller: 24 points, 4 threes, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks

• Michigan St’s Malik Hall DNP

OFFENSE:  15tn efficiency

• #2 in the nation in offensive rebounding

• They shoot a ton of threes (17th most proportionally)

• 23rd in offensive tempo

• Good at getting to the line (46th in FTA/FGA ratio)

• Give up a ton of turnovers (21.3% turnover ratio is 273rd lowest)

DEFENSE: 17th in efficiency

• #1 in opponent 2p% (34.8%)

• 14th in block % (16.2%)

• Don’t generate turnovers in other ways aside blocks (235th in steal %, 309th in non-steal/block TOs)

• 65th in defensive rebounding rate

• Opponents aren’t able to shoot a lot of threes (71th lowest 3pa/fga, 32.9%)

• Prevented opponents’ assists (42.6% A/FGM is 52nd lowest)

With only two NCAA tournament appearances in the previous thirteen seasons prior to his hiring, Nate Oats has been a slam dunk hire. Not only has the Tide made the tournament in the last two seasons, but they have become top destination for HS recruits and transfers ranking in the top-15 nationally in each of their recruiting hauls between the ‘20 and ‘23 classes.

At Alabama, Oats’ has integrated the same style of offense he was famous for at Buffalo: play fast and shoot a lot of threes. 

Aside from freshman guard Jaden Bradley and sophomore big Charles Bediako, everyone else in the regular rotation let it fly from three, so expect three or four shooters on the floor at all times.

With the ability to gather the caliber of athletes Oats was unable to attract at Buffalo, Alabama isn’t just an offensive machine: according to evanmiya.com, all players aside from point guards Mark Sears and Jahvon Quinerly are plus-defenders, which makes me think this is yet another game where Tristen Newton can utilize his size, creativity and balance to attack Alabama’s PGs and take advantage of their defensive inefficiencies.

While Oregon’s bigs are more known for their offensive abilities, Alabama’s bigs are much better defensively, but lack overall heft:

credit to kenpom.com

Looking at Alabama’s most frequently used lineups, perhaps UConn should continue the good spacing it showed last game by utilizing Karaban at the 4, keeping him at the perimeter, and forcing Brandon Miller to away from the basket, which allows Sanogo/Clingan one-on-one opportunities to battle with the thinner Alabama bigs and kick-out when necessary. 

It will be interesting to see how UConn defends Brandon Miller. 247 compares him to Paul Pierce, a versatile combo forward who can do a little bit of everything on offense. Can Karaban keep up with him? Or, will UConn go small with Jackson at the 4 to defend Miler.

11-22-22 Game Recap Vermont @ Yale

The Tuesday night tilt at John J. Lee Amphitheater matched up two of the region’s best mid-major programs, but when time expired, the final score made it clear which direction each program is heading.

Trailing by three at the half, the Yale Bulldogs outscored the Vermont Catamounts 46 to 14 in the second half to finish the game with a final score of 73-44.

Without a defender to match the size and athleticism of Matt Knowling, the Yale junior dominated Vermont inside the arc, shooting 10-for-13 with many of his points scored from his smooth, left-handed drives to the basket. 

Often attracting extra attention from the help defenders, Knowling’s big day helped open up the floor for Yale’s perimeter options, most notably sophomore shooting guard John Poulakidas who scored ten points, showcasing not only his smooth lefty stroke, but his scrappy willingness to fight for offensive rebounds and secure second chance points. 

Known as one of the better rim-protectors in the Ivy, senior forward EJ Jarvis finished with ten points, scoring double-digit points in consecutive games for just the third time in his career. With only eight three point attempts prior to this season, Jarvis connected on his only three-point attempt, showcasing his steadily diversifying offensive game.

Although finishing the game with a modest box score, sophomore point guard Bez Mgeng is developing as one of the best glue guys in the Ivy. At 6’4 195 and with a will-filled motor, Mbeng has the length and gumption to be one of the most intimidating perimeter defenders in the league, helping smother Vermont’s leading scorer Dylan Penn to six points on just five field goal attempts. 

Four Division 1 games into the season, it has become clear how Yale will win its games: tough defense forcing opponents to use the clock (average opponents’ possession length is 18.4 seconds, good for 42nd in the nation); defensive rebounding; interior scoring. 

While Knowling and Jarvis have started to develop their perimeter game, shooting will continue to be Yale’s biggest question mark. Poulakidas (13 for 29, 44.8%) and junior August Mahoney (10 for 23, 43.5%) are the Bulldogs most consistent shooting threats but the team can use Mbeng (3 for 19, 15.8%) to at least generate more attention towards the perimeter to help open up space. One for five last night, most of Mbeng misses were forced shots out of rhythm and perhaps more catch-and-shoot opportunities in future games could set him up for shooting success. 

Unfortunately for Vermont, the Catamounts 1-5 start to the season is not just a side effect of playing, according to KenPom, the 48th most difficult schedule: there are clear deficiencies that will make it hard for the team to fend off Bryant or even UMass-Lowell for the America East title. 

Most notably, the team’s shooting is its weakest detriment. The Catamounts’ 48.2 eFG% is lower than any season’s finish under John Becker. In comparison, the Catamounts have finished three of the last six seasons ranked within the top-20 of eFG%, an achievement that will not be met this year.

Helping fill the void left behind by Ben Shungu, Bellarmine grad transfer Dylan Penn has been an effective interior scorer and rim attacker (12.5 ppg, 53.2 2p%, 3.2 fta), but his 0.5 threes made per game match his career averages of 0.4 threes made per game, taking away a major dimension that Vermont guards have possessed for years: a perimeter threat. 

Case in point, last season, Shungu made 1.9 threes per game at 41.4%. Overall, last year’s roster played only one regular, Robin Duncan, who shot under 31% from three. 

Without capable shooters, opponents’ defenses can focus more attention on Penn inside the arc while talented distributors like Robin Duncan and Finn Sullivan lose their effectiveness and are forced to play more offense in isolation. 

After the tough loss, Vermont’s schedule allows for a quick turnaround: a Friday opening round tilt against Ball State (252nd defensive efficiency) in the first round of the Nassau Championship is projected to be its weakest opponent since playing Brown opening night. The game sets up a potential matchup against North Texas, who perennially possess one of the toughest defenses in the nation.

Future non-conference matchups against Colgate, Toledo and Miami (FL), all top-100 teams, will battle test the Catamounts for America East play where Vermont, Bryant and UMass-Lowell all with a fighter’s chance to finish atop the conference.

As of today, Yale is the team to beat in the Ivy, but Princeton’s Tosan Evbuomwan is not only an Ivy Player of the Year candidate, but also a capable defensive matchup to help neutralize Knowling down low. Penn is also much better than its 2-4 record: all of its four losses were against top-90 teams (Iona, Missouri, Towson, West Virginia). Like the America East, the Ivy looks like a three-horse race.

End of Week 1 Thoughts on Local Teams

 Thoughts from Sunday’s Columbia @ Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart - 88; Columbia - 85

After a flu kept me home for the Penn @ Iona opener, I was excited to hit the quick 20 minute drive to Fairfield to catch a Sunday matinee matchup between Columbia @ Sacred Heart.

What caused me to circle the game this summer was a chance to see Columbia’s touted freshman class up close early in the season. After checking the box scores of the Lions’ previous two games, I was excited to know that top ‘22 prospect Avery Brown and Algerian import Zine Eddine Bedri have started every game this season while three-star recruit Blair Thompson and combo guard Kenny Noland have been regular rotation pieces. 

On Sunday, Avery Brown shined: the 6’4 185 guard out of Beacon Falls, CT has the body and poise of an upperclassman scoring 19 points with six assists and two steals, looking the part of a future All-Ivy selection one day. In 27 minutes of play, Blair Thompson scored five points and grabbed seven rebounds, showcasing his smooth stroke despite going just 2-for-7 from the field. While his offensive potential is obvious, Thompson will look to continue to develop his defensive game. 

The headliner for the Lions was sophomore point guard Geronimo Rubio de la Rosa, exploding for 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and providing scoring jolts in both halves. The Brown/Rubio de la Rosa backcourt is worth the price of admission and holds the key to Jim Engles’ rebuild.

Entering Sunday’s game, the Pioneers’ guard depth was tested after Siena transfer Aiden Carpenter sustained an injury midway through the team’s opening night match against Hartford. Today, the backcourt continued to decimate with point forward Brendan McGuire leaving with an injury late in the first half, forcing backup guards Joey Reilly and Mike Sixsmith to play nearly every minute in the game.

The upperclassmen duo did not disappoint: with 23 points, Mike Sixsmith achieved a career high while Joey Reilly scored 17 while adding six assists. What impressed me the most about Sixsmith’s performance is that the perimeter maestro (71% of his previous field goal attempts were from three) performed at all three levels: Sixsmith was perfect in seven two-point attempts and added two three-pointers and three free-throws. 

The Lions were not the only team showcasing their talented underclassmen: Pioneers sophomore forward Reymond Espinal-Guzman had his second consecutive game playing more than 20 minutes. At 6’8 190, Espinal-Guzman showed a willingness to battle for space inside and potential as a perimeter piece thanks to his strong passing skills and good vision.

Both teams were defensive sieves, but have a variety of offensive weapons to excite their respective fanbases. 

Friday’s headlining thoughts:

Temple: I caught the last ten minutes of the Villanova @ Temple game and it felt so good seeing the Liacouras Center rockin’ like it was 1999. His first three years weren’t pretty, but I’m glad Temple allowed head coach Aaron McKie the time and space to develop the program his way. The AAC is a bit of a snoozefest conference, but college basketball as a whole is in a better place when Temple is good. I’m rooting for them this year.

Villanova: The message forums and Twitterverse say Villanova basketball is over. I’m not one for hyperbole, and the Wildcats are without two of their three best players (Justin Moore and Cam Whitemore), ostensibly playing with just 42% of their returning scoring from last year. Just because I don’t expect Villanova to be the Big East champs this year doesn’t mean the program is in danger: the breaking out of Jordan Longino gives the Wildcats hopes for the future. 

Hofstra: Impressive start to their season beating two of the better local teams in Princeton and Iona. Both wins showed what makes the Pride so dangerous: they have a shot of winning any game if two of their three stars: Aaron Estrada, Darlinstone Dubar and Friday night’s coming out party for former Sacred Heart stud Tyler Thomas (26 points, 6-10 from three). No Warren Williams and no Bryce Washington = no problem: sophomore guard Jaquan Carlos (the program’s highest ranked prospect in the modern 247sports era) had the best game of his career (12 points, 7 assists, 40 minutes played). The CAA is deep this year and Hofstra should be atop the league standings all season.

Iona: Total dominance against Penn (a 28 point victory on Monday) and a loss to Hofstra on Friday showed the palpable home court advantage the Gaels possess when playing at a full capacity Hynes Center: remember this when the Gaels play Saint Louis in December. To be honest, I didn’t expect both Cruz Davis or Anton Brookshire to both play ten or less minutes per game. Surprise contributor this year is sophomore JUCO transfer Michael Jefferson: the 6’7 210 forward was a three-star recruit out of HS and looks to be the first combo forward off the bench, at least until exciting freshman Sadiku Ayo returns from injury.

Fairfield: After a 12 point loss to New Hampshire, it’s time to end the two-big experiment with 6’9 240 Makai Wiliis and 6’9 220 Supreme Cook starting the last two regular season games and the charity exhibition against Rutgers. Willis has exciting long-term potential, but I’d expect coach Jay Young to soon start w/ Caleb Fields, Brycen Goodine, Jake Wojcik in the backcourt with 6’7 200 senior Allan Jeanne-Rose at the 4 and Supreme Cook at the 5. This leaves Makai Willis and senior Chris Maidoh to battle it out in a healthy competition for backup 5 minutes. Speaking of Brycen Goodine, he and four-star freshman James Johns Jr. are a nice injection of athleticism and length to the lineup: the Stags’ optimal lineups should have at least one of those two on the court at all times. 

Bryant: After beating D3 Thomas College by 108 points, Bryant continued their scoring dominance against an actual D1 team scoring 89 against Dartmouth Friday night. Surprisingly, the leading scorer wasn’t Charles Pride (just 6 points) but La Salle transfer Sherif Gross-Bullock (27 points and a whopping 18 free throw attempts). At 6’5 215, the senior wing will be a mismatch nightmare in the America East, along with 6’6 220 Memphis transfer Earl Timberlake (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals). What’s crazy is the Bulldogs aren’t at full strength: St. Francis Brooklyn transfer Chauncey Hawkins has yet to play and the 5’8 Jelly Walker facsimile averaged 16 points last season. Vermont fans are starting to sweat. 

Vermont: Speaking of Vermont, the Catamounts faced a tough Saint Mary’s squad on Thursday. Typically known for their dominant defense, the Gaels finished the game with five in double-digits. Picked to win the America East despite starting a bit of a rebuilding season, head coach John Becker has shrewdly mixed in true freshmen TJ Hurley (a sharpshooting 6’5 guard from Ontario) and Perry Smith Jr. (a 6’9 forward who ranks as the program’s highest ranked recruit of all time). There might be some bumps in the road this season as the team lacks impact offensive weapons, but the Catamounts are still an exciting team to follow, especially with their non-conference schedule interwoven with high impact games against Saint Mary’s, USC, Iona, Yale, Colgate, Toledo and Miami FL.

Thoughts on Local Teams After Monday's 11/7/22 Season Opener

Boston University: Solid win against a young, but well coached Northeastern. This team is not as deep as previous years, but they’ve got a heck of a duo between fifth-year seniors Walter Whyte (27 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) and Jonas Harper (15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals).

Bryant: Disappointed they didn’t win by 100. 

Buffalo: Impressive win against Colgate. Super small lineup with 6’9 200 Jo Smith and 6’8 205 LaQuill Hardnett playing most of the game at the 5 and 6’6 210 Isaiah Adams playing the 4. Buffalo teams play fast, but will they play even faster this year? With so much turnover, Yazid Powell shined in his debut  (24 points, 5 assists, 3 steals, 7-12 from the line).

Colgate: Freshman guard Braeden Smith looked great in his debut (20 points, 7 boards, 3 assists) while Tucker Richardson showed why he’s the best player in the Patriot (23 points, 8 assists, 2 steals). While never sharing the floor last year, curious that Langel started two true bigs in Jeff Woodard and Keegan Records. 

Columbia: Rough loss on Monday against Rutgers, but Jim Engles is smartly playing his talented youth in hope for a better tomorrow. Two freshmen starters, one sophomore starter, two freshmen and three sophomore rotation pieces.

Fairfield: Bold move starting the game with two bigs, but 6’9 240 sophomore Makai Willis earned the start after a solid performance against Rutgers. I love the versatility of this team: high-major size, versatile wings, just missing a true alpha guard, something most elite MAAC teams have.

Fairleigh Dickinson: Impressive debut for Tobin Anderson after taking Loyola-Chicago to OT. To no one’s surprise, his former St. Thomas Aquinas starters Grant Singleton (9 points, three steals), Sean Moore (7 points, 9 boards, 3 assists) and Demetre Roberts (22 points, 4 assists) started and played 38 minutes apiece while Longwood transfer Heru Bilgen was the Knights’ most impressive player (21 points, 11 boards, 4 steals, 7-9 from the line). With 6’6 220 Ansley Almonor being the biggest player on the floor, the Knights will live and die with their guards. A top-five finish in the NEC is certainly within reach.

Fordham: Congrats to Keith Urgo for earning his first career win last night with the Rams beating Dartmouth 88-74. Georgia Tech transfer Khalid Moore fits like a glove (18 points, 7 boards) alongside returning vets Darius Quisenberry (20 points) and Antrell Charton (16 points). This is the deepest Fordham roster in years and there’s a promising freshman foundation to help sustain some success if the Rams keep winning this year.

Harvard: Beat Morehouse by only 5 and Morehouse shot only 30.3% from the field. 

Hofstra: Aaron Estrada was expectedly the stud (27 points, 5 assists) while Darlinstone Dubar continued his strong play from last year (11 points, 12 boards), but the big surprise of the game was redshirt freshman Amar’e Marshall scoring 15 off the bench. 

Iona: Wow. A 28 point victory over an Ivy favorite. With Daniss Jenkins showing up (19 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals), I love their starting lineup maybe even more than last year’s.

La Salle: Good to see Dunphy coaching again! I like the versatility of their top-nine and the Drame twins will be a pain in the butt to play against in the A-10. Scrappy.

Manhattan: Even though the Jaspers played well in the second, it’s going to be a long season for Manhattan. Good to see freshman Raziel Hayun get the start. 

Merrimack: NEC POY candidate Jordan Minor impressed against Joel Soriano, et al: 19 points, 7 boards, 7-11 from the field. With Mykel Derring out, four new Merrimack guards played 20+ minutes, led by freshman Jordan Derkack (15 points, 8 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals) and JMU sophomore transfer Devon Savage (8 points, 6 boards, 4 steals, 1 block).

Northeastern: Their lauded freshman class will play a ton this season, but it wasn’t their high-profile recruits (Chase Cormier and Jared Turner) who played the most: Harold Woods got the start, Masai Troutman played 25 minutes (13 points) and Rashad King played 14 minutes.

Quinnipiac: Impressive victory over URI! Especially with Notre Dame transfer Elijah Taylor out with an ACL injury, the frontcourt was the biggest mystery entering the season, but Dunleavy started the game with two bigs: Columbia grad transfer Ike Nweke (13 points, 11 boards) and JuCo transfer Paul Otieno (5 points, 10 boards, 2 steals, 3 blocks). With this size, the Bobcats dominated the offensive glass, collecting 16 offensive rebounds and a stout 36% offensive rebounding rate.

Princeton: The excellent senior duo of Ivy POY candidate Tosan Evbuomwan and Ryan Langborg are expected to be stars for the Tigers, but the lineup outside of this duo, save for Matt Allocco, was a big mystery. What we learned in last night's free-flowing matchup against Hofstra? Mitch Henderson is going big: 6’4, 6’4, 6’6, 6’8, 6’9. The biggest surprise is senior big Keeshawn Kellman, who scored 21 points and allowed Evbuomwan to play the 4: will this bigger lineup help improve the Tigers perennially awful defense?

Rhode Island: This opening night loss against Quinnipiac not only hurts, but it puts a spotlight on the team’s lack of impact guards. 

St. Bonaventure: Expected to lead the Bonnies after transferring from Holy Cross, sophomore guard Kyrell Luc impressed in his debut (23 points, 5 assists, 7-8 from the line) and PSA grad Barry Evans (12 points, 8 assists, 2 steals) looks like one of those players who will start for four years. True bigs Max Amadasun and Chad Venning played a combined 21 minutes, and this was without Moses Flowers in the lineup. Will this be the fastest Bonnies team since 2018?

St. John’s: So the Posh Alexander/Andre Curbelo experiment begins: it’s rare to see two non-shooters start on the same backcourt, but if David Jones (5-12 from three) and Montez Mathis (3-4 from three, also don’t forget Dylan Addae-Wusu was out today) can keep the offensives honest, it’ll be fun to see what Anderson’s offenses will look like when points aren’t available off turnovers. 

Saint Peter’s: With all the turnover, someone had to step up for the Peacocks. Jaylen Murray looked good off the bench (14 points, 3 assists), but the big surprise was freshman starting forward Corey Washington (18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 8-10 from the line).

Siena: No Stormo meant a small ball starting lineup with senior Jordan Kellier as the small ball 5. Good to see Andrew Platek healthy (13 points, 3 assists) and overall a very impressive performance by the super sophomore backcourt of Javian McCollum (20 points, 5 assists) and Jared Billiups (6 points, 6 boards, good defender).

UConn: The team looked so different without RJ Cole: when Hawkins was healthy, I liked seeing three guards on the floor who can dribble and pass. Fans have got to be impressed with the debuts of freshmen Alex Karaban (13 points) and Donovan Clingan (9 points, 7 boards, 4 blocks). The team looked sloppy, but the energy was good: Hassan Diarra was the most impressive guard with 11 points, 7 assists and 3 steals.  

UMass: No Matt Cross or TaQuan Woodley and the Minutemen still look deep. Impressive debut for freshmen RJ Luis (13 points, 4 assists, 3 steals) and Keon Thompson (10 points, 5 boards, 3 assists). Frank Martin is such a different coach than Matt McCall and the program is looking promising in the post-Tre Mitchell era. 

Vermont: No Ryan Davis. No Ben Shungu…raise your hand if you Aaron Deloney would be the player who impressed the most in the season opener? 32 points, 5 assists and a level of assertiveness which I haven’t seen yet. Their starting lineup and Kam Gibson were the only known commodities entering the season, so it was nice to see freshmen TJ Hurley (11 points in 20 minutes) and Perry Smith Jr. (12 minutes backing up Fiorillo) be a part of the rotation.

Wagner: It’s probably an overreaction, but the top-five of the NEC should be a very competitive battle and Wagner’s start in the post-Bashir Mason era is a major reason why. An opening night win over Temple showcased the major step Zaire Williams has made entering his sophomore season as a bucket getting guard (16 points, 9 free throw attempts). 

11/7/22 Opening Night Slate for Teams from the Northeast

 Opening night for the 2022-23 season is here! 

The slate for Monday, November 7th might not be rich with headlining, high-major games, but plenty of the Northeast’s mid-majors play important games on Day One of the season. Below is a list of the games I’m most interested in following and reading the box scores the next game:

The Best Games Involving Teams from the Northeast

7:00 

Penn @ Iona: 

Both Penn and Iona preseason favorites in their respective conference polls, making this matchup the Northeast headliner for Monday’s slate. 

Growing up in The Valley Stream, NY, only a 30 minute drive to New Rochelle, this game will be a bit of a homecoming for Penn’s star junior guard Jordan Dingle. A unanimous All-Ivy First Team selection last season, Dingle led the Ivy in scoring with an average of 20.9 points-per-game, good for twelve nationally. In addition to Dingle, the Quakers return their top four scorers and nine of their rotation pieces. 

Last season’s leaky defense limited their upside, so the health of Max Lorca-Lloyd is essential. Playing just six games last season, the 6’9 225 senior is the Quakers’ best rim protector and will ensure that sharpshooter Max Martz limits, if not totally prevents, his time as the small ball 5, a role occasionally was forced to fill due to a lack of true frontcourt options.

Despite losing their fifth-year senior backcourt of Tyson Jolly (All-MAAC First Team selection) and Elijah Joiner (All-MAAC Second Team selection), the Iona Gaels are atop the 2022-23 Preseason Coaches’ Poll entering Rick Pitino’s fourth season at the helm.

Leading the Gaels is 6’9 240 junior Nelly Junior Joseph, a Preseason All-MAAC First Team selection, who brings a unique blend of physicality, IQ and athleticism to the center position.

In the backcourt, pronogiscators expect William Clayton Jr. (All-MAAC Second Team selection) to take the next step. Playing sixteen minutes-per-game as a depth piece behind Jolly and Joiner, Clayton’s per-40 stats show an efficient three-level combo guard with ability to dish and defend (18.1 points, 3.9 assists, 1.9 steals, 2.3 made threes and 4.6 made free throws while shooting 51.2 2p%, 35.7 3p% and 78.7 ft%. 

While both teams can score points in different ways, Pitino’s renowned defensive system gives the Gaels the upper-hand in this matchup.

Hofstra @ Princeton: 

Ranked within the top-150 in KenPom’s preseason ranks, both Hofstra and Princeton are projected second in their respective conferences’ preseason polls. 

After spending nine seasons at Hofstra as an assistant coach, former Pride all-time great Speedy Claxton impressed in his rookie season as head coach, finishing the season 21-11 headlined with a win over Arkansas in December. 

The foundation of Hofstra’s starting lineup is built on reigning CAA Player of the Year Aaron Estrada and junior forward Darlingston Dubar, two versatile pieces who are assets on both sides of the floor.  Playing about half of his minutes last season as the team’s de-facto point guard and best scoring guard, expect Claxton to provide Estrada more off-ball opportunities to maximize scoring opportunities.

One of the most acclaimed transfers entering the CAA this season, Tyler Thomas was a scoring machine at Sacred Heart, ranking 77th nationally with a 30.4% shot rate per possession but, like Estrada, is also capable of dishing it out (18th best assist rate in the NEC).

Similar to last season, the 5 spot will be mostly shared between two incoming transfers with Dubar playing the 5 in small ball situations. Manhattan’s Warren Williams is more of a classic low-post big while Davidson transfer Nelson Boachie-Yiadom is an athletic big who keeps his offensive game simple and limits mistakes.

Entering Year 2 of the Claxton tenure, the Pride are hoping to balance their quick-paced, perimeter-based offense with a more consistent defense, especially on the perimeter (opponents shot 38.3% from three last season).

Even with half of their scoring and 70% of their three point shooting either transferred or graduated, Princeton may lack a breadth of proven returnees, but reigning Ivy League Player of the Year Tosan Evbuomwan is one of the most talented seniors in the nation and is poised to continue his dominance in the Princeton offense. At 6’8 217, the versatile offensive weapon finished conference play within the top-five in points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goal percentage. 

In order to maximize Evbuomwan’s gift as a distributor, surrounding him with capable shooters is essential. Returning 6’4 senior Ryan Langborg will look to build on his season last year where he averaged 10.7 ppg and shot 40.5% from three. 6’4 junior Matt Allocco shot an impressive 45.2 3p% and will have an opportunity to dramatically increase his 4.1 point-per-game average from last season.

This tilt between two offensively gifted, yet defensively deficient programs who love to let it fly from deep should be a very entertaining game.

Colgate @ Buffalo

With a 54-12 conference record and three Patriot League championships in the last four seasons, Matt Langel leads the Colgate Raiders to yet another first place selection in the Patriot League preseason poll. Led by Preseason Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Tucker Richardson, the Raiders return three starters in a program that seemingly never rebuilds, only reloads. 

Entering his fourth season replacing Nate Oats, Jim Whitesell’s Buffalo teams play fast, hit the offensive glass (top-20 finishes in tempo and offensive rebounding rate in every season) and defend the perimeter well (top-75 in opponent 3p% and 3pa% in every season).

With all of their starters from last season either graduated or transferred, the Bulls’ success is mostly in the hands of talent with little D1 experience: playing sparingly as a freshman, 6’9 sophomore Kuluel Mading is the program’s fourth highest rated recruit of all-time while projected starting guard Armoni Foster was a stat-stuffer at D2 program Indiana (PA), averaging 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. Despite their lack of experiential synergy, the Bulls are projected to finish within the middle of the always entertaining MAC.

Colgate’s continuity will make it hard for Buffalo to finish their season debut as victors, but Buffalo’s pace and Colgate’s offensive efficiency should make this a fun early-season matchup. 

Other Northeast Games of Note

6:30

La Salle @ Villanova

After taking a three year hiatus following his resignation from Temple, Fran Dunphy returns to the Big Five for his season debut with La Salle. Inheriting a program that has finished with a losing conference record in each of the last nine years, the Explorers are expected to endure another rebuilding year. While Dunphy is the winningest coach in Big Five history, first time head coach Kyle Neptune looks for his first Big Five victory.

6:45

Merrimack @ St. John’s

A matchup between two teams known for their unique defenses that generate a ton of steals: Mike Anderson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” press and Joe Gallo’s extended 2-3 zone.

Earlier this off-season, I tabbed Merrimack as my pick to win the NEC. Returning senior forwards Jordan Minor (15.1p, 8.2r, 1.5s, 2.4b) and Ziggy Reid (11.0p, 4.9r, 1.3s) are the best frontcourt in the conference while returning senior guards Jordan McCoy and Mykel Derring (combined 2.9 threes made per game at 36.4%) provide spacing for the Warriors. 

For St. John’s, a huge void is left behind with Julian Champagnie declaring for the NBA, but DePaul transfer David Jones (14.5p, 7.4r, 2.4a, 1.7s) is a talented combo forward. Most of the team’s intrigue surrounds Anderson’s backcourt experiment of pairing Posh Alexander and Illinois transfer Andre Curbelo: both guards are electric talents, but lack length and shooting ability (combined 19-94, 20.2%, from three last season). 

KenPom predicts a 17 point victory for the Johnnies, but I can see this game ending up with a much closer score.

7:00 

Quinnipiac @ Rhode Island

Since joining the MAAC prior to the 2013-14 season, Quinnipiac has been a consistent .500ish team in conference play, but have yet to finish a season atop the standings. 

Entering the season fourth in the MAAC Preseason Poll, the Bobcats return arguably the strongest incumbent backcourt in the conference, led by senior shooting guard and Preseason All-MAAC First Team selection Matt Balanc (14.6p, 37.0 3p%) and senior point guard and Third Team selection Dezi Jones (11.5p, 3.0a, 35.1 3p%). 

In addition to the All-MAAC duo, fifth-year returnee Tyrese Williams is a gifted floor-spacer (8.4p, 39.7%) and gritty senior point guard Savion Lewis (9.4p, 4.1a, 1.6s) is welcomed back after missing almost all of last season with an Achilles' injury.

With all-time greats Kevin Marfo and Jacob Rigoni graduating and athletic point-forward Brendan McGuire transferring to Sacred Heart, Quinnipiac’s frontcourt experienced quite a facelift. 

Replacing Marfo is 6’7 248 grad transfer Ike Nweke from Columbia (15.9p, 6.3r, 52.9 fg%) but after Notre Dame transfer Elijah Taylor suffered a torn ACL in October, the forward depth took a major hit. 6’6 170 junior Tymu Chenery is a capable small ball 4 while East Carolina transfer Alexis Reyes is expected to take on a bigger role following Taylor’s injury. The 6’7 190 East Carolina transfer played sparingly in his freshman season, but the three-star recruit out of Cushing Academy profiles as a stretch combo forward, shooting 46.4% from three in his senior year of HS. 

Like his most recent teams, I’d expect coach Baker Dunleavy to continue to run a guard-heavy offense predicated on tempo and ball-movement around the perimeter. 

Unsatisfied with David Cox’s so-so four-year tenure replacing Dan Hurley, Rhode Island made a splash hiring former Indiana coach Archie Miller. Away from the historic pressure of coaching at Bloomington, Miller is back in the Atlantic-10 where he led Dayton to four straight NCAA tournament appearances.

Like many teams facing a coaching change, the Rams experienced sizable roster turnover with six outbound transfers and two graduations, but Miller and his staff were able to retain five players who each look to compete for rotation minutes next season. 

Starting every game last season, the 6’2 180 Ishmael Leggett (8.3 ppg) was one of the Rams’ best rim-attackers, whose 40.8 free throw rate ranked 230th nationally and tops amongst Rams guards. Playing close to starter’s minutes mostly off the bench, the 6’6 210 combo forward Malik Martin is an efficient two-way glue-guy. 

Most of the Rams’ short- and long-term upside depends on the impact of the underclassmen trio from their five-man transfer haul. Preseason All-Conference Third Team selection Brayon Freeman is a 6’2 180 intraconference transfer from George Washington should make an immediate impact. The sophomore and former three-star recruit shined in his freshman season averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.3 steals and with a 43.2 2p%, 43.7 3p% and 68.2 ft%. 

The clear third scoring option alongside 16 point-per-game scorers James Bishop and Joe Bamisile, Freeman will look to parlay his 475th nationally ranked free throw rate into more opportunities to attack the rim in Miller’s offense and possibly lead the Rams in scoring. 

Originally a four-star recruit by Alabama, Alex Tchikou oozes with potential but remains a bit of a mystery after missing the entire 2020-2021 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and playing just five total minutes last season. 

Bulking up from 200 to 230 pounds, the 6’11 forward is an outstanding athlete with length and physical tools to become an elite defender. Flashing three-point range in high school, Tchikou’s athleticism is best suited in Miller’s transition offense, giving him the complete package as a potential rim-running force and an opening day starter. 

Another candidate to start this season is former Seton Hall four-star recruit Brandon Weston. Redshirted last season while recovering from ACL surgery, the 6’5 200 wing is an explosive, high-motor downhill athlete who rebounds well for his position and has the physical tools to be a tough perimeter defender. A full in-depth preview of Rhode Island's season is available on the blog.

With so many new faces, there is a palpable sense of variability when predicting the Rams’ performance for this season, but between Miller’s coaching ability and the overall youth of the program, it will be an exciting year to watch their development. Considering this, a resounding win against a veteran Quinnipiac squad should be celebrated.

Manhattan @ VCU

Just thirteen days prior to opening night, Manhattan made headlines for letting go long-time head coach Steve Masiello, allegedly amidst a rift over a contract extension. Combining his X’s and O’s aptitude and his persona as a players’ coach (I highly recommend reading Jaden Daly's article on Jose Perez and his relationship with the former head coach), Masiello will be a sought after commodity, but for now, former Jasper captain and Bronx native RaShawn Stores has been promoted to the interim head coach position.

At the time of writing this preview, Masiello’s exit sparked the potential departure of MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Jose Perez (who has been courted by over two dozen teams, mostly high-majors), Hofstra fifth-year transfer and a formerly likely starter Omar Silverio (10.9p, 35.8 3p%) and bouncy fifth-year forward Samba Diallo (6.0p, 4.6r, 24.5 mpg), leaving behind a roster that is far from decimated, but lacks the firepower that vaulted their preseason expectations. 

Assuming the trio will not return from the portal, the Jaspers will be led by Preseason Second Team All-MAAC guard Ant Nelson (10.9p, 2.3a, 36.1 3p%) and gritty two-way big Josh Roberts (8.9p, 6.5r, 1.3b), two of the six fifth-year seniors returning for their extra year of eligibility. 

With playing time up for grabs, expect Israeli import Raziel Hayun (back in July he was my pick for Manhattan’s breakout performer) to showcase his versatility at the wing, bringing vision, a toolbox of iso moves and a catch-and-shoot comfort on the perimeter (1.3 threes made, 47.4 3p% in just 14.6 mpg for Maccabi Bazan Halfa).

Fresh off an extension that keeps him in Richmond through the 2026-2027 season, Mike Roades, yet again, has tournament expectations heading into his seventh season with VCU. The Rams’ touted Havoc Defense will test Manhattan’s stable of fifth-year guards.

Led by junior guard and Preseason All-Conference First Team Selection Ace Baldwin (11.4p, 5.5a, 2.5s), the Rams added high-major firepower to their starting lineup with junior guard Zeb Jackson and fifth-year forward Brandon Johns from Michigan.

Brown @ Vermont

After Vermont earned three 13-seeds in the last six seasons, John Becker is looking to regroup after the inside/out duo of Ryan Davis and Ben Shungu graduated. Bellarmine transfer Dylan Penn (16.6 ppg) will eventually be an instant jolt to the offense, but a hand injury sustained in October will likely keep him out for another week or two. 

Without Penn, the Catamounts’ backcourt lacks firepower, but they are a deep group of veterans. It will be interesting to see which frontcourt pieces between returning junior Nick Florillo, Rhode Island transfer Ileri Ayo-Faleye, Delaware transfer Matt Veretto and three-star freshman Perry Smith Jr., the highest ranked recruit in Vermont history, step up and seize starting roles left vacant with Davis and Isaiah Powell gone.

Picked sixth in the Ivy preseason poll, Brown is a clear underdog in this game, but head coach Mike Martin is known for prioritizing physicality, making this a literally tough opening tilt for Vermont. The Bears aren’t just brawn: last year, 6’0 sophomore Kino Lilly was named the Ivy Rookie of the Year and averaged 13.3 points, 2.4 assists, 2.5 threes and 39.9 3p%. 

NJIT @ Saint Peter’s

After an impressive decade as the head coach at Wagner (165-130 overall record, .559%), the 38-year-old Bashir Mason jumped onto the opportunity to replace Shaheen Holloway as the head coach for his hometown Saint Peter’s Peacocks. 

With its top-six scorers transferring after the Peacocks’ magical Elite Eight run, Jaylen Murray is Saint Peter’s top returning scorer and is easily the the most exciting player new coach Bashir Mason will center his offensive strategy around. Murray has the moxie, moves, athleticism and shooting ability to be a lead point guard and be “the man” this upcoming season. 

In addition to Murray, Wagner’s backcourt is supplemented with a three-man transfer haul, led by Southern transfer Jayden Saddler. With a game similar to recent Butler graduate Aaron Thompson, Saddler is a non-factor at the perimeter (career 15–60 from three), but is a physical two-way point guard who will guard the opponents’ best guards. 

Entering their third year in the America East, NJIT is projected to finish the season towards the bottom of the standings, but made a recruiting boon earlier this year adding three-star point guard Paul McMillan IV, who previously held offers from eight high-major schools. 

Columbia @ Rutgers

My intrigue in this game is all about Columbia’s 2022 freshman class, ranked as the best mid-major recruiting class of the Northeast and the 67th best in the nation. The Lions have won just ten games in the last two seasons, but there should be excitement surrounding Columbia’s youth movement. 

Last season, injuries were a big part of Columbia’s demise with four of its starters missing at least six games last season. In fact, returning sophomore guard Geronimo Rubio de la Rosa (12.3 ppg, 3.2 apg) was the only Lion last season who played in every game. If projected starters Eddie Turner (17 missed games), Josh Odunowo (13 missed games) and Liam Murphy (6 missed games) can stay healthy, the Lions returning talent paired with three-star freshmen Avery Brown and Blair Thompson can vastly outperform experts’ modest expectations. 

Since the 1990s, Rutgers has been one of the worst high-major basketball teams in the nation as formerly perennial doormats in the Big East, AAC and Big Ten. However, in just six seasons at the helm, Steve Pikiell has changed the tenor of the program and has already become arguably the best coach in Rutgers history. 

Earning tournament bids in three straight seasons, Pikiell earned a four-year extension that secures his contract through the 2029-30 season. It will be hard to replace the inside-out duo of Ron Harper Jr. and Geo Baker, but senior point wing Paul Mulcahy (9.0p, 4.1r, 5.3a), junior big Cliff Omoruyi (11.9p, 7.8r, 1.3b) and defensive whiz senior forward Caleb McConnell (7.1p, 5.3r, 2.2s) will lead the Scarlet Knights this season with the hope of another tournament bid. Rutgers’ scoring success this season will rely heavily on how Loyola (MD) transfer Cam Spencer parlays his scoring ease from the Patriot League (18.9 ppg) to the Big Ten.

7:30

Dartmouth @ Fordham

Both programs have been bottom-feeders in their respective conferences for decades, but Fordham is on the climb: last season’s .500 finish, led by Kyle Neptune, was their first in seven years and his associate head coach, Keith Urgo, has now taken over the helm with Neptune moving onto Villanova. 

The Rams return four starters, led by Preseason All-Conference Third Team selection Darius Quisenberry (16.2 ppg) and glue guy Antrell Charlton, but arguably what excited the fanbase most is Urgo’s ability to add talent on the recruiting trail. Case in point: the five-man class of 2022 includes three of the seven highest ranked recruits in program history.

Central Connecticut @ UMass

Not many rookie coaches would gain respect after finishing their debut season 8-24, but Central Connecticut State’s recent nadir makes Patrick Sellers’ eight win total good for the third highest in the last eight seasons and its best in the last three. 

Fifth-year senior guard Nigel Scantlebury (13.4 ppg, 3.5 apg, 42.4 3p%) leads a group of returnees that includes starting sophomore forwards Jayden Brown and Andre Snoddy. Two of CCSU’s potential starters include smooth shooting JuCo transfer Jay Rodgers (my pick for the Blue Devils’ breakout performer after averaging 17.8 points and 40.1% from three last season) and Binghamton transfer Kellen Amos. The 6’7 190 junior has earned high praise from Sellers, tabbing Amos as “easily the most talented guy on the roster”, according to The Almanac. 

After UMass fans endured five less-than-stellar tabloid filled seasons under Matt McCall, the hiring of Frank Martin brings respect, clout and hope to the middling, but proud A-10 squad. 

Led by Preseason All-Conference Second Team selection Noah Fernandes, the 5’11 senior will be flanked by a seven-man transfer haul that includes three South Carolina transfers, the most likely starter of the three being 6’10 big Wildens Leveque. 

Three other high major transfers join the Minutemen this season, with smooth shooting 6’7 junior Matt Cross and high upside forward and former Boston College Eagle Gianni Thompson my picks to start at the other forward spots alongside Leveque. 

Northeastern @ Boston University

Both Boston programs are built very differently: Boston University is in its last hurrah with their veteran lineup with three of its five projected starters returning for their extra year of eligibility to help set up a season as arguably the second best team in the Patriot League.

On the other hand, after a 9-22 season (the worst record in head coach Bill Coen’s sixteen year tenure in Boston), Northeastern is in the midst of an exciting rebuild led by the foundation of their excellent six-man 2022 recruiting class that I tabbed as the second best amongst mid-majors in the Northeast. Incoming freshman point guard Chase Cormier, the highest ranked recruit in Northeastern history, spurned offers from Florida, Xavier, Mississippi State, amongst others, to earn the chance to start for the Huskies from Day 1. 

The highlight of this matchup is the pairing of Coen and BU coach Joe Jones (eleven seasons at BU and seven at Columbia), two of the most respected coaches in the business.

Stonehill @ UConn

Making their D1 debut, Chris Kraus and the Stonehill Skyhawks will start the season as 30-point underdogs against UConn.

In my preview of Stonehill, I highlighted how Chris Kraus predicates his offensive system with savvy, versatile offensive weapons. Stonehill’s best returning player is stat-stuffing fifth year forward Andrew Sims (15.2p, 6.2r, 2.2a, 47.7 fg%, 27.8 3p%) and the best returning guard is Isaiah Burnett (12.2p, 4.3r, 3.0a, 2.3s, 39.5 3p%). Starting his basketball career at Navy, Burnett is a three-level, two-way combo guard who can do a little bit of everything on the court.

Franklin Pierce transfer Max Zegarowski might be the best player on the roster. Like his older brother and former Crieighton great Marcus, Max is a lights-out shooter, averaging 14.9 points and 2.4 threes per game last season at an incredible 43.0%. 

For UConn, junior big Adama Sanogo is a Big East Player of the Year candidate and the only player on the opening night lineup with a role projected to be reprised this season. After averaging just 5.8 ppg last season, former top-50 recruit wing Jordan Hawkins is one of the most highly anticipated sophomores in the nation. 

Stat stuffing East Carolina transfer Tristen Newton (17.7p, 5.0a) will start at point guard while efficient Virginia Tech weapon Nahiem Alleyne, Texas A&M combo guard Hassan Diarra and sharpshooting San Diego grad transfer Joey Calcaterra provide veteran depth to the backcourt.

Versatile and freakishly athletic junior forward Andre Jackson will be out until November with a pinky injury, so it will be interesting to see how coach Dan Hurley will flesh out the 4 spot: will 6’10 sophomore Samson Johnson or 6’8 redshirt freshman Alex Karaban start in his place?

8:00 

Fairfield @ Wake Forest

It is clear that Iona is the top dog of the MAAC, but there is an opportunity for Fairfield to step up and compete in the next tier, especially with Saint Peter’s experiencing wholesale turnover in the roster, Monmouth moving onto the CAA and Manhattan’s potential exodus following the firing head coach Steve Masiello.

Junior big Supreme Cook (Preseason First Team All-MAAC) and fifth-year senior Jake Wojcik (Preseason All-MAAC Third Team) are the Stags’ top returning scorers and are two of the seven returning rotation players, all of whom averaged at least twelve minutes per game last season. 

Bowling Green transfer Caleb Fields is nearly a sure bet to start thanks to his impressive 2-to-1 assist/turnover ratio while playing for one of the fastest offensive systems in the country (according to KenPom, Bowling Green’s offensive tempo ranked 45th the 20-21 season, Fields’ last healthy season). 

Brycen Goodine is the other incoming transfer for Fairfield. The 6’4 190 incoming senior out of New Bedford, MA was a four-star recruit for Syracuse but has yet to secure more than just an occasional rotational role between his time at Syracuse and Providence. Goodine’s length, smooth athleticism and 2.3 steals per-40 rate suggests Goodine will be at least a valuable defensive piece with the potential ceiling to put it all together on the offensive end.

Arguably the biggest wild-card this season is four-star ‘22 commit James Johns Jr., the son of second year assistant coach James Johns Sr. Projected early on as a catch-and-shoot piece with the length and athleticism to develop into a versatile perimeter defender, his overall offensive game will expand as he gets stronger with improved strength, handle and ability to finish consistently in traffic. 

After a dominant five-year tenure at ETSU, Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes has quickly impressed entering his third year as the Demon Deacons’ head coach. Finishing last season at 25-10, Forbes is eager to lead Wake Forest to just its second tournament selection in the last decade. 

Fairleigh Dickinson @ Loyola-Chicago

New FDU coach Tobin Anderson has no D1 head coaching experience and just two seasons as an assistant coach at Siena, but his achievements at the Division III level (118-63 record, three UCAA regular season titles and one UCAA tournament title at Hamilton) and the Division II level (209-62 record, six ECC tournament titles at St. Thomas Aquinas) is astounding.

With just one starter and five total players returning from last season’s 4-22 squad, Anderson will rely heavily on three of the best players from STA, complementing FDU’s young group of returnees with veterans from a winning culture. 

Last season at STA, 5’8 162 guard Demetre Roberts and 6’0 165 guard Grant Singleton averaged a combined 28.8 points, 7.3 assists and 4.8 steals in their senior years and both are expected to parlay their previous success into starting roles at FDU. In addition to the fifth-year duo, Anderson is also bringing along with him the long, athletic junior wing Sean Moore and former STA commit Trevin Blassingame, an incoming freshman with D1 length and athleticism.

FDU isn’t the only team in this matchup relying on D2 transfers: Loyola-Chicago’s senior transfer Philip Alston from California (PA) is the Ramblers’ projected starting forward. Alston averaged a gaudy 21.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game last season.

The Ramblers will be a tough challenge for the FDU Knights, but I am very curious to see how Anderson will mix-and-match the returning Knights with the champion-caliber trio transfers from STA.