Hofstra with a biggie tonight against UConn, and I fear for the Pride. UConn hasn’t strung together one of “those” games (save for one half last night). and though he didn’t say the words, Jim Calhoun clearly let his team know of his “affection” for their play so far. Firing up an immensely talented team leads to backbreaking 30-8 runs.
But here’s the other thing. Hofstra–Charles Jenkins in particular–hasn’t exactly looked like Hofstra. Plus, Halil Kanecovic is earning solid minutes for solid play, Corny Vines has been awful and streakiness always turns, and Chaz Williams played his get-over-yourself game last night.
One smart guy I know is actually calling a Hofstra victory. I am not.
UCalhoun 86, PecoRaIDE 70 (yeah, I know…)
***
Also, Old Dominion will have its way with Longwood, and Georgia State will beat, ahem Carver Bible. You read that right. (Apologies to ODU fans. Your time is coming with a great stretch of games. B-CU and Longwood isn’t worth prioritizing, and on a day like this, it’s all about compartmentalization and priorities. There’s a tip.)
***
Mull with UNCW notes. Most important item: Ahmad Grant staying on the floor. Clearly the kid can play, but he needs to get over one of those adjustment hurdles.
Anthony Grant said it best, and it is a facet of maturity that bothered him more than most know…”my guys have to learn to defend without fouling” was a common refrain, and it’s true. Grant appears to be a difference-maker kind of player, but he won’t be one sitting beside Benny Moss.
***
From the home office on Patterson Avenue:
CAA MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Calvin Lee, Towson
Lee poured in a career-high 25 points and blocked four shots to lead Towson to an 82-71 victory over Miami (Ohio) in the season opener last Friday. The senior forward hit 10-of-16 shots from the floor and also grabbed three rebounds. Lee, who played a career-best 37 minutes, shattered his previous career scoring high of 13 points.
CAA MEN’S BASKETBALL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Luke Hancock, George Mason
Hancock averaged 11.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals off the bench in a pair of George Mason victories last week. The freshman forward tallied 11 points and four boards in 23 minutes of a 76-72 win over Liberty and contributed 12 points and four caroms in a 60-44 triumph over Dartmouth. Hancock made 10-of-17 shots from the floor and hit 2-of-2 treys.
Newcomers Make An Impact: Several newcomers had big games during the opening week of the season. UNCW’s John Fields, a transfer from East Carolina, had 21 points and seven rebounds in the Seahawks’ opener at Appalachian State, while freshman teammate Keith Rendleman tallied 11 points and 16 rebounds against George Washington. Drexel freshman Derrick Thomas scored 14 points at Saint Joseph’s, while Hofstra freshman Halil Kanacevic posted a double-double (12 pts/12 reb) at Kansas. Mason freshman Luke Hancock averaged 11.5 ppg in a pair of Patriots’ victories, while VCU’s Jay Gavin, a transfer from Marist, scored 12 points in 15 minutes in the Rams’ triumph over Bethune-Cookman.
