Who: George Mason
Where: FAU Arena
When: Sat. Nov. 19
Radio: 760AM
Time: 7 p.m.
All-time Series: George Mason 1 FAU 0
Prediction: FAU 80, George Mason 65
The Owls made history last season, winning their first Sun Belt Conference regular season title (13-3 conference record) and advancing to the NIT Tournament as a result. With junior guards Greg Gantt and Ray Taylor returning to form the back court this year, a trip to the NCAA Tournament may be within reach for FAU. On Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., the FAU men’s basketball team opens the regular season at home against George Mason.
Besides the departure of senior forward Brett Royster, Coach Jarvis’ lineup remains intact from last season, bringing back five of its top six scorers. Shooting guard Greg Gantt led the team in scoring with 14 ppg on 56% shooting. Point guard Ray Taylor averaged 11.6 ppg, to go along with a team high 1.5 steals per game.
The strength of the Owls appears to be its guard play. In addition to Gantt and Tucker, the back court will be aided by depth off the bench, provided by senior guards Alex Tucker and Shavar Richardson. Tucker led the Owls in assists last year, dishing out 136 in total, for an average of 4.3 per game. Richardson was the best free throw shooter for FAU, connecting on 88% of his attempts from the stripe.
The Owls thrived at home last season, amassing a 10-2 record at the Burrow. To begin the season with a win, though, FAU will need to play solid defense against a George Mason squad that led the CAA conference in points per game (72.8) and field goal percentage (47.1%).
Without Royster, the tandem of Kore White and Jordan McCoy will need to provide ample defensive resistance down low. White, a 6’8” 245 pound power forward who averaged five rebounds per game last season, will be counted on to grab more boards in the absence of Royster. McCoy, a 6’6” 185 pound forward who played just under 19 minutes per game last season, will need to make the most of his slender frame in the additional game time he now will receive.
Jim Larranaga, George Mason’s coach for the last 14 seasons, departed in April to become the new head coach at the University of Miami. Paul Hewitt, his replacement at George Mason, inherits a squad that made it to the Sweet 16 last season (27-7 overall record), but will have only one of its top four scorers from last year in action versus FAU. Point guard Andre Cornelius is currently suspended, shooting guard Cam Long graduated, and small forward Luke Hancock transferred to Louisville, leaving forward Ryan Pearson (14.2 ppg last season) as the team’s main scoring option.
Since this will be George Mason’s first road game under Coach Hewitt, instant cohesion amongst the Patriots may be too much to expect so soon, especially against an Owls team with a seasoned and potent offense. FAU, led by strong performances from Gantt and Tucker, will prevail big in the opener.
Dave • Nov 15, 2011 at 11:47 pm
I’m psyched for this season! You’re going to have a great time, Greta!
Greta khaleel • Nov 15, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Can’t wait to go to FAU BB games.