Picking up with part four of the men’s basketball schedule preview, the Hawks currently sit at 14-8.
Jan. 22 vs. Virginia Commonwealth University
Forwards Vince Williams Jr. and Hason Ward will be tasked with leading the Ramsas Mike Rhoades attempts to get his team to the NCAA Tournament. The team also brings in transfer Marcus Tsohonis from Washington, who was a double digit scorer and had some real breakout games for the Huskies. As usual, VCU will provide a tough, physical game and will be towards the top of the A-10 Conference.
Jan. 26 vs. Duquesne
The Dukes have brought in scorers from numerous different levels of college basketball, including some talent that will be playing their first seasons at the Division I level. It probably will be hard for this group to mesh as fast as Head Coach Keith
Dambrot wants them to, but they have a lot of proven scorers at varying levels. And scoring translates.
Jan. 29, Feb. 26 vs. St. Bonaventure
The only nationally ranked team in the A-10 is currently St. Bonaventure University, sitting at #23 in the Associated Press Preseason Top-25. Mark Schmidt returns Osum Osunniyi and Kyle Lofton, who were both recently named to the A-10 Preseason First-Team. They return their entire starting lineup from last year’s A-10 Championship team, and they should figure to be one of the toughest teams the Hawks will face all year.
Feb. 5 vs. Fordham
Fordham University will be entering their first season under new leadership as former Villanova Assistant Coach Kyle Neptune begins his tenure at the helm. Neptune is definitely going to experience some growing pains in his first season at Rose Hill Gymnasium, however I expect Florida International University transfer Antonio Daye Jr. to lead the Rams to a couple of wins this season. Just not against the Hawks.
Feb. 12 vs. UMass
The University of Massachusetts lost their star player this offseason in the form of Tre Mitchell. Numerous people have started
to call for Head Coach Matt McCall’s job, but he seemingly has brought together “his” roster this season with numerous different
transfers. I would project the Minutemen to be a middle-of-the pack team in the A-10 this season.
Feb. 19 vs. Dayton
The Flyers boast a good recruiting class for this upcoming season, and they should figure to still compete within the A-10. However, I value experience in this conference, so I think the University of Dayton will struggle to be a championship contender. First-year DaRon Holmes Jr. and Kaleb Washington will certainly be players to watch this season.
Feb. 22 vs. Saint Louis
The Billikens recently lost star Javonte Perkins for the entire season. Obviously, this is incredibly deflating for the program and it will be very challenging to overcome. Yuri Collins and Jordan Nesbitt are going to be relied upon to perform at a higher level in Perkins’ absence. Regardless, this game will be tough for the Hawks.
Above Record: 3-5
Hawks Final Projected Record: 17-13
It would be absolutely huge if Billy Lange’s Hawks were able to find their way to above .500 on the season. It would also set them up to make some noise in Washington, DC at this year’s A-10 Championship Tournament. Regardless, it is going to be great to have fans inside Hagan Arena again, and this season should be an exciting one for Hawk fans.
