Crimson Red Sports

Oats’ teams have always made their mark in the back-court, utilizing quick, lengthy guards to get up-and-down the court, disrupt lanes on defense, and knock down perimeter shots. With that in mind, Kira Lewis must be licking his chops to play in this system. The 6’3 point guard averaged 13.5 PPG, 2.9 APG, 2.3 RPG, and 0.8 SPG on 43.3%/35.8%/78.3% (FG%/3P%/FT%, for future reference) shooting as a 17-year old (I promise that’s the last time I’ll reference that) true freshman last season.

Spelling him at the point this season will be graduate-transfer James “Beetle” Bolden. The senior was averaging 12.2 PPG, 2.5 APG, 2.6 RPG, and 1.1 SPG at West Virginia last season before injuring his ankle, which he is still recovering from.

At the off-guard spot, veteran John Petty (10.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.9 APG on 41.3%/34.5%/70.7%) will be joined by a pair of highly-regarded true freshmen, Jaden Shackelford and Jaylen Forbes. Alabama fans know how hot Petty can get at times, his only issue has been his consistency with his shot.

I am ready for the season to get started. I think this will be a fun team to watch.