UNCG Preview: Spartans Look to Build on Success

Each day from October 23-November 3, there will be a blogger/fan previewing their team in this space. For previous previews and the future schedule, click here.

 

Last season UNCG found itself as one the biggest "feel good" stories in all of college basketball. A mid-season coaching change became the catalyst to a 7 game winning streak, a division title and a trip to the conference tournament semifinals for the first time since 2008.

 

UNCG's 11-5 finish to the season lead to the hiring of Wes Miller as full time head coach and sent a charge of excitement throughout the fan base. Now comes the hard part ... keeping the excitement going.

 

The Spartans bring in a new coaching staff that includes 3 former major college players. Mike Roberts (Indiana), Duane Simpkins (Maryland) and Jackie Manuel (UNC) all bring a wealth of playing experience to the table. Also, UNCG returns a veteran good group of players from last season's team. Four of five starters will be back, including 2012 SoCon leading scorer Trevis Simpson and one of the best 6th men in the SoCon in Derrell Armstrong. Armstrong's good play coincided with UNCG making a run through the SoCon. Those are the two guys that everyone already knows about. However, it may be just as important for the Spartans can get a healthy version of senior Brian Cole. The Spartans really lack a lot of size on this roster and it would be a big boost if Cole could come back after playing very little due to injuries in his junior season. In his first two season's in Greensboro, Cole showed good range to go along with his height. He could be able to create match up issues if he's able to contribute good minutes.

 

The Spartans added three new freshmen and two transfers to the roster for this season. However, only one of the transfers will be eligible to play this season. Arizona State transfer Kyle Cain will have to sit out due to NCAA transfer rules. Delaware graduate student transfer Kelvin McNeil (6'-8" 230 lbs) should be able to step in help right away. Injuries put McNeil behind younger players at Delaware. But with size issues in Greensboro, he should find plenty of playing time. Also, the Spartans added a late signee big man in RJ White (6'9" 280 lbs) and a Kyle Hines-esque player in Kayel Locke (6'-6" 240 lbs) to help down low. Also, all-state Ohio PG Jordan Potts joins the team. Potts spent several years dishing out assists to high school teammate Jared Sullinger. He should see plenty of playing time backing up starters Drew Parker and Korey Van Dussen.

 

This year, UNCG has dialed back the schedule quite a bit. Only 3 ACC members appear on the schedule. Instead the Spartans will play local and regional mid majors like NC A&T, East Carolina, UNCW, High Point and James Madison. Also in SoCon play, UNCG only faces south division powers Davidson and College of Charleston once apiece. All-in-all it's the type of schedule that could allow the Spartans to top the 20-win plateau for the first time since 2001-2002 (also the last time UNCG played in a postseason tournament).

 

QUESTIONS ABOUT UNCG ...

 

1. Can this team handle success?

The Spartans hadn't won many games the previous 3 seasons and weren't really expected to win many last year. All of a sudden they catch fire and now there are expectations. They are picked to win the north and contend for a postseason appearance. How will this group handle last year's success and these new expectations.

 

2. Can this team beat mid-majors on the road?

For the non-conference portion of the schedule to be considered a success, UNCG will have to win games at UNCW, High Point, James Madison and East Carolina. The schedule is set up to work out great for the team, but they will have to go into hostile gyms and get W's.

 

3. Will not having a tested big man be a problem?

With front court players like Aloysius Henry and Aaron Brackett gone, UNCG will have to depend on a combination of untested rookies, transfers and reserves to fill in the gaps. Players like (the above mentioned) Cole and Taylor Hoffer are going to have to play much greater roles for the Spartans to be successful. Any kind of foul trouble could spell disaster.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

While it may be a season away from being a legitimate contender for an NCAA bid, this is an important season for UNCG. A manageable schedule and some amazing play makers could allow UNCG to push teams like Davidson and Charleston. The Spartans will have to overcome their size limitations, though. Also star players like Simpson and Armstrong are going to have to show a bit better shot selection that they did at times last season. Both are blessed with the ability to get to the basket almost at will. However, at times last season they settled for long jump shots. If they can stay healthy and efficient this could be a great year in Greensboro.

 

By Dash at UNCG Basketball Fan Blog

 

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