It might just be an exhibition game, but the wait is finally over for South Florida basketball fans. The revamped USF basketball team will make its debut Monday night against Division II Nova Southeastern.
After an off season that featured news of an NCAA investigation, the departure of an assistant coach (Oliver Antigua), their highest ranked recruit (Troy Baxter) receiving a release from his letter of intent, another recruit (Andres Feliz) ruled a non Division I qualifier and the six game suspension for last season’s leading scorer (Jahmal McMurray); fans can finally turn their attention to actual games.
The Bulls have much to replace from last season’s 8-25 team with the departure of Nehemias Morillo, the team’s second best three-point shooter plus three important front court contributors in Chris Perry, Angel Nunez and Jaleel Cousins. The process of figuring out just how the Bulls plan to make up for those losses began in a secret scrimmage against Florida Gulf Coast on October 30.
Here are four story lines to watch for during tonight’s exhibition.
1. How different will the Bulls look without McMurray on the court?
As soon as the news broke that McMurray would miss the team’s first six games for an undisclosed violation, the debate began: Would the Bulls be able to win those games without their leading scorer from a year ago?
The general consensus at the time was the Bulls, even with an infusion of skilled players, would struggle initially to replace McMurray’s offensive output. Ironically, it is possible that McMurray’s absence could become a positive. The Bulls offense is likely to be a bit more balanced, last season not one Bulls player had 90 assists for the season, which could lead to a more efficient offense. Last season USF definitely needed McMurray’s scoring, but without him it is possible that the Bulls will have a more fluid offense after working out a few kinks at the point guard position. Whether or not that translates into more success on the court, though, remains to be seen.
2. Will the team’s newcomers meet expectations.
Both guard Geno Thorpe and forward Tulio Da Silva practiced all last season while sitting out as redshirts are expected to be impact players for the Bulls this season. Freshman wing Malik Fitts has impressed in both workouts and practice and could benefit the most by Baxter’s decision not to enroll at USF once he returns from a minor injury that is expected to sideline him until the game against Rider on November 19. Meanwhile, with McMurray sidelined for six games, freshman point guard Mike Bibby should receive more early minutes than previously expected.
Thorpe, who we expect to get the start at point guard, had 38 steals in 34 games as a sophomore at Penn State. The 6-foot-4 junior Nittany Lions transfer is expected to improve the Bulls defense on the perimeter.
Da Silva adds more size and athleticism to the Bulls roster and is a capable midrange scorer that defenses will have to account four. Because of his length he can play either forward position, despite his 6-foot-7 height, depending on whether or not the Bulls want to go with a big or small lineup.
3. How much has junior center Ruben Guerrero made in the off season.
This one will go a long way in determining how successful the Bulls will be this season. Guerrero, the top returning rebounder (5.6 rpg) is now up to 7-foot and has shown improvement in workouts and practice showcasing a firm understanding of the team’s defensive schemes. Guerrero has also been more of a vocal leader. He has an NBA frame and size but needs to be a better finisher and needs to do a better job of drawing fouls and making free throws. Last season Guerrero drew just two fouls per 40 minutes played. Guerrero will probably need to be one of the Bulls top three scorers for the team to improve in the win column this season.
4. With so many new players plus McMurray’s suspension, who will be in the Bulls starting lineup.
Who finishes a game is more important that who starts a game and the Bulls’ starters won’t be the same tonight as they are by the start of conference play once McMurray’s suspension is over and Isaiah Manderson becomes eligible, but that doesn’t mean who starts for USF isn’t something that fans want to know.
RTB expects the starting lineup against Nova Southeastern to be:
PG Geno Thorpe
SG Troy Holston, Jr.
SF Bo Zeigler
PF Tulio Da Silva
C Ruben Guerrero
