We're officially back into College Basketball season. And on a Tuesday night in Nacogdoches, against an NAIA team, and on voting night...the Lumberjack faithful turned out to prove they were ready (3,120 in attendance).
There was definitely an electric sense walking into the William R. Johnson Coliseum for the first time this season. The 'Jacks are coming off their 4th NCAA Tournament in the past 5 seasons, and added yet another banner to the rafters.
In town were the Rams from Texas Wesleyan. A NAIA power who has won 75 games over the past 3 seasons. Definitely not a slouch by any means for the first game of the season. Kevon Harris and Shannon Bogues got the 'Jacks out to fiery 17-6 start and appeared they would run away with this one. Perhaps expecting the Rams to fold, SFA struggled the rest of the half on both ends of the court.
Credit to Texas Wesleyan, for being outmatched talent wise, they played solid on ball defense and frustrated potential SLC POY candidate Kevon Harris at times. And they did what any good basketball team should do. They knocked down open looks and hit free throws, and took a surprising 39-37 lead at the break. The Rams hit 12 of 23 three pointers (52%) and missed only 1 FT for the game.
The second half however was all Stephen F. Austin. The 'Jacks clamped down on defense, in route to forcing 21 turnovers for the game. One of several defensive stats that SFA lead the nation in last season. All 12 eligible players for SFA (more on the injuries later) got into the game, with 5 reaching double figures. Most notably, Senior Shannon Bogues who caught fire in the second half and notched 21 points for the game. With PG's Aaron Augustin and John Comeaux out with injuries, Bogues has been tasked with new role distributing the ball on top of scoring. He seemed pretty comfortable last night, dishing out 6 assists while committing just one turnover.
Stephen F. Austin broke out to a 19 point lead and never looked back, in route to a 83-71 victory. A solid first game and test for the Lumberjacks, who saw several new players suite up in the purple and white.
Newcomers: I was perhaps most impressed with true freshman Mitchell Seraille. The athletic forward made his presence known very early and often. Notching 7 points, 6 rebounds and a big block in 20 minutes of play. There were several times Seraille was on the floor diving for lose balls, the type of hustle Lumberjack fans have grown to love.
Graduate transfer Davonte Fitzgerald looks like a solid addition to the roster. The big man made his first start for the Lumberjacks and did not disappoint (14 pts on 6 of 9 shooting, 5 rebs). He's an athletic big that can play from any spot on the court. Can rebound the ball and has a nice shooting touch.
And perhaps some of the biggest news of the night, was the clearance of Montana transfer Karl Nicholas. The Texas native was preparing to sit out the season due to NCAA transfer rules, but was granted a waiver just hours before the game. A huge addition to the team, Nicholas provided a lot of energy on both ends of the court (10 pts and 3 rebs, in just 11 minutes of play). I think he should become a big contributor this season for SFA.
Injuries: The dark spot of the night, dropped just before tip-off. 4th year senior, and Pre-Season First Team All-SLC star TJ Holyfield was ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury. A huge blow for Coach Keller and the 'Jacks. In addition, starting PG Aaron Augustin is recovering from an elbow injury but could be back as soon as a few weeks. As well as backup PG John Comeaux, who is out with a knee injury.
Takeaway: Texas Wesleyan was the perfect first game for the Lumberjacks. A solid overall team, that wouldn't give up. While Bogues played very well in his new role, the 'Jacks are definitely going to miss Augustine and Comeaux until their return. Those two are key for the 'Jacks on-ball defending and disruption. Not the best game from Kevon Harris, but we know what he can bring to the table. And the reemergence of 4th year player Nathan Bain could provide an extra spark.
This is an extremely athletic team, and score a bunch of points this year. The addition of Seraille, Nicholas and Fitzgerald, brings in a lot of energy and excitement that I think SFA fans are going to absolutely love. The more this team gets used to playing with each other, and the healthier they get, they should only improve. Still my pick to win the Southland Conference and could be a very dangerous team in March.