WKU Basketball: Five Things to Watch at Hilltopper Hysteria
The anticipation is over. Well, almost. Tonight, we’ll get to take our first* look at the 2018/19 version of the Hilltopper and Lady Topper…
The anticipation is over. Well, almost. Tonight, we’ll get to take our first* look at the 2018/19 version of the Hilltopper and Lady Topper clubs.
*We, of course, had our first look at Stansbury’s Squad last week at Pro Day. But this will be the first time they get to strut their stuff in front of fans!
There’s a lot to be excited about, for both squads, as it’s a continuation of success for one side and the start of a new era for another.
With that in mind, what are the most intriguing things headed into the night? Well, I can’t completely answer that for you, but I can tell you what I’ll be watching for tonight.
Or, at least, what I would be watching for if I could be in attendance. You get the point.
Paint Presence
It’s going to be a refrain that you’re tired of hearing but it can’t be overstated; the Hilltoppers lost a lot of size and production from last year in Dwight Coleby and Justin Johnson. But, that doesn’t mean they’re dead in the water, especially with reclassified five-star center Charles Bassey and grad transfer Desean Murray who’ll look to be the next big men up.
It’s real simple here: How do those two look in red jerseys on both ends of the floor? Is Bassey as electric and game changing as we’ve heard? Is Murray ready to help lead the Tops like he led Auburn to a program- year last year? I can’t wait to see what each brings.
Year Two’s
Josh Anderson, Taveion Hollingsworth, Marek Nelson and Jake Ohmer return for their second year in 2018/19 and their impact on the floor last year, all at different points, cannot be overstated. Anderson’s coming out party at Marshall, Ohmer’s early-season heroics from deep, Nelson’s electricity and Taveion being Taveion all set up promising futures for the quartet.
So, how do they look heading into year two?
Red Zone Radio’s Troy Browning said Taveion looks like he’s gotten more athletic from last season to this one, said Anderson has improved his shot and that Marek hasn’t missed a step. Hopefully Ohmer has improved on his accuracy from deep, too.
A sophomore slump is not what any of these four need if the Toppers are primed for a tournament run.
New Blood
Take the aforementioned Bassey out of the conversation and there’s a lot to like about the incoming class: Tolu Smith, Dalano Banton and Matthew Horton will show Topper fans what they’re all about tonight as well (Jeremiah Gambrell is sidelined due to surgery until January).
Combinations
This is always the most interesting part of the night, to me anyway, is the combinations used on the floor. Who will be playing with who? Who clicks? Who doesn’t? Granted, there’s not usually a lot to really takeaway from events like this, but last year’s event showed just how electric the team could be and I expect nothing different tonight.
Dawn of a New Era
Let’s not forget, the Lady Toppers will be taking the floor this evening as well! And, it’ll be the first time we see the Lady Tops under Greg Collins after Michelle Clark-Herd left for Cincinnati. Basically; what is this Lady Topper team? Who is the leader? Who is the go-to? What do the newcomers have? All of the questions that come natural with not only the departure of a head coach, but also two program greats in Tashia Brown and Ivy Brown.
For all of you who are able to be in attendance tonight, I’m sorely jealous. If you think of it, shoot some photos or video and send them our way! And, as always, let us know you’re impressions of this year’s team.