WEIS WORDS
By John Weis (’94)
Tonight’s Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs
2021-2022 Record: 17-15 (8-8 Big South Conference)
Coach: Mike Morrell (5th Season; 46-68 Record)
Postseason: CBI (Lost to Northern Colorado in Second Round)
Opening Tip: 8:00. Addition Financial Arena (TV: ESPN Plus)
Opponent at a Glance
The UNC Asheville Bulldogs roll into town fresh off their best season in Coach Mike Morrell’s career at UNCA, and an even better season could be in the works as they return four starters and have added some additional talent via the transfer portal. In what will be his fifth year at the helm, Morrell has a wealth of experienced players at his disposal.
This year’s team should revolve around Senior center Drew Pember, the Preseason Big South Player of the Year. Last season, the 6’10” big man netted 17.7 points per game while finishing sixth in the nation in blocked shots per game at 3.0. He also shot an impressive 86% from the free throw line.
A Second-Team Preseason All-Big South selection is 6’5” Senior guard Tajion Jones, who averaged 12.8 points per game last season while shooting 39.3% from three-point range. Other returning starters are Senior forward Jamon Battle (8.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 54% FG pct); and Senior guard Trent Stephney (7.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.4 apg).
Additional help is on the way in the form of transfers Caleb Burgess (Hofstra); Fletcher Abee (Citadel); Alex Caldwell (NC Central); Nick McMullen (Murray State); and Amadou Sylia (Tennessee Tech).
Their lone key loss from last season is point guard LJ Thorpe, who averaged 14.1 points per game and led the team in assists, while connecting at a 40-percent clip from three-point range.
Outlook
“We have a lot of new faces. I’m looking forward to playing someone else,” said UCF coach Johnny Dawkins at the conclusion of his team’s preseason preparation. He gets his wish tonight as the Knights will make their 2022-2023 debut in front of their home fans.
Unless you are a die-hard college basketball fan, your first reaction to UCF’s season-opening opponent might be, “Who?” You also may expect an easy win for the Knights. But as Lee Corso might say, “Not so fast, my friend!”
Picked to finish third in the Big South, UNCA is a talented team with a great deal of senior leadership, and last year’s postseason experience certainly has increased their level of confidence. If the Knights do not keep the multi-talented Pember in check, they will likely be in for a fight.
John Weis is a freelance Writing/PR professional. His company, Weis Words, serves national clients such as advertising agencies, public relations firms and sports organizations, as well as small businesses and private individuals. A native Central Floridian and basketball enthusiast, he spent six seasons as Broadcast Coordinator for the Orlando Magic Radio Network early in his career. He graduated from UCF in 1994 with a degree in Communications and can’t wait for the Knights to move to the Big XII.
It’s about time UCF basketball starts to get some recognition. Shout out to John Weis for putting this together and really looking forward to seeing how this program can build for years to come great work!