The bad news? UD’s matchup with George Washington is a Friday night game, which conjures up memories of high school. All we need is a few cases of smuggled beer, someone’s empty basement and at least two girls crying at all times. If the night ends with a bunch of guys wrestling shirtless in the drive-thru line at Wendy’s, our time travel would be complete.
The good news? George Washington is fun again. The Colonials went back to what works and are once again built like a Model UN Team, and success has followed. With key players from exotic locales like Denmark, Japan, Argentina and Maine, GW is once again a xenophobe’s worst nightmare. Nigerian warlord Yinka Dare approves.
The Colonials, coming off a NCAA Tournament appearance, were picked second in this year’s A10 Preseason Poll, a spot behind VCU and just in front of your Dayton Flyers. GW started A10 play with a bang, winning six of their first seven league games. However, the past two games, at VCU and Rhode Island, ended up in the loss column and George Washington (now 6-3 in the conference) is looking to get off the schneid.
GW is very comfortable at home this season, a perfect 9-0, and Dayton is going have to play the part of the drug-addled drifter, armed with just a hammer, breaking into the Colonials’ seemingly impenetrable abode with violent intentions. Hopefully they will be cleaning the blood off the ceilings of the Smith Center after Friday night’s contest, glorious streams of crimson racing down the sides of Archie Miller’s maniacally smiling face.
Mike Lonergan’s team lacks depth, but returns three starters from last year’s 24-9 team. The Colonials have one of the league’s best defenses, allowing just 59.9 points per game. GW has decent size and is the league’s top rebounding squad. They feature the slowest offensive pace in the Atlantic Ten, averaging a league-low 61.8 possessions per game. George Washington’s thin bench and lack of athleticism forces them to excel in the half-court game on offense.
Kevin Larsen • F (6’10″/247) • Jr.
10.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.4 bpg
The A10’s Most Improved Player last season, going to be a tough challenge for UD inside.
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Patricio Garino • G (6’6″/211) • Jr.
13.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 55% fg
“Garino is not outstanding in any one area, but good at almost everything.” There you go.
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Joe McDonald • G (6’1″/184) • Jr.
9.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.1 apg
Vastly underrated point-guard, a ridiculous rebounder for his size.
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Kethan Savage • G (6’3″/200) • So.
12.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.6 apg
Missed half of last season, GW’s most athletic player.
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John Kopriva • F (6’8″/214) • Sr.
6.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg
Role player, stays out of everyone’s way and has the ability to knock down shots.
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Yuta Watanabe • F (6’8″/200) • Fr.
7.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg
Skilled, needs to put on weight. Has kamikaze tendencies. Tells parents he goes to Yale.
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Paul Jorgensen • G (6’2″/180) • Fr.
2.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg
McDonald’s backup, steady with the ball in his hands.
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Nick Griffin • G (6’2″/173) • So.
3.3 ppg, 38% 3fg, 83% ft
Team’s best perimeter shooter and their worst defender.
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Dudes, it’s gonna look like the Wonderland Murders once Archie and Co. leave the nation’s capital. Kendall Pollard is going to be wiping brain matter off the bottom of his shoes. UD wins, 71-63.
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