College Basketball will be quickly approaching, and Phenom Hoops simply can’t wait as we continue to talk about teams around the country and of interest here locally. The Mountaineers were the talk of the state last year here in North Carolina, as they finished the season 27-7 overall, they went 15-0 at home and made an appearance in the NIT against Wake Forest before falling. This was a team that had some strong talent all around to go with veterans, but now they may be looking quite a bit different. So who may be the guys to step up and hope to continue the success this year' We dive into our thoughts.
Returning Players
Senior Myles Tate
Tate was able to take advantage of his minutes and played well overall, playing in all 34 games and starting six of them. He averaged 23.8 minutes per game and showcased his ability to be an effective guard and one that can really help control the offense. He shot the ball well overall from the floor, creating off the bounce and scoring but he could continue to improve with his perimeter shooting, only knocking down 29 percent from behind the arc. Tate is a veteran who understands what is needed, and he should be that guy who helps lead the charge this season.
Gr. CJ Huntley
Another key piece that will really help the Mountaineers this season will be the return of Huntley, a veteran big man who understands what is needed from him and can help both offensively and defensively. He played in 34 games as well and averaged 22.5 minutes per game, displaying on several occasions to be an effective option with length around the basket and at the rim as well as a defensive presence that made this team tough last year, especially in altering shots.
New Players to Watch
Gr. Jackson Threadgill
Threadgill continues to stay in North Carolina and is now suiting up for the Mountaineers, and he has plenty of experience to back up his play. He started in 73 games at Charlotte and is one that was able to provide meaningful minutes for the 49ers. The 6’6 prospect can be effective in a variety of areas on the court and brings versatility, but he is one who has a chance to show more of his offensive capabilities with this new roster. He averaged 5.7 points throughout his career but Appalachian State would like nothing more than to see an uptick in that area with so many new faces.
Jr. Jamil Muttilib
A 6’6 prospect from Kilgore, Muttilib is a junior college product that certainly showed his ability to be an offensive weapon for his team. He averaged 19.2 points per game last year, showing his ability to fill it up from multiple levels. He was a hot target for many schools this past season and deservingly so, and with his ability to score off the bounce, use his 6’6 frame well, and ability to knock down shots from outside to go along with a team looking to replace offensive production, Muttilib could be that guy.
Sr. Jalil Beaubrun
The Mountaineers certainly liked their size and Beaubrun comes in from Stephen F. Austin and provides that as he stands around 6’10. He started in 21 of 33 games last year for SFA, and showed that he can be a strong and physical force as well as the ability to pop out at times. He averaged 8.0 points per game and really was effective in his minutes on the boards, so I’m sure he will be able to help carve out minutes with his activity for Appalachian State.
Incoming Freshmen
Appalachian State was able to secure multiple guards this past recruiting period as 6’0 Jason Clarke, 6’3 Anthony Alston, 6’4 Jonah Long, and 6’3 Cameron O’Kelley all join the roster this upcoming season. And they will also be welcoming in forward Michael Marcus Jr., a familiar face here in North Carolina as he looks to be a local piece looking to make his mark around the paint and ability to pop out at times. Though it is early and things always could change with incoming freshmen, Clarke would be one I would watch as the 6’1 guard can make an impact on both sides, shows good vision and feel, and has shown he can be a threat as a leader on the court.