College basketball is almost here that you can almost taste it. In just a few weeks, teams from around the country will kick off the 2019-2020 season of college basketball. Phenom Hoop Report will be all around checking in on talent but our season started off a little early on Friday night.
We headed to Halton Arena for an early treat as Charlotte and Georgia matched up for an exhibition game, getting an early preview of several Phenom Alums and one of the top prospects in the country in freshman Anthony Edwards.
Game Recap:
1st Half: Charlotte struggled early in finding their offense, as the speed and size for Georgia seemed to be a little too much early on. The Georgia guards attacked the paint time-and-time again, getting to the paint but also creating for teammates. The energy though started to pick up midway through for the 49ers, as Charlotte started to make a run (15-0) of their own to get back into the game. One of the biggest factors in the first half was on the defensive end for the 49ers, creating 12 turnovers en route to 17 points. Both teams shot the ball ok in the first half but really were able to gather points from the free-throw line.
Halftime: Charlotte 37 – Georgia 33
2nd Half: The offense started to pick up for both sides, as shots (inside and out) started to fall. Georgia was able to get back on track offensively, shooting 53 percent in the first 10 minutes of action. It was all about the guards though in the second half. Jordan Shepherd and Jahmir Young stepped up scoring-wise but it was Tyree Crump and Anthony Edwards made just a few more plays. Charlotte struggled down the final minutes, as Georgia finished the game off with a 12-1 run.
Final: Georgia 77-Charlotte 69
Standouts:
Charlotte:
Guard Jordan Shepherd: Shepherd played really well today, handling the pressure and speed from Georgia but also showcasing his strength he has noticeably worked on. He read defenders, picked his openings and finished strong. (Stats: 16 points, 5 assists)
Forward Milos Supica: The stretch forward started out well but cooled off in the second half. Still though, his versatility on the floor in an offense that shows constant ball movement will be a benefit this season. (Stats: 9 points, 5 rebounds)
Guard Jahmir Young: Young played really well for a freshman. He has really good athleticism for a guard at 6'1, which he used to rise up on his jumpers and around the rim. He also did a lot of the little things on the court, leading the team in rebounds with 7. (Stats: 14 points, 7 rebounds)
Georgia:
Guard Tyree Crump: Crump came up big, especially knocking down multiple tough 3-pointers. He knocked down 64 three's last year and continued to show he will be a big-time outside threat for the Bulldogs this year. (Stats: 19 points, 5 3-pointers, 7 rebounds)
Guard Anthony Edwards: It took him a little while to get going but he found his game in the second half. His ability to use his size and strength, as well as score on all three levels was something to watch. What he showed in the second half was impressive, especially when in attack mode. (Stats: 15 points)
Wing Christian Brown: For a freshman, Brown didn't shy away from the bright lights. He was productive, especially on the offensive end, knocking down an open three but also using that athleticism/ length that we saw in high school to rise up and finish strong at the rim or get fouled. (Stats: 14 points, 3 rebounds)