It is going to be here before you know it. The college basketball season is right around the corner and Phenom Hoops wants to take their shot at previewing teams around the country for this upcoming season. All throughout the upcoming weeks, we will be previewing teams for this upcoming season, so be sure to check out all the latest talk.
La Salle Explorers
2020-21 Season:
Record: 9-16 (6-11 A-10)
Points per game: 68.1
Rebounds per game: 33.2
Assists per game: 12.7
Points allowed: 73.5
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Jack Clark (9.9)
Assists per game: Jhamir Brickus (3.4)
Field goal percentage: Christian Ray (50.3)
Production returns but who takes the next step with their game'
La Salle didn't have a player average double-figures last year, with nine players averaging between 5.9-9.9 points per game. Six of those players return, including their top three scorers. A guard-oriented team, Jack Clark led the way while Sherif Kenney and Jhamir Brickus also return. Clark and Kenney could see an improvement with their shooting and overall, those three will need to see an improvement from three with the three shooting a combined 31.4 percent from behind the arc. Overall, as a team though, many of those players played in meaningful minutes and earned valuable experience but it will be interesting to see which players elevate their play this season.
Second season in the program, who are ones to watch
There are two players that should be players to watch for the Explorers, but of course, others could pop up as well. But the two that I'll have my eyes on is sophomore Anwar Gill, the 6'4 guard that played in 22 games, started four, and averaged 19.6 minutes. Gill averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. With a season under his belt for the Montverde product, Gill could step up and replace minutes and production from a few other loses at guard. The other player to watch is Clifton Moore, a transfer from Indiana and now having a season under his belt, Moore could be in for a breakout-type season. A former Top-100 prospect coming out of high school, Moore showcased his ability to be a shot-blocker but will need to elevate his offensive production.
New names to the program
The Explorers welcome in a few new names with their freshmen class, as well as an intriguing transfer. Josh Nickelberry is a transfer from Louisville, one that appeared in 24 games but saw limited action and faced some injuries. But coming into the Louisville program, Nickelberry showcased to be a prolific scorer at the high school level and hopes to bring that to La Salle. Another prospect coming in, this time a freshman, Khalil Brantley is another one to watch that brings a terrific scoring power to the court. He averaged 34.2 points per game as a junior and time after time this summer, Brantley showed that he can score the ball incredibly well and plays hard on the floor; he has that 'it' factor and plays with something to prove.
