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.
Richmond Spiders
2020-21 Season:
Record: 14-9 (6-5 A-10)
Points per game: 74.7
Rebounds per game: 30.1
Assists per game: 14.2
Points allowed: 69.0
Top Performers 2020-21:
Points per game: Blake Francis (16.1)
Assists per game: Jacob Gilyard (5.0)
Field goal percentage: Grant Golden (56.2)
Returning some firepower
Last year, the Spiders had five players that averaged double figures with most of them averaging over 30 minutes of playing time. Four of those players return as Grant Golden, Jacob Gilyard, Nathan Cayo, and Tyler Burton all coming back this season. The only player Richmond really lost was Blake Francis who led the team in scoring at 16.1 points but they also will be getting back Nick Sherod after missing all last season due to an ACL tear; he averaged 12.7 points per game in 19-20. So, there will be plenty of firepower returning this season and a nice balance of inside and out play for the Spiders once again. But there still is one question that remains'
Who takes the next step in their game to provide more balance
After the five players that averaged double-figures last year, there was a drop-off in production from the others. Only three other players (that played more than five games) averaged double-figure minutes and no one averaged more than five points per game. If there could be more balanced with this team and production off the bench, Richmond could rack up a few more wins. Connor Crabtree looks to return after missing most of the season with a fracture in his foot. Seniors Andre Gustavson, Matt Grace, and Souleymane Koureissi all return as well, all of which averaged double-figure minutes but can they bring more production in those minutes' Then you have other players like Dji Bailey, Isaiah Wilson, and others that will have a year under their belt and can help provide more depth. But the key will be if these can provide more production and take some pressure off the starters averaging over 30 minutes a game.
Tough Schedule
Outside of playing in a very interesting A-10 that always seems to be tough, the Spiders will also have a fun non-conference schedule as well that should attract some eyes. Starting off vs. NC Central at home, they will also have Utah State in the Veterans Classic, Georgia State (who went 16-6 last year), Drake (who went 26-5 last year), and then end the month against Maryland and Louisville/Miss St in the Baha Mar Hoops Championship. Then you also have matchups against Wofford and Northern Iowa on the road in December, as well as a matchup against NC State in Charlotte. It certainly isn't an easy schedule for the Spiders but one that should help them prepare for conference play and if they can snag some wins, will certainly help their resume.
