Busting Brackets
Fansided

AAC Basketball: Breaking down the stars on each team in the conference

By Lukas Harkins

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 13: Adams and Jeremiah Martin. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 13: Adams and Jeremiah Martin. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – DECEMBER 06: Kentrell Barkley (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – DECEMBER 06: Kentrell Barkley (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

East Carolina Pirates – JR Kentrell Barkley

Although East Carolina went just 6-12 in AAC play last season, there is hope for the program moving forward. Kentrell Barkley was the team’s star a season ago and he will take on that role again this season. As a sophomore in 2016-17, Barkley averaged 13.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. As a 6’5″ guard, it is his rebounding ability that makes him stand out on the court.

Barkley has excellent size as a guard and he does a great job finding the ball after it caroms off the rim. On both ends of the floor, Barkley is an aggressive player. This aggressive play allows him to rebound as well as get to the free throw line quite often. With 188 total attempts, Barkley was third in the conference in free throw attempts last season.

This season, the Pirates will rely on Barkley and sophomore Jeremy Shephard as they attempt to move up the conference standings. East Carolina has not made the NCAA Tournament since 1993 and they have just two winning seasons this century.

With Barkley leading the way this season, they could possibly improve on their 15-18 record from last season and play in their first postseason tournament (CIT) since 2014.