Atlantic 10 Basketball: Breaking down each program’s 2018 recruiting class
By Stu Luddecke
George Washington Colonials
The Colonials took a big hit in terms of departures after what was already a tough season. The most painful loss that they’ll feel is undoubtedly Yuta Watanabe (now a Memphis Grizzly), the matchup nightmare that could lock down the opponent’s best player, regardless of position. They also lost Jair Bolden (11 points per game) to transfer, and graduated Patrick Steeves (10 ppg), and Bo Zeigler (7 ppg).
The Colonials are often picked to finish in the bottom 4 of the conference, and looking at those departures, that’s a sensible prediction. Of all the consensus “bottom of the barrel teams” however, I think they have the best chance of surprising people and snagging a first-round bye in the A10 tournament. One reason for that is the incoming and returning talent with transfers like DJ Williams (Illinois) and Armel Potter (13 ppg at Charleston Southern) set to join returnees Terry Nolan Jr. and Arnaldo Toro.
Another reason for my optimism about GW, however, is their freshmen. Shandon Brown, the #54 point guard nationally, is possibly the best scorer of all the point guards entering the A10. He’ll form an electric backcourt tandem with Nolan Jr., whether it’s in a starting role or in relief for Potter. Mezie Offurum, the high flying wing who turned down offers from Maryland and Indiana, should make an immediate impact on the Colonials’ thin wing. His length (6’6″) and strength could also allow him to play the 4 in smaller lineups. Finally, Marcus Littles is about as rock-solid as they come at center. He has nice offensive touch around the rim, and his shot-blocking and rebounding will allow the relatively small (even for the A10) Colonials to not get abused in the paint.
Between those seven players mentioned, Coach Maurice Joseph will have some interesting and exciting line-up options with plenty of talent to work with. If they can figure out their depth issues and get a couple of last year’s bench players to contribute, I feel good about my prediction that the Colonials will exceed expectations.