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George Mason Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Patriots

By Stu Luddecke

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: Head coach Dave Paulsen of the George Mason Patriots looks on against the Saint Joseph's Hawks during the first half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 09: Head coach Dave Paulsen of the George Mason Patriots looks on against the Saint Joseph's Hawks during the first half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Justin Kier #1 and AJ Wilson #12 of the George Mason Patriots celebrate against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks during the first half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Justin Kier #1 and AJ Wilson #12 of the George Mason Patriots celebrate against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks during the first half in the Quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 9, 2018 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

Ian Boyd: Even though he came off the bench, “Icebox” (not his official nickname, but it has a nice ring to it) Boyd was one of the biggest reasons for last year’s 5th place finish. In consecutive games against VCU, UMass, and St. Joe’s, he hit game-winning buzzer-beaters. Had the Patriots lost those three games, they would have been 6-12 in conference play and a bottom-4 team heading into the A10 Tournament. While Boyd was undoubtedly clutch, he was also one of the team’s most reliable options off the bench (8 points, 4 rebounds per game). There’s no reason for that to change this season.

Greg Calixte: Calixte has a sturdy 6’8″ 230 lb. frame and is tough on the glass, averaging 4 rebounds in his 18 minutes per game last season. Paulsen started him at center for the second half of last season, and while it’s likely that Jarred Reuter will now have that job, Calixte may still get the nod over the much lankier Mar at the 4 if the Patriots need more interior defense. Either way, whether as a starter or off the bench, Calixte will see plenty of minutes. He’s earned Paulsen’s trust.

Javon Greene: Just like he was as a freshman, Greene should again be Paulsen’s top choice for relieving Otis Livingston. He has a lot to improve on, but he also showed promise as a reliable defender who shot better than 50% from the field (51.7%).

AJ Wilson: Wilson is yet another sophomore on this young Patriot team that showed potential in his first season. Although he played just 12 minutes per game, he made his mark by averaging 4, points, 3 rebounds, and a block each time out. He also came up big in some crucial moments for the Patriots – grabbing 7 offensive rebounds against UMass to help them advance to the third round of the A10 tournament, for example.

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