Buffalo Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bulls

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Montell McRae #1 of the Buffalo Bulls reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: The Kentucky Wildcats mascot performs against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

JR Dontay Caruthers

If Buffalo opts to go the small-ball route, Caruthers would have a great chance to start on the perimeter. He averaged 6.7 ppg in 18 mpg off the bench on an incredibly efficient 60% field goal shooting. The 6’1 guard also can dish out the ball well and will be a key piece on the 2019-20 team.

SO Jayvon Graves

Even with Clark gone, Buffalo’s guard depth still rises about the rest of the MAC, with players like Graves on the bench. As a sophomore, the 6’3 guard averaged 14 ppg per 40 minutes. Look for him to get around 20 mpg as a reserve this season as a scoring upgrade to Jordan when he goes on the court.

SO Brock Bertram

At 6’11 and over 250-pounds, Bertram is another frontcourt option in case Buffalo decides to go big. He played in just half the team’s games and essentially played garbage time but there is a chance for him to earn more minutes.

JR Tra’Von Fagan

The 6’8 forward is a JUCO transfer that will play a much bigger role next season after Harris and Perkins depart. Fagan averaged around 10.0 ppg and 7.0 rpg last season and provides another athletic body for the Bulls.

FR Jeenathan Williams

One of the greatest recruiting victories for the program, Williams is a four-star prospect that can play multiple positions. At 6’5 and over 200-pounds, the freshman wing will be pivotal for future Bulls teams, even if he doesn’t play a huge role this season. Still, his commitment was a monumental win for a team looking to solidify their standing at the top of the MAC.