UC Irvine Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Anteaters

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Evan Leonard #14 of the UC Irvine Anteaters dribbles the ball past Cartier Diarra #2 of the Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

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SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: UC Irvine Anteaters fans cheer in the second half against the Oregon Ducks during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 24, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

Key Reserves

John Edgar Jr. | F | 6’5 | 215 | Senior

In his Junior season in 2018-19, John Edgar Jr. brought a lot of depth to this talented UC Irvine front court. He was given just over 20 minutes per contest and averaged 6.4 ppg and 3.0 rpg. I do not think he will be given the start this year, but nonetheless, he will be even more important to UC Irvine’s success.

Brad Greene | C | 6’11 | 270 | Redshirt Junior

Brad Greene saw some decent minutes for the Anteaters back in 2016-17 and 2017-18. He is a solid defender and his good size lends to more offensive depth for UC Irvine. As a Junior last year, he was redshirted and did not play. With him now back this season, UC Irvine will have another good option down low. I expect to see Brad Greene play a large role in his return and get lots of minutes.

Jeron Artest | G | 6’3 | 185 | Freshman

Jeron Artest is a Freshman out of Scottsdale, Arizona, and was a 3 star recruit, per 247Sports. As the son of Metta World Peace, Artest is continuing the trend of UC Irvine having quite a few players from NBA lineages. I feel like he will be a competitor right from the start. I can definitely see him being the guy to answer some of the questions concerning their backcourt depth in 2019-20. Russell Turner will definitely use him early.