1) Dayton has legitimate second-weekend potential
Dayton has long been one of the premier mid-major programs in the country, so them being good isn’t exactly news. The fact that the Flyers are this good, however, certainly is.
They had a player on the NBA radar in 6-9 forward Obi Toppin and entered the Maui Invitational with a 3-0 record, but they hadn’t played anyone of consequence.
In Maui, the Flyers immediately announced their presence on the national stage with blowout wins over Georgia and Virginia Tech in games that weren’t even as close as the 80-61 and 89-62 final scores indicated. Then came the showdown against Kansas and, in what was one of the games of the season so far, came up short in overtime.
Toppin was the star of the run as he outplayed potential No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards of Georgia with a 25-point performance, which he followed with a 24-point, eight-rebound outing against the Hokies and an 18-point, nine-rebound, three-block game against the Jayhawks. His ability to make shots from the perimeter beat opponents off the dribble, and produce at an incredibly efficient rate has pushed his NBA Draft stock well into the lottery.
This Obi Toppin stare down of the Kansas bench after stepping back and before hitting the 3 is one of the coldest things I've ever seen. pic.twitter.com/euE2ArKFd2
— A10 Talk (@A10Talk) November 27, 2019
The biggest thing Dayton proved, however, was that they’re not a one-man show. They got major contributions from everyone in the rotation in Maui. Ryan Mikesell led the Flyers with 19 points against Kansas, Jalen Crutcher hit the three that forced overtime against Kansas and had 20 points against Georgia, and both Ibi Watson and Trey Landers each scored in double figures in Maui.
As a group, the Flyers showed why they rank in the top five in the country in offensive efficiency, and the currently lead the nation in effective field goal percentage.
With a legitimate superstar, and reliable supporting cast, and one of the nation’s best offenses, Dayton has shown they can play with anyone in the country. They will be rewarded with a high ranking on Monday because of it – and it should push them to at least the Sweet 16 once March rolls around.