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Patriot League Basketball: Early look at American University for 2020-21 season

By Marcus Washington

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Sa'eed Nelson #0 of the American Eagles is introduced before a college basketball game against the Army Black Knights at Bender Arena on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 08: Sa'eed Nelson #0 of the American Eagles is introduced before a college basketball game against the Army Black Knights at Bender Arena on February 8, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Patriot League Basketball squad American University looks to replace critical pieces from the 2019-20 season.

American Head Coach, Mike Brennan, couldn’t have asked for a better regular season this past campaign. His Eagles finished second in Patriot League Basketball and, senior Sa’eed Nelson became the all-time leader scoring in AU history.

Unfortunately, American’s season came to a screeching halt with a home loss to Bucknell in the Patriot League tournament.

Key Losses

The biggest loss is Nelson. Not only is he the school’s leading scorer but he was critical to the Eagles transition game because he was such a good rebounder. Nelson averaged 5.1 rebounds per game-tying him for first on the team. He also led the team in assists.

Nelson started his entire career at AU. Replacing him will be Brennan’s biggest challenge.

Fellow senior, Mark Gasperini, will be moving on as a Grad transfer. Gasperini’s AU career was up and down between his injuries and up and down performances. There were times when Gasperini had problems staying out of foul trouble.

AU’s other primary big man, Yilret Yiljep will be a loss due to graduation.

Currently, Jacob Boonyasith (sophomore) is in the transfer portal. Freshman Kelton Samore (Seattle Pacific) and sophomore Jack Sorenson (Augsburg College) have transferred.

Additions

Colin Smalls 6′ 0″ – Upper Marlboro, MD  (St Andrew’s Episcopal)

Matt Rogers 6′ 8″ – Hagerstown, MD (St. Maria Goretti)

Johnny O’Neil 6′ 8″ – Hollywood, FL (Chaminade Madonna)

Keys to 20-21:

Replacing Nelson is the biggest challenge but AU will also need to replace the combination of Gasperini and Yiljep in the paint. Josh Alexander will need to make a significant jump in all of the major statistical category.

dark. Next. 10 teams hurt by no NCAA Tournament

On the perimeter, the Eagles will be strong on both ends with Stacy Beckton Jr. (Patriot League All-Defensive team), Jamir Harris (second on the team in scoring), and Connor Nelson.