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Big South Basketball: In-depth look at Hampton Pirates star Benjamin Stanley

By Bryan Mauro

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 17: The NIKE shoes worn by the Hampton Pirates are seen in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 17, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 17: The NIKE shoes worn by the Hampton Pirates are seen in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PNC Arena on March 17, 2016 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Hampton Pirates (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 17: The Hampton Pirates (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Expectations for Stanley in 2020-21

The Pirates have not been to the NCAA tournament in four seasons and that is their longest drought under current head coach Edward Joyner. As mentioned the Pirates were playing their best basketball at the end of last year and made a run to the Big South tournament finals.  The team has most of their roster returning but Stanley is good enough for him to carry the team and be the focal point of the offense. Much like last season Hampton is hoping a second player turns into a star to help Stanley pick up the slack.

The Big South is lacking star power this year other than Stanley. Carlik Jones from Radford left as a transfer as did Gardner-Webb star Jose Perez. Those players were the biggest threats for the junior forward and his quest to be the Big South player of the year. He goes into the season as the favorite to win that award and only a few are going to be able to challenge him for the crown. Stanley is the best player in the league and without the normal star power in the Big South he can further distance himself from the second-best player.

The Pirates are entering the season with great momentum followed by their run to the Big South title game, knowing they were so close is going to motivation for the upcoming season. Hampton as a team is going to be considered one of the favorites in the Big South. Stanley is a player who has the game and the ability to play professionally.

Next. Early mid-major power rankings for 2020-21. dark

With a good season it will be interesting to see if Stanley puts his name into the NBA draft to get evaluated. The Pirates star is ready for a big season and he is hoping to break the NCAA tournament drought for Hampton.