With experience being on Saint Louis Basketball’s roster in 2020-21, this could be their opportunity to take control of the conference.
Although the Billikens got off to a relatively slow start in Atlantic 10 play last year, they managed to catch fire down the stretch and win six of their final seven conference games. What attributed to Saint Louis Basketball’s lackadaisical play from early January to early February?
Well, their refusal to lock in on the offensive end, and consistently get the ball inside to their physical big men (or have their guards attack the basket), before even thinking about taking long-distance threes, is what slowed down their offensive production.
Saint Louis wasn’t a particularly effective three-point shooting team last year, as they shot 34.0% from downtown. When the Billikens realized that getting more paint touches, would help get them cleaner looks from behind the arc (or a few steps inside the arc, depending on how defenders closed out on them), they didn’t have to worry as much, about trying to play catch-up.
Billiken fans should be relieved that Jordan Goodwin and Hasahn French decided to return to Saint Louis for their senior seasons (after testing the NBA waters) because they are two guys that the Billikens are able to look to when points are hard to come by. They are also two guys who have experience and understand what it takes to reach the NCAA Tournament.
Sure, they have their share of flaws, but their devotion to playing a gritty, and tenacious brand of basketball, is a big reason why I think that the Billikens, will be the team to beat in the Atlantic 10 conference this year.
The play of Javonte Perkins (who scored 15 or more points 17 times last season, while coming off the bench), was also enormous last season. Although he has starting level talent, he was content with playing his role beautifully and providing the Billikens with quick and moderately efficient scoring.
Saint Louis’s 2019-20 overall record and conference record weren’t too shabby, as they finished 23-8 overall, and 12-6 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. It is important to keep in mind that the Billikens were able to achieve this record, despite frequently playing mediocre basketball.
I believe that because the Billikens were starting to build major chemistry toward the end of last season, and will have all of the motivation in the world, to sustain their high level of play for an entire season, you will see an improved version of the 2019-20 squad this year.
Do you still want to know more, about why I am so high on Saint Louis basketball this year? Well, if you elect to stick around, and check out the rest of this article, you will find out why I like the Billikens 2020-21 roster, what I think about their current schedule, and why I think the Billikens could potentially have a memorable 2020-21 season.