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Richmond Basketball: 2021-22 season preview for the Spiders

By Jake Verboven

Nov 27, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Richmond Spiders forward Grant Golden (33) talks to a referee after receiving a technical foul in the first half against Morehead State at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2020; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Richmond Spiders forward Grant Golden (33) talks to a referee after receiving a technical foul in the first half against Morehead State at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Richmond Basketball Chris Mooney Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Richmond Basketball Chris Mooney Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Games

The A-10 isn’t going to be easy, and Mooney didn’t shy away from playing high major competition in the non-conference slate. Richmond is going to have to be ready from November 9th on if this veteran group of guys wants to go dancing in March.

NC Central (November 9th)

LeVelle Moton has his team as the favorite again out of the MEAC. The slow-paced, hard-nosed defensive style that the Eagles run never makes it easy for their opponents. It will be a real test to start the year.

Drake (November 20th)

Even with the loss of Joseph Yesufu, Drake should be the team to beat in the Missouri Valley. They bring everyone else back, plus more. This will be a battle of two of the best mid-majors in college basketball.

Baha Mar Hoops Bahamas Championship (November 25-27th)

In this tournament, the Spiders will begin by taking on a top 30ish team in the Maryland Terrapins. Lots of changes to their roster, but the incoming transfers along with the return of Eric Ayala keeps this a tournament team. Richmond would then take on either Louisville or Mississippi State, two squads who should also be heading to the NCAA tournament.

Northern Iowa (December 5th)

Northern Iowa had high hopes coming into last year, however, they were quickly crushed when their star A.J Green went down with a season-ending injury. Green is back, healthy, and one of the best players in the Missouri Valley. His absence forced a lot of young players into bigger roles, preparing them for 2021-22.

NC State (December 17th)

The Pack had some key departures, but Kevin Keatts will have his team ready again in 2021-22. He brings back 3 of his top 5 scorers and adds a big transfer in Virginia’s Casey Morsell. The Spiders will get a good test with the size and speed of ACC competition before heading into A-10 play.

Full Non-Conference Schedule

November 9 vs NC Central
November 12 vs Utah State (Annapolis, Md.)
November 16 vs Georgia State
November 20 at Drake
November 22 vs Hofstra
November 25 vs Maryland (Nassau, Bahamas)
November 27 vs Louisville/Mississippi St (Nassau, Bahamas)
December 1 at Wofford
December 5 at Northern Iowa
December 11 vs Toledo
December 17 vs NC State (Charlotte, N.C.)
December 19 vs Old Dominion
December 22 vs Bucknell

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