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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 Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /

Outlook

If it wasn’t for the pandemic, Richmond would have likely heard their name on Selection Sunday in 2020. That brought about high expectations for the 2020-21 season, where the Spiders fell short after a promising start to the season. Now it’s 2021-22, and Chris Mooney has one last year to make it happen with the guys who have fought so hard to play in March.

The core remains mostly the same, but the Spiders will still have to adjust without leading scorer Blake Francis and adding Nick Sherod back into the mix. Chris Mooney’s squad will require Gilyard to return to his efficient shooting ways, and Tyler Burton to take yet another big step. I think the return of Connor Crabtree will also be even more important than most think.

It won’t be easy, and the A-10 has a bunch of mid-tier teams capable of ruining the Spiders tournament resume, yet I think they find a way to finish the job. The super seniors know the magnitude of the moment, and won’t let another disappointing season happen in Richmond.

Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2021-22. dark

Chris Mooney should have this team firmly behind St. Bonaventure in the A-10, playing in March.

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