Mid-Major Basketball: Robert Morris and UTSA lose leading scorers
Two Mid-major basketball teams lost their leading scorers this week. What does that mean for the programs moving forward?
Both UTSA and Robert Morris confirmed the departure of their leading scorers on Thursday after noticeable absences. UTSA confirmed that Dhieu Deing has left the program to “pursue professional basketball opportunities,” per UTSA athletics.
Deing averaged 15.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in 13 games for the Roadrunners this season. He also ranked third in Conference USA in usage rating, meaning that his role in the team’s offense will not be easily replaced. The 6-5 guard will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility to play professionally.
Robert Morris confirmed that G Rasheem Dunn has left the program, although we were given no particular motive behind this decision, contrary to the situation with Deing and UTSA. Dunn averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 12 games, leading the Colonials in all three categories.
Dunn spent his first two seasons at St. Francis NY before playing the last two seasons at St. John’s. Dunn’s departure means that he has forgone his final year of collegiate eligibility.
As for the impact both players’ decisions will have on their former teams, UTSA is now 4-7 against Division I competition on the season and 0-2 in league play after Thursday’s home loss to Southern Miss. Deing’s departure could solidify the Roadrunners as the worst team in Conference USA this season.
Robert Morris is 1-11 on the season and 0-4 in Horizon League play. The Colonials will struggle to win many games the rest of this season, although they do still have two games against IUPUI (0-10) and a matchup with Green Bay (1-12) left on the schedule.
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UTSA’s next game is against an excellent Louisiana Tech team at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 8. Robert Morris will take on the Horizon League favorite in Cleveland State at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7.