Drake Basketball: Bulldogs destined for 2023 Missouri Valley crown
By Shea Irish
Key Reserves:
G/F Sardaar Calhoun 6’6″ Senior- Transfer from Texas Tech/Florida State
Calhoun is a high-level transfer that should impact the Bulldogs rotation immediately. He played significant minutes on the Seminoles’ Sweet 16 team from 2021, averaging 5.3 PPG. He struggled to find his identity with Texas Tech last season, but if he returns to his form from 2020-21, he will basically be a sixth starter for the Bulldogs.
G Okay Djamgouz 6’5″ RS Junior- 4.2 PPG, 80.0 FT%, 48.0 3-PT%
Djamgouz is an exceptional 3-point shooter with good size at 6’5″. He gained some meaningful experience down the stretch of last season due to the injury to D.J. Wilkins. He scored a career-high 20 points (6-8 from deep) in the CBI Tournament win over IPFW.
F Issa Samake 6’8″ RS Freshman- 2.1 PPG, 2.1 RPG (2020-21 season)
Samake brings important depth to the Bulldogs’ frontcourt. He came on towards the end of the 2020-21 season, even playing 14 minutes in the NCAA Tournament game vs USC, but was lost for all of the 2021-22 campaign due to a torn ACL.
F Nate Ferguson 6’8″ RS Junior- 1.9 PPG, 2.0 RPG
Ferguson is another athletic big that will provide much-needed front-court depth. He and Samake will be crucial if and when Darnell Brodie battles foul trouble next season.
F Eric Northweather 6’10” RS Sophomore- Transfer from Truman State
Northweather is a Division II transfer that averaged 10.1 PPG and 4.2 RPG last season. He shoots the three at 38.3%, which is a very high level for a 6’10” player.
Next. 5 biggest offseason losers. dark
F Will Lovings-Watts 6’5″ Freshman
-Lovings-Watts is a 3-star recruit from the state of Indiana, according to 247sports. He had other notable offers from Murray State, Wichita State, and UMass.