Drake Basketball: 2023-24 season preview and outlook for the Bulldogs
Projected starters for Drake Basketball
Tucker DeVries – Forward
Tucker DeVries is the beginning and end of the conversation about this team. This is a talented roster, but every other player will feed off this 6’7 wing who scores from everywhere on the court. His 18.6 points-per-game scoring average doesn’t come close to demonstrating his effectiveness.
DeVries has unlimited range, can score in traffic and when fouled he is practically automatic from the line. He is the Valley’s closest thing to an unstoppable performer. He defends (37 steals), and rebounds (5.7) more on savvy than athleticism. He knows the game like a coach’s son should.
Darnell Brodie – Center
The 6’10 Brodie has improved every season. He landed on the Valley’s ‘most improved-team’ last year and will be better this season. He keeps improving his body. He used to tip the scales at the 290-pound level and played around 270 last year and is down near the 250 range. Coach DeVries believes Brodie could be a Valley first-teamer this season.
He, almost single-handedly willed the Bulldogs to an upset win over Miami in the NCAA Tournament. His 20-point/nine-rebound effort capped off a three-game March run where he averaged 14 points and 11.6 rebounds per game.
Conor Enright – Guard
The scrappy Enright’s statistics don’t reveal his worth to last year’s team. He didn’t have to post big numbers on last year’s team. Valley watchers saw his value as the primary backup to Penn and Wilkins and named him to the MVC ‘all-freshman’ team.
He’s a pest on defense and rarely makes a mistake with the ball in his hands. He’ll be called upon to distribute to his numerous talented teammates. Look for the 6’1 sophomore to climb the Valley’s assist charts.
Kevin Overton – Guard
This may be a surprise given the numerous veterans on this squad, but this talented freshman has turned heads in Des Moines, Iowa. Originally from Oklahoma City, Overton prepped at the prestigious Sunrise Christian Academy where he led his team in points and steals. The 6’5 guard was a top-ten recruit out of the State of Kansas.
Atin Wright – Guard
According to Tucker DeVries, junior transfer Atin Wright is a spectacular shooter. The Cal State Northridge transfer averaged 16.7 points-per-game and was a Big West all-conference, honorable mention player. Wright has scored over 1,000 career points and has drained 133 collegiate three-point baskets.