East Tennessee State Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Bucs

Projected starters

With an influx of new talent, a starting roster can be difficult to picture before seeing any of the guys on the court together. The three guard-two forward scheme below is not as conventional, but certainly has proven successful when executed well. Knowing Brooks Savage’s history with teams he’s been a part of combined with the modern style of college hoops today can give a good idea of what it could look like for the Bucs on October 30th for game one.

Combo Guard – Tyler Rice (Junior)
Rice will fit in great as a role of facilitator in his third year of college hoops. Transferring out of William and Mary in Virginia, Rice was able to shape his game as a versatile guard to at point. Being able to take on that role of a true point while also having the offensive prowess gives the team a dynamic playset they can run through each time down the court. Additionally, he put up some impressive defensive numbers as well with 30 steals in the 2021-2022 season and can certainly dish the ball through the rest of the team. An efficient player in all facets of the game, Rice should play a major role in their success.

Shooting Guard – Ebby Asamoah (Graduate)
A much-needed shooter for the team, Ebby Asamoah will likely carry a lot of offensive responsibility for the team outside the arc. Although his consistency from three dipped a little last season, he still shot above 30% from three. As a more scoring focused player, he can become a good catch and shoot threat as well as a guy who can go and create his own shot.

Shooting Guard – Justice Smith (RS Junior)
Coming in from Mansfield two years ago and playing for the Bucs last season, Justice Smith was another highlight for a less desirable season. Although his starts were limited, Smith was still able to make his presence known on the court with the ability, much like Asamoah, to score at all levels. Smith has the ability to take shots from beyond the arc, and ideally if he could expand that side of his game more, then we will become a true three level scorer which can really boost the Buccaneers offensive production.

Small Forward – Karon Boyd (Sophomore)
Boyd possesses the ability to play the forward position with his size but is productive offensively. He kind of fits into that swingman role with the ability to play the forward position but has the shiftiness of a guard. His ability to stand up defensively and still maintain the offensive threat on multiple levels inside the arc will help balance out the team overall. He emphasizes crashing the glass and can swing the ball quickly which will keep the offense fluid for the Bucs.
 
Power Forward – Jaden Seymour (Junior)
Jaden Seymour again brings some continuity to the team as he shared the court often with Strothers. At the five, Seymour excels as a rim protector down low and an athletic player with size on the floor. Seymour also can scoot out and take a shot from three on occasion which opens the floor up for the Bucs. Being able to grab boards on offense and defense as well as averaging over four blocks last season, should make him a must have presences down low and a fit at the five.