SEASON PREVIEW: Men's Basketball

11/9/2021 12:30:00 PM

SEASON PREVIEW VIDEO: Watch here
2020-21 RECORD: 6-7 (5-5 USA South)
2021-22 OUTLOOK: Averett men's basketball battled through an up-and-down unconventional spring season but managed to put together a run in the USA South Conference East Division Tournament, advancing to the East's championship game. This season, the Cougars will have a different look after losing four key starters to graduation. Averett, voted fourth in the East Division preseason poll, will be challenged early in the non-conference part of the schedule to set the Cougars up for success when conference play starts. Averett will rely on strong defense, especially from players such as senior guard KeShawn Lewis, as well scoring help from junior Corey Baldwin, the team's leading returning scorer and rebounder. Juniors Bryson McLaughlin and Miles Pauldin, as well as sophomore Jason Sellars II are among those players who can give Averett some presence in the post and on the glass, and they'll look for underclassmen such as sophomore Jordan Lewis to make a jump from last season. The Cougars also added a number of new faces via transfer and incoming freshmen.
THEY SAID IT: "I think it's playing the same way every night," Averett head coach David Doino said. "Just at that effort level that gives us a chance to make up for any mistakes, especially being young. We're going to make a ton of mistakes; we've just got to go through experiences with this young group."