Last season, was there a better college basketball story in the DMV than the American Eagles?
Head coach Duane Simpkins led the Eagles to a Patriot League championship and an NCAA tournament appearance.
This season, the Eagles have been picked to finish fourth in the Patriot League.
As Simpkins started practice today, the Eagles’ youth jumped out.
The roster turnover has Simpkins and his staff being patient with the young players as both sides figure out how to maximize their talent in American’s offensive-friendly system.
The one thing fans should know is that American will try to play at a faster pace than last season. With that pace comes the responsibility to take care of the ball. That includes Greg Jones.
Jones has been known for his defense. It’s why he was named Preseason Defensive Player of the Year with being on the Preseason All-Conference team. But this season, he will be asked to handle the ball more than in his first two seasons in Tenleytown. Something he’s worked on in the offseason.
The primary ballhandlers will be tested early when the Eagles head to Wake Forest for the season opener. Also on the schedule are trips to George Washington, VCU, and Virginia. All three of those teams will pressure American’s ballhandlers, especially VCU and Virginia.
Americans have nine freshmen listed on the roster, and there’s no doubt that none of them will see minutes. Simpkins and his staff are tasked with finding strengths and opportunities for those who will play impact roles on this season’s team.
The staff is ready for the challenge.
