Line: No line posted yet on ESPN; Torvik doesn’t publish lines or win probs vs. non-D1 teams.
Humboldt:
The DII Lumberjacks are led by first year coach and Lumberjack alum DJ Broome. They have won their two scrimmages vs. College of the Redwoods and Santa Rosa JC but no stats were available. And it doesn’t appear that any of their starters or top players from last season have returned for this season. Not much to go by so sorry, I don’t have much of scouting report to provide.
For the Broncos, we’re down several guys with injuries plus a couple of others in Knapper and Cochran who’s status are questionable for the game.
Sounds like the starters vs. Cal were: Hammond, Mahi, Ensminger, Graves and Oboye. I suspect we’ll see the same or similar starting lineup.
I’m looking forward to seeing several guys suit up for the Broncos for the first time including Thierry, Graves and Gavalyugov.
Hopefully, the Broncos can build a comfortable lead and get playing time for all the healthy players.
The last month or so has already been a roller coaster - from the highs of landing Darlan to the lows of injuries. I expect this season to continue to give us high highs and low lows on almost a weekly basis.
I see Humboldt has one big guy, Shakir Odunewu. He is a 6 foot 11 transfer from Cal State Bakersfield and New Mexico State. Recalling that we played New Mexico State in 2022, I checked the box score and he played 16 minutes with 0 pts, 1 rebound, and 1 assist. The Broncos won 66-65 against the shorthanded Aggies that night.
I have zero doubt Graves is going to be a very, very good college basketball player. The question is how much of that productivity happens in year 1. My hope is that eventually he is similar to a Vrankic but with more length.
Thank goodness we got Darlan. His wingspan is probably longer than Tilly’s so that should allow him to guard bigs if needed.
I have heard so many good things about Longcor’s savvy play that I am not sure he will Redshirt.
No idea what to expect from Bukky. You could tell me he gets 20pts, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks …or you could tell me he gets 2 pts and 2 rebounds. A true wild card in how our season ends up.
My prediction for tomorrow night is a 92-64 Broncos victory. SCU will be led by Graves’ 20 points and Mahi with 17. Bukky avoids foul trouble and has the highlight of the night with a thunderous dunk down the lane off a screen and roll. Broncos all use pressure to speed up Humboldt and create turnovers.
Didn’t expect Chukduwebelu to be a 3pt threat; and also displaying some solid passing including to Mahi on a back door cut.
Darlan can clearly play but looks like D could use some work.
Between, Knapper, Gavalyugov and Hammond we’ll be fine in the backcourt with ball handling and quarterbacking the team. None are 1st team All-WCC caliber, at least not yet, but all capable.
Just watching these guys go up and down, doesn’t look like the right group to play Sendek ball (as we know Herb only plays one way). Not a bunch of options to use the floor space that the offense creates to blow by opponents on the bounce.
On the defensive side, these kids are going to have trouble playing island man (very limited help) against any real team as D2 Humbolt isn’t having issues getting into the lane and getting good looks.
It’s obviously very early, but it looks like a long season ahead as I know Sendek won’t change.
