AU men’s basketball returns to action this weekend at 45 Second Classic
By Carlos Rodriguez | Co-editor in chief
The Augusta University men’s basketball team opens the 2021-22 season this weekend with two games at the 45 Second Classic, hosted by Barton College.
On Friday, Nov. 12, the Jags will play the University of Mount Olive at 5 p.m. and the following day will play Barton at 1 p.m.
Despite not having AU head coach Dip Metress on the sidelines due to a three-game suspension for academic violations, assistant coach Zachary Tinkham has high hopes for the team to start off the season strong.
“Our team is very focused on having a great weekend defensively,” said Tinkham. “We want to take pride in playing team defense and helping each other out. On offense we want to take care of the ball and not turn it over.”
The Jags return their top three leading scorers from last season with juniors Darren Lucas-White (13.7 PPG), Tyree Myers (13.4 PPG) and Tyshaun Crawford (12.5 PPG).
They also return graduate student Troy Cracknell and junior Miguel Arnold, who had to sit out last season for medical reasons. Both Cracknell and Arnold will provide some much-needed shooting that the team missed last year.
“We are very excited to have Troy and Miguel back this season,” said Tinkham. “They are both in the gym every day working on their craft. The competitiveness they bring to practice every day makes practice better and their shooting makes them two great offensive weapons to have.”
AU added two key NCAA Division I transfers in freshman Ja’Queze Kirby from Murray State and sophomore David Viti from Georgia Southern.
“Kirby’s athleticism and Viti’s shooting ability will both be impactful for our team,” said Tinkham. “We’re looking forward to seeing them contribute this season.”
Along with Kirby and Viti, the Jaguars also added two true freshmen in Carson Seemann and Demitri Gardner.
Augusta is predicted to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference, based on a poll of league coaches. Flagler, which made it to the NCAA Division II national title game last season, is picked to win the regular-season crown. The Saints are ranked second in the first national poll of the season and have already defeated Division I Valparaiso in an exhibition game. The Jaguars received votes in the first poll, but not enough to be ranked in the top 25.
After the 45 Second Classic, AU will next play at Fayetteville State on Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. The Jags first home game will be Wednesday, Nov. 23 against Benedict College at 7:30 p.m.
Tyree Myers (2) drives to the hoop during a 2020-21 game against Emmanuel. At the top of the page, Darren Lucas-White (11) slashes to the basket for the Jaguars against Flagler, which made it to the national championship game last season. (photos by Viraj Bulla, special to the Bell Ringer)
