With the excitement building (ok, crumbling) for this WF basketball season, here is the preview of the Deacs 2nd opponent -- The Columbia Lions of the Ivy League
2019-20 Outlook: Columbia finished last season 10-18 (5-9 7th), but the Lions looked like an ascending team as Columbia expected to return 4 starters from the 2018-9, plus leading scorer from 2017-8, Mike Smith, was back from a torn meniscus that caused him to miss all, but 7 games from last season. The pre-season wasn't kind to the Lions as Columbia's two returning all-Ivy players are currently not available. Gabe Stefanini who led the Ivy League in assists and averaged 13 ppg last year a foot issues and is out until at least January. Then, on the eve of the start of the season, Lion Center, 6-10 Patrick Tape (from Matthews, NC) announced he would transfer (WF?). As a result, Columbia has started this season short-handed. Columbia's current KP is #158, but that ranking is likely to drop in light of their personnel losses.
The season so far: Columbia opened their season on Tuesday at Lafayette (a low end Patriot League team - #245), and lost 65-63. Columbia trailed almost the entire 2nd half and were down 12 with 11 minutes to go. Columbia made a late run, but missed a 3 with 14 seconds left and lost by 2. 5-11 G Mike Smith (2018 leading scorer) led Columbia with 22 (2 for 6 from 3), and 6-7 C Ike Nweke was the only other Lion player in double figures with 12 points; he also led Columbia in rebounding with 7. Columbia's other 3 starters are 6-7 F Randy Brumant, 6-5 Jake Killingsworth and 6-3 Tai Bibbs. Lafayette shredded Columbia on the boards outrebounding the Lions 37-27. Columbia did force 22 Lafayette turnovers. Columbia shot poorly from deep (26%), but it appears all, but the Center Nweke, shoot from deep. Columbia spread its minutes among 9 players with 8 getting 11 minutes or more.
The prediction: KP projects a riveting 78-69 WF win. WF is a bigger, healthier and more talented team. So, the Deacs should coast right? If the game was decided on talent alone, of course, but what edges WF possesses in size and basketball talent, it gives up in preparation and execution. So, I guess WF will win, but WF has lost to far worse teams in recent seasons. Tune on Sunday to find out.
BTW, after the BC loss, KP has revised its final regular season record for WF to 11-17 and 6-14. Can not wait.... for it to be over...