While Southern University was preparing for Fall Break last Wednesday, October 11, the 2017-18 Jaguar Men’s Basketball team held practice at F.G. Clark Activity Center, eager to start regular season competition.
In his first media day press conference at Southern as Head Coach, Morris Scott downplayed the change in command. “We want to just continue to go out and be competitive as we have every day that I’ve been here.”
Scott is no stranger to a Southern team predicted to finish second in the SWAC preseason polls. He has been with the program for six years in total. He spent time under former Head Coach and current Athletic Director, Roman Banks, for the last three years. He has an ability to coach defense and recruit, as detailed in his biography on GoJagSports.com.
“We’re going to stay competitive, and play as hard as we can for as long as we can every night we go out on the floor.”
Although the Jags have returned nine players from last year’s team, Scott admits that the team is full of guys with unestablished roles. The biggest competition heading into the season comes from the point guard spot, where no clear starter has emerged. Chemistry should not be an issue, with an offseason trip to the Bahamas giving players a chance to bond, play together, and get used to their new coach.
The one clear leader is senior forward, Jared Sam. The Baton Rouge big man had a remarkable season last year, averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds while playing roughly 32 minutes per game. He was named as the Preseason All-Conference first team during the SWAC Basketball Media Day Tip-Off, also held on October 11.
Scott had nothing but praise for Sam. “He’s not a super vocal guy, but the way he performs on and off the court sets the tone.”
Sam told the media that it will be a “weird feeling” playing without guard, Tre’lun Banks, by his side for the first time in six years, though he did note his excitement of finally being able to have a leadership role. “I just have to go out and do what I have to do every day, and my work will speak for itself.”
Redshirt junior guard, Chris Thomas, was also nabbed a second team Preseason All-Conference selection.
In terms of who stood out during training camp, Coach Scott quickly named senior guard, LaQuentin Collins. He added that he expects big contributions from the Monroe native. Sam also credited junior guard, Eddie Reese, as someone to look out for during the season.
The Jaguars will face a long nonconference schedule, beginning with the season opener when they travel to the State Farm Center on November 11 to face the University of Illinois. Their road trip also includes a game against the Duke Blue Devils at the Cameron Indoor Stadium. Tulane, Iowa, and Baylor are also on the schedule.
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Leaving His Mark: Morris Scott leads new era of Jaguar hoops
October 24, 2017
First year head coach Morris Scott looking to leave his mark during the first practice of 2017-18 season at F.G. Clark Activity Center Wednesday afternoon.
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