I've waited 8 long months, but it starts all again.
Year 2 of the Sather project will begin on Wednesday as they head out to Oxford to take on Redhawks of Miami.
If you are looking for a good preview of the team and season, look no further than right here: http://reachingthesummitpodcast.com/2020/10/27/university-of-north-dakota-fighting-hawks-mens-basketball-preview-2020-2021/
About Miami (OH):
When Coaches enter Year 3 of a program, we typically see coaches go one of two ways: Either they make improvements and start to change the program for the better, or they take a step back from their first two years and people start to question if they have made the right hire. Well in Miami's case, it was door #2. They got off to a terrible start in the MAC conference, going 2-9 to start MAC play, then they managed to right the ship by going 3-4 in their last 7, including a win at Buffalo before COVID decided to shut things down.
They enter this season with a big hole to fill as Nike Sibande transferred to Pitt to play his last year and give ACC play a try. While they will be without the services of this talented guard, the cupboard isn't bare for this squad. They have 11 returning players returning, lead by the Dae Dae Grant, an MAC All-Freshman player from last year, that are ready to prove that last year was a fluke and are ready to charge up the MAC standings.
About the Coach: Jack Owens (44-54 Overall Record, 20-34 MAC record)
The branch from the Matt Painter tree enters a very important 4th year at Miami. After a couple of middle of road seasons, last year was a step back in terms of overall and conference record and certainly injury played its part, however it is starting to get to the point where this staff needs to start putting some results on the table. They haven't finished with a .500 record in conference or overall record. They have a good core returning, its time for this team to start making some progress towards the top of the MAC, or else the seat will start to heat up for Coach Owens
Key Player:
Dae Dae Grant (6'2 Sophomore Guard) Last Year: 9.3 ppg, 36.7 FG% 34.2 3 Pt % 66.7 FT % 3 RPG 1.9 ASP
If there is reason to be excited, its this kid at guard. He made an impact last year, making the All-MAC Freshman Team. He was their third leading scorer on the team and should have a much bigger role on the squad this year. He is a 3 level scorer: Meaning that he can get to the rim, shoot from midrange, and hit from 3. Should also expect to see his assist and rebound numbers improve as well. This kid is ooozing potential and if the RedHawks make a big move in the MAC this year, he will be a big reason as to why that is.
What do the polls say:
Miami (OH) was picked 9th in the MAC polls, UND was picked 6th in the Summit.
What I'll be watching for
1) How the team gels: UND will be throwing at least two new starters, potentially 3 into the lineup, along with some new faces. It will be interesting to see how fast this team can gel and play well together given the circumstances. They are going to have to lean on Rebraca, DAE, G, and Brady to carry the load until the rest get their sea legs
2) How do the newbies look: I am looking forward to watching Sims, Sueker, and Nero play and how they look in a UND uniform, I expect them to get heavy minutes with the starters. Also interested to see if any of the freshman get any significant minutes in their first taste of college action.
3) Who's strength will win: Miami will have an advantage with their guard play, as they are deep and have talent in the backcourt. Meanwhile, UND will have their strength in the middle with Rebraca, where Miami was weak at defending last year. Whoever's strength can be stronger
The Call:
This will be a good measuring stick to see where UND is at in Year 2 of the Sather Project. This was a game that UND struggled with in Year 1, a lower ranked mid-major team that they couldn't quite beat. Miami does a lot returning back from their squad last year and have some good talent at guard to where they should be better than their record was last year. However, I believe that UND will look good in their first game out, with a big performance from DAE and Rebraca. Sather starts Year 2 like he did Year 1.
UND 77-73
Where to Watch the Game: According to the Miami website and a few posters on this board, ESPN+... which I have! Lucky me
Its great to be back.
