CINCINNATIi (OH) – St Bonaventure Bonnies Preview

Previous Record (Conf)
15-15 (6-10)

Key Non-Conference Games
Cleveland St (13 Nov), vs St. John’s (17 Nov), at Mississippi St (5 Dec)

Projected Conference Record (Finish)
6-10 (10th)

Conference Home-and-Home Partners
St. Joe’s, Duquesne, Fordham

Outlook
Head coach Mark Schmidt took the Bonnies back to basics last year winning 15 games for the first time since the 2001-02 season by emphasizing defense and rebounding. The Bonnies finished in the top half in the league in rebounding (+3.7, 4th), field-goal defense (.420, 6th) and 3-point field goal defense (.329, 5th).

At the heart of their resurgence was freshman phenom Andrew Nicholson who anchored the defense blocking 81 shots while averaging 12 points and six rebounds. Combo forward Jonathan Hall also averaged 12 points and six rebounds while leading the team in assists. Hall runs the offense as a “point” forward with the ability to slash to the rim or post up weaker defenders. With the development of reliable jumper Hall should join Nicholson on the All-League team.

Schmidt will need to mold the Bonnies into a more cohesive offensive unit this year with the ability to space the floor. The Bonnies are adept at scoring on the blocks or slashing to the basket, but without a reliable perimeter threat to keep defenses honest they didn’t have room to operate. Too often the Bonnies offense broke down into a series of NBA-style 1-on-1 engagements. They only made 31% of their three-point attempts last year and by Conference play the Bonnies were facing zone defenses or constant double teams of Hall and Nicholson.

Spotlight On
Malcolm Eleby (6-3 200) helped set the defensive tone, but Schmidt needs more production and better decision making out of his junior point guard. Eleby is woeful from the perimeter going 4-24 on three-point attempts and was second on the team with 78 turnovers. He is able to use his size to finish in the lane and rebounds well for the position. A more balanced offense would certainly give Eleby more options. Eleby will be challenged by JUCO Ogu Adegboye for playing time.

Best Case Scenario
Nicholson stays out of foul trouble and becomes better at passing out of the double team. Last season he struggled to involve his teammates with only seven assists for the entire season.

Schmidt finds a couple of shooters among the freshmen and JUCO transfer Lewis Leonard. This spaces the floor and allows Hall and Nicholson to thrive. A reliable inside-out game eliminates the long scoring droughts and turnovers that plagued them last year on their way to hosting a Conference Tournament game.

Worst Case Scenario
Schmidt never finds an answer to his team’s shooting woes and the Bonnies again struggle to score. Nicholson shoes zero improvement and the Bonnies take a step back, but remain competitive.