College Basketball Picks

South Dakota State vs Akron Prediction Basketball Picks 11-6-23

South Dakota State Jackrabbits (0-0) vs Akron Zips (0-0)
2023-11-06 21:15:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: South Dakota State Jackrabbits -1 -- Over/Under: 141.5
(Get latest betting odds)

The Akron Zips are gearing up to clash with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Frost Arena in non-conference action to begin the season. Both teams did well last season, with the Zips closing at a respectable 22-11 and the Jackrabbits hopping to a solid 19-13 record. As they hit the hardwood, it’s a fresh slate, but the echoes of the past season’s intensity resonate, promising a scorching start to their campaigns. The tip-off in Brookings, South Dakota, is not just a game, it’s the first chapter of a new saga in college hoops.

Akron Zips Basketball: Seasoned Veterans, Fresh Faces, and a Quest for MAC Dominance

The Akron Zips are poised for another strong season hitting the hardwood with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. After a solid 2022-23 campaign with a 22-11 record and a 13-5 mark in conference play, the Zips want to continue making waves in the Mid-American Conference and beyond.

First, let’s tip off with the losses. Xavier Castaneda, the dynamic guard who led the team with 21.7 points and 2.9 assists per game, has moved on, along with other key contributors like guards Trendon Hankerson and Garvin Clarke. Their departure leaves a scoring void, but it also opens up opportunities for returning players to step up in the backcourt.

Enter Enrique Freeman, a senior forward who was a double-double machine last season with averages of 16.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Alongside him, forward Sammy Hunter and guard Greg Tribble bring valuable experience and decent numbers, contributing 8.2 and 6.3 points per game, respectively. The sophomore backcourt duo of sophomore guards Tavari Johnson and Nate Johnson will also be critical in filling the scoring gap.

When it comes to recruits, the Zips have hit a three-pointer. Ali Ali, a senior guard transfer from Butler, is expected to make an immediate impact. Freshmen forward Darrion Baker, forward Marvin Musiime-Kamali, and guard Ryan Prather Jr. offer youthful energy, while transfers guards Shammah Scott and Kaleb Thornton bring collegiate experience to the roster.

Statistically speaking, Akron has room for improvement. The team averaged 74.6 points per game, ranking 110th nationally and seventh in the conference. On the defensive end, they fared better, allowing just 66.9 points per game and boasting a field goal defense of 42.8 percent. They were sharpshooters from beyond the arc, averaging 9.1 three-pointers per game, leading the conference in that category.

Under the tutelage of Coach John Groce, who has a 116-70 record at Akron and an overall 296-201 career record, the Zips are a team to watch. Projected to compete in the CBI postseason tournament, Akron is setting the stage for a season that could redefine its basketball program. With a balanced attack and an eye on tightening their defense, don’t be surprised if you see the Zips climbing the ranks and becoming a Cinderella story this season.

Eric Henderson’s Master Plan: Can He Lead the Jackrabbits to NCAA Glory?

As the 2023-2024 NCAA basketball season approaches, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits are chomping at the bit, ready to dominate the Summit League. Last season’s record of 19-13 and a 13-5 conference showing landed them in the NCAA postseason, and they’re hungry for more. With Eric Henderson at the helm, who boasts an impressive 87-35 record at South Dakota State, the Jackrabbits look like formidable contenders.

The Jackrabbits bid farewell to some key players that could have been game-changers. Matt Dentlinger, a forward who averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, has moved on, along with guard Alex Arians (9.3 ppg, 4.8 RPG) and forward Broden Lien (2.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG). These departures have created gaps but also opportunities for emerging talents.

On the flip side, South Dakota State retains a robust core. Zeke Mayo, a junior guard who lit up the scoreboard with 18.2 points per game and snagged 6.2 rebounds, is back in action. William Kyle III, a sophomore forward with 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, is another returning asset. Senior guards Charlie Easley (8.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG) and Matt Mims (7.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG) round out a seasoned backcourt that knows how to execute in crunch time.

Adding spice to the mix are the recruits. Freshman guard Bubz Alvarez and transfer sophomore forward Nate Barnhart from Wyoming are expected to make immediate impacts. With many fresh faces like freshmen guard Kalen Garry and forward William Whorton, the Jackrabbits have a balanced roster that blends experience and raw talent.

Statistically, the Jackrabbits need to up their game. Last season, they averaged 70.9 points but allowed 69.8, hardly a comfortable margin. Their field goal percentage stood at 45.0 percent, while they allowed opponents to shoot at 43.9 percent. One shining light was their free-throw percentage, a staggering 79.2 percent, leading the conference.

The Jackrabbits face a challenge in improving their rebound margin, which stood at a concerning -1.6 last season, and boosting their assists per game, which was a meager 10.7. They’ll have to sharpen their elbows to make a deep postseason run.

All said, South Dakota State is poised for a compelling season. With a sturdy core of returning players and a fresh influx of talent, the Jackrabbits have all the team makings that could go deep into March. Their performance in the key statistical categories will be the x-factor that determines whether this season will be one for the history books or just another chapter in their ongoing journey.

David’s Pick – South Dakota State Jackrabbits (-1)

Regarding raw talent and proven records, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits take the cake. While Akron Zips’ Coach John Groce has a respectable 116-70 record, Eric Henderson crushes it with an 87-35 record at South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits also boast junior guard Zeke Mayo, who dropped 18.2 points per game last season. Akron loses their top scorer, Castaneda, and now leans on Enrique Freeman, who averaged a solid but lower 16.8 points. Plus, South Dakota State’s free-throw percentage, a crucial 79.2 percent, leads the conference. The stats don’t lie—South Dakota State is the team to bet on.

Bill D's Free Pick: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (-1)

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College Basketball Picks

South Dakota State vs Akron Prediction Basketball Picks 11-6-23

South Dakota State Jackrabbits (0-0) vs Akron Zips (0-0)
2023-11-06 21:15:00 EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: South Dakota State Jackrabbits -1 -- Over/Under: 141.5
(Get latest betting odds)

The Akron Zips are gearing up to clash with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Frost Arena in non-conference action to begin the season. Both teams did well last season, with the Zips closing at a respectable 22-11 and the Jackrabbits hopping to a solid 19-13 record. As they hit the hardwood, it’s a fresh slate, but the echoes of the past season’s intensity resonate, promising a scorching start to their campaigns. The tip-off in Brookings, South Dakota, is not just a game, it’s the first chapter of a new saga in college hoops.

Akron Zips Basketball: Seasoned Veterans, Fresh Faces, and a Quest for MAC Dominance

The Akron Zips are poised for another strong season hitting the hardwood with a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. After a solid 2022-23 campaign with a 22-11 record and a 13-5 mark in conference play, the Zips want to continue making waves in the Mid-American Conference and beyond.

First, let’s tip off with the losses. Xavier Castaneda, the dynamic guard who led the team with 21.7 points and 2.9 assists per game, has moved on, along with other key contributors like guards Trendon Hankerson and Garvin Clarke. Their departure leaves a scoring void, but it also opens up opportunities for returning players to step up in the backcourt.

Enter Enrique Freeman, a senior forward who was a double-double machine last season with averages of 16.8 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Alongside him, forward Sammy Hunter and guard Greg Tribble bring valuable experience and decent numbers, contributing 8.2 and 6.3 points per game, respectively. The sophomore backcourt duo of sophomore guards Tavari Johnson and Nate Johnson will also be critical in filling the scoring gap.

When it comes to recruits, the Zips have hit a three-pointer. Ali Ali, a senior guard transfer from Butler, is expected to make an immediate impact. Freshmen forward Darrion Baker, forward Marvin Musiime-Kamali, and guard Ryan Prather Jr. offer youthful energy, while transfers guards Shammah Scott and Kaleb Thornton bring collegiate experience to the roster.

Statistically speaking, Akron has room for improvement. The team averaged 74.6 points per game, ranking 110th nationally and seventh in the conference. On the defensive end, they fared better, allowing just 66.9 points per game and boasting a field goal defense of 42.8 percent. They were sharpshooters from beyond the arc, averaging 9.1 three-pointers per game, leading the conference in that category.

Under the tutelage of Coach John Groce, who has a 116-70 record at Akron and an overall 296-201 career record, the Zips are a team to watch. Projected to compete in the CBI postseason tournament, Akron is setting the stage for a season that could redefine its basketball program. With a balanced attack and an eye on tightening their defense, don’t be surprised if you see the Zips climbing the ranks and becoming a Cinderella story this season.

Eric Henderson’s Master Plan: Can He Lead the Jackrabbits to NCAA Glory?

As the 2023-2024 NCAA basketball season approaches, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits are chomping at the bit, ready to dominate the Summit League. Last season’s record of 19-13 and a 13-5 conference showing landed them in the NCAA postseason, and they’re hungry for more. With Eric Henderson at the helm, who boasts an impressive 87-35 record at South Dakota State, the Jackrabbits look like formidable contenders.

The Jackrabbits bid farewell to some key players that could have been game-changers. Matt Dentlinger, a forward who averaged 12.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, has moved on, along with guard Alex Arians (9.3 ppg, 4.8 RPG) and forward Broden Lien (2.3 PPG, 1.9 RPG). These departures have created gaps but also opportunities for emerging talents.

On the flip side, South Dakota State retains a robust core. Zeke Mayo, a junior guard who lit up the scoreboard with 18.2 points per game and snagged 6.2 rebounds, is back in action. William Kyle III, a sophomore forward with 8.9 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, is another returning asset. Senior guards Charlie Easley (8.1 PPG, 3.1 RPG) and Matt Mims (7.9 PPG, 2.3 RPG) round out a seasoned backcourt that knows how to execute in crunch time.

Adding spice to the mix are the recruits. Freshman guard Bubz Alvarez and transfer sophomore forward Nate Barnhart from Wyoming are expected to make immediate impacts. With many fresh faces like freshmen guard Kalen Garry and forward William Whorton, the Jackrabbits have a balanced roster that blends experience and raw talent.

Statistically, the Jackrabbits need to up their game. Last season, they averaged 70.9 points but allowed 69.8, hardly a comfortable margin. Their field goal percentage stood at 45.0 percent, while they allowed opponents to shoot at 43.9 percent. One shining light was their free-throw percentage, a staggering 79.2 percent, leading the conference.

The Jackrabbits face a challenge in improving their rebound margin, which stood at a concerning -1.6 last season, and boosting their assists per game, which was a meager 10.7. They’ll have to sharpen their elbows to make a deep postseason run.

All said, South Dakota State is poised for a compelling season. With a sturdy core of returning players and a fresh influx of talent, the Jackrabbits have all the team makings that could go deep into March. Their performance in the key statistical categories will be the x-factor that determines whether this season will be one for the history books or just another chapter in their ongoing journey.

David’s Pick – South Dakota State Jackrabbits (-1)

Regarding raw talent and proven records, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits take the cake. While Akron Zips’ Coach John Groce has a respectable 116-70 record, Eric Henderson crushes it with an 87-35 record at South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits also boast junior guard Zeke Mayo, who dropped 18.2 points per game last season. Akron loses their top scorer, Castaneda, and now leans on Enrique Freeman, who averaged a solid but lower 16.8 points. Plus, South Dakota State’s free-throw percentage, a crucial 79.2 percent, leads the conference. The stats don’t lie—South Dakota State is the team to bet on.

Bill D's Free Pick: South Dakota State Jackrabbits (-1)

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