While exiting their non-conference schedule with a 5-8 record isn’t promising, the early portion of the FGCU men’s basketball team’s schedule was all about building chemistry heading into Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference play.
During the offseason, the FGCU men’s basketball program underwent many changes. Many players, such as Franco Miller Jr. and Isaiah Thompson, lost their NCAA eligibility, and others transferred, like Zach Anderson, Andre Weir and Chase Johnston. In total, the Eagles lost nine of their 15 players.
Of these five, Miller Jr., Thompson, and Anderson ranked in the top five in minutes played and points scored. Weir and Johnston were slated for breakout seasons with the Eagles but transferred after one season due to injury.
The Eagles took on six freshmen and four transfers. Although the Eagles got off to a slow start, losing four games straight, they carry a two-win streak heading into ASUN Conference play against Florida Tech, 79-62, and Richmond, 75-52.
Both of these wins were headlined by Johnson, Kellman and transfer Jevin Muniz, who combined for 82 of the total 154 scored between both games. Muniz’s defining moment came in FGCU’s most significant win against cross-state rival FAU. He hit a buzzer-beater to prevent the game from going into overtime, winning 80-78
Entering conference play, the Eagles will look toward these three to lead the charge. Of those on the team, only Kellman and Johnson have scored for the Eagles in the postseason. They look to lean on their experience for a seventh ASUN Conference Championship.
FGCU started conference play with a 79-68 win on the road against West Georgia on Thursday, Jan. 2. They will travel to downtown Charlotte to face Queens (N.C.) on Saturday, Jan. 4, before returning to Alico Arena to face North Alabama on Thursday, Jan. 9, for their first home game of the new year.
