Furman Opens Hoops Season Monday Night at "The Well"

--Picked fifth in the SoCon  by the league's head coaches, Furman is set to open the 2024-25 basketball season Monday night when it hosts Columbia International Monday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. The Paladin, who were 17-16 a year ago,  have won 198 games since the start of the 2015-16 season and will be playing in several different home venues for the upcoming campaign, as Timmons Arena gets a 40-million-dollar upgrade. The Paladins return six players off a team that finished fifth-place in the Southern Conference last season, including three off a team that won 28 games and a SoCon title two years ago. The Paladins will be tipping off their 112th basketball season under eighth-year head coach Bob Richey (166-70/8th yr). Since 1998, Furman is 9-9 overall at "The Well." Tip-off between the Paladins and Rams is set for 7 p.m. EST.

What To Watch...

It's no secret that Furman must replace its three top scorers and four of its top players from a year ago, however, there is plenty of reason for optimism heading into the 2024-24 season. Senior guard PJay Smith Jr. (10.0 PPG, 3.4 RPG) was the lone all-conference member that returns from a year ago, and he returns to the point guard spot to lead the Paladins this season. Junior forwards Ben VanderWal (5.9 PPG, 4.6 RPG) and Tyrese Hughey (4.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG) return from that team that won 28 games two years ago, as does senior center Garrett Hien (6.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.3 APG). Center Cooper Bowser will look for a big jump from season one to season two, as well as sophomore forward Davis Molnar (2.9 PPG, 3.3 RPG), with both expected to see a pretty significant minutes increase this season, with Bowser entering the season as a projected starter. Redshirt freshman guards Eddirin Bronson and Tommy Humphries are set to see the first official action of their Paladin careers, with both expected to make a significant impact in year one. The three newcomers for the Paladins will include: wing guard Nick Anderson (grad transfer from Barry University), center Charles Johnston (Jr/Cal-State Monterrey Bay) and shooting guard Tom House (Jr./Florida State) are all expected to play significant roles this season. Both Anderson and Johnston were in double figures in Furman's 82-61 loss to No.11 Auburn last week, with Anderson leading all scorers with 19 points, while Johnston, who has played only 4.5 years of organized basketball, contributing 12. House scored 19 points in a secret scrimmage vs UNC Asheville a couple of weeks ago. The Paladins were without leading point guard PJay Smith Jr. in both of their scrimmages prior to the season, and he is expected back tonight. If for some reason he doesn't return in the opener, expect to see him Friday night in a big game at Belmont. 

A little on Columbia International

The Rams are an NAIA member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference and won 20 games in 2023-24, finishing with a 20-12 mark. The Rams are under the direction of head coach and former Clemson sharp-shooter Tony Stockman before transferring to Ohio State to complete his college hoops career and is now in his sixth season leading the Rams program. The Rams are off to a 2-0 start with wins over Morris College (W, 107-58) and Warner University (W, 77-75). The Rams have three players averaging in double figures coming into their opener, with senior forward Christian Howard leading the scoring efforts with 18.0 PPG and 9.0 RPG, while fellow forward and Easley, S.C., native Johnny Whysong adds 14.5 PPG and 7.0 RPG. Senior forward Brandon Hunt rounds out the double-figure scorers entering Monday's opener, adding 10.0 PPG and 2.5 RPG. 

Last Time They Met:  Furman 90, Columbia International 45 (Nov. 22, 2019)--In the only previous meeting between the two, Furman doubled up the Rams with a 90-45 win over the Rams at Timmons Arena.