2 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE

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14500 N. 46th St., Tampa, FL 33613 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 3 4 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE What to expect at the Yuengling Center

Nolan Brown

SPORTS EDITOR

The Yuengling Center, at many points during both basketball seasons, was electric last year, especially when the Bulls were pulling off last-ditch effort wins or piling on points. This year will be much different, at least through the first three men’s home games and the first four women’s games where the attendance will be zero. It was announced late Friday afternoon that both teams will not have fans through the nonconference schedules due to The Yuengling Center holds just over 10,000, but it won’t be anywhere near full for the 2020-21 men’s and women’s basketball concerns over COVID-19. There seasons. There will be no fans in attendance through the nonconference schedules but the university will reassess the attendance are plans in the works to welcome policy once conference play starts. ORACLE PHOTO/BRIAN HATTAB fans by the start of conference play, however, it’s not set in stone based on attendance caps across Enquirer. “We will permit fans capacity limit. she’d go to games if there was a yet. the league, one can speculate in the arena later in the season By that estimate, there could reasonable capacity. If fans are allowed, the soonest how many fans could eventually only if we determine it is safe and be somewhere between 2,000 “I will absolutely be there when they’ll be in the Yuengling Center be allowed at USF home games. appropriate to do so. We are not and 2,500 fans allowed at the they open up as long as there is a is Dec. 19 when the women’s team UCF plans to allow 25% holding to a time frame on such a Yuengling Center. realistic attendee capacity,” she plays Houston. For the men’s capacity — about 2,500 fans — at determination.” Of course, that’s dependent on said. “I have concerns about the team, it’ll be Dec. 22 when the Addition Financial Arena when its FedExForum, home of the case numbers in the area and if closed space and social distancing Bulls take on Wichita State. season tips off against Oklahoma Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis the university approves having while seated.” As for now, capacity is on Saturday. Face masks will be Tigers, released COVID-19 fans in the arena. Both basketball teams are limited to approximately a required at all times unless eating protocols ahead of the start of the Regardless, some USF fans set to embark on seasons full couple hundred seats for family and drinking. Knights Athletics basketball seasons. Face masks are planning on attending if and of unknowns while also being members of players and coaches. said more information on student will be required at all times and when allowed but have mixed tabbed for greatness. Families of opponents are also attendance and further arena fans will only be allowed to eat feelings about the capacity The women’s team is set to welcomed via a pass list. protocols will be released this and drink while seated or in indoors. take the conference by storm In an email to The Oracle, week. designated areas and not walking “I personally love the basketball after being selected to win it all USF Athletics said it will provide Cincinnati Athletics is hopeful around the arena. games so I would absolutely go,” in the preseason, and the men’s details on fan attendance limits for a “limited” fan presence at Ticketed seats have been Brianna Leigh, a senior studying team is tabbed to be a formidable as the time gets closer. Social Fifth Third Arena but will start placed 6 feet apart, and fans will behavioral healthcare, told The contender after being selected distancing requirements and its season without spectators. be required to stand at least 6 feet Oracle on Facebook. “If we had to fifth in the AAC preseason poll. COVID-19 protocols will also be “We will start the season apart when walking or in lines. wear masks and/or social distance If things go according to plan, revealed as conference play nears. without fans in Fifth Third Refills on sodas and popcorn will seating, I would do just that.” fans will get to witness what The Yuengling Center holds Arena,” Director of Athletics not be allowed. Arena officials Senior industrial engineering could be pivotal seasons for both just over 10,000 spectators and John Cunningham told The estimate there will be a 20% student Veronica Diaz said USF teams. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 5

FOR ALL MOVE INS FROM NOW THRU JANUARY 31,2021 WILL RECEIVE 2 MONTHS FREE WITH A LEASE UNTIL 07/31/2022. 6 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE

MEN’S TEAM

JUSTIN BROWN, #13 LUKE ANDERSON, #44 DAVID COLLINS, #0 MICHAEL DURR, #4 GUARD/FORWARD GUARD/FORWARD GUARD, 6'4", 220 LBS CENTER, 7'0", 250 LBS 6'6", 208 LBS 6'8", 202 LBS SENIOR JUNIOR SENIOR REDSHIRT FRESHMAN

XAVIER CASTANEDA, #1 RASHUN WILLIAMS, #5 MADUT AKEC, #22 RUSSEL TCHEWA, #54 GUARD, 6'1", 195 LBS GUARD, 6'6", 225 LBS FORWARD, 6'7", 205 LBS CENTER, 7'0", 260 LBS JUNIOR JUNIOR REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE

EZACURAS DAWSON III, #2 ALEXIS YETNA, #10 CALEB MURPHY, #23 GUARD, 6'3", 200 LBS FORWARD, 6'8", 234 LBS GUARD, 6'4", 185 LBS REDSHIRT JUNIOR REDSHIRT JUNIOR FRESHMAN

PRINCE ODURO, #3 MARK CALLEJA, #11 JAMIR CHAPLIN, #24 FORWARD, 6'8", 255 LBS GUARD, 6'2", 185 LBS GUARD, 6'5", 196 LBS REDSHIRT JUNIOR JUNIOR SOPHOMORE WOMEN’S TEAM

TEREZA VITULOVA, #0 ELISA PINZAN, #4 SARA GUERREIRO, #13 ANGELEE RODRIGUEZ, #24 CENTER, 6'2 POINT GUARD, 5'8" GUARD, 5'8" FORWARD/CENTER, 6'2" REDSHIRT JUNIOR JUNIOR FRESHMAN FRESHMAN

MARIA ALVAREZ, #1 ELENA TSINEKE, #5 BETHY MUNUNGA, #20 BEATRIZ JORDAO, #31 GUARD, 5'7" GUARD, 5'7" FORWARD, 6'0" CENTER, 6'3" SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE SENIOR JUNIOR

MIHAELA LAZIC, #2 JADE BLAGROVE, #11 SHAE LEVERETT, #21 SILVIA SERRAT, #34 GUARD, 5'6" FORWARD, 6'2" CENTER, 6'2" FORWARD, 6'1" REDSHIRT FRESHMAN FRESHMAN SENIOR SENIOR

SYDNI HARVEY, #3 CRISTINA BERMEJO, #12 KRISTYNA BRABENCOVA, #22 POINT GUARD, 5'10" WING, 6'1" WING, 6'0" JUNIOR SOPHOMORE SOPHOMORE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 7 Women’s basketball season preview

Conference favorites at last

Since his arrival at USF in 2000, coach Jose Fernandez has been among the best college Francisco Rosa basketball coaches in the country. Fernandez has turned USF CORRESPONDENT into consistent top team with the Bulls winning at least 19 games The 2020-21 USF women’s going back to the 2011-12 season. basketball season is finally Now entering his 21st season set to begin, and the Bulls with USF, Fernandez has will now embark on the most led his team to 15 postseason unprecedented college basketball appearances. A top-three season ever. conference finish and postseason While there will be a lot of tournament play were once a far- focus on the logistics of playing off dream for the Bulls. Now, it Last year’s AAC Freshman of the Year guard Elena Tsineke is poised to a key player for the Bulls a full schedule while keeping all has become the expectation. once more after being named to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Second Team. USF is tabbed those involved healthy and safe, “I’m excited where we’re at, to win the conference for the first time in program history. ORACLE PHOTO/BRIAN HATTAB the on-court product will still this program continues to be a attract most of the attention and shining star at this university and consistent the last nine years, we some high expectations in my outshine the darling of the AAC, excitement this season. athletic department and I think won at least 19 games. I think opinion.” and of women’s college basketball Here are just a few things that across the country,” Fernandez six of those years 20-win seasons As bright as the Bulls’ star in general, UConn. Bulls’ fans should look forward to said during a press conference and three of them 19-win seasons, has become over the last several Some of Fernandez’s best this season. Oct. 20. “I think we’ve been so we’re definitely going to have years, they’ve never been able to See WBB on PAGE 10 Men’s basketball season Preview Players to watch this season to the team, freshman Caleb Murphy. One of the big names to watch He’s a four-star guard from this season is forward Alexis Georgia, where he was ranked Yetna, who had his 2019-20 as the eighth-best recruit in the season end before it began, as state by 247Sports. When asked Richard Silva he suffered an ACL injury that about the growth he’s seen from sidelined him for the entire year. Murphy, coach Brian Gregory CORRESPONDENT In the season prior, Yetna led gave his praise to the freshman in the AAC with 9.6 rebounds per a mid-October press conference. After a long and stressful game. He also added 12.3 points “He’s got a chance to be a offseason littered with uncertainty per game to go along with his special player,” Gregory said. and doubt, USF men’s basketball proficient rebounding. “The best thing for Caleb is returning to the court as their The AAC coaches poll selected Murphy is he’s surrounded on the first game quickly approaches. Yetna as a member of the perimeter with veteran players, There are still plenty of Preseason All-Conference Second so although we need him to make unknowns, but for now, USF Team for this season. Such an an impact for us, it’s not like he’s plans to tip off its season against honor shows that coaches around Forward Alexis Yetna missed all of last season with an ACL doing that on his own. Florida College on Wednesday. the conference expect him to pick injury. He’s expected to be a key player for USF and was named “He can play all three perimeter Here are some storylines to up right where he left off. to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Second Team. ORACLE positions, which he will.” follow as the season begins. Somewhat of a wild card to PHOTO/BRIAN HATTAB On top of Yetna and Murphy, watch this season is a newcomer See MBB on PAGE 10 8 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE

www.universitymalltampa.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 9 WBB MBB Continued from PAGE 7 Before taking on Baylor last Brabencova and Mihaela Lazic, redshirt junior forward Prince Continued from PAGE 7 year, Fernandez acknowledged they have the opportunity to put Oduro, a transfer from Mississippi teams weren’t able to capture how important it was for his team USF over the top this season. State, could have a big role with Fourth time around for an AAC title because of the to play a difficult nonconference the team in terms of scoring the Gregory stranglehold that the Huskies schedule. By scheduling to Several Bulls tabbed for basketball. and Geno Auriemma had over the play the best teams that the individual awards Gregory discussed Oduro’s Gregory is set to start his conference. In their seven years country has to offer, the Bulls set innate ability of putting the ball fourth season as the Bulls head in the AAC together, USF has themselves up to be successful On top of all the team goals in the bucket. coach, and through his first finished second place to UConn later on in the season. that Fernandez and his team have “I do like [that] Prince has three seasons as coach, the Bulls three times, more than any other “You’re going to be judged at for the impending season, several a knack for putting the ball in are 48-53. That record includes team in the conference. the end of the year on how your players on the team also have the basket in a variety of ways,” a rocky 10-22 start in his first As UConn left the AAC to team played, how successful you their eyes on individual accolade Gregory said. “The best part season. return to the Big East, this season were — wins and losses, how you nominations. about him and Russel [Tchewa] His best season at the helm is bound to be different. With did in your league — but also on After being one of the top post right now is they’re big, strong, came in his second year when the top dogs out of the way, the how you scheduled. And there’s players in the country last season, and play hard and finish around USF went 24-14 and eventually Bulls are now primed to take never a question on how we senior forward Bethy Mununga the basket.” became College Basketball over the conference. In the AAC approach that,” Fernandez said. has been nominated for the Invitational (CBI) champions. Preseason Poll, USF was picked to Katrina McClain Preseason Possible AAC contenders After a somewhat finish atop the conference for the Super sophomores Watch List. The award is given disappointing 14-17 record last first time in the program’s history. annually to the best power The AAC released its preseason year, Gregory and his squad look If, and this is a big “if”, USF Over the last few years, USF forward in the nation. coaches poll in late October, and to bounce back and return to is able to stay healthy for a full has done a good job recruiting During her first year at USF USF was ranked fifth out of 11 being above the .500 mark. season, it would be no surprise players who can contribute last year, Mununga was a monster programs. that by the end of the season immediately, and in last year’s on the glass, ranking second in The Bulls are sandwiched in Season expectations the AAC championship trophy freshman class, they found a few the AAC in rebounds per game between the Cincinnati Bearcats resides in Tampa. gems that could help the team (10.1) and total rebounds (292). at fourth and the Tulsa Golden This season is sure to bring reach new heights in the next A double-double machine with Hurricane at sixth. challenges that no other Another strong nonconference couple of years. nine on the season, she was After finishing this past basketball season has ever schedule Sophomore guard Elena quickly able to establish herself year 14-17, good for ninth in the brought before due to the novel Tsineke had a slow start to her as one of the stars on the team in conference, seeing USF ranked as coronavirus. This season USF is set to face first season — she missed the just a short time with the Bulls. high as No. 5 is something that’s Every team is going to be a tough slate of nonconference first five games of the season after Other players up for individual bound to get Bulls fans excited. operating under the same games. The Bulls will face a pair being ruled ineligible to play by awards are Tsineke and junior The AAC consistently circumstances, but USF has the of teams in the top 10 of the the NCAA. But, once reinstated, guard Elisa Pinzan, both named produces quality teams that benefit of having a team full of AP Top 25, defending national she hit the ground sprinting. to the AAC Preseason All- appear poised to make waves in veterans. champs No. 4 Baylor and Tsineke led the team in scoring Conference Second Team last the college basketball landscape Out of the 13 players currently perennial powerhouse No. 6 with 12.4 points per game, good season. and this year is no different. on the roster, nine are returning Mississippi State in the first week for 16th in the conference. Pinzan finished as the The four teams ranked above from last season. of December. Tsineke went on to win the conference leader in assists per USF in the coaches poll are That type of continuity may Although there aren’t as many AAC Freshman of the Year award game at 5.2 and made the AAC Houston, Memphis, SMU and prove to be helpful as this season nonconference games compared and also made the All-American Third Team. She will look to lead Cincinnati. will require a lot of mental and to previous seasons because of AAC Third Team in 2019-20. the Bulls offense from the point Houston was selected to win physical fortitude. the pandemic, USF is no stranger Maria Alvarez was another guard position once again. the conference, receiving nine “You got to go back to your core to playing a tough schedule early one of USF’s “diaper dandies.” While the individual awards first-place votes, followed by goals, your No. 1 goal,” Gregory on in the season. Although she only played 15 will certainly have a place in the Memphis which received the said. “Our No. 1 goal is to be better The 2019-20 season presented games before a season-ending players’ minds throughout the final two. today than we were yesterday, an even tougher gauntlet for the knee injury, Alvarez was one of season, their ultimate goal will The first AP Poll, which came no outside situation can change Bulls. USF took on four teams the Bulls’ most exciting offensive surely be to meet and exceed out Nov. 9, has the Cougars that.” that were in the Coaches Poll Top players while on the floor. the lofty expectations that have ranked 17th in the country, clearly With the veteran presence 25, three of which were in the If Alvarez is able to return been placed upon them by a formidable foe that the Bulls USF has accompanied by the top 15. Among those teams were from her injury and return to Fernandez, Bulls Nation and will have to deal with. return of Yetna and the arrival of the reigning national champions, form, Fernandez can have a most importantly, themselves. If the Bulls want a chance at newcomers Murphy, Oduro and Baylor Bears. reliable microwave scorer that he the conference title, they’ll likely Tchewa there is no reason why USF took a trip to Waco and can bring off the bench or plug have to go through one or more of the Bulls can’t make a run. gave the champs, who were into the starting lineup. those top teams. ranked No. 3 in the country at the Along with fellow second-year time, a scare in a 58-46 defeat. players Cristina Bermejo, Kristyna 10 BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE WWOOMMEENN’’SS BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE

NOVEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY

28 VS JACKSONVILLE, 2 VS EAST CAROLINA 3 AT SMU 4 P.M. YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, DALLAS

6 VS WICHITA STATE 7 AT UCF DECEMBER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, ORLANDO

VS BAYLOR AT TULANE 13 VS TULSA 1 7 P.M. YUENGLING CENTER 13 TIME TBA, NEW ORLEANS TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER

5 VS MISSISIPPI STATE 17 VS MEMPHIS 17 VS SMU 7 P.M. YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER

13 VS STETSON AT WICHITA STATE VS TULANE TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER 20 TIME TBA 20 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER

16 AT MEMPHIS AT EAST CAROLINA AT TEMPLE, TIME TBA 23 TIME TBA 24 TIME TBA, PHILADELPHIA

19 VS HOUSTON 27 VS TEMPLE 27 AT HOUSTON TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA

22 AT CINCINNATI VS CINCINNATI TIME TBA 30 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER MARCH

AT TULSA VS UCF 30 TIME TBA 2 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2020 ● THE ORACLE BASKETBALL PREVIEW 2020 11 MMEENN’’SS BBAASSKKEETTBBAALLLL SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE NOVEMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY VS FLORIDA COLLEGE AT UCF 25 2 VS UCF 17 11:30 A.M. YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, ORLANDO HALL OF FAME AIR FORCE VS SMU RESERVE TIP-OFF VS TULSA, 20 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TOURNAMENT 6 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER AT TEMPLE, NOV VS RHODE ISLAND AT EAST CAROLINA, 24 TIME TBA, PHILADELPHIA 28 5:30 P.M. UNCASVILLE, CT 9 TIME TBA, GREENVILLE, NC NOV AT HOUSTON VS VIRGINIA TECH 28 29 8 P.M. UNCASVILE, CT VS HOUSTON TIME TBA 14 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER DECEMBER VS EAST CAROLINA MARCH VS FLORIDA A&M 20 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER 4 VS MEMPHIS 5 P.M., YUENGLING CENTER 3 AT WICHITA STATE TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER 8 VS STETSON 24 5 P.M., YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA 6 AT TULANE TIME TBA, NEW ORLEANS HOLIDAY 27 VS TEMPLE HOOPSGIVING TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER AAC DEC VS LSU 30 VS CINCINNATI 12 2:30 P.M., ATLANTA TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER CHAMPIONSHIP DECEMBER FEBRUARY 11 AAC FIRST ROUND TIME TBA, FORT WORTH, TX 16 AT CINCINNATI 3 AT TULSA TIME TBA TIME TBA 12 AAC QUARTERFINALS AT SMU TIME TBA, FORT WORTH, TX 22 VS WICHITA STATE 6 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER TIME TBA, DALLAS 13 AAC SEMIFINALS TIME TBA, FORT WORTH, TX AT MEMPHIS, VS TULANE 29 TIME TBA 13 TIME TBA, YUENGLING CENTER AAC FINALS 14 TIME TBA, FORT WORTH, TX