Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Atlantic Sun (22-12, 14-4)
On the heels of their amazing run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013, Florida Gulf Coast is back and ready to make another postseason run. There is a different coach, but four starters are back from “Dunk City” and the Eagles rode their momentum to an 14-4 finish in the Atlantic Sun, tied with Mercer atop the conference standings.
Big Wins: 1/9 at North Florida (79-75), 2/15 at USC Upstate (84-80), 2/21 Mercer (75-61)
Bad Losses: 12/23 vs Radford (63-64), 1/11 at Jacksonville (69-76), 2/27 at Lipscomb (71-92)
Coach: Joe Dooley (1 season at Florida Gulf Coast)
Why They Can Surprise:
We already know that this group is capable of big things. Point guard Brett Comer has had an even better year than he had as a sophomore, averaging 13.9 points and 5.4 assists. His offensive boost has come from a much more consistent outside shot. Bernard Thompson and reserve forward Filip Cvjeticanin are not opposed to hoisting up long balls either. But Thompson is much, much more than just a shooter. The team’s leading scorer, Thompson can do just about everything on the offensive end. Chase Fieler averages 14.1 points and a team high 7.6 rebounds. He spearheads a decent rebounding effort. Wing Jamail Jones, center Nate Hicks and forward Eric McKnight are all quality rebounders.
Why They Can Disappoint:
It is unfair, but the expectations for Florida Gulf Coast are high. But the offensive production and efficiency is down and, chances are, lightning is not going to strike twice. The Eagles must buckle down, avoid turnovers and create a few more of their own if there is any hope of another amazing postseason run.
Probable Starters:
Brett Comer, Junior, Guard, 13.9 ppg, 5.4 apg
Bernard Thompson, Junior, Guard, 15.1 ppg, 1.7 apg
Jamail Jones, Junior, Guard, 8.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg
Chase Fieler, Senior, Forward, 14.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg,
Eric McKnight, Junior, Forward, 7.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg,
Key Roleplayers:
Filip Cvjeticanin, Junior, Forward, 6.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg
Dajuan Graf, Sophomore, Guard, 5.0 ppg, 2.1 apg
Nate Hicks, Junior, Center, 4.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg1.2 bpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 72.1 (148th in nation, 7th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 67.1 (91, 2)
Field-Goal Percentage: 46.9 (54, 2)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.3 (75, 3)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 5.7 (224, 8)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 32.9 (229, 7)
Free-Throw Percentage: 67.4 (253, 7)
Rebound Margin: 2.9 (92, 3)
Assists Per Game: 12.9 (160, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.0 (240, 6)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2013 NCAA Second Round win over Georgetown
2013 NCAA Third Round win over South Dakota State
2013 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Florida
*all team stats through 3/9
See All Men’s Basketball Postseason Capsules
