from a preseason preview, excerpts:
A “big three” returns to lead the charge and plug the production hole left behind by Sheppard and a handful of transfers. Fifth-year point guard Keishawn Davidson will lead an always-potent offensive attack that ranked 12th in the country in effective field goal percentage in 2022-23. Alexander stressed the importance of Davidson’s experience, as well as his health — Davidson completely tore his shoulder labrum before the start of last season, missing time and never fully recovering.
Scintillating sophomores Ja’Kobi Gillepsie and Cade Tyson should thrive in their second season within the fluid Belmont motion offense. Gillespie is a dynamic playmaker who gives Belmont a dual-point guard look when sharing the floor with Davidson. The Bruins led the Valley in adjusted offensive tempo last season (KenPom) and should again with the speedy Gillespie pushing the issue in transition.
Tyson, the reigning MVC Freshman of the Year, appears ready to take on the leadership mantle.
“This summer, he’s picked up where he left off — but the burden is to not to expect too much. He’s confident, works hard, and had a great season,” remarked Alexander. “Ben [Sheppard] the first six to eight games tried to do too much and was out of control; he had a desire to help his team, be good and live up to lofty expectations. Cade has to fight that off as well.”
more:
Much is expected as well from Vanderbilt transfer Malik Dia, who will assume 5-man duties after Belmont lost significant frontcourt production to the portal. Dia is a long, athletic forward who can stretch the floor in true Bruin fashion. While Belmont’s offense last season was statistically Alexander’s most efficient in his four-year tenure, he yearned for more of a post presence.
“We were more different last year than we ever had been. We had no 5-man in the paint, that was the first place we looked at for offense,” lamented Alexander. “We missed it, that post presence, and I think we were not nearly as good as in the past because of that. We need scorers inside and to get to the free-throw line.”
Perhaps Dia can be the answer to Belmont’s lack of post presence in 2023-24. Regardless, Alexander expects him and his “big three” to make a sizable impact:
“We have four all-conference caliber players in Davidson, Tyson, Gillespie, and Dia.”
