[Cracked Sidewalks] Dayton Preview

[brewcity77]

Marquette travels to UD Arena in their final non-con game to take on the Flyers. (Anybody but) Dayton lost a lot from last year's 7-seed, but hope that a pair of high-major transfers and a stable defensive system will get them back into the at-large conversation. The fans will definitely be up for this one.

Dayton Flyers

[🏀]

ABD

[barfolomew]

Can you imagine how insufferable Flyer fans would be now if they had gone deep in the 2020 tourney?
So I guess something good came out of Covid.

[mug644]

I wonder if Posh Alexander will on Dec 14th become the only correct answer to this bit of trivia: Name a player that has competed against the Marquette men's basketball as a member of teams from three different schools.

[tower912]

Can you imagine how insufferable Flyer fans would be now if they had gone deep in the 2020 tourney?
So I guess something good came out of Covid.

I have Flyer Alumni friends and family with t-shirts saying projected final 4 or projected national champs.   They have jokingly said that COVID was done specifically to keep Dayton from a nattie.

[PGsHeroes32]

I wonder if Posh Alexander will on Dec 14th become the only correct answer to this bit of trivia: Name a player that has competed against the Marquette men's basketball as a member of teams from three different schools.

Until DO goes for 20-10-7 in the natty over AJ Storr and Kansas

[mug644]

Until DO goes for 20-10-7 in the natty over AJ Storr and Kansas

 

[dgies9156]

I have Flyer Alumni friends and family with t-shirts saying projected final 4 or projected national champs.   They have jokingly said that COVID was done specifically to keep Dayton from a nattie.

They can hang those shirts right next to the Marquette 1978 "Meet me in St. Louis" shirts.

[barfolomew]

I have Flyer Alumni friends and family with t-shirts saying projected final 4 or projected national champs.   They have jokingly said that COVID was done specifically to keep Dayton from a nattie.

If both shirts exist, why would someone select this one?

[Fieldhouse Flyer]

Marquette travels to UD Arena in their final non-con game to take on the Flyers. (Anybody but) Dayton lost a lot from last year's 7-seed, but hope that a pair of high-major transfers and a stable defensive system will get them back into the at-large conversation. The fans will definitely be up for this one.

Dayton Flyers

brewcity77 – My compliments on a well-researched and well-written Cracked Sidewalks preview.  It’s much appreciated. Please allow me to add my observations to your excellent article.

Jacob Conner is the most likely big off the bench, but Dayton also boasts Hamad Mousa and Amael L'Etang, a pair of big bodies from overseas with little experience but lots of upside.

It’s generally unwise to hype foreign HS players who have an unproven record against top U.S. HS competition, but the early signs are encouraging. On May 29th, 6’-8” SF Hamad Mousa committed to Dayton:  Google Search: Hamad Mousa

Dayton lands top-30 recruit Hamad Mousa out of Qatar - Jonathan Givony, Draft Express – May 29, 2024

Hamad Mousa Scouting Report - Rafael Barlowe, Big Board Global Scouting - May 29, 2024

Mid-Major Madness A10 Preseason Freshman of the Year: Hamad Mousa (Dayton) - Mid-Major Madness - August 6, 2024
   
Dayton once again has a true one-and-done candidate. Coming over from the NBA Academy, Mousa is a Top 30 recruit. At 6’8”, he can score at three levels and is super versatile. Strong, large, shooter.

NBA Draft Scouting Report: Dayton's Hamad Mousa – Sports Illustrated - September 16, 2024

On June 13th, 7’1” SF Amael L’Etang from France committed to Dayton. He is a three-point shooter who also aspires to play in the NBA. Check out this box score: France - Regular Season: Cholet 75, Levallois 61 - EuroBasket Box Score -January 27, 2024

Amael L’Etang had 26 points and 21 rebounds while making 5 of 7 three-point attempts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

In their 121-year history, the Dayton Flyers have never had a roster as unusual as this season’s. Five point guards with significant Division I experience, plus sophomore Marvel Allen – a former five-star PG who red-shirted last season . . . a 7’-1” wing who knocks down 3-pointers . . . and an NBA-bound Qatari who can play four positions.

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster – University of Dayton  • Dayton Flyers 5-Year Roster - Verbal Commits

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster

     Fr. •  7’-1” • 230 lbs. • F •  Amaël L'Etang • (SF, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-11” • 250 lbs. • F • Isaac Jack • (C, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-10” • 205 lbs. • F • Jacob Conner • (C, PF)
Grad. •  6’-8” • 220 lbs. • F •  Zed Key • (PF, C)
     Sr. •  6’-7” • 215 lbs. • F • Nate Santos • (PF, SF)
     So. • 6’-6” • 225 lbs. • F • Jaiun Simon • (SF, PF)

     Fr. • 6’-8” • 190 lbs. • G/F • Hamad Mousa • (SF, SG, PF, PG)

     So. • 6’-4” • 205 lbs. • G • Marvel Allen • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-3” • 195 lbs. • PG • Enoch Cheeks • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-2” • 205 lbs. • PG • Brady Uhl • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 175 lbs. •  PG • Malachi Smith • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 205 lbs. • PG • Posh Alexander • (PG)
     Jr. • 5’-10” • 160 lbs. • PG • Javon Bennett • (PG)
   

This team feels like they have a low floor and very high ceiling based on a series of ifs. If guys like Alexander and Key can come in and be A-10 stars, if Malachi Smith can stay healthy, if Marvel Allen can turn his high-upside talent into on-court production, then this Dayton team can be an A-10 and at-large bid contender. But if Posh tries to take over games, if Key is better suited as a role-player, if Smith gets injured again, and if there aren't answers on the bench to address those questions, things could go very bad for Dayton. This should be a Q1 road opportunity, but without an All-American like Toppin or Holmes, there's the possibility things go very wrong.

Given the Flyers’ versatility, depth, and coaching, I believe that the possibility that “things go very wrong” is quite remote.

Men's Basketball Top 144 Previews – College Sports Madness

Today’s CSM preview is #39 VCU, who is picked to finish in second place in the A10, meaning Dayton is favored by CSM to win the A10 conference. Ditto for most preseason Bracketologies (Joe Lunardi, Jerry Palm, et al.).

[Uncle Rico]

brewcity77 – My compliments on a well-researched and well-written Cracked Sidewalks preview.  It’s much appreciated. Please allow me to add my observations to your excellent article.

It’s generally unwise to hype foreign HS players who have an unproven record against top U.S. HS competition, but the early signs are encouraging. On May 29th, 6’-8” SF Hamad Mousa committed to Dayton:  Google Search: Hamad Mousa

Dayton lands top-30 recruit Hamad Mousa out of Qatar - Jonathan Givony, Draft Express – May 29, 2024

Hamad Mousa Scouting Report - Rafael Barlowe, Big Board Global Scouting - May 29, 2024

Mid-Major Madness A10 Preseason Freshman of the Year: Hamad Mousa (Dayton) - Mid-Major Madness - August 6, 2024
   
Dayton once again has a true one-and-done candidate. Coming over from the NBA Academy, Mousa is a Top 30 recruit. At 6’8”, he can score at three levels and is super versatile. Strong, large, shooter.

NBA Draft Scouting Report: Dayton's Hamad Mousa – Sports Illustrated - September 16, 2024

On June 13th, 7’1” SF Amael L’Etang from France committed to Dayton. He is a three-point shooter who also aspires to play in the NBA. Check out this box score: France - Regular Season: Cholet 75, Levallois 61 - EuroBasket Box Score -January 27, 2024

Amael L’Etang had 26 points and 21 rebounds while making 5 of 7 three-point attempts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

In their 121-year history, the Dayton Flyers have never had a roster as unusual as this season’s. Five point guards with significant Division I experience, plus sophomore Marvel Allen – a former five-star PG who red-shirted last season . . . a 7’-1” wing who knocks down 3-pointers . . . and an NBA-bound Qatari who can play four positions.

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster – University of Dayton  • Dayton Flyers 5-Year Roster - Verbal Commits

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster

     Fr. •  7’-1” • 230 lbs. • F •  Amaël L'Etang • (SF, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-11” • 250 lbs. • F • Isaac Jack • (C, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-10” • 205 lbs. • F • Jacob Conner • (C, PF)
Grad. •  6’-8” • 220 lbs. • F •  Zed Key • (PF, C)
     Sr. •  6’-7” • 215 lbs. • F • Nate Santos • (PF, SF)
     So. • 6’-6” • 225 lbs. • F • Jaiun Simon • (SF, PF)

     Fr. • 6’-8” • 190 lbs. • G/F • Hamad Mousa • (SF, SG, PF, PG)

     So. • 6’-4” • 205 lbs. • G • Marvel Allen • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-3” • 195 lbs. • PG • Enoch Cheeks • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-2” • 205 lbs. • PG • Brady Uhl • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 175 lbs. •  PG • Malachi Smith • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 205 lbs. • PG • Posh Alexander • (PG)
     Jr. • 5’-10” • 160 lbs. • PG • Javon Bennett • (PG)
   
Given the Flyers’ versatility, depth, and coaching, I believe that the possibility that “things go very wrong” is quite remote.

Men's Basketball Top 144 Previews – College Sports Madness

Today’s CSM preview is #39 VCU, who is picked to finish in second place in the A10, meaning Dayton is favored by CSM to win the A10 conference. Ditto for most preseason Bracketologies (Joe Lunardi, Jerry Palm, et al.).

I’m not reading all that but I’m very happy for you or very sad for you

[Billy Hoyle]

Any word on when single game tickets for the Flyers will go on sale?

[brewcity77]

Thanks for the feedback, Fieldhouse Flyer. I always recommend tempering expectations for foreign or NBA academy players. Even Benn Mathurin needed two years at Arizona before going pro (O-Max played here and needed three).

PG is the biggest area for worry. Of the guys you list, Cheeks isn't really a PG (played wing mostly at RMU), Allen was probably mis-evaluated early (finished as a 3-star), Uhl has only played walk-on minutes at UD, and Smith has had to deal with multiple injuries that cost him significant portions of seasons. That leaves Bennett, who I really like but would be taking a big step up from sixth man to star, and Posh Alexander, who I don't trust at all.

Having watched Posh a lot the last 4 years, he isn't nearly as good as he thinks he is. He is a middling offensive player who can shoot his teams into losses and gambles too much on defense to the point that he can be a liability in the half-court. I do see upside with this team, but if it's too much Posh, things could definitely go wrong, as St. John's and Butler fans know all too well.

[MUbiz]

Any word on when single game tickets for the Flyers will go on sale?

I looked at the UD bball website and the only thing of note I saw was the waitlist for basketball season tickets. So I am assuming those who want to go will have to get tickets from the secondary market. I am also assuming those secondary market tickets will be the highest priced tickets at UD all year.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

brewcity77 – My compliments on a well-researched and well-written Cracked Sidewalks preview.  It’s much appreciated. Please allow me to add my observations to your excellent article.

It’s generally unwise to hype foreign HS players who have an unproven record against top U.S. HS competition, but the early signs are encouraging. On May 29th, 6’-8” SF Hamad Mousa committed to Dayton:  Google Search: Hamad Mousa

Dayton lands top-30 recruit Hamad Mousa out of Qatar - Jonathan Givony, Draft Express – May 29, 2024

Hamad Mousa Scouting Report - Rafael Barlowe, Big Board Global Scouting - May 29, 2024

Mid-Major Madness A10 Preseason Freshman of the Year: Hamad Mousa (Dayton) - Mid-Major Madness - August 6, 2024
   
Dayton once again has a true one-and-done candidate. Coming over from the NBA Academy, Mousa is a Top 30 recruit. At 6’8”, he can score at three levels and is super versatile. Strong, large, shooter.

NBA Draft Scouting Report: Dayton's Hamad Mousa – Sports Illustrated - September 16, 2024

On June 13th, 7’1” SF Amael L’Etang from France committed to Dayton. He is a three-point shooter who also aspires to play in the NBA. Check out this box score: France - Regular Season: Cholet 75, Levallois 61 - EuroBasket Box Score -January 27, 2024

Amael L’Etang had 26 points and 21 rebounds while making 5 of 7 three-point attempts.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   

In their 121-year history, the Dayton Flyers have never had a roster as unusual as this season’s. Five point guards with significant Division I experience, plus sophomore Marvel Allen – a former five-star PG who red-shirted last season . . . a 7’-1” wing who knocks down 3-pointers . . . and an NBA-bound Qatari who can play four positions.

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster – University of Dayton  • Dayton Flyers 5-Year Roster - Verbal Commits

Dayton Flyers 2024-25 Roster

     Fr. •  7’-1” • 230 lbs. • F •  Amaël L'Etang • (SF, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-11” • 250 lbs. • F • Isaac Jack • (C, PF)
     Jr. •  6’-10” • 205 lbs. • F • Jacob Conner • (C, PF)
Grad. •  6’-8” • 220 lbs. • F •  Zed Key • (PF, C)
     Sr. •  6’-7” • 215 lbs. • F • Nate Santos • (PF, SF)
     So. • 6’-6” • 225 lbs. • F • Jaiun Simon • (SF, PF)

     Fr. • 6’-8” • 190 lbs. • G/F • Hamad Mousa • (SF, SG, PF, PG)

     So. • 6’-4” • 205 lbs. • G • Marvel Allen • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-3” • 195 lbs. • PG • Enoch Cheeks • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-2” • 205 lbs. • PG • Brady Uhl • (PG, SG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 175 lbs. •  PG • Malachi Smith • (PG)
     Sr. • 6’-0” • 205 lbs. • PG • Posh Alexander • (PG)
     Jr. • 5’-10” • 160 lbs. • PG • Javon Bennett • (PG)
   
Given the Flyers’ versatility, depth, and coaching, I believe that the possibility that “things go very wrong” is quite remote.

Men's Basketball Top 144 Previews – College Sports Madness

Today’s CSM preview is #39 VCU, who is picked to finish in second place in the A10, meaning Dayton is favored by CSM to win the A10 conference. Ditto for most preseason Bracketologies (Joe Lunardi, Jerry Palm, et al.).

I was pretty neutral on Dayton to the BE. Now I’m all on board the ABD train. Imagine having to deal with this guy regularly.

[tower912]

Yeah, a thorough, pedantic, pro Dayton poster is the worst.