The Tigers are 2-14 (they're an Independent) with losses at Dayton and at Cincinnati. The Tigers return 1 starter from last season (a squad that posted an 11-15 overall record).
The Tigers are lead by G/F Jovonni Shuler, G Preston Blackmon and F Joshua Montgomery. Shuler is averaging 17 points/game (leads the team), 5 rebounds/game and 2 assists/game. Shuler tore a thumb ligament in a pickup game and didn't play a minute last season. A 6'4" swingman, Shuler and Blackmon comprise the heart of the Savannah State backcourt.
Blackmon is averaging 12 points/game, 2 rebounds/game and 4 assists/game (leads the team). As a freshman, Blackmon emerged as the Tigers' starting point guard. His assist average ranked 40th in Division I. While tallying 133 assists, Blackmon also committed 95 turnovers.
Montgomery is averaging 11 points/game, 5 rebounds/game and 1 assist/game. F Jyles Smith leads the team in rebounds with 7 rebounds/game. Smith averaged a double-double in his final season at Creekside High School in Fairburn, Ga.
The Cats are going to roll in this game. Savannah State has bigger problems than whether or not they can win basketball games right now. They have an interim AD which could mean that once they find a permanent one they could redo their entire strategy of how they're going to build the program. The school must comply with scholarship, budget and staffing requirements by Sept. 1, 2011 before receiving full membership in the MEAC.
