Old Dominion Monarchs
2018-2019 Overall Rank: #80
Conference Rank: #2 Conference USA
Old Dominion has done very well under Coach Jeff Jones. In his five seasons, the Monarchs have been to the postseason three times. One of those times was not last season when the Monarchs did not reach the postseason despite their 25-7 record. Three starters are gone and it may take a little time to replace Trey Porter, Randy Haynes and Bradan Stith, but there is experienced talent coming into the program and a few younger players who are ready to step up and play a larger role.
2017-18 Record: 25-7, 15-3
2017-18 Postseason: None
Coach: Jeff Jones
Coach Record: 114-58 at Old Dominion, 471-344 overall
Key Departed Players:
Trey Porter, 13.2 ppg
Randy Haynes, 12.2 ppg
Brandan Stith, 8.8 ppg
Key Returning Players:
B.J. Stith, Senior, Guard, 14.2 ppg
Ahmad Caver, Senior, Guard, 14.2 ppg
Xavier Green, Sophomore, Guard, 5.1 ppg
Marquis Godwin, Sophomore, Guard, 2.8 ppg
Aaron Carver, Junior, Forward, 2.2 ppg
Alfis Pilavios, Sophomore, Forward
Key New Players:
Loren Brill, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer from Cal State Fullerton
Kalu Ezikpe, Freshman, Forward
Justice Kithcart, Sophomore, Guard, Transfer from Pittsburgh
Joseph Reese, Freshman, Forward
Jason Wade, Freshman, Guard
Elbert Robinson III, Senior, Center, Transfer from LSU
Projection:
B.J. Stith and Ahmad Caver were the team’s top scorers last year and will likely be again this time around. Stith averaged 14.2 points per game and added 5.7 rebounds. He is a very consistent shooter and will also do plenty of scoring around the basket. Caver also scored 14.2 points per game, but he added 6.2 assists and 2.3 steals as well. Caver will attack the basket effectively, but is also a threat to shoot from long range. If given a step, he can attack the basket and finish or find a teammate. Xavier Green showed promise during his freshman campaign, tallying 5.1 points and 1.8 assists. Marquis Godwin is another sophomore with promise. He did not play much last year, but he is a big, athletic guard. Coach Jones brings in six newcomers, including three with Division I experience. Justice Kithcart spent one season at Pittsburgh where he averaged 1.3 points and 1.2 assists back in 2016-2017. But it is Elbert Robinson III who could make the biggest impact. The 7-1, 280 pound senior spent three seasons at LSU where he started a dozen games. Robinson never made much of an impact at LSU, but with the Monarchs he should at least provide a force in the paint and be a strong defender. Coach Jones has the pieces to fill in around Stith and Caver, but it could take some time. But by the time Conference USA play rolls around, this is a team that should again compete for a conference title.
Projected Postseason Tournament: NIT
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 73.3 (182nd in nation, 8th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 62.8 (7, 1)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.7 (175, 6)
Field-Goal Defense: 40.7 (26, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.1 (229, 9)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 35.7 (141, 5)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.2 (259, 9)
Rebound Margin: 4.0 (52, 3)
Assists Per Game: 15.1 (77, 3)
Turnovers Per Game: 10.4 (12, 2)
