WASHINGTON (November 9, 2017) – Coach Kevin Nickelberry and the Howard University Men's Basketball team open its 2017-18 campaign Friday against crosstown rival George Washington. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
 
SEASON IN REVIEW
 
Last season, the Bison finished 10-24 overall and 5-11 in league play. Howard was projected to win the conference, but several key injuries derailed the Bison's chances.
 
"Obviously, we were picked to win [the league]," said Nickelberry. "It was disappointing with the injuries."
 
Despite the setbacks, HU was the dark horse of last year's tourney. Entering as the No. 11 seed, the Bison knock off No. 7 Coppin State in the opening round, followed by an upset victory over No. 3 Morgan State in the MEAC Quarterfinals. Howard's run would come to an end versus Norfolk State in the MEAC Semifinals, HU's deepest tournament run since 2001-02.
 
SEASON PREVIEW
 
Among last season's injuries was guard James Daniel, Howards' all-time leading scorer. In his final season, the Virginia native played only two contests while averaging 17.0 points-per-game (PPG). In his junior year, he won the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Year after leading the nation in scoring (27.1 PPG).
 
With the reigning MEAC Player of the Year out, Coach Nickelberry adapted his style of play while inserting numerous young players. Among the newcomers was Charles Williams, a 6-6 wing from Richmond, Va.
 
Throughout the season, Williams gained confidence and became the go-to guy once Daniel was officially ruled done for the season Feb. 15. In his first year, Williams took home the 2016-17 MEAC Rookie of the Year award after finishing 11th in the conference in scoring (15.6). Additionally, the Virginia native was placed on the 2016-17 MEAC Third Team.
 
This season, Williams was named to the 2017-18 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.
 
"J-Byrd [James Daniel] and that recruiting class took us from irrelevant to relevant," Nickelberry expressed. "Without that class, we wouldn't get a C.J. [Williams] or R.J. [Cole]. We want to make sure we build on what they did."
 
Despite the squad being majority sophomores and freshmen, Coach Nickelberry relies heavily on his few veterans.
 
"Dalique [Mingo], Jalen [Jones], and Chad [Lott] have done an unbelievable job in leading us so far," Nickelberry expressed. "Those three have been through the wars and their going to lead these young guys."
 
Among those freshmen is guard RJ Cole from Union, N.J. The three-star athlete under ESPN's ranking of the nation's top prep stars came to The Mecca from nationally ranked St. Anthony High School. With offers from various Division I programs, including crosstown rival Georgetown.
 
"I chose Howard because of the education, but I also wanted to be different, coming here for basketball," Cole said back in August. "I thought this would be a change for me and a change for anyone else who would think of this as a different opportunity. This is a family. I like the culture here and the storied history around Howard."
 
Coach Nickelberry will put the ball into the freshman's hands to orchestrate the fast-pace offense.
 
"We want to play fast and shoot a lot of threes," Nickelberry stated. "I am expecting big things from him. It's going to be huge for him to take command and develop."
 
Another newbie to watch is freshman center Tyler Williams, a versatile 6-9, 250 big man from Waldorf, Md.
 
"Tyler is going to be huge for us," said Nickelberry. "He's a mix-match problem because he can handle the ball and shoot."
 
MATCHUP PREVIEWS
 
HU comes out the gate, playing three games in six days versus George Washington (Nov. 10), Indiana (Nov. 12) and No. 18 Gonzaga (Nov. 14). Coach Nickelberry realizes the challenges ahead, but feels confident his squad will respond in a positive way.
 
"It's a tough schedule," Nickelberry stated. "But we want kids who have a chip on their shoulders and want to play those guys. We're going to fight."
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON
 
George Washington (GW) is coming off a solid first season under Coach Maurice Joseph (20-15, 10-8 A-10). GW fields a relatively new team this season, returning only six players, led by senior guard Yuta Watanabe and sophomore forward Arnaldo Toro. GW lost 62-percent of their scoring from a year ago due to Tyler Cavanaugh (18.3 PPG) graduating and Jaren Sina (9.0 PPG) leaving school early to play professionally overseas. Since the 2013-14 season, the Colonials have produced a 56-9 (.861) record at the Smith Center.
 
INDIANA
 
Indiana (IU) begins their first season under Archie Miller, who comes to IU after spending the last six seasons leading the University of Dayton program. Miller replaces long-time coach Tom Crean after nine seasons. Last season, the Hoosiers finished 18-16 overall and 7-11 in conference play. IU will look to regroup after losing center Thomas Bryant, forward OG Anunoby, and guard James Blackmon, Jr. to the NBA. Graduate forward Collin Hartman is back for a fifth year after missing the entire 2016-17 season due to a left knee injury.
 
GONZAGA
 
Gonzaga is coming off another strong season in which they finished 37-2 (17-1 WCC) and reached the National Championship game. Since 1999, Coach Mark Few and the Bulldogs have won at least 23 games every season. The squad is replacing three starters from a year ago: center Przemek Karnowski and guards Jordan Matthews and Nigel Williams-Goss. Last season, the Bulldogs had five players post double figures in points. Redshirt senior forward Johnathan Williams is the only returning player to average double figures (10.2 PPG).
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard's road swing continues with another trio of games in six days, starting Nov. 18 at Eastern Michigan. Tipoff at 3 p.m.
 
Then, the Bison travel down to State University, Ark. where Arkansas State awaits. Game-time is slated for 8 p.m.
 
On Nov. 22, HU battles South Florida in Tampa, Fla. Tipoff begins 7 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.