A look ahead at the men’s basketball schedule

This season, St. Joe’s has gone back to a more traditional non-conference schedule. In a four-part series, I will take a look at both the non-conference opponents, and the opponents within the conference.

 Nov. 9 vs. Maryland-Eastern Shore

The first test of the Hawks’ season will take place at home in Hagan Arena. They will welcome some fellow Hawks from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The other Hawks actually opted out of the 2020-21 season, so this will be their first competitive game since March 10, 2020. In that last competitive season, they finished 5-27. Expect St. Joe’s to win this one. 

Projected St. Joe’s Record: 1-0

 Nov. 13 vs. Mount St. Mary’s

The Mountaineers have actually made it to the NCAA Tournament in three of the last eight years, so they are certainly no slouch. However, the team lost their leader and primary scorer, Damian Chong Qui, as he transferred to Purdue University Fort Wayne. They do, however, return two highly productive senior forwards in Nana Opoku and Mezie Offurum. It will be an interesting defensive matchup for the Hawks, and the load will probably have to be shouldered by St. Joe’s newcomers Ejike Obinna and Charles Coleman. I will count on those guys to get it done.

Projected St. Joe’s Record: 2-0

Nov. 17 vs. Drexel

Coming off their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1996, the Zach Spiker-led Dragons should have similar expectations going into the 2021-22 season. They return their two leading scorers in fast junior guard Camren Wynter and senior bruising forward James Butler. 

This will be a tough test for the Hawks, but Jordan Hall will be a matchup nightmare for the Dragons. St. Joe’s should have revenge on their mind after last year’s loss. The Hawks will get it done in Hagan again.

Projected St. Joe’s Record: 3-0

Nov. 20 vs. Monmouth

Monmouth University lost their top two scoring guards this offseason, but they will return with senior guards George Papas and Marcus McClary. Unfortunately for Monmouth, I believe St. Joe’s will pose some serious size issues and win this one comfortably. A win against Monmouth would get the Hawks to become the first St. Joe’s team to win their first four games to start the season since the 2003-04 team.

Projected St. Joe’s Record: 4-0

Nov. 25 vs. USC; Nov. 26 vs San Diego State/Georgetown

After Monmouth, the Hawks head west for the Paycom Wooden Legacy. First, they face an Elite 8 team in the Trojans. Matt Mobley and Tahj Eaddy may be gone, but this is still a projected NCAA Tournament team. 

They return Isaiah Mobley, Drew Peterson, and they added former University of Memphis standout Boogie Ellis. Unfortunately, I think the Hawks will fall to USC. Georgetown University and San Diego State University are no slouches either. The Hawks could steal a game from one of these two teams, but it might  be tough.

Projected St. Joe’s Record: 4-2