Dunkin' Dogs Set to Open 2017-2018 Campaign
Louisiana Tech is set to open the 2017-2018 season tonight when they host UT-Tyler. Tipoff is set for 6:30 PM. The Dunkin’ Dogs won 23 games a year ago and will be looking to make it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991 this year.
The ‘Dogs are set to host 16 games inside the Thomas Assembly Center this season. The non-conference slate is highlighted by home games against Southeast Missouri State and Stephen F. Austin. The Bulldogs will also travel to Texas and Alabama for an opportunity to make a splash on the national stage early in the season.
The big question heading into the season is who replaces all-conference forward Erik McCree? It is safe to say that it will be a team effort that is expected to be led by senior Jacobi Boykins. Boykins is back for his fourth and final year in Ruston and will look to lead a young Bulldog squad to a big year.
Taking a look at the roster, Conference USA Freshman of the Year, DaQuan Bracey returns for his sophomore campaign. Bracey has added some weight in the offseason and will be expected to man the point guard position. Sophomore Jalen Harris and Junior Derric Jean will be playing the two-guard spot as both look to improve on solid seasons from a year ago. Boykins, along with redshirt freshman Jacolby Pemberton will be at the small forward spot. Pemberton missed the 2016-2017 campaign with a knee injury. The power forward position is the spot to watch for the Bulldogs. Junior Jy’lan Washington, sophomore Oliver Powell, and newcomer Harrison Curry will all be vying for playing time. Joniah White is back for his junior year and will be manning the middle for the Bulldogs.
Other newcomers for the Dunkin’ Dogs include Amorie Archibald, Exavian Christon, Anthony Duruji, and Kyle McKinley. The quartette will have to earn their playing time throughout the non-conference portion of the schedule.
After winning 23 games in each of the first two years under head coach Eric Konkol, the Bulldogs are poised to do more in 2017-2018. This will be Konkol’s deepest roster to date. With a deep roster Konkol will have the flexibility to get back to the high-flying, up tempo type of basketball Bulldogs fans have grown accustomed to watching over the years.
Make plans to get out to the TAC this season as the Bulldogs were picked third in the Conference USA preseason poll and will be sure to bring plenty of excitement throughout the year.