The upcoming NCAA basketball season begins on November 4, as the UNC Asheville Bulldogs prepare to face the Wichita State Shockers. The game is set for 6:30 p.m. CDT at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Game Preview: UNC Asheville vs. Wichita State
- Teams: UNC Asheville Bulldogs and Wichita State Shockers
- Date: November 4, 2024
- Location: Charles Koch Arena, Wichita, Kansas
- Broadcast: ESPN+
Wichita State’s Season Outlook
This opener marks the beginning of Year 3 under head coach Paul Mills for Wichita State. The Shockers enter this season with a unique challenge, returning only three letterwinners and losing their top nine scorers from last season. They were predicted to finish fifth in the American Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, with Memphis as the favorite.
Wichita State had an impressive 30-2 record in season openers since 1992 and is looking to continue this trend. They have had great success at home, winning 28 of their last 30 home openers.
Key Players to Watch
Kenyon Giles, who averaged 15.3 points per game last season, was named to the American Preseason All-Conference First Team. He will be pivotal in leading the team this season. Other notable transfers include Michael Gray Jr. and Brian Amuneke, both significant contributors expected to enhance the Shockers’ offense.
UNC Asheville’s Strengths
The Bulldogs are under the guidance of head coach Mike Morrell, who has led the team to three consecutive 20-win seasons. They finished last season with a record of 21-11 and were picked to place second in the Preseason Big South Poll, just behind High Point.
Toyaz Solomon is a standout player for UNC Asheville, recognized as the Preseason Player of the Year in the Big South Conference. He averaged 15.7 points and 7.2 rebounds last season and is currently the active leader in scoring and rebounding in the conference.
Historical Context
This game marks the first-ever matchup between UNC Asheville and Wichita State. The Shockers have a perfect record against current members of the Big South, going 9-0 historically.
Season Openers and Milestones
- Wichita State’s all-time record in season openers: 89-29
- Recent six-year home opener win streak: 75% overall win rate in openers
- Milestones to watch: Karon Boyd is 160 points shy of 1,000 career points.
This season presents both challenges and opportunities for Wichita State. As they look to build on past successes and integrate new talent, the opener against UNC Asheville will set the tone for the season ahead.
