#CAAHoops Preview: Towson Men's Basketball
Miles McQuiggan
TOWSON, Md. (Oct. 25, 2022) - The Towson men's basketball program found itself on numerous lists last winter for a team that caught people and computers by surprise. The Tigers were among the top teams in the nation in win increase, KenPom improvement, and more.
This year as the Colonial Athletic Association preseason favorite, Towson isn't sneaking up on anyone on the schedule.
Pat Skerry returns a veteran group that includes three of the five preseason All-CAA first team selections -
Cam Holden,
Charles Thompson, and
Nicolas Timberlake - to SECU Arena after a 25-win season a year removed from a 4-14 record in the CoVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign. Skerry's squad also includes returning guard
Jason Gibson and the reigning Division II Player of the Year,
Sekou Sylla, via transfer.
The accolades are appreciated by the longtime Towson coach, but as last year's jump from eighth in the preseason to first in the standings shows, they don't decide a season.
"It's a credit to the guys who came back and the work they put in," said Skerry. "Any time we can shed some light on our great university and our athletics program, we're thankful for that. But we're keenly aware that they don't mail you trophies this time of year."
One thing not on Towson's impressive resume from 2021-22 is an NCAA Tournament appearance, as the CAA co-regular season champions were ousted by eventual title winner Delaware in the semifinal round. For the Tigers to get over that hump and cut down nets for the first time since 1991, that experienced group of returners will be key.
"What I've liked about this group is that they're competitive and they really share the ball," said Skerry. "As we progress, we have to learn from this group that when - not if - we take on water, we know who the guys are who have the buckets and are emptying the boat for us.
Towson will be tested by some choppy seas in the non-league slate, with challenging road games at UMass, UNCG, Clemson, and Bryant, a multi-team event in Savannah, a game against Northern Iowa in Chicago, and a home contest against Navy. The Tigers will then open league play against a solid Charleston squad that received a first-place vote in the preseason poll.
As Towson navigates the waters as the preseason favorite, the Tigers' experienced crew will look to take a significant next step for the program.
Towson
Head Coach: Pat Skerry
2021-22 Record: 25-9, 13-3 CAA (T-1st)
Postseason: CAA Semifinals
Returning Starters (4)
Nicolas Timberlake, G 14.4 ppg, 1.9 apg, 43.8% FG, 40.6% 3FG, All-CAA 1st Tm
Cam Holden, G 13.5 ppg, 3.1 apg, 7.9 rpg, 67 stl, 42.8% FG, NABC All-District, All-CAA 1st Tm, All-CAA Defensive Team
Charles Thompson, F 10.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 60.4% FG, 1.6 bpg, NABC All-District, All-CAA 2nd Tm, All-CAA Defensive Team
Jason Gibson, G 9.8 ppg, 43.3% FG, 42.9% 3FG, 30 stl
Notable Newcomers
Sekou Sylla, F/G 22.4 ppg, 57.8% FG, 10.4 rpg at Nova Southeastern, Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, Sunshine State Conference Newcomer of the Year, Sunshine State Conference First Team, Division II Player of the Year
Nygall Russell, G 7.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.1% FG, 34.5% 3FG at Southeast Missouri State
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