Returning Playmaker
G- Devonta White
5-foot-10-inch junior from Alpharetta, GA
White returns for his junior season after a solid 2011-2012 campaign in which he led the team in points per game, three pointers made, free throws made, and free-throw percentage. He was second on the team in steals and assists. White has been named to the All-CAA Preseason Team by the Colonial Athletic Association coaches and looks to be one of the more dynamic players in the conference. For the Panthers to contend with CAA front runners Drexel and Delaware, White must be the best player on the court every night. And that is something he is capable of doing.
White did not play in the team’s first exhibition game versus Life University on Oct. 29 due to a minor injury suffered during practice. He returned for the team’s final exhibition game versus Albany State and contributed 19 points and seven assists.
2011-2012 stats:
12.9 Points per game
2.9 Assists per game
1.8 Steals per game
83% Free throw percentage
34% 3-point percentage
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X Factors with Experience
G- Rashaad Richardson
6-foot-4-inch junior from Charleston, S.C.
Richardson appeared in all 34 games for Georgia State last season while making 16 starts. He averaged 5.4 points per contest even though he averaged less than 14 minutes of court time per game. If Richardson is able to improve upon his 38 percent field goal percentage from last season, he may become the number two option the Panthers’ need to take pressure off of White. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall, Richardson has the size and ability to be an able defender on the perimeter.
Richardson scored 17 points in the team’s exhibition win over Life University on Oct. 29.
2011-2012 stats:
5.4 Points per game
80% Free throw percentage
35% 3-point percentage
Vincent could be the wildcard for Georgia State this season. He is the team’s biggest player at 6 feet 10 inches tall and 260 pounds. The Columbus, Ga. native is also the only senior on the team. There is no doubting the big man’s size and experience at the college level and Vincent may be Georgia State’s best option inside the paint. Last season he showed glimpses of good basketball playing even though he averaged only eight minutes per game. He displayed a nice touch around the rim also, evident by his high field goal and free throw percentages.
Vincent poured in 15 points to go along with 6 rebounds in the Oct. 29 defeat of Life University.
2011-2012 stats:
3.2 Points per game
55% Field goal percentage
76% Free throw percentage
Transfer Returns Home
F- Manny Atkins
6-foot-7-inch redshirt junior from Tucker, GA
Manny Atkins transferred to Georgia State following the 2010-2011 college basketball season. He spent his first two years at Virginia Tech where he was used in a reserve role by the Hokies. During his time at Virginia Tech, Atkins proved he could provide scoring from the wing by both shooting the ball and by putting it on the floor. At 6 feet 7 inches tall, Atkins also has the size to defend several positions and be a factor on the boards. Even though this will be Atkins first year playing with the Panthers, he sat out last season due to NCAA player-transfer policy, his experience competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference will be invaluable to Georgia State.
Atkins averaged 11 points per game in Georgia State’s two game exhibition schedule.
2010-2011 stats (stats from his last season at Virginia Tech):
4.9 Points per game
2 Rebounds per game
91% Free throw percentage
44% Field goal percentage
35% 3-point percentage
G- R.J. Hunter
6-foot-5-inch freshman from Indianapolis, Ind.
R.J. Hunter wasted no time in showing his teammates and Georgia State fans why he will be the freshman to watch this season. In his first collegiate game, an exhibition versus Life University, despite the slow start on the first quarter, Hunter led the team on the second quarter. He ended the game with 30 points including four three pointers. Pretty impressive, considering the shooting guard was filling in for injured point guard Devonta White. Hunter can also defend multiple positions due to his size and long wingspan.
Hunter torched Life University for 30 points in his collegiate debut and followed that up with a 22 point performance against Albany State.
2011-2012 stats (senior year of high school):
20.5 Points per game
6.6 Rebounds per game
3.8 Assists per game
2.9 Steals per game
