“Bubba Ball” officially begins on Saturday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. when Ryan (Bubba) Smith puts his first Lee men’s basketball team on the court in Walker Arena for an exhibition game against Piedmont College (Demorest, Ga.)
Smith, who accepted the Lee position after a successful coaching career at Sewanee (University of the South), offered these thoughts about his team before they begin play on Saturday.
“So far our guys are working hard each day and we are concentrating on having sustained energy and focus as we prepare for our Homecoming contest against Piedmont College," Smith said. "I know our guys are anxious to get on the floor and see how we have improved from our first scrimmage (one week ago at King University)."
“Piedmont is a well-coached team by Greg Neeley,” said coach Smith. “I have played them home and home the last few seasons, so I know that they will be prepared for how we play.
“They have some veteran players that have been around for a while, and they typically play with great pace. They took Presbyterian College to the wire in mid-December last season, so they are used to playing well in big moments.
“We have some seniors who have logged some minutes and we expect them to carry the load for this team this season,” coach Smith proclaimed. “I think we will be as good as they allow us to be. We have an interesting blend of young and old, but at this point everything is new for everyone, and we are growing in this process together.
“Cody Jones (transfer from Sewanee) is familiar with how our offense works and his feel at this point is just further along than most guys. His knowledge will really help us early on in the year.”
The Flames return seniors Keevin Tyus, 16 ppg and a 64% shooter from the field, Rico Overall, 9 ppg, Jervon Johnson 5.6 ppg and Cody Farley. Junior Levi Woods came on strong at the end of last season and averages 7.1 ppg.
As they have the past couple of years, the Flames will be on the road to open the regular season on Nov. 12th and 13th, traveling to Carrollton, Ga. to take part in the West Georgia Classic and facing Miles College (Birmingham, Ala.) and Lane College (Jackson, Tenn). Both colleges are members of the SIAC conference.