Head coach
Tenure at Norfolk State
Career coaching record
Home court
Starters
Overview: The Cameron Crazies may want to thank Norfolk State—after the game of course— if the Spartans beat East Carolina and face Duke Nov. 19 as part of the NIT Season Tip-off. Norfolk State upset Missouri as a No. 15 seed the same infamous day that Duke fell to Lehigh two seasons ago.
Last season's leading scorer, shooting guard Pendarvis Williams, leads an arsenal of five senior guards, including starters Jamal Fuentes and Malcolm Hawkins, who will rotate and form the nucleus of this Spartan team that will be learning a new system in Jones’ first season at the helm. The ability of frontcourt players RaShid Gaston, Brandon Goode and Grant Hefeng to provide serviceable interior play will likely determine whether or not the Spartans can win the MEAC and get back to the NCAA tournament.
One thing that needs to go right: Norfolk State takes advantage of their experience in the backcourt by playing at a faster pace and attacking off the dribble.
One thing that could go wrong: Playing in a new system, the Spartans struggle early in the season and fail to gain momentum late.
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