AUGUSTA, GA - As November approaches and the college basketball season is set to begin, the Augusta University men's basketball team is gearing up for a challenging start. The Jaguars will face two Division I opponents early in the season, beginning with a trip to Clemson on Wednesday to take on an ACC program that made an Elite Eight appearance last year.  After a home contest against Emory (Nov. 2) and two road games at the 45 Second Classic (Nov. 8-9), they will head to Statesboro, Ga., to square off against Georgia Southern on Nov. 11.  Notably, Augusta defeated Georgia Southern 82-77 last year, adding extra anticipation to this season's matchup.

Head coach Dip Metress acknowledges the tough task ahead in facing the Tigers. "I think this is one of the best one's we've played in an exhibition game," said Metress. "Some of the others we've played, their programs weren't in the same position, so it's a huge challenge."




The Jaguars return a solid core of experienced players, including Demitri Gardner, John St. Germain III, and Maximillian Amadasun. This group, along with other contributors, will need to elevate their performance not only against Clemson but throughout the season.

Metress has been pleased with the team's progress over the past month and believes they are close to finalizing a rotation for the start of the season. While there is still room for growth, establishing a top six or seven players can provide stability as the season intensifies.

This year's team brings something previous squads lacked: overall size and length.

"We have some good length on the perimeter defensively and we seem to contest shots pretty good individually," said Metress. "We don't guard the bounce real well right now, but nobody in the nation does. It's an evolving process. Our guys have been really good, they've listened, they're a mature group. The new guys coming in are very mature and want to be coached and there's a good vibe. It's just a matter of when will that talent emerge.