AUGUSTA, GA. - After two exhibition games in the last 10 days, the Augusta University men's basketball team opens up the season in Wilson, N.C. on Friday and Saturday, part of the Hampton Inn & Suites and Tru By Hilton 45 Second Classic. The Jaguars take on Mount Olive on Friday, followed by Barton College on Saturday.

This year's Jags will be led by Demitri Gardner, who has lived up to his preseason all-conference nod with a pair of outstanding efforts against Clemson and Emory University. Gardner started by scoring 22 points against the Tigers and added  32 against the Eagles. 

Head coach Dip Metress said the team is not where they need to be right now, but looks to improve each week as the season gets underway. He's also looking at the underclassmen to step it up and take some of the pressure off the returning starters.

"We have two freshmen that are impacting right now. Watching their growth and development will be the key to our season," said Metress. 

As the season goes on, Metress said Gardner will need some help on the offensive end if the Jags are to have a good year. It's something that's already being addressed.

"We need to try to find some more balance and free some guys up. It will be interesting to see if they can handle it. I think they're more comfortable in that roll, but the question is can they do it when the popcorn's popping and more importantly when the games  matter," added Metress