Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs UNC Asheville Preview

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at Danny Manning’s Tulsa background and how that might predict what kind of success he might have at Wake Forest. Tonight is our first chance to see this happen. In game 2 of the non-existant Big South—ACC challenge, the UNC Asheville Eagles come to Winston-Salem to test the ‘new’ Wake Forest Demon Deacons. How will this first game turn out for Manning and the Deacs?

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Date: November 14
Time: 7:00 PM
TV: ESPN3
Venue: Lawrence Joel Coliseum

Wake Stuff:

Mar 5, 2014; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Devin Thomas (2) reacts during the second half against the Duke Blue Devils at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Wake defeated Duke 82-72. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

THE FIVE (Projected):

G Madison Jones, JR
G Cody Miller-McIntyre, JR
F Greg McClinton, FR
F Devin Thomas, JR
F Darius Leonard, SR (Campbell transfer)

Tough to figure out the offense with the four top scorers gone from last year’s team, but it allows Coach Manning to build from the ground up. He also will be likely to insert his guys into games early. Don’t expect freshmen like Mitchell Wilbekin, Rondale Watson, and Konstaninos Mitoglou to sit on the bench forever. Those guys will be critical to Manning when it comes to installing the type of game plan that he wants to run in the future. This is a transition year for Wake Forest, and no one should forget that when gaging expectations.

Nov 18, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs head coach Nick McDevitt reacts on the sidelines against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs (0-0)

THE FIVE (Projected)
G Andrew Rowsey, SO
G Corey Littlejohn, SR
G David Robertson, SO
F Sam Hughes, JR
F Giacomo Zilli, SO

Nov 18, 2013; Durham, NC, USA; North Carolina-Asheville Bulldogs guard Andrew Rowsey (15) shoots over Duke Blue Devils guard Quinn Cook (2) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulldogs have been hit with early injury problems that have robbed them of some of their bench depth. Rowsey enjoyed the best season by an Asheville freshman ever last year. Hughes, Robertson, and Littlejohn will all be expected to raise their games, as they replace departed starters on the lineup. Finally, it is important to note that Asheville does not play with a lot of size either. Wake Forest needs to take that opportunity to keep them off the boards and prevent second chance points.