GRU's senior trio has big impact during road trip

The winner of 7 of its first 8 games, GRU Augusta recently claimed the #25 spot in the National Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division II Basketball Rankings.  After the team made what seemed like every shot they took in the first four games at home, the Jags’ trio of seniors, Devon Wright-Nelson, Devonte Thomas, and D’Angelo Boyce, have since provided much needed leadership in helping GRU take 3 of 4 road games.

Thomas has scored over 17 ppg and made 45% of his threes during this stretch.  He has also gotten to the free throw line 16 times on the road trip (versus 6 times in the four game stretch at home), implying that he has been more aggressive.  Wright-Nelson’s 13 ppg average on the road has come with lights out shooting statistics:  21-38 from the field and 5-6 from three point land.  And Boyce’s 10 ppg during the road stretch has come with similarly stellar efficiency:  12-20 from the field and 6-8 from deep.

It is fitting that these three were the Jags’ leading scorers (15 points each) in the most recent road game, an 83-54 win against Bowie State, which is less than an hour from the home of these seniors.  Bowie State was originally scheduled to visit Augusta this season.  But I understand coach Dip Metress made the commendable move of traveling to Maryland to give the guys a chance to play in front of family and friends one more time.  Over 60 of these supporters came to the game, and coach Metress presented a game ball to Wright-Nelson in an impromptu ceremony, recognizing his recently passing the 1000 career point barrier.

The Jags are back in action Thursday, December 18, at 11 A.M. at home versus conference foe Georgia Southwestern.  Go support the Jags and treat yourself to the best basketball in town.  And follow JaguarsRoar.com and the various GRU athletic accounts on social media.  This is how I learned about the special ties between the Bowie State trip and the three seniors, as well as Dip’s presenting the game ball to Wright-Nelson.

***Here are some posts from the past about the GRU Augusta Jaguars***

Dec 5, 2014
Throwback Thursday:  Jags Sophomore Sensations (25 years removed)

Dec 4, 2014
GRU Impressive in City Classic Win at Paine

Nov 28, 2014
GRU's Statistical Wonders

Nov 15, 2014
Sherrill drops 37 in GRU's Opening Win

Nov 12, 2014
Another Exciting Year Ahead for GRU Augusta

Nov 13, 2013
This Week in Jags Hoops: Episode 2

Nov 5, 2013
One of the Greatest Jags

Oct 27, 2013
This Week in Jags Hoops: Episode 1

Oct 25, 2013
GRU Pep Rally: Dip Baby Dip

Jan 12, 2013
Jags Top Armstrong