Prior to Thursday’s matchup at Louisiana-Lafayette, the Panthers had won nine straight games, including five in a row in the Sun Belt
Conference. As the season keeps moving along, the Panthers keep getting better and better and coach Ron Hunter says their potential is not yet even in sight.
Hunter’s son, R.J., has turned it on of late. In conference play, Hunter is averaging 23 points per game and has shot at least 50 per- cent from the field in all but one of those contests. One player who needs to reestablish his stroke is Ryan Harrow. After a blistering start to the season, his production has slowed and he does not appear to be as confident taking the shots he was firing off earlier in the season. This does not mean that he has been playing poorly, but it does indicate that he is not play- ing up to his potential. Harrow has seen an upswing in his assist numbers lately, showing that he is still a valuable piece on the offensiveside of the ball. He is most effective when he is attacking the basket and finding himself at the free-throw line, where he is shooting 83 per- cent. Once he gets his groove back, the duo of Harrow and Hunter will be one of the best in the Sun Belt.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP …
In the last four games, senior Devonta White has scored in double-figures while filling it up from outside as well as attacking the gap in the zone and pulling up for jumpers in the lane over taller defenders. White and fellow senior Manny Atkins have both been contributing heavily in conference play and it appears that their production is here to stay. Atkins is one of the better three-point shooters in the country, connecting on 44.8 percent of his attempts from long range.
The recent rhythm with which the Panthers have been playing on offense has been matched on the defensive end, as well. While they are typically getting out-rebounded, coach Hunter made the decision the put more focus on pressuring the ball to create havoc and force turnovers and come away with steals. This sacrifice has seen an increase in the number of fast-break opportunities for the Panthers and it plays well into the strength of the team.
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