:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57529161/usa_today_9730561.0.jpg)
At the beginning of last season, the Buffalo Bulls were without the services of CJ Massinburg, who was suffering with mono. While he had a good season after he came back, he never did seem to find his shooting touch. Both his shooting percentage and his percentage from beyond the arch dropped from his freshman year.
He still had a solid season, 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. This season, I expect more since he is starting the season healthy. He’ll likely be more of a leader both on the floor and in shot attempts now that Blake Hamilton and his 431 attempts have moved on to Europe.
The 6’3 guard from Texas played well enough his freshman year to be named to the All-MAC Freshmen squad. Last season, in spite of the early season health issue, he worked his way up to honorable mention All-MAC. If he gets his shooting percentages back to what he was as a freshman, he is looking at 18ish points per contest. Throw in the added shot attempts that could come with the loss of Hamilton and he could be up over 20.
Against Daemen in the exhibition game this season, he came off the bench and scored 13 while grabbing 6 rebounds. He only played 16 minutes and hit 3 of 8 from the floor and 1 out of 5 three point attempts. With a couple JUCO transfers starting that game, I can’t honestly say if that’s the plan going forward for the Bulls, but even if it is, I am confident Massinburg will work his way into the starting lineup as the season moves on. He is a special player waiting to put it all together.