Location: Nashville, TN
Nickname: Commodores
Conference: Southeastern
Last Year’s Record: 19-12
Key Returners: A.J. Ogilvy (15.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg), Jermaine Beal (12.5 ppg), Jeffery Taylor (12.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg), Brad Tinsley (11 ppg)
Top Newcomer: John Jenkins
Strengths: With the top four players in its rotation returning, Vanderbilt will be loaded this season. Led by Australian National A.J. Ogilvy, the Commodore will have plenty of scoring options this season. Along with Ogilvy, Jermaine Beal, Jeffery Taylor, and Brad Tinsley all averaged double figures last season and are expected to do the same this season. They’re also welcoming in top shooting guard prospect John Jenkins to provided an added punch. Coach Kevin Stallings definitely has a talented team on his hands.
Weakness: The Commodores will have to get production from their bench this season. Last season, no reserve player averaged more than five points-per-game. That has to change if the Commodores want to challenge in the SEC East. Their starters played a lot of minutes and, as a result, were not as fresh as they needed to be down the stretch. It’ll be a shame if they can’t get the production from their bench this season to help make a run in March.
Outlook: The Commodores’ bench is still unproven, but they will have a starting five that can rival any other in the SEC. If they’re able to get solid points from their reserves, this can be a top-15 team when its all said and done.
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