The boys are back in town.
ETSU men’s basketball scrimmaged Sunday in the annual Blue and Gold Game.
ETSU basketball faithfuls were out to see returning players and meet new head coach Murray Bartow. They saw an even game from both teams, as the blue team won 69-66.
The blue team consisted of SoCon player of the year, senior Zakee Wadood; last year’s SoCon freshman of the year, Tim Smith; Michael Tolliver; Howard Bridges; James Anthony and Aaron Scott.
The gold team lost as Sam Oatman’s three-point try bounced out of the basket with two seconds left.
The gold team had the Bucs’ big men, 6-foot-7 senior Jerald Fields and 6-foot-9 sophomore Brad Nuckles. Ben Rhoda, A.J. Jackson, Travis Strong and Sam Oatman finished out the gold team.
Offensively, the Bucs saw the same players stand out in the scrimmage that they saw produce last year.
Smith and Tolliver led all in scoring with 20 points a piece. Wadood had 17 points. The big surprise today was the play of junior Tolliver.
“Michael Tolliver was one of those players that were looked over last year,” Bartow said on Tolliver’s 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals Sunday.
Wadood also had good things to say about Tolliver’s performance. “Michael is one those guys who attacks the basket and he did a lot of that today,” he said. From the free-throw line, the Bucs were stellar. Rhoda led the team, hitting eight of 10 free throws.
He led the gold team as the hit 22 of 26 free throws Sunday. The blue team was led by Wadood, who hit five of six and 15 of 23.
The game was just half the story. Fans wanted to know if the Bucs could go to the tournament again. And, they want to know if if Bartow could lead them to another SoCon championship.
“This game helps me to observe and just to see them play,” Bartow said.
“Some guys are better in practice and others are better in games. We have a long way to go.
“I’m just glad we are not playing Houston tomorrow. I want the team to improve defensively – as a bright spot these guys played hard today.”
Bartow has taken on a Les Robinson-type strategy as he enters his first season as head basketball coach. Bartow has been going to different student organizations like Robinson to promote student participation in ETSU basketball.
“We have created a student organization called ‘Buc Wild’ that promotes student participation,” Bartow said.
“We want a good home-field advantage and it takes strong student support to do so.”
Smith is ready for the season and ready to go back to the big dance. “I’m already pumped up – I cannot wait until the season starts,” he said.
For improvement in an already stellar game, Smith said he had been spending a lot of time in the weight room.
“In practice we play hard because we know it’s going to be tough to get back to the tournament,” he said.
“Students are coming up to me asking when is the season going to start every day.” He said that support on campus has been great.
Part of the magnificent play in Tampa last season, forward Nuckles started where he left off. He had 12 points and 11 rebounds.
“We are starting out with a lot more confidence this year,” Nuckles said. When asked how Bartow’s coaching differed from DeChellis’, he said, “He [Bartow] has worked a lot more on my individual game and helped me to be a better defensive player.”
The Bucs’ first regular season game is at Houston on Nov. 21. They then will go up against Texas Tech and Head Coach Bobby Knight on Nov. 23.

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