Carson-Newman Basketball: Frontcourt Preview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the second part in a two-part series chronicling Carson-Newman men’s basketball’s positions for the 2020-21 season. This part breaks down the Eagles’ big men with the help of Cam Andre (Kissimmee, Fla.).
VIDEO: Cam Andre Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the second part in a two-part series chronicling Carson-Newman men's basketball's positions for the 2020-21 season. This part breaks down the Eagles' big men with the help of Cam Andre (Kissimmee, Fla.).
Carson-Newman returns all of its post players from a year ago, including one of the top rebounders in the SAC in EJ Bush (Oak Ridge, Tenn.). In addition to Andre and Bush, Bryant Thomas (Charlotte, N.C.) and Dima Bykov (Moscow, Russia) all logged significant minutes down low for C-N.
"We definitely have a hunger to learn this year," Andre said. "It's nice to be back to running the zone. We're learning, changing and adjusting to fit our athleticism and size. It's been fun."
Andre appeared in 17 games as a reserve post player for the Eagles in his junior campaign. He averaged 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on a 59 percent shooting clip. Andre topped 10 points twice on the year against Lenoir-Rhyne (1/8) and at Coker (2/8). He produced a quartet of games with at least five boards, including a season-best six at Anderson (12/7).
"CB has constantly told me that I have an awkard combination of power, quickness and speed," Andre said. "I think I'm finally listening to him because things have come easier overall. Parker has been a big help in fine tuning stuff that I've known over the years."
Carson-Newman's second-leading scorer and leading rebounder in his junior campaign. Bush averaged 12.5 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He was the only player on the roster to start all 28 games on the year for the Eagles. Bush was fourth in the SAC in rebounding and fifth with his 27 blocked shots.
His 7.7 rebounding average is the 29th highest single-season total in Carson-Newman men's basketball history, while his 2.5 offensive rebounds per game rank as the sixth highest single season total in C-N lore. Bush exploded onto the scene in his first game as an Eagle against Lees-McRae.
Bush notched a season-best 27 points on a career-best 13 made field goals on 17 attempts to go along with 13 rebounds. It would be the first of seven double-doubles on the year for the Bryan transfer. Bush would top 20 points again on Nov. 26 with a 22-point game against Lincoln Memorial. Bush had at least five rebounds in all but four of the games he played in.
Thomas appeared in 26 games in his first season at Carson-Newman, averaging 4.3 points and 3.5 rebounds. Thomas amassed 21 blocks, the second most on the team. He made 49.5 percent of his shots while going 10-for-29 from downtown. Thomas produced a career-high 17 points against Coker (12/14), one of a trio of double-digit scoring efforts on the year. He also grabbed at least five rebounds on nine occasions, including a career-best nine against the Cobras. In that game against Coker, he was 7-for-11 from the field and 3-for-6 from deep. He led C-N in blocks in nine games.
"Bryant can sit down there and his wingspan is so long that he is able to cover so much ground," Andre said. "He's such an x-factor down there because he can be so intimidating."
Bykov rounded into form in his junior season by appearing in all but one game for C-N while making 17 starts. He averaged 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while making 55.0 percent of his shots. Bykov was 3-for-11 from deep. The Moscow, Russia-native hit for a season-high 15 points in back-to-back games on Nov. 26 and 30 against Lincoln Memorial and Wingate.
"We're understanding the offense a lot better in making our reads," Andre said. "We as bigs came together and know what is wanted and expected of us. We've all grown together. That's what we need because you never know what's going to happen, but especially this year."
In addition to the four returners, the Eagles also bring in Canisius transfer Ivan Hadzic (Sabac, Serbia) and freshmen Ben Knight (Seymour, Tenn.), Tyler Bowens (Greenville, S.C.) and Joshuwa Butts (Fairburn, Ga.). Additionally, Ren Dyer (Weaverville, N.C.) could see some time down low.
"Ren Dyer sticks out because his motor is insane," Andre said. "He doesn't stop. Ever. He's aware and takes criticism well."
Hadzic appeared in 14 games at Canisius where he averaged 0.6 points and 0.8 rebounds.
A 6-8 power forward who was coached by former Carson-Newman assistant Shane Williams at Lakeway Christian Academy, Knight averaged 14.4 points and eight boards per game suiting up for the Lions. A two-time all-tournament player, Knight helped the Lions to a NACA Championship in 2018-19 and a runner up finish in 2019-20.
Butts averaged nine points and seven rebounds a game while helping Langston Hughes to back-to-back state titles as a freshman and sophomore. He earned all-region honors as both a junior and a senior. In addition to basketball, Butts also competed for Langston Hughes track and field program.
A high school teammate of fellow commit Nick Brenegan at Wade Hampton, the duo helped the generals to a region title in 2020. They also appeared in the state title game that year. Bowens also won a pair of region titles at Greenville Tech Charter as a freshman and sophomore. Bowens was named the region's player of the year on his way to earning 5A all-state honors as a senior. He was a North/South All-Star game selection, Hart County All-Tournament Team member and the winner of the county's dunk contest at the PAA showcase. Bowens averaged 17 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 57 percent shooting as a senior. He scored 1,000 points in his high school career.
Carson-Newman opens the season Nov. 21 at Coker. Tipoff is slated for 4 p.m. with coverage available on the Eagle Sports Network starting at 3:45 with the AEC Countdown to Tipoff on The Mountain 106.3 (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live.
