Florida Gulf Coast is the Cinderella team everyone will be looking for on Selection Sunday. Known as Dunk City, the high-energy squad is back for more NCAA Tournament action, and they have never looked stronger.
The 2013 FGCU Eagles team were one of the greatest stories in college basketball history. As a 15 seed, they Knocked off 2nd seeded Georgetown, and 7th seeded San Diego State. After that magical season, coach Andy Enfield left for USC, and FGCU looked to be back at square one.
Unfortunately for the Atlantic Sun Conference, FGCU wasn’t down for long. New head coach, Joe Dooley, has gotten his Eagles team to the NCAA Tournament for two consecutive seasons.
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The Dunk City moniker has returned to Fort Myers, Florida, as FGCU has taken its’ high energy style of play to a new level. This season, the Eagles have showcased that same high-flying ability that made them such a treat to watch in 2013.
Florida Gulf Coast brings a heavy dose of scoring from down low. With a solid frontcourt scoring attack, FGCU ranks fifth in the country with a .502 field goal percentage.Gulf Coast leads the Nation in two-point shots made, a lot of which come from dunks.
Demetris Morant is one of the team’s most consistent players. Averaging 10.7 points on over 70 percent shooting, he’s about a reliable as you can get. Take into account Morant’s eight rebounds a game, and that’s a good start to your presence down low.
In addition, there is a wing player, Brandon Goodwin, who carries an 18 point per game average. Because of play from names such as Morant and Goodwin, FGCU is destined to play spoiler for one team this March.
With a non-conference schedule that included Florida, Baylor, and Michigan State, FGCU has played power conference school’s this season. And while they went 0-3, they’ve got experience playing against big time programs
One thing the Eagles have is confidence. They rolled through the A-Sun Tournament, and have their sights set on March Madness. Can they play spoiler once more?
Follow Daniel James Gentile on @dgentleman9288