Compiled by PAUL GOTHAM
Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming players of the Atlantic 10 with a look at the first-year players of the Richmond Spiders.
Richmond finished 16-16 (7-11 in A-10 play) last season and fell to Dayton in the A-10 quarter-finals.
Chris Mooney and his staff welcome four players to campus this season: Kwei Abakah, De’Monte Buckingham, Grant Golden and Nick Sherod.
Kwesi Abakah F 6-8, 215 Suawnee, GA/North Gwinnett (Northeastern GS)
NORTHEASTERN (2013-16): Played in 76 games in three seasons at Northeastern before leaving as a graduate transfer. Averaged 1.2 career ppg, including 50 points in 2015-16. Tallied 2.2 rpg last season, including a career-high five boards in an upset win over No. 15 Miami. Earned a medical redshirt in 2012-13.
HIGH SCHOOL: Captained North Gwinnett (Ga.) High School to a 21-10 record and an appearance in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament in his senior season. Shot better than 64 percent from the field as a senior and averaged more than six rebounds and two blocks per game. Posted the second-best rebounding season in school history and finished career ranked third on North Gwinnett’s all-time rebounding list.
De’Monte Buckingham G 6-4, 215 Richmond, VA/Henrico
HIGH SCHOOL: 5A State Player of the Year (14-15). All-Metro Player of the Year (14-15). Conference 11 Player of the Year (14-15, 15-16). 5A South Region Player of the Year (14-15, 15-16). All-Metro First Team (13-14, 14-15, 15-16). Led Henrico to consecutive state championships. Averaged 22 ppg, 10 rpg and 4 apg in 15-16.
What they’re saying about De’Monte Buckingham – Jamie Shaw/Phenom Hoop Report: “Through four years and 111 games of varsity basketball Buckingham was 102-13. In those four years he averaged 17.3 points, 8.8 boards, 2.6 assists and two steals per game. Through multiple Phenom exposure camps and AAU tournaments Buckingham showed elite court vision and a desire to succeed. He consistently makes positive plays.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He has a good handle. He can get up and down the court. He’s effective driving to the basket.”
Grant Golden F/C 6-9, 240 Winchester, VA/St. James – MD
HIGH SCHOOL: Moved to St. James HS in Hagerstown, Md. for final two seasons of high school. Washington County Co-Player of the Year in 2015-16. Led St. James to Independent-Parochial School League and Mid-Atlantic Conference titles. Averaged 17.2 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 3.5 apg and 1.3 bpg in his senior year. Shot 54.7 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three in 15-16. Sat out junior season with injury. Averaged 18.1 ppg and 7.7 rpg in 2013-14 at Sherando HS in Stephens City, Va.
What they’re saying about Grant Golden – Jamie Shaw/Phenom Hoop Report: “Golden is a skilled forward. He can shoot, handle, and pass and should really stretch the floor out with his skill.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He’s big and skilled. He could be very good. He borders on being a high-level post player.”
Marcus Helton/DMV Elite: “He’s a guy who was hurt his junior year, but last year he really broke out when he was healthy. Richmond got a real steal with him. He’s going to be in the freshman-of-the-year conversation.”
Nick Sherod G 6-4, 220 Richmond, VA/St. Christopher’s
HIGH SCHOOL : All-Metro Player of the Year in 2015-16. All-Metro First Team (14-15, 15-16)
VISAA All-State First Team (14-15, 15-16). 2,815 career points on varsity (Most in Virginia High School history). Led St. Christopher’s to school-record 24 wins and regular season title in 15-16. Averaged 25.6 points per game to lead the region in 15-16. Also tallied 10.6 rpg, 3.1 apg and 2.4 spg in 15-16. Led AAU team (Team Loaded) to 2015 adidas Uprising Summer Championship in Las Vegas.
What they’re saying about Nick Sherod – Jamie Shaw/Phenom Hoop Report: “Sherod graduated as his school’s all-time leading scorer. During numerous Phenom exposure camps and Phenom AAU events, he has shown the confidence and touch to finish both off the catch and with one and two-dribble pull ups. It’s not flashy but it’s highly productive.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He’s a big-time shooter. He can catch-and-shoot on the baseline. He’s big enough, strong enough and athletic enough.”
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