Know Your Foe: Western Carolina Catamounts
Know Your Foe: Western Carolina Catamounts
2023 record: 15-2 (4-0)
Last game: 64-52 W vs Mercer (January 13)
Head Coach: Justin Gray (3rd year)
Previous stop: Asst. Coach at Winthrop University (2019-2021)
Last meeting: Samford W, 85-77 (2023)
TV: CBS Sports Network, Tip: 5:00pm CT
KenPom Ranking: 112th
Fun Fact: Samford has won the last 5 matchups in the history of the series.
Team Overview:
Samford set multiple records last time out against VMI with their 15th straight win. VMI is not a good basketball team but these Western Carolina Catamounts are the other class of the Southern Conference so far. The Catamounts are riding a nine-game winning streak of their own. To add even more intrigue, this contest will be nationally televised on CBS Sports Network, at an unusual time of 5:00pm Central time.
This is set up to be the game of the year in the SoCon. Samford being last year’s co-champion and Western Carolina, this year’s version of Samford, ready to make some noise. As mentioned, both teams are riding winning streaks and someone at the end of 40 minutes will be unhappy.
Let’s dive into the Catamounts and they are led by one of the best players in the country.
Vonterious Woolbright is one of the more well-rounded players in the entire country. The 6’6” guard is averaging 20.2 points per game, 12.6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. He also shoots 45% from the floor and finally something to knock, only shooting 28% from behind the arc. Woolbright has scored in double figures in every single game. According to KenPom, he is used on 36.5% of the Catamount possessions.
Woolbright is not the only bright spot for this team especially from a group that returns four of five starters from last season. Tre Jackson averages 13.5 points per game and D.J. Campbell averages 12 points per game. Also look out for Russell Jones, Jr. who shoots 41% from three.
Not many of Western’s team stats jump out at you, although they are the highest ranked team in adjusted defense in the SoCon. The Catamounts do not force many turnovers which could help Samford on the road in a tough atmosphere.
The start to conference play for each team has been set up to this moment. Samford has been more battle tested in the early portion of conference play compared to Western Carolina. It is a battle of star power with Western Carolina and the team play of Samford. Which will win out on national television? We are about to find out.
