Eagles To Be Shorthanded In Opener

Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson

Eric McKnight
This is a given. The redshirt junior center was suspended six games for a violation of team/school policy. This thrusts Georgia Tech transfer Nate Hicks into the starting center role. While McKnight's shot blocking ability and overall defensive prowess will be missed, Hicks is more of a developed offensive player with post abilities.

Logan Hovey
Hovey, the lone FGCU commit of the 2013 class (after Neff left), has been having signs of a stress fracture. This has held him out of most practices. According to the News-Press, Hovey has been ruled out and "won't play Friday regardless of his health." These early signs of a stress fracture were first reported back on Oct. 10. Joe Dooley, smartly, is looking long term for the Eagles.

Bernard Thompson
The 2013 A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year sprained his ankle in last Friday's (Nov. 1) scrimmage against Lynn. This held Thompson out of practice on Saturday. He was then limited in practice on Sunday and only did half court work in practice yesterday (Tues. Nov. 5). In a News-Press article, Joe Dooley said "He's day to day...If he can't move and he can't play up to his ability, we're not going to put him out there." If Thompson doesn't play, his defensive presence would be sorely missed when trying to contain 6-2 senior guard Ray Gallegos.

Transfers
Obvious but Julian DeBose, Brian Greene Jr, and Marc-Eddy Norelia all have to sit out due to NCAA transfer rules. With McKnight and Hovey already out, that leaves FGCU with seven scholarship players, possibly six if Thompson is unable to play. Walk-on Armand Shoon (specifically mentioned by Dooley on media day) could see some minutes.

For more on FGCU make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)