The USF Dons wrapped up their non conference schedule at 6-4, a record that at face value may non look great. While 6-4 may be worse then in past years, it was actually a pretty successful non conference schedule. The Dons played a very tough schedule that included 3 power 5 schools, and a win over #4 Virginia. The Dons also took home an impressive win over Nevada on the road.
During non conference play, the Dons established themselves as one of the premier 3 point shooting teams in the country. USF ranks 2nd in the country in 3s made, and 5th in 3s per game. USF also saw improvement from lots of returning players, including Jamaree Bouyea and Dzmitry Ryuny. Bouyea has established himself as one of the top guards in the country, averaging 17 ppg while shooting 55% from the field and 45% from 3. He had a big game in the upset of Virginia, leading the Dons to 43 second half points while outplaying UVAs guards. Ryuny has also established himself as a solid 3rd option for USF as mainly a 3pt specialist. He averages over 10 ppg with just under 3 3s a game shooting them at a 39% clip.
USF will open conference play on the 31st against San Diego, and then will head to Spokane to take on the top team in the country, Gonzaga. USF is looking like one of the top teams in the WCC right now, and if they can get some improvement from some of their newcomers, they can take an even bigger step forward. They will play 16 conference games this year, and in a tough conference, I’d say USFs goal should be 10 wins.
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