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For the third consecutive Wednesday, I can write: “The Mick Cronin era begins tonight.” Two weeks ago, it was because of the UCLA men’s basketball showcase. Then, last week, it was because the Bruins played their lone exhibition game. Now, tonight, the regular season officially begins.
Long Beach State 49ers
The 49ers open the 2019-20 season after finishing 15-19 in 2018-19. One of those losses was a 91-80 loss to the Bruins on November 9, 2018 for UCLA’s second win of the season.
Even though UCLA played Long Beach State last season, the 49ers roster is significantly different from last year. Only four letterwinners return from the 2018-19 team.
Junior Jordan Roberts, who averaged 21.2 minutes per game and just 7.4 points per game, is one of the guys returning for Long Beach State. Junior Drew Cobb is the other returning starter. Cobb averaged 17.9 minutes per game and just 2.8 points per game last season.
So, Long Beach State has to make up for a lot of lost production.
Look for transfer Colin Slater to start at forward. Slater redshirted last year after transfer from Tulane. Guard Chance Hunter has transferred to Long Beach State from Cerritos College where he averaged 13.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Center Trever Irish is another transfer student. Irish comes to Long Beach State from Central Arizona College. While he missed most of last season, he averaged 14.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game as a freshman in 2017-18.
Look for senior guard Jordan Griffin and junior forward Breyon Jackson to be two of the first guys off the bench for the 49ers.
Long Beach State has 11 players on their roster who will make their debut for the team this season. With so much roster turnover this season, it is a little bit difficult to predict what will happen tonight. While I don’t have any doubt that the Bruins will begin the Cronin era with a win, it’s really just a question of how big the margin of victory will be.
Go Bruins!!!