Exhibition Game #1 - St. Thomas vs George Mason - Mon • Oct 23, 2023 • 07:00 PM

[psyclone]

Much more fast paced last few minutes and a very nice run to a 20 pt lead! Before that, I d give them a C

 

[mkaufman1]

First game so I expected a lot of jitters and hot and cold moments.

Once they settle down we look much more competent. Going to be an up and down season I bet.

 

[Leesburg Chankenstank III]

Okojie looks like a senior out there.

 

[Where's the party?]

Free Throws are still a problem. Ugh!

 

[GMUgemini]

Did Kelly look any better in the second half of the second half? Wasn’t super impressed with what I saw from him tonight, but of course it’s an exhibition.

I liked what I saw from Henry though.

 

[Where's the party?]

Did Kelly look any better in the second half of the second half? Wasn’t super impressed with what I saw from him tonight, but of course it’s an exhibition.

I liked what I saw from Henry though.

Malik looked good. Kelly is a big body and hustles. Not seeing a lot of offensive talent but he's very aggressive and that should help in the A10 trenches.

 

[jessej]

Final score - 64-52 Mason

 

[DRK331]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1716622800071577762

 

[JimP]

I think Kelly will be a solid contributer. Saw him play in last season's CAA tourney in DC as a starter for pretty good UNC Wilmington team.

 

[psyclone]

Okojie looks like a senior out there.

Hopefully, he will cut down on the turnovers over time. But it should be fun watching him ..an excellent recruit!

 

[Where's the party?]

I think Kelly will be a solid contributer. Saw him play in last season's CAA tourney in DC as a starter for pretty good UNC Wilmington team.

I agree. Averaging 23 mins, 8 pts and 6 rebs on a 27 win team ..... yeah he can definitely help us.

 

[Patriotsince81]

Play Baraka Okojie! The young man is fearless. I also liked our ball and player movement on offense. A much needed change from past seasons. Defensively we are better in the early stages in comparison to years past as well. The press didn't come into play that much, it will be interesting to see it some more. There were flashes of great play and moments of not so great which should be expected in the first exhibition. I really wish Keyshawn had kept some of that 280 pounds. Several occasions tonight where it would have made a difference. Great/good rim protection from our bigs. Woody was better tonight than in the open practice, don't know that we want/need him shooting 3's though. There just seemed to be a different attitude with the team, in a good way. I don't see us finishing 10th. On to West Virginia, let's see how we stack up there.

 

[psyclone]

Is there a post-game presser with a link?

 

[Jack Strop]

Mason is absolutely Tony's team—they've definitely taken on his personality. I thought the team was loose, tough, and aggressive. Better still, everyone looked like they were having FUN.

Okojie was certainly the biggest surprise of the night. He is lightning quick and was mostly decisive. When Okojie wanted to score, he scored. He also handed out a couple of impressive assists. He already seems to have good chemistry with Malik.

The depth of this Mason team is going to help them win some games. I thought, at times, the second team out-perforrned the first team.

I agree with Patriotsincei81 about ball and player movement—something we have not seen in a looooong time. When this team gels and forms more solid chemistry they are going to be a tough out—and FUN to watch!

 

[Verdad]

Was there - Okojie is a dude!

 

[MASONscott]

Missed the game but watched the replay.

Lots of good to work on and bad for teaching moments. Love the weave offense to start the possession. My son goes to ASU - Hurley runs it often. An offense that moves the ball 5-6 times before attacking can do well. It is an offense that can get better as the year progresses.

Great to see a Mason basketball game again!!!

 

[Patriotsince81]

Patriots Roll Past St. Thomas, 64-52 - George Mason University Athletics

The George Mason University men's basketball team started off its two-game exhibition slate with a defensive-minded, 64-52 triumph over NAIA power St. Thomas (Fla.)

gomason.com

 

[Patriotsince81]

Box vs. St. Thomas (PDF) - George Mason University Athletics

Box vs. St. Thomas (PDF)

gomason.com

 

[p8triotfan4life]

a few things:

- Okojie is the PERFECT backup PG we have needed for several years. He might even get a few spot starts this year since RP3 hasn't been fully healthy seemingly his entire career. I did like RP3s range last night. he was shooting with extreme confidence (e.g. when ball left his fingers, he knew it was going in).

- Maddox had a slow start, but really turned it around in the second half. We go as far as he will take us offensively. Dude is our best overall player and I fully expect about 15-18 PPG out of him this year.

-Jared Billups appears tough as nails as advertised. needs to work on his free throws.

- Love Woody's presence. He brings a ton of talent to our team on the wing.

Can't say I was disappointed in them, but Hall, Ball, and Kelly didn't show a whole lot last night. All of them will be solid rotational players.

Dinkins apparently has back problems and was unavailable.

REALLY disappointed in the crowd last night. Having it Tony's return, I thought it was a must to be there and show support.

 

[DRK331]

Youtube highlights here