If the opportunity to watch former University of Washington assistant coach Cameron Dollar build a Division I program at Seattle University is not enough reason to pay attention, then perhaps an influx of local talent will be.
In the exhibition game against Pacific Lutheran University yesterday, former Inglemoor High School star Mark McLaughlin and Franklin High School alum Fredrick Wilson led the team to a 121-91 victory.
Seattle U Basketball Preview: Defining Success In Year Two Of Their Transition To Division I - SB Nation Seattle
Not that there is a whole lot we can take from an exhibition against a Division III school, but there was one encouraging sign from yesterday afternoon's 121-91 exhibition win against Pacific Lutheran University: they were led by newcomers Mark McLaughlin who attended Inglemoor High School and Franklin High School alum Fredrick Wilson. They shot a combined 4-for-5 from the 3-point line - making two apiece - which bodes well for adding to the team's long-range efficiency. But there was certainly more to it than that.McLaughlin showed off his scoring ability against PLU, scoring a team-high 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting and getting to the line five times. Although Wilson had a team-high six turnovers, he was also able to score efficiently with 14 point on 4-for-5 shooting from the field and 4-for-4 from the free throw line in addition to a team-high three steals.
The team has also brought in University of Pacific transfer and Franklin alum Sterling Carter as well as Bremerton High School alum Jarell Flora. Of course, Tacoma's Clarence Trent also transferred from Dollar's former home at the University of Washington but will have to redshirt this season per NCAA policy.
For more on the team and their transition to Division I, see our feature: Seattle U Basketball Preview: Defining Success In Year Two Of Their Transition To Division I