MarshallƵs Obinna Anochili-Killen (25) attempts a shot as Georgia StateƵs JayƵDen Turner (10) moves to block on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington.
MarshallƵs Obinna Anochili-Killen (25) attempts a shot as Georgia StateƵs JayƵDen Turner (10) moves to block on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ In MarshallƵs exhibition victory over the University of Pikeville on Sunday afternoon, one key piece of the puzzle was missing for the Thundering Herd on the floor.
Graduate senior Obinna Anochili-Killen was held out of MarshallƵs only official preseason tune-up, but was available, Herd coach Cornelius Jackson said Monday.
ƵWe held a couple guys out. They were available, but we decided to keep them out,Ƶ Jackson said. ƵWe have a lot of new guys (that needed) as much time as they can get on the floor and kind of get acclimated to what weƵre doing.Ƶ
Anochili-Killen was one, and a graduate senior transfer Ƶ point guard Jalen Speer Ƶ was the other healthy scratch against the Bears. But they still managed to get some reps in with the Herd behind closed doors.
ƵWe had a couple of intersquad scrimmages, so I think one (exhibition game) is plenty,Ƶ Jackson said, referring to closed scrimmages against opponents he declined to name. ƵWe open up with (Davis and Elkins) next week, we have older guys whoƵs been through it ... I think one is plenty.Ƶ
Jackson said he wasnƵt surprised by anything he saw in SundayƵs contest and that it was a good test for a new-look Herd before it opens the regular season against the Senators on Monday.
ƵIt was just good to get out and play someone else last night so we can kind of get an idea of really what we need to work on,Ƶ Jackson said. ƵIn practice, guys know your plays, they know your tendencies, because weƵve been doing this thing since the summer.Ƶ
With the page officially turned from the preseason to the regular season, Jackson said there has been a natural shift in attitude from the players and coaches as they shift from a relaxed summer period to business mode.
ƵObviously, when you look at a regular season game versus summer, summer is a little bit more lax; game week is a lot more focused,Ƶ Jackson said. ƵSo we have to be on our PƵs and QƵs mentally and physically, versus the summer, where itƵs kind of fun. You know, itƵs laughter and get to know each other, but now itƵs business.Ƶ
Luke Creasy is a sports reporter for HD Media. He can be reached by phone at 304-526-2800.
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