SCHEDULE | TICKETS | VIEWBOOK | RECORD BOOK
PRESEASON PROSPECTUS | ABOUT CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL
 
CHATTANOOGA---We're getting closer to the season opener November 10 at Wyoming. The Chattanooga Mocs are hard at work preparing for the 2017-18 season.
 
Fourteen practices completed with 10 more to go in October. It's an exciting time in McKenzie Arena looking ahead to the fast-approaching campaign.
 
This week GoMocs.com continues its three-part "Wednesday Watch" series with a look at the wings. The 2s and 3s flanking the point guard.
 
There are three returners that expected to see time on the wings along with two newcomers.
 
"Guys have made a lot of improvement," coach Lamont Paris noted. "There's a lot parity right now because there's not a lot of game experience there to separate them. One minute one guy looks better than the next, then another guy steps up and looks better than him.
 
"As a whole, we're getting better and developing."
 
Nat Dixon headlines the group. His ability to guard a number of different positions gives Paris a lot of flexibility when considering how to utilize the junior from Panama City, Fla.
 
"Nat can play multiple positions," Paris continued. "For us, the position is not quite as important on the offensive end. It's more who you can guard on the defensive side. Nat's made shots (in practice). He's getting better defensively, but the most significant thing that jumps out is he's making shots in 5-on-5 situations.
 
"That's been good to see and is something that we hope continues when we start the season."
 
Dixon played the 3 and 4 a season ago and profiles to do just that again this year. He averaged 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game. His play at Wofford (9 pts) on both ends of the floor keyed a comeback victory over the Terriers.
 
Sophomore Makale Foreman returns after a promising start to his collegiate career. He chipped in 3.1 points per game in limited action over 28 appearances showing an ability to shoot the 3 along with defensive ability and energy off the bench.
 
Foreman's best numbers came at The Citadel scoring 12 points off the bench hitting four 3pt. He nailed multiple triples eight times which is impressive considering he average just over 11 minutes per contest.
 
"He's continued the trend that most of his shots are 3s, statistically speaking," Paris said of the sophomore from Kingsport, Tenn. "He's been making shots. He needs to continue to develop in the areas of decision-making and the handling/passing of the ball."
 
Junior Dylan Brewster was elevated to a scholarship performer this year. He played in seven games a year ago making triples in four of those seven contests. In 33 minutes of action, he tallied 15 points, five rebounds and three assists shooting 50 percent (5-10) from the beyond the arc.
 
Redshirt freshman David Jean-Baptiste is in the mix for a prominent role in the back court. Jean-Baptiste came to Gig City from Florida's pre-eminent 6A program, Miami Norland High School. He was 101-23 during his career with the Vikings winning three state titles.
 
"David is developing also," Paris shared. "He hasn't played in a year. He tries to show great attention to detail. He has a good-looking shot, it appears reliable, but we haven't seen it in game situations.
 
"Dylan had a really good summer; he competed and did everything we asked him to do."
 
Jonathan Bryant II is another Florida guard pushing for playing time. He's more of a physical type at 6'3" and 210 lbs. Bryant set several records at Oakleaf High School in suburban Jacksonville including the all-time scoring mark with 1,381 points.
 
"Jonathan is a great, physical specimen," Paris concluded. "He's learning the nuances of the game in some regards. He's got good physical tools. That's his main strength. He's very coachable and willing to try the things you ask of him."
 
ALSO HEARD
Here's some additional sound that didn't work its way into the story…
 
Paris on his vision when recruiting/planning for the perimeter:
"There's a lot different ways you can go (when evaluating prospects on the wing). Sometimes it's a bigger, stronger specimen that's a little better around the basket. Sometimes it's more a wiry, athletic guy that plays more on the perimeter. I've had three smaller guys, 6'2" and under, playing the 1, 2 and 3. Really, it just depends what they are made out of...the toughness they have. Their skill sets can go a lot of different ways, but I like them to have some skill and play-making ability...ability to help out on the boards some, but most importantly, the ability to find a way to put the ball in the basket whether it's getting to the basket or spotting up for 3. There's value in both of those skill sets. Shooting ability is something I value, but there is also value in being able to get to, and finish, at the rim."
 
NOTES

• Dixon has the third-most collegiate career minutes (474) behind Rodney Chatman (623) and Makinde London (555: 460-UTC/95-Xavier).
• Jean-Baptiste was a 3-star prospect per Scout.com. Hoopseen.com ranked him 41st in the state in 2016, No. 8 at point guard.
• Bryant was tabbed a 2-star label per verbalcommits.com and was 2-time Clay Today Player of the Year in Clay County (Fla.).

 
COMING UP
Next week's Wednesday Watch takes a look at the wings. Complete schedule:
 
Oct. 11 – Point Guards
Oct. 18 – Wings
Oct. 25 – Posts
 
TICKETS ON SALE
The first competitive look at this year's edition comes on Saturday, November 4, in an exhibition game against Francis Marion at 5 p.m., in McKenzie Arena. Season tickets are on sale via GoMocs.com (at the link above) or by calling the McKenzie Arena ticket office at 266-MOCS (6627) during normal business hours.
 
The previously released Blue-Gold scrimmage has been moved from this week to Monday, October 30. More to come on the timeline for this event along with special features for season ticket holders.
 
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here.