TAMPA, Fla. (December 20, 2023) – The University of South Florida men's basketball team returns to the Yuengling Center on Friday, Dec. 22, for a contest with UAlbany. The Bulls (5-4) and the Great Danes (7-5) are scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip on ESPN+.



Earlier this week, Selton Miguel was named to the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll after he led South Florida with 17.5 points per game for the week. He recorded a season-best 21 points against Loyola Chicago on Saturday.



Bulls at a Glance

Selton Miguel leads the team with 14.6 points per contest and is third on the team with 3.9 boards per game. He is second on the squad with 14 steals. He has added 19 assists and one block. Chris Youngblood is second on the squad with 12.6 points per game. He is averaging 2.2 rebounds per game to go along with 18 assists, four steals, and three blocks. He is shooting 88.1 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 63rd in the country and second in the AAC. Jayden Reid leads the team with 39 assists. He is tied for 108th in the NCAA with 4.3 assists per game and is seventh in the AAC. He has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.55, which is 18th in the country, best in the conference, and is second among NCAA freshmen. He paces the squad with 16 steals and is averaging 3.2 rebounds per game to go along with 8.6 points per contest. Kasean Pryor leads the team with 6.1 rebounds per contest. He averages 8.0 points per game with 11 steals and 10 assists. He is tied for a team-best six blocks. Corey Walker Jr. is tied for the team lead with six blocks.



Strong Bench

South Florida’s bench is 18th in the NCAA averaging 32.78 points per contest. The USF bench has outscored its opponent's bench 295-156. Opposing benches are averaging just 17.33 points per game.



Cashing in on Free Opportunities

The Bulls are tied for 26th in the NCAA and fourth in the conference with 17.6 made free throws per game. USF is 36th in the country with 23.9 free-throw attempts per game, which is sixth in the AAC.



Fast and Furious

The Bulls have been playing stout defense and are tied for 25th in the NCAA with a turnover margin of 4.0, which is tops in the conference. South Florida is tied for 46th in the country with 15.33 forced turnovers per contest, which is third in the AAC. USF has used the turnovers to lead to fastbreak opportunities. The Bulls are 29th in the nation with 15.98 fastbreak points per game, which is the third in the conference.



Last Time Out

South Florida is coming off a 77-64 victory against Loyola Chicago. Selton Miguel led the team with a season-high 21 points and scored double figures in his seventh game this season. He shot 80.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from 3-point range. He added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Jayden Reid finished with 13 points, a team-high six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Sam Hines Jr. added 12 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Chris Youngblood rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points to go along with four assists and two rebounds. It was the third time this season that USF has had four or more players score in double figures. It was the first time this season that the Bulls trailed at the half and came back to win.



History with UAlbany

The Bulls and Great Danes will meet for just the second time on Friday. South Florida won the lone meeting 63-61, on November 24, 2015, in Tampa.



Scouting the Great Danes

The Great Danes are tied for 31st in the NCAA in 3-point percentage defense holding opponents to 28.5 percent from long range. Sebastian Thomas paces UAlbany with 16.3 points per game to go along with 3.8 rebounds per contest. He has a team-best 55 assists. He has added 17 steals and three blocks. Amar’e Marshall is second on the team averaging 14.9 points a game. He is averaging 5.3 boards per game. He leads the team with 27 steals. He has 25 assists and four blocks. Jonathan Beagle leads the team with 111 rebounds, which is tied for 15th in the country. His 9.2 rebounds per game are tied for 36th in the nation, while his 6.50 defensive rebounds per game are tied for 40th in the NCAA. He rounds out the double-digit scorers with 12.5 points a game. He has 16 assists, 11 steals, and five blocks on the year.



Tale of the Tape

I know recruiting rankings aren't everything, especially out of the top 250 kids or so. But our recruiting has really struggled the last 8 years, but maybe we've turned it around. This year's class sits at #44. To me there's no reason we can't be a top 50 recruiting class every year, even in the AAC.

2016- Rivals Rank 70
2017- 69
2018- 58
2019- 65
2020- Outside the top 100
2021- 60
2022- 90
2023- 78

The most-watched Group of Five teams (minimum five Nielsen-rated games):​

Most-watched teams on Nielsen-rated games, followed by their highest-rated game.

• Navy 2.61 million (5): 7.18 million vs. Army
• USF 927,000 (6): 4.84 million vs. Alabama
• Tulane 640,000 (12): 1.72 million vs. Memphis
• Boise State 590,000 (9): 1.97 million vs. Washington
• Memphis 576,000 (7): 1.72 million vs. Tulane
• Rice 541,000 (7): 3.21 million vs. Texas

Frank Harris out for UTSA that are tied at 14 with Marshall.

Grad transfer who had 25 catches for 329 yards in six games in 2023. Had several P5 offers, but chose the Bulls.

Top100 portal recruit.
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Winton is a Tennessee native that previously spent time at IMG Academy before recently moving back to Tennessee to finish his high school career. Big pickup for the Bulls.

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Another week and another AAC Honor Roll for USF guard Selton Miguel

Miguel averaged 17.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds as the Bulls picked up wins over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Loyola Chicago.

Anyone know the numbers?

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Slow start for the Bulls.

17-13 Layola at the 11:21 mark

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TAMPA, Fla. (December 16, 2023) – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team was back at the friendly confines of the Yuengling Center on Saturday for a matchup with Loyola Chicago. Selton Miguel led South Florida with a season-best 21 points as the Bulls (5-4) defeated the Ramblers (6-5), 77-64.



Before Saturday’s game, South Florida held a moment of silence for John Roush. He was involved with TEAM IMPACT and became an integral part of our program and will forever be a part of the Bulls Basketball Family. He passed away on December 14, 2023.



For the first time this season, the Bulls won a game after being down at the half. South Florida erased an eight-point deficit, 21-13, with 9:57 left in the first half.



Miguel notched a season-high 21 points, while Jayden Reid added 13 points. Sam Hines Jr. chipped in with 12 points and Chris Youngblood posted 11 points. It is the third time this season that USF has had four or more players score in double figures. Reid and Kasean Pryor tied for a game-high six rebounds.



The Ramblers jumped to an early 5-0 run to start the game. South Florida and Loyola Chicago traded free throws. The Ramblers held a 9-6 lead at the first media timeout with 15:03 left in the first stanza.



USF went on a 7-2 run and claimed a 13-11 lead. The Ramblers answered with six unanswered and took a 17-13 into the under-12 media timeout. Loyola Chicago added four points to make it a 10-0 run. South Florida was unfazed and drained back-to-back 3-pointers from Selton Miguel and Sam Hines Jr. to cut the deficit to two, 21-19, with 8:53 left in the half.



The Ramblers’ Philip Alston scored four points while the Bulls’ Miguel scored three points over the next minute of play. The Bulls scored seven unanswered and took a 29-25 with 6:18 left in the half. Loyola Chicago went on a 7-2 and took a 32-31 lead with 3:31 left until the break. The Ramblers outscored the Bulls 6-4 to close out the half and took a 38-35 lead into the break.



The Bulls upped the defensive pressure and went on a 7-0 run to start the second half. South Florida held Loyola Chicago scoreless for the first 4:13, as USF took a 42-38 lead into the first media timeout of the second half.



South Florida outscored Loyola Chicago 7-6 over the next four minutes of play. The run was capped off by a Miguel fastbreak layup. USF held a 49-44 lead with 11:55 left in the game.



The Bulls outscored the Ramblers 6-4 over the next four minutes of play. During the run, Kasean Pryor knocked down three free throws.



South Florida went on a 9-2 run capped off by back-to-back 3-pointers by Kobe Knox and Hines. USF held a 64-50 lead with 4:46 left in regulation. The Ramblers went on a 4-2 run and cut the Bulls’ lead to 66-54 with 3:58 left on the clock.



Pryor and Hines got the Yuengling Center rocking with back-to-back slam dunks, which gave the Bulls a 70-55 lead with 3:19 left in the game.



The Ramblers outscored the Bulls 9-7 the remainder of the game, but the USF lead was too much to overcome.



The Bulls’ defense picked up the intensity in the second half and held the Ramblers to 21.4 percent from 3-point range and 36.0 percent from the field. The stout USF defense limited the Loyola Chicago offense to just 64 points, their third-lowest total of the season. The 64 points are 11 points below their season average. South Florida outscored Loyola Chicago 42-26 in the second half.



For the ninth-straight game, the Bulls bench has outscored their opponent after a 29-15 showing against the Ramblers. South Florida forced 14 turnovers and recorded 19 points off those turnovers. Points in the paint were even 32-32.



Philip Alston was the lone player in double digits for the Ramblers, but he posted a game-high 27 points.



Notables

· Selton Miguel recorded a season-high 21 points and has scored in double figures in seven games. He shot 80.0 percent from the field and 60.0 percent from 3-point range.

· Jayden Reid posted 13 points on 4-of-7 from the field. It was his fourth game in double figures.

· Sam Hines Jr. notched 12 points, which is the third time this season.

· Chris Youngblood finished with 11 points, his sixth game with double-digit points.

· It is the third time this season that USF has had four or more players score in double figures.

· It is the first time this season that the Bulls trailed at the half and came back to win.

· The South Florida bench has outscored the opponent’s bench in every game this season, including a 29-15 advantage against Loyola Chicago.

· The Bulls stayed undefeated against the Ramblers and improved to 3-0 all-time.



Next Up

South Florida remains at home for a contest with Albany on Friday, December 22. The Bulls and Great Danes are slated for a 2 p.m. tip on ESPN+.

if Russ is alright? Forgive me if I’ve missed any comment or explanation for his absence. I truly hope everything is fine with him.

TAMPA, Fla. (December 15, 2023) – The University of South Florida men's basketball team is back inside the friendly confines of the Yuengling Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, for a matchup with Loyola Chicago. The Bulls (4-4) and the Golden Lions (6-4) are scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip on ESPN+.



The theme for Saturday’s game is the Holiday Celebration. Wear your favorite ugly sweater to the game. If you do not have one, we have you covered. The first 1,000 fans on Saturday will receive a USF ugly sweater. The Spyros Bros will be your halftime entertainment. Santa will be making an appearance and will be available for photos.



Earlier this week, Selton Miguel was named to the American Athletic Conference Honor Roll after he led South Florida with 20 points in the win against Florida State on Saturday, Dec. 9.



For just the second time in USF history, both the men’s and women’s teams scored 100 points in the same week. The South Florida women defeated Gardner-Webb 105-75 on Sunday, just two days before the USF men’s victory against UAPB. The previous was a 104-84 victory for the men against Fordham, on November 19, 2001, and a 101-47 victory for the women against Savannah State on November 24, 2001.



Bulls at a Glance

Selton Miguel leads the team with 13.8 points per contest and is second on the team with 4.1 boards per game. He is second on the squad with 13 steals. He has added 17 assists and one block. Chris Youngblood is second on the squad with 12.8 points per game. He is averaging 2.3 rebounds per game to go along with 14 assists, four steals, and three blocks. He is shooting 87.5 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 72nd in the country and third in the AAC. Jayden Reid leads the team with 37 assists. He is tied for 78th in the NCAA with 4.6 assists per game and is fourth in the AAC. He has an assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.70, which is 15th in the country, best in the conference, and is second among NCAA freshmen. He paces the squad with 12 steals and is averaging 2.9 rebounds per game to go along with 8.0 points per contest. Kasean Pryor leads the team with 6.1 rebounds per contest. He averages 7.9 points per game with 10 assists and eight steals. He is tied for a team-best five blocks. He is shooting 88.5 percent from the free-throw line, which is tied for 60th in the country and second in the AAC.



Strong Bench

South Florida’s bench is 16th in the NCAA averaging 33.25 points per contest. The USF bench has outscored its opponent's bench 266-141. Opposing benches are averaging just 17.62 points per game.



Fast and Furious

The Bulls have been playing stout defense and are tied for 27th in the NCAA with a turnover margin of 3.9, which is third in the conference. South Florida is tied for 46th in the country with 15.50 forced turnovers per contest, which is third in the AAC. USF has used the turnovers to lead to fastbreak opportunities. The Bulls are 20th in the nation with 16.62 fastbreak points per game, which is the best in the conference.



Last Time Out

South Florida recorded a 104-86 victory against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday. Kasean Pryor recorded a career-high 19 points to lead USF. He added six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a game-high two blocks. Kobe Knox finished with a career-best as a Bull with 18 points. He dished out five assists with three rebounds and one blocked shot. Sam Hines Jr. posted a season-best 16 points. He finished tied for a game-high eight rebounds. Jayden Reid notched a career-high 16 points to go along with a team-high eight assists. Selton Miguel posted a 14-point performance, his sixth game in double figures. He tied a career-high with four made 3-pointers as he went 4-of-7 behind the 3-point line. Chris Youngblood added an 11-point performance, for his fifth game in double figures.



Historic Night Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff

The Bulls had six players finish in double digits for the first time in program history. The 104 points tied for the 10th-most points in USF history. It was the 26th time in USF history that a team scored 100 points. It is the first time since January 23, 2010, against Providence in a 109-105 OT win. It is the first game to reach 100 points without going to overtime, since FAU on November 17, 2007, with a 100-69 victory.



History with Loyola Chicago

The Bulls and Ramblers will meet for the third time on Saturday. South Florida won the previous two meetings, including a 66-55 victory on November 25, 2019, in the Cayman Islands. South Florida is 1-0 against Loyola Chicago in Tampa.



Scouting the Ramblers

The Loyola bench is 19th in the NCAA averaging 32.30 bench points per game. As a unit, they are tied for 26th in the nation with 176.5 assists per contest. The Ramblers are tied for 40th in the country averaging 9.4 3-pointers per game. Philip Alston leads the team averaging 13.8 points per contest. He is averaging 3.8 rebounds per game to go along with five assists, five steals, and four blocks. Des Watson is second on the team averaging 12.3 points a game. He is averaging 3.1 rebounds a contest with 15 assists, six steals, and two blocks. Jayden Dawson rounds out the double-digit scorers with 10.0 points a game. He has added 2.7 rebounds per game to go along with 10 assists, eight steals, and three blocks. Miles Rubin paces the team with 23 blocks, which is tied for 19th in the country. His 2.30 blocks per game are 22nd in the NCAA. He leads the team with 4.6 rebounds a game. Brandon Norris leads the team with 53 assists, which are tied for 39th in the nation, and his 5.3 assists per game are tied for 39th in the country.



Tale of the Tape

Anyone watching Howard take on Florida A&M. Larry Scott pulling the upset, so far.

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Anyone else buy them yet can’t access them?

I received an email when I purchased them and was charged.

Yesterday I saw on Twitter people saying they got notification. They posted the link that is Ticketmaster specific to the bowl game.

When I login it says I have no tickets.

Called, texted my ticket rep today and no response.

USF vs FAU coming up at 3:30 pm ET on ESPN2.

Please keep all game chatter in this thread.

DE Ryan Jenkins (Westover- Albany, GA) has told me he is not 100% sure that he will be able to enroll early. He should find out in the next few days. I know folks had asked about that.

I would not hold my breath on DE Jamal Wallace ending up at USF. His flamboyant twitter persona is close to how he acts in real life and it was a big turnoff during his OV.

DT target Bryce Butler (Garden City CC- Garden City, KS) had a great OV to USF. He is from Canada and I think Tampa is very appealing to him. He has not been very talkative to me yet, still working on it.

WR coach L'Damian Washington was in Georgia yesterday to try to close WR target Montez Redding who just took an OV to USF last weekend. They feel good about Redding as of now.

Keep an eye on WR/APB Arkese Parks (Wharton- Tampa, FL) who they have been on for a long time. I feel like he could be an NSD surprise for USF.

Keep an eye on CB James Chenault (Jones- Orlando, FL) who OV'd last weekend to USF. The Bulls are hoping to close him and add him to the NSD class.

TE coach Clay Patterson was up in Tennessee visiting schools this week. He stopped by to see WR commit Brandon Winton (Alcoa, TN) who had his signing day thing yesterday.
With the portal tracking, I am trying to pull back and focus on guys who visit. They offered Furman transfer OL Pearson Toomey yesterday and then half of the upper P5 teams offered him later that day so that kid is unlikely to ever even visit USF right now.

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This is a newer portal entry to keep an eye on. He is from Seminole HS (Sanford). Tulsa, Arkansas State and Jacksonville State are also involved. He was All-OVC at UT-Martin and played both ways as a cornerback and safety there. Had 49 tackles and a pick this past season. Has one year left. He played CB this past year. He has over 2,300 career snaps on defense.

PORTAL NAMES TO WATCH

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USF and Pitt are the only two schools to offer Walker so far. Several of the staff recruited Walker out of HS at Tennessee before he committed to Maryland. He actually played some as a true freshman racking up 146 snaps on offense this year and four catches on six targets. It would make sense to add a TE who is not a freshman to the class to add some more mid-year depth at that position.


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Meeks has started to get a few P5 offers, 45 catches for 745 yards and 5 TDs as a sophomore. From Atlanta. USF is involved a little bit.

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Most of the MTSU line has departed after Rick Stockstill got canned. Porcher was a two-year starter at LT for the Blue Raiders after coming in via the JUCO ranks. One year left.

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Wiley played at Colorado and was a starter there at RT. He didn't play much this year at UCLA hurting his stock and they moved him inside for some reason. He can start at LT or RT. He has one year left.

On the walk-on front, USF will try to land

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He had an early offer from USF. His family is very wealthy and they are battling some other in-state schools Florida and Miami trying to land him too as a PWO. At one point he had quite a few offers but given his situation and the scholarship situations at most schools he will have to to the PWO route. His coach is a good friend so I should get a heads up if it happens.


More to come stay tuned...