Edward Joyner, Jr. and Hampton aren't new to the process of playing in a new league.
The Pirates moved from the MEAC to the Big South in 2018-19 and delivered with an 18-win season and their sixth-straight postseason tournament appearance.
With that experience under his belt, along with the experience of coaching three Hampton teams to NCAA Tournament appearances, Joyner knows the priority for Hampton this fall.
"We want to get back to a consistent, defensive style of basketball," said Joyner. "We're in our third league in five years, so we're going to have to learn everybody. Right now, it's a focus on us to make sure prepared physically and mentally, and to hope we stay healthy."
Hampton's "focus on us" starts with the return of a guard who promises to excite in his first year in the league, Deuce Dean. The South Carolina native averaged 14.9 points per game last season and was an honorable mention preseason All-CAA selection entering this year. Dean, along with the return of Marquis Godwin and addition of former top-50 recruit Jordan Nesbitt, give the Pirates an exciting arsenal in the backcourt in their first CAA campaign.
The non-conference schedule includes an in-state opener at James Madison, battle of Pirates at East Carolina, and a two-game swing to Wake Forest and Georgia. Hampton will also gain some national exposure in both the non-league and CAA schedules, as the Pirates will face Texas Southern in Las Vegas on ESPNU, Norfolk State in New Jersey on TNT, and a league game at Elon on CBS Sports Network. The games in Nevada and New Jersey are part of HBCU multi-team events, with the one in Vegas supported by Chris Paul.
As Hampton gets ready for Year 1 in the CAA and aims for a return to postseason play, basketball fans both in the conference and around the nation will get to focus on the Pirates. One of the league's new members will work to be must see TV.
Hampton
Head Coach: Edward Joyner, Jr.
2021-22 Record: 9-19, 5-11 Big South (10th)
Postseason: Big South Opening Round
Returning Starters (2)
Deuce Dean, G 14.9 ppg, 4.2rpg, 3.9apg
Marquis Godwin, G 8.1ppg, 39%3pt
Notable Newcomers
Jordan Nesbitt, G 8.2ppg, 4.3rpg at Saint Louis
Kyrese Mullen, F 17ppg, 12rpg at Massanutten
Original source can be found here.
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