Former Boston Celtics Battle in GCAC Saturday Match-Up

NASHVILLE – Kenny Anderson and Todd Day have a few things in common. They were both highly decorated in high school, earning McDonald's and Parade All-American invitations. They went on to college and played in the NCAA Final Four, and as professionals, they played for a few teams, including the Boston Celtics. On Saturday, they will share the same court at Fisk University as coaches. Anderson for Fisk and Day with Philander Smith College.

"Todd beat me five straight times, and I finally got him last year," said Anderson. "We grew up in the same era, so seeing him will be good. We talk a lot because we are in the same position. We were on the big stage and are now showing players how to be young men. Both teams need a win, so it should be a good game."

The Fisk Bulldogs (4-7, 1-2 GCAC) defeated Wiley University on Thursday to earn their first conference victory of the season. The Philander Smith Panthers (5-5, 2-1 GCAC) want to keep Fisk at a distance with a victory and is led by GCAC Preseason Player of the Year Raymond Reece, who averages a double-double at 17.7 ppg and 10.2 rpg.

Fisk has been without leading scorer Blake Goodman (20.6 ppg) for the past three games with a lower-body injury. Post Soloman Mustafa-Reid has missed nine games due to a lower-body injury. The trio of Michael Ashley, Jayden Lockett, and Tyon Thompson have picked up the slack lately. All three scored in double figures in the victory over Wiley.

The pre-conference schedule for the Fisk University Bulldogs has been one the toughest in the country. Two exhibition games against NCAA DI programs Tennessee State University and Austin Peay State University, coupled with games against NCAA DII, the University Alabama Huntsville, Edward Waters University, and Clark Atlanta University, helped to build confidence.

The WMG "Pick 2 Click" for the game is Michael Ashley.

Game 12: Philander Smith College (6-4, 2-0 GCAC) at Fisk University (4-7. 1-2 GCAC)

Date/Time: Saturday, December 9 | 4:00 p.m. (CST)
Watch: Fisk YouTube

Location: Henderson A. Johnson Arena

TEAM                                   CONF    OVERALL

TALLADEGA (AL)                1-0         8-1

RUST (MS)                        1-0         3-3

TOUGALOO (MS)                2-1         8-3

WILEY (TX)                        2-1         6-5

PHILANDER SMITH (AR)      2-1         5-5

DILLARD (LA)                     1-1         5-4

FISK (TN)                           1-2         4-7

VIRGIN ISLANDS                0-0         2-2

OAKWOOD (AL)                  0-2         0-11

SOUTHERN U NOLA             0-2         0-12

Quick Hits

Athletic Director with Old Roots Bringing New Direction

On October 6. 2023, Valencia Jordan was announced as the new Director of Athletics. Jordan returned to Fisk after playing basketball in 1981-82. She gained experience as the Assistant Athletic Director at Tennessee State University. She also coached volleyball and women's basketball there.

Anderson's Tough Schedule Will Be Key When Conference Play Starts

With two NCAA D1 teams (TSU and Austin Peay) on the schedule, one might think that head coach Kenny Anderson is setting his team up for failure. Anderson scheduled them, and NAIA powers Faulkner (AL) University, Clark Atlanta, Freed-Hardeman University, Bethel University, Life University, and Wilberforce University to set his team up for success once the conference season rolls around.

Spicy Wings

Anderson has some athletic wings at his disposal, in Jayden Lockett, Tyon Thompson, and Blake Goodman. Already this season, the three have shown up huge. Lockett, a former Mr. Basketball candidate in Tennessee, is filling up the scoresheet with "Scottie Pippen" type numbers. Against Wilberforce, he had a triple-double of 18 points, 12 boards, and ten helpers. Thompson scored 22 points against Wilberforce, including the game-winning shot, and Goodman had 36 points against Faulkner.

The Trees Are Growing Around Good Trouble U

Anderson jumped into the transfer portal to get a much bigger lineup. Two transfer players will have to sit out until they are qualified. They are Brazilian import Hamilton Wallace is the tallest recruit for Anderson at 7'1, Tyree Martin is 6'9, and freshman Solomon Mustafa-Reid is 6'8. He played in his first game this season against Wilberforce.

"We now look like a college team," said Anderson. "These guys will help us in the paint on both ends."

NEXT UP:

The Bulldogs will head to Alabama to play Miles College on Sunday.