SMALL FORWARD/WING
2021-22 players not returning: Travis Wagstaff (Transferred)
Returning players: Sean Bairstow, Zee Hamoda
New faces in 2022-23: NONE
2022-23 OUTLOOK
In regards to the NCAA-mandated eligibility freeze from the 2020 season, what I’ve learned is that the player’s eligibility will continue to accrue. Once the player reaches his 4th or 5th season, depending on if the player uses a redshirt season, the player will have the option to return to school for a 5th or 6th season and continue playing one more season. The player will then move from being listed as a senior (Sr.) to a graduate senior (Gr-Sr.)
I fully expect senior Sean Bairstow to elevate his game this season as the undisputed started at this spot. As a junior in 2021-22, Bairstow appeared in 25 games during the year, starting in 18, and averaged 9.5 points per game, while shooting 51.6 percent from the floor, 12.5 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 64.3 percent at the free-throw line. He averaged 2.6 rebounds per game and recorded 36 assists, 14 steals and blocked 8 shots on the season. As a sophomore in 2020-21, Bairstow appeared in 25 games during the year, starting in 1, and averaged 3.7 points per game, while shooting 47.4 percent from the floor, 38.5 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 68.8 percent at the free-throw line. He averaged 1.1 rebounds per game and recorded 19 assists, 9 steals, and blocked 3 shots on the season. As a true freshman in 2019-20, Bairstow appeared in 32 games during the year and averaged 2.8 points per game, while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, 33.3 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 71.3 percent at the free-throw line. He averaged 1.5 rebounds per game. He also contributed 33 assists and 5 blocks on the season. As a prep player at Churchie in Brisbane, Australia, he averaged 22.0 points per game and 10.0 rebounds. He was also a member of the Under-19 Australian National team. Bairstow is a very mobile, high basketball IQ stat stuffer. His off-the-charts athleticism allows him to play multiple positions on the floor. He has a lightning-quick first step that allows him to get to the basket with ease. His improved shooting from long range allows him to score in several different ways. His excellent length and athleticism help him tremendously on the defensive end of the floor. He has developed a deadly turn-around jumper in the lane.
Sophomore Zee Hamoda will be competing hard to earn some solid minutes this season. As a true freshman in 2021-22, Hamoda appeared in 28 games during the year and averaged 2.9 points per game, while shooting 36.4 percent from the floor, 24.4 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 60.0 percent at the free-throw line. He averaged 1.1 rebounds per game and recorded 15 assists, 7 steals, and blocked 6 shots on the season. Hamoda joins the Aggies after spending a season at Bridgton Academy (ME). Unfortunately, his stats for his season at Bridgton were not available at press time. He has seen a few years of international action for his home country of Bahrain. During international play in 2019, Hamoda averaged 23.0 points per game, while shooting 69.0 percent from the floor, 42.9 percent from behind the 3-point line, and 40.0 percent at the free-throw line. He averaged 13.0 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists, 4.4 steals, and 2.6 blocked shots per contest. He got his first taste of international play in 2018, where he averaged 9.4 points per game while shooting 35.2 percent from the floor, and 23.3 percent from behind the 3-point line. He averaged 5.4 rebounds per game, 1.7 assists, and 0.7 steals per contest. Hamoda is an extremely athletic player with the versatility to play several different positions on the floor. He handles the ball well and can put it on the floor and slash to the basket in a hurry. He is currently a capable three-point shooter that will only get better as time goes on. His long wingspan allows him to get up and rebound much better than one would anticipate. He uses that length to his advantage on the defensive end of the floor as well, as he does a good job of keeping his opponent in front of him. I initially thought Hamoda was a sure-fire redshirt candidate but from what I’m hearing coming out of practices, I now believe he is going to prove to be too good to redshirt.
PROJECTED 2022-23 PRESEASON DEPTH CHART
SMALL FORWARD
2 Sean Bairstow (6-8, 190, Sr., 3L, 3*)
24 Zee Hamoda (6-7, 170, So., 1L, NR)
Coming up on Thursday: Center/Stretch 5