Former BCU Guard Commits To Arkansas-Pine Bluff
One of the SWAC's best 3-point shooters will be on a new team next season. Former Bethune-Cookman and All-SWAC guard Joe French has committed to Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
French spent the last three seasons playing for Reggie Theus and the Wildcats, where he's had plenty of individual success. He was named to the MEAC's 2019-20 All-Rookie team his freshman year, and after averaging almost 16 points per game on 44.1% shooting from 3-point range, French received All-SWAC Second Team honors after the 2021-22 season.
The success led to French being named Preseason SWAC Offensive Player of the Year before the 2022-23 campaign. Still, it was a rough season for the 6-foot-5 guard as his scoring, field goal, and 3-point percentage all dropped significantly.
Even with the dip in production, French still led Bethune-Cookman in 3-pointers made (64) and 3-point percentage (40.5%). But French received no postseason conference honors, disappointing after such high expectations.
Now French will take his talents from Daytona Beach to Pine Bluff.
What's Next?
Arkansas-Pine Bluff was in the market for a new leading scorer after Shaun Doss Jr., who led the conference with 17.7 points per game, turned pro. Not only does French help address that issue, but he's roughly the same size as Doss, meaning Golden Lions head coach Solomon Bozeman won't sacrifice any length on the wing. The two guards' styles differ as Doss prefers to slash and shoot midrange jumpers while French is primarily a perimeter.
The Golden Lions also return Kylen Milton, who scored in double figures last season. Neither player should be expected to replicate Doss' production solely, but a two-headed monster of Milton and French is an excellent place to start heading into next season, especially if French returns to All-SWAC form.
On the Bethune-Cookman side, French's departure means Reggie Theus and Co. will have to replace his perimeter shooting (he has a career 3-point percentage of 43.2% in three seasons). Fortunately, the Wildcats have Marcus Garrett, who shot 39% on 82 3-point attempts. They also have Zion Harmon, an All-SWAC Second Team selection and Freshman of the Year last season.
Even without French, the Wildcats have enough firepower to win next season, although there is some pressure to win after a 12-win and 9-win season in the previous two campaigns.