New Raider Young says defense is his strength

Young first dunked when he was a freshman in high school, but said his dunk against Central State was probably his best ever.

“There’s plenty more to come,” Young said.

Young had 6 points and 5 rebounds in 17 minutes against Central State. He shot 2-of-7 from the field and had three turnovers.

Some of what Young contributes this season won’t show up in the box score, especially what he does on the defensive end. When coach Billy Donlon talks about how he has numerous players who can guard multiple positions on the court, Young is one of those guys.

“I’m versatile,” Young said. “I can drive and shoot, but when everything is not working offensively, I really just stick to my defense. That’s my best strength.”

Young averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds as a sophomore last season at McLennan. He committed to Nebraska, but changed his mind when the coach that recruited him was fired. Young had never been to Ohio or heard of Wright State before the Raiders showed interest.

“There’s been ups and downs, going from position to position, from high school to junior college to here,” he said. “I’m just trying to make the change, and the best way is to get on the court and play my game.”

Tonight's game: The Raiders left Thursday for their season opener at the University of Idaho at 10 p.m. today.

In the first game of the two-game series last year, Wright State beat the Vandals 80-78 on Dec. 20. Idaho’s Landon Tatum banked in a 3-pointer from half court to force overtime, and Wright State’s Julius Mays won the game with a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The Vandals finished 19-14 last season and played in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament. They return three preseason All-Western Athletic Conference selections: center Kyle Barone (12.9 points per game) and guards Stephen Madison (12.1) and Connor Hill (5.6).

Barone was arrested Oct. 8 and charged with driving under the influence. He was suspended indefinitely, but he returned for the team’s second exhibition game Nov. 2, scoring 16 points.

“You’re not going to play against a more offensively efficient team than them,” Donlon said. “They’re terrific. That doesn’t mean they don’t play defense, because they do. But offensively, they’re very good, and if you’re feeling good about how you’re guarding, now you’re going somewhere where you have to deal with a program that executes at the highest level of offensive basketball.”