The exhibition between the Arkansas State Red Wolves and UT Matin Skyhawks was played without gimmick – as if it were part of the regular season slate. Just as it’s done in during the season, the hype-man at First National Bank Arena was set to announce the Red Wolves starting line up, and I wanted to be on the floor to snap a few photographs. I approached the yellow-shirted security man stationed at the steps next to the media table, dashingly held up my press pass, and said, “Can I go down?”

“No.”

I gave him the opportunity to correct himself. “No? I can’t go down.”

“No.”

I swear to God, I almost uttered a pompous Don’t you know who I am? I didn’t though. I haven’t the confidence to endure judo slams to both my ego and body. Instead, I sheepishly shuffled away, spiritually defeated, and snuck down to floor level like a regular uncredentialed schlub. After the team introductions were made, I found an unoccupied seat in the arena and tried to get to know these new Red Wolves as an anonymous observer.

If you think my knowledge of football is suspect, you’ll find my insight into basketball comically non-profound. For years, I didn’t know what a “dime” was, nor did I have the interest in finding out. Take my analysis for what it is, which is criminally substandard and underserving of floor side permissions.

Bottomline, these new Red Wolves appear competent at playing the game of basketball. Nobody dribbled a ball off their foot or hurled a pass ten rows into the stands (neither an uncommon occurrence last season). The team has size, and it isn’t just for show. Both Chudi Dioramma (6’10”) and Aly Tounkara (7’0″) bear legitimate mobility and finesse in the paint. Tounkara, just a sophomore, may require more polish (I’ve rarely seen more miserable free-throw attempts), but he has the look of a game-changing rebounder and shot blocker.

Former Florida State guard and Memphis native Chandler Jackson is worthy of his preseason All-Sun Belt distinction. At 6’5″, he bears more size than your typical A-State guard, and he’s as reliable with handling the ball as he is shooting it. Matt Hayman out of Stephen F. Austin not only features a nice, three-point shooting motion, he sports a hair game as funky as Terrence Ford Junior’s. The team’s shortest player, 5’11” Joey Chammaa will earn top marks with fans for his fearlessness.

Everybody who saw the floor looked like they belonged – 6’6″ guard Christian Harmon and 6’9″ forward Jaxon Ellingsworth look to receive plenty of regular season minutes. Missouri State transfer Jalen Hampton and 6’4″ freshman Royal Blue Smith are also likely contributors. One potential star that didn’t see the hardwood was the Ole Miss transfer, 6’4″ guard TJ Caldwell, who’s status is not clear.

After politely allowing UT Martin a lead at the start of the game, the Red Wolves took control midway through the first half and never really looked back, playing quick, efficient, well-scripted basketball that seemed better controlled than Bryan Hodgson’s freewheeling, hit-the-deck style from last season. If you’re only watching basketball for the alley-oops, you will likely be disappointed by Ryan Pannone’s Red Wolves – nobody seems interested in that kind of circus. Crisp ball movement and open looks seemed to be the order of the day.

Is this a good basketball team? I don’t know! It looks like a good basketball team. Everyone seemed to know the plan and their roles. While Hodgson’s teams often saw players looking to the bench for fresh instructions, Pannone’s team seemed well-versed in the game plan. Whether this team features guys as talented as Kobe Julian, Derrian Ford, Izaiyah Nelson and Joe Pinion, time and a few games will tell. Until then, you just have my word for it.

IMAGE: My Own