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SPORTS

McKillop Sees Progress in Red Black Scrimmage

by | Oct 24, 2018 | Sports

Davidson freshman Luka Brajkovic drives in, pushing against senior Nate Ekwu. Brajkovic is listed on the ‘Cats roster as 6’10” and 220 pounds.

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Freshman Luka Brajkovic scored a game-high 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the way in Davidson’s annual Red/Black scrimmage Saturday inside John M. Belk Arena.

It was the Davidson debut for the 6-foot-10, 220-pound forward from Austria, and his performance was not only a welcome sight but an affirmation for Wildcats coach Bob McKillop.

Davidson Head Coach Bob McKillop took questions at the team fan “press” conference after the game.

“Luka was what we thought he was when we recruited him,” said McKillop, who is entering his 30th season. “He catches everything in the paint, and he’s a pretty tough guy to stop in the paint.”

Brajkovic helped the Black Team to a 39-19 win in the 20-minute scrimmage.

Junior guard Jon Axel Gudmundsson, a preseason all-conference/all-defensive selection, also stuffed the stat sheet for Black with 8 points to go along with 5 rebounds and 5 assists, while redshirt freshman Luke Frampton, who sat out last season with a knee injury, drilled three 3-pointers and scored 9 points in 16 minutes in his first live action in almost a year.

“He looked comfortable and rhythmic out there,” said McKillop.

Junior Jon Axel Gudmundsson driving in for a layup.

Sophomore Kellan Grady, a preseason first-team Atlantic 10 pick, led the Red team with 7 points and 4 rebounds, but it was how he went about it – after preseason accolades have poured in – that his coach liked best.

“Kellan was marvelous in how he did not force things,” said McKillop.

Grady was joined on the Red by redshirt senior Nathan Ekwu, who also returned to action after a knee injury, as well as freshmen Mike Jones, David Czerapowicz and Nelson Boachie-Yiadom. McKillop said the newcomers have the potential “to be very good players for us.”

Redshirt freshman Luke Frampton had his Davidson debut at the Red Black game last Saturday.

All in all, McKillop liked what he saw Saturday from his team that returns three starters (Grady, Gudmundsson, KiShawn Pritchett) from the 2017-18 season that included an A-10 tournament title and the program’s 14th NCAA bid.

“Their effort was very, very good,” said McKillop. “Their decision-making was very, very good, so I’m pleased. I’ve seen progress.”

Up Next
Davidson will conclude its preseason with an exhibition contest against Washington & Lee on Thursday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.

Sophomore Kellan Grady played in the Red Black Game just days after being named to the Jerry West watch list.

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