Gotta admit.  Hampton University basketball surprised me a bit on Thursday.  The Pirates hosted and beat George Mason.  Now, the Patriots have lost a few people from last year’s team that won the CAA title.  But, still.  HU was a disappointment last year.  They were expected to be world-beaters, and then didn’t even win the MEAC.  So, this year, I didn’t know what to expect.  And, really, we still don’t know what to expect, but this was a good step for them.

Hampton controlled the whole game.  Just like the time last year when they beat VCU, the Pirates almost never trailed.  If they played Mason 10 times, I think Hampton would win 7.  They just looked like the better team.  Great game for HU.

But, here’s the rub.  Can they keep it going?  I like coach Kevin Nickelberry.  He’s a motivator and a great speaker.  But, last year, his team did not respond as the season went on.  For them to do well down the stretch, he’s going to need to push the right buttons this year.

Good start, though.