Gaston College sophomores Smith and Ukaegbu back with hopes of improvement in 2023-24 season

A year ago, Michael Smith and Jamal Ukaegbu were freshman contributors for Gaston College's 17-12 basketball team that had a 7-0 start derailed by injuries.

This season, both are back as veterans with hopes of personal and team improvement under interim head coach Jermaine Williams.

"For this season, we're looking forward to staying healthy," said Ukaegbu, a sophomore from Silver Spring, Md., who averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 27 games (17 starts) last season. "We've got new coaches and a lot of new players and we just need people to step up."

Said Smith, a sophomore from Tallahassee, Fla., who averaged 6.3 points and 3.5 rebounds in 22 games (2 starts) last season: "The biggest thing is taking the new guys under your wing and trying help them learn from what I learned last year as a freshman. It comes at you fast. We've all got to help out the young guys and stay together."

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound Smith and the 6-foot-6, 205-pound Ukaegbu are two of the most athletic, defensive-minded players on the roster.

This past offseason, both say they worked to improve their strength and quickness and looked to upgrade their offensive skills.

"During the offseason, I got in the gym and the weight room and got up a lot of shots to work on my game," Ukaegbu said. "I really worked on my jump shot - the 3-point shot and the mid-range. I thought that held me back some last year so I knew I needed to improve."

Smith had a similar offseason.

"The biggest thing for me was to improve on my shooting," Smith said. "I spent a lot of time in the gym working on my shot. I also worked on improving my strength and I'm prepared to lead the team this season and work on my all-around game.
"I wanted to get stronger, be a better ball handler and improve my shooting."

Gaston College have been holding informal workouts for the 2023-24 season will participate in preseason jamborees this Sunday and on Oct. 7 before a preseason scrimmage game at Clinton College in Rock Hill, S.C. The Rhinos will then open their regular season at home on Nov. 2 against the first-year Cleveland Community College program. Gaston College will again use Gastonia's Ashbrook High School for its home games.

Ukaegbu says he and fellow returnees Smith, Ajaden Gray and Asil Hoyle will have to provide leadership for the team that has 13 newcomers.

"I feel like we have a lot of raw talent this year," Ukaegbu said. "I feel like we have a lot of talent but we'll have to develop some toughness.
"I definitely see myself as a leader along with the other returnees. I bring a lot of energy and try to get the guys going and trying to get us to play defense as a team."