Bobby Lutz begins his 12th season as Charlotte 49ers head coach Friday night against UNC Asheville at 7:30 pm. Lutz is the 49ers all-time winningest coach and will be looking for # 200 on Friday. At 12 years, Lutz will also pass Jeff Mullins for the longest-tenured coach in school history.
Charlotte was picked to finish 7th in the A-10 in a preseason poll comprised of the head coaches and selected media. Senior guard DiJuan Harris was selected as a preseason 2nd team all-Atlantic 10 player while red-shirt freshman guard Shamarr Bowden was selected to the Atlantic 10 all-Rookie team.
Charlotte's depth will be tested early as three prominent players will miss the game due to either injury or suspension. Freshman guard/forward Gokhan Sirin was suspended by the NCAA for one game for hia participation with a Turkish professional club team. Junior Boston College transfer Shamari Spears has been suspended by the team for one game for violating team policy, and junior forward An'Juan Wilderness will miss 2-4 weeks with a left calf strain he suffered during practice last week.
Injuries: Senior guard DiJuan Harris is day-to-day with an ankle sprain, freshman shooting guard Shamarr Bowden is probable with a disclocated left shoulder and Wilderness will miss the game with a calf strain.
In 45 seasons, Charlotte is 30-14 in season openers, 10-1 under Lutz. The 49ers are 19-8 all time in season openers at home, 7-1 under Lutz.
The 49ers are 7-4 all-time against UNC Asheville in a series that dates back to 1965. The 49ers have won the last five meetings, four during Lutz's tenure. Charlotte is 6-3 at home against the Bulldogs.
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