Eric Lockett primed to be cornerstone for the Panthers

By Steven Melendez/Staff Writer

With a new era of FIU basketball beginning, junior guard Eric Lockett is establishing himself as one of the premier players on the roster for the upcoming season.

Following last season’s disappointing 7-24 record, returning upperclassmen like Lockett are primed to carry a larger leadership role on the team for the 2017-2018 campaign. Last season, Lockett averaged 5.1 points per game while also averaging 3.0 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-5 guard played in all 31 games last season and also started in 12 of those games.

Last season featured five graduating seniors and with the departure of these players brings the arrival of new players for the upcoming season. Lockett discussed how the addition of these new players has created the need to establish team chemistry going forward.

“This summer we’ve been playing a lot of pickup games and also getting to know each other on the court to see what we all can do,” Lockett said.

Lockett also highlighted that he believes fellow junior guard Willy Nunez Jr., one of the newest players on the Panther squad and mentioned that he will be an impactful addition to the team.

“Willy Nunez has been one of the best players so far this offseason,” Lockett said. “From what I’ve seen so far, he really has a high basketball IQ and also has the ability to shot the ball well.”

With improvements needing to be made throughout the Panthers roster, the Georgia native believes that his confidence is at an all-time high and also explained that he has been putting in the necessary work to improve his shot.

“My confidence has definitely improved,” said Lockett. “I know that I have a great amount to offer the team on the court this season. One aspect of my game I focused on this offseason was to improve my shot. I put in tons of work this summer, so I believe my shot will be the biggest improvement.”

Having the necessary experience, Lockett explained that he plans on becoming a vocal leader for the Panthers this season and will lead by example.

“I’m going to be a leader on the team and will definitely be someone that will work hard and do the right thing on and off the court,” Lockett said.