USF's December Report Card: The Holidays Look Bleak for the Bulls

It’s early December and the preseason is in full swing for the South Florida Bulls. The big question going into the season was who would replace Dominique Jones’s production on both ends of the court. So far the jury is still out on that one.

Augustus Gilchrist looked like the best candidate and even had better stats than Jones last season before being injured for most of the season. So far this season Gilchrist is averaging a meager 11 points and six rebounds a game, half of what he was averaging before his injury last season.

Jawanza Poland and Ron Anderson Jr. both show promise for the Bulls this season, averaging double digits in scoring, the only other Bulls besides Gilchrist to do so. Anderson is close to averaging a double-double with eight rebounds a game as well.

Poland is a new addition to the Bulls roster and has done his best to fill in as Jones's replacement. Anderson has seen the most minutes next to Gilchrist, with Jarrid Famous and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick snagging some as well.

Anthony Crater leads the team in assists despite seeing action in only five games so far this season. The development of the point guard position will be crucial to the Bulls' success in the Big East this season.

The Bulls have started December off at 5-3 and have had several close losses, including a double overtime loss to BYU. They’ve looked average at best so far this season, and the Big East schedule looks daunting to say the least.

USF should finish the non-conference schedule above .500, but don’t expect to see the same results once conference play begins. This year's starters need to step up their production, especially Gilchrist who needs to become the team's leader on the court and the locker room.

The Big East currently has five ranked teams and several, including Notre Dame and Cincinnati, that aren’t ranked but are currently undefeated. As with any Big East team, there is no arguing the strength of schedule. Unfortunately for the Bulls, it’s not looking like they’ll repeat their postseason exploits this spring.