Kim English has to at least wonder where his George Mason team would have finished last season had Davonte “Ticket” Gaines not injured his wrist and missed ten games from early January through the middle of February.
Gaines, a Buffalo, NY native, followed English from Tennessee to Mason when English left Rick Barnes’ staff to take over in Fairfax two years ago. Gaines had essentially become a forgotten man in Tennessee after the arrival of a pair of one-and-done players in Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson during his sophomore season.
After seeing so little time in Knoxville, Gaines was productive in his first season at George Mason, averaging 10.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, while playing as an undersized power forward (6’7, 180 pounds). He proved his versatility that season, shooting over 40% from 3-point range (.402), while proving his mettle on the glass (highlighted by 17 boards against St. Louis).
“He’ll get to play more on the perimeter this year,” English told Blue Ribbon prior to the start of the 2022-23 season. He played extensively at the four at 175, 180 pounds. You add that to the minutes, usage, getting game planned, playing out of position. He got worn down literally, figuratively, any way you can imagine. I really expect a really good year from Ticket.”
Mason finished 20-13 this past season, but very likely would have been better had Gaines not injured his wrist. After starting the season 9-5, they went 4-6 with Gaines sidelined. Mason lost its first game with Gaines back in the lineup, but then won seven straight before falling in the Atlantic-10 Tournament to St. Louis.
Gaines’ shooting numbers look to have been impacted by the injury (he went from .457 from two-point range to .382 last year, and dipped from .402 from three to .343).