Welcome to the Pool Party!
Tonight, the Florida Atlantic Owls hosted the Coastal Georgia Mariners in a non-conference matchup that honestly ended as expected- a complete one sided affair. While this certainly served as a good opportunity for John Jakus’ squad of 10 newer faces to flex their muscles and take down an inferior opponent pretty handedly, one man that’s come up through the program had his biggest chance to shine.
In the Owls’ win over the Mariners, redshirt sophomore guard Devin Vanterpool had a career night, recording the following stat line:
27 Minutes
30 Points *
12/21 FG
8 Rebounds *
2 Blocks *
2 Steals *
* Denotes Career High
Following the win, Florida Atlantic HC John Jakus had this to say about the career night from Vanterpool:
“I want to give Devin Vanterpool a congrats on his first 30 piece. What a special summer. If you want any proof at all that retention, joy, happiness and sticking around is a good thing- look at Devin.” Coach Jakus said with a grin. “He had 24 at Liberty, 30 tonight, he just needs to keep playing the game the right way.”
For those unfamiliar, Devin Vanterpool is the final piece of the Dusty May era remaining at Florida Atlantic. Vanterpool has been in Paradise for the last three seasons and has grown from a redshirted freshman at the bottom of the depth chart to a veteran leader that commands a room of fresh faces. Tonight served as my first opportunity to get eyes on the Owls this season, and I can confidently sing the praises of development that’s come in Devin Vanterpool’s game.
The biggest form of evolution has come offensively, as the 6 foot 4 guard really began heating up in the tail end of the 2024-25 campaign, but still only eclipsing double figures once last season (12 Pts, 3/14 v Tulane). Four games into year three in Boca Raton, Vanterpool’s hit 20+ twice with no signs of slowing. Defensively- Devin’s always prided himself as a pest, being one of the stickiest on ball defenders in group of five basketball, and his two block two steal night vs the Mariners cemented that to me.
Devin Vanterpool and the Florida Atlantic Owls now stand at 3-1 on the season, with their next test being no easy feat, as the Pacific Tigers travel to Paradise this upcoming Thursday night. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 PM.
