Justin Joyner returns as the Gauchos starting point guard after sitting out last year due to a broken wrist. The six-foot redshirt junior will again run the Gaucho offense, as he did his freshman and sophomore seasons. Joyner started all 32 games his sophomore season, averaging 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds despite playing through that injured wrist. More importantly, he dished out 116 assists and committed only 56 turnovers, giving him an assist/turnover ratio of 2.1/1.0, among the best in the Big West Conference.
A ball hawk on defense, Joyner also had 35 steals during that 2007/2008 season. He will provide proven, experienced leadership on both sides of the ball, with increased basketball knowledge from watching the action from the sidelines all last season. Another benefit from being sidelined with an injured right wrist is that Joyner has been able to increase his dexterity with his left-hand, making him even more dangerous with penetrations and finishes.
The play-maker will be able to provide leadership while on the court, and not just from the sidelines. The only people looking forward to the upcoming season more than Joyner may be his teammates, as they know he will provide them with plenty of scoring opportunities.
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